Infantino sole candidate for FIFA presidency in June vote PAGE 18 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019

FIFA women’s referee course for France World Cup under way in PAGE 18 ALKASS INTERNATIONAL CUP REAL VS SUWONG SAMSUNG Aspetar and Al Annabi celebrate their ‘perfect partnership’

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK was that our players are always DOHA ASIA CUP 2019 CHAMPIONS: THE TOAST OF A NATION ready to play. I am very happy to share the trophy here today ASPETAR, on Tuesday, cele- with all the people that worked brated the ground-breaking suc- with the team. cess of the national team’s “We are now looking for- Asian Football Confederation ward for the next challenge in (AFC) Asian Cup 2019 victory June at the Copa America. We with the players and coach. know it is going to be a big chal- Aspetar’s medical staff has lenge, but we will keep working been an integral part of Al An- hard to make the people of Qa- nabi’s historic achievement, tar proud of their team.” providing more than 56 days Meanwhile, Qatar star de- of non-stop support to players, fender, , from pre-tournament prepara- said, “As you may have noticed tions to bringing back the most during the competition, play- prestigious trophy ever in the er injury rates were very low football history of Qatar. compared to overall average Aspetar’s family, led by Dr. rates of other team. Aspetar Abdulaziz al Kuwari, Aspetar team focused heavily on main- Acting Chief Executive Officer, taining our fitness levels, and welcomed Qatar’s Head Coach the credit of this goes to every- Felix Sanchez and star defender one who contributed to this by Abdelkarim Hassan, who joined working together as one team.” the celebration of the hard work The medical team, headed of Aspetar’s professionals, who by Dr Ian McGuinness, com- have supported Qatar national prised five physiotherapists team’s performance throughout and two massage therapists, their successful journey. including a physiotherapist In his welcome remarks, stationed in Qatar to provide Dr. Kuwari, said, “We are re- support to injured players. ceiving messages of congratu- Dr. McGuinness, said, “We lations from all over the world were happy, and we celebrated for such a great achievement, the success of the team and the which would not have been country, but our focus was and realised without the collabo- remains making sure that the ration of all our stakehold- injured players are ok. ers. Since its establishment in “Preparation is a constant 2007, Aspetar, the orthopaedic process, and we started the and sports medicine hospital, training camp on the 7th of De- has been supporting Qatar’s cember for this tournament. By national sports teams whenev- the time Qatar reached the fi- er they participate in regional nal, we had spent 56 days work- or international events by pro- ing continuously. The players viding them with world-class had one or two days to rest, but all-inclusive medical services.” the medical staff worked every From medical screening to The Qatar national football team, with coach Felix Sanchez, and the Aspetar family led by Dr. Abdulaziz al Kuwari, Aspetar Acting Chief Executive Officer, Khalid al Mawlawi, Aspetar day because there were always illness and injury prevention, CEO, and Dr Ian McGuinness of the medical team cut a cake to mark the Asian Cup 2019 triumph on Tuesday. challenges to overcome with in- performance improvement, jured players,” he added. rehabilitation and research, The first national team phy- Aspetar’s ongoing collabora- sician went on to state that Qa- tion with the Qatar Football tar had 23 players in the squad Association has been a perfect QSL rejoice Qatar National team’s great triumph and only had one injured player example of how national sports during the tournament. organisations can collaborate TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Dr. McGuinness added, together to ‘assist athletes to DOHA “Our role will remain to serve achieve their maximum per- the players and ultimately as- formance and full potential’, THE Qatar Stars League (QSL) sist the coach. 22 out of 23 a mission statement that As- organised a ceremony at its players were available for all petar set itself at its inception. headquarters at Al Bidda Tower the games. We had four physi- Throughout the 2019 AFC on Tuesday to mark the coun- otherapists with us and two Asian Cup, Al Annabi’s perfor- try’s triumph in the Asian Cup, in massage therapists, who each mance was remarkably consist- the presence of QSL President had a slightly different role ent thanks to the constant sup- HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa within the team while working port of Aspetar’s medical team. bin Ahmed al Thani and CEO together to achieve one goal: Commenting on Aspetar’s Hani Taleb Ballan. making sure the players are role in support of the national The others present on the able to maximise their perfor- team’s breakthrough, Qatar’s occasion included Abdulla Ali mance. That’s the job.” Head Coach Felix Sanchez, al Hammadi, Executive Director Aspetar provides an excep- said, “We are here in Aspetar of Operations at QSL, Hassan tional environment for medical celebrating our achievement Rabiah al Kuwari, Executive professionals to improve their at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. It Director of Marketing, Sales and knowledge and expertise. All of is a big achievement for us. Communication at QSL, and Aspetar’s staff are self-driven to “Of course, the main con- Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Acting learn constantly. By supporting tributors to this success are the Executive Director of Competi- which includes the QSL, an im- work, and it was important tion of hard work, dedication, well as officials and staff, other national football teams, players, but the contribution tions and Football Development. portant part of the professional to sustain the momentum if integrity and harmony between especially that of the QSL and Aspetar is further cementing its of Aspire was also a key factor. Sheikh Hamad congratulat- football system in Qatar. Qatar football was to win more all sections of the system, and various stakeholders. This leading role as one of the FFIA We have a great medical staff ed all attendees, stressing that He pointed out that the international laurels. that everyone should be proud achievement should be a great Medical Centres of Excellence from Aspetar who prepared our the achievement belonged to Asian Cup success came as a Sheikh Hamad said, “Win- of what has been achieved, motivation for all employees of around the world by providing players to overcome steep odds. the entire Qatar football family result of great efforts and hard ning the Cup is the culmina- be it players or coaches as the organisation.” world-class treatment and in- The most important element jury prevention for athletes. Equestrian excellence, family entertainment on offer at CHI Al Shaqab

