Chris Morris QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune becomes most QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune expensive buy at auction PAGE 15 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021

Aaley Al Magam is guided to victory by jockey JP Guillambert in the Al Zubara Trophy, feature race of HH The Amir Sword Festival on Thursday. Action from the Al Sabiq Race on the opening day of the HH The Amir Sword Festival on Thursday. Aaley Al Magam lands Al Zubara Trophy in perfect start at QREC TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE horseracing action of HH The Amir Sword Festival began at the Qatar Racing & Eques- trian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park on Thursday afternoon with Meshaal bin Ali Al Atti- yah’s Aaley Al Magam scoring a fabulous win in the $150,000 feature – the Al Zubara Trophy. The super run also marked Aaley Al Magam’s (Amer x Abi- gaille) first win since the C&D triumph in December 2019. This time, JP Guillambert guided the 9yo in the Al Zubara Trophy for Local Purebred Ara- bian 4Years & Older with much ease and aplomb. In the 2000m contest, the grey horse, trained by Gassim Ghazali, stayed on the rails tracking leaders for the bulk of the race, before Guillam- bert found a gap and lined up Sami Jassim Al Buainain crowned the winners of Race 6 on Day 1 his mount for a straight shot of The Amir Sword Festival. Noora Racing Limited’s Fuwayrit won the at the post. Taleb Meteb Al Saaq crowned the winners of Al Zubara Trophy. Meshaal bin Ali Al Attiyah’s Aaley Al Magam won the feature race on Day 1 of mile Class 3 Thoroughbred Handicap. As the pace increased, In- The Amir Sword Festival at Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. jaaz Stud’s Lekhraib (AF Al- Bahar x Grace T), schooled by (85 & below), Osama Omer Al (Acclamation x Enliven) won Mohammed Ghazali and ridden Dafea’s Tahar (TM Fred Texas x on his turf debut in Qatar when by Julien Auge, gave chase and Insaf) scored a thrilling win. the filly landed the Thorough- stayed within striking distance Having shown promise on bred Maiden Plate (Class 6) in of the leader. his last two C&D outings ear- a thrilling finish. Aaley Al Magam, however, lier this season even as a vic- Runner up at Al Uqda dirt held on at the post to win by a tory eluded the 6yo for a year, track last time round, Moham- head in front of Lekhraib. the grey horse changed that med Hussain Afroz trained 3yo HH Sheikh Mohammed bin record landing the miler in ex- went one better this time round Khalifa Al Thani’s Khatafaynee citing finish. Ridden by Carlo to win for the first time in 10 (AF AlBahar x Fifth) finished Fiocchi, Tahar edged out Ron- outings, having moved to Qatar third under Maxime Guyon, an Thomas-ridden Umm Bab earlier this season. edging out Ronan Thomas rid- by a neck at the post. Marco Casamento guided den Sealine by a neck. Entering the winners’ cir- the bay filly to a short head vic- Earlier, Abu Fass Stud’s oughbred Handicap (Class 3) A Girl) continued his unbeaten cle in a second straight outing tory, edging out Maxime Guyon Hydroxide (Lope De Vega x (75-95) in a close finish. run in Qatar as the gelding was Dhafi Rashid Al Marri’s ridden Swagger. Craighall) landed the Thor- Helmed by Soufiane Saadi, capped a hat-trick of wins. Dukhan (Farhh x Dorrati) Opening the HH the Amir oughbreds (Class 2). Having the Alban Elie De Mieulle In the Thoroughbred Hand- after a close finish, handing Sword Festival with a comfort- shown promise in a seven fur- trained 4yo had stepped up to a icap (Class 4) (85 & below), trainer Mohammed Hussain able victory in the Purebred long run late last month, mile for the first time and that Soufiane Saadi was astride the Afroz his second consecutive Arabian Plate (4 Year Olds) the Mohammed Riyaz extra furlong seemed to have Gassim Ghazali ward for the victory in the card. was Umm Qarn’s Antar (Al trained gelding built on that worked the grey colt. third straight time, and the two Running his longest dis- Mamun Monlau x Al Dahma) despite a drop back in trip to Saadi and his partner edged went neck and neck with Tomas tance so far at 2000m and with which led a one-two for the six furlongs. out Mohammed Riyaz trained Lukasek ridden Massam at the Carlos Henrique in the saddle colours and the trainer Alban With Alberto Sanna in the duo Noble Masterpiece and On business end of the 2000m run. for the first time, the 5yo topped Elie De Mieulle. saddle, the 7yo tracked early The Line by a quarter of a length An objection meant that Local Thoroughbred Handicap Winner in the Qatar Derby QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi crowned the winners leaders before making the move for the win. the head victory was confirmed (85 & below) by half a length as (Gr3 PA) over C&D, the colt was of Race 2 on Day 1 of The Amir Sword Festival. Khalifa bin Sheail Al coming off the bend. Hydroxide Mansoor Ebrahim Al in favour of Burano Boy in the Maxime Guyon and his mount partnered by Ronan Thomas Kuwari’s Flirty Rascal won the 6f Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. took a slight advantage closer Mahmoud’s Burano Boy stewards room. Al Hindi finished runner up. once again and the duo beat to the post and then held on by (Footstepsinthesand In the Purebred Khalifa Bin Sheail Al stablemate Muqla, helmed by three quarters of a length to win x Ghost Of Arabian Handicap Kuwari’s Flirty Rascal Soufiane Saadi, by one and a for the first time this season. half-length at the post. The win Noora Racing Limited’s Fu- was Antar’s third this season. wayrit (Gutaifan x Can Dance) ended a run of minor places when the colt landed the Thor-

QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi awarded the win- ners of the opening race of the day. Umm Qarn’s Antar won the mile run for 4YOs Purebred Arabians on Thursday. 14 Friday, February 19, 2021 Sports Abdulaziz Al Bukhani tops Future Riders’ class on day one of Amir Sword Equestrian at QEF

Winners of the Future Riders (70/85 & 85/100cm) classes Abdulaziz Khalid Al Bukhari and Jassim Adel Al Saegh with their medals.

