Qatar Edge Japan in Thriller to Advance at World Championship

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MONDAYMO 18 JANUARY 2021 Pakistan,Pa SA set to resume Test rivalry PakistanPak is a dangerous side at home; we will have to come up withw a proper strategy to beat them at their own backyard. The wickets here in Pakistan are batting friendly, and we are relrelyingy on our batsmen to score runs. Their confidence will be hhighigh after scoring runs against Sri Lanka. MarkMaM rkk Boucher SoutSoStSouthut Africa head coach Sport |09 QSL WEEK 15: TOMORROW'S FIXTURES 4:30pm: Al Wakrah vs Al Rayyan; 7:00pm: Qatar SC vs Al Duhail; Umm Salal vs Al Arabi Qatar edge Japan in thriller to advance at World Championship

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Reigning Asian champions Qatar yesterday moved into the second round of the 27th IHF Men’s Handball World Championship - Egypt 2021 after a thrilling 31-29 victory over Japan at Borg Al Arab Sports Hall, Alexandria. Qatar goalkeeper Danijel Saric, who didn’t have a save in the first half, stopped a Japan penalty one minute before the final buzzer to lift Qatar to their second straight win in Group C. It was another outstanding performance by the Valero Rivera- coached side in the final session that handed them a close win over their spirited Asian rivals, who stunned European giants Croatia with a 29-29 draw in their opening match. “I am proud of the players’ performance as they proved their ability to beat their opponents and reach the main round of the World Champi- onship,” Rivera said after the game. “Despite losing a number of tal- ented players due to injury, we per- Qatar’sQaQ tatar’r s AmeenAmA eeen ZakkarZaZakkkkarar inin formed well and snatched the actionacctitiono yyesterday.esteterdayay. victory,” he added. Right-back Frankis Marzo goalkeepers struggled in the first 30 betterbbetterr aandndd II’m’mm jjustuusst hahhappypppy fofforr whilewwhhille JaJJapanapapan wwiwillillll emerged as star performer for Qatar minutes but that would change in the thethhe team,”teeaamm,”, saidsaaid AbidiAbAbididi aafafterteer takettaakek onon AngolaAAnngogolala inin as he claimed the ‘Player of the Match second half. thethe match.mmaattch.h thetthhe ssasameameme dday.aayy. Award’ after a superb performance Marzo brought the score level at DagurDDaaguur SiSSigurdsson’sguurrddsss ono ’s’s tteameaam Meanwhile,MMeann whw h i l ee,, during the game, scoring 11 goals from 16:16 right after break as a part of a knowkknoww ttheyhehey mamadeadede mmistakesisisttaakes aat tthehehe eendndd ArgentinaAArgeentn ina mamanagedannaaggeed 16 tries. five-goal Qatar run in the first five ofof thethehe match.matchh. to rreacheaachh tthehehe mmainaaiin It was a sea-saw contest right minutes. But, Japan responded with “We“WWe fiffinallynallly ggogotot inintontoo oouruur ggeareaar inn tthehee roround,uund, tthankshhaannkks too a from the beginning, with Japan taking a tactical change, marking top scorer secondsseecoondd halfhalf andand playedplplaayeed eemotionally,moottioonallyl , narrownnarrrow 24:2124:211 winwin againstagainst BahrainBahraraiinn yes-yeess- a 16:15 advantage in the first period Marzo and in doing so halted the butbuut wwe mmadeada e mimistakessts akeess aatt ththehe eenendnd anaandd terdayterddayy iinn CaCairo.airroo. TThehe ffirstirstt pperioderiod eenendedndeded following a lot of tense action. Qatar attack for eight minutes. theytht eey wwereerere exeexpensivexpep nsivve aas yyouou ccan’tann’t dodo withwith tthehhe SouthSouuth AAmericanmmerrican ssisideiddee ttwowwoo But, Qatar bounced back in the At 26:26 with eight minutes left, mistakesmiisstakkese atat thetht e end.enendd. WeWe areare growingggrowiing goalsgoals ahaaheadead wiwwiththh a sscorecoree ofof 11212:10,2:1100, aass second half like they did in their 30:25 it was still anybody’s game. However, andana d wee havehavave tot concentrateconnceenntraratee onon AnAngolagoolaa bothbboothth ssidesidides sstartedtarteedd sslowlow anandnd caccameammee uupp win over Angola in their first match it was Mohamed Abidi’s time to shine now,”nooww,” saidssaid thethe JJapanapapann ccoachoaachh afteraftf er thetheh agagainstaiinsn t twttwowo ststrongtror ng ddefences.effeencees.s to grab victory. between the posts as he saved three match.mam tcch.h. TheThe secondseecond periodperioi d sawsas w bothboth teamsteaeamms Qatar, began flawless in attack, shots in a row. His partner Saric then “Q“QatarQatatara pplayedllaayed a vevveryeryr ggoodoood gagameamme turnturnn thethe tabletabble onon eacheaacch other,otherr, asas recording a 100 shot percentage in saved a crucial penalty shot in the last ass thethhe gamegamme waswaas difficult.ddiffficiculu tt. WWee prepareprrepare BahrainBahrain mamanagednaagged to ttakeake thtthee leleadaadd 1111 the first 18 minutes of the game. minute, giving Qatar a 31:29 victory. thethhe currentcurrennt squadsquaad forffoor fourfour yearsyears andand minutesmim nuutes intointoo playpllay beforebefore ArgentinaArgennttinnaa Player of the Match Marzo was “We showed a big heart when we we areare onon thethhe rightrrighg t waywaay toto developdevveelop eventuallyeventutually rregainedeegaineed ththee leleadadad 3 Qatar’s Mahmoud unstoppable, scoring seven of his took the game in the last minutes. The ourour performance,”pep rfr ormance,e ” heh added.adddeded. minutesmiinutes frfromomom ttime,iimmee, ggoingoio ng oonn too wwideniddeenn Hassab Alla in eleven goals in the first 30 minutes. Japanese team is a very different team QatarQaQ ttar wiwillll ffaceacce CCrCroatiarooaatitia in tthehe tthirdhih rdd thethhe gapgap to tthreehhreee goals bbyy ththee eenendnd ooff action yesterday. He also added five assists. The now, as they are getting better and roundrouund of GroupGrooup C gamesgaammess tomorrow,toommoorror w, thethhe mammatch.atcch.h Premier League: United Australian Open 'going ahead' stay on top after goalless as players fume over quarantine draw against Liverpool REUTERS — MELBOURNE carrying 23 players from Abu Dhabi. Some of the affected REUTERS — LIVERPOOL teams matching up. We found it Australian Open tournament players complained about their difficult in the first half to get a director Craig Tiley has detention. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson rhythm to the game, the press confirmed the year’s first Grand Romanian Sorana Cirstea, Becker made two vital saves as was high." Slam will go ahead from the women’s world number 71, the champions were held to a The result leaves United on February 8 despite anger from said on social media: “If they 0-0 draw at home to Premier 37 points, two ahead of second- players forced into hard quar- would have told us this rule League leaders Manchester placed Leicester City, while antine in Melbourne due to before, I would not play in Aus- United at Anfield yesterday. Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool side positive COVID-19 cases on tralia. I would have stayed The Brazilian saved a close- are third on 34 points after 18 their charter planes. home.” range effort from Bruno Fern- games. Seventy-two players and Swiss player Belinda Bencic andes, United’s first real Earlier yesterday, Tot- their entourages have to isolate said she and the other 46 chance, in the 75th minute with tenham Hotspur's record for two weeks in their hotel players were at a his feet denying the Portuguese signing Tanguy Ndombele con- rooms in Melbourne and are no disadvantage. midfielder. jured a moment of magic to longer able to leave them to “We are not complaining Then Alisson did well to seal his side's 3-1 victory at the train after infections were (about being) in quarantine. We keep out a blast from inside the Premier league's bottom club reported on three flights car- are complaining because of box by Paul Pogba as Ole Sheffield United. rying them to Melbourne. unequal practice/playing con- Gunnar Solskjaer’s United side Spurs had just seen the A positive case was reported ditions before quite important finished a disappointing game commanding lead given to late yesterday from the third tournaments,” she said. strongly. them by Serge Aurier and Harry flight which landed a day earlier