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Australia’s Edwina Tops-Al- DOHA exander, Britain’s Scott Brash Qatar National Vision & Sport and Turkey’s Omer Karaevli. CHI Al Shaqab 2019 AN exhilarating mix of eques- CHI stands for Concours trian excellence and fun-filled Hippique International or supports Qatar’s National family entertainment will wow “Equestrian International Com- Vision 2030 and plays a spectators at CHI Al Shaqab petition” and is Al Shaqab’s sig- key role in promoting 2019. The signature event of nature event with ExxonMobil Qatar’s development in the Al Shaqab, member of Qatar as the main sponsor and is one area of equestrian sports. Foundation, CHI Al Shaqab of two world-class back-to-back 2019 will take place at the competitions to be staged. It will Omar al Mannai, Al Shaqab world-class equestrian centre be preceded by the opening leg Commercial Manager in Doha from March 7 to 9. of the Longines Global Cham- & CHI Al Shaqab 2019 First held in 2013, CHI Al pions Tour (LGCT) 2019 series Shaqab is the only equestrian from Feb 28 to Mar 2. Event Director competition of its kind in the Between the end of the Middle East and Asia region to LGCT competition and the tor, said, “CHI Al Shaqab 2019 pions Tour 2019 competitions be sanctioned by the Interna- start of CHI Al Shaqab 2019, supports Qatar’s National Vi- – will showcase Al Shaqab’s tional Equestrian Federation, the multipurpose venue will sion 2030 and plays a key role standing as a center of excel- and features showjumping, remain open to the public, with in promoting Qatar’s develop- lence and provide a memorable dressage and para dressage. an exciting festival area offer- ment in the area of equestrian experience for everyone.” The event regularly at- ing entertainment activities for sports. It is also a testament to Tickets for CHI Al Shaqab tracts the best athletes and adults and children alike. Qatar’s ability in organising 2019 and the Longines Global horses from around the world Omar al Mannai, Al Shaqab major global sports events. Champions Tour 2019, in- Stage being set for the CHI Al Shaqab 2019 edition and the opening leg of the Longines Global Champions to Qatar, including Qatar’s Commercial Manager & CHI “Both – CHI Al Shaqab 2019 cluding VIP tables, are avail- Tour (LGCT) 2019 to be held between Feb 28 and March 7 – a tribute to Qatar’s rich equestrian tradition. Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al Thani, Al Shaqab 2019 Event Direc- and the Longines Global Cham- able on www.alshaqab.com Sports Thursday, February 7, 2019 17 Former Qatar Total Open champion Halep to begin partnership with new coach in Doha

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to represent Romania in their DOHA Fed Cup tie against the de- fending champions this com- FORMER World No.1 and ing weekend. From there, she 2014 Qatar Total Open cham- is entered to play in Doha. pion Simona Halep of Romania Halep and Karolina Plisk- has hired Belgian Thierry Van ova of the Czech Republic Cleemput as her new coach (winner of the Falcon Trophy Kvitova describes and the two will formally be- in 2016 and who will also be gin their partnership in Doha seen in action in Doha) head- knife attack in court at the 17th edition of the Qatar line the official team nomina- championships, which begins tions for the 2019 Fed Cup by PRAGUE: Czech tennis player Petra Kvitova has described a on February 11. BNP Paribas World Group and knife attack in court on Tuesday more than two years after being The reigning Roland Gar- World Group II first round ties assaulted in her home. “I have screamed, there was blood eve- ros champion, Halep, split with Coach Thierry Van Cleemput of taking place on February 9-10. rywhere,” the 28-year-old was quoted by the Czech agency CTK. her former coach Darren Ca- Belgium has ended his agree- In total, 53 nations will be Kvitova appeared by video link from a room beside the court in hill during the off-season, with ment with David Goffin. competing in Fed Cup events Brno so as not to face her alleged attacker in person. Cahill citing the need to spend next week with 242 players The Wimbledon champion from 2011 and 2014 described wait- more time with his family in tralian Open – and had also Former Qatar Total Open champion Simona Halep of Romania during selected to represent their ing for a doping control when the accused, claiming to be plumb- Australia as the basis for the been seen in her training ses- the Australian Open in Melbourne last month. nation – including several er, obtained entry to her house in Prostejov in December 2016. mutual and amicable decision. sions that week. players ranked in the WTA Kvitova said she was asked to run the hot water in the bathroom The Halep-Cleemput pair Van Cleemput’s long- flying solo through the spring the season, Halep earned two Top 20. when “suddenly I had a knife to my throat from behind.” has been spotted working to- standing coaching agree- hardcourt season and, by her tough wins over Kaia Kanepi, Nine of the world’s top 20 Kvitova suffered injuries to her left hand in the subsequent tus- gether last month at the Aus- ment with his compatriot and own admission, played far Sofia Kenin, and Venus Wil- players, besides others, will sle. The 33-year-old defendant denies the charges, saying he tralian Open. The 50-year-old World No.22 David Goffin better than she might have ex- liams, before pushing Serena now be vying for top honours was working at a construction site when the incident occurred If Belgian had been spotted near had come to an end during pected at the Australian Open. Williams to three tough sets in at the Qatar Total Open 2019 convicted he faces up to 12 years in prison. to the Halep’s player box dur- that tournament. With a shortened pre- the Round of 16. in Doha following the with- Kvitova reached the final of the Australian Open last month, los- ing her fourth-round loss to Halep began her 2019 season, no coach, and just one Halep is currently headed drawal of Naomi Osaka due to ing to Japan’s Naomi Osako, in the highlight so far of her come- Serena Williams at the Aus- campaign with the intention of match before the first Slam of to Ostrava, Czech Republic, a back injury. back from the injury. (DPA)

ALKASS INTERNATIONAL CUP 2019 Rangers down 10-man Raja; Roma thump PSG

