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Wednesday, March 10, 2021 FOOTBALL Rajab 26, 1442 AH Neymar not fi t for GULF TIMES PSG’s Barcelona showdown SPORT Page 2

COMMERCIAL BANK ‘Diff erent’ Qatar Masters ‘We are very proud to be here... It is indeed diff icult for the players and everybody to returns to ECGC ensure that they stay within the bubble’ By Yash Mudgal Doha FOCUS

fter a wait of more than a month, the European Vodafone’s GigaNet Tour’s Race to Dubai continues this week Aat the Commercial Bank Qatar network to power Masters as the event returns to the Education City Club (ECGC) for a second time follow- Qatar Masters venue ing its successful debut in 2020, where Jorge Campillo defeated David Drysdale in a dramatic play-off . Apart from Campillo, former champions Spaniard Alvaro Quiros (2009), Englishmen Ed- die Pepperell (2018) and Chris Wood (2013), South African Jus- tin Harding (2019) and 139 other golfers are all set for the 24th edi- tion of the tournament. Qatar Open Amateur Cham- pionship winner Ali al-Shahrani, European Tour tournament director Mikael Ericsson (left), Commercial Bank’s EGM, Chief Marketing Off icer, Hussein al-Abdulla (second from Saleh al-Kaabi, who fi nished a left), QGA President Hassan al-Naimi (third from left), General Secretary Fahad al-Naimi (centre) and ECGC General Manager Michael Braidwood joint second, and Juhaim al-Ku- (third from right) during a press conference yesterday. wari will represent Qatar in the odafone Qatar contin- the European Tour Calendar, tournament. Al-Shahrani be- tion City Golf Club. We are very course, which is designed by last year we had over 400 million ues to display its role as attracting the world’s top golf came only the second Qatari to proud to be here and be a part of two-time Masters Champion people watched over TV from Van important technol- talent. There are 144 competi- win the amateur tournament in the Qatar Masters,” the European Jose Maria Olazabal. around the world. Top-notch ogy partner supporting the tors from 33 countries at this its 35-year-old history. Tour tournament director Mikael “Let’s not forget we have a players are coming in Qatar to country’s sports sector as the year’s tournament, competing The $1.5mn event is being held Ericsson said at a pre-event press great golf course out there that play in this prestigious event. Off icial Communications Part- for a USD 1.5mn prize fund. from March 11-14 for the famous conference yesterday. has been in immaculate condi- We look forward to support this ner of the Commercial Bank Communications infrastruc- Mother of Pearl Trophy at the “It is indeed diffi cult for the tion. We are looking forward to amazing tournament as it also Qatar Masters for the second ture that can deliver the ECGC, where the conditions are players and everybody has to take the golfers to play in the event to serves Qatar 2030 vision,” al- year in a row. capacity and speeds of the expected to be challenging. a couple of steps and ensure that be broadcast to over 500 million Abdulla said. As part of the sponsorship, Vo- Vodafone network has become The last European Tour event they stay within the ‘bubble’. But households this week. Hopefully QGA President Hassan al- dafone’s GigaNet network will increasingly important to – Saudi International – was held with the support of everybody in it’ll go smooth and everybody Naimi and General Secretary Fa- power the tournament venue enhance the overall experi- from February 3-7. this country, it has been easy in a will be happy,” Ericsson said. had al-Naimi, who were present – Education City Golf Club – ence of live sporting events. The highly-anticipated event way and we thank everybody,” he Commercial Bank’s EGM, Chief in the press conference said 2000 with both fibre and mobile Vodafone’s advanced network is being organised by Qatar Golf said. Marketing Offi cer, Hussein al- spectators are allowed for tour- coverage, including 5G, giving that has recently undergone Association (QGA), the Qatar Ol- “It might look easy from the Abdulla off ered their unfl inching nament. the organisers, players and significant enhancements is ympic Committee (QOC), Edu- outside but we are actually 144 support to the tournament. ECGC General Manager spectators the crucial seam- playing a vital role in many of cation City Golf Club and long- players and 144 caddies, staff , “We have been the title spon- Michael Braidwood acknowl- less connectivity needed. This the country’s highly success- term title sponsor, Commercial television people etc. So it is like sors of the tournament for many edged Qatar Masters’ role in at- connectivity will also enable ful local and international Bank under strict health proto- 500 people so the bubble gets years. We have been hosting this tracting more people to golf. the live TV broadcasting of the sporting events, most recently cols as prescribed by the Qatar’s quite big so there has be to be re- for many years now. The direc- “I’m really glad with the devel- tournament around the world. at His Highness The Amir Ministry of Public Health due the The Mother of Pearl trophy for strictions in place.” tion of the leadership of the QGA opment and growth of the sport Taking place from March 11-14, Sword Competition 2021 and Covid-19 pandemic. All the play- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. Ericsson also said it is diffi cult has been tremendous. We try our here in Qatar. Last year we had the Qatar Masters, now in its inaugural Katara International ers, caddies, offi cials along with for players to operate in a bubble. best to support and complement a number of acquisitions dur- 24th year, is a major feature on Arabian Horse Festival. the media production team of the normal times and we are really “It is diffi cult for the players the QGA in its pursuit to educate ing the event for schoolchildren, European Tour will be operating thankful to Qatar Golf Association as we are operating in a bubble. and promote golf to our locals initiatives to draw youngsters to from the ‘bio bubble’ before and for what they have done to be able Everybody has to do a couple of and specially our Qatari golfers. the golf course. We’ve seen fami- When we opened ECGC we were now with support of Commercial during the event. to play here this year. Thanks also Covid tests,” he said. The other side is the Qatar Mas- lies coming to the golf course at keen to draw more people to golf Bank that has happened,” Braid- “It’s really diff erent from the to Commercial Bank and Educa- He also lauded the par-71 ters has become a major event as the club, a lot of kids are coming. and had the right partner and wood said.

SPOTLIGHT Drysdale inspired by Westwood ahead of Qatar Masters return avid Drysdale, run- appearances and I’m play at last year’s event, but the ous years, I’ve been out here for ner-up in last year’s sure he’ll make an 11th his year. pair fi nished level on 13 under par almost 20, that if I hang my boots Commercial Bank Qatar It’s nice to see, if I keep fi t and after the Spaniard dropped three up having not won on the Euro- Masters, is taking in- injury free, there might be a few strokes on the closing stretch. pean Tour, I’d be bitterly disap- spirationD from Lee Westwood as more years in me yet. The 45-year-old was denied pointed – but it would still be he hopes to go one better at Edu- “I’m still trying hard to win. a maiden European Tour vic- a career to look back on and be cation City Golf Club this week. That’s the main goal – the rea- tory thanks to some incredible proud of. The Scotsman, who was son I practice and keep going. putting from Campillo on the “I’ve got some great memo- beaten to second place by Jorge Last year here was a great op- fi ve extra holes, holing from more ries from last year. It’s hard to say Campillo in Doha last year af- portunity, and those opportuni- than 20 feet on three occasions. where my game is at the moment ter a thrilling fi ve-hole play-off , ties haven’t come along as much “I won a couple of Challenge because I’ve had a month off – watched Westwood fi nish second as I’d have liked in my career, but Tour events a while ago, but last but I didn’t have much form go- to Bryson DeChambeau at the I’m trying to get in that position year if it wasn’t for Jorge Camp- ing into this week last year. Arnold Palmer Invitational over again. I know I can hit some good illo’s ridiculous putting I might “The golf course suits my eye. the weekend, the Englishman golf shots under pressure. The have had one on the European I’ve been out on the range and once again proving that age is just plan is to practice and give myself Tour – hats off to him but I also I’ve been on the chipping and a number. a chance to have a go on the back hit a lot of good golf shots,” said putting greens today. I’m in the “What a player Lee has been nine on Sunday. I’m going to have Drysdale. “I know I’ve got the Pro-Am early tomorrow so I’ll get for the last 25 years,” said Drys- a go if I’m given an opportunity.” stuff to do it, I just need to get in to have another look at the golf dale, who is two years West- Drysdale was three strokes be- that position more often. course then. I’m looking forward wood’s junior. “He has made ten hind Campillo with three holes to “I’ve openly said for numer- to it.” (European Tour) Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 10, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Qatar women’s team goalkeeper supports legacy programme hile football around the world has had to adapt during the global pandem- ic, inspiring female coach WShaima Abdullah has taken the oppor- tunity to enhance her coaching skills. A goalkeeper with the Qatar women’s na- tional team, Abdullah has taken on the challenge of becoming a coach in the Ability Friendly programme, which was founded by Generation Amazing and Qatar Foundation (QF) with the aim of supporting children and youth with special needs. The Ability Friendly programme was launched in 2020 and gives children aged fi ve and above the chance to play and learn new skills through football. Weekly sessions are held at Multaqa in Education City and are supervised by highly-trained coaches like Abdul- lah. The coaches have received special training in order to meet the needs of all participants. From this month, the programme will be off ered in more locations, including Qatar Academy branches in Al Khor and Al Wakra. “It has been a great learning experi- ence,” said Abdullah. “The workshops Generation Amazing provided for us as coaches changed my way of think- ing tremendously. They allowed me to Shaima Abdullah is a goalkeeper with the Qatar women’s national team. Shaima Abdullah has taken on the challenge of becoming a coach in the Ability Friendly programme, which was founded by help make football accessible to people Generation Amazing and Qatar Foundation with the aim of supporting children and youth with special needs. of diff erent ages and needs.” The 29-year-old started her jour- stand against limiting football to men, Through her work with Generation ney in sport from an early age and has and in general, women should not be youth advocates and other innovative to follow their dreams. “I hope the upcoming World Cup in Amazing, Abdullah is one of many in- continuously focused on improving her restricted from following their football programmes in Qatar and across the For the trailblazing Abdullah, she be- Qatar will help to place a focus on gen- spiring female coaches who have fo- skills and raising awareness for the role path. Generation Amazing gave me the world. Abdullah was on hand recently, lieves hosting the World Cup in Qatar der equality in sports, and help us to or- cused their work on building access to of women in sport. opportunity to develop further and to as Supreme Committee for Delivery & and implementing activities such as the ganise friendly matches to shed a light football and sport in their communi- Abdullah explained that whatever expand my expertise in coaching.” Legacy Ambassador Tim Cahill visited Ability Friendly programme are helping on women’s football, and I hope that ties, while breaking stereotypes in the challenges she faced, they did not cause The Generation Amazing programme the Generation Amazing-QF Ability to increase the popularity of women’s I will be part of it,” the talented goal- process. her to stop on her journey: “I strongly focuses on gender equality through Friendly programme to inspire children football. keeper concluded.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Leipzig still underdogs against Neymar not fi t crisis-hit Liverpool: Nagelsmann AFP Berlin

B Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann in- sists his side remain underdogs in today’s Champions League, last 16 clash against for PSG’s Barca crisis-hit Liverpool after the Germans lostR 2-0 to the Reds in the fi rst leg. “We are head- ing into the game with the necessary humility and respect,” Nagelsmann said yesterday. He added that Liverpool’s miserable run of six defeats from their last seven league games had no bearing on Leipzig’s chances in the Champi- showdown ons League. “We’re not interested in Liverpool’s league results, because we are losing this tie at the ‘It’s a shame because he had been looking forward to this game’ moment. We are the challengers, not the favour- ites,” said the 33-year-old Leipzig coach. Nagelsmann added that he backed Liverpool to bounce back under fellow German boss Jur- gen Klopp. “It’s a hard phase for them, but they are still a world-class team with a world-class coach,” said Nagelsmann. “Jurgen has already mastered a few crises in his career,” he added. Budapest, which was also the venue for the fi rst leg, will host the return tie due to Germany’s Covid-19 travel restrictions. Nagelsmann also confi rmed that Spanish winger Angelino would miss today’s game and remain sidelined until April. A star performer for Leipzig this season, the former Manchester City left-back has missed the last two Bundesliga games with injury. “If we take the risk of playing him, there is a big danger that he could be out for a very long peri- od,” explained Nagelsmann. He added that Ange- lino would return after the international break at the end of this month. Klopp, whose team have lost their past six Pre- mier League home games, was asked whether Liverpool could become European champions Paris Saint-Germain for a seventh time. “Two things – the quality and with his former national team boss Ronald Koe- outplayed Barcelona in football in general,” he said. “You always have a man. Wijnaldum, speaking ahead of today’s sec- the first leg of the last 16 chance in the next game. It’s half-time (in the tie), ond leg of Liverpool’s last-16 Champions League Champions League tie, we have to play the game. I have no doubt about tie against RB Leipzig, was unable to give a fi rm with Kylian Mbappe us. We will give it a proper fi ght, we have 95 min- answer over his future. scoring a hat-trick. (AFP) utes to use.” “The most important thing is to get back on And he bemoaned the absence of fans during track and winning games again and then we will the coronavirus pandemic, which has deprived see,” said the midfi elder, who has won the Cham- the side of passionate home support at Anfi eld. pions League and Premier League under Jurgen “Football would not be the game we love if no one Klopp. “I am really happy here and my family is could watch it in the stadium,” said Klopp. happy here but there is no news. But I would be “We have missed fans as we’ve had one of the devastated (if) I didn’t play with this team any best atmospheres in the world. That is no excuse, more, that’s for sure.” AFP caution in front of the media. “We still need onel Messi plays at his sensational best. Koe- but in diffi cult times that can help. I can’t wait for The 30-year-old, who has made 224 appear- Paris to play a game of football, and be focused on man believes his team can repeat the ‘remon- the day people are allowed (back).” ances for Liverpool in fi ve years, is having to con- that,” he said. “We have to attack and win the tada’ of 2017. “There is always a chance,” said sider walking away from the club where he has game. That is what we have prepared for.” Koeman. “It depends how we start the game, WIJNALDUM WOULD BE ‘DEVASTATED’ tasted so much success. eymar will miss Paris Saint-Ger- Pochettino added that Italy right-back the energy we put into making life diffi cult TO LEAVE LIVERPOOL “Really diffi cult,” he said. “If that happens, main’s Champions League last 16 Alessandro Florenzi could return after sit- for them and how ruthless we are. They were Meanwhile, Georginio Wijnaldum said he would you would be leaving a team that you really love. second leg against Barcelona today ting out the last three games due to injury. ruthless in the fi rst leg but we always create be “devastated” if he had to leave Liverpool after A team that you shared a lot of years together, a after failing to shake off a thigh in- Moise Kean, who scored in the fi rst leg, is still chances, so if we can be absolutely ruthless, entering the fi nal few months of his contract with team where you feel really comfortable. But on the Njury, the French champions confi rmed. PSG missing after testing positive last week for nothing is impossible.” no new deal fi rmed up. The Dutch international other side, you would know the situation why you said yesterday the Brazil attacker would con- Covid-19. PSG threw away a four-goal lead Despite scoring a penalty in the fi rst game has long been linked with Barcelona and a reunion have to leave. It always depends on the situation.” tinue to train individually and would be as- in a 2017 last-16 tie with Barcelona by losing at Camp Nou, Messi was overshadowed by a sessed again “in the coming days”. 6-1 in the second leg but Pochettino said that statement performance from PSG’s Kylian “We have not had to make a decision, it is match was irrelevant to him, while stress- Mbappe, who ripped Barcelona apart with simply the state of fi tness of a player, in this ing the importance of his side making a good a stunning hat-trick. But Messi has been in case ‘Ney’, who can’t make it,” coach Mauri- start to the game. good form with seven goals in his last seven PSG rout Sparta to cruise towards cio Pochettino said ahead of the game at the “I’m not conditioned by what happened in games and Koeman believes his captain can Parc des Princes. “He is not fi t enough to play the past or have any emotion about it,” said produce something special to turn the tie. “If Women’s Champions League quarters a competitive game. This is just a reality, a the Argentine, who reached the 2019 Cham- Leo can play one of his best matches, every- Paris: Former runners-up Paris mann, formerly of Chelsea, to The other second legs fact. It’s a shame because he had been really pions League fi nal with Tottenham Hotspur thing is possible,” Koeman said. “He is the Saint-Germain all but secured make it 3-0 early in the second will be played this midweek, looking forward to this game. It is a diffi cult and succeeded Thomas Tuchel as PSG coach kind of player than can decide any match, at a place in the quarter-finals half, with Canada’s Ashley including holders Lyon’s trip moment for him because he had been expect- in January. “We just have to try to win the any time.” of the Women’s Champions Lawrence and Brazilian inter- to Denmark to face Brondby ing to recover but clearly he is still a few days game to get to the next round and that’s what Messi has been in the spotlight this week League with a 5-0 trouncing of national Luana adding further today. away from being able to help the team.” we’ll try to do from the fi rst minute. How we after Joan Laporta won the club elections to Sparta Prague in their delayed goals. The first leg of the tie Lyon have won the last five The 29-year-old has not played since pick- both start the game is crucial. There’s still 90 return as president on Sunday. Laporta over- last 16 first leg yesterday. was due to be played last week Champions League titles and ing up the injury in a French Cup victory over minutes to play and we have to be consistent saw Messi’s breakthrough at Barca during his Two first-half headers from in Prague but was postponed have been French champions Caen in early February. He also missed the throughout the game and imagine that we are fi rst term in charge and has expressed opti- prolific French international — and switched to France — in 14 consecutive seasons. fi rst leg of the Champions League tie at the starting the tie at 0-0.” mism about persuading the 33-year-old to striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto because of coronavirus cases However, that run could come Camp Nou, which PSG won 4-1 with Kylian stay. “The new president has a history with set PSG, beaten finalists in in the Sparta squad. to an end this season, with un- Mbappe scoring a hat-trick, due to the issue. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE AGAINST PSG, Leo and other players in the team which is 2015 and 2017, on the way The return in the Czech beaten PSG currently a point That result puts Pochettino’s team in a SAYS BARCA COACH KOEMAN positive,” said Koeman. “I don’t know if it against their Czech visitors. Republic, which now appears ahead of Lyon at the top of the strong position to qualify for the quarter- Meanwhile, Ronald Koeman insists Barce- changes anything for Leo because only he can Katoto then set up Swiss a formality, will go ahead next French league. The sides meet fi nals going into the return leg, although the lona can pull off another incredible comeback decide his future. But of course everyone at international Ramona Bach- Wednesday, March 17. in Lyon this weekend. former Tottenham Hotspur coach preached against Paris Saint-Germain , especially if Li- Barca wants him to stay with us.” Gulf Times Wednesday, March 10, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A PREMIER LEAGUE Chelsea cruise, Skriniar strike sends West Ham win as top four race hots up

AFP better start with the west Lon- London don club. “If you share special moments and good results, this is Inter six points clear the thing that lifts you up to the helsea strengthened special performances you need,” Inter extend winning streak to seven games as they push for a first title since 2010 their hold on fourth Tuchel said. place in the Premier “I can feel a strong bond be- AFP League as Kai Havertz tween the players in the dressing inspiredC a vital 2-0 win over room. I feel positive energy from Milan Everton, while West Ham boost- everyone around the team. We ed their surprise top four chal- need this to have a run like this.” ilan Skriniar scored the only lenge with a 2-0 victory against Sixth placed Everton are four goal as Inter Milan moved Leeds on Monday night. points behind Chelsea after their back six points clear in Serie Havertz has endured a disap- fi rst away defeat since Novem- A with a 1-0 win over Atalan- pointing fi rst season following ber. “They played better than Mta on Monday night. Inter extended their his £70mn ($96mn) move from us,” Everton manager Carlo An- winning streak to seven league games as Bayer Leverkusen last year. But celotti said. “Once they scored it they push for a fi rst title since 2010. the Germany forward was given was more diffi cult. We are disap- Antonio Conte’s side are ahead of sec- a rare start by Chelsea boss Tho- pointed, but not too much.” ond-placed AC Milan, who beat Hellas mas Tuchel and he responded by West Ham’s unexpected bid Verona 2-0 on Sunday, with champions playing the key role in both goals to fi nish in the top four gathered Juventus 10 points off top spot, with a at Stamford Bridge. pace with a confi dent disman- game in hand, after a 3-1 win over Lazio. Havertz’s shot was defl ected tling of Leeds at the London Sta- Skriniar found a way through after 54 into the Everton net for a Ben dium. Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa minutes sending in off fellow Godfrey own goal in the fi rst half. might have known it wasn’t go- Alessandro Bastoni after a corner resulted The 21-year-old has not scored ing to be his night when his side in a scramble on front of goal in the San in the league since October, but had two early goals disallowed. Siro. Tuchel entrusted him with an Tyler Roberts’ eff ort was ruled “Knowing that the closest direct pur- important role as Chelsea’s false out for off side against Helder suers had won it’s inevitable that there nine and Havertz’s intelligent Costa before Patrick Bamford was pressure, these are three important movement put him in position netted from Raphinha’s cut- points,” said Conte. Atalanta are fi fth, to earn the second-half penalty back, only for replays to show the outside the Champions League berths, that Jorginho converted. ball had gone over the touchline and 13 points off top spot with 12 games “I’m very happy with his per- before the cross. West Ham took left to play this season. formance, no doubt about his the lead in the 21st minute after “We put in a great performance and quality, his talent and also his Luke Ayling tripped Jesse Lin- lost on a corner,” lamented coach Gian character,” Tuchel said. “He gard in the area. Piero Gasperini whose side are one point needs to adapt to the Premier Lingard took the penalty and off fourth-placed Roma. League, he needs to be at a club although Illan Meslier saved his “Against Inter and Juventus we always where you play to win every shot, the on-loan Manchester lack that little detail we don’t yet have, game, where the highest stand- United midfi elder snapped up but we are close.” ards are normal. That’s a normal the rebound. West Ham doubled In a clash between the two biggest process for him to adapt to this their advantage seven minutes scoring teams in Serie A the defend- mentality.” later when Craig Dawson was ers decided the tie with Atalanta’s Berat Chelsea are unbeaten in 11 left unmarked to head in Aaron Djimsiti giving little space to the Inter games in all competitions — Cresswell’s corner. attackers. Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro winning eight times – since David Moyes’ side were bat- Martinez lead the Inter attack, the best in Tuchel replaced the sacked Frank tling relegation at this stage of the Italian top-fl ight with 63 goals. Lampard in January. They are last season. But they have won Atalanta are second best with 60, with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar celebrates after the scoring against Atalanta in the Serie A in Milan on Monday night. (Reuters) two points ahead of fi fth placed four of their last six league games forward Duvan Zapata starting up front, West Ham, who have a game in to leave Hammers fans dreaming being replaced by fellow Colombian Luis fore the break and Marcelo Brozovic was this season. Inter threatened a second running in the Champions League and hand in a tense race to qualify for of a place in Europe’s elite club Muriel for the fi nal 20 minutes. Chances cleared off the line just after. Josip Ilicic just after but Romero slid in to deny a the Italian Cup fi nal. Inter are without next season’s Champions League competition. were few in the fi rst half. replaced Ruslan Malinovskyi after the Lukaku fi nish just before the hour. “One European commitments with nothing via a top four fi nish. “We are doing really well and Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello break for Atalanta with Conte sending goal but we missed sensational opportu- left to target but the league and are next The Blues have kept nine having a good season. It could be used his head to clear for a corner off a on Christian Eriksen in place of Arturo nities,” said Conte. “It was a very tactical at relegation-threatened Torino. clean-sheets under Tuchel and a great season,” Moyes said. “I’m Cristian Romero cross after quarter of an Vidal. match.” Atalanta play at home against promot- only their former Italian boss not saying we will fi nish in the hour. Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic And the Dane’s corner which resulted Atalanta broke their four-match win- ed Spezia before their Champions League Maurizio Sarri, who went 12 top four but we need to hang in denied a Zapata header six minutes be- in the goal, Skriniar’s third in the league ning run in Serie A as they remain in the last 16, second leg visit to Real Madrid. games unbeaten, has enjoyed a and see what we can do.”

