FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 17

TENNIS FOOTBALL What worries me is that these are our players ATP World Tour Ligue 1 for I don't know how many matches. We have Delray Beach Open; Nice vs Brest to play in two days again: Jose Mourinho after WTA Dubai Metz vs Lyon ACTION

the loss to RB Leipzig. TODAY’S

Stage set for Super Slam II in Qatar Housni's hat-trick takes PSG into semis of Al Kass Cup

THE PENINSULA — DOHA did attack the Parisian defence was resolute with skipper El Three-time champions Paris Chadaille Bitshiabu leading by Saint Germain (PSG) produced example with an assured per- the most dominant display of formance at the back. the tournament as they Odobert crossed for Housni smashed five unanswered goals in the closing stages of the first past FC Zenit St Petersburg to half but his tame effort failed reach the last four of the 2020 to trouble Moskvichev, Al Kass International Cup. although the Russian keeper Player of the match Ilyes was soon picking the ball out Housni took the plaudits with of the net after the same pair a fine hat-trick but it was a combined again to great effect. night when all of the PSG Housni picked up the ball players impressed, and Zenit on the left and jinked past Iuri has no answer. Koledin before crossing for The opener came on 13 Odobert to head home from Wrestlers Alofa, (the minutes courtesy of a superb close range in the second Samoan Beast) and Rob curling effort by Housni. Ismael minute of added on time. Van Dam pose for a group Gharbi, the two-goal hero in PSG extended their lead on picture along with officials PSG’s 3-0 victory over Kashiwa 58 minutes when Americo of Qatar Pro Wrestling and Reysol, began the move with a found the impressive Vimoj other officials on the eve delightful cross-field pass to Mungu on the left and he of the SuperSlam II pro- find Americo wide on the left, crossed for Gharbi to sidefoot wrestling championship and he fed the ball inside to home. The French did grab a that will take place today at Housni who curled a brilliant fourth when Housni netted his the Lusail Sports Arena. Ali effort beyond Zenit keeper second of the match. Tade teed Marafi, President of Qatar Bogdan Moskvichev. up the long-haired striker and Pro Wrestling and Eric It was a goal reminiscent of he scored at the second time of Aaron Bischoff, President Hassan Aqboub’s effort of 24 asking after Moskivchev had of World Championship hours earlier when the saved his first effort. Wrestling are also seen. Moroccan curled home an There was still time for The contest will see Alofa and his almost identical shot during Housni to complete his hat- a lineup full of iconic manager Rob Van Dam. Mohammed XI Academy’s trick when firing home Enzo World Wrestling stars and victory over Glasgow Rangers. Tayamoutou’s cross on 87 legends is action. The longer the half went on, minutes. the more comfortable PSG PSG will now face Inter Pics: Qassim Rahmatullah seemed, and whenever Zenit Milan in the semi-finals. Al Shahania hold Al Arabi in QSL Leipzig leave Spurs a Champions League mountain to climb

AFP — LONDON RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner celebrates scoring Tottenham need another the opening goal from the penalty spot with team- Champions League escape act mate Nordi Mukiele during the UEFA Champions to reach the quarter-finals after League round of 16 first Leg match at the Tottenham Timo Werner’s penalty earned Hotspur Stadium in north London, on Wednesday. RB Leipzig a deserved 1-0 last 16, first leg win in London. Spurs Hugo Lloris kept his side in the tie with a string of important saves, but last season’s finalists face a huge task to turn the tie around in Germany on March 10. Without the firepower of the injured Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, Giovani lo Celso’s free-kick that struck the post was the closest Jose Mourinho’s men came to scoring on the night. Tottenham upset the odds balcony. The hosts could easily storm, Spurs went close to at the Lloris was forced into to progress past Manchester have fallen flat on their face other end through Steven another save by Schick before City and Ajax in the knockout inside the first 90 seconds as Bergwijn. The Dutch interna- the towering Czech also headed stages last season, but were Leipzig amazingly passed up tional has enjoyed an just wide from a corner. lacking in ideas and energy four chances to open the impressive start to his Tot- Werner then wasted the compared to the Bundesliga scoring. Patrik Schick flashed a tenham career and forced Peter best chance of the first half contenders. shot wide from the edge of the Gulacsi into a smart save low to when he fired too close to Lloris After receiving the news box before Werner’s effort was his left. with just the French number that Son could be sidelined for blocked and Lloris turned Leipzig are challenging one to beat. Leipzig could have Action from the QNB Stars League match between Al Shahania the rest of the season by a frac- Angelino’s driven shot onto the Bayern Munich’s grip on the regretted not making the most and Al Arabi at the Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. The match ended tured right arm on the eve of post. loris then had to be alert German title this season and the of their supremacy during the in a goalless draw. Al Shahania and Al Arabi now have nine and 20 the game, Mourinho compared again to deny Werner adding visitors were not overawed by first 45 minutes as Gulacsi points respectively after the Round 15 match. It was Al Shahania’s his side’s prospects for the rest to his 25 goals this season from the stage in their first ever saved well from Lucas Moura sixth and Al Arabi’s fifth drawn encounter. Al Arabi had beaten Al of the season to hanging from close range. Champions League knockout and Bergwijn fired the rebound Shahania 2-1 in the first leg of QSL. a fourth-floor building by the After weathering that early tie. wide early in the second period. Pérez fastest early on second day of F1 testing in Spain