COVID-19 Quarantine Vic- "We had two great chances Kane halved by David and had ferried 58 passengers toria boss Emma Cassar said and two great saves," United McGoldrick's header on the from Doha, where the Grand Rafael Nadal (foreground) arrives at Adelaide Airport ahead of authorities had provided con- captain Harry Maguire said. "It hour when Ndombele struck Slam’s qualifiers were held. the Australian Open in Adelaide on January 14, 2021. sistent advice. was cagey but it was two good with an audacious flicked lob. Twenty-five players were “The rules for close contacts on board but the passenger, the Grand Slam. Tiley said the authorities said they had haven’t changed,” she told who tested negative before the tournament would start as recorded a fourth COVID-19 reporters in Melbourne flight, is not a player. scheduled but governing body infection among the pas- yesterday. Liverpool’s Georginio “The 25 players on the flight Tennis Australia would look at sengers on the two charter “The program is set up to Wijnaldumm will not be able to leave their altering the leadup tournaments flights carrying players to keep people safe.” (right) in action hotel room for 14 days and until to help affected players. Melbourne. Cassar also warned players with Manchester they are medically cleared. “We are reviewing the A broadcaster on the flight to stick to quarantine rules and United’s Paul Pogba, They will not be eligible for schedule leading in to see what from Los Angeles had tested threatened them with yesterday. practise,” the Australian Open we can do to assist these positive, adding to an aircrew A$20,000 ($15,400) fines and said in a statement. players,” Tiley told the Nine member and a tennis coach on having them moved to an even Other players who arrived Network yesterday. the same plane who were stricter facility after two players in different planes are also “The Australian Open is reported on Saturday. made low-level breaches, undertaking a mandatory going ahead and we will con- The other case was Sylvain opening their hotel room doors 14-day quarantine but are per- tinue to do the best we possibly Bruneau, the coach of Canadian to talk to others. mitted to leave their hotels for can do to ensure those players Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US “So they’ve been warned five hours a day to train, raising have the best opportunity.” Open champion. Bruneau was and Victoria police will con- questions about the integrity of Earlier, quarantine a passenger on a charter flight tinue to follow up,” she added. MONDAY 18 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 11

Bundesliga set Personally, Al Janoub to finish season Stadium is my favourite because of it being without fans located in Al Wakrah, a amid pandemic city that I played in for a long time when I was with AP – FRANKFURT the Qatar Stars League. Fans are highly unlikely to return And of course, because to German soccer stadiums before the stadium’s concept was the end of the season, the chief designed by Dame Zaha executive of the top two men’s divi- sions has said. Hadid, a fellow Iraqi: Iraqi Christian Seifert, CEO of the football legend Younis German Football League, said he pre- Mahmoud sumes there will be no change to the policy before the end of the season, Al Janoub Stadium in comments published yesterday by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntag- szeitung newspaper. “In any case (of a fan return), not in a significant number. If we Qatar 2022 will set a benchmark had ruled out games without fans from the start as some people demanded, the system would have collapsed,” Seifert said. “And no one at (the league) or for future World Cups: Mahmoud the clubs wants to have games without fans either. However, we still have them because they are the THE PENINSULA – DOHA process in 2010. It’s one of the me and Iraq. Having the oppor- only permitted option for hosting many ways that Qatar 2022 will tunity to play a role in deliv- games, and presumably we will Iraq’s legendary captain Younis be a unique tournament that ering the first World Cup in our have them until the end of the Mahmoud understands foot- will set the benchmark for all region is a tremendous expe- season.” ball’s power to unite millions World Cups moving forward. rience that hopefully will leave Germany started the 2020-21 of people. When he led the Giving fans the potential of behind a fruitful legacy for gen- season with a six-week trial in Sep- Lions of Mesopotamia to Asian attending more than one match erations to come. Seeing first- tember and October of limited Cup glory in 2007, the team’s a day in person will change the hand the level of detail and numbers of fans allowed at games, victory played a crucial role in way fans interact with the World commitment to sustainability up to 20% of the stadium capacity promoting peace throughout Cup. Whereas in the past, fans and excellence that goes into depending on the local coronavirus the war-torn country. had to usually travel long dis- every aspect of preparation is case numbers. The trial was part of Mahmoud captained Iraq for tances between stadiums, Qatar something that fills all people a wide-ranging deal between ten years during a career that will offer a highly connected from the region with pride. German state and federal politicians earned him 148 international experience, with fans always Over the years, I have been able and was not extended after the caps and a reputation as one of being close to tournament to witness the way football has number of virus cases soared across the greatest strikers in Asian venues, fan zones and cultural been a transformative force in the country. football history. sites. The result will be a month- Qatar and throughout the The last major soccer nation to Although Mahmoud never long festivity that will be region. I also know that this bring back fans was England, which led his team to the FIFA World remembered for a lifetime. process of change will continue allowed small numbers of sup- Younis Mahmoud Cup finals, he continues to to unfold long after the tour- porters at some games last month work closely with the football Q: In 2022, the World Cup nament ends through the many in a scheme that was shut down family in Iraq to better prepare world to host the FIFA World global sporting events, will take place between 21 legacy programmes that have weeks later as the country entered his national team to reach Cup for the first time? investing more in building the November and 18 December. been put in place by the SC. a renewed lockdown. Qatar 2022. For Iraqi fans A: It will provide a much- necessary infrastructure and What will that mean for those worldwide, appearing on the needed opportunity for the rest local capacities to do so. Either both attending and partici- Q: You have played in global stage is an elusive dream of the world to rid themselves way, Qatar 2022 will prove to pating in the tournament? several World Cup qualifiers Player substituted for an entire generation that is of the many negative stereo- be a watershed moment for A: Having lived and played with your country Iraq. What too young to remember the types they have about the millions of football fans across in Qatar for many years, the does the tournament mean to at halftime after country’s last World Cup region. By experiencing both the Middle East. temperatures at that time of you as a player, and also as a appearance in Mexico in 1986. Arab culture and the world- year are ideal for football. When fan? testing positive On a club level, Mahmoud class infrastructure that will be Q: With the furthest combined with the availability A: Although I was never spent many years in the Qatar in place for the tournament, stadium being only 46km of innovative cooling technology fortunate enough to qualify to for COVID-19 Stars League, representing the fans from different countries from Doha city centre and the at stadiums, the weather will not the finals of the tournament, competition’s top sides and will have the opportunity to re- closest a mere 7km away, play any adverse role what- having played in qualifiers and REUTERS – SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL winning several accolades, imagine the way they see this Qatar 2022 is set to be the soever. More importantly, as a fan of the World Cup myself, including top scorer several part of the world. As with all most compact version of the perhaps, will be that this World I can tell you that it is a tour- Brazil Serie B midfielder Valdivia times and winning the league World Cups, Qatar 2022 will World Cup in modern history. Cup will come in the middle of nament that occupies a very was substituted at halftime during title three years in a row with allow fans from all over the What impact will that have on the European domestic season, special place in the heart of Iraqi his team Avai’s match against CSA Al Gharafah. His knowledge of globe to meet, learn about dif- fans and players? where most of the world’s top fans around the world. It is the on Saturday after his club were Qatar’s football culture and his ferent traditions and celebrate A: This unique feature was footballers play. This means that dream of every player to notified he had tested positive for involvement with Qatar 2022 the beautiful sport at a time something that tournament they will be at the peak of their partake in the World Cup, and COVID-19. as an ambassador for the when so many people have suf- organisers promised the world fitness as opposed to being the wish of every fan to cheer Avai said Valdivia had taken a Supreme Committee for fered through this pandemic. from the outset of the bidding fatigued from a lengthy season. for them on the biggest stage. test earlier on Saturday so that he Delivery & Legacy (SC) gives the This will surely mean that fans could be cleared for the club’s next talismanic striker strong insight Q: What impact will will be treated to some excep- Q: Finally, what is your fixture against Juventude on into what the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have on football tional performances, making the favourite Qatar 2022 stadium Tuesday. But when the Brazilian Qatar 2022 will mean to fans in the region? Seeing first-hand the level of tournament even more and why? Football Confederation (CBF) in the region and beyond. A: It will undoubtedly raise detail and commitment to memorable. A: They’re all beautiful and notified the club that he had tested With just under two years the level of ambition for all sustainability and excellence that unique in their own right. Per- positive, Saturday’s game against to go until the big kick-off, the Arab countries, both on and off Q: Tell us about your sonally, Al Janoub Stadium is CSA had already kicked off. goes into every aspect of SC recently got caught up with the pitch. National teams will work as an ambassador with my favourite because of it being The game finished 1-1. Mahmoud to talk about the be even more encouraged to preparation (for the FIFA World the SC, which is tasked with located in Al Wakrah, a city that Brazil reported 61,567 cases of tournament, its legacy and compete at a higher level, par- Cup Qatar 2022) is something tournament preparedness I played in for a long time when the new coronavirus on Saturday, some of its unique ticularly after the world’s most that fills all people from the and fan experience for Qatar I was with the Qatar Stars and 1,050 deaths, the fifth consec- characteristics. important football event takes region with pride: Iraqi football 2022. How important is that League. And of course, because utive day with more than 1,000 place in their own region. Off for you as a former player the stadium’s concept was fatalities, the Health Ministry said. legend Younis Mahmoud Q: How important is it for the pitch, football authorities from the region? designed by Dame Zaha Hadid, More than 200,000 people have the Middle East and Arab will compete to host more A: It’s an honour both for a fellow Iraqi. died of COVID-19 in Brazil. QSL Round 15: Al Duhail vs Qatar SC highlight on opening day

THE PENINSULA – DOHA by one position, but Al Duhail stood second. Reigning champions Al Duhail Qatar SC, coached by Younes will be looking to bounce back Ali, will be eager to get back to after going down to points winning ways. The Kings have leaders Al Sadd last week, when registered seven wins, two the action resumes in the QNB draws and five defeats. TOMORROW Stars League tomorrow. Al Duhail trail Al Sadd by 11 Al Wakrah vs Al Rayyan Al Duhail will visit Qatar SC points, so Sabri Lamouchi’s side Qatar SC Stadium (16:30) for their Round 15 clash which too will target nothing less than Qatar SC vs Al Duhail kicks off at 7:00pm. a victory. The Red Knights have Qatar SC Stadium (19:00) Rest of the fixtures lined up recorded nine wins and five Umm Salal vs Al Arabi for tomorrow are, Al Wakrah vs defeats. Al Duhail Stadium (19:00) Al Rayyan (16:30 at Qatar SC Al Duhail had beaten Qatar WEDNESDAY Stadium) and Umm Salal vs Al SC 2-1 in the first leg of the Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Gharafa Arabi (19:00 at Al Duhail League. Al Ahli Stadium (16:30) Stadium). Former champions Al Al Sailiya vs Al Ahli On Wednesday, Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah face each Al Ahli Stadium (19:00) Al Sadd stars Abdelkarim Hassan, Akram Aﬁf, Khoukhi Boualem, Pedro Miguel, and Baghdad Kharaitiyat will meet Al Gharafa other in the opening clash of the Al Sadd vs Al Khor Bounedjah posing for a photograph with Xavi Hernandez and an official after they were honoured (16:30, Al Ahli Stadium), Al week. The kick-off is at 16:30 at Al Sadd Stadium (19:00) by the club for being selected in Qatar Players Association's Best XI for the 2019/2020 season. Sailiya take on Al Ahli (19:00, Al the Qatar SC Stadium. Ahli Stadium) while high-flying Al Wakrah, coached by Al Sadd take on Al Khor (19:00, Marquez Lopez, are 10th in the victory. They now have six wins, placed ninth with 14 points. Heimir Hallgrimsson, are placed of Directors) handed over the Al Sadd Stadium). table with 14 points. four draws and as many defeats Both Umm Salal and Al seventh in the QNB Stars League awards for the five players The title-holders' clash, is Al Wakrah and Umm Salal, against their name. Wakrah are on 14 points, but the with 19 points. before the first team’s training definitely the hightlight who had played out a goalless Al Rayyan share the same former are placed ahead on Meanwhile, the Qatar session, in the presence of Al tomorrow, and it pits together draw in Week 14, have the same number of points with Al Ahli better goal difference. Players Association (QPA) yes- Sadd head of football two teams from the top-four in number of points, but the latter (22), but are placed better on Umm Salal, coached by their terday honoured Al Sadd stars Mohammed Ghanem Al Ali and the standings. are placed above on better goal goal difference, Al Ahli being on former defender Aziz Ben Askar, Abdelkarim Hassan, Akram Afif, coach Xavi Hernandez. Qatar SC are fourth in the difference (-8, eight goals for and -5 (20 goals for and 25 against). have registered three victories, Khoukhi Boualem, Pedro Miguel, Xavi's men also posed for the table with 23 points and Al 16 against). The third match of the day five draws and six defeats. and Baghdad Bounedjah after official group photograph of Al Duhail second with 27 points. Al Rayyan, under Laurent sees Umm Salal and Al Arabi in On the other hand, Al Arabi they were selected in the Best XI Sadd. Both teams had lost in the last Blanc, will look to sustain the action at Al Duhail Stadium with will look to put behind the dis- for the 2019/2020 season, as Al Sadd who are leading the round, Qatar SC losing 1-2 to Al momentum, having beaten for- kick off set for 7:00pm. appointment of having drawn voted by players. QSL standings with 38 points, 11 Rayyan and Al Duhail lost to Al midable Qatar SC 2-1 in the last Umm Salal, who had played 1-1 with Al Gharafa through a Ibrahim Al Ghanim (vice ahead of their colosest rivals, Sadd 1-3. round. The Lions improved from out a goalless draw with Al last-gasp goal in Week 14. president, QPA) and Meshaal will play against Al Khor in their The results saw Qatar SC slip sixth to fifth position with that Wakrah in the last round, are The Dream Team, under Mubarak (member, QPA Board Round 15 fixture on Wednesday. 10 SPORT MONDAY 18 JANUARY 2021 QSAA Cup: Al Rumaihi wins gold in trap competition