SPOTLIGHT City ready for Saints test aft er derby loss: Guardiola

Reuters petitions. It doesn’t matter what happens Manchester tomorrow – of course we want to win – but there are still many games.” Guardiola said his City squad are “on anchester City manager Pep fi re” in training as they look to get back to Guardiola fumed at a ques- winning ways. Asked yesterday about the tion about Southampton’s mood in the camp since the weekend, the leaky defence before their City manager said his players were deter- MPremier League meeting today, saying mined to return to winning ways. it will be an “incredible success” to beat “A mix of disappointment and sadness them following a derby defeat by Man- but, at the same time, the second day a chester United. bit better and today completely on fi re to Southampton went nine league games try to do a good game tomorrow,” he said. without victory before last Saturday’s “It’s a normal process when you lose the 2-0 win at Sheffi eld United. During that 18 goals? It’ll be an incredible success for win good games, to do a good run... now games. The reaction is common.” dismal run they were hammered 9-0 by us to win this game, that’s all.” we focus on the next one. It’s not a bad Guardiola routinely makes changes Manchester United and Guardiola was Defeat by second-placed Manchester moment. A bad moment is playing bad and Phil Foden and Sergio Aguero could asked about the Saints’ back line. “We’ll United ended leaders City’s 21-match and not getting results in a lot of games. be in contention for starting roles at the score 18. This will be the result. What a unbeaten run in all competitions but We’re close – every team is fi ghting for Etihad today. He said: “Maybe, I will question. They conceded nine when they Guardiola said his players had overcome something. We’re seeing how tough the decide tomorrow. I have an idea in gen- played 80 minutes (with) 10 (men) against the disappointment. “... The second day games are. Tomorrow will not be an ex- eral of the guys who will play but I have 11,” Guardiola, whose side were beaten was better, today completely on fi re. It’s a ception. There’s still a lot of work to do a few doubts.” Asked if these were injury Everton’s English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford brings down Chelsea’s 2-0 by United on Sunday, said yesterday. common reaction,” the Spaniard said. to arrive in the last games in contention doubts, Guardiola said: “No, everybody German midfielder Kai Havertz (right) for a penalty during the “Do you think this is a joke and we’ll score “Everyone realised how diffi cult it is to to win the league. We’re alive in all com- is OK.” Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in London. (AFP)

FOCUS New Marseille boss Sampaoli Germany coach Loew to step down aft er this year’s Euros calls for unity AFP sure one of the most successful,” added The fallout from the debacle in Rus- aft er turbulent Berlin Klopp. sia tainted his legacy as he struggled to Loew has vowed to go out on a high rebuild the team. His decision in March period at the European championships but 2019 to end the international careers of ermany’s World Cup-winning Germany face a tough task in the same veterans Thomas Mueller, Jerome Boat- Marseille: Olympique de head coach Joachim Loew will group as world champions France and eng and Mats Hummels soon backfi red. Marseille’s players must come step down after the European holders Portugal. “I still feel the will, The assured performances of Mueller together to fight for the shirt championships this July, the great energy and ambition,” Loew in- and Boateng in 2019/20 helped Bayern and put the turbulent events GGerman football association said yes- sisted. “I will do my best to make our Munich win the Champions League ti- of the past few weeks behind terday. Loew, 61, will leave with a year fans happy and be successful at this tle and led to Loew constantly having them if they are to salvage left on his contract having signed up tournament.” to defend his decision to sideline them the club’s campaign, new until the 2022 World Cup fi nals in Qatar. Loew, nicknamed “Jogi”, has been from the national setup. Recently, Loew manager Jorge Sampaoli In a statement, Loew said he was “full in charge of Germany since 2006. The has hinted that he may recall the exiled said yesterday. Sampaoli of pride and enormous gratitude” after 2014 triumph in Brazil, where his side trio for Germany’s World Cup qualifi ers replaced Andre-Villas Boas, nearly 15 years as national coach and beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the fi - at the end of March. who was suspended on Feb. that he was “motivated” for his swan- nal thanks to Mario Goetze’s extra-time His record as coach is an impressive 2, hours after the Portuguese song at the rearranged European cham- winner, was the highpoint of his reign. 120 wins in 189 games with Germany coach off ered to resign over pionships from June 11-July 11. But Loew has faced three years with 38 draws and 31 defeats. disagreements with the club’s Fritz Keller, the president of the Ger- of criticism since holders Germany “I have great respect for Joachim board, and takes over last man football association (DFB), said crashed out of the 2018 World Cup in Loew’s decision,” Keller said in a state- year’s French Ligue 1 runners- Loew’s decision “gives us the necessary Russia at the group stage. The calls for ment. up who are languishing in time to name his successor calmly”. Liv- him to resign grew louder after Germa- “The DFB knows what it has in ‘Jogi’, eighth place. erpool manager Jurgen Klopp yesterday ny were hammered 6-0 by Spain in the he is one of the greatest coaches in The club is trying to limp ruled himself out of the running to re- Nations League last November. world football. Jogi Loew has shaped back to normalcy after sup- place Loew. Until the 2018 debacle, the Germans German football like hardly anyone else porters broke into their train- “Am I available for the job after the had reached at least the semi-fi nals of over the years and has helped it achieve ing centre in protest against summer? No,” Klopp said at a press Joachim Loew has been in charge of Germany since 2006. (Reuters) every tournament under Loew. “I have the highest international reputation.” the leadership and a poor conference in Liverpool. “I have three worked with the best footballers in the Bastian Schweinsteiger, one of the run of results. “The notion of years left at Liverpool, that’s a simple est from other Bundesliga teams with man FA will fi nd a good solution. I have country and supported them in their heros of Germany’s 2014 World Cup tri- rebellion, we will use it to get statement, a simple situation,” he said. more money. It is just timing and if it three years left at Liverpool. You sign a development,” Loew said . “I have had umph, said he had “a lot to thank” Loew out of the current situation,” “You sign a contract and you normally doesn’t work out you don’t have to lose contract and you stick to it.” great triumphs with them and painful for. “My respect goes to Joachim Loew. Sampaoli said ahead of to- try to stick to that contract don’t you? any sleep over it. Someone else will do “Jogi Loew did an incredible job for defeats, but above all many wonderful I wish him and the team a European day’s league match to Rennes, I had a contract in Mainz where I stuck the job and with the number of good so many years, I think he is the long- and magical moments — not just win- Championship title at the end,” said the his first game in charge. with them even though there was inter- German managers I am sure the Ger- est servant we had in Germany but for ning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.” 36-year-old Schweinsteiger. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 10, 2021 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Southampton to host WTC fi nal, ‘Slack’ over rates says India board cost WTC chief Ganguly fi nal spot: Langer Australia’s last hope of qualifying was snuff ed out by India’s 3-1 win over England

Reuters Africa was to come to a resolu- Melbourne tion with revised dates. “We would like to reschedule it as soon as possible, providing it ustralia coach Justin is safe to do so, and there is time Langer said yesterday available in the calendar,” he told his team’s “slack” at- Nine Network-owned newspa- tention to detail in pers. Abowling required overs in the In- “Now, that’s not a simple task. dia series had cost them a place Through the pandemic and quar- in the World Test Championship antine periods there is a lot of (WTC) fi nal. cricket that has been resched- Australia were docked four uled. “But we’re right in the mid- WTC points for being two overs dle of constructive discussions behind the rate during the second and hopefully those discussions test in Melbourne. will be resolved soon.” Australia lost the series 2-1 but Australia also pulled out of a would have qualifi ed for the fi nal test tour of Bangladesh last year Reuters said Southampton, which has at Lord’s ahead of New Zealand along with white-ball tours of New Delhi an on-site hotel at the Ageas had they not been penalised for New Zealand and Zimbabwe due Bowl, would host the June 18- slow over rates. Langer said the to the Covid-19 pandemic. 22 contest. team were unaware they lagged The board also called off a outhampton will host “It has been decided a long the rate until after the game. home Test match against Af- the June fi nal of the time ago. They have the hotel, “Now, that’s really slack on our ghanistan last summer along inaugural World Test which makes it easier for them behalf,” Langer told Australian with a home T20 series against Championship (WTC) to control (the bio-secure en- radio station SEN. West Indies which was to have Swhich was originally sched- vironment),” Ganguly told In- “I remember we were in the been a warmup for the postponed uled at Lord’s, Indian cricket dia Today news channel. team room afterwards and I spoke Australia coach Justin Langer. Twenty20 World Cup. board president Sourav Gan- The England and Wales to Painey (captain Tim Paine) and Despite the pandemic, Aus- guly has said. Cricket Board (ECB) and the Dene Hills, our analyst, about it. India will play New Zealand in Australia’s squad for the global Australia pulled out of the tralia managed to tour England Virat Kohli’s India will face Marylebone Cricket Club, I was a bit grumpy about it and I the June 18-22 fi nal. tournament. three-Test tour slated for March- for white-ball matches last year New Zealand in the fi nal fol- which owns Lord’s, were not thought, ‘Imagine if this cost us Australia’s international sea- “There’s no better showcase April citing an “unacceptable and hosted the game’s main lowing their 3-1 home series immediately available to com- the World Test Championship’. son fi nished with defeat to New for some of our players,” said level of health and safety risk to money-spinning heavyweight victory against England last ment. “And I mentioned it to the Zealand in a T20 series-decider Langer, who is also a selector. players, support staff and the India in four tests and two lim- week. Southampton and Man- players afterwards that two overs in Wellington on Sunday. “We’ll watch that really closely community”. The move angered ited overs series over the home The governing International chester, which also has a ho- down could cost us the World Some of Australia’s top players and see who performs well.” the South African board, which summer. Cricket Council (ICC), which tel at Old Traff ord, hosted Test Championship. will next head to the Indian Pre- said it had incurred signifi cant South Africa’s director of initially had said the match matches against West Indies, “It was relevant at the time and mier League, which will double Aussies look to costs in meeting Australia’s cricket Graeme Smith warned would take place at Lord’s, did Pakistan, Ireland and Austral- it certainly became incredibly as a rehearsal for the T20 World reschedule SA tour safety demands and wrote to the the ICC last month that smaller not mention the venue while ia last year when international signifi cant over the weekend.” Cup in the subcontinent later in Australia will look to resched- International Cricket Council member nations must have their confi rming the fi nalists on cricket resumed after being Australia’s last hope of quali- the year. Fast bowlers Jhye Ri- ule its postponed tour of South (ICC) seeking redress. fair share of test tours against Saturday. disrupted by the Covid-19 fying for the WTC fi nal was chardson and Riley Meredith, Africa “as soon as possible” but Cricket Australia interim Chief the ‘Big Three’ of India, England It would make an an- pandemic. snuff ed out by India’s defeat of who impressed in New Zealand, only if the health situation and Executive Hockley said the “fi rst and Australia or the game could nouncement about the venue New Zealand will play a England in the fourth test over will be among them and hope to calendar allows, board chief Nick step” to mending the board’s become dominated by Twenty20 in due course, an ICC spokes- two-Test series in England in the weekend. boost their claims for a spot in Hockley said. relationship with Cricket South leagues. man told Reuters, but Ganguly June before taking on India.