REUTERS — BARCELONA The mechanism appeared to alter from eight to six days to help com- the alignment of the front wheels, with pensate for the record 22 races on the Racing Point's Sergio Pérez set the the six-times world champion pulling calendar, including a new Vietnam fastest time early on the second day of the wheel towards him on the straights Grand Prix and the return of the Dutch Formula One preseason testing and pushing it back as he approached GP. Midseason testing also has been yesterday, with Lewis Hamilton having corners. eliminated. The season opens on March another solid session for Mercedes. Technical director James Allison 15 at the Australian GP. Hamilton led the time charts on was coy about the details of a system The Barcelona-Catalunya track will Wednesday and had the most laps in he said was known within the team as host the Spanish GP on May 10. the morning session yesterday, though DAS (Dual-Axis Steering). he was only seventh fastest among the "It's novel idea," he told reporters. 10 drivers who went to the track. "It just introduces an extra Pérez was four tenths of a second dimension to the steering for the driver ahead of Daniel Ricciardo of Renault that we hope will be useful during the at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit. year. Racing Point’s Sergio Perez during pre-season testing at the It's novel idea. It just Alexander Albon was third with Red "Precisely how we use it, and why Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. introduces an extra Bull. we use it, that's something we prefer Pérez had been third fastest on to keep to ourselves." dimension to the steering Wednesday, behind Hamilton and Mer- nearly a second quicker than the Day attention on yesterday after on-board Drivers will be back on the track for the driver that we hope cedes teammate Valtteri Bottas. 2 time set by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc footage showed Hamilton pulling the and also today to close out the first Hamilton ran 106 laps on Thursday last season. steering wheel back and forth on the week of testing. Teams will have will be useful during the morning, 58 more than Pérez. A new adjustment system intro- front straight to apparently change the another three days to test next week. year: Allison of Mercedes The Mexican driver's time was duced by Mercedes caught everyone's angle of the front wheels. Preseason testing has been reduced 18 SPORT FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2020

