Mayweather dominates Japanese kickboxing star in exhibition fight PAGE 19 TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

India’s Mandhana crowned ICC’s women’s cricketer of the year PAGE 18 TENNIS QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN

2019 Qatar ExxonMobil Open Verdasco makes a breezy start, Rublev gets rolling Berdych wins RESULTS & ORDER OF PLAY SINGLES (1ST ROUND) Karen Khachanov (RUS) & Stan wawrinka (SUI) 7-5, on return; Big 8-Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Paulo Lorenzi (ITA) 6-3, 6-3. 6-4 stars to hit the 7-Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) bt Matteo Berrettini (ITA) TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY 6-1, 6-4 First round (prefix denotes seeding) 5-Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Albert Ramos-Vinolas Centre Court 3:30 Pm: courts in singles (ESP) 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 (6) David Goffin vs (Q) Ricardas Berankis Tomas Berdych (CZE) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) Followed By: (3) Karen Khachanov vs Stan Wawrinka today 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) (1) Novak Djokovic vs Damir Dzumhur Nicolas Jarry (CHI) bt Robin Haase (NED) 6-7 (7-9), Pierre-Hugues Herbert vs (2) Dominic Thiem 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) Court 1 3:30PM VINAY NAYUDU Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt Andreas Seppi (ITA) 7-5, 6-1 Guido Pella vs (WC) Cem Ilkel DOHA Maximilian Marterer (GER) bt Peter Gojowczyk (GER) Followed By: (WC) Mubarak Shannan Zayid vs (Q) 6-1, 6-4 Guillermo Garcia-Lopez Marton Fucsovics vs Marius Copil EIGHTH-SEEDED Fer- DOUBLES Court 2 3:30PM nando Verdasco made a Damir Dzumhur (BIH) & Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt 1-Mate Sergiy Stakhovsky vs (4) Marco Cecchinato whirlwind start to his $1.4m Pavic (CRO) & Oliver Marach (AUT) 6-4, 1-6, 10-7 Followed By: Dusan Lajovic vs Adrian Mannarino Guido Pella (ARG) & Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Marco Cecchinato and Andreas Seppi vs Santiago Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2-Jamie Murray (GBR) & Bruno Soares (BRA) 6-3, 6-4 Gonzalez and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi 2019 campaign register- 3-Alexander Peya (AUT) & Nikola Mektic (CRO) bt Court 3: 3:30 PM ing a straight sets win over Marius Copil & Horia Tecau (ROU) 6-4, 7-6 (4) 1st Rd: Robin Haase and Matwe Middelkoop vs (4) Italian Paulo Lorenzi at the Marco Djokovic & Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Mubarak Dominic Inglot and Franko Skugor Shannan Zayid (QAT) & Cem Ilkel (TUR) 6-3, 3-6, 10-6 Followed By: Maximo Gonzalez and Nicolas Jarry vs Khalifa International Tennis David Goffin (BEL) & Pierre-Hughes Herbert (FRA) bt Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Fernando Verdasco. & Squash Complex on Mon- day. The Spaniard, who is a his country having picked with two tie-breakers. The Doha resident, displayed two ATP Tour titles in 2018 23-year-old Jarry eventually good form as he unleashed besides a career-high rank- prevailed 6-7 (7-9), 6-4, 7-6 nine aces, winning six ing. (7-4). games in a row to subdue The Georgian, however, The action will get more his unseeded opponent. The had a challenging start hav- thrilling on Tuesday when 35-year-old will next meet Fernando Verdasco of Spain returns the ball to Paolo Lorenzi of Italy during the ATP Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha on Monday. ing dropped a set before the big guns get into the German Maximilian Mar- overcoming Spaniard Albert action. World No. 1 No- terer, who prevailed over his Ramos-Vinolas 6-1, 1-6, 6-1. vak Djokovic, second seed fancied opponent and com- Chilean Nicolas Jarry Among the other seeds Dominic Thiem, sixth seed patriot Peter Gojowczyk fought past Dutch man to move up was 7th placed david Goffin and three-time 6-1, 6-4. Robin Haase after being Roberto Bautista Agut of Grand Slam champion Stan- Also making a good taken the distance with Spain, who dismissed Ital- islas Wawrinka will be play- start to the tournament was ian Matteo Berrettini in ing their first rounds, but 21-year-old Russian and fi- two tie-breakers. The straight sets. expect some tough challenge nalist at last year’s Qatar 23-year-old Jarry eventu- Wild card entrant Tomas being thrown at them. ExxonMobil Open Andrey ally prevailed 6-7 (7-9), Berdych of Czech Republic Swiss, Wawrinka will Rublev. The 6’1” tall Rublev, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). served notice of his pres- surely face a big test against who was the last to qualify ence with a straight sets but Karen Khachanov. The for the tournament follow- a grinding win over German 22-year-old and world num- ing a withdrawal, showed and will now meet fifth- Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, ber 11 Russian is seen as both intent and intensity in seed Nikoloz Basilashvili of 7-6 (7-5). the ‘next big thing’ having overcoming Italian Andreas Georgia. In one of the absorbing ended