FOCUS SETBACK Williamson out of Bangladesh series with elbow injury Parag Marathe Reuters “We believe he now needs a re-elected as USA Wellington period of rest and rehabilitation to get the injury right. “Time-frames can vary but Cricket Board chair ew Zealand captain we’re hopeful that, after an Kane Williamson initial rest, he should be able to IANS now been approved by the USA will miss the one-day begin rehabilitation next week.” Los Altos, California Cricket Board, who also voted series against Bang- Coach Gary Stead said it to re-elect him as Chair, said a Nladesh with an elbow problem, was a blow to lose Williamson statement from USAC. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the three-game ODI se- SA Cricket (USAC) Marathe, who is president of said yesterday. ries against Bangladesh, which yesterday announced 49ers Enterprises for the San Williamson, who led the starts on March 20, but it was that Paraag Marathe Francisco 49ers as well as Ex- ‘Black Caps’ to a 3-2 T20 series the right call. Uhas been formally re- ecutive vice-president of Foot- win over Australia on Sunday, “Kane loves playing for his appointed as an independent ball Operations, has spent more has a small tear in his left elbow country — so it hasn’t been director of USAC and re-elected than two decades with the NFL tendon and had been “experi- an easy decision to step back,” by the Board of Directors as franchise. He was also recently encing irritation” in the latter Stead said. Chair of the Board. appointed as Vice-Chairman half of the summer, NZC said in “A batsman’s front elbow is Following a call for nomina- of Leeds United in the English a statement. crucial to his game and with tions for the role of independ- Premier League, leading 49ers “Kane has been managing the the injury not improving it was ent director in December 2020, Enterprises’ minority invest- elbow injury to varying degrees clear something needed to be the independent Nominating ment in the resurgent EPL club. this summer and unfortunately done. and Governance Committee He began his term as the fi rst it hasn’t improved,” NZC Medi- “We’ve got a huge year of concluded a process of screen- ever Chair of USA Cricket in cal Manager Dayle Shackel said. cricket ahead with an England ing and interviewing potential 2018 and has helped oversee a “He obviously has a high test tour and ICC World Test candidates and recommended formidable number of develop- volume of training and playing Championship fi nal fi rst up in the incumbent Chair of the USA ments for the rapidly evolving across the three formats, which May and June, and we want to Cricket Board, Marathe, as the Governing Body, including the has inhibited his ability to re- make sure we have Kane fi t and outstanding candidate for the admission of USA Cricket as cover. fi ring for that.” role of independent director. the 105th Member of the ICC in That recommendation has early 2019.

SAILING ‘Like facing All Blacks’ — Luna Rossa take on Team NZ for ’s Cup

AFP Defending champion Team New The New Zealanders have ish sailing legend Ben Ainslie — and for this event, meaning design tweaks layed by several days after a Covid-19 Auckland Zealand, after success with tradi- remained at the forefront of American , backed by the pres- and innovations are constantly oc- outbreak forced host city Auckland tional displacement yachts, pio- research and development, tigious New York Yacht Club. curring, even as racing takes place. into a snap lockdown. neered foiling in the America’s Cup making them short-priced But the Italian syndicate steadily As a result, there’s scope for sig- While stay-at-home orders have eam New Zealand and Luna with a prototype catamaran devel- favourites in the best-of-13 improved throughout the challenger nificant improvement between races been lifted, there are still limits on Rossa of Italy head out to oped in 2012. America’s Cup fi nal series, seeing off American Magic as design changes are implemented social gatherings, meaning large contest the America’s Cup When images of the boat emerged 4-0 in the Prada Cup semi-finals, and crews become more adept at crowds cannot watch the races from on Auckland’s Waitemata online, the concept seemed so bi- ness in all wind conditions. then Ineos Team UK 7-1 in the final. handling the space-age vessels. Auckland’s shoreline as organisers HarbourT today in a nautical show- zarre that critics insisted they were Luna Rossa’s co-helmsman Jimmy Spithill said his team was match- Former round-the-world yachts- originally intended. down where the result relies on tech- photo-shopped. Spithill described his rivals as the fit, while Team NZ had not raced man Knut Frostad, whose company Regardless of technology or crowd nological gains as much as sailing The New Zealanders have re- best team in the world. competitively since late December, Navico produced the navigation sys- numbers, the America’s Cup will prowess. mained at the forefront of research “To be able to race Team New Zea- despite logging hundreds of hours’ tems used by several America’s Cup be contested with the same vigour Racing for the world’s oldest and development, making them land on (their) home waters, it’s a lot practice. teams, said Team NZ appeared to displayed during the inaugural race sporting trophy now takes place be- short-priced favourites in the best- like a rugby player getting to go on “We’ve had real racing, that’s the have an edge. off England’s Isle of Wight in 1851, tween cutting-edge “flying” yachts of-13 America’s Cup final. the rugby field against the All Blacks difference... we’ve had sudden- “But it is far from certain,” he told which took place in front of Queen inconceivable when the event was They have reached the final in six at Eden Park in a Rugby World Cup death, real pressure — they’ve had AFP. Victoria. first staged 170 years ago. of the past seven regattas for the fa- final,” he said. to train on their own,” the Australian “With the , the potential Watching from her royal yacht, the The boats feature carbon-fibre foil bled ‘Auld Mug’, winning three times “What an incredible privilege that said. gains if you have a technological monarch turned to the signal-master arms, which lift the 23-metre (75- in 1995, 2000 and 2017. is.” In general, Luna Rossa is seen as breakthrough are so big that any of as the successful American challeng- foot) hull above the surface of the Team New Zealand also dominated Spithill’s Luna Rossa slipped un- strong in lighter winds, while Team the team could still be making big er hove into view and asked which of water, achieving speeds exceeding 50 warm-up racing for the latest edition der the radar in preliminary racing, NZ has the better overall package. improvements even after the first the local boats was in second place. knots while balanced precariously in of the cup late last year, showing su- overshadowed by high-profile rivals But the AC75 yachts are a “devel- match in the America’s Cup,” he said. “Ah, your majesty,” came the reply. mid-air. perior boat speed and competitive- Ineos Team UK — featuring Brit- opment class” created specifically The start of the regatta was de- “There is no second.” Gulf Times Wednesday, March 10, 2021 5 SPORT

TABLE TENNIS SPOTLIGHT MotoGP testing to resume today at Jaehyun stuns Losail Circuit World No. 8 Falck to enter last 16 Bruna Takahashi stuns Romanian No 11 seed Bernadette Szocs in women’s singles