Akmal junior Quetta off suspended New Zealand, India Test teams to a winning for violating start in PSL anti-corruption under wraps in windy Wellington THE PENINSULA – KARACHI code AFP — WELLINGTON He scored his maiden Test century at the Basin in 2014 The began AP — LAHORE The notorious Wellington wind when India bowled New their and a green delayed Zealand out for 192 on day one, (PSL) 2020 campaign on a The Pakistan Board team selections as New Zealand before building a 246-run first- winning note registering a has suspended batsman and India weighed up fickle innings lead and then having three-wicket win over Umar Akmal under its anti- conditions for the first Test New Zealand on the ropes at 94 yesterday. corruption code hours yesterday. for five in their second innings. Twenty-one-year old before the start of its India have confidence in But when the sting left the Azam, Gladiators’ emerging premier domestic their but captain Virat pitch, Brendon McCullum and pick, smashed three shots event in Karachi Kohli was deliberating how best BJ Watling put on 352 for the over the boundary and yesterday. to approach bowling at the New sixth wicket for New Zealand stroked five shots to the The PCB did not reveal Zealand capital’s breezy Basin to salvage a draw. fence to score 59 off 33 that the exact nature of Akmal’s Reserve ground. Rahane said the current helped Quetta chase the offense, but said in a “Wind in this stadium more India squad, who have won target of 169 in 18.3 overs statement that “the than any other in the world A view of the Basin Reserve ground in Wellington. Photo their last seven Tests since a 2-1 for the loss of seven batsman cannot take part plays a massive, massive role,” posted on @BCCI. series win over Australia a year . in any cricket-related Kohli said. ago, should be competitive this Earlier, Islamabad got activity pending the inves- New Zealand also departed time with a 320-plus first the blow when the first ball tigation being carried out from the usual practice of traditionally offers a green strip spinners come into play but innings. of the tournament was by the PCB’s Anti-Cor- naming their team a day early which assists the quick bowlers we’ve got a nice grass coverage “You have to trust yourself, bowled as was ruption Unit.” as they ponder the state of the early on, and supports spin later out there and I’d be surprised trust your ability you cannot caught and bowled by The suspension means wicket. in the week. to see any sort of drastic turn,” doubt yourself, especially Mohammad Nawaz. Akmal did represent Quetta Skipper Kane Williamson But captain Williamson said Faith. playing in these windy condi- After the loss of the first Gladiators in the Pakistan said a final decision would be detected a different feel this Kohli was weighing up tions,” he said. wicket, and Super League as the title made after a late inspection year. “who bowls with the wind, if the “First innings, first session, tried to defenders faced Islamabad before today’s toss. “It’s weighing up what will breeze is blowing across the if you can play that session rebuild the innings and United in the opening Williamson indicated Kyle be the biggest threat from the stadium, who’s more effective really well even if you get added 38 runs in 22 deliv- match last night. Jamieson would make his Test options that we have... it’s a with the inswinger, the 320-330 in the first innings eries before Ronchi was The PCB said that debut in place of Neil Wagner, slightly different-looking outswinger? -- these are the outside India it’s a very good caught at backward point Quetta could apply for who is on paternity leave, surface than we’re used to,” kind of things you need to think total,” Rahane added. off after Akmal’s replacement for leaving New Zealand to choose Williamson said. of as captain”. The two-Test series follows scoring 23. the fifth edition of the tour- between their one specialist Groundsman Hagen Faith India vice-captain Ajinkya an honours-even white-ball Following the fall of nament which will be spinner -- Mumbai-born Ajaz doubts there will be much in it Rahane is well aware how build-up in which India won all Ronchi, it was Malan’s turn played in its entirety in Patel -- and all-rounder Daryl for the spin bowlers. changeable conditions can be five and New to take the charge, and he Pakistan for the first time Mitchell. “From a perfect point of at the Basin Reserve, even with Zealand cleaned up in the three did so by scoring some in four years. Wellington’s Basin Reserve view we would like to see the its ‘bowl-first’ reputation. one-dayers. quick runs. Malan added 68 Last week the PCB rep- runs for the third wicket rimanded Akmal but did before his partner Hussain Fireworks explode over the the National Cricket Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in not sanction the batsman Talat (19) was caught by Karachi yesterday. for his alleged misbehavior Ahmed Shahzad off with a staff member after a Mohammad Hasnain. failed fitness test at the was next National Cricket Academy to go and his wicket was in Lahore. He was also sent followed by Malan’s back home from England departure. in 2017 when he failed a Malan scored 64 off 50, fitness test before the smashing five fours and Champions Trophy which three sixes as Islamabad Pakistan won. lost its last six wickets for The 29-year-old Akmal just 41 runs. made a century in his debut Mohammad Hasnain got test against New Zealand in four wickets conceding 25 2009, but has played only runs. got three, 16 test matches since, giving 31 runs in four overs. scoring 1,003 runs with the In reply, Quetta's Jason last test against Zimbabwe Roy (0) and Ahmed in 2011. Shahzad (7) were sent back In white-ball cricket, to the pavilion by Akmal scored 3,194 runs in Mohammad Musa while 121 ODIs and 1,690 runs in was run out 84 Twenty20s. He was after scoring 15. recalled for the three- Captain Sarfaraz match Twenty20 series Ahmed and young Azam against Sri Lanka at Lahore Khan added 62 runs for 4th last year, but was out wicket partnership and laid without scoring in the first the foundation for Gladi- two games before getting ators’ victory. dropped. For the winners, Azam Khan top-scored with 59, while scored 21 and Sohail Khan Warner calls for respect from South Africa fans added 18 before Ben Cutting (22 off 12) smashed a six off on long-off to REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG African fans that Warner felt crossed the the game and carry on like that, then