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Saturday, February 15, 2020 FOOTBALL Jumada II 21, 1441 AH Break brought GULF TIMES welcome respite for players: Klopp SPORT Page 3 SPOTLIGHT Moeen, Curran PSG replace Man City as most fi nancially powerful club dazzle as England edge SA in thriller Reuters fi nance available in their accounts, potential cash debt. ing left behind,” Philip Gegan, Soccerex man- Bengaluru, India owner investment and net debt. Europe’s elite sides accounted for 80 percent aging director, said. The study said PSG had reduced their debt of the top 30 but almost half of those clubs are “Despite Europe’s dominance, football is to level series by 70mn euros ($75.87mn) over the last year owned by non-European entities, including very much a global game with investment from rench champions Paris Saint-Germain while City’s debt levels had increased by more organisations and individuals from the Middle football’s emerging markets very much under- have overtaken Manchester City as than 90mn euros. East, North American and Southeast Asia, the pinning its continued growth.” the most fi nancially powerful club in Bayern Munich came third with Tottenham report said. The English Premier League is represented Fworld football, the annual Soccerex Hotspur and Real Madrid completing the top “This year’s report paints a positive picture by 18 clubs in the top 100, while the US Major Football Finance 100 report showed. fi ve. of football’s collective fi nancial health, but it League Soccer (MLS) was the next best with 17. PSG topped the 2020 edition with a football Manchester United fell eight places from also highlights the growing imbalance between Los Angeles Football Club were rated high- fi nance index score of 5.318, which is based on last year to 16th in the report, mainly due to the the power of Europe’s modern elite, with some est from the MLS in 18th spot ahead of local the value of the current squad, tangible assets, depreciation in squad value and an increase in of the game’s heritage brands in danger of be- rivals LA Galaxy at number 22.

FOOTBALL Zamalek claim CAF Super Cup with 3-1 win

England’s Moeen Ali belts the England For Esperance, it was another bitter pill to swallow as they lost a second consecutive Super bowling in Durban yesterday. Cup title clash, after having gone down to Moroccan side Raja 12 months ago Durban: Tom Curran took with the last two balls of the match as England By Sahan Bidappa turned the tables on South Africa in a Doha thrilling second at Kingsmead yesterday. England’s win in a high-scoring match, amalek clinched their fourth punctuated by 30 sixes, levelled the CAF Super Cup in an im- three-match series, which will be decided pressive fashion after a 3-1 in the third and final match in Centurion win over Esperance Sportive tomorrow. Zde Tunis at the Al Gharafa stadium England made 204 for seven, with man of yesterday. The Egyptians giants were the match Moeen Ali hitting 39 off 11 balls playing their fi rst Super Cup match as the tourists slammed 79 runs off the — which pits the winners of the CAF last five overs. South Africa made 202 for Champions League and CAF Con- seven. federation Cup — since 2003, and South African they put on a relentless display in blazed to 65 off 22 balls, hitting eight front of a packed crowd to take home sixes, in an opening partnership of 92 with the title. Temba Bavuma. Mark Wood, bowling at Youssef Obama opened the scor- high pace, dismissed both openers and ing for Zamalek in just the second England seemed to have taken control. minute. Abdelraouf Benguit made But Rassie van der Dussen (43 ) it 1-1 by converting a penalty in the and Dwaine Pretorius (25) got South Africa 54th minute but Zamalek were back agonisingly close. South Africa needed in front just four minutes later thanks 15 off the last over and Pretorius hit 12 of to ’s cool fi nish, and them before being trapped leg before by the forward once again struck in the a yorker. injury time to cap a memorable night “The performance and the level of inten- for the Cairo-based side. sity we operated at was a considerable For Esperance, it was another improvement on (the first match in) East bitter pill to swallow as they lost a London, both with the bat and the ball,” second consecutive Super Cup ti- said England captain . tle clash, after having gone down As in the first match, which South Africa to Moroccan side Raja Casablanca won by one run, the result hinged on the at the same venue 12 months ago. last few deliveries. And it was , who England needed three off the last two came back to haunt them again. The balls in East London but lost a and French coach had led Casablanca to scored only one run. South Africa were in victory last year and he once again exactly the same situation yesterday but plotted Esperance’s downfall on the Zamalek players pose with the CAF Super Cup trophy after their win over Tunisia’s Esperance in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil lost two wickets. night. “Both teams are playing really good The Tunisians – back-to-back ance found it diffi cult to break their ,” said De Kock. “They (England) winners of the CAF Champions opponents’ defence. Zamalek came bowled really well at the death.” League – have now gone without a to Qatar with a 12-match unbeaten England’s total looked unlikely when Ali Super Cup title since 1995, the only streak, a run that stretched back to walked in with his side on 125 for five after time they have won the title in fi ve mid-December and included eight 15.1 overs. appearances. Zamalek’s Confedera- clean sheets. The left-handed Ali hit his second ball from tion Cup victory was their fi rst con- But Esperance were let back into Andile Phehlukwayo for six and launched a tinental silverware since winning the the game three minutes into the stunning assault in which he hit three more CAF Champions League 18 years ago, second half after Mahmoud Hamdi sixes and three fours in his short innings and looked like they are keen to make handled the ball in the box. Referee before being caught at long-on. up for the lost time. Victor Gomes initially waved to play Ali dominated a sixth wicket stand of 51 off Carteron’s men were right on the on but changed his decision after a 18 balls with Ben Stokes, who finished on money from the whistle, as Obama lengthy VAR review, where he went 47 not out. put Zamalek ahead in the second to the pitchside monitor to have a “I went on my instincts to try and put pres- minute, the midfi elder heading in a look. sure back on the bowlers,” said Ali. lovely cross from Mohamed Abdel- Benguit thumped his spot-kick Shafy, with Esperance goalkeeper into the top corner, sending the goal- Ben Cherifi a unable to do much. keeper the wrong way. But their joy It was a dream start for Zamalek lasted barely four minutes. With the as they were all over the Esperance Esperance defence wide open, Ben- side in the fi rst ten minutes. The Tu- charki had an easy run to the box, and nisians had got fi rst look at the rival the forward curled a low shot across goal in the 12th minute when Ilyes Cherifi a and into the bottom corner. Chetti struck a fi erce shot but Abdul Esperance introduced striker Yas- Shafi was alert to the danger. sine Khenissi four minutes thereafter Four minutes later, however, in place of Ghanaian Kwame Bonsu Moustafa Mohamed went close to in pursuit of a comeback. But Moo- doubling Zamalek’s lead, but the for- Zamalek’s Achraf Bencharki celebrates with teammates after winning the African Super Cup yesterday. ine Chaabani’s could not get past the ward’s dipping shot from close range Egyptian team’s defence. Bencharki England’s Tom Curran celebrates went over the bar. Mohamed was in over the top of Cherifa’s goal. Zizo having acres of space at the back spectacular save. then completed his brace in added taking the wicket of South Africa’s the thick of action again with a rasp- Zamalek had another golden op- post to control and shoot – but Chet- While Zamalek were constant a time with another cool fi nish to send Dwaine Pretorius. ing curling attempt fl ying narrowly portunity in the 39th minute with ti got his body in the way to make a threat on the counter-attack, Esper- Zamalek fans into raptures.

