FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 OOLYMPICSLYMPICS | Page 4 Southgate Once in a spoiled for lifetime: Torch choice as Euro bearers look 2020 awaits forward to relay

Thursday, March 25, 2021 FORMULA 1 Sha’aban 12, 1442 AH Verstappen seeks GULF TIMES early win, Hamilton starts record bid SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL / EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS Muntari strike opens ’s campaign with a victory ‘They (Almoez and Muntari) did well in all the facets... the team as a group were very compact and worked well together’

By Sports Reporter though, tried to hit back imme- diately even as Qatar’s defence looked shaky. Yilmaz hat-trick leads Turkey to Qatar’s winger Pedro Miguel atar made a winning on the right fl ank had an out- start to their European standing game as the 30-year- impressive win over Netherlands Zone FIFA old was unlucky not to score, Reuters 2022 qualifying cam- having hit the woodwork twice in Istanbul, Turkey paignQ with a 1-0 win over Lux- the second half. embourg yesterday. Mohamed Luxembourg had more of the Muntari’s 12th minute strike ball in the second half but failed eteran captain Burak from close range earned Felix to fi nd the net as the Qatar play- Yilmaz netted a hat- Sanchez’s men a much-deserved ers were more organised. The trick as Turkey saw victory at the Nagyerdei Stadium 87th minute sending off of Aldin off a late rally from in Debrecen, . Skenderovic did not help Luxem- Vthe Netherlands to secure a 4-2 The Asian champions could bourg as Qatar held on to make a home victory yesterday at the have scored much more but winning start. start of their World Cup quali- lacked sharpness in front of goal. Sanchez praised his players fying campaign. Qatar – who were invited by after the match but admitted Yilmaz opened the scoring in UEFA as a guest nation to take there was room for improve- the 14th minute of the Group G part in the European qualifi ers as ment. “I think the players did match with a defl ected shot fol- they fi ne tune their preparations well today. We played at a good lowed by a penalty 20 minutes for the next year’s World Cup at rhythm, the game was much later at Istanbul’s Ataturk Ol- home – will face Azerbaijan on faster than what our players are ympic Stadium to put the Turks Turkey’s Burak Yilmaz (left) celebrates his goal with teammate Saturday before fi nishing their used to back in the Qatar Stars 2-0 up at halftime. Umut Meras during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 European European sojourn against the League. But we adapted well. The game looked to be ef- qualification Group G match against the Netherlands at the Ataturk Republic of Ireland on March 30. We created chances and were fectively over when Hakan Cal- Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. (AFP) Qatar will return in September able to win even though Luxem- hanoglu added the third a few to take on European champions bourg had good offensive play- seconds into the second half fi rst choice Jasper Cillessen was Klaassen’s goal was a touch and – the two ers,” the Spaniard said. but two goals in as many min- injured in the warm-up. of individual brilliance as he other teams in Group A. Sanchez was also impressed utes gave the Dutch hope of a Donyell Malen then gave brought down a cross from It wasn’t exactly baptism by Luxembourg’s Mica Pinto and Qatar’s Mohamed Muntari (right) vie for with Almoez and Muntari’s per- late comeback. away a penalty with a clumsy Memphis Depay with a subtle fi re against 98th ranked Luxem- the ball during a friendly in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 European formance upfront. “Today we Their momentum was ended, challenge on Okay Yokuslu that touch, simultaneously turn- bourg, with Qatar, who are 40 qualifying tournament in Debrecen, Hungary, yesterday. (AFP) started with Almoez and Muntari however, by a stunning free kick Yilmaz converted with an em- ing two defenders to slam rungs above their opponents. Al in the front. They did well in all from Yilmaz that completed phatic strike. home from close range. De Jong Annabi started on the front foot the facets of the game both de- his hat-trick and secured the Calhanoglu added the third swooped onto a dipping cross to but Luxembourg gifted them an fensively and forward. But more points for Turkey. 