Djokovic’s 22-match Sippi 7-5, 6-1. As tall as Rublev but contests of the day, Chilean streak in November and de- World-ranked 68, Rublev ranked much higher at No. Nicolas Jarry fought past feated three top 10 players had lost to Frenchman Gael 21, the 26-year-old Basilas- Dutch man Robin Haase af- on way to capturing the ATP Monfils in the final last year hvili is seen as the pride of Fans turn out to watch top players at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Monday. ter being taken the distance Masters 1000 Paris title. Novak Djokovic & bro end Qatar lose to Iran in friendly 2018 with doubles win VINAY NAYUDU it was a great learning curve for DOHA me. I really appreciate the pro- cess and I am very grateful that YEAR-ENDS and new years I have been through that.” can be delightful and strange at The 14-time Grand Slam times, given the situation one is champion will swing into the in. For World No.1 Novak Djok- singles action on Tuesday when ovic it was an end of a mixed yet he plays Bosnian Damir Dzum- memorable 2018 on the tennis hur in the opening round. court on Monday as he won the opening round of Qatar Exxon- Wawrinka ready for Mobil Open teaming with his singles after doubles loss younger brother Marko. While, Novak Djokovic got The Serbian duo prevailed lucky in the doubles, it wasn’t over Qatar’s Mubarak Shannan the case for three-time Grand Zayid and Cem Ilkel of Turkey Slam singles champion Stan- 6-3, 3-6, 10-6. islas Wawrinka of Switzerland. “I’m glad to end up 2018 Wawrinka and his Russian with a win with my brother. partner Karen Khachanov were That was a very special mo- beaten by David Goffin (BEL) ment. We’ve played four or five and Pierre-Hughes Herbert tournaments together in dou- (FRA) 7-5, 6-3. bles and we had never won a Interestingly, the Swiss- match! So today was a day we man, who’s back in Qatar after will remember together,” said a decade, will be playing the a smiling Novak addressing world number 11 Khachanov in the media at the Khalifa In- the singles. ternational Tennis & Squash “For sure it’s an interesting Complex. draw. We played against each Having endured a tough other last year. He’s a great start to 2018, Novak came back player. He played really well stronger winning two Grand Novak and Marko Djokovic during their doubles match against Qatar’s at the end of the year. He is in Slams before returning to Qatar Mubarak Shannan Zayid and Cem Ilkel of Turkey in the Qatar Exxon- top form. He played already a as world number one. Mobil Open on Monday. few matches in Abu Dhabi so Looking ahead, he said, it will be interesting. He is a “Just starting the new year with can really go with my career.” in February and it obviously good friend. We play doubles a good intention, good energy, Reflecting on the year gone required more time for me to together. Tomorrow we play trying to be present, be happy by, he further said, “There was get back on a desired level and against each other. It will be a with everything that I have that always a part of me that kind of I thought I was ready. tough match to start the year. is happening to me. believed that I can make that “But I wasn’t. I was ready in For me, most important is to be “You know, I’m obviously breakthrough and say if you terms of pain. I didn’t have pain fit, to be ready. I’m happy with very blessed to play the tennis. want to call it a comeback very so I could play. But in terms of a what I’m doing on the practice Qatar lost to Iran 1-2 in their last friendly match ahead of the AFC Asian Cup. The Maroons have had a I love this sport. And I keep on quickly and I think because of level of tennis, it took me sever- court, so I know that the year is series of friendlies as they prepare to take on Asia’s best in the UAE. Mehdi Taremi and Sadar Azmon striving in a way to accomplish that mindset I probably was a al months to get on that level on long and I look forward for it,” scored for the Iranians while Hassan al Haydos grabbed the hosts’ only goal. great things and see how far I bit impatient after my surgery which I am on right now. Yeah, said Wawrinka. 18 Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Sports ExxonMobil Qatar, QTF celebrate Qatar ExxonMobil Open launch

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Nasser al Khelaifi, Presi- they are here for the business DOHA dent of the Qatar Tennis Fed- of tennis but at the same time, eration, and Alistair Routledge, we believe that all work and no EXXONMOBIL Qatar and President and General Man- play, as they say, makes Jack a the Qatar Tennis Federation ager for ExxonMobil Qatar, dull boy, hence the essence of (QTF) hosted a gala dinner welcomed the evening’s guests. an evening of relaxation, fun to celebrate the launch of the “It is an honour to welcome and enjoyment. I wish every- Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019, guests to the tournament’s one a wonderful night as they which started on Monday and gala dinner that celebrates the enjoy the great hospitality of will conclude on January 5, launch of the Qatar ExxonMo- Qatar,” said Khelaifi. 