Gulf Times Saturday, February 15, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT China coach lauds team’s bravery amid Break brought coronavirus chaos

Reuters nonetheless full of praise for his Melbourne, Australia players and how they had re- sponded to the challenges. “The performance of these he coach of the Chinese games proves that the team welcome respite women’s soccer team members have strong hearts,” he has praised the “strong told Chinese media. hearts” of his players “They are a new generation of Tafter they emerged undefeated Chinese women’s football. Every from an Olympic qualifying one of them wants to show their tournament in Australia despite ability, especially during times of their preparations being thrown diffi culty. into chaos by the coronavirus. “Chinese women’s football for players: Klopp The fl u-like virus emerged in has always had a good tradition Wuhan, Hubei province, in De- and style... I am very happy they cember and has killed more than (showed) that.” Klopp boosted by return to fitness from injuries of attacker Mane and veteran Milner 1,300 people. Australia fi nished top of Group After the qualifying tourna- B and play Vietnam in the fi rst Agencies ment was moved from Wuhan to leg of their playoff in Newcastle London, United Kingdom Sydney due to the outbreak the on March 6, before the return entire China camp was confi ned clash fi ve days later. to a Brisbane hotel and unable to China travel to South Korea for he fi rst ever Premier train for a near two-week quar- the fi rst leg on March 6 with the League mid-season antine period after arriving in return leg on March 11. break pleased Liverpool Australia. With Chinese authorities still coach Jurgen Klopp as However, the shrugged off the battling to contain the spread of Tit allowed the runaway leaders disruptions to beat Thailand and the coronavirus, however, stag- to rest their aches and pains fol- Taiwan before holding Austral- ing the return leg in China may lowing the hectic festive period. ia’s well-drilled ‘Matildas’ to a also be problematic. The 52-year-old German 1-1 draw on Thursday. The Asian Football Confedera- takes his players to bottom- A stoppage time strike by Aus- tion was unable to provide im- placed Norwich today holding a tralia midfi elder Emily van Eg- mediate comment on the match’s 22-point lead over two-time de- mond dashed China’s hopes of scheduling. fending champions Manchester topping Group B, and they will A slew of sporting events in City. have to take on South Korea in a China have been aff ected by the Klopp said the break will have two-leg playoff to qualify for the virus, including Formula One’s done his squad the world of good Tokyo Games rather than meet Chinese Grand Prix, which was as he knew from his own playing lower-ranked Vietnam. scheduled for April in Shanghai experience. China’s coach Jia Xiuquan was but has been postponed. “I was a player myself. When I look back it feels like I played through 80 percent of the time with pain,” he said at his eve of match press conference. “Nobody appreciated that because I played bad so it didn’t help. Nobody asked then. It is completely normal for a pro- fessional football player to play through pain. “After that long period in De- cember-January, there was no player in the squad who had no pain. Everybody had something.” Klopp — whose Champions League holders travel to Atletico In this January 11, 2020, picture, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League match Madrid next week in their last against Tottenham Hotspur in London, United Kingdom. (AFP) 16 fi rst leg clash — has also been boosted by the return to fi tness Klopp says Norwich may be that really sticks together.” “They are one of the best “We had an unbelievable inju- from hamstring injuries of Sen- struggling at the bottom — they teams in European history,” ry curse at the beginning of the egal attacker Sadio Mane and are seven points adrift of safety WE HAVE A FREE SHOT AT Farke told reporters yesterday. season but you have to back the China’s players celebrate a goal against Australia during the women’s veteran James Milner. — but he is full of respect for LIVERPOOL: NORWICH’S “It’s a huge task and we know lads who are available. Now we Olympic football qualifier in Sydney, Australia, on Thursday. (AFP) Mane has missed the last four their adventurous style of play. FARKE that. are in a better position,” he said. matches while Milner has been “I really admire that Norwich Norwich City manager Daniel “We have our strengths and if “I can’t guarantee it (having out since January 5. stick to their principles. It’s re- Farke said his players can take a we bring our best football on the three centre-backs available) is “Millie (Milner) and Sadio are ally good football, super coach- “free shot” at Liverpool, who are pitch, we can get something.” enough to beat Liverpool, but Mourinho defends Alli over back. When they are back you ing,” Klopp said. unbeaten in their last 42 Premier Norwich have won only four we will defi nitely try to do that. coronavirus video consider them immediately,” “You can see all the patterns League matches, today. of their 25 games this season It’s like a free shot tomorrow be- said Klopp. on the pitch, all the move- It would appear a hopeless since being promoted, yet are cause we have to deliver in the Dele Alli is not racist and regrets posting a social media video “Apart from (Xherdan) Sha- ments — that’s from the training mission for Norwich to halt Liv- not cut adrift. following games. which appeared to joke about the new coronavirus, said Totten- qiri, (Nathaniel) Clyne and ground. They’ve caused 95 per- erpool’s title match, but Farke’s While seven points between “It would be great to get one ham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho yesterday. Mourinho put (Paul) Glatzel, all the players are cent of all teams real problems. side have shown plenty of spirit them and 17th-placed Aston or three points tomorrow but we the 23-year-old Spurs and England midfielder’s Snapchat video in training. “They’ve lost a lot of these despite their precarious position Villa sounds a lot, the injuries also want to enjoy it. Liverpool down to “a young generation” error, although the player has been “We have some good options. games, that’s why they’re in the and did beat reigning champions that have blighted their season are the best team in the world asked by the English Football Association (FA) to explain the Hopefully it stays like this for situation they are, but for me, on Manchester City 3-2 at Carrow have relented and there remains and we need to be there with an post. Alli’s video — which was subsequently deleted after several the rest of the season.” the outside, it looks like a club Road. a belief that they can survive. outstanding performance.” complaints were made — showed him wearing a face mask in an airport departure lounge with the message ‘Corona whattt, please listen with volume’. He moved the camera towards an Asian man before showing a bottle of antiseptic hand wash, with a caption Barcelona still joint La Liga favourites: Setien saying ‘This virus gunna have to be quicker than that to catch me’. Reuters and can pull level with Madrid small details, that none of the on the French winger’s medical bring in a striker), but if they Gerrard has no regrets over criticising Barcelona, Spain if they win, before their rivals teams fighting for the title can report following his operation don’t let us sign a player then host Celta Vigo tomorrow. control,” Setien told a news this week. Getafe forward Angel we will adapt.” Rangers players Madrid are in good form and conference yesterday. “I think Rodriguez has been linked Setien and Bordalas have a long uique Setien says Barce- have winger Eden Hazard we are exactly equal favourites by Spanish media, along with history of rivalry, with the Bar- Rangers manager Steven Gerrard insisted yesterday he had no lona should still be seen poised to return from injury, with Real Madrid. We have Levante’s Roger Marti. celona coach claiming his op- qualms about publicly upbraiding his players after a damaging de- Qas joint favourites to win while Barcelona forward Ous- three points less but we have a “Dembele’s injury set us back posite number “boils my blood” feat at Kilmarnock all but handed the Scottish Premiership title to La Liga along with Real Madrid, mane Dembele was recently game against them there.” a lot and put us in a risky situ- while he was at Real Betis. arch Glasgow rivals Celtic. Wednesday’s 2-1 loss at Rugby Park left ahead of his team’s clash with ruled out for six months with a Barcelona hope to be allowed ation, but you always have a “I have forgotten completely Rangers 10 points behind leaders Celtic, who moved closer to a Getafe today. hamstring tear and striker Luis an emergency signing to plan because you play with 11 about the Bordalas topic and I ninth successive title with a 5-0 thrashing of Hearts. Rangers man- Barcelona, second, face Jose Suarez is still sidelined. replace Dembele, pending players,” added Setien. will not speak about it,” added ager Gerrard said his side had “failed to handle the heat” at Rugby Bordalas’s side at Camp Nou “Many leagues are decided by ratification from the Spanish FA “I hope that it is possible (to Setien. Park and would now face questions regarding their courage. Liver- pool great insisted there was no point in him trying to spare the team’s feelings after such a setback. “My way of looking back at what I said is that I always try to be honest,” he said. “At the time, I SERIE A felt like we’d really let ourselves down and I took responsibility for the group’s performance on the night.” UEFA receives record 28.3mn ticket Juve seek Brescia boost as Inter, Lazio face off requests for Euro 2020 AFP season and none since mid-De- Milan, Italy cember. UEFA has received approximately 28.3mn requests for 2.5mn In a three-team title race, available tickets at the 2020 European Championship, double the Lazio are just one point behind amount sought in the last edition of the event, European soccer’s uventus return to their the leading duo, and on an 18- governing body said yesterday. In the ticketing sales phase for home comforts of Tu- game unbeaten run going back fans of qualified teams in December, a record 8.9mn tickets — rin after a poor away to a defeat to Inter back in Sep- more than three times the number in the same phase for Euro run, hosting struggling tember. 2016 — were requested. The month-long general public sales from BresciaJ tomorrow with top spot Antonio Conte’s Inter showed June 12 last year had 19.3mn ticket applications, UEFA added. The in Serie A at stake as title rivals signs of fatigue as they fell 1-0 final, which will take place at London’s Wembley Stadium on July Inter Milan and Lazio go head- at home to Napoli in the Ital- 12, has attracted over 714,000 ticket requests — almost eight times to-head in the Stadio Olimpico. ian Cup after a stunning derby the capacity of the ground. Euro 2020, which runs from June 12- Inter moved top last weekend comeback win. July 12, is being played in 12 cities across Europe for the first time ahead of Juventus on goal diff er- But Inter have lost only one to mark the 60th anniversary of the competition. ence after the eight-time reign- of their last seven games against ing champions’ shock 2-1 defeat Lazio while Romelu Lukaku has Italy’s FA requests FIFA for VAR at Hellas Verona. scored 12 away goals this season Maurizio Sarri’s side will be for Inter. ‘challenges’ in Serie A counting on a win over Mario Lazio boost Serie A top scoer Balotelli’s lowly Brescia, who are Ciro Immobile who has scored Italy’s soccer governing (FIGC) has asked FIFA’s rule-making second last in the table. 15 goals at home, for a total of 25 body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), if it can Sarri’s side have been rattled Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo (right) celebrates after scoring a penalty against AC Milan during the Italian this season. introduce a system where Serie A teams can challenge referee’s by two successive away defeats, Cup semi-final first leg match at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, on Thursday. (AFP) Behind the leading trio decisions and ask for technology to intervene. The Italian top with Cristiano Ronaldo’s late Champions League hopefuls flight introduced the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in penalty snatching a 1-1 draw in with a Champions League last “We have precise ideas along ful and competitive. The same Atalanta and Roma also face a 2017-18 but it has received criticism from Serie A managers who their Italian Cup semi-fi nal, fi rst 16 trip to Lyon looming later this with Sarri which go beyond a thing this year, we are in line direct clash in Bergamo. feel technology should take a second look at controversial deci- leg against AC Milan at the San month. game done a little less well or a with expectations.” Atalanta are fourth, 11 points sions made by on-field referees. IFAB will hold its Annual General Siro on Thursday. “There is absolute unity with game done better. Juventus have never lost behind Lazio, with Roma a fur- Meeting in Belfast on February 29 where subjects such as possible “We have to change gears. the coach,” insisted Juven- “In ten years Juventus have at home in the league against ther three points adrift in fi fth. future developments on VAR use and concussion protocols will be We need more from everyone,” tus chief football offi cier Fabio always managed to change cy- Brescia, with the promoted side The side from the capital have discussed. said defender Leonardo Bonucci Paratici. cles and continue to be success- winning just four games this lost their last two games. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, February 15, 2020 SPORT