30 seconds into the second half get a touch for the second. opening after a defensive error in than just two players, the team as “We were not paying at- with a speculative eff ort from Yet the 35-year-old Yilmaz the 12th minute. a group were very compact and tention and were not 100% outside the penalty area that put a swift end to Dutch come- Lars Gerson took too long to worked well together. We were focused,” said Netherlands deceived Krul. back hopes with a scorching clear the ball with Almoez Ali able to combine and create good captain Georginio Wijnaldum. Yet the Ataturk Stadium, free kick nine minutes from swooping in to steal the ball. The chances,” he added. “Also Turkey made it diffi cult where Liverpool fought back fulltime that restored Turkey’s Qatari forward then passed it The Qatar coach indicated he for us to defend.” from 3-0 down against AC Mi- two-goal advantage. onto Muntari, who fi red in from would rotate players for the next The opening goal came at the lan to win the 2005 Champions The Dutch were awarded the box. Qatar should have dou- two games. “Now it’s time to re- end of a counter-attack with League fi nal, looked like it may a penalty three minutes into bled their advantage in the 15th cover and analyse, and then try Yilmaz’s shot from the edge of be the venue of another famous stoppage time after tugging by minute but Almoez’s point blank to fi nd the best option against the area taking a defl ection off comeback as Davy Klaassen Ozan Kabak on De Ligt but De- shot was saved by Luxembourg Azerbaijan. We have three days Matthijs de Ligt to beat goal- scored in the 75th minute and pay’s eff ort was saved by Ugur- goalkeeper Anthony Moris, of rest. But will surely give some keeper Tim Krul, who had been Luuk de Jong got another 60 can Cakir to complete a miser- though the forward should Qatar coach Felix Sanchez (right) shakes hands with Ahmed Alaaeldin players opportunities,” Sanchez pressed into service after Dutch seconds later. able night for the visitors. have done better. Luxembourg, during the match against Luxembourg yesterday. (Reuters) said.

MOTORCYCLING Losail International Circuit takes centre stage as MotoGP returns

AFP his track performance. “It is not the Suzuki rider from Mallorca MARQUEZ MISSING an easy decision. I will decide can be expected to put up a resil- The six-time MotoGP world during the summer break, in the ient title defence against a slew of champion is the notable absentee middle of the season,” he told serious challengers. Among them he 2021 MotoGP season from Qatar’s double header. His motogp.com. ’s Fabio Quartararo who sparks into life in Qatar season-ending crash in the fi rst “My decision will be based on takes Rossi’s place in the Yamaha this weekend. Here is a race last year led to three bouts results. If I am strong, can fi ght factory team. look at fi ve talking points of surgery on his fractured right for podiums and victories, I will He marked himself down as aheadT of the curtain-raiser at the arm, the last in December, and continue another year.” Rossi’s a future champion with wins in Losail International circuit: left the way clear for his fellow teammate is Franco Morbidelli, the fi rst two races before bike is- Spaniard Joan Mir to claim his a graduate from Rossi’s VR46 sues put a spanner in his bid to LIGHTS ON crown. academy. become France’s fi rst MotoGP One year on after the Covid-19 The 28-year-old pulled out of The 2020 runner-up describes champion. He said from his home pandemic forced the cancel- this weekend’s curtain-raiser on his mentor as “like a big brother”. in Andorra in February: “I’m lation of the fi rst round of the Monday, saying that although Rossi is counting on their close ready to win the championship. MotoGP championship in Qatar his recovery was going well he friendship to withstand the In 2019, I made the podium, last the gulf state’s Losail Interna- required more time before re- natural rivalry that develops be- year some wins, all that’s missing tional Circuit takes centre stage turning to the day job. With his tween riders on the same team. is the fi nal step, to be champion with back-to-back night races next medical check-up on April “To fi ght and still be friends we of the world.” on Sunday and again on April 4 12 that suggests Portugal’s third will need to have a real friend- to get the 2021 campaign off to leg on April 18 as a target for his ship. It won’t be easy, but I think TESTING TIMES an atmospheric and theatrical overdue return. we can do it.” Australian Jack Miller will have fl oodlit start. The Honda star has down- plenty to say in the title race Qatar, which hosted pre-sea- played his chances of reclaiming MIR – THE CONSISTENT based on the evidence of pre- son testing, has off ered corona- his throne this term: “The objec- CHAMPION season testing at Losail this virus vaccines to the entire pad- tive is to get on a motorbike, have Marquez’s premature exit opened month. Miller’s Ducati led the dock. The MotoGP circus then fun again and from there fi nd a the way for a thrilling topsy-turvy times with the fastest lap – 1min moves on to the Algarve in Por- good level and fi ght for podiums Defending champion Joan Mir of Suzuki can be expected to put up a resilient title defence against a slew title tussle last year with Joan Mir 53.183 – ever recorded at the tugal for the third leg of a 19-race and victories. of serious