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Qatar Racing & Equestrian DOHA Club (QREC) Hamad Abdul- rahman Al Attiyah said that THE competitions of HH HH the Amir Sword Festival The Amir Sword Festival for is the most prestigious and showjumping and dressage glamorous equestrian event kicked off on Thursday with for all equestrian enthusiasts Abdulaziz Khalid Al Bukhari in Qatar and every year there excelling on his mount GI is a fierce competition to win Molga to win the Future Rid- this prestigious title, pointing ers (85/100cm) event at the out that the riders have pre- Qatar Equestrian Federation pared well to compete as they on Thursday. participated in the Longines The three-day QR500,000 Hathab championship rounds Festival will run till February organized by the federation in 20 (Saturday). cooperation with Al Shaqab, Al Bukhari returned fault- member, Qatar Foundation, less time of 31.31secs and indicating that the honouring 22.23secs in the Table A, Two ceremony on Saturday will be Phases, Art. 274.1.5.3 class to held jointly with Qatar Racing take the top spot on the podium. and Equestrian Club (QREC) Mohammed Ibrahim Al at Al Rayyan Park. Hor, riding Hero, (32.12secs Al Attiyah thanked the A horse being taken for the mandatory veterinary check ahead of The & 22.92secs) was the runner- wise leadership for the contin- HH Amir Sword Festival at Qatar Equestrian Federation on Thursday. up while Saif Mohammed Al ued support to Qatari eques- Kaabi on Calva Z (29.37secs & trian, adding that the Qatar this month and in the first Hor; Hero; 0; 32.12secs; 0; 23.77secs) finished third. Equestrian Federation works week of March. 22.92secs Earlier in the Table A, according to the directives of Friday will see showjump- 3. Saif Mohammed Al Kaabi; Two Phases, Art. 274.1.5.3 | HE President of Qatar Olym- ing action in the Small, Me- Calva Z; 0; 29.37secs; 0; 70/85cm event, 1. Jassim Adel pic Committee Sheikh Joaan Action from the Future Riders’ class on the opening day of the HH Amir Sword Festival taking place at dium and Big Tour classes 23.77secs. Al Saegh riding Joly’s Arno bin Hamad Al Thani. Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena on Thursday. starting from 2pm at QEF’s Future Riders | Table A, Two emerged fastest and flawless Al Attiyah also expressed outdoor arena. Phases, Art. 274.1.5.3 | (28.06secs and 21.55secs) to his thanks to the sponsors of to youngsters. “We witnessed children for allowing them to (COVID-19). Results 70/85cm claim the first place, followed HH The Amir Sword Festival great competitions in the first train despite the stressful pan- The festival is a great op- Future Riders | Table A, Two 1. Jassim Adel Al Saegh; by Hadi Mansour Al Shahwani – Vodafone Qatar, Baladna, and second levels. The riders demic time. portunity for Qatari riders Phases, Art. 274.1.5.3 | Joly’s Arno; 0; 28.06secs; 0; on Kashmir, and Hadi Nasser Lexus, Al Emadi Enterprises, are constantly evolving to serve Over 100 riders are taking to prepare for the upcoming 85/100cm 21.55secs Al Hajri as second and third and Qatar National Bank. as a strong reserve for the cur- part in the Festival being held international competitions 1. Rider: Abdulaziz Khalid Al 2. Hadi Mansour Al Shahwani; respectively. Meanwhile, Abdullah Mu- rent stars. Their talents emerge coordination with the Ministry besides the CHI Al Shaqab Bukhari; Horse: GI Molga; Kashmir; 0; 31.02secs; 0; President of Qatar and hammad Al Marri, Director of through the championship. of Public Health with tight pre- International Championship Faults: 0; Time: 31.31secs; 23.93secs Asian Equestrian Federa- Future Riders said the eques- Al Marri also praised the cautionary measures against and the Longines Internation- Faults: 0; Time: 22.23secs 3. Hadi Nasser Al Hajri; Ilse; 0; tions and Vice-Chairman, trian class offers a bright future families’ support for their the spread of new coronavirus al Equestrian Tour to be held 2. Mohammed Ibrahim Al 30.05secs; 0; 24.43secs. Al Sadd, Duhail set up Qatar Cup final clash

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK brought in attacking midfield- DOHA ers Nam Tae-Hee and Yacine Brahimi respectively. Big dra- MUCH as expected, reigning ma then unfolded when Sho- Al Sadd and Al Duhail moved jae could not avoid a handball into the final of Qatar Cup infringement while chasing but with slender margin wins Bounedjah inside his own box. on an action-packed sporting VAR gave a penalty decision in Thursday. favour of Al Sadd and Cazorla Al Sadd needed a 84th- smashed the ball into the cen- minute penalty from Santi tre of the net even as Al Rayyan Cazorla to beat Al Rayyan 1-0, keeper Al Hajri dived to his left. while Al Duhail came back Three minutes later, from a goal down to edge past Bounedjah nearly made it 2-0 Dortmund’s Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland (right) challenges Al Gharafa 2-1 at the Abdullah for Al Sadd with a superbly-tak- Sevilla’s French defender Jules Kounde during the UEFA Champions Bin Khalifa Stadium. en right-footed drive that beat League round of 16 rst leg match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan In the first semi-final, Al keeper Al Hajri, but the ball stadium in Seville, Spain, on Wednesday. (AFP) Sadd and Al Rayyan were in- narrowly missed the target. In volved in a feisty contest. In the injury time, Al Rayyan’s Shojae end, former Arsenal midfielder headed from close range off a Dortmund and Porto take Cazorla turned out to be the free-kick, but his deflection flew difference as the Spaniard pro- just above the Al Sadd crossbar. control in CL last 16 ties duced a brilliant all-round show Xavi was delighted with in what was a pulsating clash. Al Sadd’s winning goal-scorer Santi Cazorla (centre) in action against Al Rayyan in the Qatar Cup semi- nal the victory. “It was a very diffi- DPA Mehdi Taremi scored for Por- The start of the much-awaited at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Thursday. Al Sadd won 1-0. cult match against a strong Al BERLIN to a minute into the game and clash was exactly how fans ex- Rayyan team, both physically Moussa Marega doubled the pect in matches involving the and defensively. Al Rayyan A double from Norwegian sen- lead just 20 seconds into the two sides - plenty of action and has many good players, and sation Erling Haaland helped second half. combativeness on the pitch. we did not