it I am fielding it is about watching the complete Quetta’s win with line of decency. is on themselves, they have to look at captain and making sure I am staying 9 balls to spare. Australia opening batsman David After a bust-up in the first test themselves in the mirror. At the end of focused, and I always do,” he said. Islamabad United: 168 Warner has called on South African between the Australian and South Africa the day they are representing their Warner echoed the sentiments of in 19.1 overs (L Ronchi 23, supporters to show respect ahead of the wicketkeeper , some country as spectators watching a game Smith this week when he said Australia’s DJ Malan 64, three-match home fans wore masks of Sonny Bill Wil- of cricket. I am sure they don’t want reception in South Africa, so far, had 19, Asif Ali 19, Faheem series starting in Johannesburg today. liams’s face in the next test. teams leaving here and criticising the been very friendly. Ashraf 20; Sohail Khan 2 for Warner was painted as the villain of It was a reference to the fact that way their fans are acting. I know what “Every single person we have come 21, Mohammad Hasnain 4 the piece during the “Sandpapergate” Warner’s wife had previously been is going to get thrown at me, I always do across that has asked for a photo, or that for 25, BCJ Cutting 3 for 31) scandal in March 2018, in which he was involved in a relationship with the New wherever I am playing in the world. It is we have come in contact with, have Quetta Gladiators: 171/7 accused of trying to alter the condition Zealand rugby player. nothing I haven’t heard before.” nothing but great words to say in wel- in 18.3 overs (SR Watson 15, of the ball during a test match along with “I’m not concerned about it, but at Opening batsman Warner says he is coming us to the country,” he said. Sarfaraz Ahmed 21, Azam his captain and Cameron the end of the day you have to have some easily able to switch off while playing, The second match in the Twenty20 Khan 59, Mohammad Bancroft. form of respect as well,” Warner told especially with the hurly-burly nature series is in Port Elizabeth on Sunday, Nawaz 23, BCJ Cutting 22 He was handed a one-year sus- reporters yesterday. of T20. before the finale at Cape Town on n.o.; 3 for pension by Cricket Australia, but the “It was poor, but for me it is about “If you are batting you are just Wednesday. The sides then play three 30) incident followed goading from South moving forward. If people want to go to ingrained in what is ahead of you and if one-day internationals. India’s women’s cricketers seek higher pay AFP — NEW DELHI World Cup titles so far, and are hot she said. “But it again it boils down cricket starts earning revenue, I favourites to make it five when the to playing well. If we play better, will be the first person to say that India’s women cricketers could be tournament starts on Friday. then we will slowly but surely get we need the same thing,” said forgiven for feeling a little jealous Meanwhile in India, the recognition, as does men’s cricket.” Mandhana. “I don’t think any of during the Twenty20 World Cup world’s largest cricket market and India’s top male cricketers, led my teammates are thinking about in Australia, where the hosts are the sport’s financial powerhouse, by Virat Kohli, earn more than 10 this (pay) gap because the only paid as much as the men and play there’s no women’s version of the times as much as the leading focus right now is to win matches in front of packed stands. , and few women on the annual contract list for India, get the crowd coming in While Australian women’s opportunities to play. of the Board of Control for Cricket and earn revenues.” cricket is on a roll, India’s women A case in point is teenage in India, the world’s richest. The International Cricket lag far behind their vaunted men’s batting sensation Shafali Verma, On the female A-list, T20 Council has been urging cricket cricketers, who are feted as demi- who cut her hair short and had to captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti bodies around the world to follow gods with endorsements and life- pretend she was a boy to play Mandhana and Poonam Yadav get Australia’s lead and dramatically styles to match. matches when she was younger. $71,500 each, while Kohli, Rohit raise wages for women’s players. In Australia, the final of the Last year, a women’s T20 Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah The hosts are eyeing a multi- fifth edition of the Women’s Big Challenge involving three teams receive around $1m, not counting million-dollar payday should they Bash League drew a sell-out crowd was played alongside the cash- their lucrative endorsements. retain the T20 World Cup title on in Brisbane last year, underlining rich, globally popular IPL. Last year Kohli was listed March 8 in Melbourne. the growing appeal of women’s Indian cricket president among Forbes’ 100 highest-paid In addition to the increased cricket. The T20 World Cup final, Sourav Ganguly has vowed to push athletes worldwide, with esti- prize money of $1m for the World at the 100,000-capacity Mel- women’s cricket during his tenure, mated earnings of $25m. Cup winners, Cricket Australia will bourne Cricket Ground, could but for now it’s up to the players But opener Smriti Mandhana kick in another $600,000 should attract a record attendance for a themselves to prove their worth said the squad was focused on its team clinch the title. women’s sporting fixture, -- despite reaching the 50-over winning matches for India, “and A Bollywood biopic on batting Sri Lankan cricket captain Dimuth Karunaratne (right) and exceeding the 90,185 at the 1999 World Cup final in 2017. if that happens, everything else icon Mithali Raj is expected to hit West Indies cricket captain pose with the football World Cup final in “There is definitely a big gap,” will fall in place”. Indian movie theatres next year, Pasadena, California. Verma said. “The men get so much “We need to understand that but large endorsement deals still one day internation (ODI) trophy during a press conference Perhaps it’s no surprise that support and us, after doing so well, the revenue we get is through elude India’s women, in contrast in Colombo. West Indies and Sri Lanka will play three one Australia have won four T20 we should be supported more,” men’s cricket. The day women’s to the men’s players. day international (ODI) and two T20 cricket matches. FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2020 SPORT 19