By Sports Reporter Doha

orld No. 8 Mattias Falck was sent packing by 38th ranked An Jaehyun in the Round of 32 of the World Table Ten- Wnis (WTT) Star Contender tournament in Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro in action during the MotoGP pre-season Doha yesterday. testing at the Losail International Circuit on Sunday. The South Korean Jaehyun beat Falck 11-8, 11-9, 11-7 in straight games at the fter going over three leading the way on Day 1, seem- Losail Sports Arena to avenge his 2019 months without see- ingly very pleased with Aprilia’s World Championships loss to the Swede. ing MotoGP bikes turn hard work done over the winter Falck cut a frustrated fi gure as Jaehyun wheels in anger, we to bring an all-new package to claimed his revenge. On the whole there wereA all treated to the sweet sym- the fold in 2021. was very little to separate the two players phony of hearing the fastest two- Saturday’s opening day was in the rallies. Jaehyun showcased some wheel machines on the planet rip when we got to see many riders excellent play at times, sweeping his op- around the Losail International begin their new premier class ponent from side to side. However, costly Circuit in the Offi cial 2021 Mo- adventures. Valentino Rossi de- errors played a major role in the match toGP Qatar Test. Three days of buted on the Petronas Yamaha with a visibly frustrated Falck hurling his busy track action have been and SRT, Pol Espargaro’s adaption to racket at the table following the close of gone and now, after Monday and Repsol Honda Team is seemingly game two. Tuesday on the sidelines, three going as smooth as a hot knife Meanwhile, Indian paddler Achanta more hugely anticipated days are through butter, while Danilo Sharath Kamal produced a stunning per- coming up this week. Petrucci takes his time – in terms formance to make his way into the last And it’s three days that are go- of lap time anyway – to show us 16 stage with a thrilling 12-10, 3-11, 11-7, ing to be incredibly important for what he’s got on the Tech3 KTM 7-11, 11-9 win over world No. 16 Patrick every single manufacturer, team Factory Racing RC16. Johann Franziska. and rider. Three pre-season test Zarco (Pramac Racing), Miguel In a hard-fought fi ve-setter, the sea- dates with the Losail Interna- Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory soned campaigner and world No. 32 tional Circuit remain between Racing), Miller and teammate Kamal began the battle with a 1-0 lead now and lights out for the 2021 Francesco Bagnaia all look to be before the German Franziska made a Khalil bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi, President of the Qatar Table Tennis Federation and Vice President of International Table Tennis season in this condensed sched- enjoying life in new colours too. comeback to level the scores. The third Federation (ITTF) poses with senior management of the ITTF before a meeting at the Lusail Sports Arena yesterday. ule, and it’s currently Yamaha The likes of Alex Marquez (LCR and fourth games also saw equal domi- and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Honda Castrol) have also been nation from both players as they took the QTTA PRESIDENT ATTENDS ITTF Energy Yamaha MotoGP) who quick, but crashes have ham- match into the fi fth set. SENIOR MANAGEMENT MEETING claim fastest lap honours. pered the two-time 2020 podi- However, the nine-time senior nation- Meanwhile, Khalil bin Ahmed al-Mohan- But so much is going to happen um fi nisher’s test so far. al champion kept his calm in the crucial nadi, President of the Qatar and Arab ta- from today till Friday. More tech- decider and got the better of Franziska to ble tennis federations and Vice President nical innovations, riders getting MARQUEZ INCLUDED ON wrap up the match in his favour. Sharath of the Asian and International Table Ten- to grips with new machines and QATAR ENTRY LIST will now face German Dimitrij Ovtcharov nis Federations, inaugurated the meeting lap times – you’d think – tum- Honda’s Marc Marquez has been in the pre-quarter-fi nals on Wednesday. of ITTF Senior Management at the Lusail bling as testing ramps up. Second included on the entry list for the Ovtcharov, who the WTT Contender Hall on the sidelines of the tournament. fastest so far Jack Miller has al- 2021 Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar, event last weekend, sailed past Egypt’s It was the fi rst time the senior staff has ready hinted that Ducati Lenovo as the eight-time World Cham- Ahmed Saleh and 11-8, 11-5, 11-2. physically met together in over one year. Team have some more tricks up pion edges ever closer to being fi t Elsewhere, Brazil’s Gustavo Tsuboi en- The team updated each other in all their sleeve, so what are the lead- enough to ride his RC213V again. tered his Round of 32 encounter expect- the major areas: ITTF structure, High ing innovators going to debut in In an interview with his Repsol ing a real uphill battle. Taking on Koki Performance and Development, ITTF the coming days? The Bologna Honda Team, published on Mon- Niwa, the no.10 seed and a player expect- Competitions, Staff structures, Mem- boys have looked good so far, but day, Marquez confi rmed that he ed to compete for the podium positions, ber relations, World Table Tennis, ITTF of course, it’s early days yet. is feeling “better every day” and few could have predicted what was about Foundation, Olympic Games, Equipment Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s hopes that he can be in Doha for to happen. Updates and various discussions were brand-new RS-GP has also the opening round of the season. So often oozing with confi dence and held regarding the ITTF Operations. looked good in the hands of Aleix Marc Marquez has been forced fl air, but yesterday there was lack of Al-Mohannadi opened the meeting Espargaro, and we’re going to to miss pre-season testing at the conviction from the Japanese player. In- and wished everyone successful delib- fi nd out just how much the Noale Losail International Circuit, but stead, it was Tsuboi who always looked erations and a comfortable time in Doha. factory have gained on the lead- both rider, the team and mil- the more likely, controlling the pace and Al-Mohannadi mentioned that despite ing pack between Wednesday lions of fans around the world direction of the match with ease. Just the there being some higher-level political and Friday. The Spaniard closes will hope he can be passed fi t for three games were required in the end with issues, he hopes the ITTF staff go ahead out the top three so far after Round 1. (motogp.com) Tsuboi signalling his intent to the rest of with all their projects and continue to the playing fi eld 11-4, 11-4, 11-5. keep the professional management of the Meanwhile, Bruna Takahashi edged sport on track. The Senior management past Romanian no.11 seed Bernadette thanked al-Mohannadi for the hospital- Jack Miller was impressive Szocs in a breathtaking duel in wom- ity and the high-level meeting facilities in testing for Ducati. en’s singles. The 20-year-old Sao Paulo India’s Achanta Sharath Kamal entered last 16 with a thrilling 12-10, 3-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9 in Qatar as well as the amazing standards matched Romanian no.11 seed Szocs ball- win over world No. 16 Patrick Franziska. provided for all the events and presented for-ball with both players opting for an him a WTT shirt signed by the entire aggressive approach to the tie. Twists South Korea, Yubin put in another ma- Meanwhile, two other Indian pad- team on site. and turns at every corner, the match was ture performance. dlers exited the tournament. World No. ITTF CEO Steve Dainton said: “With best summed up by an mesmerising fi nal Playing with the wind in her sail, 63 Manika Batra fell short 7-11, 6-11, 7-11 the organisation making the current point with Takahashi striking the perfect Shin’s explosive pace was on display right against Japan’s Mima Ito, who is ranked transition with World Table Tennis whilst balance of attack and counter-hit to seal from the start as she left Pesotska in her third in the world, and had won the going through all the complexities of the win in style 11-7, 8-11, 11-3, 11-9. tracks. Playing catch-up, Ukraine’s Pe- women’s singles title at WTT Contender. Covid-19, it was imperative to meet as Meanwhile, 16-year-old qualifi er Shin sotska managed to close the distance as In the men’s singles round of 32 match, a team to ensure we are all updated on Yubin qualifi ed for the last 16 after the the match progressed but Yubin main- Sathiyan Gnanasekaran couldn’t man- the strategy and direction for the sport. South Korea paddler stunned no.15 seed tained her composure to dash any hopes age to succeed against Japanese sensation A huge thanks to Khalil and his team for Margaryta Pesotska. Rated amongst the of a comeback for the European 11-3, 11-7, and world No. 5 Tomokazu Harimoto and the services provided here that ensured most exciting prospects to emerge from 10-12, 11-8. suff ered a 4-11, 5-11, 8-11 loss. a very robust and professional meeting.”

NHL Kahkonen shines as Wild halt Knights’ six-game winning streak Reuters Adam Henrique scored with two straight start, turning away 29 shots The new formation immediately de- Las Vegas minutes remaining in overtime after and all three of the Canadiens’ shoot- livered four points, as Yamamoto and Rickard Rakell recorded two goals as out attempts. Carey Price was tagged Draisaitl each scored and McDavid col- Anaheim Ducks used a rare explosion of with the loss despite making 28 saves. lected his ninth multi-assist game of aapo Kahkonen stopped 26 off ence to earn a 6-5 victory over visit- Evander Kane scored off an Erik the season. Alex Chiasson scored the shots for his fi rst NHL shutout ing Los Angeles Kings. Karlsson assist 41 seconds into over- Oilers’ other goal, a power-play marker as the Minnesota Wild ended Kevin Shattenkirk, Jakob Silfverberg time to lift San Jose past visiting St. in the second period. Evgenii Dado- the Vegas Golden Knights’ and Ben Hutton also scored while Max Louis. Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Lo- nov and Tim Stutzle scored for Ottawa Ksix-game win streak with a 2-0 victory Comtois had three assists as the Ducks gan Couture also registered goals for while Thomas Chabot recorded two as- on Monday night. Kevin Fiala and Jo- reached a season high in goals before San Jose, and Devan Dubnyk made 24 sists. nas Brodin scored goals for Minnesota, the end of the second period. saves in the win. Antti Raanta stopped all 16 shots which was playing just its third home Adrian Kempe had a hat trick for the Ryan Donato registered primary as- he faced in relief of the injured Darcy game since Jan. 31 because of a two- Kings, including the game-tying goal sists on both of the Sharks’ regulation Kuemper, and Derick Brassard, Jakob week Covid-19 pause combined with a with 2:32 remaining in regulation on a goals. Defenseman Niko Mikkola tallied Chychrun and Johan Larsson scored road-heavy schedule. defl ection in front of the goal. Los An- his fi rst NHL goal and Brayden Schenn goals as Arizona beat Colorado 3-2 in Kahkonen, 24, improved to 10-4-0 geles lost for the fi fth time in the past also scored for St. Louis. Blues goal- Denver. Oliver Ekman-Larsson and on the season while improving his per- six games (1-2-3) but did earn a point tender Ville Husso stopped 17 shots. Clayton Keller had two assists each for sonal winning streak to seven games. for the 11th time in the past 13 games (7- Connor McDavid had two assists the Coyotes, who have won three of Vegas’ Marc-Andre Fleury, starting for 2-4).Canucks 2, Canadiens 1 (SO) as Edmonton recorded a 3-2 win over their past four games. the 12th time in the past 13 games, had Bo Horvat scored the game-winner visiting Ottawa. The Oilers improved Valeri Nichushkin and Andre Burak- 20 saves. in a shootout to give host Vancouver a to a perfect 5-0-0 against the Senators ovsky scored and Philipp Grubauer had The Golden Knights played with- win over Montreal. this season. The two teams will play 11 saves for Colorado. out leading scorer Mark Stone (un- Jeff Petry scored for the Canadiens again in Edmonton today and Friday. Kuemper left the game early in the disclosed) and top defenseman Alex in the fi rst period, and Adam Gaudette Edmonton’s lineup saw McDavid and third period after making 17 saves. Coy- Pietrangelo (left arm), who sustained responded for the Canucks with 41 Leon Draisaitl offi cially reunited onto otes coach Rick Tocchet said postgame injuries in the team’s 4-0 victory at San seconds left to force overtime. Vancou- Minnesota Wild goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen (right) makes a save during the NHL the same line, playing alongside Kailer that Kuemper sustained a lower-body Jose on Saturday night. ver’s Thatcher Demko won his fourth game against Vegas Golden Knights. (USA TODAY Sports) Yamamoto. injury and would be re-evaluated. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 10, 2021 SPORT

FOCUS Aspetar launches Covid-19 vaccination campaign for athletes in Qatar spetar Sports Medi- tion Prevention and Control athletes, we currently have a cine and Ortho- Committee at Aspetar, said: capacity of around 120 vac- paedic Hospital has “The vaccination will not only cinations a day, which we are launched a free coro- prevent the Covid-19 disease aiming to increase to more than navirusA vaccination campaign in the vaccinated person but 150 in the coming days.” targeting athletes based in will also prevent its spread, i.e. The Aspetar Covid-19 re- Qatar. The fi rst 50 injections a vaccinated person is highly sponse team, which already were given on February 22. unlikely to infect others. Thus, successfully planned and im- The programme was approved vaccinations are not only pro- plemented the Covid-19 test- through Aspetar Executives tecting the vaccinated persons ing programme for QSL is in who worked with the Health- but also the unvaccinated per- charge again, and athletes will care Authority to be make As- sons around them by reducing be contacted and scheduled by petar a designated Vaccination the circulation of the virus.” the medical staff of their club. Centre. Aspetar aims to vaccinate all The Aspetar vaccination Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, As- Aspire Zone staff and all regis- programme team is composed petar CEO, said: “We are com- tered athletes and are currently of representatives of diff erent mitted to meet the vaccination focusing on the fi rst and sec- departments at Aspetar: Dr needs of registered athletes ond division QSL/QFA clubs. Khalid Hassoun is in charge of and our staff as soon as pos- The current vaccination plan the club and QSL liaison; Ibra- sible. Thanks to our dedicated already includes more than him al-Hussein manages oper- team, as this campaign would 2000 people, Dr Schumacher ations along with the Infection not be possible without the added: “We will hopefully Prevention and Control team; support of their tireless work have completed the course of Chris Mengelt communicates across Aspetar, and that in- two doses for all Aspire Zone with Aspire Zone, MoPH, and cludes the many clinical pro- staff and the Qatar stars league other external stakeholders; viders and operations support and QFA by the end of March. and Dr Yorck Olaf Schumacher who planned and executed As of March 4th we have al- is the medical lead and over- the campaign.” Dr Yorck Olaf ready vaccinated most of As- all supervision for the pro- Schumacher, Head of Infec- petar AZF staff and about 650 gramme. Al Sadd football coach Xavi Hernandez (L) and former Qatar player Fabio Cesar receive their Covid-19 vaccinations at Aspetar.