QNA – DOHA championship will continue until Al Khulaifi came in third place and won the third place and a bronze January 30. won the bronze. medal. Shooter Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Al Rumaihi won the gold medal In the women’s category, shooter The winners were crowned by who has already qualified for the after achieving first place in the Noura Al Ali won the gold medal with Abdullah Ali Al Mutawa Al Tokyo Olympic Games, achieved the men’s category, and Nasser Al first place, and Kholoud Al Khalaf Hammadi, member of the gold medal in the trap competition Hamidi won the silver after finishing won the silver medal after coming board of directors of the of the Qatar Shooting & Archery second, while the bronze and third in second place. QSAA and chairman of Association (QSAA) Cup, which is place went to Angelo Scalzone. In the young women’s category, the QSAA’s technical currently being held at the Lusail In the youth category, Fahd Al Rawda Mohammed won the first committee; and Al Shooting Complex, with the partic- Athba won first place with a gold place and the gold medal, Asma Al Anoud Matar Al Nuaimi, ipation of more than one hundred medal, Ibrahim Al Tamimi finished Hor won the second place and the member of the national Mohammed amle and female shooters. The second with the silver, while Ahmed silver medal, and Dana Al Nuaimi teams committee. Al Rumaihi

Ozil confirms Andreescu’s Fenerbahce coach tests move from positive for Arsenal virus ahead of REUTERS – ANKARA Australian Open German midfielder Mesut Ozil yesterday confirmed his move REUTERS – MELBOURNE from Arsenal to Turkey’s Fenerbahce, saying he was Sylvain Bruneau, the coach of 2019 “very excited” to play for the US Open champion Bianca former Turkish champions and Andreescu, said he has tested that he was fit to play despite positive for COVID-19 after arriving missing nearly a year of in Melbourne ahead of next month’s football. Australian Open. Ozil, 32, has not played for On Saturday, Bruneau said in a Arsenal since March and was statement shared by Tennis Canada left out of the club’s Premier that he followed all safety protocols, League and Europa League including testing negative within 72 squads at the start of the hours of his flight from Abu Dhabi, season. He has long been linked Tottenham Hotspur’s Tanguy Ndombele scoring their third goal past Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale. and felt “perfectly fine” when he with a move to Fenerbahce, boarded the plane. Turkey’s second most deco- “I am extremely saddened and rated club. sorry for the consequences now on Speaking to Turkish broad- Ndombele stunner helps Spurs win at Sheffied everyone’s shoulders sharing my caster NTV, Ozil, who has flight,” Bruneau said in a statement, Turkish ancestry, said he was REUTERS – SHEFFIELD only their second win in seven Ndombele’s fifth league goal they were almost punished “The rest of my team is negative and looking forward to playing for league games and move into for Spurs. again soon after when Son was I sincerely hope that any further dis- Fenerbahce , a club he said he Tottenham Hotspur’s record fourth spot, at least until Man- When Steven Bergwijn denied by the post. ruption is kept to a minimum.” has supported all his life, signing Tanguy Ndombele chester City play Crystal popped a ball over the top of Tottenham’s second goal Bruneau was with Andreescu for adding he would arrive in conjured a moment of magic Palace later. the United defence, Ndombele stemmed from the hosts trying her breakout campaign in 2019 Istanbul early on Monday to to seal his side’s 3-1 victory at Tottenham had looked was moving away from goal and failing to play out from the when she became Canada’s first seal his move. the Premier League’s bottom commanding in the first half on the left side of the penalty back. Tottenham won the ball Grand Slam singles champion. “I am a Fenerbahce fan. club Sheffield United with Aurier heading in from a area. and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg fed Earlier on Saturday, Australian That is why I am very happy to yesterday. corner after five minutes and There appeared no way he the ball to Kane who did not Open organisers said 47 players be coming to Turkey with Fen- Spurs had just seen the Kane’s clinical finish doubling could produce an effort on have much space but dis- were forced into a 14-day hotel erbahce,” Ozil said. commanding lead given to their lead in the 40th minute. goal but with the outside of his patched a fizzing low shot past quarantine in Melbourne after three “I’m very excited. God gave them by Serge Aurier and For Sheffield United it was right foot, and with his back Ramsdale. coronavirus infections were me the chance to wear this Harry Kane halved by David a disappointing result after to goal, he lifted the ball back Tottenham have been crit- reported on two chartered flights, jersey as a Fenerbahce fan. God McGoldrick’s header on the they had posted their first win over himself and over home icised for an overly-cautious including one from Abu Dhabi, car- willing, I will carry it with hour when Ndombele struck of the season this week by keeper Aaron Ramsdale into approach when leading -- rying them to the year’s first grand honour and do everything I can with an audacious flicked lob. beating Newcastle United. the far corner. most recently this week in a slam. for the team,” he added. It was a timely goal for With only five points from 19 Considering the lift they 1-1 draw with struggling Andreescu, who has not played “Of course, I’m missing a Jose Mourinho’s side as games they are 11 points away received by beating New- Fulham. And when McGoldrick since she suffered a knee injury at few matches. I haven’t played McGoldrick’s effort revived from the safety zone and their castle, Sheffield United were glanced in John Fleck’s cross the 2019 WTA Finals in Shenzhen, in a match in a while, but I am memories of numerous points hopes of avoiding relegation terribly flat in the first half. it appeared to be happening was set to make her competitive physically fit, I have no issues,” they have dropped from look slender. Their defence was again. return in a pair of Australian Open he said, adding he had been winning positions this season. In the end it was a routine nowhere when Aurier con- But Ndomebele insured tune-ups but has not commented training with the first team at This time, however, they win for Tottenham but there nected from close range with this time there was no on her coach’s diagnosis. Arsenal during his time off the made no mistake to record was nothing ordinary about Son Heung-min’s corner and repeat. The 20-year-old Canadian’s pitch. agent did not immediately respond Signed in 2013 for a then- to a request for comment from club record fee of about £42ms Reuters. ($57m) from Real Madrid, Ozil Leicester march on, Chelsea end slump The Australian Open is played a crucial role under scheduled to begin on Feb. 8. Arsene Wenger in ending Arse- REUTERS – LONDON faltering Wolverhampton stoppage time to seal only a adopted a bizarre routine that nal’s trophy drought, winning Wanderers 3-2 at Molineux. fourth home league win of the looked like he was swimming the FA Cup in his first season. Leicester City maintained There was also an campaign for Leicester. backstroke across the London But he found himself mar- their impressive form as a 2-0 important win for Chelsea Brendan Rodgers’s side Stadium turf. Mouse in hotel ginalised under Wenger’s home win against South- who got back on track after a have 35 points from 18 games, Chelsea had won only one replacement Unai Emery and ampton extended their dreadful run of form with a one point behind United and of their previous six league room adds to again by current manager unbeaten Premier League run 1-0 victory at Fulham. two better off than Liverpool. games, slipping way off the Mikel Arteta, who said the to five games to lift them into West Ham United beat Manchester City, who also pace, and they laboured Putintseva’s