challengers. landing the spoils in the penul- track. calendar, with two further races How long will that take? I timate race a week after fi nally A trio of Yamahas belonging to in the United States and Argen- don’t know.” 26th year of competition at the team for the fi rst time since 2002 2020 left him in 15th in the riders’ claiming his fi rst MotoGP victory Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quar- tina expected to be slotted in to- ripe old age of 42 but the seven- for Yamaha’s satellite SRT stable. standings with two races missed and ending a winless run stretch- tararo and Franco Morbidelli wards the end of the year. A CHANGE BUT NO REST FOR time MotoGP world champion’s ‘The Doctor’ is optimistic the due to coronavirus. ing back to 2017 when he was were hot on his heels with Mill- Practice for Sunday’s opener THE DOCTOR drive and determination remain switch will trigger an upturn in Whether this is his swansong crowned Moto3 world champion. er’s Ducati teammate Francesco gets underway today. Valentino Rossi is entering his undimmed as he leaves a factory results after his worst season in season depends in large part on Credited for his consistency Bagnaia completing the top fi ve. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, March 25, 2021 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar Insurance Group accelerates its corporate social responsibility eff orts atar Insurance Group, the cumstances as the world still faces an leading insurer in Qatar and unprecedented global pandemic, and the Mena region was the of- these tournaments were held strictly fi cial insurance sponsor of in accordance with the precaution- Katara’sQ World Beach Volleyball Cham- ary measures issued by the Ministry of pionship and Commercial Bank Qatar Public Health. Masters Championship. In this context, Ahmed al-Jarboey, The continuous participation of Senior Vice President – QIC MENA Qatar Insurance Group as the offi cial Retail & Motor Claims, expressed his insurance sponsor for these sporting excitement at company’s keenness to events reaffi rms its commitment to provide support and sponsorship for supporting the wellbeing & develop- these important sporting champion- ment of the community which is an ships. Al-Jarboey said: “The contribu- integral part of its corporate social re- tion and participation in sponsoring sponsibility mission. this championship is an extension of Katara World Beach Volleyball our continuous eff orts to contribute & Championship, the fourth edition of support such sporting events, which the 4-Star category event, of which Qa- greatly contribute to achieving Qatar tar Insurance Group was a proud Gold- National Vision 2030.” en sponsor. Qatar Insurance Group fi rst He added: “We have ensured that the became a sponsor of this championship core values of our business and oper- in 2007 and since then have been long ating principles align with our objec- standing and a strong supporter of the Ahmed al-Jarboey, Senior Vice tives for CSR. In eff ect, being socially event. The importance of this tourna- President – QIC MENA Retail & conscious has allowed us to respond, ment is characterised by being one of Motor Claims. engage and solve the common concerns the International Volleyball Federation of the society along with the coopera- event for the current season. the offi cial insurance sponsorship of tion of our customers, business part- The tournament was held at Al the Commercial Bank ners and affi liates. Contribution to and Gharafa beach grounds from March 8 Golf Championship, which was held participation of such sporting events to 12, with over 100 participating teams at the Education City Golf Club from demonstrates our persistent eff orts in from 88 countries. March 11 to 14. Both of these sporting supporting an active and healthy living Qatar Insurance Group was the off icial insurance sponsor of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Golf Championship, which Qatar Insurance Group was also events took place in exceptional cir- in the Qatari community.” was held at the Education City Golf Club from March 11 to 14.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS FOCUS FIFA extends ban on former president Southgate spoiled Blatter until 2028