CRICKET TENNIS Busta, Felix into Rotterdam semis Warner and Smith the match. Reuters Rotterdam “I didn’t play good points, I was playing too slowly and not aggressively. But after that pain’s Pablo Carreno I continued fi ghting very well Busta overcame a gritty and saved two match points challenge from Italian playing aggressively in the tie- Jannik Sinner to win break. It was a very important braced for ‘hostile’ 7-5S 3-6 7-6(6) in a marathon match to win.” clash to reach the Rotterdam Auger-Aliassime beat Slov- Open semi-fi nals yesterday. enia’s Aljaz Bedene, despite Carreno Busta squandered being unwell and looking out three match points while of sorts, winning 6-4 7-6(6). leading 5-4 in the fi nal set The 19-year-old broke Be- before saving two himself at dene at 5-4 to take the fi rst set 6-4 down in the tiebreak to and looked fi rmly in control in South Africa crowds advance in two hours and 45 the second before the Sloveni- minutes and set up an encoun- an picked up his game to force Both batsmen are in the Australia squad for T20s and ODIs beginning on February 21 ter with Canadian teenager a tiebreak with well executed Felix Auger-Aliassime. points designed to tire out the “It was very tough mentally struggling Auger-Aliassime. to continue fi ghting on every However, the visibly ex- point,” said Carreno Busta, hausted Canadian managed to who won his third consecutive save a set point before winning three-setter at the tourna- the tiebreak and advancing to ment. “I know that I lost a lot only his third career ATP 500 of opportunities to close out semi-fi nal.

Pablo Carreno Busta reacts after winning his match against Jannik Sinner in the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rot- terdam, Netherlands, yesterday. (AFP)

Thompson topples Isner in New York File photo of Australia’s David Warner (left) and Steve Smith. PICTURE: Cricket Australia Australian Jordan Thompson only to take the lone break of AFP year’s one-day World Cup and Ashes series much every box since coming back,” the squads, led by . upset US top seed John Isner the match in the final set. Sydney in England, and they are expected to receive seamer told reporters. “If you look at our squad selections over 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (3/7), 6-3 on “I just told myself to keep similar treatment in South Africa. “It’s just another one of those and I don’t the last couple of months, it’s all been pretty Thursday to reach the ATP going and I would get a look,” Both batsmen are in the Australia squad think it’ll faze them one bit. They probably consistent,” said Finch. New York Open quarter-finals. Thompson said. “And luckily I ustralia opener David Warner is for three Twenty20s and three ODIs begin- play better when it’s like this. It’s nothing we “There hasn’t been a huge amount of Thompson, who will face pulled it off .” braced for a hostile reception but ning on February 21. Their T20 on Febru- haven’t experienced before... we’ll be fi ne.” risk-taking in our selections, so we’ve got Italy’s Andreas Seppi for Defending champion Reilly hopes fans will show “respect” ary 26 will mark the tourists’ fi rst match at confi dence in the 14 guys in South Africa a berth in the semi-finals, Opelka beat Japan’s Yoshihito as he and Steve Smith return to Newlands since the 2018 scandal. SHORT COVER that potentially they can take us forward to avenged a loss to Isner in last Nishioka 6-4, 6-4, sending the SouthA Africa for the fi rst time since the “For me personally, it won’t be hard at all,” Australia will be using the tour to fi ne-tune the T20 World Cup.” year’s New York quarter-finals. US third seed into a quarter- ‘Sandpapergate’ ball-tampering scandal Warner told Sydney radio station 2GB this preparations for the T20 World Cup on The world number 63 took final against Taiwan’s Jason that rocked world cricket. week. “I just go there and I’ve got a job to do home soil in October — the only major crick- ODI SQUAD his first victory in four Jung, who upset British The last time the pair played in South Af- and that’s to score runs and win games for eting trophy the men’s team has yet to win. Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Alex meetings with the big-serving seventh seed Cameron Norrie rica, almost two years ago, they were sent Australia and put us in a good position.” But they will be without explosive bat- Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, American. 6-4, 6-4. home in disgrace for attempting to alter the But he added that “obviously, it’s going to ting star Glenn Maxwell, who pulled out this Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, “Pretty stoked with that,” British eighth seed Kyle ball with sandpaper during a Cape Town be very hostile”. week to have arthroscopic surgery on his left D’Arcy Short, Kane Richardson, Steve Thompson said. “It was a Edmund defeated Germany’s Test. It cost them 12-month suspensions “I copped it in England; I actually enjoyed elbow. Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, tough match. Didn’t get much Dominik Koepfer 6-2, 6-4 to and for Warner, a lifetime leadership ban. that and played along with it. Equally dangerous batsman and wrist- David Warner, Adam Zampa. of a look at his serve. I got one book a last-eight date with They have since resurrected their careers “Hopefully, we’re showed some respect spinner D’Arcy Short, who has been over- T20 SQUAD break and managed to hold South Korean Kwon Soon- and are all but forgiven at home, with Warn- when we go over to Africa and the things that looked for a year, has replaced him in both Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton on somehow.” woo. er this week winning a vote by players, offi - happen in the past stay there.” formats. Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell The 25-year-old from Sydney The other quarter-final sends cials and media to claim Australian cricket’s Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said he had Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade Marsh, D’Arcy Short, Jhye Richardson, surged ahead 5-0 in the first French fourth seed Ugo highest honour, the Allan Border Medal — no concerns about how Warner and Smith and all-rounder Mitch Marsh, who last Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell tie-breaker, then fell behind Humbert against Serbian sixth with Smith placed second. But both players would handle their reception. played limited-overs internationals in Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, 4-1 in dropping the second seed Miomir Kecmanovic. were constantly booed and jeered during last “Steve and Dave have ticked off pretty 2017 and 2018 respectively, returned to the Adam Zampa.