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK many minutes. DOHA Bamba crossed for Edoar- do Bove on 11 minutes and GLASGOW Rangers ran out his neat side-footed shot gave Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez returns to the pit easy 3-0 winners against Raja Mouqet no chance. Just a min- lane during the first day of the 2019 MotoGP pre-season testing at Casablanca while Paris Saint- ute later the French keeper was the Sepang International Circuit in Sepang on Wednesday. (AFP) Germain fell 5-2 to Italian gi- picking the ball out of the net ants AS Roma in the late game. again after Tommaso Milanese Raja had come into the produced a powerful drive after Adrenaline-fuelled game off the back of a narrow being set up by the influential victory over , Bove. thanks in no small part to their Roma’s dominant start con- Qatari opponents being re- tinued when Bove made it 3-0 Marquez fastest duced to nine men. from close range after Nicola After a strong start, Rang- Zalewski’s flick on and the lat- ers went ahead on 15 minutes. ter almost made it four just sec- in Sepang Moto Cole McKinnon set off on a onds later. driving run into opposition PSG, the most successful territory before laying off to team in the history of the tour- GP test Nathan Coombes, who beat nament with three wins, were his man down the left before certainly on the backfoot but AFP Marquez displaced Alex Rins cutting back from the byline. Isaac Karamoko pulled one SEPANG, MALAYSIA to second spot after the Suzu- McKinnon pounced, turning back when Roma keeper Pietro ki rider led the test during the sharply and firing a rising drive Boer’s save fell to the French MOTOGP world champion early part of the day. into the roof of the net. striker who sent a left-foot vol- Marc Marquez, feeling rejuve- Rins logged 0.259 seconds Coombes went close to dou- ley into the net. nated after shoulder surgery, slower while Yamaha’s Mav- bling the advantage five min- Roma had a chance to re- drew first blood on Wednes- erick Vinales, who stormed to utes later, seizing on a low free store their three-goal advantage day by being the fastest on the a sensational victory at Phil- kick to spin and drill a low shot four minutes before the break first day of the pre-season test lip Island in October, posted that Yassine Zoubir struggled when being awarded a penalty in Malaysia. the third fastest time at 1 min to hold. The Rangers winger but Matteo Cancellieri tried to In scorching temperatures 59.937sec. was terrorising the Casablanca be too clever and his chipped Marquez, Spain’s champion in MotoGP race riders from backline and, on 22 minutes, he effort from the spot came back waiting, powered his Honda Honda, Ducati, Yamaha forced an ill-timed lunge from off the woodwork. to log the quickest time of and Suzuki are at Malaysia’s right back Yahya Laamech on Roma were awarded anoth- 1min 59.621sec. Sepang circuit. the edge of the box. Austral- er penalty on 51 minutes when “I have another spirit and Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo is ian referee Reibelt reached Cancellieri’s shot hit the hand it is kind of an adrenaline in the only 2019 race rider ab- straight for her pocket, show- of Gaylord Kitenge and Milan- my body and this is impor- sent, due to his recent wrist ing Laamech his second yellow Glasgow Rangers stars celebrate scoring against Raja Casablanca during their Alkass International Cup ese made no mistake from the tant,” he told reporters with a injury but is hoping to make of the game, which was imme- match at the Aspire Academy on Wednesday. spot as the Italians went 4-1 smile. the tests in Qatar between diately – and inevitably – fol- ahead. Amazingly Roma were The 25-year-old reigning February 23 and 25. lowed by a red. the poorer side, Casablanca’s Zoubir. Roman conquerors are far awarded a third penalty of five time champion who un- The triple world cham- Things soon got worse for passionate fans - packed into Ciaran Dixon then set off too good for the reigning the night on 57 minutes when derwent a four-hour shoulder pion will ride for Honda this the Moroccans, when Kai Ken- the Aspire Zone stands - con- on a powerful surge down champions Bove was clipped in the box operation in December, com- season alongside compatriot nedy latched onto a pass from tinued belting out their non- the right, unleashing a strong Reigning champions PSG and, after analyzing the VAR pleted 29 laps. Marquez after switching from the right, jinking effortlessly stop repertoire of terrace songs, shot that Zoubir did brilliantly were crushed by a superb dis- TV screen, the referee pointed Marquez also said he was Ducati. past two defenders before bury- giving all they had to inspire the to keep out, but the Rangers play from Italian side Roma, to the spot and Zalewski coolly not going to push himself too Ducati’s Tito Rabat was ing the ball low to the keeper’s boys in green. midfielder was first to the re- leaving the Parisians with just slotted home. hard in Sepang to avoid any fourth, followed by Danilo left. But it was the boys in blue bound, cutting back for Matt one point from their opening PSG’s star striker and skip- setback in his recovery. Petrucci also on a Ducati. Reduced to ten men, they who were undoubtedly in the Yates to apply the simplest of two games. per Kenny Nagera scored a con- It is the first time the Span- Italian Valentino Rossi suddenly found it difficult to get ascendancy, and they tightened finishes. Denied by a last-minute solation five minutes from time iard has ridden a MotoGP bike on a Yamaha finished sixth, out of their own half. However, their grip on the game in the Seconds later, Reibelt goal from last year’s runners- when heading home after Dan- since the early December sur- clocking 2min 00.054sec. just before the interval, they al- second period. pointed to the spot after Dixon up Kashiwa Reysol two days iel Labila’s effort was parried by gery and he focused on its en- Rossi will celebrate his most reduced the deficit when Ross McCausland cut in went to ground under a chal- earlier, PSG were never in the Mouquet. gine performance. birthday on February 16, Elhoussine Rahimi was set free from the left, but his low shot lenge from Abdellah Azrour, match as the Italians started Nagera, along with An- Marquez admitted he ex- when the nine-time world down the right by a defence- rolled just wide of the far post. only for VAR to make its now like an express train. fane Ahamada and Herve perienced pain during left champion turns 40. splitting cross-field pass. The And, with 10 minutes remain- customary intervention. The Roma were the first to Malebe, were in last year’s turns and braking, forcing The official first pre-sea- tall winger did the difficult part ing, the pacey attacker once referee amended her deci- threaten in the third minute successful side but on the him to change his riding style. son test runs from Wednesday by rounding Budinauckas, but again broke free inside the area sion and awarded a free kick but Louis Mouqet comfortably evidence of this display Roma But signalling his determi- to Friday at the Sepang circuit. was then unable to direct the and should have made it three, instead, although replays sug- saved Mory Bamba’s effort. The have every chance of becom- nation to remain competitive The season starts in Qatar ball home from a wide angle. but his weak shot from 12 yards gested there had been little or Romans then took control of ing the first Italian side to lift in the opening race in March, on March 10. Despite being very much out did not unduly trouble no contact. the game with two goals in as the trophy.