2019. The event was attended bil Open 2019,” said Routledge. ExxonMobil Qatar is com- by Qatari officials, key busi- “This event marks the start mitted to supporting Qatar’s ness and community leaders of another exciting tourna- journey towards achieving sus- and several tennis stars com- ment and one more great year tainable development by help- peting in this year’s tourna- of partnership with the Qatar ing fulfil the goals of the Na- ment, including Novak Djok- Tennis Federation. The success tional Vision 2030. Through a ovic, Dominic Thiem, Stan of our tournament is made pos- variety of partnerships with lo- Wawrinka and David Goffin. sible through the hard work of cal organisations, ExxonMobil Each year, the gala features our combined teams of diverse Qatar invests in programs that a variety of unique activities and driven individuals who are focus on educational and pro- and performances by world- united by a common passion fessional development to build renowned entertainers. This for sport, and an enthusiasm the capacity of Qatar’s future year’s programme included a for Qatar and everything it leaders and workforce. thrilling dance performance stands for in terms of excel- QTF President Nasser al Khelaifi, ExxonMobil Qatar President & General Manager Alistair Routledge and other officials with players Novak Tickets for the six-day by the Gauchos, a funny act by lence, ambition and accom- Djokovic, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka and David Goffin at the gala dinner to launch the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019 in Doha. event are available to the public Marc Métral and his talking dog plishment. online at www.qatartennis.org, Wendy, and a spectacular mag- “It is always a pleasure to world to experience Qatar’s and events – I hope everyone us,” Routledge added. welcome our tennis stars to as well as at various locations ic show by Imad the Magician. host guests from all over the hospitality, world-class venues has a fantastic few days with “It gives me great joy to Doha once again. I know that across Doha. Mandhana gets ICC City Exchange bag women’s cricketer QCA T20 Div A title CBQ down Tusker Club BRIEF SCORES DIVISION A FINAL in Premier Div thriller; CITY EXCHANGE BEAT SELEX BY FIVE WICKETS Selex: 96 all out in 16 overs (Shahid 14 in 12 balls; Nazim 3/10, Bukhari 2/18, Feroz Youngsters Nishad 2/20) of the year award City Exchange: 98 for five in 15.3 overs (Jackson 31 in 40 balls; Salim 2/27) triumph Man of the match: Nazim (City Exchange) PREMIER DIVISION TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK CBQ BEAT TUSKER CLUB BY 10 RUNS Bates, Harmanpreet named captains of ICC ODI & T20 teams CBQ: 185 for six in 20 overs (Dharmang Patel 48 in 27 balls, Qamar 24 in 24 balls; DOHA Mudasir 2/23 Bipin 2/24) AFP Tusker Club: 175 for seven in 20 overs (Shaqir 33 in 26 balls, Akash 39 not out in NEW DELHI 26 balls, Sanu 29 in 21 balls; Gayan 3/29, Zaheer 2/31) CITY Exchange claimed the QCA Twenty20 Man of the match: Qamar (CBQ) Cricket Tournament as they recorded a domi- INDIA’S Smriti Mandhana nant five-wicket triumph against Selex in the FEROZ YOUNGSTERS BEAT WARRIORS CLUB BY 49 RUNS was crowned women’s crick- Division A final. Feroz Youngsters: 168 for six in 20 overs (Inam-Ul-Haq 40 in 35 balls, Noman 36 not out in 19 balls, Tanveer 27 in 20 balls; Taimoor 2/20, Imraz 2/28) eter of the year on Monday The Qatar Cricket Association, under the Warriors Club: 119 all out in 19.1 overs (Taimoor 26 in 16 balls, Adnan 26 in 24 by the sport’s world govern- presidency of Yousef Jeham al Kuwari, is host- balls, Asad 22 in 23 balls; Nadeem 4/12, Tanveer 3/28) ing body, capping off a pro- ing the event to provide competitive atmos- Man of the match: Tanveer (Feroz Youngsters) lific run-scoring season for the phere to prepare the national team for future opener. challenges. The left-handed batswom- Man of the final Nazim’s three wicket in two an was also named ODI cricket- overs for just 10 runs sent Selex, asked to bat Man of the final Nazim’s three wicket in er of the year for accumulating first, crashing to 96 all out in 16 overs. Bukhari two overs for just 10 runs sent Selex, 669 runs off 12 one-day inter- (two for 18) and Nishad (two for 20) also main- asked to bat first, crashing to 96 all out nationals. She scored 622 runs tained pressure on the rivals throughout the in- in 16 overs. Bukhari (two for 18) and in 25 T20 matches this year. nings. Nishad (two for 20) also maintained Mandhana, 22, is only Jackson hit a six and a boundary to in his pressure on the rivals throughout the the second Indian woman to 31 off 40 balls to anchor City Exchange to the innings win an International Crick- victory. Salim picked two wickets for 27 but the et Council award after fast winners raced home in 15.3 overs. bowler Jhulan Goswami was A superb team effort set up a thrilling 10- Shaqir added 33 in 26 balls and Sanu contrib- named the women’s player of run