play as well as usu- Borussia Dortmund come from But Federico Chiesa’s first In the third minute, Al Rayy- al, but we achieved our goal, behind to win 3-2 away to Se- leg away goal for Juventus an’s Ahmed Abdelmaqsoud which is to be in the final,” the villa in the last 16 of the Cham- could yet prove crucial. bumped into Guilherme Torres Spaniard said. pions League on Wednesday Paris Saint-Germain of Al Sadd, causing a short stop- “I am proud and happy while Porto struck early in each crushed Barcelona 4-1 away page as players received treat- to be again in the Qatar Cup half to down Juventus 2-1. on Tuesday and Liverpool won ment. In the seventh minute, final. We will face Al Arabi in A brilliant shot from 2-0 away to RB Leipzig, in a Baghdad Bounedjah barged into the next match in the league, Mahmoud Dahoud brought match played in Budapest, the Al Rayyan box, but his shot and then we will start prepar- Dortmund level after Suso’s as the knock-out phase of the from close range was blocked by ing for the final. Today we suf- early deflected opener for Se- tournament began behind Khaled Muftah. A few seconds fered a lot. Rayyan defended villa and Haaland’s surging closed doors and with the cor- later, Bounedjah had another strongly and we did not create run and one-two with Jadon onavirus pandemic still posing go, but this time Al Rayyan enough opportunities. Rayyan Sancho soon put the guests challenges. keeper Saoud Al Hajri palmed players were happy to draw ahead. Holders Bayern Munich his low shot away. and take the game to penal- Haaland added another are among those in action next In the 16th minute, Al ties. But I am happy Santi on the counter-attack before week when they resume their Rayyan’s Mohamed Juma was Al Duhail players celebrate their 2-1 win over Al Gharafa in the Qatar Cup semi- nal on Thursday. scored the winner before full the break for a season-best title defence away to Lazio on booked with a yellow for a time,” he added. eighth in the competition and Tuesday. sliding tackle on feared striker attacks by producing two the feared Algerian striker but the assistant referee ruled In the second semi-final, leave Sevilla with an uphill Dortmund had won just Akram Afif a few feet away quality moves in succession produced a bicycle kick that offside. Nine minutes later, Al Othman Al-Yahri put Gharafa task in the March 9 second leg two of their last seven in all from the edge of the Al Rayyan after the first half hour. In sailed past the goalpost. Sadd coach Xavi benched Has- ahead in the 19th minute. Ali in Dortmund despite Luuk de competitions to sit sixth in the box. Cazorla produced a low one move, Bounedjah, after a In the 63rd minute, Al san Al Haydous and brought Karimi equalised for Al Duhail Jong’s late consolation. Bundesliga and this week con- free-kick that hit the goalpost sharp cross from Akram, hit Rayyan seemingly broke the in Rodrigo Tabata. in the 36th minute, before Sul- Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ju- firmed Borussia Moencheng- to the left of Al Hajri. the crossbar in the 36th min- deadlock when Shojae Khal- Earlier in the second half, tan al-Braik netted the winner ventus must also come from ladbach’s Marco Rose would Al Sadd ramped up their ute and a few seconds later, ilzadeh headed in a free-kick, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan had in the 72nd minute. behind, though at home, after take over as coach next season. Sports Friday, February 19, 2021 15 Hard to turn down big IPL money, admits Bairstow ANI , I went to Sri Lanka to AHMEDABAD play the Test matches and I did not turn up for Big Bash ENGLAND batsman Jonny League. That’s the nature of Bairstow on Thursday said the sport at the moment, there that it is indeed difficult for is a reason I went to Sri Lanka From left: Hyderabad Sunrisers’ mentor VVS Laxman, , ’ Director of Cricket Operations, and Preity Zinta, co-owner, Kings XI Punjab, at the auction. the players to turn down big and I am here in India to play money that is being offered for Test cricket,” said Bairstow. playing in the Indian Premier When probed about League (IPL). whether he would leave IPL England’s squad was playoffs for the New Zealand named for the third and fourth Tests, Bairstow said: “I do Morris smashes IPL record Test after the result of the sec- not know the dates of the IPL ond Test, and it was revealed playoffs and I do not know that Moeen Ali will head back the dates of New Zealand home. This is all a part of Test matches, so cannot say ECB’s rotation policy. This ro- anything at this moment. I am tation policy has already seen lucky enough to be playing all as most expensive buy Jos Buttler going back home three formats of the game. after the first Test. India achieved an em- Jonny Bairstow also phatic 317-run win against AGENCIES (CSK) for $950,000, while Nathan Coulter-Nile missed the first two Tests England in the second Test of CHENNAI Bangladesh all-rounder went to defending cham- against India as per the rota- the ongoing four-match series. Shakib Al Hasan went to Kol- pions Mumbai Indians for tion policy. However, former As a result, the series stands SOUTH Africa all-rounder kata Knight Riders (KKR) for $700,000, who also picked England cricketers like Sir Ian level at 1-1 and the Virat Kohli- Chris Morris became the most $450,000. up for Rs Botham, Kevin Pietersen, and led side has also reached the expensive buy in the IPL his- India all-rounder Shivam $320,000. Michael Vaughan have criti- second spot in World Test tory as he was picked up by Dube was also in huge de- Umesh Yadav was picked cised this rotation policy em- Championship (WTC) stand- Rajasthan Royals for a record mand and went to Rajasthan by Delhi Capitals for his base ployed by the Three Lions. ings. Ravichandran Ashwin price of $2.25 million (ap- Royals for $500,000. price of $140,000. “Look, I think it is part took an eight- haul in prox) at the Indian Premier While there were a few Punjab Kings spent $1.1 and parcel of the game. There the second Test, along with his League (IPL) 2021 player big signings, there million for Australian un- are guys who have white-ball 106-run knock in the second auction held at the Hotel ITC were some big capped fast bowler Riley Mer- contracts and red-call con- innings as India registered an Grand Chola on Thursday. names that re- edith. tracts and then there are those emphatic 317-run win