Runners in action during an earlier edition of the Guardiola hopes Silva Al Mouj Muscat Marathon in this file photo. recovers from injury in time for Real clash

AFP – LONDON

Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola hopes David Silva will be fit for next week’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid after the midfielder was injured during the 2-0 win against West Ham. Silva limped off in the closing moments at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday after being caught by a crunching tackle from West Ham’s Angelo Ogbonna. Guardiola immediately asked Silva about the extent of the injury on the touchline and, while he does not think the problem is especially serious, there is still some doubt about his availability for the last 16 first leg in Spain next Wednesday. “He told me that he felt something. But I don’t think it was a big issue,” Guardiola said. “He played really well and we will see in the next days. “He told me he had more caution after what happened near the goal. We will see with the doctors.” City’s trip to the Bernabeu has taken on added focus in the wake of UEFA handing the club a two-year ban from European competitions for “serious breaches” of Financial Fair Play regulations. Unless Cityypp win their appeal, this season will be Guardi- ola’s last chancechance to win the Champions League until the 2022-23 ccampaign.ampaign. Like Silva,lva, CitCityy wingerwinger RaheemRaheem Sterling is alsoalso an injuryinjury doubt for the Real showdownhowdown as he recoversrecovers Biggest ever Al Mouj Muscat from a hamstringamstring problem sufsuf-- fered at thehe stastartrt of the mmonth.onth. But Guardiolauardiola was boosted by Pep the return againstagainst West Ham ofof Guardiola French centre-backcentre-back Marathon set to kick off today Aymeric Laporte,aporte, who made onlynly hhisis FAWAD HUSSAIN FROM MUSCAT RACE CATEGORIES record marathon champion secondo nd THE PENINSULA The 2020 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon will again feature six race categories, Paula Radcliffe returned for a appearancece sincesince opening the event up to runners of all ages and fitness levels. second year as an international sufferingg a Oman’s Al Mouj Muscat ambassador for the marathon’s serious kneeknee Marathon sets a new record of á.BSBUIPO×5IFGVMMLNNBJOFWFOUJTTVCEJWJEFEJOUP0QFO  ninth edition. injury ini n entries every year since its 7FUFSBOBOE4VQFS7FUFSBOBHFHSPVQT  BOEZFBST The iconic British runner is August. inception in 2012 and this year PMESFTQFDUJWFMZ  joined in 2020 by a high-profile will be no different. group of Omani athletes, who The popular two-day event á)BMG.BSBUIPO×UIJTLNFWFOUJTBMTPEJWJEFEJOUPUIFTBNFBHFHSPVQT are also promoting the event which starts today in the Oman globally. Barcelona allowed to capital will see a record number áLN3BDF×UIJTNJEEMFEJTUBODFDBUFHPSZBMTPGFBUVSFTB+VOJPSBHF Over her career, Radcliffe – of participants, with a total of HSPVQ ZFBSTPME JOBEEJUJPOUPUIF0QFO 7FUFSBOTBOE4VQFS who won both the London and sign Braithwaite 10444 participants from 106 Veterans groups. New York marathons on three nations taking part in the fes- occasions – has been European tival of running. á$PNQBOJFTBSFJOWJUFEUPUBLFQBSUJOUIF$PSQPSBUFDBUFHPSZ XJUIUFBNT champion over 10,000m and in outside window In perfect running condi- HSPVQFECZOVNCFST×UP UP BOE TVCEJWJTJPOT the cross-country and held the AP – BARCELONA tions with average temperatures $PSQPSBUFSVOOFSTDBOBMTPUBLFQBSUJOUIF$IBSJUZ'VO3VODBUFHPSZ Women’s Marathon World ranging between 17° C and 25°C Record time for 16 years. on beautiful coastal course Among her numerous Barcelona signed Martin Braithwaite from Spanish league along the Muscat shoreline, ath- Oman Sail and the support of Omanis competing in the Al accolades are IAAF World rival Leganés yesterday after being granted special dispen- letes will take part in full mar- title sponsor Al Mouj Muscat - Mouj Muscat Marathon has Athlete of the Year (2002), sation to bolster its injury-depleted attack. athon event today, along with the renowned waterfront increased year on year,” he AIMS World Athlete of the Year Barcelona agreed to pay the €18m ($19.4m) buyout clause the half-marathon, marathon destination. added. (2002, 2003 and 2005) and in Braithwaite’s contract. relay and 10km run. With another record entry “The event has created new BBC Sports Personality of the Almost three weeks after the January transfer window The Kids’ Run over three in 2019 – featuring more than opportunities for people across Year. Radcliffe will introduce closed, the Spanish league gave Barcelona permission to distances and the 5km run will 8,000 runners representing 103 the country to challenge them- and flag-off the start of the make an emergency signing after it was left without Luis be held tomorrow. nationalities – this year’s edition selves with new distances, race itself today. Suárez and Ousmane Dembele for long periods due to injuries First held in 2012 the Muscat is set to hit new heights. become more confident in their Omani stars joining the to both attacking players. Marathon was originally “We are incredibly proud to abilities and aspire to improve high-profile event as ambas- However, it left Leganés, a small club from Madrid, organised by the Muscat Road have built on the vision and on their achievements with each sadors include Ali Al Habsi, without its most talented attacking player as it struggles to Runners. The inaugural grass- foundations of the race origi- race. I would like to thank the national football team goal- rise out of the relegation zone. It already lost striker Youssef roots event attracted 135 com- nally created by Muscat Road Ministry of Sports Affairs, the keeper, and the Sultanate’s most En-Nesyri to Sevilla last month. petitors – a total which has Runners,” Oman Sail’s CEO, Ministry of Tourism, the Oman successful female tennis star While most European countries forbid any signing steadily increased over every David Graham told The Athletic Association, Muscat Fatma Al Nabhani. between transfer windows, the Spanish league can grant subsequent edition. Peninsula. Municipality and the Royal Olympic show-jumping clubs exemptions in certain cases. In 2017 it cemented its “As we have worked to Oman Police for their ongoing silver medallist Sultan Al Braithwaite, who has also played for Bordeaux and Tou- position as one of the showpiece develop the profile of this inter- direction and support,” Graham Touqi, racing driver Ahmed Al louse, will not be eligible in the Champions League this events in Oman’s sporting cal- national event, our focus has added. Harthi, country’s top sprinter season, just La Liga. It is a rapid rise in club football for the endar – and a growing presence also been on increasing local The total number of runners Barakat Al Harthi, and Musab 28-year-old Braithwaite, who featured for Denmark at the on the international sporting participation. I am delighted (7124 male and 3320 female) Al Hadi, Olympic sailing con- 2018 World Cup. He was playing in English second tier with calendar – with the involvement that the nation has embraced includes 5957 Omani nationals. tender are the other Omani Middlesbrough during the first half of last season, scoring of established event managers running and the number of Meanwhile, former world ambassadors. only three goals in 19 games in all competitions.