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Coe says women are making the running Svitolina crashes at World Athletics

AFP fi rst female vice-president. Paris Coe said the progress towards gender parity “needs to be quan- tifi able” and he dismissed talk of orld Athletics pres- “tokenism”. out as ‘fi ery’ Gauff ident Sebastian Coe “I am not prepared to listen to told AFP he wants people saying: ‘That is tokenism an organisation in and women will come through’. Wwhich a woman can aspire to the The reality of it is, they don’t,” top job and one that retains far he said, saying you need to “take more female athletes as coaches a sledgehammer” to such opin- and offi cials. ions. The governing body of the “It is irrefutable that organi- reaches last 16 Olympics’ blue-riband sport sations that are not diverse and launched a campaign, #We- lack inclusivity, underperform Veteran Russian Kuznetsova sends top seed Ukraine star packing in Dubai Open GrowAthletics, to coincide with those that are by 15 %.” International Women’s Day and The other important issue is build on the eff orts taken to pro- that if athletics – facing a fi erce mote greater gender equality in battle against other sports to at- track and fi eld. tract and keep new talent – is to In an interview, Coe said one expand it needs to “reach out, of the key thrusts of the cam- particularly to younger people so paign was to empower women show them we look like the world to pursue leadership positions we live in”, Coe said. within athletics – including his Young people, he said, make own role. more subliminal observations, “While male athletes can see such as: “What does this or- a path to become a coach or an ganisation look like, how does offi cial, that was not always the it sound or am I joining some- case with women,” he said. thing here that is a little mono- “I’m not sure at this moment chromatic?” The issue of gender any woman can close their eyes looms large in the case of South and imagine being in the posi- Africa’s Olympic 800m cham- tion I’m sitting in. I want that to pion Caster Semenya. In 2018, change.” World Athletics banned her and In a process that began in other female athletes with dif- 2016, World Athletics has man- ferences of sexual development dated that by 2027, 50% of its (DSD) from races between 400m 26-strong decision-making and a mile unless they take hor- Council will be women. The fi g- mone-suppressing drugs. ure is currently 30 %. Semenya has twice failed to There will also be more sym- overturn the regulations and bolic changes – at the 2022 has now taken her legal battle to World Championships in Oregon overturn the ban to the European the fi nal event will be the wom- Court of Human Rights to chal- en’s 4x400m relay, rather than lenge the ban. the men’s race. Supporters of Semenya have Recalling the situation before criticised World Athletics for its 2016, Coe recalled: “We had par- stance. ity in play and parity in pay but Coe conceded that the DSD is- we didn’t have parity in our plat- sue was “a profound challenge”, forms. It was bizarre. but said it was about “creating “It didn’t make sense that we the level playing fi eld and being have so much instinctive parity acutely conscious about fair- in our sport and a woman walks ness”. out of a world championships World Athletics said in a state- with a gold with the same prize ment: “Throughout this long money as Usain Bolt and yet battle, World Athletics has al- when you looked at our govern- ways maintained that its regula- ance structures (there was no tions are lawful and legitimate, parity).” and that they represent a reason- One important development able, necessary and proportion- Coco Gauff advanced to the third round of the Dubai Open with a three-sets win over Marketa Vondrousova. was the election in 2019 of Xi- ate means of ensuring the rights mena Restrepo, a former Colom- of all female athletes to partici- AFP “My personality, I fi ght fi re Over on centre court, second- bian sprinter, as World Athletics’ pate on fair and equal terms.” Dubai DUBAI OPEN WTA RESULTS with fi re,” Gauff later said of the seeded Karolina Pliskova let two incident. match points slip her grasp in the Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) bt 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 “I lost those two points that second set before she regrouped to op-seeded Elina Svitolina Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 6-3, 6-1 Tereza Martincova (CZE) bt Kiki game, and she had wild screams, oust Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova suff ered a “disappoint- Anastasia Potapova (RUS) bt Bertens (NED x5) 6-1, 6-4 and I like to scream, so I screamed 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2. ing” 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 defeat Madison Keys (USA x11) 6-4, 6-3 Anett Kontaveit (EST x15) bt back.” Gauff , who hit a career- Her reward is a rematch with to Svetlana Kuznetsova Belinda Bencic (SUI x6) bt Sorana Cirstea (ROM) 6-4, 7-5 high ranking of 38 last week, is American Jessica Pegula, who inT her Dubai opener yesterday as Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) 6-4, Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x3) bt hoping to continue her impres- upset Pliskova at the Qatar Open American teen sensation Coco 5-7, 6-4 Alize Cornet (FRA) 6-2, 6-4 sive rise with the goal of being last week. “The main thing about Gauff fought “fi re with fi re” to Cori Gauff (USA) bt Marketa Von- Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Martina seeded at the next Grand Slam. playing the same player two weeks come through a tension-fuelled drousova (CZE x12) 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 Trevisan (ITA) 6-2, 6-4 The popular youngster turns in a row is that I think for them it’s second round against Marketa Karolina Pliskova (CZE x2) bt Jessica Pegula (USA) bt Kristina 17 on Saturday, the day of the just going to be tough to repeat the Vondrousova. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 6-3, Mladenovic (FRA) 6-1, 6-2 Dubai fi nal and is keen to cel- matches which they did the fi rst Kuznetsova rallied back from ebrate in style. week,” said Pliskova, who was a a set and an early break down to “That’s defi nitely a big moti- fi nalist in Dubai in 2015. knock out the two-time champi- vation,” said the Florida-based Meanwhile, Belinda Bencic on and record her 21st match-win and I really love to play here in ball toss with her racquet instead Gauff . saw off Russian world number in Dubai – the highest tally among Dubai. The result is really disap- of letting it bounce or capturing it Third-seed Aryna Sabalenka 34 Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, active WTA players. pointing,” said the fi fth-ranked with her hand, which she believed made quick work of French- 5-7, 6-4 to book a last-16 clash The 35-year-old Russian is Svitolina. Contesting a seventh to be against the rules. woman Alize Cornet while reign- with in-form teenager Anastasia a three-time runner-up in the consecutive three-set match, The incident sparked some ten- ing French Open champion Iga Potapova, who took out American emirate and next has a last-16 Gauff needed two hours to dismiss sion between the pair as the match Swiatek enjoyed a winning debut 11th seed Madison Keys. showdown with Barbora Krejcik- the Czech 12th seed 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 unfolded. At one point Gauff in Dubai as she eased past Japa- Bencic won the title in 2019 and ova, who ousted former Roland and set up a third-round meeting aimed directly at Vondrousova’s nese lucky loser Misaki Doi 6-2, shared the podium with men’s Garros champion Jelena Ostap- with qualifi er Tereza Martincova. body on a drive volley at the net 6-4 in 76 minutes. winner Roger Federer who is enko. “Obviously the loss is very The contest took on an edge and did not apologise. The Czech The Polish teenager awaits the making his long-awaited return tough because I think I started the when 16-year-old Gauff com- also forewent the courtesy apol- winner of the clash between Gar- to the court in Doha, following a match quite good and I was feeling plained to the umpire about how ogy when she claimed a point via bine Muguruza and Amanda Ani- 13-month absence due to knee good going into the tournament Vondrousova was catching her a lucky net cord. simova. surgery. World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 10, 2021 7 SPORT

OLYMPICS RUGBY Davies, Hill back for title-chasing Wales Japan to keep Reuters Stockdale returns to Ireland Cardiff squad for Scotland game Ireland winger Jacob Stock- dale has returned to the squad ock Cory Hill and scrum- for Sunday’s Six Nations game half Gareth Davies have against Scotland at Murray- been included for un- fi eld after missing the fi rst three beaten Wales as they face matches of the campaign due to foreign fans away Lstruggling Italy in a Six Nations a knee injury, the Irish Rugby clash in Rome on Saturday, the Football Union said. only changes to the team that The return of Stockdale, who defeated England last month. sustained the injury in early Jan- Davies will replace the injured uary playing for Ulster, means Kieran Hardy, while Hill comes Shane Daly misses out and will in for Adam Beard alongside remain with Munster. Flanker captain Alun Wyn Jones in the Josh van der Flier will undergo from Games: Kyodo second row. return-to-play protocols before Coach Wayne Pivac has kept the game. faith with the remainder of the Leinster back row Caelan ‘The organising committee has decided it is essential to hold the ceremony in the side that defeated England 40- Doris, who was expected to miss 24 last time out to make it three signifi cant time due to concus- northeastern prefecture of Fukushima behind closed doors, only permitting wins from three in this year’s sion symptoms, could return to championship. action next month after Leinster participants and invitees to take part in the event, to avoid large crowds forming’ “We are really looking forward senior coach Stuart Lancaster to this weekend and are ready to said the 22-year-old was “mak- get out there on Saturday,” Pi- ing moves in the right direction”. vac told the Welsh Rugby Union Doris had been named in Ire- website. land’s initial 37-man squad for “Three from three is a great the tournament but was with- start but there has been plenty drawn after reporting symptoms to do and plenty of work-ons. that could be associated with We’ve had a two week build up to a head injury. “We’re hopeful this game, trained really well in he can get back playing again the fallow week and are looking soon. Within the next month,” forward to round four.” Lancaster told broadcaster RTE. Davies will partner fl yhalf Dan “It’s like a progressive return to Biggar, with Jonathan Davies and play on the back of a concus- George North at centre, and Josh sion.” Adams, Louis Rees-Zammit and Ireland are third in the table Liam Williams making up the with seven points after three back-three. games, two points above Scot- The front row of the pack land, who have played a game comprises props Wyn Jones and less. Rufus McLean received Tomas Francis, with Ken Owens his maiden call-up to the sen- at hooker. Josh Navidi, Justin ior Scotland after coach Gregor Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau will Townsend named the Boston- continue their work at the back born Glasgow Warriors fullback of the scrum. in his 34-man squad for Sun- Wales have won each of their day’s Six Nations game at home last 15 tests against Italy, and to Ireland. Edinburgh number have lost two of the previous 29 eight Nick Haining and Exeter meetings in all. Chiefs lock Sam Skinner were Italy have conceded 139 points also included in the squad for the in their three Six Nations games game at Murrayfi eld. so far this season and sit bottom Scotland, who have fi ve points of the table without a victory in after two games, will be without the competition since 2015, a run suspended fl yhalf Adam Hast- of 30 defeats in a row. ings and prop Zander Ferguson.