player’s omission from the second place on Saturday. Burnley 1-0. slipped below Leicester ahead against a tiring Fulham side squad was for “football Goals from James Mad- Leicester’s away form of their Sunday clash with who were reduced to 10 men quarantine woes reasons”. dison and Harvey Barnes saw has far outshone their home Crystal Palace, have 32. when Antonee Robinson was off the Saints as Leicester form this season and a A day after Premier sent off in the 44th minute for REUTERS – MELBOURNE moved above champions Liv- Southampton side who beat League chief Richard Masters a foul on Cesar Azpilicueta. erpool who host leaders Man- Liverpool last time out called on players to set the But just when it looked as If going into strict quarantine ahead Bayern go four chester United in Sunday’s big looked capable of causing right example by not cele- though Fulham might hold of next month’s Australian Open was showdown. problems. brating goals with the usual out for a sixth successive not difficult enough, Kazakhstan’s points clear Earlier in the day there But Maddison’s scorching hugs, both Leicester’s scorers Premier League draw, Mason Yulia Putintseva has to contend with was a first win for new West angled drive after 37 minutes adhered to the rules, as did Mount rifled in a 78th minute an unwanted room-mate in the form with 2-1 win Bromwich Albion manager gave them the lead before West Ham United’s match- winner after a mistake by of a mouse. Sam Allardyce as his side beat Barnes raced clear in winner Michail Antonio who keeper Alphonse Areola. Putintseva is among 47 players over Freiburg and their entourages who have been asked to isolate for two weeks in REUTERS – MUNICH their hotel rooms after COVID-19 Kurzawa on target as PSG claim top spot cases were reported on the two Thomas Mueller set up one goal chartered flights that carried them REUTERS – PARIS and scored a second-half Paris Saint-Germain’s to Melbourne. winner as Bayern Munich Layvin Kurzawa The world number 28 who struggled past Freiburg 2-1 on Layvin Kurzawa scored a second-half goal celebrates after scoring arrived on the flight from Abu Dhabi Sunday to snap their oppo- as a lacklustre Paris St Germain moved against Soccer Angers was already upset after claiming she nents’ five-game winning run top of the Ligue 1 table with a 1-0 victory on Saturday. was not told that all the players and extend their lead at the top at Angers on Saturday. aboard the plane would be quaran- of the Bundesliga to four points. Fullback Kurzawa volleyed home for tined in case an infection was Bayern, who were elimi- his first goal of the season, allowing PSG detected. The condition of Putint- nated in the German Cup by to move onto 42 points from 20 games, seva’s room in Melbourne has not second division’s Holstein Kiel two ahead of Olympique Lyonnais. helped calm the situation. in midweek after losing to Lille, who host Stade de Reims on “Been trying to change the room Borussia Moenchengladbach Sunday, are third on 39 points. for two hours already! No one came in the league, have now con- Olympique de Marseille remained to help due to quarantine situation,” ceded at least one goal for the sixth on 32 points from 18 matches after Putintseva said in a post on Twitter 11th straight league game and slumping to an embarrassing 2-1 home that was accompanied by a video of were far from impressive. defeat against third from bottom Nimes the mouse scurrying about her room. The win, however, lifted as Niclas Eliasson netted a second-half The video prompted British them to 36 points, four ahead double. tennis player Andy Murray’s mother of RB Leipzig who drew 2-2 “All due respect to Nimes, we are Judy to joke Putintseva needed a cat with VfL Wolfsburg on Sat- Olympique de Marseille. We’re supposed to solve the problem. urday, and seven clear of Bayer to be aiming at a Champions League spot Some social media users have Leverkusen and Borussia and we cannot play that kind of game,” hit out at players complaining about Dortmund in third and fourth said defender Alvaro Gonzalez. having to strictly stay in hotels, places. In Angers, PSG were without coach prompting Swiss world number 12 The Bavarians went ahead Mauricio Pochettino, who has been iso- Belinda Bencic to clear the air. after seven minutes as Robert lating since Friday after testing positive games, struggled to find his pace and The visitors were equally unim- “We’re not complaining to be in Lewandowski became the first for COVID-19. Angel Di Maria was missing in action on pressive after the interval but Kurzawa quarantine. We’re complaining Bundesliga player to score 21 Angers were the most dangerous side a terrible pitch in driving rain. came to their rescue with a volley from because of unequal practice/playing goals in the season’s opening early on while Kylian Mbappe, who has PSG failed to muster a shot on target Alessandro Florenzi’s cross in the 70th conditions before quite important 16 matches. not scored in his last four competitive in the first half. minute. tournaments,” she tweeted. MONDAY 18 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 09 Pakistan, South Africa set to resume Test rivalry AGENCIES — LAHORE has featured in two Test matches against South Africa, Pakistan men’s national cricket taking nine wickets. All-rounder team will be hoping to make the Faheem Ashraf in his one outing best out of the two Test-match against the tourists took six series against South Africa, wickets. which commences from Among the South African January 26 at the National touring party, captain Quinton South Stadium in Karachi. de Kock has scored 251 runs in African This will be Pakistan’s first three Tests against Pakistan at home Test against South Africa players 62.75. Former captain Faf du in more than 13 years. South during their Plessis follows with a tally of Africa who last visited Pakistan ﬁrst training 246 runs in seven Tests at 27.33, in 2007 and won the two Test- session at Among the bowlers, Kagiso match series 1-0, will aim to Karachi's Rabada leads the pack with 17 continue their winning streak Gymkhana wickets that he picked up in the over the host country. Ground last series between the two Both sides met for the first yesterday. sides at 18.70. time in 1995 at the Wanderers South Africa head coach Stadium in Johannesburg, South Mark Boucher said: “Pakistan Africa, which the home team is a dangerous side at home; we won on the fifth day by 324 will have to come up with a runs. In the 26 contests so far, proper strategy to beat them at South Africa have won 15, while have won one, lost two and four squad, Azhar Ali has faced the never been an easy side to beat, points out of it to improve our their own backyard. Pakistan have been victorious have remained drawn. In the opponents in 10 Test matches but them playing after 13 years position on the table. “The wickets here in on four occasions. The last Test only Test match hosted at scoring 481 runs at an average in Pakistan will be an advantage “Playing at home ground is Pakistan are batting friendly, between the both sides was in National Stadium in Karachi in of 25.31. Captain Babar Azam for us, and we have a great always encouraging for the and we are relying on our January 2019 in Johannesburg October 2007, South Africa has scored 221 runs at an chance to improve our record players, and it reflected in our batsmen to score runs. Their which the home team won by defeated Pakistan by 160 runs, average of 36.83 from three Test against them. performances in the series confidence will be high after 107 runs. becoming only the second team matches with two “The two Test matches in against Sri Lanka and Bang- scoring runs against Sri Lanka. Pakistan have hosted seven in history to beat Pakistan at the half-centuries. the ICC World Championship ladesh last year." Our fast bowlers will have to Test matches at their home soil venue. Pakistan head coach Misbah are very important for us and Among the bowlers, left- work very hard to get (Pakistan) in which the hosts In the current Pakistan Test ul Haq said: “South Africa have we will try to get maximum arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi wickets."