SPOTLIGHT New Zealand’s Ferguson unlikely to make India Test series Reuters Stuff Media in Auckland yes- that it’s easy to make any of the Wellington terday. sides, but they’ve been excep- “We’ve got a lot of white- tional for so long, and espe- ball stuff and I head away to cially the fast-bowling attack, ast bowler Lockie Fer- the IPL as well, so it’s impor- that’s been very settled for a guson is not expecting tant with a calf injury, where long time.” to be picked in New there’s a high percentage He also acknowledged that Zealand’s Test squad chance of re-injury, that we be despite being considered as Fon Monday for the series conservative. more of a limited overs bowler against India as he recovers “Sunday’s my focus and at the international level, he from a calf injury that ruined then I’ll be looking to play was still motivated to play the his debut against Australia late some fi rst-class cricket.” longest form of the game. last year. Despite making his Test de- “Since I started playing pro- Ferguson broke down after but last December, Ferguson is fessional cricket, it has been bowling just 11 overs in the realistically fi fth in the peck- my goal to play , fi rst Test in Perth and has been ing order behind the estab- because personally I feel that’s working his way back to fi t- lished trio of Trent Boult, Tim the biggest challenge,” he said. ness for Auckland in domestic Southee and Neil Wagner and “I am obviously super cricket. then Matt Henry. stoked to be playing one-day- He expects to play New Zea- Boult broke his hand in ers and T20s for New Zealand, land’s domestic one-day fi nal Australia but trained with the I love every moment of it, but tomorrow and indicated the national side earlier this week playing red-ball has been a big limited overs series against in Mt. Maunganui before they goal of mine. Australia in March was a more wrapped up a 3-0 sweep in the “On the day it wasn’t to be realistic target for his interna- one-day series over India and (in Perth), I only got through tional return. should play the fi rst Test that 11 overs, and it was really frus- “Of course the goal is for me starts on Feb. 21 in Wellington. trating. to get back as soon as possible, “It’s not an easy side to “But it’s one of those things. but there is so much cricket make, the New Zealand Test When you bowl quick, injuries coming up this year,” he told side,” Ferguson added. “Not can sometimes happen.” File photo of New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson in action. (Reuters) Gulf Times Saturday, February 15, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Lightning hold off Oilers for ninth Tatum scores 39 as consecutive victory

Reuters net in the fi rst period, prima- Los Angeles rily behind Smith’s play. A member of the Lightning from 2007-11, Smith stopped all 14 anni Gourde broke shots he faced from his former Celtics beat Clippers a second-period tie club, including a juicy point- with a short-hand- blank putback by Maroon at ed game-winner as 15:04. TampaY Bay beat the visit- But Maroon’s hard work ing Edmonton Oilers 3-1 on right in front of Smith — plus Thursday night, extending the some contact — early in the Lightning’s winning streak to second gave Tampa Bay a 1-0 an NHL-high nine games. lead at 4:39. in double OT thriller Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy The big forward made con- made 29 saves to win his league-best ‘It’s nice to go to the All-Star break with a win and enjoy those moments off ’ RESULTS 31st game and ran his point streak to Buff alo 4-3 Columbus 20 contests (18-0- Philadelphia 6-2 Florida 2) for the Lightning, who won for the 10th New Jersey 4-1 Detroit Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (left) consecutive time at Tampa Bay 3-1 Edmonton drives against Los Angeles Clippers point home — tying the Dallas 3-2 Toronto guard Landry Shamet during the second half franchise record. at TD Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Pat Maroon and Ottawa 3-2 Arizona Cedric Paquette NY Rangers 4-3 Minnesota notched goals, Nashville 5-0 NY Islanders Brayden Point ex- tended his point Washington 3-2 Colorado streak to nine games Calgary 6-0 Anaheim with an assist, and Las Vegas 6-5 St. Louis Tampa Bay won its 13th straight match against a tact with Smith’s stick while Pacifi c Division club, dating to screening the goalie, sending last season. the stick across the ice, and The Lightning were without Maroon went behind the net three productive forwards ac- to retrieve Luke Schenn’s wide counting for 67 goals — cap- shot from the point, fl ipped tain Steven Stamkos (missing the puck back and caromed it third game), winger Nikita off Smith’s right skate for his Kucherov and speedy Anthony seventh marker. Cirelli — the latter two missing Edmonton knotted it at 1 their fi rst games with lower- at 9:36 when Jones grabbed body injuries. his own rebound off a blocked Caleb Jones scored, Leon shot and beat Vasilevskiy for Draisaitl assisted for his NHL- his third of the season, but leading 90th point and Mike Gourde potted a marker for his Smith stopped 34 shots for the second straight game by con- Oilers, who lost for the fi rst verting over Smith’s blocker time in three games. on a breakaway attempt at Edmonton played their sec- 13:01 after his steal in the neu- ond straight game without tral zone. The short-handed speedster Connor McDavid. tally was the Lightning’s third The high-scoring forward will this season. miss two to three weeks with a Paquette added an empty- quadriceps ailment sustained net goal in the third for the against the Nashville Preda- Lightning to fi nish off their tors on Saturday. eighth straight home win over The teams failed to fi nd the Edmonton.

AFP said of his sizzling shooting. “My NBA three-pointer — and 11 re- Washington teammates trust me and vice ver- bounds. Celtics to retire Garnett’s sa. We do a good job of getting the Chris Paul had 14 points and 12 No. 5 jersey next season hot guy the ball whoever it is.” assists for the Thunder. ayson Tatum scored 39 Tatum struck for two late hoops Pelicans rookie star Zion Wil- The Boston Celtics will retire Ainge, Doc Rivers, my past points, two off his career in overtime, a layup over Leonard liamson scored a game-high 32 Kevin Garnett’s No. 5 jersey teammates and Celtic Nation!” high, and Marcus Smart with 24.8 seconds remaining to points in his 10th NBA contest during the 2020-21 season, Garnett played six seasons added 31 on Thursday to put Boston ahead 127-124. while JJ Redick added 24 points the team announced during for the Celtics after arriving liftJ the Boston Celtics over the Los But Landry Shamet’s three- off the bench for New Orleans. Thursday’s home game via trade from the Minnesota Angeles Clippers 141-133 in dou- pointer pulled the Clippers level against the Los Angeles Timberwolves in the summer of ble overtime. and sent the game into a second CELTICS HONOUR GARNETT Clippers. 2007. He helped Boston to the Tatum hit 14-of-23 from the extra period, which the Celtics The Celtics announced Thurs- During a stoppage, the Celtics NBA title in 2007-08 in his first fl oor, 5-of-10 from three-point dominated to claim the triumph. day that Kevin Garnett, who played a Garnett highlight season — winning Defensive range, and grabbed nine rebounds Lou Williams came off the helped Boston capture the 2008 video on the Jumbotron, Player of the Year honours along in more than 47 minutes while Clippers’ bench to score 35 points NBA crown, will have his number accompanied by an audio clip the way — and another Finals playing tough defense against while Leonard had 28 points and 5 jersey retired next season, the from former Celtics coach Doc appearance in 2009-10, losing to Kawhi Leonard to send the Celtics 11 rebounds. Montrezl Harrell 24th former player so honoured Rivers, saying, “I’ve never been the . into the NBA All-Star Game break added 24 points and 13 rebounds. by the club. around a player like Kevin. He made five All-Star teams with as winners. In the only other game on the “I’m honoured and thankful to Ever. I’ve never seen a guy that Boston before being dealt to the “This was a tough one,” Tatum last night of contests before the have my number retired with the committed to winning.” Brooklyn Nets in the summer said. “It’s nice to go to the All-Star NBA All-Star Game break, Italian Celtics,” Garnett said. “I’m honored and thankful of 2013. break with a win and enjoy those forward Danilo Gallinari scored He was the 2008 NBA Defen- to have my number retired Garnett will be the 23rd Celtics moments off .” 29 points on 12-of-18 shooting sive Player of the Year and an with the Celtics,” Garnett said player to have his number Tatum’s hot night came af- to lead the Oklahoma City Thun- NBA All-Star in fi ve of his six in a statement posted on retired, in addition to honours ter a 5-for-15 shooting eff ort and der to a 123-118 victory at New seasons with the Celtics. the big screen. I will always without number designations 0-for-7 three-point performance Orleans. German reserve Dennis In 396 games for Boston, Gar- have immense respect and for former forward Jim Loscutoff earlier in the week against Hou- Schroder added 22, New Zealand nett averaged 15.7 points, 8.3 re- appreciation for ownership, and former radio announcer Tampa Bay Lightning Yanni Gourde (left) celebrates after ston. center Steven Adams contrib- bounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and (general manager) Danny Johnny Most. scoring a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the second “Just a lot of hard work,” Tatum uted 11 points — including his fi rst 1.0 blocks a game. period at Amalie Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL Bucs still in wait-and-see mode with Winston By Rick Stroud narios based on which quarterbacks may yards while re-setting his club record with Tampa Bay Times become free agents or made available for 33 touchdown passes. But he also threw 30 trade. But right now, Arians said, it’s hard to interceptions and lost fi ve fumbles, ena- make a decision not knowing which quar- bling opponents to score 112 points off his ameis Winston’s eyesight has im- terbacks actually make it to free agency. turnovers. proved but the Bucs have no more The Saints’ Drew Brees and the Patriots’ Arians declined to comment on the recent clarity on their quarterback situa- Tom Brady are scheduled to become free revelation that Winston underwent Lasik tion. agents in March. The Chargers have already surgery to repair his near-sightedness. JCoach Bruce Arians remains undecided announced they will not re-sign Philip Riv- “I don’t talk about guys’ personal stuff ,” about whether to keep Winston or move on ers. Arians said. One thing Arians is certain of is from the Bucs’ former No. 1 draft pick. Said Arians: “You’re just sitting there his desire to retain as many defensive start- In fact, Arians said Thursday that the waiting to see is there someone available? … ers as possible, beginning with linebacker Bucs probably won’t know the direction Is he a better option? Shaquil Barrett, who led the NFL with 19.5 they will go at that position until the start “And then, that’s the problem, you get sacks and will become a free agent. of the three-day legal free-agent tampering about three days to decide. The legal tam- The list of 19 players from 2019 team who period March 16-18. pering period. Is somebody going to get let could become unrestricted free agents in- “Really nothing has changed,” Arians go? What’s the trade values? It’s really mo- cludes linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul, defen- said. “What’s Door No. 2? You know? Can notonous right now because you don’t have sive tackle Ndamukong Suh and linebacker we make the one we have better? All those any answers.” Carl Nassib. things you go through right now.” Arians said the Bucs have been preparing “To me, it’s the whole defense,” Arians The deadline for NFL teams to desig- for various scenarios, which include retain- said. “We can’t get them all, but we’ve got nate a franchise or transition player is 4pm ing Winston for at least the 2020 season. to get (most of them). This team right now, March 10, nearly a week prior to the tam- “I don’t think there’s that many guys in- the last eight games our defensive statistics pering period. If the Bucs use a franchise volved,” Arians said. “Until the (franchise/ … those young guys grew. We can’t let that player tag on Winston, they would have to transition player) tags come out and eve- go. I don’t care who is playing quarterback, guarantee him about $27-million on a one- rything else, I’d be shocked if it’s two (free we’re going to have a defense.” year deal for 2020. agent quarterbacks).” Does it matter who plays quarterback if Arians, who spoke Thursday at an NFL Winston earned nearly $21mn last sea- the Bucs don’t retain a good defense? coaches academy in Tampa, said the Bucs son playing under the club’s fi fth-year op- “No. We’re back to square one,” Arians have been just going through diff erent sce- tion and led the NFL with 5,109 passing said. File photo of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston. (TNS) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, February 15, 2020 SPORT