victory for Commercial Bank Qatar against uted 29 with fou r boundaries in 21 balls. the year in 2007. Tusker Club in a Premier Division match. However, their efforts were spoilt by Gayan “The awards are pretty In another match of the same division, (three for 29) and Zaheer, who grabbed five special because as a player Feroz Youngsters scripted an easy 49-run tri- wickets between them. Man of the match Qamar when you score runs, you In this file picture, Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana plays a shot during the third cricket match of the umph against Warriors Club, riding Tanveer’s also picked a wicket and his all-round perfor- want the team to win, and women’s Twenty20 (T20) Tri-Series against England in Mumbai. She was crowned women’s cricketer of the fine all-round display. mance contained 24 runs and two catches. then when you get acknowl- year by the ICC on Monday. (AFP) Batting first, CBQ put up a healthy 185 for Feroz Youngsters, after making a big 168 edged for your performances six, little realising the rivals would up offer a for six, skittled Warriors Club out for just 119 through these awards, it moti- beat arch-rivals England in the ers Rankings for ODI Batters. ing two each from England stiff chase. Dharmang Patel was the mainstay of in 19.1 overs as Nadeem struck four blows and vates you to work harder and final. England’s teenage spinner Harmanpreet has been (Tammy Beaumont and So- the batting, along with Qamar. Patel smashed Tanveer snapped three wickets. do well for your team,” Mand- Sophie Ecclestone was named rewarded for spearheading phie Ecclestone), India (Sm- 48 off 27 balls with two sixes and two fours. Tanveer, who earlier made 27, was ad- hana was quoted as saying in emerging player of the year. her side to the semi-finals of riti Mandhana and Poonam Qamar’s run-a-ball 24 had two boundaries. judged the man of the match. Inam-Ul-Haq and the ICC release. the ICC Women’s World T20 Yadav), New Zealand (Suzie Mudasir and Bipin shared four wickets. Noman played well to place their team in strong “The century I scored in Bates, Harmanpreet 2018 in the Caribbean in No- Bates and Sophie Devine) and Tusker Club’s spirited chase was led by position. Haq cracked a six and three fours in South Africa (in Kimberley) named skippers vember. South Africa (Dane van Akash, who cracked an unbeaten 39. His 26- 40 off 36 balls and Noman hammered three was quite satisfying and then I The ICC also announced In that tournament, Har- Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp), ball knock included two sixes and three fours. sixes and a boundary in 19-ball 36. had good home series against the women’s ODI and Twen- manpreet scored 183 runs at and one player each from Aus- Australia and England. A lot of ty20 International teams of the a strike-rate of 160.5, while in tralia (Alyssa Healy), Pakistan people used to say I do not score year with New Zealands Suzie the 25 matches in the calendar (Sana Mir) and Deandra Dot- that much in India, so I had a Bates named as captain of the year, she accumulated 663 runs tin (the Windies). point to prove to myself.” 50-over side and Harmanpreet at a strike-rate of 126.2. She is The T20I side boasts play- ICC Chief Executive Da- Kaur of India appointed cap- ranked third in the MRF Tyres ers from five countries, includ- vid Richardson congratulated tain of the shortest format. ICC Women’s Player Rankings ing four players from the ICC Mandhana, saying she was Bates’ appointment as the for T20I Batters. Women’s World T20 2018 “a worthy winner” of the Ra- ODI captain is a recognition of The Indian batswoman was champions Australia (Alyssa chael Heyhoe Flint Award, her contribution in inspiring delighted to be appointed T20 Healy, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh named after the legendary her side to second position in captain, and said: “To be hon- Gardner and Megan Schutt), English player. the ICC Women’s Champion- est, it was really surprising for three players from losing final- Australia’s wicketkeeper- ship after three rounds, accord- me. The last two years we did ists India (Smriti Mandhana, batter Alyssa Healy was voted ing to an ICC’s statement. not get enough T20I matches Harmanpreet Kaur and Poon- T20 player of the year after In the seven ODIs this cal- to play and it was really tough am Yadav), two players from playing an important part in endar year, Bates has scored for me to build that confidence New Zealand (Suzie Bates and her team’s World T20 triumph 438 runs with two centuries in the team.” Leigh Kasperek) and one play- in the West Indies. and a half-century. Bates is The 11-member women’s er each from Bangladesh (Ru- She finished with 225 runs presently ranked seventh in the ODI side comprises players mana Ahmed) and England QCA T20 Tournament Division A winners City Exchange and runners-up Selex with QCA officials after the from six matches as Australia MRF Tyres ICC Women’s Play- from seven countries, includ- (Natalie Sciver). prize distribution in Doha.