here at A host of cricket stars from mained unsold Tamil Nadu big-hitter who have both. I think guys the MA Chidambaram Sta- world over picked up million including Jason Shahrukh Khan was picked who have white-ball format dium. dollar-plus contracts for the Roy, Alex Hales, up by Punjab Kings for will want to go to the IPL and India remains in conten- 10-week tournament that is Aaron Finch, $700,000, while another un- you cannot tell them don’t tion to make the final of the expected to start in April. The Vivo IPL Tophy is displayed during the 2021 Indian Premier among others. capped player Chetan Saka- go. When it comes to resting, ICC World Test Championship The fee for the 33-year-old League player auction at the Hotel ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, riya went to Rajasthan Royals if you are asking people to be after completing an impres- Morris smashed the record India, on Thursday. (Photos: Sportzpics for IPL) for $150,000. away from home from Jan sive victory over England in $2.2 million paid for Yuvraj A total of 164 Indian play- 2-March 29 and to be in bub- the second Test to draw level Singh by Delhi in 2015. Aus- ping for $2 million, 14 times price of $70,000. ers, 125 overseas players, and bles, at some point, people in the four-match series. tralian bowler Pat Cummins his start price at the auction, Arjun Ten- 3 players from associate na- are going to need rest, that’s The victory in Chennai on had previously been the most for him. dulkar, son of In- tions were up for grabs at the where the coaching staff has Tuesday has lifted India to the expensive foreign player, Australia all-rounder dian cricket icon auction. Officially, each team decided to give players rest,” second position with 69.7 per- costing Kolkata Knight Riders also fetched , is allowed to spend nearly said Bairstow during a virtual centage points on the points $2.17m in 2019. big amount and was bought was picked by $12 million in salaries. press conference on Thursday. table but they cannot afford CSK spent big on all- by Royal Challengers Banga- Mumbai Indians, Kohli is believed to have “Mentally, we have to stay to lose another match as they rounder Krishnappa lore (RCB) for $1.95m after in the last trans- the biggest IPL salary, earn- as fresh as we can. We have need to win 2-1 or 3-1 to qual- Gowtham who was sold for an intense bidding war. action of the day ing some $2.7 million a year been staying in hotels and we ify for the final of the maiden a staggering $1.25m, making Punjab Kings spent big on for $30,000. at Bangalore in 2018. He has cannot leave, it is taxing and edition of the championship. him the most expensive un- Jhye Richardson, buying him Steve Smith, never been part of the auction. it is about staying fresh to England, who led the ta- capped Indian player in IPL for $1.9 million. The 24-year- released by RR, Meanwhile Chinese phone produce the best on the pitch. ble after winning the opening history. old has played just two Tests went to Delhi Capi- maker Vivo returned as the When you are talking about Test, has slipped to the fourth Royal Challengers Ban- and nine T20 matches. tals for $300,000. IPL’s lead sponsor. Vivo had the kind of money the likes of spot with 67.0 percentage galore (RCB) went all out for India’s Test special- England all-rounder Crhis Morris signed a five-year contract in Kyle Jamieson, Chris Morris points. They can still qualify, New Zealand fast bowler Kyle ist Cheteshwar Pujara was Moeen Ali was picked up 2017 worth more than $330 have got, it is hard to turn it but for that, they must win Jamieson, splashing a whop- bought by CSK for his base by Chennai Super Kings million to sponsor the IPL. down, it can be hard for any- both remaining matches of the body to turn it down. I do not series against India. believe there are any priorities, England squad for last two if you look at our away record, Tests: Joe Root (c), James An- we have won six of our last derson, Jofra Archer, Jonny seven Tests away from home, Bairstow, Dominic Bess, Stu- Jadhav’s experience will strengthen these results do not come by art Broad, Rory Burns, Zak prioritising one format of the Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan game,” he added. Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie our middle-order, says Laxman “It is difficult, I lost my Pope, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, ANI red-ball contract last year. As Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, CHENNAI jeeb’s addition has further while replying to ANI query you said, I wanted to play Test Mark Wood. bolstered the spin-bowling during a virtual press con- SUNRISERS Hyderabad department of SRH, which ference on Thursday. mentor VVS Laxman on already has the likes of Shah- “We know that the IPL Thursday said the addi- baz Nadeem, Rashid Khan, is meant to be in Mumbai, tion of Kedar Jadhav will and Mohammad Nabi. if we know there is wear Left-arm bowling strengthen their middle- “Mujeeb is an experi- and tear in the wicket, it all-rounder Arjun order in the upcoming edi- enced IPL bowler and there gives us more flexibility. as Tendulkar. tion of the Indian Premier is a mystery to his bowling far as Kedar Jadhav is con- League (IPL). style. The other option for us cerned, just his experience In the players’ auction was an overseas fast bowler, will strengthen our middle held on Thursday, Hyderabad we felt with our fast bowl- order, we have exciting mid- acquired Jadhav, Afghani- ing options available and the dle-order batters, in the last needs to stan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rah- Indian talent available, we few years, we missed the ex- man and J Suchith to their thought it would be better perience in this department. ranks. The side had bowed for us if we have a mystery Kedar is also a useful bowler, prove himself: Zaheer out of IPL 2020 in Qualifier 2 spinner in our squad as it he is an international experi- ANI stacking up for the squad, we last year after suffering a loss strengths our spin bowling ence. I am happy that he is CHENNAI have a good balance in our against Delhi Capitals. Mu- department,” said Laxman with us,” he added. Jonny Bairstow of Sunrisers Hyderebad. fast-bowling attack, we are MUMBAI Indians’ Director happy to have Coulter-Nile of Cricket Operations, Zaheer back, we surely back him and PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE Khan on Thursday said that he is going to add that balance all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar to the squad, previous IPL, he Hashimoto appointed president of Tokyo will need to prove himself in the was one of our top picks.” upcoming edition of the Indian “We released two domestic Olympics organizing committee Premier League (IPL). players for this season, it is just In the players’ auction held a case by case basis, we believe DPA tee working group decided on Thursday, defending cham- in encouraging young talent, TOKYO on Wednesday that a woman pions Mumbai Indians picked someone who has been with MI, should take over and that a up Arjun Tendulkar, Nathan it is not that he has gone away SEIKO Hashimoto was on reportedly reluctant Hashi- Coulter-Nile, Jimmy Neesham, from the system, it is about Thursday appointed president moto would be asked, and her Yudhvir Charak, Marco Jansen, making strategic calls and it of the organizing committee appointment was confirmed and Piyush Chawla. depends on what is coming our for the Tokyo Olympics in suc- Thursday by the the commit- “I have spent a lot of time way in the upcoming season. cession of Yoshiro Mori. tee leadership. in the nets, trying to teach him This year was in fact the year Hashimoto stepped down She is now to oversee final some tricks of the trade, he is a where we released more over- from her post of Olympic preparations for the Games hardworking kid, he is keen on seas players than the domestic Minister earlier in the day to which were postponed last learning, it is an exciting part. players,” he added. pave the way to take the new year owing to the coronavirus The added pressure of being When asked about ac- position. pandemic and are now due to Sachin Tendulkar’s son will al- quiring all-rounder Jimmy The 56-year-old is a mem- Seiko Hashimoto, president of open on July 23 amid a strict ways be on him, it is something Neesham, Zaheer said: “He is ber of the conservative LDP the Tokyo 2020 Olympics safety and health protocol. he needs to live with, the envi- someone who has capabilities party of Prime Minister Yoshi- Organising Committee, attends a International Olympic ronment of the team will help of a good all-rounder, it is all hide Suga. press conference after the Tokyo Committee president Thomas him. It will help him become a about timing, we have timed Born a few days be- 2020 Executive Board meeting Bach welcomed the appoint- good cricketer, how many times it well. Neesham has the ca- fore the start of the Tokyo in Tokyo on Thursday. (AFP) ment of Hashimoto. a youngster gets picked in the pabilities and that is what we 1964 Games, the seven-time “With her great Olympic auction and everyone is talk- all think, hence the opportu- speed-skating and cycling Economic Forum. experience, having won a ing about him, he has to prove nity. It is all about timing, it Olympian and bronze medal- Mori resigned last week medal, participated in sev- himself and he has to show eve- is all about getting a chance to list pledged “safe” Games and after making sexist remarks en editions of the Olympic ryone he has the goods,” said prove yourself.” named efficient coronavirus that sparked an international Games and the Olympic Win- Zaheer during a virtual press Mumbai Indians head countermeasures “the most uproar. He had told a Japan ter Games, and having led Ja- conference. coach also Peshawar Zalmi’s coach Darren Sammy catches a ball during a important task.” Hashimoto Olympic Committee (JOC) pan’s delegation to the Olym- Talking about Nathan said that Jimmy Neesham will team’s practice session in Karachi on Thursday ahead of the also said would fight for more meeting that women talk too pic Games multiple times, Coulter-Nile, Zaheer said: “It be a back-up option at number Pakistan Super League (PSL) T20 match between Peshawar gender equality, with Japan much at meetings of boards she is the perfect choice for is a complete attack for sure, six if anything happens to Ki- Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars on February 20. (AFP) lagging far behind in this of directors. this position,” Bach said in if you see how we have been eron Pollard. area, according to the World An organizing commit- an IOC statement. 16 Friday, February 19, 2021 Sports Qatar Total Open Osaka ousts Serena draw ceremony to be held virtually in straight sets, meets on February 27th

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK much as we would have loved DOHA to have a glittering draw cer- emony as our usual tradition Brady in AO nal AS part of the measures tak- is, we are, however, con- en to ensure all participants’ strained by the current glob- DPA health and safety, the draw al situation to restrict the SYDNEY ceremony of the Qatar Total ceremony to a virtual event Open 2021 will be held virtu- in adherence to the neces- JAPAN’S Naomi Osaka was ally on February 27th. sary safety and health proto- far too quick for Serena Wil- All interested tennis lovers cols. Nonetheless, the event liams on Thursday, taking her can log in to follow the draw remains unique as usual, down in straight sets to make ceremony proceedings from and we look forward to our it through to the Australian the venue via the Qatar Tennis media friends, partners, and Open final. Federation (QTF) Facebook all lovers of tennis following Osaka won 6-3, 6-4 in 75 account https://facebook. the proceedings live on our minutes at Melbourne Park, com/qatartennis/. channel on the day.” and now has a shot at her sec- ond Australian Open crown, having won in 2019, and fourth title overall at the majors. In the final on Satur- day, third-seeded Osaka will play Jennifer Brady from the United States , who prevailed against Czech player Karolina Muchova in three sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to reach her first final at the majors. The entry list of the $565,530 total prize purse Tenth-seed Williams, who tournament is out and it featured many super- let an early 2-0 lead slip, will have to wait until the next stars including eight of the World’s top-ten play- grand slam to continue her ers after the withdrawal of the American world path to a record-equalling 24th title. number 4 star; Sofia Kenin due to illness. The Doubts were raised about list is led by World No.1 Ashleigh Barty of the 39-year-old’s future when a tearful Williams prematurely Australia, World