India's Thakur, Sundar revive India’s Shardul Thakur in action, hopes in series deciding Test yesterday.

AP — BRISBANE ninth five-wicket haul in a test innings. Test rookies Shardul India resumed yes- Thakur and Washington terday at 66-2 ready for an Sundar combined for a extended day after rain rearguard century stand washed out play late on day that frustrated Australia’s two, and added 99 runs for bowling attack and lifted the loss of Cheteshwar I’m no dud with the India from a precarious Pujara and captain Ajinkya position yesterday into Rahane in the morning almost first-innings parity session. bat, says India's in the series-deciding Hazlewood made the match. first breakthrough of the batting hero Thakur The partnership formed day by removing Pujara for with India in serious 25 off 94 balls, teasing the trouble at 186-6 in reply to 90-Test veteran forward to REUTERS — BRISBANE Australia’s 369, and with no a good length ball which more recognised batters in found the edge and carried Regular captain Virat Kohli led the tributes to the pavilion, and added 123 through to wicketkeeper Shardul Thakur’s brave batting in the Brisbane runs - an Indian record for Tim Paine. decider but the number eight batsman was the seventh wicket at the Rahane mixed some underwhelmed by his praise as he never SCOREBOARD elegant strokes with some considered himself a dud with the bat. expansive shots outside off Thakur, playing his second Test, emerged as AUSTRALIA, 1st innings 369 stump and his luck finally India’s unlikely batting hero, top-scoring with a INDIA, 1st innings (overnight 62-2) ran out on 37 when he counter-attacking 67 to deny Australia a sub- Josh Hazlewood (centre) of Australia celebrates with team-mates after getting the wicket R. Sharma c Starc b Lyon ...... 44 edged a Mitchell Starc stantial first-innings lead. S. Gill c Smith b Cummins ...... 7 of Mayank Agarwal of India during day three of the fourth Test against India. C. Pujara c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 25 delivery to Matt Wade at Debutant Washington Sundar was his partner A. Rahane c Wade b Starc ...... 37 Gabba. Thakur, in his Ashwin being ruled out of Australian pace bowlers, a third slip. in a 123-run seventh-wicket stand as both made M. Agarwal c Smith b Hazlewood ...... 38 second Test, got off the the match in Brisbane. batting partner he’d rarely Hazlewood struck early their maiden Test fifties in the fourth and final R. Pant c Green b Hazlewood ...... 23 mark with a six and raised When Australian played with and India in a in the middle session, too. game of the series yesterday. W. Sundar c Green b Starc ...... 62 his maiden Test half paceman Josh Hazlewood tough position. But he said He dismissed Mayank They were not even part of India’s original S. Thakur b Cummins ...... 67 N. Saini c Smith b Hazlewood ...... 5 century with another six off (5-57) completed a five- he was confident he and Agarwal (38) and, six overs squad but were shoehorned into the team fol- M. Siraj b Hazlewood ...... 13 Nathan Lyon and topped wicket haul by clean Sundar had the temper- later, he had Rishabh Pant lowing injuries to frontline bowlers. T. Natarajan not out ...... 1 India’s scoring with a 115- bowling a wildly-swinging ament for test cricket and (23) spectacularly caught at “Outstanding application and belief by @Sun- Extras (b 5, lb 7, nb 2) ...... 14 ball 67. Mohammed Siraj for 13, were capable of digging in. gully by Cameron Green. darwashi5 and @imShard. This is what test Total (111.4 Ov, RR: 3.00) ...... 336 Sundar posted 62 from India was all out for 336 And he recalled some The Australians haven’t cricket is all about,” Kohli, who returned home Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Shubman Gill, 6.2 ov), 2-60 (Rohit Sharma, 19.5 ov), 3-105 144 deliveries in his debut late on day three - just a advice India coach Ravi lost a Test match at the after the opening test to attend the birth of his (Cheteshwar Pujara, 38.5 ov), 4-144 (Ajinkya Test innings. In between the 33-run first-innings deficit. Shastri. Gabba since 1988 but have daughter, said on Twitter. Rahane, 54.6 ov), 5-161 (Mayank Agarwal, 60.2 boundaries, the lower Australia reached “I remember Ravi been held to draws. To win Thakur, who claimed three wickets in Aus- ov), 6-186 (Rishabh Pant, 66.3 ov), 7-309 (Shar- middle-order batters stumps at 21 without loss, Shastri telling me ‘if you the series, they need to tralia’s first innings, said he did not want to waste dul Thakur, 102.3 ov), 8-320 (Navdeep Saini, dodged, ducked and were an overall lead of 54. David perform in this country you score runs quickly today an opportunity to impress with the bat. 107.4 ov), 9-328 (Washington Sundar, 108.5 ov), 10-336 (Mohammed Siraj, 111.4 ov) hit by short balls peppered Warner was unbeaten on will be rewarded and with the aim of setting a big “I do believe I have some batting talent,” the Bowling: Starc 23-3-88-2, Hazlewood 24.4-6- at them by the Australian 20. people are going to love you target and then bowling seamer said in a video conference. 57-5, Cummins 27-5-94-2, Green 8-1-20-0, fast bowlers. The series is level at 1-1 for your performances’,” India out in the fourth “I do work on my batting in the nets. We wait Lyon 28-9-65-1, Labuschagne 1-1-0-0, The pair had been ele- with two days remaining Thakur said. innings. That’s something for these moments, these opportunities, to con- AUSTRALIA, 2nd innings vated to the starting line-up and it appears that India is “Keeping those things they weren’t able to do in tribute with the bat.” M. Harris not out ...... 1 for the fourth Test and took on track to at least force a in my mind, I just kept the third Test in Sydney Thakur brought up his fifty by hitting spinner D. Warner not out ...... 20 Total (6 Ov, RR: 3.50) ...... 21 three wickets each over the draw that would ensure it playing. I was just hoping despite being in a strong Nathan Lyon for six and India, reeling at 186-6, To bat: Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, first two days after a string retains the Border- for a turnaround, and it position. were past the 300-mark when Pat Cummins Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine, Pat of injuries to India’s Gavaskar trophy. happened.” “We’ve got a nice little pegged back his off-stump. Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh bowling stocks culminated Thakur acknowledged Hazlewood was the lead now, 50 ahead. I think “We were not even looking at the scoreboard. Hazlewood in pace spearhead Jasprit the situation was difficult pick of the Australian we’re ahead of the game,” The idea was to spend some time there,” Thakur Bowling: Siraj 2-1-12-0, Natarajan 3-0-6-0, Sundar 1-0-3-0 Bumrah and leading when he went into bat, bowlers and was rewarded Hazlewood said. “Two big said. spinner Ravichandran facing up to the crowd, the for his tight line with a days to come.” Leach shines as England near victory