POLICE ON TOP IN QVA LEAGUE AFTER FIRST PHASE Aussie cricket QSAA CHIEF HONOURED selection at its lowest: Ganguly IANS NEW DELHI

FORMER India skipper Sourav Ganguly rated the current Australian selection process as the “lowest ever,” while responding to ex-cap- tain Steve Waugh’s predicted playing XI for the fourth and Police, the last year’s runners-up, wrapped up final Test, starting on Thurs- the first phase of the QVA League, finishing on day at the Sydney Cricket the top with a straight-set 25-16, 25-22, 25-16 Ground. victory over Al Wakrah in Doha on Monday. This “Australian cricket selec- was the ninth win in a row for Police. In another tion at its lowest ever .. greats match, Qatar Sports Club beat Al Gharafa Club have to put teams in their Ins- 20-25, 29-27, 25-17, 25-21 for their fourth tagram posts to give direction victory. Police, who lead the standings with 26 ....,” Ganguly tweeted with a points, are followed by Al Rayyan (24), Al Arabi picture of Waugh’s selected XI Qatar Shooting and Archery Association President Ali Mohammed al (22) and Al Wakrah (16). Al Ahli are fifth with for the Sydney Test. Kuwari was presented a souvenir by Al Daayen Youth Centre’s Fawad four wins and five losses. QSC and Al Gharafa Earlier, Waugh had picked al Mudahka for promoting shooting and archery during the summer are placed sixth and seventh. In the eighth spot his side for the fourth Test ex- activities. The QSAA had organised shooting and archery training are Al Shamal (6), while Al Khor (5) are ninth cluding the off-colour opener camp earlier this year and a large number of young shooters and and Al Sadd have lost all the nine matches. Aaron Finch. archers took part. Sports Tuesday, January 1, 2019 19

No ambition to ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE become FIFA boss: Grindel DPA BERLIN

GERMAN football supremo Reinhard Grindel has no am- bitions to run for the presi- dency of the ruling body FIFA against Gianni Infantino. “That is out of the ques- tion, because I have my duties in the DFB [German football federation],” Grindel told the latest edition of the Sport Bild weekly, made available ahead of Wednesday’s publication. “I also don’t speak many languages which you probably should as FIFA president. And I don’t have enough interna- tional experience.” Infantino so far appears to have no can- didate running against him when he seeks re-election on June 5 at the FIFA Congress in Paris. Grindel, a member of the FIFA council and that of Eu- rope’s body UEFA, left it open whether the DFB would give Infantino their vote. UEFA is at odds with In- fantino, mainly over his plans around a 25-billion-dollar of- fer from yet to be named in- vestors around an expanded Club World Cup and a global Nations League, and report- edly also around the sale of major FIFA rights. “We must make it clear that there is a unified posi- tion among the UEFA mem- bers around the issues that are currently discussed,” Grindel said.

Koulibaly gets Maradona lift after racist row Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Maguire in action with Cardiff City’s Harry Arter during their Premier League match at King Power Stadium in Leicester City on Saturday. (REUTERS) AFP BUENOS AIRES

DIEGO Maradona has given his backing to Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly after the Top-of-the-table showdown Senegalese international was subjected to racist abuse by In- ter Milan supporters last week. Argentina great Marado- na, who won the Serie A title rings in new year fixtures with Napoli in 1987 and 1990, posted a picture of himself on social media holding up Kouli- baly’s No.26 shirt with a mes- A win against City on Thursday would make the Reds huge favourites for their first league title in 29 years sage of support for the player, who was targeted with monkey DPA/AFP fight and give it to them, and best football game we can play the season with two different ers.” “When you win and score £8,000 after he admitted an FA chants by Inter fans during LONDON we should be able to pull every- - 100 per cent.” City boss Pep knee injuries but sat out the lots of goals you want to play as improper conduct charge and Napoli’s 1-0 defeat at the San thing out of the locker for that Guardiola could be without one Southampton game with an soon as possible and I hope we accepted the standard penalty,” Siro