No.2 Simona Halep, the 2014 ended her post-match news champion and the 2019 Wimbledon Open conference after not saying whether it was her last ever ap- semi-finalist the World No. 5 Elina Svitolina. pearance at Melbourne Park. “I don’t know. If I ever say The entry list of the The WTA Tour event, held farewell, I wouldn’t tell any- $565,530 total prize purse since 2001, has grown to be- one,” Williams said. Naomi Osaka hits a return against Serena Williams during their Serena Williams of the US waves as she walks off the court after tournament is out and it fea- come one of the signature “So ... I don’t know. The women’s singles semi- nal at the Australian Open on Thursday. losing to Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open in Melbourne tured many superstars includ- events on the WTA Tour cal- Aussie crowd is so amazing, Osaka won 6-3, 6-4. (AFP) on Thursday. (AFP) ing eight of the World’s top-ten endar and a most sought-after so it was nice to see,” an emo- players after the withdrawal of tournament in the region. tional Williams added. the American world number 4 Since inception, only three Osaka was meanwhile hap- star; Sofia Kenin due to illness. players Anastasia Myskina py to reach another final at the The list is led by World (2003 and 2004), Maria majors where she is unbeaten No.1 Ashleigh Barty of Aus- Sharapova (2005 and 2008) in her previous three deciders, tralia, World No.2 Simona and Victoria Azarenka (2012 the first a 2018 US Open win Halep, the 2014 champion and and 2013) have been able to over Williams. the 2019 Wimbledon Open win the golden falcon trophy “It’s always an honour semi-finalist the World No. 5 on more than one occasion. to play her and I just didn’t Elina Svitolina. Last year, Aryna Sabalenka want to go out really bad ... Others on the cards for out-served and out-hit former the biggest thing I’ve learnt the 19th edition of the annual champion Petra Kvitova in over the past couple of years tournament are 2017 cham- straight sets 6-3, 6-3 to clinch is you’re a competitor playing pion Karolina Pliskova, 2020 her maiden title in Doha. another competitor,” Osaka champion Aryna Sabalenka, Tournament Director said in praise of her oppo- 2018 champion Petra Kvito- Saad Al Mohannadi said, “The nent. va, 2019 US Open champion health and safety of all partici- Looking at the match, she Bianca Andreescu and Kiki pants are our top priorities at added: “I hit a lot of unforced Bertens, andthe 2016 French the Qatar Total Open, and we errors in the first couple of Open semi-finalist. are not leaving any stone un- games. I was really nervous The list also includes three turned in ensuring that. This and sort of scared in the be- Grand Slam titles winner and year’s draw ceremony is dif- ginning but then I got into it 2014 finalist Angelique Ker- ferent from the previous for and for me it’s about having ber of Germany, Switzerland’s obvious reasons, but the glam- fun.” Asked about her incred- Belinda Bencic, 2018 finalist our and glitz associated with it ible ability to predict Williams’ Garbiñe Muguruza of Spain, remain the same despite that. powerful serve, Osaka said she USA’s Madison Keys, Poland’s We look forward to welcoming was guessing. Iga Swiatek and USA’s Jennif- the stars at the event.” “I was just guessing you er Brady, among others. The Qatar Total Open has know, it’s either going this way In all, a total of 32 players, always garnered massive cov- or that way: I just gotta put my including four qualifiers, are erage in the broadcast, prints foot somewhere,” she said. expected to feature in the sin- and online media through the The 22nd-seeded Brady gles event while 16 teams will works of the over 90 accredit- meanwhile prevailed over Mu- slug it out in the doubles. ed local and international me- chova, who in the quarters had Fans watch as Serena Williams of the US plays against Japan’s Naomi Osaka during their women’s singles semi- nal at the Australian Open in Tariq Zainal, QTF Secre- dia personnel who covered it. upset world number one and Melbourne on Thursday. (AFP) tary-General, said, “It is my In 2020, the event was local star Ashleigh Barty, on pleasure to welcome every- broadcasted to a TV audience fifth match point after a long “I can’t feel my legs. My reaching the final. route to the title. day after Victoria’s five-day one to Doha once again for in excess of 250 million in over final game in which she saved legs are shaking, my heart Osaka beat Brady in last Spectators returned to the lockdown ended, with 7,447 another edition of the pres- 115 countries across all the three break points. is racing,” said Brady after year’s US Open semis en Australian Open on Thurs- allowed in for each session. tigious Qatar Total Open. As continents of the World. Djokovic ends Karatsev’s fairytale run to reach men’s nal

DPA either another Russian in situation before many times I me feel more comfortable be- BERLIN the form of fourth-seed Da- think helps kind of gather all ing on the court,” he said. niil Medvedev or fifth-seeded the necessary elements for me “But each year is different, NOVAK Djokovic overcame a Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas. to peak at the right time, which although it does have a mental spirited comeback from Russian is happening again, which I’m effect on me, maybe on my op- qualifier Alan Karatsev, 6-3, Hitting peak form at the obviously very happy about. ponents, I don’t know, but on 6-4, 6-2 to reach the Australian right time again “I’m also happy that I have me it does definitely have a Open final for a ninth time. Djokovic believes he is two days off now. Still recov- positive effect. World number one Djoko- peaking at the perfect time at ery is the priority. I’ve played It’s not a decisive factor in vic won eight of nine games the Australian Open after feel- enough tennis. I’m feeling the way the match is going to from 3-3 in the first set to 5-1 up ing the best he has all tourna- great on the court. go forward, because as I said, in the second en route to what ment in the semi-finals. Regardless of who I face on each year is different. Surface seemed an easy win, commit- The Serbian has won the Sunday, I’m ready for the bat- is also different. You know, you ting a mere one unforced error tournament every time he has tle for the toughest match of the play against also different oppo- in the match until then. been to