Sport WEDNESDAY 13 JANUARY 2021 I am not disappointed, says Al Attiyah We can't change anything with the tires. That's life, I'm not dis- aappointed. I'm here at the finishing line. Everything is possible, sayss Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah after losing 12 minutes in yyesterday's stage of the 2021 .

Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah Sport |11

QVA SENIOR LEAGUE: Al Ahli beat Al Gharafa 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-10); Al Sadd beat Al Shamal 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20)

President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani meets International Judo Federation (IJF) President Marius Vizer who is attending the ongoing Doha Masters 2021. The QOC President reviewed sports cooperation between the two parties and means of developing them during his meeting with the IJF chief. Doha Masters 2021: Changrim keeps South Korea ahead in medals race

The International Games favourite Agbegnenou Federation is proud to have brought the judo family to Doha. This is a momentous occasion and bags gold medal, hails Qatar an inspiring example for all sports to apply, in order to safely organise FAWAD HUSSAIN the men’s field with 2018 world THE PENINSULA champion An Changrim sporting events, events claiming third gold medal for which give hope and joy Eyeing the Tokyo Olympic the country, following victories to the masses. We Games, French World No.1 by Jin Won Kim and An Baul on congratulate the Clarisse Agbegnenou could not the opening day. have asked for a better start to Changrim met hot favourite professionalism, courage the new season as she clinched Soichi Hashimoto of South and tremendous work gold medal at the IJF World Judo Clarisse Korea in the under 73kg final delivered by all Masters Doha 2021 that has Agbegnenou and after a close battle, the authorities and brought together the best (in white) latter was disqualified for a athletes on the planet. competes with dangerous technique. participants: IJF President The reigning European Nami Nabekura The top opponents entered Marius Vizer champion and quadruple world during their golden score after stalemate at champion yesterday confirmed women's the end of normal time. It is really hard what is her status as the Tokoy Games Both the judokas con- under 63 final happening to the world gold medal favourite after a yesterday. tinued to neutralise one dominating performance in the PICTURES: IJF another before Hashimoto but Qatar is organsising under 63 kg category at state- was disqualified after 3 this event really well. We of-the-art Lusail Multipurpose minutes and 43 seconds of wanted to see this Hall. extra time due to foul play, The Rio silver medallist, with Changrim emerging as country more and I hope after defeating Britain’s Lucy the winner. we can see it in good Renshall (in the golden score), In under 81kg category, times because it seems the Venezuelan Anriquelis Tato Griglashvili gave Georgia really beautiful: French Barrios (ippon) then the Aus- their first gold medal after his trian Magdalena Krssakova victory over Dutchman Frank star Clarisse (ippon) defeated Japan’s Nami Dewit in the final. Agbegnenou Nabekura in the final. South Korea continued to “I am very happy because lead the medals table of Doha it was a really tough compe- Masters 2021 – a 2020 Tokyo tition,” Agbegnenou told Games qualifying event – with RESULTS reporters after collecting her three gold medals followed by Men’s gold medal. Japan, who have won a couple -73kg “It is nice to start (the competition to see myself what was happy with the level of defeating Russia’s Madina of gold medals and 4 silver Gold: Changrim An (South season) like that but I would I can do and assess myself to organisation by the Qatari Taimazova in the final. Ono medals. Korea) keep in mind that I need to do know what I need to work on. organisers. dominated the final but Taim- France are third with two Silver: Soichi Hashimoto a lot of work and to be ready for This event gave me confidence “It is really hard what is azova resisted well during gold medals besides a silver and (Japan) the Olympic Games,” the that I can put up my level and I happening to the world but normal time, but the golden bronze medal each. Kosovo (1 Bronze: Igor Wandtke 28-year-old added. can work on other things. I have Qatar is organsising this event score period was too much for gold, 2 bronze) and Georgia (1 (Germany), Turave It was a close final and the good motivation and power so really well. We wanted to see the young Russian, who had to gold, 1 bronze) complete the top Khikmatillokh (Uzbekistan) two judokas were separated by I have to stay like this. Defi- this country more and I hope we suffer a defeat by hold down in five countries in medals tale. -81kg the golden score, and Agbeg- nitely, I have to improve a lot can see it in good times because less than two minutes of golden The three-day event will Gold: Tato Griglashvili nenou said she has gained a lot and work on new techniques,” it seems really beautiful,” said score. conclude today with five titles (Gerogia) of confidence from her triumph she said. Agbegnenou. Changrim keeps South (3 men and 2 female) to be Silver: Frank Dewit in Qatar. The event is being staged In yesterday’s other women Korea on top decided today as athletes hope (Netherlands) “I am already qualified for under strict health safety event, Japan’s Yoko Ono won Meanwhile, the South to collect maximum qualifying Bronze: Ivaylo Ivanov Olympics. I wanted this measures but the Frenchwoman the under 70kg gold after Koreans continued to shine in points for Olympics. (Bulgaria), Sagi Muki (Israel) Changrim An in Women’s action against The medal winners in the women's under -63kg Soichi Hashimoto Gold: Clarisse Agbegnenou during their final, 70kg category pose with the officials. (France) yesterday. Silver: Nami Nabrkura (Japan) Bronze: Sanne Vermeer (Netherlands) Andreja Leski (Slovania) -70kg Gold: Yoko Ono (Japan) Silver: Madina Taimazova (Russia) Bronze: Kim Polling (Netherlands), Giovanna Scoccimarro (Germany) Medals Table (Gold, Silver, Bronze) South Korea 3, 0, 0, Japan 2, 4, 0 France 2,1,1, Kosovo 1, 0, 2, Georgia 1, 0, 1 WEDNESDAY 13 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 11