Pacers blowout Lakers; Clippers rally past Hornets Tour de France winner Thomas in mix as

AFP cated the Lakers had offered as LOS ANGELES many as six players in a bid to Hagen wins Tour of Valencia time-trial land New Orleans Pelicans star LEBRON James joined a se- Anthony Davis by the Thurs- AFP 10.2-kilometre run through the “Now I’ll take it day by day, lect group of NBA players to day transfer deadline. ORIHUELA, SPAIN town of Orihuela, past the sur- I’ll fight as much as possible to score 32,000 career points but The Los Angeles Clippers rounding, sun-kissed orange keep the lead.” nevertheless endured the most rallied in Charlotte, where for- NORWAY’S Edvald Boasson groves and up a short, sharp Thomas, wearing his Brit- lopsided defeat of his career ward Tobias Harris drained Hagen outshone world cham- final climb to a seminary in ish champion red, white and Tuesday as the Indiana Pacers a floater in the lane with 4.3 pion Alejandro Valverde and 12min 54sec. blue shirt, suffered up the last routed the Los Angeles Lakers seconds remaining to give the Tour de France winner Ger- Astana’s Spanish rider Ion climb but managed a handy 136-94. Clippers a 117-115 victory over aint Thomas to win the open- Izagirre was 5sec behind in 13min 15sec to finish 11th and Bojan Bogdanovic scored the Hornets. ing time-trial of the Tour of second with Germany’s for- give himself a chance of overall 24 points for the Pacers, who Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the LA Clippers battles for a loose ball The Clippers had trailed Valencia on Wednesday. mer time-trial world champion victory. tied a franchise record with against Cody Zeller of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at 88-68 in the third quarter but A swathe of elite cyclists Tony Martin third at 6sec. Dutchman Niki Terpstra, 19 three-pointers. James led Spectrum Center on Tuesday. (AFP) rallied behind 34 points from have chosen this five-day race, “It was really nice to fi- freshly signed for French outfit the Lakers with 18 points, Harris and 31 from Lou Wil- won by Valverde last year, as nally win again, I was nervous Direct Energie and winner of nine rebounds and seven as- driving dunk from the four- kind of trust his body,” Walton liams. part of their early-season bid to with (Alejandro) Valverde and the Tour of Flanders last sea- sists. On a night of few Lakers time NBA MVP. said. “Bottom line, we have to All-Star point guard Kem- get back to top form. Geraint (Thomas) and I was son, finished outside the top ten highlights, head coach Luke “It was good to see LeBron be better,” he added. ba Walker led Charlotte with Boasson Hagen of Di- watching them come up the last after setting a fast pace in the Walton was pleased to see a take off and go dunk one and Reports this week indi- 32 points and nine assists. mension Data completed the climb,” said Boasson Hagen. plains. 18 Thursday, February 7, 2019 Sports FIFA REFEREES BACK TO CLASS Marseille earn 1st home win in three months at empty Velodrome The hosts were punished for crowd trouble during the leage loss to Lille

AFP Teenager Kamara’s first MARSEILLE league goal of his career came three minutes before the break. MARSEILLE won for the first Valere Germain deflected time at home since November Bouna Sarr’s corner across as they beat Bordeaux 1-0 be- goal and Kamara was free to hind closed doors in Ligue 1 on head in an easy finish at the Tuesday. back post with the players’ cel- The fixture was played at ebrations echoing around the an empty Stade Velodrome as empty Velodrome. the hosts were punished by the In the second half, Jimmy French football league (LFP) Briand went close for Bor- for crowd trouble during the deaux on 56 minutes with a Women referees and assistants take part in a FIFA training course in Doha towards preparations for the Women’s World Cup in France. January defeat to Lille. powerful half-volley which The home side’s Europa Steve Mandanda guided away League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt in September was also played in an empty Velo- Women’s referee course drome due to supporter be- haviour. Coach Rudi Garcia was absent from the touchline af- Balotteli & co ter he was suspended for two matches by the LFP for his miss game under way in Doha behaviour towards the referee after the Lille clash. Garcia was without six of his Garcia was without six of first-choice players including Women referees in Doha preparing for the Women’s World Cup in France this summer his first-choice players includ- transfer window signing Mario ing transfer window signing Balotelli and had to rely on FIFA.COM nar, in fact I’d go so far as to pia. “Being here together gives The countdown has begun Mario Balotelli and had to rely Boubacar Kamara’s goal for a DOHA call it a super-seminar”, says “Communication with the us so many opportunities and with the big event just a few on Boubacar Kamara’s goal for first home win since beating Kari Seitz, FIFA’s Senior assistants is a very impor- it is a totally different form of months away, starting on 7 a first home win since beating Dijon on November 11. A whistle blows. The referee Manager of Refereeing. tant aspect, as at the end of preparation,” explains Mayte June. Dijon on November 11. points to the penalty spot af- “It is giving women refer- the day, we have to work as Chavez, an assistant referee “It’s important that the Bordeaux played with 10 ter a player in a simulated ees the opportunity to work from Mexico. referees understand that they men for more than an hour from danger with their most situation in a training match on their fine-tuning and as How much the referees ap- will have a great responsibility of play as Samuel Kalu was promising opportunity of the fouls another. On the touch- such is the ideal preparation “It’s important that the ref- preciate the seminar can been when they are out on the pitch shown a red card for a reckless match. line, another group of refer- for the World Cup in France.” erees understand that they seen in how they make the at the tournament,” said Mas- tackle on Lucas Ocampos. Germain wasted a chance ees is warming up, while in The course in Doha in- will have a great responsi- most of every minute. Match simo Busacca, FIFA’s Director The Nigerian dived in with to double the lead with