Qatar's Saleh Al Kaabi putting during the Qatar Open: German Siem takes early lead opening round.

ARMSTRONG VAS Germany's Marcel Siem in action during the first round disqualification and his THE PENINSULA of the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship at the fight to be back on the tour, Doha Golf Club yesterday. PICTURES: SYED OMAR he said: “It was a costly German Marcel Siem, a mistake. It was hard unfor- four-time European Tour tunately. That was a little winner, sits atop the pro too much for me as I dis- section leaderboard at the qualified myself.” end of the first round of the This year his best finish Qatar Open Amateur Golf in three events on the Championship at the Doha European Tour has been a Golf Club (DGC). tied 49th at the South Yesterday, the first day African Open. Siem’s of the three-day champi- biggest victory came in onship, the 39-year-old China at the 2014 BMW shot eight under 64. Masters, which propelled England’s Brandon Rob- him to a career-high inson Thompson is two- seventh place finish in the strokes behind the leader. Race to Dubai. He also has American Kevin Esteve a World Cup win on his CV is at the third place and after partnering fellow another German Max German Bernhard Langer Schmitt is at fourth place, to glory in Barbados in while South African Bryce 2006. Easton and Swedish golfer “I am feeling more con- Niklas Lemke are joint fifth fident with a couple of with four others at the end good starts this year. of the first round. Playing challenge after 18 The German, who lost years is not nice. It’s like full eligibility to play on the when you miss one class in European Tour last season, school, you have to go was on fire at the DGC. back. I have to go through “It was a little windy in the season with playing the afternoon, but it was 10-12 challengers or invi- calmer in the morning. Siem said while talking to five times on the front nine what’s coming. I have a tation events on the tour. I Overall the conditions journalists.. at Le Golf National, good finish in the last few have to fight through this were very nice. Usually Siem disqualified incurring a two-shot holes. I am happy with the year and I hope 20201 will greens are a little firmer himself from the French penalty for each infraction. score. But as we all know, be good again.” during the Qatar Masters, Open last October after he Prior to the penalty strokes, this course is always dif- France’s Tom Santa, but here they were a bit thought that preferred lies he had shot 1-over 37 ficult to play and still we who carded two under and softer. Roughs are also not were in place for the across the opening nine have two days to go, so we lying joint fifth on Pro lea- as high as usual… It played opening round. holes. have to be a little careful,” derboard, is leading the a little easier today. So The German lifted, “I am happy with my he said. amateur section of the overall it was a bit easier.,” cleaned and placed his ball score. But I don’t know Talking about his championship. SPORT SPORT | 18 SPORT | 19 Aussie batsman Guardiola hopes Warner calls for Silva recovers respect from from injury in time South Africa fans for Real clash