Race leader X-Raid Mini JCW Peterhansel extends Dakar lead Team’s Stephane Peterhansel AP – NEOM, SAUDI ARABIA not only a question of speed but it was Argentina crashed and had to be airlifted and Co-Driver also a question of strategy, just to adapt to hospital. Price, second overall, fell Edouard Stephane Peterhansel won his first stage the speed to the condition of the tracks,” about 150 kilometers in and injured his Boulanger in of this Dakar Rally and stretched his Peterhansel said. left arm and shoulder. and action. overall lead after mishaps by rivals Al Attiyah suffered three tire punc- waited with him until Nasser Al Attiyah and defending tures which left him with no spares on the helicopter arrived. champion Carlos Sainz yesterday. the stage. Benavides, lying 10th overall, Peterhansel has led the rally for nine "We can't change anything with the crashed after about 240 kilometers and straight days but finally won a stage tires. That's life, I'm not disappointed,” hurt his shoulder. when French countryman Mathieu Ser- Al Attiyah said. Ross Branch, 13th overall, was also radori broke down while leading 80 kil- "I'm here at the finishing line. Eve- out after his Yamaha engine broke. DAKAR RALLY 2021 - STAGE 9 ometers from the finish of the 465-kil- rything is possible.” ' second stage win 1: Stéphane Peterhansel, Edouard Boulanger X-Raid Mini JCW Team 04H 50' 27'' ometer loop around Neom in northern Sainz was the only other driver of this Dakar improved the Argentine, 2: Nasser Al Attiyah, Matthieu Baumel Toyota Gazoo Racing + 00H 12' 00'' Saudi Arabia. within two hours of Peterhansel overall. the older brother of the injured Luciano, 3: Giniel De Villiers, Alex Haro Bravo Toyota Gazoo Racing + 00H 12' 19'' Peterhansel won from Al Attiyah by The Spaniard was an hour back after suf- from fourth overall to second, 11 minutes OVERALL STANDINGS 12 minutes, pushing his lead over the fering another puncture and a brakes behind leader Jose Ignacio Cornejo of 1: Stéphane Peterhansel, Edouard Boulanger X-Raid Mini JCW Team 34H 26' 16'' Qatari to a handy 18 minutes with three problem. . 2: Nasser Al Attiyah, Matthieu Baumel Toyota Gazoo Racing + 00H 17' 50'' stages to go. There was mayhem in the motorbike Sunderland was 14 minutes back, 3: Carlos Sainz, Lucas Cruz X-Raid Mini JCW Team + 01H 02' 25'' "It was a real Dakar stage, a little bit race as two-time champion and defending champion Brabec 17 like in the past in Africa, where it was of and Luciano Benavides of minutes back in fourth.

Qatar's Nasser Al Attiyah of Toyota Gazoo Racing races during stage 09 of Dakar Rally in Neom, Saudi Arabia, yesterday.

QFA President Hat-trick hero Bounedjah fires chairs executive Al Sadd to win over Al Duhail committee meeting THE PENINSULA – DOHA