MOTORSPORT Hamilton sees young rivals’ talk as sign of weakness Reuters allowing rivals a chance to close the gap London further, and Red Bull and runners-up Fer- Vandoorne appointed rari both have a more settled driver line-up Mercedes reserve driver after making changes in 2019. ewis Hamilton said he was amused Hamilton warned in January that he was Former McLaren driver Stoff el by younger rivals talking up their going to be on another level this year and Vandoorne will be an off icial reserve chances as his Mercedes Formula would be “a machine” once the season for Mercedes in Formula One this One team unveiled the new car started. season while also competing in the Lthat could make him a seven-times world He also said on Instagram that his win- all-electric Formula E series, the team champion this season. ter training had been “one of the best” and announced yesterday. The 35-year-old Briton pointed to Finn- he had lost fi ve kilos compared to the same The 27-year-old Belgian, who left ish teammate Valtteri Bottas, handed the time last year. McLaren at the end of 2018 after fi rst laps in the sleek W11 car at a private Other areas were also an improvement. starting 41 grands prix, is leading shakedown session at Silverstone circuit “I fi t in my seat, which is a start,” he said the Formula E standings after three yesterday, when asked who would be his yesterday. “Last year I didn’t really fi t in my rounds and competing in Mexico City biggest challenger. seat, so I had to make lots of modifi cations.” this weekend. Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen “I think at this time of the year you don’t He will share duties with Mexican and Ferrari’s Monegasque Charles Leclerc, really feel any pressure and it’s really just Esteban Gutierrez, who raced both 22 years old, are hungry to seize Ham- about having some fun,” he added. “You’re for Sauber and Haas between ilton’s crown but the reigning champion focused but it’s really about enjoying the 2013-16 and also has simulator said he was relaxed. moment.” and development duties, on race “I fi nd it funny seeing that,” he replied The Briton is starting his eighth year weekends. when asked about the ‘bit of chat’ from ri- with the Mercedes works team and he said French driver Esteban Ocon was the vals. “I’ve just always known to do my talk- the buzz around the factory was the same Mercedes reserve last season but he ing on the track. Often I tend to see that as ever. is now racing for Renault. (talk) as a sign of weakness.” “They couldn’t be more excited, they Formula E has three calendar clashes Verstappen told reporters this month couldn’t be more enthusiastic or more with Formula One this season. that “Lewis is very good. He is defi nitely driven,” he said. The race in Rome is scheduled for the one of the best out there, but he’s not God. “Probably the most impressive thing is same weekend as the Vietnamese Maybe God is with him, but he is not God.” that we’ve had the success and it could be Grand Prix on April 5, Seoul coincides Mercedes have won both titles for the quite easy for them to be laid back today. with the Dutch GP at Zandvoort on past six seasons, an unprecedented feat, Everyone’s super-focused, there’s been so May 3 and Jakarta’s debut clashes with Hamilton beaten only by now-retired much work that’s done in the background with the Baku Grand Prix on June 7. teammate Nico Rosberg in 2016, but this to make sure today runs smoothly. Both series have called off races in season could be the toughest yet. “Everyone seems refreshed, revamped In this file photo taken on April 14, 2019 Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton waves to fans after winning the China due to the coronavirus. The regulations are essentially the same, and ready for the challenges ahead.” Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

GOLF ATHLETICS Diack junior denies Russian doping graft Kuchar leads by 3 at I earned around 10 millions AFP Paris dollars (nine mn euros) from sponsoring contracts and TV rights,” he testifi ed. apa Massata Diack, “So I had no need to ask the son of former athletes to pay money for world athletics su- doping cases.” premo Lamine Diack, The testimony, given on Riviera; Tiger’s hot hasP denied corruption linked November 7, was sent by Sen- to the Russian doping scandal, egal authorities to Paris along saying he is too rich to bribe. with other documents related ‘I got off to a nice start on the Diack has been indicted by to the case, but arrived too French prosecutors for al- late to permit the trial to go front nine and just didn’t hit many legedly accepting millions of ahead on the original date. dollars along with his father, The presiding magistrate in good shots on the back nine’ Lamine Diack, in return for the trial said more time was start fi zzles covering up positive Russian needed to examine that tes- doping tests. timony. The trial is now set to Diack junior is a former start in June. In his testimony, marketing consultant for the Diack, 54, denied all allega- International Association of tions against him including Athletics Federations (IAAF), taking unauthorised pay- now renamed World Athlet- ments to the tune of millions ics, which was run by his fa- of dollars for TV contracts. ther from 1999 to 2015. Separately, father and son He was due to go on trial are also being investigated by in Paris from mid-January French authorities in a related along with his father but has case concerning the alloca- refused to co-operate with tion of major athletics events French authorities and re- and two Olympic Games. mains in Senegal. Despite Diack senior, 86, acknowl- two international arrest war- edged during the investiga- rants issued by France, the tion over Russian doping that Senegalese authorities have sanctions against Russian said they will not extradite athletes had been put on hold Diack junior. In testimony to to allow them to compete at an investigating magistrate in the 2012 London Olympics Senegal in November, seen by and the 2013 world athletics AFP, Papa Massata Diack said championships in Moscow. he was too wealthy to need to Russia has been suspended take bribes and denied cover- from international competi- ing up positive Russian dop- tion since 2015 after proof ing tests from 2011. “In all the emerged of a vast state- years I worked with the IAAF backed doping conspiracy. and Dentsu-AMS (the IAAF marketing rights holders),