a quar- the adjacent room, a trio is cludes not only training ses- situations are discussed and of Refereeing. both feet and caught Ocampos ter of an hour of play remain- getting direct feedback about sions on the pitch with VAR bility when they are out on evaluated, but despite the fact “After all, certain situa- on his shin with a badly-timed ing as his glancing header flew their current training session and others featuring direct the pitch at the tourna- that they are on a tight time- tions can tip a game one way tackle. past Costil’s post following via video analysis. feedback for the assistant ref- ment,” said Massimo line, the participants never or the other.” The whistle goes The clearest opportunity in Nemanja Radonjic’s low cross There is certainly a lot erees, theory lessons as well Busacca, FIFA’s Director of lose their good humour, and again, and the next referee the opening half-hour for Mar- from the right. going on at the FIFA Wom- as medical and fitness checks, Refereeing. their unbridled passion for the and her assistants go out onto seille came as Hiroki Sakai’s Marseille climb to sev- en’s World Cup preparation but also a full tournament sport can be seen in their eyes. the pitch while the previous header was tipped over the bar enth place in the table ahead course for women referees, with U-17 teams from around “We live and breathe foot- group of three head off to ana- by Benoit Costil. of travelling to Dijon on Fri- being held in Doha until 15 the world, which the referees a group of three out on the ball,” says Swiss referee Esther lyse their match situations in Sakai was making his first day, and Bordeaux stay in 12th February. The 27 referees are officiating in match condi- pitch.” Staubli, “and we soak up every the video room and get feed- Marseille appearance since re- before heading to champions and 48 assistant referees tions. The seminar in Doha rep- piece of information there is back from the instructors. turning as a runner-up in the Paris Saint-Germain on Sat- who have been nominated for “We are always looking resents a milestone, since it about the various topics such France is not far away, Asian Cup. urday. France 2019 are getting ready to develop further and pro- is women referees and assis- as fouls and free-kicks, as it is and the participants at the for the tournament in Qatar. gress,” says Lidya Tafesse tants taking part and engag- all there to help us prepare for seminar in Doha have some “It’s a very intensive semi- Abebe, a referee from Ethio- ing in lively exchanges. the World Cup in France.” long days still ahead of them. FIFA chief Infantino sole candidate for election

days after American and Swiss The FIFA election is scheduled to be prosecutors revealed sweep- ing investigations of corrup- held in Paris on June 5 tion in soccer in May 2015. Blatter was later banned by AP Infantino, who was also the FIFA ethics committee for ROME awarded a medal by Russian financial irregularities along President Vladimir Putin on with Michel Platini, Infanti- AS the only candidate for Wednesday, must now pass no’s former boss at UEFA. election, FIFA President Gi- the formality of eligibility and The main event of Infan- anni Infantino is set to serve integrity checks for the elec- tino’s first full mandate is the Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara celebrates with Lucas Ocampos (left) four more years as the leader tion on June 5 in Paris. 2022 World Cup in Qatar. and Duje Caleta Car (right) after scoring a goal during their French L1 of soccer’s governing body. The 48-year-old Swiss FIFA is still studying if match in Marseille on Tuesday. (AFP) Infantino had the required lawyer has been widely ex- that tournament — being nomination letters from five pected to win unopposed with played for the first time in of the 211 member federations support already pledged by November and December — when the deadline passed at most FIFA members, includ- could also be expanded to 48 midnight Tuesday in Zurich, ing through their continen- A file photo of FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the FIFA teams. It would require Qatar Second-tier Heidenheim FIFA said Wednesday. tal governing bodies such as Executive Football Summit in Marrakech, , recently. (AFP) agreeing to share hosting du- “Good news for football,” North America’s CONCACAF ties with regional neighbors oust Leverkusen, Hamburg Infantino said after arriving and South America’s CON- oversaw expanding the World it. because the gas-rich emirate at a hotel in Rome, where MEBOL. Cup to 48 teams in 2026, and He is completing the does not have stadiums and also win in German cup his former employer UEFA is Since being elected in picking the United States, term of Sepp Blatter, who an- infrastructure to cope with holding two days of meetings. February 2016, Infantino Canada and Mexico to co-host nounced his resignation plan the extra games and teams. DPA place, reached the last eight for BERLIN the second time. The second-division leaders BAYER Leverkusen crashed Hamburg prevailed over harm- ASIAN CUP WINNER KHALED JOINS QATAR SC out of the German Cup in the less Nuremberg from a low shot ruled out for third round on Tuesday, 2-1 at in the 54th by newly signed Heidenheim, and the second teenager Berkay Ozcan. division also had a winner in the The day’s other games are four weeks after other early game when SV Ham- Bundesliga leaders v Werder burg ousted Nuremberg 1-0. Bremen and a second-tier duel Leverkusen, who impres- between Duisburg and Pader- muscle injury sively won 3-1 against champi- born. The other four games are ons Bayern Munich in the Bun- Wednesday, including Hertha desliga on Saturday, led from Berlin v Munich. Julian Brandt’s left-angle shot Dortmund were to field in the 44th. third-choice goalkeeper Eric But Heidenheim levelled Oelschlegel, at Bremen’s re- shortly after the restart from a serves until last summer, be- good solo effort by Nikola Dove- cause Roman Buerki and back- dan. Maurice Multhaup hit the up Marvin Hitz are ill, just as underside of the bar in the 52nd forward Jadon Sancho. before netting the winner 20 The quarter-finals are minutes later. April 2 and 3, the quarter- Heidenheim, playing a finals April 23 and 24 and the good second-tier season in sixth Berlin final on May 25.