CHINTHANA WASALA The match then saw the return of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, THE PENINSULA Al Sadd's Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif, Baghdad President of the Qatar Football Association who was suffering from COVID-19. Bounedjah (QFA), chaired the meeting of the Executive Algerian goal machine Baghdad Xavi sent in Afif as his first substitute, celebrates with Office of the Federation. Bounedjah enjoyed yet another hat- in place of Hashim Ali and then in the Hassan The QFA President was joined by Saud bin trick in this season's QNB Stars League 50th minute, Al Sadd scored their Al Haydos after Abdulaziz Al Muhannadi, QFA Vice President, as Al Sadd sealed a dominant 3-1 win second goal to take the lead. Santi completing a Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Thani, Hani Talib against Al Duhail at home yesterday. Cazorla floated in a corner kick and hat-trick against Ballan and Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Buainain, Captain Almoez Ali put Al Duhail the Duhail backline failed to clear the Al Duhail in Ibrahim Al Mohannadi, Abdul Rahman Al ahead with a penalty kick as early as ball properly, leaving Bounedjah with yesterday's Qahtani, and Mansour Al-Ansari, QFA Secretary 6th minute, but thereafter it was the an opportunity to finish from close General, at the Executive Meeting. match. hosts that prevailed. range and he made no mistake. The meeting discussed in detail a series of Bounedjah scored in the 14th, 50th Substitute Salem Al Hajri played matters directly falling under QFA purview. A and 87th minutes as Xavi Hernandez's a role in Al Sadd's third goal when he detailed report on the tournaments hosted by men clinched their 12th win of the started a quick move in the 87th QFA in the last year was discussed in detail. The season to go 11 points clear at the top minute, passing the ball to fellow Afif, QFA President was also informed of matters of the QSL standings. who delivered a perfect pass for related to 2020 AFC Champions League matches Dubbed as the match of the week, Bounedjah as the Algerian completed held for East and West Zones. the high-octane clash pitted the top his hat-trick to take the game com- The QFA President was apprised of AFC two teams of the QSL standings pletely away from Al Duhail. praise made public by AFC President Sheikh together in front of a decent crowd at Barca great Xavi was elated with Salman bin Ibrahim on Qatar’s timely help in the Al Sadd Stadium. yesterday's win and hailed the efforts hosting the two separate month-long events in Al Duhail took the lead thanks to of his players. Sept-Oct and Nov-Dec. a penalty awarded after Abdelkarim "We played an amazing game and The AFC President specially lauded QFA and Hassan brought down Almoez inside I am proud of the performance of all the state authorities directly responsible for the box. The Qatari international, the the players. It was a very good per- delivering flawless events in times of COVID-19 2019 AFC Asian Cup hero for Al formance and we managed to come pandemic. Annabi, converted the penalty to give back after score thrice after conceding The meeting also discussed the report on the visitors a 1-0 lead inside six a goal,” Xavi said after the match. the final match of the Amir’s Cup that coincided minutes. “The performance was great and with the celebration of Qatar’s National Day on Bounedjah did not take long to the team’s positive and collective December 18. level the scores. In the 14th minute spirit was the basis for this important The Amir Cup final was staged at the brand dribbled past Ismaeel Mohammad win in our campaign for the league new Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, one of the venues before scoring with a great low finish. title.” for FIFA World Cup 2022 to be held in Qatar. The Wolves went on to put more “We were the better side. We Qatar’s bid file to host the 2027 AFC Asian pressure on Duhail as they searched changed the dynamics of Qatari Cup was also discussed in detail. According to for a second goal to make their dom- football and we have always been the the agenda, the attendees were briefed on the inance count. In the 34th minute, Santi best,” Xavi said after Al Sadd managed developments in laid out in the bid file to host Cazorla sent a powerful shot at goal to remain the only unbeaten side. the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Qatar’s bid file was from outside the box but the ball Meanwhile, Al Sailiya clinched delivered at AFC headquarters through His bounced back off the woodwork. their fifth win of the season by Excellency Fahd bin Muhammad Kafoud, Moments later, Cazorla threaded a defeating Al Kharaitiyat 2-0 in their Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Malaysia. through pass into the box aimed at Week 14 match at the Al Ahli Stadium. At the end of the meeting, QFA President Mohammed Waad, but the youngster’s Abdulqadir Ilyas (27) and Mohanad expressed his thanks and appreciation to all shot was kept out by Salah Zakaria Ali (51) scored the goals as Al Sailiya entities and institutions operating in the country, for a corner. raised their score to 18 points. especially the Ministry of Public Health and the The referee then signalled for Al Kharaitiyat remained on six Ministry of Interior, for ‘the great effort and the halftime, and the teams went into the points following their 12th defeat, the work they did with the utmost dedication, sin- tunnel with the score at 1-1 but things worst record by any side in the cerity and love in raising Qatar’s profile in world would change after the restart. 12-team tournament. football’.

Al Rayyan's Yohan Boli in action. Boli, Khalilzadeh on target as Al Rayyan beat Qatar SC 2-1