Kuala Lumpur, Shenzhen events postponed due to virus outbreak

The Maybank Championship scheduled for April 16-19 while to be held in Kuala Lumpur the Shenzhen event at the and the Volvo China Open Genzon Golf Club was sched- in Shenzhen that were both uled for April 23-26. scheduled for April have been “The well-being of our players, postponed due to the corona- spectators and staff is always virus outbreak, the European our absolute priority,” chief Tour announced yesterday. executive of the European The outbreak has killed more Tour Keith Pelley said in a Matt Kuchar of the United States plays a shot on the 13th hole during the first round of the Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California, on Thursday. (AFP) than 1,300 people and infected statement. more than 60,000 in China “While it is therefore regretta- AFP when he played his fi rst US tour ies at the 10th and 11th. the defensive too often. Woods but also 2016 Olympic after emerging late last year in ble that the Maybank Champi- Los Angeles event at Riviera, but he has nev- His seven birdies included “There’s a couple times today gold medallist Justin Rose and Wuhan, the capital of central onship and Volvo China Open er won on the classic course in a 28-footer at the 18th and a I hit good shots but was on the fellow Englishman Paul Casey, Hubei province. have been postponed, we feel the Pacifi c Palisades west of Los 33-footer at the eighth — his pe- wrong side,” McIlroy said. defending champion JB Holmes The event at the Saujana this is the correct course of att Kuchar fi red a Angeles in 12 prior tries, and his nultimate hole of the day. After getting up and down and South Koreans Im Sung-jae, Golf & Country Club in Kuala action at this time. We are cur- sparkling seven-un- struggles continued on Thurs- “Eighteen was a little bit more for par from an awkward lie in a Kang Sung and Kim Si-woo. Lumpur, co-sanctioned by rently investigating alternative der 64 on Thursday day. doable, basically a straight uphill bunker at the 10th, McIlroy was the Asian Tour, was originally dates for both events.” to seize a three-shot “I got off to a nice start on the putt,” he said of his fi rst birdie scrambling until an eagle at 17, LEADING FIRST-ROUND Mlead after the fi rst round of the front nine and just didn’t hit bomb. The downhill putt at the followed by another eagle at the SCORES Genesis Invitational at Riviera many good shots on the back eighth was even more of a bonus. fi rst. The chilly morning tem- 64 - Matt Kuchar Madsen wins World Marathon Challenge Country Club. nine,” said Woods, who opened “You can’t count on that every peratures were a factor in his 67 - Lee Kyoung-hoon (KOR), South Korea’s Lee Kyoung- with an eagle at the fi rst and add- day, but it sure is fun when they “very sluggish start” as McIl- Russell Henley, Wyndham Clark, Kristina Madsen of Denmark 57 seconds, which organisers hoon and Americans Russell ed two birdies before the turn but do go in,” Kuchar said. roy saw his three-wood into the Adam Schenk, Harold Varner was name the winner of the said was a record. Henley, Wyndham Clark, Adam had two bogeys without a birdie “To shoot a number like this, 11th come up 40 yards shorter 68 - Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP), World Marathon Challenge She averaged more than Schenk and Harold Varner shared coming in. you kind of do most things well,” than the 285 yards he can usu- Carlos Ortiz (MEX), Rory McIlroy on Thursday after completing seven minutes better than second on 67 with Rory McIl- “Made a couple loose swings he added. “I felt like it was just ally expect. Six holes later, with (NIR), Patrick Cantlay, Jason Day seven marathons on seven second-placed Jessica Jones roy — newly returned to world and made a couple good saves steady golf, a lot of opportuni- the weather warming up, he had (AUS), Bryson DeChambeau, continents in as many days. of the United States. number one — headlining a group on the back nine for par, but just ties and I was able to convert on 289 yards into the 17th and put Andrew Landry, Joel Dahmen, After running the off icial Milosz Pasiecznik of Poland of 10 on 68 that also included wasn’t able to get any birdies on a good number of the opportuni- a three-wood pin-high, 35 feet Patrick Reed, James Hahn 42.2-kilometre (26.2-mile) was the fastest man with an Australia’s Jason Day and former the back nine,” Woods said. ties today.” from the hole. 69 - Scottie Scheff ler, Im Sung- distance in Africa, Antarctica, average time of 3:33:25. Masters champion Patrick Reed. Kuchar, meanwhile, started Kuchar, who hit 14 of 18 greens “So it just shows you what jae (KOR), Brooks Koepka, Paul Australia, Asia, Europe and Runners were whisked from Tournament host Tiger Woods hot and stayed that way. in regulation, said missing in the temperature does,” said McIlroy, Casey (ENG), Sebastián Munoz South America, the Chal- continent to continent on closed with a bogey to fall out of right spot was the key to getting who drained the eagle putt. (COL), J.T. Poston, Michael lenge finished up in the North charter flights and almost all of that bunch, cooling off after a hot ‘A FUN, FUN DAY’ up and down when needed. Brooks Koepka, who had held Thompson, Denny McCarthy, America city of Miami. the competitors recorded their start to post a two-under par 69 “It was a fun, fun day out there “That’s defi nitely a big key the number one ranking for the Tiger Woods, Kang Sung (KOR), Madsen was the overall win- slowest time in the second leg, as he pursues a record 83rd US playing Riviera,” said the nine- here,” he said. last eight months, opened his J.B. Holmes, Justin Rose (ENG), ner with an average time of held at the Antarctic Russian PGA Tour title. time US PGA Tour winner, who McIlroy had two eagles in his week on 69, joining a big group Kim Si-woo (KOR), Chez Reavie, three hours, 25 minutes and station of Novolazarevskaya. Woods was still a teenager opened with back-to-back bird- round, but said he put himself on that also included not only Scott Stallings, Vaughn Taylor. Gulf Times Saturday, February 15, 2020 7 SPORT

FOCUS Media delegations tour Education City Stadium

QNA escorted the media on a tour to fi rmly in the arena. lead designer. The Design and Doha learn about the stadium’s facili- The Education City Stadium Build Contractor is JPAC JV, who ties and provide them with more has a design that draws on the appointed Pattern as the lead de- information about the stadium. rich history of Islamic architec- sign architect and BuroHappold he Supreme Committee The landscape around Educa- ture, blending it with striking for engineering design. for & Legacy tion City Stadium is dotted with modernity. The facade features All these organisations are fo- (SC) organised a visit leading universities, as part of triangles that form complex, dia- cused on collaborating closely to for the local and foreign Qatar Foundation for Education, mond-esque geometrical pat- create a truly inspiring stadium, Tpress delegations to the Educa- Science and Community Devel- terns, appearing to change colour with sustainability at its heart. tion City Stadium, a FIFA World opment (QF) where cutting-edge with the sun’s movement across The stadium will guide the way Cup Qatar 2022 stadium, on the research is conducted and aca- the sky. for others by using smart building sidelines of their coverage of the demics inspire their students to The stadium’s location within systems, with an integrated water TOTAL CAF Super Cup match be at their best. the Education City has been and energy control and monitor- between Esperance Sportive de QF students, faculty and staff carefully chosen with accessibil- ing system to manage real-time Tunis and Zamalek SC of Egypt will be able to use these facilities. ity in mind, particularly for fans consumption. Environmentally in Doha yesterday. For decades to come, Education with disabilities. Irrespective of aware design and construction A large number of various lo- City Stadium will be a symbol of what mode of transport they use, practices will help reduce the cal media outlets as well as news innovation, sustainability and fans will only travel a short dis- stadium’s carbon footprint — not agencies were present during progress, in line with the Qatar tance to their seats along shaded, only during construction but also the visit which introduced them National Vision 2030 and the tree-lined paths — giving them throughout its lifetime. to the advanced stages of work goals of both QF and the SC. just enough time to enjoy a spec- The SC has made huge con- in the stadium, which is almost The Education City Stadium tacular view of the venue. tributions to green construction ready and awaits its offi cial open- Project Manager confi rmed that The training pitches, and practices here. At least 55 per- ing date. the stadium has been fully com- other sporting facilities radi- cent of the materials used for the The SC had also taken the local pleted and that remaining minor ate outwards from the stadium, stadium project will come from and foreign press delegations on work is scheduled to end at the SC’s Education City Stadium Project Manager Eid al-Qahtani (centre) speaks to the media during a tour of all within easy reach of the local sustainable sources and 28 per- an introductory tour of Al Bayt end of the fi rst quarter of this the Education City Stadium (above). academic community. cent of construction materials stadium located in the city of Al year, noting that the stadium has Education City is the home of have recycled contents, minimis- Khor, as part of its strategy to in- a capacity of 45,000 spectators, contribution to international de- be reduced by half and 20,000 duction in capacity will also add QF, one of the key stakeholders ing the carbon footprint of the troduce Doha visitors to all the with advanced cooling system velopment will come after it has seats will be donated to build sta- to the intimate, inclusive feeling of the SC. The Project Manager stadium. Across the precinct, details related to the stadia. and all its facilities are now fully hosted matches through to the diums in developing countries, created by the venue’s ultramod- for the stadium is ASTAD Project drought-tolerant and native spe- SC’s Education City Stadium ready. quarter-fi nals stage of the tour- helping cultivate a passion for the ern curves, which will encircle Management, while FIA Fenwick cies of plants have been used in Project Manager Eid al-Qahtani The stadium’s most direct nament. The arena’s capacity will game around the globe. This re- fans and keep the atmosphere Iribarren Architects served as the 75% of the landscaping.