REUTERS — GALLE 28.5 overs to take 10 SCOREBOARD Jos Buttler. Off-spinner wickets, a blueprint for SRI LANKA, 1st innings 135 (D. Chandimal 28; D. nesh Chandimal, 91.3 ov), 6-291 (Niroshan Dickwella, Dom Bess (3-100) chipped Left-arm spinner Jack their potential success in Bess 5-30, S. Broad 3-20) 115.1 ov), 7-296 (Dasun Shanaka, 116.2 ov), 8-314 (PWH away at the Sri Lanka ENGLAND, 1st innings 421 (J. Root 228; J. Bairstow de Silva, 122.2 ov), 9-352 (Dilruwan Perera, 132.5 ov), Leach took five wickets as this match. 47) 10-359 (Angelo Mathews, 136.5 ov) middle-order, picking up England edged towards England lost opener SRI LANKA, 2nd innings (overnight 158-2) Bowling: Broad 17-11-14-0, Curran 11-1-37-2, Bess 33- the wickets of night- victory over Sri Lanka in Dom Sibley (2) in the first K. Perera c Leach b Curran ...... 62 4-100-3, Wood 21-5-49-0, Leach 41.5-6-122-5, Root watchman Embuldeniya L. Thirimanne c Buttler b Curran ...... 111 11-1-19-0, Lawrence 2-0-10-0 the first Test in Galle, but over of their chase when he K. Mendis c Buttler b Leach...... 15 (0), captain Dinesh Chan- they made a nervous start left a delivery from Lasith L. Embuldeniya c Sibley b Bess ...... 0 ENGLAND, 2nd innings (Target 74) dimal (20) and Dickwella to their pursuit of a modest Embuldeniya (2-13) that A. Mathews c Root b Leach ...... 71 Z. Crawley c Mendis b Embuldeniya ...... 8 (29) as he finished with target of 74 and closed day clipped his off stump and Zak D. Chandimal c Root b Bess ...... 20 D. Sibley b Embuldeniya ...... 2 eight wickets in the match. N. Dickwella c Buttler b Bess ...... 29 J. Bairstow not out ...... 11 Jack Leach bowls to four on 38 for three Crawley (8) soon followed, All-rounder Angelo complete his second D. Shanaka b Leach ...... 4 J. Root run out (Dickwella) ...... 1 yesterday. caught at slip by Kusal PWH de Silva c Root b Leach...... 12 D. Lawrence not out...... 7 Mathews (71) batted well ﬁve-wicket haul, Jonny Bairstow (11 not Mendis off the same bowler. D. Perera st Buttler b Leach ...... 24 Extras (lb 9) ...... 9 with the tail to frustrate the yesterday. A. Fernando not out...... 0 Total (15 Ov, RR: 2.53, 3 wickets) ...... 38 out) and debutant Dan There was disaster for Extras (b 7, lb 1, nb 3) ...... 11 To bat: Jos Buttler , Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, visitors and allow them to Lawrence (7 not out) will the visitors when captain Total (136.5 Ov, RR: 2.62)...... 359 Mark Wood, Stuart Broad set some sort of target, his lead the victory charge on Joe Root (1), who scored a Fall of wickets: 1-101 (Kusal Perera, 37.4 ov), 2-155 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Dom Sibley, 0.6 ov), 2-12 (Zak 219-ball vigil finally ended the final day but must superb 228 in the first (Kusal Mendis, 59.5 ov), 3-158 (Lasith Embuldeniya, Crawley, 4.6 ov), 3-14 (Joe Root, 5.6 ov) by Leach (5-122) when he 62.6 ov), 4-210 (Lahiru Thirimanne, 82.1 ov), 5-243 (Di- Bowling: Embuldeniya 8-3-13-2, D Perera 7-1-16-0 master a wicket offering innings, was run out by a edged to Root at slip. prodigious turn that will direct his from wicket- Leach was getting con- leave Sri Lanka believing keeper Niroshan Dickwella out in Tests since the start 37 matches before being siderable turn on the crum- they are still in with a sniff to leave England teetering of 2018. dismissed for 111. bling surface and looked of an upset. at 14 for three. Earlier, Sri Lanka were He was undone by the threatening with virtually South Africa were It was a needless bowled out for 359 in their new ball when a delivery every ball. He provided a first skittled for 73 in their attempt at a single that second innings as opener from Sam Curran (2-37) stumping for Buttler in Test fourth innings in Galle in showed the nerves of the Lahiru Thirimanne scored nipped back and was edged cricket when he removed 2018 as the home side took visitors and Root’s fifth run his second test century in through to wicketkeeper Dilruwan Perera (24). Sport MONDAY 18 JANUARY 2021 08 The hugely popular show jumping event to be held from Feb 25 to 27

Daam named supporter of Commercial Tickets are available online. Fans can go to www.alshaqab.com for Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines tickets. Organisers will implement all MoPH health THE PENINSULA - DOHA organization passionately com- protocols for spectators to mitted to preserving and pro- The Social & Sport Contribution moting Qatar’s rich equestrian enjoy the event which will Fund (Daam) has been named the heritage.” be safe and entertaining Supporter of Commercial Bank Khalifa Al Attiya, Vice for all: Omar Al Mannai, CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Chairman, Supreme Organizing Commercial Manager, Longines. Committee Commercial Bank The 8th edition of the premier CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Al Shaqab, and Event global equestrian event will be Longines, and Executive Director, Commercial organized and hosted by Al Director, Al Shaqab, said Bank CHI Al Shaqab Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foun- yesterday:“We are extremely Presented by dation, from February 25-27. pleased and honoured to The Social Sport and Contri- welcome the Social & Sport Con- Longines bution Fund and Al Shaqab have tribution Fund on board as Sup- agreed to support the devel- porter of Commercial Bank CHI opment of equestrian sports in Al Shaqab Presented by Qatar, particularly among youth. Longines. We greatly value the Daam’s involvement with organization’s commitment to the Daam's support for Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab development of horsemanship in equestrian sport is part of Presented by Longines is in line Qatar, particularly among youth. our plans to back riders, with its vision to make a positive This level of support will play a difference in the community by great role in encouraging young the Qatar Equestrian supporting social and sports riders, and ultimately keeping Federation and the events activities while enhancing sus- alive an invaluable part of Qatar’s held in Qatar. Now we are Abdulrahman bin Abdulatif Al Mannai (second right), Chief Executive Officer, Social & Sport Contribution tainable social development in history, culture and tradition.” Fund (Daam), is seen with Khalifa Al Attiya (second left), Vice Chairman, Supreme Organizing Committee partners with the CHI Al alignment with Qatar National Part of Qatar’s strategy of Shaqab Presented by Vision 2030 (QNV2030). economic diversification is to Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, and Executive Director, after an agreement Abdulrahman bin Abdulatif become a global hub for sport, ceremony at Longines Al Shaqab Arena. Omar Al Mannai (left), Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Longines. This a Al Mannai, Chief Executive and the promotion of the sports Director, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, and Ahmed Salem Al Ali, Programs tournament that is one of Manager, Daam, are also seen. Officer, Social & Sport Contri- industry, under the guidance of the most popular events bution Fund, said yesterday: “I’m Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), around the world. We are delighted to announce that Daam now plays a major role in region’s sports capital when it its kind in the Middle East and title awarded by the Federation keen to be present at will be the Supporter of Com- achieving the goals of QNV2030. won the bidsf or the FIFA World Asia region. Equestre Internationale (FEI) to mercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Pre- Qatar has already developed Cup Qatar 2022™, the 20th FINA The three-day event will once international equestrian compe- these big events and sented by Longines, a prestigious a strong track record of organ- World Masters Swimming Cham- again bring the world’s best riders titions comprising three or more tournaments as part of the event on the international eques- izing and hosting international pionship in 2023,and the 2030 and horses to Qatar to compete equestrian disciplines. cooperation between trian calendar. sporting events, starting with the Asian Games in the Olympic disciplines of The three magic letters make Daam and Al Shaqab. “Equestrian sport truly rep- 2006 Asian Games and con- Created in 2013, Commercial Showjumping, Dressage, and all the difference in the pres- Ahmed Salem Al Ali resents Qataris, our tradition, and tinuing with competitions such Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented Para Dressage. The designation tigious equestrian world. Organ- our culture, and this is reflected as the 2019 IAAF World Athletics by Longines is one of five CHI of CHI (Concours Hippique Inter- isers yearn to be awarded this Programs Manager, Daam in the competitions and events Championship. The country competitions worldwide, and the national – International Eques- title, while riders covet winning undertaken by Al Shaqab, an firmly entrenched itself as the first and only equestrian event of trian Competition) is the official at a show of this stature. Qatar eyeing three-tier equestrian development