Xavi Hernandez of Al Sadd during a QNB Stars League match recently.

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK training. DOHA The first team is currently preparing for the resumption AL Sadd Captain Xavi Hernan- of the QNB Stars League, which dez has been ruled out of action will see the Wolves play Al-Khor after sustaining an injury while in their Round 16 game on Feb- training with the team earlier ruary 16 at the Jassim bin Ham- this week. ad Stadium. Xavi underwent a medical Meanwhile, Al Sadd’s Qa- examination which revealed tari international players re- the extent of the muscle injury joined the team for training on in his right foot. He is now ex- Wednesday, after the end of , Qatar Sports Club’s new player with Ali Rashed al Ateeq, Vice president of the pected to take up to four weeks their rest which followed their club, during his official presentation in Doha on Wednesday. The former Al youth player was of treatment and recovery be- Asian Cup triumph with the part of Qatar’s winning squad to the Asian Cup 2019. Heidenheim players celebrate after the German DFB Cup third round fore rejoining the squad for Qatar national team. match in Heidenheim, Germany, on Tuesday. (EPA) Sports Thursday, February 7, 2019 19 FIRST INDIA VS NEW ZEALAND T20I AT WELLINGTON Starc and World No. 2 Koepka Hazlewood sees better Grand doubtful for India tour Slam odds with IANS PGA in May MELBOURNE

LEFT-ARM quick Mitchell AFP Starc is a doubtful starter for NEW YORK Australia’s brief limited overs tour of India, starting Febru- WORLD number two Brooks ary 24 in Bengaluru, with the Koepka likes the PGA Cham- paceman down with a soft tis- pionship moving from August sue injury. to May, saying four major tour- With Cricket Australia naments in as many months (CA) expected to name the brings a better chance at a touring party for the two- Grand Slam. match T20I and five-match “If I can get on a nice run, ODI series against India on you can rattle off all the ma- Thursday, Starc is likely to be jors, which would be nice,” Brooks Koepka of the US sidelined after the quick suf- Koepka said Tuesday. fered a soft tissue injury in The PGA of America last year at Bellerive when he his upper body, according to brought the 28-year-old Ameri- denied a late charge by 14-time News Corp reports and quoted can, a three-time major cham- major winner Tiger Woods by cricket.com.au. pion, to Bethpage Black ahead that had spectators at a fever Starc’s absence will hit of the 101st PGA Championship, pitch. Australia’s preparations for with Koepka defend his crown “Now that Tiger is back, the upcoming ICC World Cup at the suburban New York pub- obviously that’s going to bring in England and Wales. lic course on May 16-19. a different atmosphere, a dif- Australia’s problems were “I’m super excited,” Koep- ferent sense,” Koepka said. compounded with Starc’s fel- ka said. “New York fans are a “Any time you’re seen like low pacer Josh Hazlewood lot of fun, and any time you can that in a great sporting town also expected to miss the tour play in front of them and you’re with Tiger Woods on his al- as he recovers from a back in- doing well, that’s an added bo- most march to history to come jury picked up in the Test se- nus. I know the golf course and back and win, I’ve never seen ries against India. I’m excited to play it.” anything like that on the golf New Zealand’s Tim Seifert plays a shot during his power-packed half-century in the first Twenty20 cricket against India in Wellington on The event shifts from Au- course. It was probably the Wednesday. (AFP) gust for the first time, moving coolest experience I’ve had as a to second in the calendar order golfer with fans.” Tvesa leads Hero of major tournaments from While he will be defending last. It follows the Masters on a totally different course, Women’s Pro in April and precedes the US Koepka is counting on good Seifert sparks Kiwis Tour third leg Open in June and British Open memories to boost his chanc- in July. es at another major back-to- IANS Koepka, who won his sec- back feat, which hasn’t been AHMEDABAD ond consecutive US Open title managed at the PGA Cham- last year at nearby Shinnecock, pionship since Woods won in to huge victory GOLFER Tvesa Malik moved likes the move. 2006 at Medinah and 2007 at into a familiar pole position at “It’s definitely a lot dif- Southern Hills. the end of the opening day of ferent, but I think it’s a good “It’s a little different when the third leg of the Hero wom- change,” Koepka said. “I like you step foot on the grounds Visitors suffer their worst T20I loss after sizzling Seifert hammers 84 ens Pro Tour at the Kensville the fact that everything is so and you’re defending,” Koep- golf and country club here on congested, or feels that way, ka said. “All those memories AFP SCOREBOARD Wednesday. from the Players (Champion- from the year before kind of WELLINGTON Rohit blames Tvesa played steady golf ship) in March to basically come back in, and I think it’s NEW ZEALAND: S. Dhawan b Ferguson 29 with three birdies and three when the Open is done. important when you go to INDIA crashed to their worst T. Seifert b Ahmed 84 V. Shankar c de Grandhomme b Santner 27 poor batting for bogeys for an even Par 72 in “You’ve seen guys get hot show up and really give a good ever Twenty20 defeat as an ag- C. Munro c Shankar b K. Pandya 34 R. Pant b Santner 4 the Rs 