on Wednesday. A titanic top-of-the-table clash game.” Both sides warmed up of his stars in midfielder Kevin undisclosed problem. perform on Wednesday against English football’s governing “I played for Napoli for helps ring in the new year for with victories at the weekend, De Bruyne. “Not a big issue - something Newcastle as we have today.” body announced said in a state- seven years and I also suffered the Premier League. with Liverpool thrashing Ar- The Belgian recently re- muscular - but it’s normal after Everton host Leicester, Fulham ment. from racist chants from some Champions Manchester senal 5-1 to open a nine-point turned after missing most of three or four months injured,” are at Arsenal and Tottenham The FA had announced on fans,” said Maradona, who is City welcome the side looking lead. Guardiola said. visit Cardiff on New Year’s Day Thursday that the Spaniard had coach of Mexican second divi- to take their crown when league City then cut into that with Fixtures “I cannot answer if he will to open the mid-week action. been charged over the incident sion outfit Dorados and adored leaders Liverpool visit the Eti- a 3-1 win at Southampton that be available for Thursday. We Then on Wednesday, Wat- -- which took place at full-time by Napoli fans. had Stadium on Thursday. ended a two-match losing run. Everton 15 : 30 Leicester City will see.” Manchester United ford visit Bournemouth, Chel- of the Gunners’ 1-1 draw on the The 58-year-old, currently The unbeaten Reds are Though his team looks to Arsenal 18 : 00 Fulham meanwhile look to continue sea face Southampton, Bright- south coast -- although Emery on holiday in Buenos Aires seven points clear of City, who have a comfortable advantage, Cardiff City 20: 30 Tottenham their rejuvenation with a trip to on are at West Ham, Wolves himself had initially hoped his as the Mexican league is on a sat top for most of the season Liverpool manager Juergen Newcastle. host Crystal Palace and Burnley apologising to the home sup- break, said he feels “even more before a recent slide knocked Klopp isn’t paying attention to Wed 02/01/19 The Red Devils have won visit Huddersfield. porter would have been enough Neapolitan today and that he them off their perch. the numbers. three straight games under to see him escape punishment. wants “to be close to” Koulibaly. A win would make the Reds “When we went to City last Bournemouth 22 : 45 Watford caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Emery fined £8,000 “I hope so, yes,” the former “I hope this incident signals a huge favourites for their first year, do you think I had the ta- Chelsea 22 : 45 outhampton Solskjaer and their attack has for kicking water bottle to- Paris Saint-Germain boss had turning point to eliminate, once league title in 29 years and ble in the dressing room and Huddersfield22 : 45 Burnley awaken with 12 goals during wards fans said when asked whether his and for all, racism from foot- City are ready to pull out all the said, ‘We are fourth, they are West Ham 22 : 45 Brighton the run after scoring 29 in their Arsenal manager Unai Em- apology should be the end of ball.” stops. “We want to win,” City first?’” he asked after the Arse- Wolves 22 : 45 Palace first 17 games. “We are in a ery was fined £8,000 ($10,000) the matter. Maradona’s gesture of soli- captain Vincent Kompany told nal game. good moment and everyone is on Monday for kicking a water “But I have to respect the darity comes after thousands Sky Sports. “It is one of those “It’s just not important, we Newcastle23 : 00 Man United playing very well,” midfielder bottle into the crowd during decision because it is a circum- of Napoli fans wore Koulibaly key games you live for. wanted to win the game. Ander Herrera told the BBC. his side’s Boxing Day draw at stance of my action but not an- masks in support of the 27-year- “Every living soul that “We go to City not with Thu 03/01/19 “Our attacking players are Brighton after admitting to a other intention from me with old during their side’s 3-2 win comes into the stadium on whatever-point distance, we Man City 23 : 00 Liverpool enjoying it and they are making football Association charge. the supporter. I say to them my over Bologna on Saturday. Thursday has to be ready to only go there to try to play the it easier for the rest of the play- “Unai Emery has been fined apology.”