THE PENINSULA - DOHA

Qatar, home to the world's best show jumping venue Longines Al Shaqab Arena, is eyeing a three-tier development in equestrian, a top official said yesterday. Omar Al Mannai (pictured), Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Director, Com- mercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, yesterday said Qatar is rapidly developing the equestrian sport by focusing on rider development, engaging communities and boosting equestrian economy. Al Mannai was speaking to the media following an agreement signing with the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) who have been named the Supporter of Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab to be held from February 25 to 27. part of our events as fans, volunteers, vendors,” vision for Hathab Series and other events. It's a high-performance environment and with all the “This agreement is a continuous support from Al Mannai said. clear vision from Qatar Olympic Committee infrastructure we have, I don't think any indi- Daam for our activities and events, local and “The third pillar focuses on boosting the (QOC) Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad vidual or group can see or experience this kind international. We have fruitful collaboration with equestrian economic by having a good market Al Thani. of infrastructure,” Al Mannai said. Daam during our popular Hathab Series also,” Al like horse sales in Qatar by involving equestrian “That vision is based on developing and Al Mannai said Qatar can expect more regional Mannai said yesterday. vendors within Doha to provide a better market improving the equestrian season in Doha. We riders competing in events staged in Doha from “As I said earlier, we base our mutual rela- for them. want to make the equestrian season in Qatar more next season. tionships on three main pillars - the first one is “We also want to give a boost to other stake- attractive for those wanting to come here to be “We have received many requests related to developing the sport at all levels by grooming holders like trainers and grooms so that there part of our events and activities. International Hathab or other events. Maybe not right now but riders - individually and in groups. will be career opportunities when we have these riders can come here during the off-season and we may see their participation from the next “The second pillar is about engaging the com- kind of events regularly,” Al Mannai explained make use of the facilities here. This can be a good season since the pandemic around the world has munity so the sport lovers in the country become yesterday. “At the end of the day, we have a opportunity for them to train their horses in not ended yet,” he said. Former IOC vice president says UN could rule on Tokyo Games AP - SYDNEY no concrete plans. They have have both said repeatedly the promised more details in the Games will take place and will Kevan Gosper, a former Inter- northern hemisphere spring. be “safe and secure.” national Olympic Committee It is unclear if fans from Kono opened the door to a vice president, is suggesting the abroad will be allowed, or if possible cancellation. He also United Nations might be the Japan-based fans will be per- gave more credence to recent place to decide the fate of the mitted to attend events. poll results that show about postponed Tokyo Olympics. One key date will be March 80% in Japan think the The Olympics are to open 25 when the torch relay is to Olympics shouldn't happen, or on July 23 but face mounting start in Japan. It will involve will not happen. opposition at home as 10,000 runners across the “I should say anything is COVID-19 cases surge in Tokyo, country. Many see this as a possible,” Kono said at the Next across Japan and across the deadline for deciding to go conference. Kono is the former globe. forward or to cancel. defense minister and is now the Tokyo and other parts of In a fresh statement, the minister for administrative and Japan are under emergency Japanese government yesterday regulatory reform. "It could go orders with about 4,200 deaths denied the possibility of can- either way,” he added. in the country attributed to celling the Tokyo Olympics next Kono suggested few fans COVID-19. summer in light of the con- were likely to be attending with Gosper, still an honorary tinuing coronavirus crisis. the focus on 15,400 Olympic IOC member, made the sug- “We have decided the and Paralympic athletes who gestion to Australia’s national venues and schedule (for the must enter Japan. They will be broadcaster, the Australian Games), and the people accompanied by tens of thou- Broadcasting Corp. involved are working on prep- sands of officials, judges, vol- “If you were looking for a The giant Olympic rings are silhouetted in the sunset, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) arations including infection unteers, media, and third party that recognizes that outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, in this January 13, 2021, ﬁle photo. control,” the top government broadcasters. this has gone beyond being an spokesman Chief Cabinet Sec- “We need to think about issue just related to sport, or just retary Katsunobu Kato said on those people who come and related to national interest, by They will be cancelled this time had contacted the United 2022, six month after the a television program, according watch, but we basically need to virtue of the global COVID (pan- if they can’t be held. Nations, and it’s not clear the Summer Games in Tokyo are to to Kyodo News. focus on the athletes first," he demic) and its impact then their “We’ve done this before in body would enter into what is close. The IOC has seen its Kato’s assurances came said. “And then if it's possible, could be a case to go the United the IOC, we’ve gone to the an intense political issue in income flow stalled by the post- after some news report quoted we need to get the tourists in.” Nations and seek their United Nations to give us Japan. Japan has invested a ponement. The Switzerland- Japan’s administrative and reg- “So from now until summer, involvement in arbitrating assistance,” Gosper said. reported $25bn to organize the based sports body gets 73% of ulatory reform minister, Taro anything is possible,” he added. whether the Games go ahead or “Because we are talking Olympics, and Prime Minister its income from TV rights, and Kono, as saying the fate of the “The Olympic committee not,” Gosper told the ABC’s “The about something that poten- Yoshihide Suga has repeated another 18% from sponsors. Games “could go either way. must have been thinking about Ticket” program. tially is going to involve repre- that the Games will take place. Tokyo organizers say they Kono's statements con- Plan B, Plan C, whatever,” Kono The IOC and local organ- sentatives from 205 National pride is also at have many “countermeasures” tradict the official government said. “I mean, the situation is not izers have said the Olympics countries.” stake, with China set to hold the to fight COVID-19 and hold the position and that of the local easy. There must be some cannot be postponed again. Gosper did not indicate he Beijing Winter Olympics in Olympics, but they have offered organizing committee. They backup plan.”