8 lakh event. and they go for four months defense of your title. K. Williamson c H. Pandya b Chahal 34 MS Dhoni c Ferguson b Southee 39 big defeat gressive 84 by Tim Seifert set D. Mitchell c Karthik b H. Pandya 8 K. Karthik c Southee b Sodhi 5 Her effort gave her a handy where they just play some in- “You always try to come New Zealand up for an 80-run R. Taylor c Ahmed b Kumar 23 H. Pandya c Mitchell b Sodhi 4 three-shot lead ahead of Gau- credible golf and hopefully I back and make sure you’re win in Wellington on Wednes- C. de Grandhomme c sub (Siraj) b H. Pandya 3 K. Pandya c Seifert b Southee 20 IANS rika Bishnoi, who carded 75 af- can set myself up to do that.” in a good spot to defend your day. M. Santner not out 7 B. Kumar c Seifert b Ferguson 1 WELLINGTON ter two bogeys in the last three Koepka recalled the elec- title, and that’s what I’m hop- S. Kuggeleijn not out 20 Y. Chahal b Mitchell 1 “It was one of those com- Extras: (lb 1, wd 5) 6 K. Ahmed 1 holes. tric final-round atmosphere ing to do.” plete performances that you Total: (for 6 wickets; 20 overs) 219 Extras: (lb 3, wd 3, nb 1) 7 AFTER his side was ham- do search for,” beamed New Fall of wickets: 1-86 (Munro), 2-134 (Seifert), 3-164 Total: (all out; 19.2 overs) 139 mered by 80 runs in the first Zealand skipper Kane Wil- (Mitchell), 4-164 (Williamson), 5-189 (de Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Sharma), 2-51 (Dhawan), 3-64 T20I of the three-match rub- Grandhomme), 6-191 (Taylor) (Pant), 4-65 (Shankar), 5-72 (Karthik), 6-77 (H. liamson, happy to see his side Bowling: Kumar 4-0-47-1 (2w), Ahmed 4-0-48-1, K. Pandya), 7-129 (K. Pandya), 8-132 (Kumar), 9-136 ber against New Zealand, a bounce back from the drub- Pandya 4-0-37-1, H. Pandya 4-0-51-2 (3w), Chahal (Dhoni), 10-139 (Chahal) disappointed stand-in India Koora Time returns on Feb 12 bing inflicted by India in the 4-0-35-1. Bowling: Southee 4-0-17-3, Kuggeleijn 2-0-34-0, skipper Rohit Sharma felt recent one-day international Ferguson 4-0-22-2, Santner 4-0-24-2, Mitchell 2.2-0- the lack of partnerships hurt TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK I am really looking forward to non-competitive environment. INDIA: 13-1 (1nb), Sodhi 3-0-26-2 (3w). series. R. Sharma c Ferguson b Southee 1 Toss: India his side’s chances during the DOHA welcoming Qatar’s residents to Two football pitches, including The explosive 86-run run chase. this outstanding sporting spec- one dedicated to children aged opening partnership off 50 After an impressive THE Qatar Football Associa- tacle.” 12 and under, will feature sev- deliveries by Seifert and Colin set in front of us we can do it. deliveries by Scott Kuggeleijn. show in the recently-con- tion (QFA) and Qatar Shell of- “Koora Time promotes an eral tournaments, in addition Munro laid the foundations He added: “We were confi- Faced with batting at 11 an cluded ODI series against fer plenty of fun-filled family active lifestyle among Qatar’s to six other football-related for New Zealand’s third high- dent of getting that target. It’s over, India faltered from the the Kiwis, the Men in Blue activities as part of the award- young people through par- games. These include Robo est T20 total of 219-6. a small ground. We just need- start when Sharma went for failed to click both with winning Koora Time pro- ticipation in football and nu- Goalkeeper, which requires India were all out in reply ed that one big partnership one. the bat and the ball on gramme at Katara during the tritional education, creating participants to try and score for 139 with four balls remain- which we failed to do.” Shikhar Dhawan blazed a Wednesday as they were National Sport Day on February a healthier population for the against a robotic goalkeeper ing, in only the eighth time Seifert, whose previous quick 29 until he was bowled bundled out for 139 runs, 12. Last year, over 7,000 people future,” said Andrew Faulkner, defending the goal in a seesaw they have failed to bat through best innings in eight T20 in- by Lockie Ferguson and his thanks to an all-round ef- flocked to the sporting spectacu- Managing Director and Chair- motion. Other activities in- a 20-over innings. ternationals was an unbeaten dismissal ignited a collapse of fort by the hosts. lar and, this time round, organ- man of Qatar Shell Companies. clude Chip Shot, where up to Their previous worst de- 14 on debut, gave New Zea- five wickets for 26 runs in 33 Rohit said: “It was isers are confident of surpassing “It’s great to showcase the pro- four participants divided into feat was by 49 runs to Austral- land a flying start alongside deliveries. a tough game. We were this record with the support of gramme that contributes to two teams must chip a ball into ia at Bridgetown in 2010. Munro, who fell for 34 off 20. MS Dhoni and Krunal Pan- outplayed in all three de- the local community. Qatar National Vision 2030 to one of several football-sized India captain Rohit Shar- Seifert had a life on 71 when dya arrested the slide with a partments. We didn’t start “We are immensely proud a larger audience during the holes. ma could not hide his disap- dropped on the boundary by 52-run partnership before the well and we knew that of our Koora Time initiative National Sport Day activities at Families will also have the pointment, having elected to Dinesh Karthik and added a last three wickets fell for 10 200 wasn’t