THE PENINSULA – DOHA at the ball, ended up ramming into the nearby, jumped at the oppor- Al Rayyan keeper. tunity, reached the ball first Goals from either halves helped Al Rayyan Six minutes later, Al Rayyan mounted and send the deflection past beat Qatar SC 2-1 as the Lions reduced the another attack – on an indirect free-kick the keeper with a quick tap gap on top four sides of the QNB Stars – but Qatar SC keeper Jassim Al Hail from close range. League (QSL) at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. remained alert to block a header by Al Rayyan doubled their Yohan Boli (45+1) and Shojae Khalil- Gabriel Mercado and then a close-range YESTERDAY'S RESULTS lead early in the second half. zadeh (54) were on target for Al Rayyan tap by Boli. Al Rayyan 2-1 Qatar SC A spectacular volley on a loose during the Round 14 fixture while Qatar SC’s With Al Rayyan making positive Al Sadd vs Al Duhail header inside the Qatar SC box reply came through Youcef Belaili (79). moves, even coach Blanc was seen Al Sailiya vs Al Kharaitiyat helped Shojae score his first It was the sixth win of the season for Al Rayyan, smiling. His smile got wider as Al TODAY'S FIXTURES goal of the season with a pow- now playing under coach Laurent Blanc. The Lions Rayyan’s Abdelaziz Hatem, in the 37th Umm Salal vs Al Wakrah erful shot in the 54th minute. have 22 points, whereas Qatar SC have a tally of 23. minute, curled in a powerful shot from Qatar SC Stadium (16:15) In the 63rd minute, Al After a fast start, Al Rayyan produced their first the edge of the box, but once again Qatar Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi Rayyan skipper Yacine real threat in the ninth minute when Franck Kom, SC keeper remained agile to block the Qatar SC Stadium (18:45) Brahimi nearly pulled off the positioned close to the Qatar SC box, unleashed a move. Al Ahli vs Al Khor third goal, but his powerful powerful left-footed drive that hit the crossbar and Two minutes later, Belaili smashed Al Ahli Stadium (18:45) shot from inside the box was trickled back into play. a bullet into Al Rayyan crossbar with blocked by Qatar SC keeper. Qatar SC produced a similar move on a free- a shot a few feet away from the box. In the 80th minute, Bashar Resan of Qatar SC kick three minutes later. Elmehdi Barrahma Relentless attacks helped Al Rayyan take sneaked into the Al Rayyan box and tapped a cross curled in a long-range shot that beat the Al the lead seconds before the half-time toward Belaili. The Al Rayyan keeper charged Rayyan wall, but keeper Fahad Younis blocked whistle. towards the ball, but Belaili hoodwinked his marker the move. The ball slipped out of his hands, but Qatar SC’s Khaled Ahmed fired a shot and after a few steps, dinked a low shot into the Qatar SC striker Anthony Okpotu, who lunged towards keeper Al Hail. But Boli, stationed empty net. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 13 JANUARY 2021

Stage set for Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines

Top equestrian event attracts world’s best

THE PENINSULA – DOHA showcase Al Shaqab’s standing as an equestrian centre of excel- Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar CHI Al Shaqab supports Qatar’s lence with world-class facilities, Foundation (QF), will organise National Vision 2030, and Al Shaqab’s while the entertainment on offer and host the 8th edition of organization of such a key will help provide a memorable Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab international event bears testament experience for all spectators. Presented by Longines, a premier to Qatar’s position as a global “Al Shaqab is proud that CHI event on the world’s equestrian Al Shaqab has become a calendar. sporting destination. CHI Al Shaqab landmark annual event for the Al Shaqab’s signature eques- will showcase Al Shaqab’s standing as local community. The Arab world trian competition, which pro- an equestrian centre of excellence has a very rich equestrian her- vides an exhilarating mix of top- with world-class facilities, while the itage, and through events such class equestrian sport and fun- entertainment on offer will help as this, Al Shaqab preserves and filled family entertainment, will provide a memorable experience for perpetuates that aspect of Qatari take place from February 25-27, tradition and culture.” all spectators: Khalifa Al Attiya, Vice 2021, at the Longines Arena at Al Joseph Abraham, Group Chief Shaqab. Chairman, Supreme Organising Executive Officer, Commercial The three-day event will Committee of Commercial Bank CHI Al Bank, said: “We are pleased to once again bring the world’s best Shaqab Presented by Longines, and be the Title Sponsor for the riders and horses to Qatar to Executive Director, Al Shaqab. second year for this premier compete in the Olympic disci- event on the world’s equestrian plines of Showjumping, Dressage, calendar. Commercial Bank is and Para Dressage. committed to supporting Qatar’s Created in 2013, CHI Al two prestigious international vision to be an international Shaqab is one of five CHI com- back-to-back equestrian events sporting hub and we recognize petitions worldwide, and the first taking place at Al Shaqab, and the importance of sports in and only equestrian event of its will be followed a week later by Qatar’s economic and social kind in the Middle East and Asia the season opener of the 2021 development.” region. Longines Global Champions In view of the current Commercial Bank is the Title Tour. COVID-19 pandemic, the Min- Sponsor of the event, while Khalifa Al Attiya, Vice istry of Public Health’s precau- Longines is the Presenting Chairman, Supreme Organising tionary measures will be strictly Partner and ExxonMobil is the Committee of Commercial Bank enforced to ensure the safety and Main Sponsor. CHI Al Shaqab Presented by well-being of participants, Besides ensuring an action- Longines, and Executive Director, equestrian fans, and all who are packed competition, Commercial Al Shaqab, said: “CHI Al Shaqab involved with the event. Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented supports Qatar’s National Vision Ticketing information, by Longines also offers a range 2030, and Al Shaqab’s organi- including details about exclusive of entertaining and educational zation of such a key international VIP offerings, will be made The President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, activities for adults and children event bears testament to Qatar’s available soon on the Al Shaqab posing for a photograph with the podium winners of the 2020 Commercial Bank CHI Al in its spectacular Festival Area. position as a global sporting des- website (www.alshaqab.com) CHI Al Shaqab will be one of tination. CHI Al Shaqab will and social media channels. Shaqab Grand Prix and officials at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, in this file photo.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN QUALIFIERS MEN'S SINGLES FINAL ROUND AO Qualifiers: Troicki enters final At Khalifa International and Squash Complex from 10.30am TODAY'S ORDER OF PLAY