Nasri joins West Ham on return Mayweather floors Japan’s Nasukawa in just two minutes from doping ban AFP of jabs and hooks to the head he aimed a kick at Mayweather. undefeated. I’m still undefeat- TOKYO of the 20-year-old Japanese There were no judges, with ed. This is just entertainment fighter, sending him to the can- for the people,” he added. AFP FLOYD “Money” Mayweather vas after just one minute with a - $9m for 9 minutes -The LONDON beat Japanese kickboxing phe- left hook. Windfall purse for the event was not nomenon Tenshin Nasukawa Sensing his opponent disclosed but “Money” hinted FORMER French international by a technical knockout Mon- was struggling, Mayweather O Mayweather has hinted on Instagram that he would be midfielder Samir Nasri returned day after just two minutes of stepped in for the kill, unleash- on social media he was making $1 million per minute. to football on Monday following a New Year’s Eve “exhibition” ing a flurry of punches that left pocketing $9 million for the “What if I told you I was a doping ban by joining English bout that brought the US box- Nasukawa reeling again within fight, meaning he earned making $9,000,000 for nine Premier League side West Ham. ing superstar out of retirement just two minutes of the bout around $4.5 million per minutes of sparring in Tokyo, Nasri will reunite with West for a big pay day. and facing his second standing minute for the spectacle. Japan,” he wrote on his official Ham manager Manuel Pel- In a mismatched contest, count after a huge right hook page. “Would you do the same legrini, with whom he won one Mayweather floored Nasu- to the head. With the Japanese O “I’m still retired. I don’t if you were me? I like to call it of his two Premier League titles kawa, a kickboxer less than half fighter clearly battling to stay look forward to coming a nine-minute walk thru,” the at Manchester City, after join- his age, three times in the first on his feet, the trainer rushed back to boxing but I did this post added. ing the Hammers on an initial round of the three-round con- in and stopped the fight with just to entertain the fans in Mayweather, a legend in contract until the end of the test before the Japanese fight- less than one minute of the first the boxing world, has a perfect 2018/19 season with an option er’s trainer rushed in to stop round remaining. Japan.” 50-0 record with 27 knockouts. to extend his stay. “Coming back the fight. “It was all about enter- He won world titles in five dif- to the most competitive league “Money” Mayweather tainment. We had fun,” May- ferent weight divisions and was in the world, with a team full of has hinted on social media he weather said in the ring after considered the best pound-for- ambition with a manager that I was pocketing $9 million for the event. only a knockout or technical pound boxer in the sport. know... I’m really excited about the fight, meaning he earned “I’m still retired. I don’t knockout considered a victory Virtually unknown outside it,” said Nasri. around $4.5 million per minute look forward to coming back in the bout, promoted as a pure the kickboxing ring in his own Nasri, 31, is free to play for the spectacle. to boxing but I did this just to exhibition match. country, Nasukawa from Chi- again from January 1 after be- The American boxer at first entertain the fans in Japan,” Crucially, the match did ba near Tokyo also boasts an ing suspended in February appeared not to be taking the added the 41-year-old. not feature on the record of ei- unbeaten record. He won the while playing for Turkish side fight seriously, grinning at his The rules were very strictly ther man, allowing them both world junior karate champi- Antalyaspor for taking a multi- opponent and aiming only soft defined: three, three minute to retain a cherished unbeaten onship, made his professional vitamin booster in contraven- punches at him. bouts and boxing only -- kick- record. “This won’t go on my kickboxing debut at the age of Floyd Mayweather knocks down Tenshin Nasukawa in the first round tion of World Anti-Doping But he then demonstrated boxer Nasukawa was report- record. This won’t go on Ten- 16 and has a 28-0 record with of their exhibition bout at Saitama Super Arena, in Tokyo, on Sunday. Agency (WADA) rules. his power, launching a series edly facing a $5 million fine if shin’s record. Tenshin is still 21 wins by knockout. (REUTERS) 20 Tuesday, January 1, 2019 The Last Word ‘Qatar makes big strides in health, accessibility technology’

realised that the expertise she used to describe software, portance of design in lifestyle Dr Dena has spent almost a decade conducting extensive had meticulously acquired equipment or a system that and healthcare,” she said. research on the interaction between humans and technology during her time abroad could allows people with disabilities Thani pointed out that be put to better use and would improved access to electronic this was a result of years of TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to information and technol- of London, the UK, for a post- help her country further if or digital technology. collaboration between re- DOHA ogy, it is Thani. graduate programme in com- passed on to others, especially Her commitment led to search entities at HBKU such She has spent almost a puter science. students. her being made the director as Qatar Computing Research QATAR’S plans for the future decade conducting extensive A year later, when she With that goal in mind, of a new postgraduate pro- Institute and Qatar Biomedi- have always centred around research on the interaction completed her Master of Sci- Thani joined HBKU as a fac- gramme at HBKU –Master cal Research Institute, QF the understanding that tech- between humans and tech- ence course, she was awarded ulty member in 2016. of Data Analytics in Health members including Qatar Ge- nology is created for people nology – also referred to as a distinction and, subsequent- “I never thought that one Management. nome Programme and Qatar and not the other way round, ‘human-computer interac- ly, a scholarship to join the day I would teach students “The course will teach Biobank, and key government said Dr Dena Ahmed S al tion’ or ‘HCI’ - in relation to university’s PhD programme, in my own country, and in a students to design technolo- stakeholders, including the Thani, assistant professor at health and accessibility. as well as a chance to conduct field that I am so passionate gy to give nurses, physicians Ministry of Public Health and the College of Science and Her research papers have research into something close about,” she said. “As a Qatari, and researchers the feedback the Ministry of Transport and Engineering at Hamad Bin also been published by Ox- to her heart – HCI, with a fo- Dr Dena Ahmed S al Thani. to be able to work at a Qatar they need to provide better Communications. Khalifa University (HBKU), ford University Press. cus on methods to enhance Foundation university is a medical care,” said Thani, According to her, Qatar a member of Qatar Founda- The first time she heard accessibility of information In the first few months af- dream come true.” who was one of the experts has made considerable head- tion (QF). of HCI was during her un- for the visually impaired. ter she returned to Qatar, she Aside from still being in- who talked about design in way in improving access to “For the same reason, dergraduate studies at Qatar “There was clearly a need helped Mada Assistive Tech- volved in Mada’s projects, she healthcare at the World In- technology. every stage of development in University – when, in her for expertise in the field of nology Centre – a non-profit recently chaired the scientific novation Summit for Health “Given the fact that in- this country includes meas- own words, she “fell in love improving accessibility to organisation committed to committee in the Gulf Region (WISH), an initiative of QF, depth studies on human- ures to improve access to in- with it.” digital and electronic in- connecting persons with dis- Education Assistive Technol- recently. computer interaction focus- formation for its population, The possibility of actually formation for those with abilities to the world of in- ogy conference organised in “Last November, WISH ing on assistive technology including those with disabili- being able to improve interac- disabilities in my country,” formation and communica- Doha by Mada. chose Design in Health as one and health have been around ties,” Dr Dena noted. tion between people, especial- Thani said. “So, while study- tion technology – implement Thani currently teaches of its research topics. That for barely 40 years,” she said, If anyone can comment on ly those with disabilities and ing in the UK, I was eager to various projects and organise interactive design at HBKU and the new course at HBKU “the work that Qatar is doing Qatar’s efforts to ensure that technology, inspired Thani apply what I had learned at conferences. and guides PhD students in are significant developments to ensure that everyone has its people, especially those so much that she decided to university back home. The Thani’s mission, though, their research in HCI and for me as they clearly show access to information is re- with disabilities, have access join Queen Mary University question was – how?” was far from complete. She assistive technology, a term that Qatar recognises the im- markable.”