GOLF This file photo taken on January 28, 2021, shows a man walking past the Olympic rings outside the Japan Olympic Museum in Tokyo. (AFP) European Tour Reuters 24 to September 5. Kyodo said large crowds forming amid the will be made by the end of March mains under a state of emer- Tokyo the government had conclud- pandemic,” Kyodo said, quoting based on factors including the gency. Japan has recorded more ed that welcoming fans from the offi cials. Tokyo 2020 Presi- state of infections in Japan and than 441,200 Covid-19 cases returns to Kenya abroad would not be possible dent Seiko Hashimoto has said other countries, possible epi- since the start of the pandemic, apan has decided to stage given public concern about the she wants a decision on whether demic-prevention measures, with the death toll at more than AFP/Reuters during tournament week.” this summer’s Tokyo Ol- coronavirus and the detection to let in overseas spectators be- and expert scientifi c advice will 8,300. Nairobi Kenya has recorded 109,164 ympics and Paralympics of more contagious variants in fore the start of the torch relay be considered.” Most Japanese people do not cases of coronavirus since the without overseas specta- many countries, Kyodo cited the on March 25. In the last Olympic Games, want international visitors to outbreak in March 2020, with torsJ due to public concern about offi cials as saying. “Five parties, the IOC, the IPC the 2018 Winter Games in attend the Games amid fears he Magical 1,879 deaths, and maintains an Covid-19, Kyodo news agency The opening ceremony of the (International Paralympic Com- Pyeongchang, South Korea, lo- that a large infl ux could spark a and the Kenya Savannah evening curfew. The Magical said yesterday, citing offi cials torch relay would also be held mittee), Tokyo 2020, the Tokyo cal fans accounted for 80% of all resurgence of infections, a Yo- Classic golf tournaments Kenya Open from March 18-21 with knowledge of the matter. without any spectators, Kyodo Metropolitan Government and ticket sales, with international miuri newspaper poll showed. will be held this year af- and the Kenya Savannah Classic The Tokyo 2020 games organ- said. the national government, came fans buying 20%. The survey showed 77% of re- Tter being cancelled in 2020 due from March 23-24, each off er a ising committee said in response “The organising committee together for a meeting via online While coronavirus infection spondents were against allow- to the Covid-19 pandemic, but one-million-euro prize purse. that a decision would be made has decided it is essential to hold just last week,” the organising numbers have been relatively ing foreign fans to attend, versus without spectators, organisers Previous winners of the Kenyan by the end of March. the ceremony in the northeast- committee said in response to low in Japan compared with the 18% in favour. said yesterday. Open include Welshman Ian The Olympics, postponed by ern prefecture of Fukushima be- the Kyodo report. United States and many Euro- Some 48% said they were The tournaments, part of the Woosnam, the late Seve Balles- a year because of the pandemic, hind closed doors, only permit- “The decision regarding al- pean countries, the country has against allowing any spectators European PGA Tour, take place teros and South African Trevor are scheduled for July 23 to Aug. ting participants and invitees to lowing spectators from overseas been hit hard by the third wave into venues and 45% were in fa- this month and will see play- Immelman. 8 and the Paralympics from Aug. take part in the event, to avoid to attend the Tokyo 2020 Games of the pandemic and Tokyo re- vour. ers and their caddies confi ned The 2021 Canadian Open to a sporting bubble to curb the scheduled for June at St. spread of the disease. George’s Golf & Country Club in “The European Tour is of- Toronto has been cancelled due All-Around World Cup in Tokyo cancelled due to Covid-19 impact fering each player 2,000 euros to Covid-19 challenges, the PGA ($2,300) in both events to off set Tour said. The International Gymnastics Federation May 4, was meant to conclude this year’s taken to cancel the World Cup in Japan, federation said. In a separate statement, the costs of staying in the sport- The impact of travel restric- (FIG) said yesterday it has cancelled the all-around series. especially given the current travel Tokyo 2020 organisers said they would ing bubble”, said Kenya Open tions and quarantine measures Artistic All-Around World Cup in Tokyo, However, the cancellation of two earlier restrictions and diff iculties worldwide hold an operational test event on May 4 Golf Limited (KOGL) chairman currently in eff ect led to the de- which was also to be a test event for the events led to the scrapping of the series as well as the measures taken by the with a national gymnastics event, add- Peter Kanyango. cision to cancel the June 10-13 Olympics this summer, due to diff iculties as qualifiers, the governing body said in Japanese authorities to limit the rate of ing that there was no change to the May “The bubble entails regular tournament, the only Canadian related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The a statement. coronavirus infections in the country 8 rhythmic gymnastics test event. testing and the players and staff stop on the PGA Tour, given the event, which had been scheduled for “For this reason, the decision has been ahead of the Olympic Games,” the (Reuters) will be required to travel solely number of people who would be between the course and hotel required to cross the border.

CYCLING Bissegger wins time trial to grab Paris-Nice lead

AFP “It makes me happy (to beat McNulty, who rides for UAE Gien, France Roglic),” Bissegger said. Team Emirates, was fourth in the “Time trials are really my time trial. thing. I come from track and the “I am really happy with this wiss youngster Stefan short, punchy stuff is really good time trial, my fi rst one of the Bissegger made a state- for me. It feels really good to year,” he said. “I think it’s a good ment as he won the Paris- show what i’m capable of.” result and I can’t wait to continue Nice time trial yesterday Cavagna of Deceuninck- this way for the rest of the week.” toS take the overall race lead in his Quick-Step is second overall on Bissegger, a silver medallist at fi rst World Tour season. the same time as Bissegger. the 2019 U23 World Champion- The 22-year-old Education Slovenian Roglic of is 6sec ship, turns 23 on Saturday, the First rider completed the 14.4 back with another 22-year-old penultimate day of the race. kilometre circuit, that began and Brandon McNulty fourth at 9sec. He made his World Tour de- ended in Gien, in 17 minutes and British Giro d’Italia winner Tao but on the UAE Tour in February, 34 seconds to edge French time Geoghegan Hart is 38th at 44sec. where he fi nished second in the trial champion Remi Cavagna by Cavagna missed out on a stage time trial. 0.83sec. victory and the overall lead by “Second big stage race of the “I’m quite young so I still have less than a second. year and second of my career,” to establish myself to the others. “It was a nice time-trial, but said Bissegger as he prepared to So I think I showed in this time it was really infuriating,” he said. put on the overall leader’s yellow trial that I’m here and that they “That one second, I see it every- jersey. “So it feels really nice to be have to be aware of me,” Bisseg- where. I had to brake at the end in this position.” ger said at the fi nish of the third when I caught the rider in front On Wednesday, stage four runs stage. of me on a bend. That’s the race!” 187.5km from Chalon-sur-Saone Bissegger outpaced a star- Roglic said he was satisfi ed to Chiroubles, climbs Mount studded fi eld including Sloveni- with his day’s work. Brouilly twice and concludes an Primoz Roglic who took third, “I am really happy with my with a 7.3km ascent in the Beau- Team Education First rider ’s Stefan Bissegger celebrates his overall leader yellow jersey on the podium after winning the 3rd stage six seconds down. performance today.” jolais mountains. of the 79th Paris-Nice cycling race, a 14.4-km individual time-trial from Gien to Gien yesterday. (AFP)

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS / QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN Evans sets up Federer clash, Harris stuns Wawrinka ‘Stan was my idol growing up, so just to play against him was incredible... I am proud of how I fought back’