Court A A. Karatsev (3) vs A. Muller round with clean win in Doha T. Wu vs M. Vilella Martinez Court 2 B. Van de Zandschulp vs M. Bourgue C. Stebe (11) vs V. Troicki G. Barrere (1) vs F. Ferreira Silva C. Lestienne vs R. Safiullin THE PENINSULA – DOHA Court B B. Tomic vs J. Smith (WC) H. Laaksonen (15) vs B. Gojo Court 3 Former world No.12 is H. Dellien (2) vs C. Alcaraz (21) T. Daniel (5) vs E. Ymer one step away from reaching the main R. Haase vs Q. Halys M. Cressy vs D. Brown draw of the 2021 after Court 1 Court 4 dispatching American Ulises Blanch, D. Sweeny (WC) vs S. Stakhovsky D. Dzumhur (7) vs K. Coppejans 22, in straight-sets 7-5, 6-3 yesterday A. Rinderknech vs M. Mmoh M. Torpegaard vs T. Machac in the second round of the ongoing men’s qualifiers being held at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Damir Dzumhur returns the ball Complex. to Julian Lenz of Germany during The 34-year-old Serbian, who won their round 2 match of the Australian the inaugural ATP Cup in 2020, Open 2021 Men’s Qualifiers played at becoming the first player in history to the Khalifa International Tennis and win all three major team competitions Squash Complex in Doha, yesterday. ( in 2010 and World Team PICTURES: Tennis Australia Cup in 2009 and 2012), dispatched his 246-ranked younger opponent in 94 minutes. Troicki won 89 percent of first serves and 65 percent of the second in the highly-entertaining encounter as Serbia's he booked his ticket against Germany’s Viktor Cedrik-Marcel Stebe in today’s final Troicki in round match. action. Stebe, ranked 126, had ended the run of wildcard entrant Rinky Hijikata of Australia, winning 6-4, 6-2 on Court He had only missed the first Grand Stakhovsky who defeated Australia’s A earlier in the day. Slam of the year in 2014 while serving Jason Kubler 7(7)-6(4), 6-4. Should Troicki, a quarter-finalist a doping ban. A fourth Australian Open at the 2008 , overcome In the other highlights of the day, appearance is looking very likely for the 30-year-old German in today’s Australia’s Dane Sweeny, a wildcard the No.5-seed of Japan final round, it would be his 12th entrant, walked over USA’s Denis after the 27-year-old Florida resident appearance in Melbourne since Kudla, the No.4 seed, to book the final knocked out German Maximilian Mar- double faults and won 18 service points Also yesterday, tournament’s 2008. day ticket against Ukraine’s Sergiy terer, ranked 209, 6-3,6-4. With the on his way to victory. second-seed Hugo Dellien of Bolivia win, Daniel secured a final round ticket The 28-year-old Bosnian, ranked withstood a second set rally from against fast-serving Elias Ymer of 118, is set to face Belgian Kimmer Cop- 232-ranked of Aus- Sweden, who staged a comeback 2-1 pejans, who defeated the 31-seeded tralia to post a straight-sets 6-4, 7(8)- (1-6, 6-3, 6-2) win against the 27th- Egyptian Mohamed Safwat in straight- 6(6) win in two hours and 3 minutes seeded Marc-Andrea Huesler of sets, today for one of the 16 slots on Court A to book a final round clash Switzerland. available from the qualifiers for the against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz - the Seventh-seed Damir Džumhur, main draw in Melbourne. 21-seed. who made into the third round in Mel- Meanwhile, some upsets were Today’s clash between the duo bourne in 2014 and 2018, meanwhile, recorded on the day with three seeded promises to be one of the major high- trounced Germany’s Julian Lenz 6-2, players - Slovenia’s Blaz Rola (seeded lights of the four-day tournament as 6-2 in one hour and eight minutes to 32), of (29th the 17-year-old Spaniard, ranked advance into the last day of the four- seed), and Spain’s Carlos Taberner (22nd No.141, has been in splendid form over day event in Doha. seed) - crashing out of the the past year. He won three ATP Chal- Lenz broke his opponent’s serve tournament. lenger titles in 2020, and was voted only once, while the Bosnian player, While Rola suffered a 2-1 (2-6, 7(7)- the ATP Tour’s Newcomer of the Year. on the other hand, managed to do it 6(4), 3-6) defeat from the hands of A total of 128 players participated Australia's Dane Sweeny in five times. Frenchman Mathias Bourgue, Giustino in the 2021 Australian Open men’s action during the Australian Dzumhur, Bosnia and Herze- and Taberner were defeated in straight- qualifiers which ends tomorrow, Open 2021 Men’s Qualifiers. govina’s No. 1 player, achieved 60 sets by Croatia’s Borna Gojo and Dustin January 13. Sixteen main draw slots are percent of first serves, committed two Brown of Germany respectively. up for grabs in Doha. WEDNESDAY 13 JANUARY 2021 SPORT 09