going to be an which, over the past seven Katara.” opportunity to participate in bowl when he won the toss further 13 runs before he was runs. easy chase although the years, has transformed the fit- The Koora Time ‘event’ will fitness classes that will run because chasing a target is his bowled by Khaleel Ahmed. His Tim Southee, who was grounds are small here.” ness and nutrition habits of an be held from 8am to 6pm on throughout the day, promoting side’s strong suit. 43-ball innings included seven dropped for the last three Rohit however, was entire generation of children in February 12 at Katara, and par- a healthy lifestyle for them. “We have chased targets fours and six sixes. ODIs against India, marked hopeful that they would Qatar,” said Khalid Mubarak al ticipants are encouraged to get Children can take souve- of 200 (plus) before and that’s Williamson added 34 to his return to the side with be able to rectify their Kuwari, Director of Commu- there early to make the most of nirs back home in the form probably the reason we played the New Zealand cause and three for 17 off his four overs. mistakes in the remaining nication and Marketing, QFA. a day devoted to the celebra- of photos as part of the Dive with eight batsmen. there were enterprising cam- The second T20 in the matches as his side was ca- “For the National Sport Day tion of sport. and Save activity, where par- “As a team we have always eos late in the innings from three-match series is in Auck- pable of hunting down big 2019, the Koora Time event A variety of football and fit- ticipants are photographed as chased down targets and we Ross Taylor with 23 off 14 and land on Friday. India won the targets. will take community participa- ness activities for all age groups a keeper making an amazing believe that whatever target is an unbeaten 20 from seven preceding ODI series 4-1. tion to a whole new level, and will be conducted in a fun and last-ditch save. Indian women go SOP’s Paralympic Day a big success down to Kiwis

IANS Mandhana proved to be the WELLINGTON game-changer, as India col- lapsed from 102/1 to 136 all A disciplined performance out after that. The middle or- with the ball and on field pres- der offered no resistance, and sure helped New Zealand out- when captain Harmanpreet smart India by 23 runs in the Kaur was stumped trying to opening Twenty20 Interna- charge down the ground, In- tional match here on Wednes- dia’s hopes disappeared. day. Earlier, New Zealand’s to- Although Smriti Mandha- tal had been set up by Sophie na struck the fastest Twenty20 Devine. After the hosts were International half-century, put in to bat, Devine led the getting to the mark in 24 de- charge in partnerships of 36 liveries, a steady New Zealand with debutant Caitlin Gurrey Action shots of the Paralympic Day held as a part of the School Olym- fought back to claim victory. (15) and 69 with Amy Satter- pic Program at the Qatar Sports Club in Doha on Wednesday. When Mandhana and thwaite (33 off 27 balls). Jemimah Rodrigues added For India, Deepti Shar- abilities, their parents and guarantees spots to the overall TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 58 runs in the Powerplay, In- ma, Arundhati Reddy, Radha “The day also aims at tee (QOC) and the organising their schools to take part in winner and two best Qatari dia seemed well on course to Yadav and Poonam Yadav DOHA committee of the SOP. the SOP and enhance their finishers spots in the Commer- chase down the target of 160. scalped one wicket each. encouraging children with Ali al Hitmi, Secretary Gen- sporting talents,” he added. cial Bank Qatar Masters – will But Kiwi pacer Lea Ta- With this victory, the hosts THE Paralympic Day was held disabilities, their parents eral of the Qatar School Sport take place at the Doha Gold huhu (3/20), spinners Leigh have taken a 1-0 lead in the under the School Olympic and their schools to take Association, said “The Para- Qatar Open amateur Club from February 14 to 16. Kasperek (2/25) and Amelia three-match series. Program (SOP) at the Qatar part in the SOP and lympic Day for the physically golf from February 14 The annual event brings Kerr (2/28) turned around Sports Club on Wednesday. enhance their sporting tal- challenged students is one of The Qatar Golf Association together amateur golfers from the match with the fielders Brief scores: A large number of chil- ents,” Ali al Hitmi added. the top priorities for the SOP (QGA) announced on Tuesday all over the world and poses, at holding on to the chances they New Zealand: 159/4 dren with special needs, organising committee to aid that it has completed all the the same time, a big challenge were offered. As a result, the (Sophie Devine 62; Deepti representing difference or- the integration of people with arrangements required to hold for the local players, who are hosts pulled off a stunning vic- Sharma 1/19) against India: ganisations and institutes, careful guidance of assis- special needs into the society.” the 33rd Qatar Open Amateur aspiring to play in one of the tory. 136/10 (Smriti Mandhana 58; had gathered and competed tants posted by joints hosts “The day also aims at en- Golf Championship 2019. demanding European Tour Hannah Rowe’s catch off Lea Tahuhu 3/20) in various events under the the Qatar Olympic Commit- couraging children with dis- The three-day event, which events on the desert swing.