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2020 Thomas rides Mehdi to Al Zubara Trophy victory as Amir Sword Festival begins

CHINTHNA WASALA THE PENINSULA

Jockey Ronan Thomas and Umm Qarn’s Mehdi yesterday clinched the Al Zubara Trophy (Local Purebred Arabians) in a thrilling photo finish on the opening day of the 2020 Amir Sword Festival at Al Rayyan Park. Mehdi, trained by Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, was pushed to the limits by She’ris, who was ridden by Eduardo Pedroza in the 2000m feature race on day 1 of the prestigious event. Mehdi and Abdulatif Hussain Al Emadi’s She’ris were closely followed by Sealine, ridden by popular jockey Olivier Peslier from the beginning of the race. As the pace quickened coming off the final bend, the Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki- trained She’ris weakened as the LEFT: Asian Equestrian Federation and Qatar Equestrian Federation President, Hamad bin Abdulrahman two Umm Qarn colts moved Al Attiya (left), presenting the Al Zubara trophy to Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, trainer of winner Mehdi, ahead. The two were neck and at the Al Rayyan Park yesterday. TOP: Jockey Ronan Thomas (left) guiding Mehdi towards the victory. neck right till the post before Mehdi managed to take his first win of the season by a nose. entering the winner’s circle for In the Purebred Arabian Salles for company and the two AMIR SWORD FESTIVAL: WINNERS OF DAY 1 She’ris settled for third. the first time this season. Handicap, the Ibrahim Saeed picked up a fine win in the six- The three-day racing extrav- In the Thoroughbred Ibrahim Al Malki-trained filly furlong run with two lengths and AL ZUBARA TROPHY ($150,000) aganza kicked off with a Handicap (Class 3) (75-95), showed some turn of foot in the three quarters to spare. Mehdi (Qatar): Trainer- Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Jokey - Ronan Thomas smashing win for H H Sheikh Tomas Lukasek’s mount held his final furlong under Eduardo Abdulhadi Mana Al Hajri’s THOROUGHBREDS - Class 2 ($30,000) Mohammed bin Khailfa Al own on the outside coming off Pedroza that was good enough Dominus raced to his first victory Dominus (Ireland): Trainer - Stefano Ibido, Jokey - Luca Maniezzi Thani’s Mon’nia. the final bend before putting a to edge out the Ronan Thomas- in Qatar since arrival from the THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP - Class 3 ($30,000) Julian Smart’s ward was in rare turn of foot on display to ridden Djamil by half a length at UK. (Germany): Trainer - Julian Colin Smart, Jokey - Tomas Lukasek her elements under Tomas move clear of the competition. the post. Saddled by Stefano Ibido, the Woodkid Lukasek in the mile-long The 6yo won the miler by two Mubarak bin Saeed Aljafai Al 4yo had shown promise in his THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP - Class 4 ($30,000) Purebred Arabian Plate (4 Year lengths. Naimi’s Al Shomos, trained by first outing, finishing fifth over Jacko (Ireland): Trainer - Gassim Mohammad Ghazal, Jokey - Harry Bentley Olds). Shaheen bin Khalid Shaheen Majed Mahadi Seifeddine regis- C&D earlier this month. THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP - ($30,000) The duo picked up pace on Al Ghanim’s Jacko bounced back tered her maiden victory in the Yesterday, in the Thorough- Dahra (Poland): Trainer - Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, Jokey - Eduardo Pedroza the home straight to pull away from a forgettable outing last Local Thoroughbred Handicap breds (Class 2), Luca Maniezzi LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP ($30,000) from the competition eventually time round to win his third race (85 & below). guided the colt to a comfortable Al Shomos (Qatar): Trainer - Majed Mahadi Seifeddine, Jokey - Carlos Henrique going past the post with four this season. Al Murtages Racing Syndi- three-length victory. THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE - Class 6 ($30,000) lengths to spare. Al Shahania Stud’s Dahra cate’s Damon Runyon, trained Asian Equestrian Federation Damon Runyon (Great Britain): Trainer - Mohammed Hamad Al Attiya, Jokey Earlier, H H Sheikh Moham- may have made a low key start by Mohammed Hamad Al Attiya and Qatar Equestrian Federation - Leo Salles med's Woodkid has consistently to her life in Qatar, but the filly reached the winner’s circle for President, Hamad bin Abdul- hit the frame at Al Rayyan Park chose the biggest racing the first time in his career. rahman Al Attiya, presented the PUREBRED ARABIAN PLATE - 4 Year Olds - ($30,000) and the Smart-trained horse did weekend of them all to open her In the Thoroughbred Maiden trophies to the winners of the Mon'nia (France): Trainer - Julian Colin Smart, Jokey - Tomas Lukasek so yet again and this time account in the country. Plate (Class 6), the 4yo had Leo feature race yesterday. World Champion MQCCR: Teams set to tackle challenging route THE PENINSULA – LUSAIL The second leg on Monday is split