Australia delay Australia’s Australia captain Tim Paine call on injured speaks to India’s Ravichandran captain Paine Will Pucovski Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari apologises after a draw on REUTERS SYDNEY day 5 of the for Ashwin third Australia will delay making a Test match call on Will Pucovski’s avail- between ability for the fourth and final Australia Test against India and give the and India SYDNEY opener two days to recover at the REUTERS - from a shoulder injury, the Sydney hosts said yesterday. Cricket Australia captain Tim Paine Pucovski missed the first Ground, has apologised for his conduct two Tests with concussion Sydney, during the final day of the third after being hit on the head in Australia, on Test against India, saying his a warm-up game against the Monday. sledging of Ravichandran tourists and scored 62 and 10 Ashwin fell short of the in his Test debut in the drawn standards he has set for the Sydney contest. team. The 22-year-old landed Wicketkeeper Paine at one heavily at the Sydney Cricket stage sledged at Ashwin as the Ground on Monday after trying spinner and Hanuma Vihari to stop a shot from India’s batted through the last three Hanuma Vihari. . hours of the match to save a “He will continue rest and draw at Sydney Cricket rehabilitation over the next Ground and keep the series two days before a decision is tied at 1-1. made on his fitness for the Paine, who apologised to fourth test match,” CA said. his team mates for his three dropped catches in his post- match news conference on Monday, requested the oppor- FACTBOX-First Test tunity to address the media Busy year for England again yesterday. vs England “I want to apologise for the way I went about things, I’m someone who prides himself Factbox on the first Test between Sri Lanka and England, which begins starts with SL spin trial on the way he leads this team on Thursday: and yesterday was a poor WHEN? Jan. 14-18 (1000 a.m. local/0430 GMT) REUTERS - GALLE The threat of contracting the coronavirus has reflection of that,” he told WHERE? Galle International Stadium hung heavily over the tour party and already reporters. MATCH OFFICIALS (all Sri Lankan) Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, England begin a busy year of with impacted, with Moeen Ali testing positive on “My leadership wasn’t Ruchira Palliyaguruge Third : Lyndon Hannibal Match referee: Ranjan an expected trial by spin in Sri Lanka when the arrival last week and having to isolate away from good enough, I let the pressure Madugalle first match in Galle gets underway tomorrow. his team mates and miss the first Test. of the game get to me. Yes- SRI LANKA World ranking: 6 Coach: Micky Arthur Captain: Dimuth It is the first of 17 Tests in a congested 2021 It leaves England a spinner short for a contest terday, I fell short of my expec- Karunaratne Team (from): Minod Bhanuka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dinesh programme for the touring side, who will have which is expected to be determined by a turning tations and my team’s Chandimal (wicketkeeper), , Niroshan Dickwella, Lasith to grapple not only with tough playing condi- as Sri Lanka host a home series for only standards. Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Oshada Fernando, San- tions but also the mental fatigue of the strict bio- the second time in more than two years. “I’m human, I want to thush Gunathilake, , , , secure bubble that has been imposed. Sri Lanka, who were to host England last apologise for the mistakes I Dilshan Madushanka, Angelo March before the COVID-19 lockdown, hobble made yesterday... we’ve set Mathews, , Dilruwan England Test into the series from a 2-0 defeat in South Africa really high standards over the Perera, , Kasun Rajitha, captain smiles in during which they suffered several serious last 18 months and yesterday , this photo posted injuries after some 11 months without test was a bit of a blip on the ENGLAND World ranking: 4 on his official cricket. radar.” Coach: Chris Silverwood Captain: Twitter handle Fresh from domestic competition, The 36-year-old said he Joe Root Team (from): James @root66. England Sri Lanka looked ill-prepared for the tempo of had felt “off” for the entire Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom are set to start the red ball game and were swept aside in both match, during which he was Bess, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (wick- their two-match Tests, but only after four players suffered muscle also fined 15% of his match fee etkeeper), Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Test series against strains in the first match in Pretoria. for swearing while com- Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack hosts Sri Lanka Veterans and Dinesh Chan- plaining to an umpire. Leach, , , Chris tomorrow. dimal and senior seamer Suranga Lakmal are all Paine is acutely aware that Woakes, Mark Wood. due to rejoin the squad for the two Tests against the only reason he was handed PREVIOUS SRI LANKA V England. the Australian captaincy after ENGLAND GALLE TESTS The second Test is also in Galle and starts on the Newlands ball-tampering 2001 - Sri Lanka won by an January 22. scandal cost Steve Smith the innings and 28 runs 2003 - Match England, who are touring without Jofra Archer job in 2018 was because of the drawn 2007 - Match drawn 2012 - and Ben Stokes, are expected to hand a debut to non-confrontational way he Sri Lanka won by 75 runs 2018 - Dan Lawrence at number five in the order went about the game. England won by 211 runs and possibly add a third spinner to support Dom “I spoke to (Ashwin) REMAINING FIXTURES Jan. Bess and Jack Leach. quickly after the game yes- 22-26 Second Test at Galle (1000 England tour India next month, then host New terday, and I said to him ‘yeah, a.m. local/0430 GMT)# Zealand and India at home before heading to you end up looking the fool, Australia at the end of the year for the Ashes. you open your mouth and you end up dropping a catch’,” he added. “We had a bit of a laugh India’s injury toll mounts ahead of 4th Test about that... and everything was fine.” The wicketkeeper also AP - SYDNEY defended Smith against charges of gamesmanship India’s list of injured and absent crick- during the Sydney Test. eters on tour to Australia has grown again Paine said his behaviour with reports emerging in the wake of a had not caused him to con- defiant draw in the third Test that pace sider his position as captain spearhead Jasprit Bumrah could miss the and he was looking forward series-deciding match starting on Friday to leading Australia out for the in . final test of the series at the Ravindra Jadeja had surgery on his Gabba on Friday. damaged left thumb soon after India’s “I have to cop what’s courageous finish Monday at the Sydney coming on the chin and I’m Cricket Ground, where injured Rishabh really looking forward to Pant (97), and moving on to Brisbane and Hanuma Vihari helped India bat through getting back more for playing four full sessions in the fourth innings to Steve Smith is