the semi-finals, al- tournament, without a doubt.” nents. So that’s not gonna be de- But 114th-ranked Karat- though worries over a suspect- As Djokovic prepares for his cisive factor I think on Sunday. sev, the eighth qualifier to get ed abdominal injury had cast 28th grand slam final, he will “Regardless of my great this far at the majors, roared doubt over his ability to win an face either Medvedev in his sec- record I think both Tsitsipas back to 5-4 and even had two 18th major title on Sunday. ond or Tsitsipas in his first. and Medvedev will want to break points to tie at 5-5. But But Djokovic, who has re- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a return against Russia’s Aslan Karatsev during their men’s singles semi- nal Djokovic said his incred- get their first grand slam title. Djokovic sealed the set and fused to detail the extent of his at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday. (AFP) ible record at the Austral- I’m sure that they are going to even though he also blew a 2-0 injury, said he was hitting top ian Open lifted his confidence, do their best, so I’ll be ready lead in the third he eventu- form at the right time ahead of wins and debut, first grand was hitting the ball very well, in the second set. I’m just very and potentially played on the for that.” Djokovic also paid ally prevailed by winning the facing either Daniil Medvedev slam semi-finals. Kudos for a mixing the pace. pleased with the performance. minds of his opponents. tribute to American veteran last four games and wrapping or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. great result,” he told a news Didn’t give him the same “It came at the right time. “Well, of course it contrib- Serena Williams who lost her up matters with two aces in 1 “Well, first I want to give conference. looks at all. Always kind of Before the last match in a utes to more confidence, prior semi-final Thursday against hour 53 minutes. credit to Karatsev for a great “I felt the best I felt so far kept him guessing and served grand slam, couldn’t be a bet- to coming into the finals know- Naomi Osaka followed by Eight-time champion tournament. Maybe it wasn’t in the tournament tonight. well when I needed to get out ter timing for me to play my ing that I never lost in the fi- doubts whether the 39-year- Djokovic will on Sunday meet his day today but he had big Physically, mentally, as well. I of the trouble, you know, late best tennis. But being in this nals or semi-finals just makes old will be back next year. The Last Word Friday, February 19, 2021 17 PRIME MINISTER VISITS TEMPORARY COVID-19 VACCINATION CENTRE

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani visited the temporary COVID-19 vaccination centre at Qatar National Convention Center on Thursday. He was briefed on the mechanism of work and the opera- tional capacity of the centre as well as the medical procedures used. The prime minister was accompanied by Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari and a number of senior of cials. (QNA)

QF, WISH to focus on vaccines and future of coronavirus in Education City Speaker Series TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

HEALTH experts from Qatar and around the world will fo- cus on the hopes and fears sur- rounding COVID-19 vaccines and how the pandemic could unfold in 2021, as the Qatar Foundation’s Education City Qatar Airways rst airline to Speaker Series returns. In collaboration with the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), next week’s offer touchless technology World Innovation Summit for Dr M. Moeti Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari Health (WISH) will host its first event on vaccine develop- ment and roll-out, emerging for in-ight entertainment new variants of COVID-19, and what the world needs to do to combat and prevent new Business and economy passengers have waves of infection. The virtual discussion is the option in all Boeing 787-9 cabins to titled An Injection of Hope: pair their personal Bluetooth headphones Do Vaccines Mean an End to with an IFE on-board seatback system the Pandemic Is In Sight? , and invites its local and global audiences to question leading TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK on board and provide greater figures and health practition- DOHA peace of mind throughout their ers at a time when vaccines Institute. al viewers have been involved in journey. are starting to be administered The session will be moder- conversations about the impact QATAR Airways has an- Qatar Airways is also set around the world, many coun- ated by journalist, newsreader of COVID-19 on mental health, nounced it will soon become to become the first airline in tries are simultaneously seeing and TV presenter Kirsty Wark. race and identity, the future of the first global airline to of- Europe and the Middle East a spike in COVID-19 cases and In April 2020, during the education, regenerative devel- fer passengers 100 percent and North Africa region to of- deaths. early weeks of the pandemic, opment, and how people with Zero-Touch technology for its fer passengers in Business and Two representatives from Dr. Al Mandhari, Dr. Moeti and disabilities are viewed in soci- award-winning Oryx One in- Economy the opportunity to the World Health Organiza- Dr. Kim participated in the first ety, as well as the first Arabic- flight entertainment system pair their personal Bluetooth tion will join the conversation online edition of the Education only edition of the Education across the A350 fleet as part of headphones with an IFE on- an important step in taking our national air transport rating organised by QF and its Global City Speaker Series, which fo- City Speaker Series Bel Arabi. the airline’s latest COVID-19 board seatback system in all already rigorous and stringent organisation, Skytrax. Health Initiative WISH on cused on the immediate global An Injection of Hope: Do safety measures. Boeing 787-9 cabins. COVID-19 precautions to an- This follows HIA’s recent Wednesday, 24 February: Dr. response to the coronavirus Vaccines Mean an End to the The Zero-Touch technol- Qatar Airways Group Chief other level, limiting passenger success as the first airport in Ahmed Al Mandhari, Regional crisis. Pandemic Is in Sight? takes ogy, introduced in partnership Executive, HE Akbar Al Baker, surface contact and preventing the Middle East and Asia to