By Mikhil Bhat Doha Qatar ExxonMobil Open new challenge for QTF: al-Khelaifi

QNA strong and will continue so with t may be fi rst time in a year Doha the appearance of Swiss legend for most to watch Roger Fe- Roger Federer, who will start in derer in action but not so for the second round. Daniel Evans. E the President of the IThe Brit 30-year-old prac- Qatar Tennis, Squash, QTF holds General Assembly tised with the Swiss maestro for Hand Badminton Federa- The Qatar Tennis, Squash, and a couple of weeks in Dubai before tion (QTF) Nasser bin Ghanim Badminton Federation (QTF) landing in Doha for the Qatar al-Khelaifi said that the 29th held Monday its General Assem- ExxonMobil Open. Qatar ExxonMobil Open, which bly, on the sidelines of the Qatar And the 20-time Grand Slam kicked off Monday, is a new ExxonMobil Open. champion is next up for the world challenge for the organising QTF President stated that for The General Assembly was held No. 28, who set up the Round of committee after the success of the first time, Doha hosted the under the chairmanship of al- 16 clash after beating Frenchman the Qatar Total Open. Qatar Total Open women’s tour- Khelaifi and in the presence of Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 at In a statement on the sidelines nament and Qatar ExxonMobil all members. Khalifa International Tennis and of the start of the main round Open men’s tournament in Following the meeting, the QTF Squash Complex yesterday. of the tournament, al-Khelaifi consecutive weeks, due to the Secretary-General Tariq Zainal “We obviously practised for emphasised that Qatar looks precautionary measures forced said that it discussed several last two weeks, and I thought forward to achieving accom- by the Covid-19 pandemic. The issues that would ensure the he was playing pretty well. We plishments at all levels, pointing Qatar ExxonMobil Open used development of tennis in Qatar. played plenty of sets. It was com- out that the QTF committees to be held in January and Qatar He explained that the meeting petitive,” Evans said after his win along with the assisting authori- Total Open was usually organ- reviewed the latest prepara- yesterday. ties are determined to ensure ised in February. tions for hosting the Padel Ten- “But, you know, it’s all very the success of Qatar Exxon- Al-Khelaifi praised the compe- nis World Championship, which diff erent when you get on the Mobil Open, which is being titions of the first day of the will be organised by the QTF for match court, as I found out to- organised right after the Qatar Qatar ExxonMobil Open, saying the first time in the Middle East day. You know, I wasn’t perfect South Africa’s Lloyd Harris in action during the Qatar Total Open first round match against Switzerland’s Total Open. that the tournament began region in mid-November. out there, and I had been playing Stan Wawrinka (not pictured) at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. pretty well in practice. You know, it will be a lot diff erent tomorrow. Aslan Karatsev (RUS)/Andrey It’s going to be at night, as well, Federer sets eyes on Olympics as long as knee holds up Rublev (RUS) beat Lorenzo Son- so a little slower. So we’ll see how ego (ITA)/Andrea Vavassori (ITA) the match goes. oger Federer is targeting 7-6 (2), 6-2 “I used it as some really good a third Olympic medal Jeremy Chardy (FRA)/Fabrice practice, and it’s unfortunate I’m Rat the Tokyo Games this Martin (FRA) beat Jonathan Erlich obviously in his part of the draw year after missing out in 2016 (ISR)/Andrei Vasilevski (BLR) 6-2, this week, but moving forward, due to injury as he looks to gain 6-2 whatever happens tomorrow, it’s momentum when he returns a good little block I put together to the court this week after 13 TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY and can defi nitely use it moving months on the sidelines with a Centre Court Starts At 2:30 Pm on to Dubai or Miami, whatever knee problem. 3-Andrey Rublev (RUS) vs happens.” The Swiss has not played a Richard Gasquet (FRA) Yesterday, as Evans, who had competitive match since his 1-Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs won the Murray River Open, the Australian Open semi-final loss WC-Aslan Karatsev (RUS) second ATP 250 tournament in to Novak Djokovic last year Not Before 6pm Melbourne in the run up to the but is already looking ahead to Daniel Evans (GBR) vs Australian Open, found his way Wimbledon and the Olympics. 2-Roger Federer (SUI) back to a commanding third set “Participation in the Olympics Marton Fucsovics (HUN) vs performance after almost im- is part of my plan although my Q-Lloyd Harris (RSA) ploding in the second, world No. main goal was everything from Roger Federer (left) watches the match between Daniel Evans and 6 Federer watched his practice today until Wimbledon, the Jeremy Chardy yesterday. Court A Starts At 2:30 Pm partner. tournament that precedes the 1-Juan Sebastian Cabal (COL)/ “A little (strange that Federer Olympics,” Federer told beIN Federer lost out on a singles never in their favour since they Robert Farah (COL) vs Frederik was watching the match). I mean, Daniel Evans of Britain plays a return during the first round match Sports. bronze in 2000 but won the had to beat at least two of the Nielsen (DEN)/Tim Puetz (GER) he obviously has seen a lot of against Jeremy Chardy (not pictured). “I hope that I will be fully in gold medal in the doubles in ‘Big Three’ to win a Grand Slam. Alexander Bublik (KAZ) vs my game the last few weeks, so (shape) by then and that ques- Beijing in 2008 along with Stan “I believe we will see a major 5-Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) I guess I would say it was more “I don’t have many words right the 11th game. The 24-year-old tions about my knee will stop. Wawrinka and a silver medal in change after three years. But I 6-David Goff in (BEL) or Filip out of boredom. He’s probably a now,” said Harris. “Stan was my closed out to love, fi nishing with “The Olympics is a major goal for the singles in 2012 in London. know that Rafa, Novak and I will Krajinovic (SRB) vs Taylor Fritz bit waiting for his practice than idol growing up, so just to play his 11th ace. me... Unfortunately, I missed the The Swiss also gave his thoughts try to stand fast for the longest (USA) scouting out what’s happening against him was incredible. I was Harris, who is making his Doha Rio Olympics (in 2016) because on why the next generation of time possible and will try to in- After Possible Suitable Rest on the court, you know. Let’s put as determined as I could be, re- tournament debut this week, of a left knee injury. I hope I will players were unable to break crease the number of our titles.” Aslan Karatsev (RUS)/Andrey it down to that,” he said smil- ally pumped to play. I am proud will next face last week’s Rot- return to the Tokyo Olympics.” through, saying the odds were (Reuters) Rublev (RUS) vs 4-Marcelo Melo ingly. of how I fought back after los- terdam fi nalist Marton Fucsovics (BRA)/Jean-Julien Rojer (NED) Elsewhere, the Qatar Exxon- ing the second set. I feel like I’ve of Hungary. Fucsovics defeated Mobil Open saw its fi rst big up- done really in the past couple of Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 7-6 (3), straight sets. Jaziri beat the Slo- (6), 7-5 Nikola Mektic (CRO)/Mate Court B Starts At 2:30 Pm set when South African qualifi er months and I hope to keep the 6-3 in one hour and 44 minutes. vakian 6-2, 7-5. Vasek Pospisil (CAN) beats Pavic (CRO) beat Marcelo Arevalo Marcus Daniell(NZL)/Philipp Lloyd Harris scripted the exit of momentum going.” Vasek Pospisil will play fel- Q-Christopher O’Connell (AUS) (ESA)/Matwe Middelkoop (NED)6- Oswald (AUT) vs John Millman seventh seed Stan Wawrinka in Wawrinka recovered from 2/4 low Canadian and fourth seed YESTERDAY’S RESULTS 6-3, 6-4 1, 6-3 (AUS)/David Vega Hernandez a gruelling two hour 40 minute down in the second set tie-break, Denis Shapovalov after defeating Singles (Round of 32) Marton Fucsovics (HUN) Frederik Nielsen (DEN)/Tim (ESP) clash. fi nishing with a forehand ap- Australian qualifi er Christopher Daniel Evans (GBR) beats Jer- beats Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 7-6 (3), Puetz (GER) beat Nikoloz Basi- Vasek Pospisil (CAN) vs The world No. 84 beat the proach and two backhand vol- O’Connell 6-3, 6-4 in 83 minutes. emy Chardy (FRA) 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 6-3 lashvili (GEO)/Alexander Bublik 4-Denis Shapovalov (CAN) three-time Grand Slam cham- leys to carry the momentum into Tunisian wild card Malek Jaziri WC-Malek Jaziri (TUN) beats Doubles (Round of 16) (KAZ) 6-1, 6-2 WC-Malek Jaziri (TUN) vs pion 7-6 (3), 6-7 (6), 7-5 in a fi rst the decider. Harris came within reached the second round after LL-Norbert Gombos (SVK) 6-2, John Millman (AUS)/David 4-Marcelo Melo (BRA)/Jean- Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) round meeting where there was two points of a 3-0 lead in the beating lucky loser Norbert Go- 7-5 Vega Hernandez (ESP) beat WC- Julien Rojer (NED) beat Kevin Jeremy Chardy (FRA)/Fabrice little to choose between the two third set, but Wawrinka clawed mbos, who replaced the injured Q-Lloyd Harris (RSA) beats Blaz Rola (SLO)/Mousa Shanan Krawietz (GER)/Reilly Opelka Martin (FRA) vs Nikola Mektic for a large part of the game. his way back onto be broken in Borna Coric in the main draw, in 7-Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 7-6 (3), 6-7 Zayed (QAT) 6-1, 6-3 (USA) 6-1, 7-6 (9) (CRO)/Mate Pavic (CRO)

BEACH VOLLEYBALL / FIVB WORLD TOUR 4-STAR KATARA CUP Qatar’s Cherif-Tijan advance at Katara Cup

By Sports Reporter day without losing a single set (21-17, 20-22, 15-10). the Brazilians had a much more Doha and deservedly booked their spot In the Pool, Emily Stockman competitive encounter with Na- among the last 16 of the compe- and Kelley Kolinske came back dezda Makroguzova and Svetlana tition. First, they hammered out from a set down against Russia’s Kholomina, but dominated the atar’s Cherif You- a 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) shutout of Mariia Bocharova and Aleksan- tiebreak for a 2-1 (21-18, 18-21, nousse-Ahmed Tijan Canada’s Ben Saxton and Grant dra Ganenko to claim a 2-1 (16- 15-8) victory. defeated last year’s O’Gorman, and later they de- 21, 21-19, 15-11) victory. Earlier in Meanwhile, 2016 Olympic runner-up Mexico’s feated Brazil’s Alison Cerutti and the day, the young Russian quali- champion and her JoseQ Camargo and Josue Levya Alvaro Morais Filho, seeded third fi ers delivered a 2-1 (21-19, 13-21, current teammate Margareta 2-1 (21-19, 18-21, 15-11) in their in the main draw. The Czechs 15-10) upset of third-seeded Bra- Kozuch persevered through two main draw Pool H game to ad- persevered through an extended zilans Agatha Bednarczuk and very tough three-set matches to vance to the pre-quarter-fi nals fi rst set to take the lead, and in . emerge top of Pool G. First, they of the FIVB World Tour 4-Star the second their impenetrable There was also a great North took a 2-1 (22-20, 19-21, 15-11) Katara Cup at the Al Gharafa blocking overwhelmed the Bra- American battle in the Pool A. win over fellow Germans Sarah Beach Complex yesterday. zilians as Perusic and Schweiner After losing an extended fi rst Schneider and Leonie Kortzinger. Earlier in the day, the eighth- celebrated a 2-0 (23-21, 21-15) set, USA’s Kelly Claes and Sa- Then, they defeated Czechia’s seed Qatari pair, defeated Aus- victory. rah Sponcil managed to push Barbora Hermannova and Mar- tria’s Robin Seidl and Philipp “It always feels great to win their match with top-seeded keta Slukova by 2-1 (24-22, 16-21, Waller 2-0 (22-20, 21-15). against Brazil, especially when and Melissa Hu- 15-12). Qatar’s Denis Messelmani and both players are this good, and mana-Paredes of Canada to a Another German duo, 21st- Joao Gusson faced tough quali- especially when we were down tie-breaker, where they denied seeded Victoria Bieneck and Isabel fying round-one opponents and the whole fi rst set and we came two match points from the oppo- Schneider, came back from a set failed to make the main draw. The back. We were really strong, I Action from the match between Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan (in blue), and Mexico’s Jose nents. The reigning world cham- down to produce a 2-1 (17-21, 21-17, home team was pitted against the would say, but also a bit lucky. All Camargo and Josue Levya (in yellow) yesterday. pions, however, emerged with a 15-11) upset of fi fth-seeded Brazil- World No. 47 pair of Alexander teams in the main draw can beat hard-fought 2-1 (24-22, 18-21, ians Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Huber and Christoph Dressler each other. It will be very tough. how we would perform, because lor Crabb and Jacob Gibb of the eight, six Pool fi nals were decid- 16-14) victory and a spot in the Rebecca Cavalcanti Barbosa Silva in the opening encounter. While We will have to fi ght really hard our last tournament was in No- USA won Pool D, sixth-seeded ed in tie-breakers. pre-quarter-fi nals. for the fi rst place in Pool E. Messlemani and Gusson did put for each point. Let’s see what vember 2019, so we are very ex- Alexander Brouwer and Robert In an all American Pool B Brazil’s Barbara Seixas De Frei- Switzerland’s Tanja Huberli up a good fi ght, they could not the draw will bring us,” said Sch- cited that we started with two Meeuwsen of the Netherlands clash, Alix Klineman and April tas and Carolina Solberg Salgado and Nina Betschart, seeded resist against their experienced weiner. wins,” Perusic said. won Pool F and seventh-seeded Ross defeated Brooke Sweat and had to deal with two Russian fourth, topped Pool D, and their rivals and went down 0-2 (11-21, “During the long break we Second-seeded Julius Thole Paolo Nicolai and Daniele Lupo Kerri Walsh Jennings in a hard- teams in Pool H. In the morning, sixth-seeded compatriots Joana 10-21). focused a lot on practising, of and Clemens Wickler of Ger- of Italy won Pool G, each on the fought three-set encounter. The they delivered a 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) Heidrich and Anouk Verge- Czech pair of Ondrej Perusic course. Then we fi xed some mi- many remained unbeaten in the two straight-set victories. second seed pair of Alix and April shutout of Ksenia Dabizha and Depre fi nished fi rst in Pool F, and David Schweiner fi nished the nor injuries. But we were not sure Pool B. The fourth-seeded Tay- In the women’s section, out of lived up to their status to win 2-1 Daria Rudykh. In the afternoon, both without dropping a set.