run out for 131 as he dives for the game more like Tim Paine salvage a draw and keep the series level the crease during day two of the third Test plays the game,” he said. at 1-1. match between Australia and India at the Jadeja had been padded up ready to SCG, Sydney, in this January 8, 2021 file photo. go in next if either Ashwin or Vihari was UAE vs Ireland dismissed late on the last day in Sydney, Bumrah would be unavailable for the police and Cricket Australia are con- to India to be with his wife, Bollywood but wasn’t required. fourth Test. He reportedly sustained tinuing investigations. actress Anushka Sharma, for the birth of ODI postponed His absence for the fourth Test in an abdominal injury while fielding. Meanwhile, Pant (elbow), Ashwin the couple’s first child. Kohli announced Brisbane will deprive India of a key all- That would leave Mohammed Siraj, (back) and Vihari (hamstring strain) will late on Monday that their baby girl had rounder, while the absence of strike who has played two Tests, to lead a all be monitored before India selects its been born, and he took time praise India’s REUTERS - DUBAI bowler Bumrah - if confirmed - would pace attack likely containing Navdeep starting XI for the Gabba, where Australia comeback in the series in his absence. be a major setback for an already Saini, who made his Test debut in hasn’t lost a Test match since 1988. India won the second Test in Mel- A one-day international depleted attack that is missing injured Sydney. India’s squad depth will be seriously bourne by eight under stand-in between the United Arab fast bowlers Mohammed Shami, Umesh Siraj had the third Test stopped for tested, with the BCCI unable to call in any captain Ajinkya Rahane, who said the Emirates and Ireland in Abu Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar eight minutes on Sunday afternoon more reserves because of travel restric- draw in third Test also felt like a victory. Dhabi yesterday was post- Kumar. after complaining to umpires of racial tions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic. So there was plenty of celebrations, poned after another four Press Trust of India, citing Board of abuse from the crowd. Six men were India lost the first Test in Adelaide last recriminations and ice needed on Monday players from the hosts squad Control for Cricket in India sources, said ejected before play resumed, and month before skipper Virat Kohli retuned night. tested positive for COVID-19, the Emirates Cricket Board said. The match was originally Smith denies accusations of gamesmanship in Sydney Test the third of a four-game series. The opener went ahead as REUTERS - SYDNEY Smith told News Corp yesterday that was stripped of the Australian captaincy centre. He was certainly not changing planned on Friday but the he was “shocked and disappointed” by and banned for a year in 2018 for his (Pant’s) guard and if he was that’s some- second game slated for last Australia’s Steve Smith has denied trying suggestions he had tried to gain an unfair part in the Newlands ball-tampering thing that the Indians would have kicked Sunday was postponed to Jan. to erase ’s guard in the advantage. scandal, had merely been indulging one up a bit stink about at the time,” added 16 after three UAE players -- batting crease during the third Test “It’s something I do in games to vis- of his many idiosyncrasies. Paine, who also apologised for his own Alishan Sharafu, Chirag Suri against India on Monday, saying he had ualise where we are bowling, how the “If you’ve watched Steve Smith play conduct after sledging Ravichandran and Aryan Lakra -- tested pos- been marking centre as he always does. batter is playing our bowlers and then Test cricket, that’s something that he Ashwin. itive for the virus. Video footage from the stump out of habit I always mark centre,” he does every single game five or six times Pant’s heroic knock of 97 set the The board added that the camera of Smith dragging his boot across added. “It’s such a shame that this and a day,” Paine told reporters yesterday. platform for India to save the test after UAE team would remain in the crease on a tense final day of the other events have taken away from what “He’s always standing in the batting being set a daunting target of 407 to win, quarantine for an extended match went viral on social media and was a great batting performance by India crease shadow batting. As we know, he’s with Hanuma Vihari and Ashwin period of time. It did not some former players accused him of yesterday.” got those many Steve Smith quirks and thwarting Australia’s attack over the last release an amended schedule gamesmanship at best, cheating at worst. Skipper Tim Paine said Smith, who one of those is he’s always marking three hours to secure a draw. of games. Sport WEDNESDAY 13 JANUARY 2021 08 Tokyo Games chief expecting decision on allowing spectators REUTERS – TOKYO Organisers have stressed they are very difficult decision around Feb- During his visit to Tokyo in vaccine rollout could fail to spot determined to press ahead with the ruary to March,” Tokyo 2020 Organ- November, IOC President Thomas potentially dangerous side-effects and Organisers of the postponed Tokyo Games this year, even as COVID-19 ising Committee President Yoshiro Bach said athletes would be may leave athletes vulnerable. Olympics should decide in February cases surge, and the government Mori said at an online lecture hosted encouraged to get the vaccine but it A recent poll conducted by or March whether the coronavirus announced plans on Tuesday to widen by Kyodo News Agency. would not be mandatory. Kyodo found that 80% of those sur- risks have fallen enough to let spec- a state of emergency to stem the Daily virus cases hit a record 7,882 Two academics warned against veyed think the Tokyo Games tators attend the Games in July, the spread of the virus. last Friday, for a tally of nearly pinning hopes on vaccinations for should either be postponed again head of the organising committee said So far, no decision has been made 300,000, public broadcaster NHK those taking part. or cancelled because of rising coro- yesterday. whether spectators will be allowed said. Ken J. Ishii, a vaccination expert navirus cases. The Japanese government and the into venues during the Games and Senior International Olympics at the University of Tokyo, said it However, Mori said it was “abso- International Olympic Committee ticket holders who no longer wish to Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound would be dangerous to use the Games lutely impossible” to cancel the Games made the decision last March to attend have already applied for said last week that athletes should be as an excuse for a faster vaccine again, largely because the organising postpone the 2020 Olympics until July refunds. given priority access to vaccines so that rollout. committee would not be able to keep 2021 because of the pandemic. “I think we will have to make a the Games can go ahead on July 23. Ishii told Reuters that a rushed its staff for another year.