Director for the Eastern Medi- Ten months on, they are re- place from 3.30-4.30pm Doha with the Thales AVANT IFE said: “As an industry leader any possible spread of infection be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star terranean, the MENA region; turning to QF’s global platform time on February 24 and will system, will enable A350 pas- in the fight against COVID-19 on board. COVID-19 Airport Safety Rat- and Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, Re- for dialog to assess, along with feature a 40-minute discussion sengers to pair their personal and the first global airline to “We hope it provides yet ing. These recognitions pro- gional Director for Africa. Dr. Al Khal, how the world now followed by a public question- electronic devices (PEDs) with recently achieve a 5-Star rating further assurance of the safety vides assurance to passengers They will give their per- looks as it continues to address and-answer session. View- their seat-back IFE screen by in the coveted Skytrax Airline of air travel, as well as offering across the world that airline spectives on vaccines and the the challenge of its lifetime and ers watching on Microsoft connecting to ‘Oryxcomms’ Safety Rating, Qatar Airways passengers on board increased health and safety standards are path the pandemic may take what the coming months may Teams can watch the event Wi-Fi and simply scanning the is committed to ensuring the confidence that they are enjoy- subject to the highest possible from here alongside guest hold. with English, Arabic, French, QR code shown on the screen. highest standards of safety and ing the most consistently ad- standards of professional, in- speakers Dr. Abdullatif Al Next week’s discussion will Spanish, and Italian subtitles, Travelers can now use their hygiene on board its aircraft at vanced customer experience dependent scrutiny and assess- Khal, Chairman of Qatar’s Na- be the seventh online event and the discussion will also be devices to navigate and enjoy all times. available in the sky.” ment. tional Pandemic Preparedness of the Education City Speaker streamed live on QF’s Face- more than 4,000 options of- “The introduction of the Qatar Airways recently For full details of all the Committee and Deputy Chief Series, after the platform – book page, YouTube channel, fered through the award-win- state-of-the-art Zero-Touch became the first global airline measures that have been im- Medical Officer at Hamad launched by QF in 2018 – has and Twitter feed. ning Oryx One in-flight enter- technology, and enabling pas- in the world to achieve the plemented onboard and in Medical Corporation; and Dr. moved to virtual form in the For more information and tainment system, limits the sengers to use their personal prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 HIA, please visit qatarairways. Jerome Kim, Director-General midst of the pandemic. Since to register, visit www.qf.org. frequency of surface contact Bluetooth headset on board is Airline Safety Rating by inter- com/safety. of the International Vaccine then, tens of thousands of glob- qa/ecss

HBKU’s CHSS launches Qatari Women’s Affairs Series with webinar on Shura Council elections TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK first time in 2017. Discussions often asked in our Arab socie- role as an influential force in DOHA during the webinar, there- ties at every point of change or the political life of the country. fore, turned to whether Qatari step that women take towards The Shura Council elections THE College of Humanities women have prepared for these the future. How could we constitute a significant mile- and Social Sciences (CHSS) at forthcoming elections and question the ability of Qatari stone for Qatar but also for Hamad Bin Khalifa University whether they see themselves as women when we know about women to participate and serve (HBKU) has kicked off its new eligible to compete in light of their achievements at all lev- the country either by voting or Qatari Women’s Affairs Series social traditions that may still els, and when we are the ones taking office. These discussions with a discussion titled ‘Are pose obstacles to a real break- who support their education, are timely and important, and Women Set for the Upcoming through for women. training and equipping them we need to highlight these and Shura Council Elections?’ With Dr Amal Al Malki, for effective participation in other issues through conversa- The first webinar in the se- founding dean of CHSS, in at- society? We, at the College of tions driven by leaders of our ries focused on Qatar’s upcom- tendance, the discussion was Humanities and Social Scienc- country’s academic institu- ing Shura Council elections moderated by Abeer Abdul es, are committed to extending tions, business, government in October 2021 and womens’ Rahman Al Dosari, a member a helping hand to Qatari wom- and industry. We look for- participation in them as a ma- of the Qatari Women Affairs en by offering training courses ward to continuing this open jor milestone that will yield fu- Steering Committee, and a for political empowerment, dialogue through other talks in ture outcomes not only within graduate of the Master of Arts discussions and advisory ses- our new series.” the country, but the entire re- (MA) in Women, Society and sions by our professors and The Qatari Women’s Af- gion. After the elections, the Development programme at Arab women who have gone fairs Series is organised by power of the country’s highest CHSS. Featured speakers lead- through the political experi- graduates of the MA in Wom- legislative body will be expand- ing the dialogue were HE Dr ence.” en, Society and Development ed in accordance with the Qa- Aisha Al Mannai, a member of Al Dosari said: “Our guest programme to tackle women’s tari Constitution. the Shura Council; Dr Hassan versity; and Dr Elham Badr Al the Qatar Media Corporation. are ready to go through the po- speakers agreed that it has be- issues in the light of societal Women were appointed Al Sayed, professor of public Sadah, Qatari journalist and Dr Al Malki said: “We could litical experience, but we did come imperative for women progress and economic devel- to the Shura Council for the law, College of Law, Qatar Uni- media advisor to the CEO of have asked whether women not. We used a question that is to be aware of their important opment in Qatar.