into two parts with the Shafallahiyah, 40.89km south much more demanding and opening Al Shahaniya selective of Lusail. Marquez extends Competitors taking part in the includes a competitive section of section of 219.79km starting at Crews will tackle 1,444.99km forthcoming Manateq Qatar 334.25km that starts off the Al 08.35am from the Dukhan road in a compact route of 2,215.04km. Cross-Country Rally (MQCCR) will Shamal highway and winds its and heading north, before turning Teams and equipment have Honda contract face some of the most challenging way along the north-eastern south along the west coast to started to arrive at the bivouac desert terrain in the State of coast and across the northern finish close to the Umm Bab adjacent to the Lusail Sports AFP – PARIS Qatar. deserts to finish off the Al highway. Arena, north of Doha, and Drivers and co-drivers from Kharsaah road. A liaison link of 56.37km mechanics and technicians will MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has 17 nations will tackle six varied The day’s stage includes three along the Al Aamriya road then now prepare the cars for the start extended his contract with Honda until the end selective sections between Feb- passages controls on the Al takes competitors to the start of of technical scrutineering on Sat- of 2024, the Japanese team announced yesterday. ruary 23 and 27 before the event Zubara and Al Jumailah roads and the second timed section of the urday morning. Marquez, 27, said he was “proud” to remain draws to a close with the cere- the Dukhan highway and finishes day – the 124.84km of the Sealine Prior to that, registered with the team who gave him his start in the sport. monial finish at Souq Waqif next 92.44km from Lusail. stage – that heads across the drivers and co-drivers will pass “Honda gave me the opportunity to arrive in Thursday afternoon. Tuesday’s third Al Kharsaah southern deserts to the Inland Sea their mandatory administration the MotoGP class with a factory bike in 2013,” he An experienced team of Qatari selective section is the longest of before turning north along the checks at Rally HQ, where said. and Portuguese officials have the event at 340.28km and starts east coast to finish near the Al licences, insurances, homolo- “Since the first year we have achieved success spent many painstaking hours at 08.40am, 61km south of Lusail, Kharrara road, 92.25km from gation documents and personal together and I am very happy to continue being crossing and re-crossing sandy on the Salwa highway. Lusail. details will be thoroughly checked part of the Honda family.” and gravel trails, small dunes and The route heads down The sixth and final selective before the official pre-event press Since joining Honda after winning the Moto2 gatch roads to find stages to chal- towards the Inland Sea, before section of 254.58km starts on the conference and ceremonial start championship in 2013 Marquez has won six of the lenge the world’s finest cross- turning north-west and heading Zekret road, 81.75km south-west take place at Souq Waqif in lastt seven MotoGP world titles. All told, he has won country drivers. back through the central deserts of Lusail, and heads up the downtown Doha tomorrow 56 Grand Prix,Prix, with Honda. The action all gets underway to finish in the north-west of the western shoreline before turning evening. HeHe signed the contract at 10.55am on Sunday with a rel- country, 68.55km from Lusail. south at a passage control near Manateq – Economic Zones extensiontension mmonthsonths aafterfter hihiss atively short selective section of The day’s special includes four Al Zubara after 150.17km. Company is the title sponsor for youngerunger brother Alex joined 171.25km that starts in the centre passage controls – two on the Al The final timed section then the third successive season. thee team, as reigningreigning MotMoto2o2 of the country and winds its way Kharrara road – and a further two heads through the central champion,ampion, replacingreplacing JorJorgege through two passage controls on where the stage crosses the Al deserts to finish at Ash Lorenzo.renzo. the Umm Bab highway and across Aamriya and Umm Bab roads. The MarquezMarq uez the Al Khararra road to finish Day four on Wednesday is brothersothers will jjoinoin the rest close to the east coast. of thethe gridgrid in Qatar next A road liaison of 63.60km then weekeek for the final pre- takes crews back to the bivouac seasonason test aheadahead ofof thethe at the Lusail Sports Arena. firstst racerace ofof thethe newnew seasonseason at Qatar’sQatar’s Losail Inter-Inter- Drivers and co-drivers nationaltional ccircuitircuit onon from 17 nations will Marcharch 8. tackle six varied selective sections between February 23 and 27 before the event draws to a close with the ceremonial finish Overdrive Racing's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and his French navigator at Souq Waqif next Matthieu Baumel in action in their Toyota Hilux in this file photo. Thursday afternoon.