BOXING RUGBY Folau considered Fury ready for ‘war’ in Wilder retirement before heavyweight title rematch Catalans lifeline

AFP “I learned he can be hit and Los Angeles, United States hurt quite regularly. That’s the biggest thing I learned from fi ghting him. He’s a one dimen- ritain’s Tyson Fury sional fi ghter and I’m going to vowed to deliver a prove that. career-best perform- “I took his best shots and fi red ance in his upcoming them back into him. He’s a one heavyweightB title rematch with trick pony. He’s a knockout art- American Deontay Wilder, ex- ist... but he couldn’t fi nish me. pecting a “war” in their Febru- “It’s not when we get put ary 22 showdown at Las Vegas. down. It’s what happens when The 12-round battle of un- we get back up and keep moving beaten fi ghters for Wilder’s forward.” World Boxing Council crown is a Catalans Dragons’ Israel Folau (left) takes part in a training session in rematch of a thrilling 2018 draw WILDER ‘AIN’T SO BAD’ Perpignan, France, on Wednesday. (AFP) at Los Angeles. Wilder’s speed plays a bigger Fury was knocked down twice role in his knockout blows than AFP “It’s a big chance for me be- by Wilder in the fi rst fi ght but his power, Fury said. Toulouse, France cause I didn’t think I would play the 31-year-old Englishman “I felt the power. Ain’t so rugby league again, and discover plans a more aggressive ap- bad,” Fury said. “I don’t think France and its culture.” proach for the rematch. it’s so much his power. It’s the ormer Wallaby Israel Folau returns to the 13-a-side “Never have I been as ready speed he brings. It’s tricky when Folau said yesterday he code today against Castleford and focused for one fi ght as I you don’t see it coming.” had thought about retir- after a decade playing Australian am for this fi ght,” Fury said in Fury claimed he wanted the ing after he was sacked rules football and rugby union. a conference call on Thursday. victory more than Wilder, say- lastF May by Rugby Australia over “I’m very excited to get back “You’re going to see the best Ty- ing the champion was growing a homophobic social media post. to the sport which I broke out son Fury that Tyson Fury can be. more concerned about opportu- Folau, 30, who scored 37 tries in. It’s been 10 years since I last “I’m match fi t. I’m ready. I’m nities outside the ring. in 73 Test appearances, is set to played rugby league and I’m also confi dent. I’m injury free. I’m “He’s what I call a social climb- make his debut for rugby league very nervous,” Folau said in com- ready for a war, one round or 12.” er. He wants to be something he’s side Catalans Dragons this week- ments translated from French. Fury, the lineal champion, is not,” Fury said. “None of that end after the French club handed “But the environment is fa- 29-0 with one drawn and 20 stuff means anything to me.” him a one-year contract. vourable between the coaching knockouts while Wilder enters In this January 25, 2020, picture, boxers Deontay Wilder (left) and Tyson Fury face off during a press Fury also dismissed any no- His arrival in Super League has staff and the players for me to 42-0 with one drawn and 41 conference in Los Angeles, United States. (AFP) tion of where he might rank been met with condemnation play as well as I can. knockouts. among the all-time greats. from other clubs and sparked a “It’s going to be a big challenge “If I beat Deontay Wilder, I’ll fi nd out, will we?” Fury said. Muhammad Ali, George Fore- fi rst fi ght that he must press the “I’m not really too concerned rule change to allow the compe- for me. It’s been 10 years and I’m be the best heavyweight of my “We’ll see if I’m man enough to man, Lennox Lewis and Evander attack when he senses weakness about the legacy. The fact of the tition to prevent “controversial looking forward to returning,” he era, standing alone,” Fury said. back it up. Holyfi eld. from Wilder. matter is I care about being ac- signings” in the future. added. Fury backed up prior com- “My own destiny lies within “Everybody would have to “The mistake I made last time tive and I care about winning “I thought about ending my Dragons coach Steve McNa- ments saying he would knock my own two fi sts. I’ll be letting recognise him as one of the great was not making him pay when now,” Fury said. career and doing something mara said Folau “deserves” a out Wilder in the second round, them fl y very aggressively.” heavyweight champions of all he was hurt. This time when “What someone thinks about else so I thank the president second chance. saying he felt he needed a Fight promoter Bob Arum said time,” Arum said. I get him hurt, I’ll throw eve- me when I’m gone doesn’t really and the coach for the opportu- “I felt it was right and he knockout to keep the outcome victory would seal Fury’s place “He defi nitely will belong rything but the kitchen sink at matter. When I’m gone, some- nity they’ve given me,” Folau told deserved the opportunity, it from the hands of the judges. among such all-time heavy- with those immortals.” him and he won’t know what hit body comes along to replace me. Perpignan-based newspaper shouldn’t be a life sentence what “Won’t have to wait long to weight legends as Mike Tyson, Fury says he learned from the him,” Fury said. That’s how the food chain works.” l’Independant. he was given,” he told the BBC.

Saturday, February 15, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET Kamran hits 68 to help Qatar seal T20I series By Sports Reporter the wicket was also not very easy et with newcomer Imal Liyanage, nold Otwani chipped in with 25, in 16 balls; Charles Waiswa 1 for Doha to bat on. Defying the odds, Khan who cracked two sixes and a four which included three fours and 36, Frank Akankwasa 1 for 37, lifted Qatar to a good score of 154 in 22. Tanveer fi nished unbeaten Waisa top-scored with 39. His Trevor Bukenya 1 for 41) beat for four. Uganda failed to come up on 29 with three boundaries. 23-ball innings had two sixes and Uganda 126 for seven (Roger atar stamped their su- with a matching reply and could Charles Waiswa, Frank Akank- three boundaries. Mukasa 24 in 38 balls, Arnold premacy over Uganda only manage 126 for seven in wasa and Trevor Bukenya shared Malik had two for 17, Moham- Otwani 25 in 18 balls, Kenneth and sealed the three- their chase. three wickets. ed Nadeem picked two for 30 Waiswa 39 in 23 balls; Mohamed match Twnety20 In- Khan and fellow opener Za- Uganda were restricted by and Qatar skipper Iqbal Hussain Awais Malik 2 for 17, Mohamed ternationalQ Series, winning the heeruddeen Ibrahim took Qatar good line and length of the Qa- Chaudhry grabbed two wickets Nadeem 2 for 30, Iqbal Hussain second game by 28 runs at the to a steady 74 before the latter tari bowlers. An early wicket for 28. Chaudhry 2 for 28) by 28 runs. Asian Town Stadium. was dismissed for 17 in 24 balls. loss hampered them further – Qatar Cricket Association Player of the Match: Kamran Opener Kamran Khan scored Six runs before the hosts could Mohamed Awais Malik bowling President Yousef Jeham al-Ku- Khan (Qatar) 68 in 52 balls to be adjudged Play- touch three figures, Khan got Zephania Arinaitwe (eight) at 10 wari was the chief guest at the Series: Qatar lead 2-0 in three- er of the Match and raised hopes run out just when he threatened in fourth over. match and gave away the Player match series of a second successive clean- to cut loose. He blasted four The fourth-wicket stand of the Match Award to Khan. sweep for the hosts. Last year, sixes and five boundaries in his worth 43 runs between Kenneth Qatar Cricket Association Qatar had handed a 3-0 white- knock. Waiswa and Dusededit Muhu- BRIEF SCORES: Qatar 154 for President Yousef Jeham wash to visitors Jersey. Mohamed Tanveer used his muza made the defeat look a bit four (Kamran Khan 68 in 52 al-Kuwari presents the Player Strong and cold winds made experience to plug one end and respectable. Roger Mukasa hit balls, Mohamed Tanveer 29 not of the Match Award to Qatar’s batting somewhat diffi cult and added 46 runs for the third wick- two sixes in 24 off 38 balls, Ar- out in 22 balls, Imal Liyanage 22 Kamran Khan.