A group photograph of the Qatar handball squad with Spanish coach Valero Rivera ahead of the IHF Men's World Champship to be held in Egypt from Jan 13-31. 27th Men's World Handball Championship Qatar get set for opening clash against Angola

THE PENINSULA - DOHA

Asian champions Qatar are ready to take on Angola in their first match of the 27th Men's World Handball Championsip that kicks off in Egypt today. Qatar, coached by Valero Rivera of Spain, fly out to Egypt tomorrow. The 2015 World Champion- ships runners-up open their campaign with a match against Angola on Friday. Qatar face Japan on Jan 17 followed by a match against Croatia on Jan 19. Last week, President of the Qatar Handball Association (QHA) Dr Ahmad Mohamed Al were keen to have due to the big difference in preparation Shaabi said Asian champions circumstances that world sport against our European rivals by Qatar will be aiming to top the has experienced as a result of conducting long overseas preliminary group. the Corona pandemic sweeping camps and bringing in prom- “We must aim to win the the globe,” he said. inent professionals at our clubs, three matches in the first phase In recent years, Qatar have but this did not happen in the because any loss will make our established themselves as the last season (in Qatar) and mission difficult in the second dominant Asian force. Qatar therefore our rivals have the round. Therefore it is important have won the Asian title thrice advantage in the World Cham- to lead the group in order to and reached the World Cham- pionship,” he said. maintain our chances and pionship final on home soil in He explained that the rhythm in the second stage,” Dr 2015. presence of Spanish coach Al Shaabi said in an interview. “We wanted to play a big Rivera ‘is one of the positive “Despite the difficulties we number of friendly matches factors’ for Qatar squad. have faced in our preparation, against strong teams, but we He said coach Rivera knows nothing can diminish our desire were not able to do so due to the rival teams, their players to achieve better results,” he the COVID-19 situation. The and tactics. said. matches that the national team Dr Al Shaabi said Qatar “Matches at the World played were limited. We played being among the top 10 teams Championship, in general, friendly matches against in the world would be a good remain difficult for all partici- Tunisia, Argentina and Spain,” achievement for the national pating teams and competing he said. squad. against the best sides is not easy The QHF President said the “We are facing great chal- at all,” he added. “The World impact of the Corona pandemic lenges after we reached the Championship is the strongest on the preparations of other World Championship (Qatar competition and we always teams, especially European 2015) final. We cannot deny that prepare for it well, but this time sides, is relatively less ‘as they the teams in our World Cham- the preparation was not in the have strong competitive pionship group - Croatia, Japan required manner. Our prepa- leagues’. and Angola - are tough oppo- ration was not at the level we “Usually we try to cover this nents,” he said. QVA League: Al Ahli, Al Sadd clinch wins

Action during yesterday's Qatar Volleyball Association National League matches played at QVA Hall yesterday. Al Ahli beat Al Gharafa 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-10) in the first match of the day while Al Sadd fought back after losing the first set to beat Al Shamal 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20).