Be cautious of scam calls, Schoolchildren relish edutainment Ooredoo warns customers experience at Aspire Winter Camp TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK taken. According to the Federal DOHA Communications Commission (FCC), personal data can also be TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK WITH rise in identity theft cases sold illegally. DOHA involving fraudsters imperson- Manar Khalifa al Murai- ating Ooredoo as their caller ID khi, director PR and corporate CHILDREN from across Qa- and targeting Qatar residents, communications at Ooredoo, tar are flocking to Aspire Ooredoo has reminded its cus- said: “We recognise fraudsters Zone during the school win- tomers to take adequate pre- are employing ever more so- ter break to enjoy a fun-filled cautions and stay well informed phisticated techniques in their programme at Aspire’s first as well as to ensure their data attempts to defraud our valued Winter Camp for kids, which is safety. customers, and we are taking scheduled to run until Thurs- The company reiterated that every precaution to help them day, January 3. it would never contact a custom- keep their data safe and secure.” The first week of the Winter er using third-party apps. One of the classic frauds cur- Camp saw children enjoying Avoiding any request to rently seen is that of prize win- several entertaining activities, share personal information ning: the fraudster contacts the including plantation sessions, over the phone is crucial, said potential victim informing them where children were taught Ooredoo, reminding customers he has a won a prize, and that in about the fascinating world Aspire Zone Foundation has tailored the Winter Camp activities in ac- that the market-leading telecom order to receive this prize he has of plants through a range of cordance with children’s preferences company will never call them to to provide anything from per- fun experiments. The sessions collect personal information or sonal information to the ICC-ID were held in cooperation with marks also took place at the old. The programmes for each payment details over the phone. (Integrated Circuit Card - ID) Friends of the Environment camp. age group are carefully tai- Other means of communica- found at the back of the SIM Centre. The children also paid As the Camp concludes in lored to the respective ages. tion will always be used, should card. Ooredoo has stressed that a visit to Baladna Farm. the coming days, children will The Winter Camp was vis- payment details be absolutely in almost all cases, no prize ex- More recreational activi- visit the Angry Birds World ited by Thailand’s Royal Prin- necessary. ists and the scam is purely to ties took place where children theme park. cess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol Scammers are taking ad- obtain personal information for had the opportunity to cycle in Aspire Zone Foundation during her tour at Aspire Zone vantage of the modern-day de- dishonest purposes. Aspire Park’s cool weather and (AZF) has tailored the Winter Foundation earlier last week. pendence on mobile phones, Ooredoo has urged custom- learn taekwondo techniques. Camp activities in accordance The Camp is sponsored by so a frequent scam is stealing ers who are concerned about Basketball, aerobics, gymnas- with children’s preferences. Angry Birds World, Baladna, personal information via phone potential fraudulent activity to tics, face-painting and colour- Age categories are divided into Cage Sport, Friends of the operations with which credit report any such suspicions via ing, as well as excursions to three groups per gender - from Environment Centre and 7th cards can then be created and the 111 call centre or via email to some of Doha’s famous land- 6 to 8, 9 to 11 and 12 to 14 years Heaven Arts Centre. used or personal bank loans [email protected]. Mahaseel festival offers a colourful treat for the eyes

AILYN AGONIA DOHA

A VARIETY of locally-grown fresh produce, mainly vegeta- bles, different kinds of flowers and ornamental plants, several activities for children and new attractions welcomed shop- pers at the opening of the third edition of Mahaseel Festival at the southern seaside of the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara on Monday. The event was inaugurated by Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al Su- laiti along with several officials from Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), Ka- tara and representatives of 35 food production companies. Also present were MME of- (PHOTOGRAPHS BY JALAL PATHIYOOR) ficials Yousef al Khulaifi, head of Agricultural Affairs Depart- ment, and Farhoud al Hajri, head of Livestock Department, who both assured the minis- try’s support to initiatives that assist local farmers to increase their production. The event, which cele- brates local farmers and home- grown products, is once again giving residents an opportu- nity to enjoy shopping quality food at reasonable prices while enjoying the fine weather in the country. The market festival is host- ing 22 local farms, flower nurs- eries and six national com- panies for dairies and meat products. The festival also we are glad to see it evolve into cumber (QR6 to QR10 per kg). a wide range of flowers and ple to plant in order to expand residents patronising locally- to eat good quality food. She features organic vegetables at a bigger and more diverse fes- The highlight of the veg- ornamental plants. Small pots the green space in the country. grown products as a way of said, “The display of vegeta- affordable rates. tival,” Sulaiti said. etable section, however, is the of flowering plants are avail- The festival is a perfect supporting our farmers and bles is very tempting here. It On the occasion, the Katara Among the products avail- wide variety of mushroom able for QR7 to QR15. Stems destination for families offer- the country in its efforts to pro- will encourage families to cook chief stressed the institution’s able at the festival are cauli- displayed there including shi- of flowers that can readily be ing fun rides and an activity vide for the needs of its people more at home. It is, in a way, commitment to support farm- flower priced from QR4 per take, king oyster, grey oyster, arranged on vases are priced at zone to children as well as a in terms of food,” Ali, one of encouraging a healthier life- ers and boost local production, kilo, eggplant and zucchini nameko, portobello, brown QR2 per piece. new kind of shopping experi- the vendors said. style which is what most of us adding that the festival reflects priced QR10/kg each, lettuce mushroom and white button Besides, the festival fea- ence to the adults. It also has One of the shoppers should aspire for as we wel- the importance of agriculture (QR2), tomatoes (QR7 to QR9 mushroom. Also available are tures new activities such as the stalls selling traditional food praised Katara for initiating come a new year.” in Qatar. per pack), green pepper (QR9 dairy products, local dates, ‘Home garden’, which displays and drinks, including coffee for such a platform that not only Mahaseel Festival will con- “This is the third edition of per kg), corn (QR6 per kg), meat and honey. some of the flowers and deco- refreshment. supports local entrepreneurs, tinue until January 5. It is open Mahaseel festival in Qatar and broccoli (QR5 per kg) and cu- The market also showcases ration plants to motivate peo- “We hope to see more but also encourages people from 9:00am until 9:00pm.