SWIMMING FOOTBALL Liverpool need ‘more information’ Doha Open Water before Salah Olympics decision

DPA ferent things. I will speak with London, United Kingdom Mo (Salah) and all that stuff .” Challenge a huge Under competition rules, the tournament is for players under iverpool manager Jurgen the age of 23 but three over-age Klopp said yesterday he players are permitted per Olym- A total of 162 local swimmers competed in the will need more details pic team. before he decides if he Unlike the World Cup or con- event, which took place on the eve of FINA / Lwill let Mohamed Salah com- tinental championships, clubs pete for Egypt at the Tokyo 2020 are not obliged to release play- success CNSG Marathon Swim World Series Doha Olympics. ers for the Olympics, and Egypt’s Salah, 27, has scored 18 goals coach Shawky Gharib has been By Sports Reporter in all competitions for Liverpool quoted as saying it will be Liver- Doha this season and has been named pool’s decision to let Salah go to in Egypt’s provisional 50-man Tokyo. squad for the Olympics. Klopp added there has been rom aspiring teenage The Olympic football fi nal is no further contact with Egypt swimmers to amateur on August 8, and it is the same but stressed the importance of athletes in their 50s, day the 2020-21 Premier League knowing all requirements of many participants took season starts. Salah before a decision is made. theF plunge at the shore of Katara “Do I want to lose a player “We need more information: Beach to showcase their skills in pre-season? Of course not. how will it look, when will the as Qatar Swimming Association That’s clear,” Klopp told a news preparation start, all that stuff ,” (QSA) hosted another successful conference. he said. “No decision yet, but we edition of the Doha Open Water “But we have to consider dif- will see.” Challenge yesterday. A total of 162 local swimmers competed in the event, which took place on the eve of season- opening FINA /CNSG Marathon Swim World Series Doha 2020. The 800m races featuring men and women swimmers of diff erent age categories were held in four waves, with each one off ering a plenty of excite- ment as the participants com- peted in good conditions. As many as 40 swimmers took part in the fi rst three waves each with the fourth and last wave consisting of 42 competitors. The purpose of the Doha Open Water Challenge, which was held for the third consecu- tive year in the Qatari capital, is to enable the public to swim the same course and enjoy the same facilities for a day, which the leading athletes of the world Winners pose after the Doha Open Water Challenge at Katara Beach yesterday. experience. As the event started, the see improvement in the organisa- With swimmers gearing up for The women’s race will kick off norov swimmers particularly the tion,” he added. this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games, at 11am while the men’s mara- Women 25-29 years: Shiela youngsters showed a lot of en- Helen Dobson, who took part the Doha marathon has attracted thon will start at 1pm. Marie Ruiz thusiasm as they swam in front in women’s 45-49 race, said. “It all the big open water stars. Men 30-34 years: Naoufel Charaf of a good number of spectators. was an amazing race. I would A total of 136 swimmers in- DOHA OPEN WATER Women 30-34 years: Ana Aday Alvarez, who participated like to thank the organisers for cluding 82 male and 54 female CHALLENGE 2020 WINNERS Milena Gomez in men’s 30-34 age category, gave giving us the opportunity to athletes from 34 countries are Boys 15-17 years: Moaz Ahmed Men 35-39 years: Vadym thumbs up to QSA’s organisation compete in this event.” taking part in the fi rst meet, Saleh Women 35-39 years: Isora Sosa for the event. “It was a good race The spectacular event culmi- which will be followed by nine Girls 15-17 years: Samantha Men 40-44 years: Adem Allalou and the level of competition was nated with an impressive pres- more stops. Maries Banas Women 40-44 years: Daniela also good,” said Alvarez. “The wa- entation ceremony. Florian Wellbrock of Ger- Men 18-24 years: Michael Sposi ter was not cold and it was good Focus will now shift to the many and Ana Marcela Cunha Berendt Men 45-49 years: Paul Crooks for the competition. This is the FINA Marathon Swim World of Brazil will start as defending Women 18-24 years: Yelyzaveta Women 45-49 years: Lynn Kelley third time I am competing in this Series Doha 2020, which will be champions in men and women’s Shyrydeha Men 55-59 years: Dmytro challenge and every time I can held at the same venue today. races in Doha respectively. Men 25-29 years: Pavlo Niko- Siversky

SPOTLIGHT IOC face ‘big communications job’ as virus jitters hit Tokyo Olympics

AFP “But we hear that most of the causing panic ahead of the Games, There have been 33 cases on The virus has already impacted Tokyo, Japan Chinese athletes are now out of which open on July 24. land and more than 200 positive sporting events in Asia, including China. I don’t know how many tests of people quarantined on a Olympic qualifi ers for boxing and were to be involved in test events The advice we have cruise ship fl oating off Yokohama — both in China. lympic chiefs admit- here, but I don’t see a problem received from the World since last week. Formula One’s Shanghai Grand ted yesterday they face if they’re coming from another Health Organisation is Coates conceded that there Prix, scheduled to take place in a “very big communi- country.” that there is no case for a could be fear among athletes April, has been postponed with cations job” to soothe Coates promised lessons ‘ about facing competitors from the inaugural Vietnamese Grand contingency plan to cancel concernsO over the coronavirus would be learned from Rio four China. Prix also under threat. or move the Games. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s epidemic in the run-up to this years ago, when concerns over — John Coates, “We did talk about that,” said summer’s Tokyo Games. the mosquito-born Zika virus led the Australian. government has come under fi re Chairman of the Tokyo Olympic The head of the International to several top athletes pulling out “The IOC is going to ensure for its handling of the infection, Games co-ordination committee Olympic Committee (IOC) co- of the Olympics, including golf- (information) kits are sent to all especially quarantine measures ordination commission insisted ers Jason Day and Rory McIlroy. national committees to explain seen as too lax in the early stages there was no danger of Tokyo “The WHO pointed out the More than 25 countries have what’s happening around the of the epidemic. 2020 being cancelled or moved, Tokyo Olympic Games co-ordination committee chairman John likelihood of Zika being a prob- confi rmed cases of the fl u-like world where Chinese athletes are “We don’t yet know who will despite fears over the fast- Coates (left) and Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori attend a press lem at the time of the Games was disease, which the WHO has de- competing,” he added. be competing at test events so we spreading virus which has killed conference in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) very low,” he said. clared a global health emergency. “But I can confi rm Tokyo can’t say anything for sure,” said nearly 1,400 and infected around “But we did lose some athletes 2020 remains on track,” insisted Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto, 64,000 — most of them in China. “The advice we have received project review meeting. — Jason Day’s wife was pregnant. ‘TOKYO 2020 ON TRACK’ Coates, who revealed IOC presi- when pressed to specify meas- But he said the IOC will send from the World Health Organi- “Certainly it’s a very big com- We didn’t communicate the in- Japan, which registered its fi rst dent Thomas Bach will lay a ures being taken to tackle the out information packs to reassure sation (WHO) is that there is munications job that needs to be formation well enough.” fatality on Thursday of someone wreath at the Hiroshima Peace epidemic. athletes that it’s safe to come into no case for a contingency plan undertaken,” he added, noting Tokyo organisers have slammed who had tested positive for the vi- Memorial Park on the sidelines of “But we will have information contact with competitors from to cancel or move the Games,” that China is set to send more “fake news” and scare-mongering rus, is one of the worst-hit coun- the May 19-20 executive project from the qualifi ers that are under China. John Coates told reporters after a than 600 athletes to Tokyo. over the coronavirus outbreak for tries outside of mainland China. review. way and take the necessary steps.”