AFP position”. It said in a statement: Lausanne “The investigations into Messrs Blatter and Valcke covered various charges, in particular concern- for choice as ‘home’ IFA banned its former ing bonus payments in relation to president Sepp Blatter FIFA competitions that were paid until 2028 yesterday af- to top FIFA management offi cials, ter handing him a new various amendments and exten- suspensionF of six years and eight sions of employment contracts, months for receiving huge bo- as well as reimbursement by FIFA nuses. Former FIFA secretary- of private legal costs in the case of Euro 2020 awaits general Jerome Valcke also had Mr Valcke.” his existing suspension extended Blatter described this latest by the same amount. punishment as a “blow behind Pressure is on the England boss to build on a surprise run to the World Cup semis The new bans will only come the neck, painful and incompre- into force when the current bans hensible”. AFP on Blatter and Valcke for cor- “The ethics commission, in ruption, which last till October its current form, is nothing like this year and October 2025, end. an independent body,” he said FIFA’s Ethics Committee said from a Swiss clinic where he is hree World Cup qualifi ers against it had also fi ned each man 1mn convalescing after two months San Marino, Albania and Swiss francs ($1.1mn, 900,000 in hospital. “It is nothing more over the next week provide Eng- euros). Blatter, who is 85, re- than the armed wing of the FIFA land manager Gareth Southgate ceived 23mn Swiss francs in “ex- president and little more than a Twith his fi nal chance to experiment be- traordinary bonuses” linked to parody of justice,” said Blatter, fore he names his squad for the delayed the 2010 World Cup in South who has become a fi erce critic of Euro 2020. The Three Lions will enjoy Africa and the 2014 World Cup his successor as FIFA president, home advantage for most of the Euro as in as well as the Confed- Gianni Infantino. they aim to end a 55-year wait to win a erations Cup tournament in Bra- Blatter and Valcke can ap- major international tournament. zil that preceded it, the Ethics peal these latest sanctions at the Wembley host all three of their group Committee said in a summary of Court of Arbitration for Sport. games against Croatia, Scotland and the its decision. Blatter was forced to stand down Czech Republic, as well as both semi-fi - Valcke, the 60-year-old as FIFA chief in 2015 and was nals and the fi nal. Frenchman who was Blatter’s originally banned by FIFA for Fans could even be back in stadiums by right-hand man during his 17- eight years, later reduced to six, June and July to cheer Southgate’s men on year reign at the head of foot- over ethics breaches when he thanks to the speed of the UK’s corona- ball’s world governing body, was found to have authorised a virus vaccination roll out. The pressure is received 30mn Swiss francs in two-million-euro “disloyal pay- on the England boss to build on a surprise bonuses over the same period, ment” to former UEFA president run to the World Cup semi-fi nals in 2018, the committee said. The former Michel Platini. especially given the rich resources he now sports journalist was initially Blatter and Platini are both has to choose from. banned for 12 years but it was re- the centre of a Swiss prosecu- Goalkeeper is one of the few areas duced to 10 years on appeal. He is tion case and face accusations of where England are not blessed with a now banned until 2032. “disloyal management”, “breach world class talent. Jordan Pickford has FIFA said Blatter and Valcke had of trust” and “fraud” over the retained his status as number one despite violated the Code of Ethics by “of- payment, with the possibility of a number of costly errors for Everton. fering and accepting gifts or other a fi ve-year jail sentence if found However, Pickford is absent this week benefi ts” and through “abuse of guilty. due to a rib injury, handing Burnley’s England players train on the eve of their World Cup qualifiers against San Marino yesterday. Nick Pope his long-awaited chance to prove himself in competitive games at in- Shaw and Manchester City’s John Stones Jude Bellingham will be looking to ce- of goals since the World Cup. Fitness per- ternational level. helps solve two problem positions should ment their places in the squad for the mitting, both seem guaranteed to start Pope has proven himself to be a reli- Southgate revert to a back four. Shaw will summer. the Euro with the fi nal place in the front able Premier League shot-stopper, but challenge Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell at left- At 28, Jesse Lingard is now one of the three coming down to battle between his distribution has counted against him. back, while Stones is expected to start older heads in the squad and has earned Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. Dean Henderson could therefore emerge alongside Harry Maguire at centre-back. a recall after a bright start to a loan spell There is fi erce competition just to make as Pickford’s challenger. The 24-year- The depth of talent at right-back at West Ham. But a lack of game time at the squad in the front line. Dominic Cal- old has started Manchester United’s last means Trent Alexander-Arnold has been Tottenham looks set to end Dele Alli’s vert-Lewin’s prolifi c season for Everton seven games, but may lose his place when dropped for his dip in form for Liverpool chances of an international return. has seen him edge ahead as the reserve for David De Gea returns from paternity after an outstanding season in 2019/20. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson Kane at number nine. leave after the international break. Reece James will battle the more expe- faces a race against time to prove his fi t- Bukayo Saka is included in the latest Southgate will be judged not only on rienced Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker ness for Euro 2020 after groin surgery. squad, ahead of Mason Greenwood and what personnel he picks, but what system. for that role. West Ham’s Declan Rice and Kalvin Phil- Callum Hudson-Odoi, who were named The former Middlesbrough boss largely Despite the absence of Jack Greal- lips of Leeds are the two holding mid- in the Under-21 squad for the group stag- used three at the back in Euro 2020 quali- ish and James Maddison due to injury, fi elders in pole position if Henderson fails es of their own European Championship fying, but there have been calls for him to Southgate’s latest squad is still blessed to make it. this month. Leicester’s Harvey Barnes fi nd space for more of his attacking tal- with an array of young creative talent in Captain Harry Kane and Raheem Ster- is also a contender as only a knee injury Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter (left) and secretary general ent. A return to form from United’s Luke midfi eld. Phil Foden, Mason Mount and ling have been England’s reliable source robbed him of a call-up this month. Jerome Valcke were fined 1mn Swiss francs each. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE Coach Luis Enrique tells Spanish players to keep focus on World Cup AFP game we are going to play and to be attentive,” a pair of new recruits, Pedri and Bryan Gil, for Madrid Luis Enrique said, insisting his team and fans praise. He said that “at the age he is” Pedri, should forget Spain’s last game, in the Na- an 18-year-old Barcelona midfi elder who has tions League. “Anyone who thinks that by been compared to Andres Iniesta, is “humble, uis Enrique said yesterday that Spain beating 6-0, we are going to beat hard-working, intelligent, a good teammate, “must apply ourselves from minute Greece by more, has little knowledge of foot- what I see here is a high-level player, but we one” as they start their World Cup ball,” he said. have to let him continue to grow.” qualifying with a trio of matches “Football is full of surprises and trap teams, Luis Enrique said 20-year-old Eibar winger Lagainst teams they are expected to beat. we are going to try to be better on the pitch,” Gil “is very mature, very calm, with an energy “Bearing in mind that in every World Cup said Luis Enrique, for whom Greece “do not and a calmness that surprises me.” there are teams of a level like ours who don’t have any individual who stands out from the The coach also promised to take care of qualify, we are going to do our homework and rest, but they are a hard-working team and 34-year-old Real Madrid defender Sergio apply ourselves from minute one,” said the will have the motivation to play against a team Ramos, who returned to training yesterday. Spain coach at a press conference ahead of like ours”. After playing Greece, Spain travel “I will talk to him, he is free of injuries and today’s game at home to Greece in Granada. to to face on March 28 and depending on his feelings and what I think is “Tomorrow is a day to remember what kind host Kosovo on March 31 in Seville. The group best for the team, I will decide, but my plan Spain coach Luis Enrique (centre) talks to his players during training session in Madrid. (Reuters) of competition we are starting, what kind of also contains Sweden. The coach singled out is to look after all the players,” said the coach. Gulf Times Thursday, March 25, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT How Mancini revived aft er 2018 World Cup failure Mancini has successfully rejuvenated the Azzurri team and Donnarumma, Barella, and Chiesa are now regular starters

Reuters er role remains the biggest unknown, and former Italy forward Mancini is yet to settle on his fi rst choice. Lazio’s European Golden Shoe win- he thought of a new World Cup ner Ciro Immobile has struggled to rep- qualifying campaign starting licate his club form on the international might bring traumatic memo- stage, while Andrea Belotti of Torino ries fl ooding back in Italy. The is yet to convince as an alternative. Tfour-time world champions’ last at- They’ve overcome the problem so far tempt to reach the competition ended by spreading the load, with 19 diff erent in a play-off defeat to Sweden in Nov players scoring during Euro qualifying 2017, their fi rst failure to qualify in 60 as Italy produced a run of form that has years. left a clear message: the trauma of the It resulted in the departures of man- play-off defeat to Sweden has been put ager and federation behind them. head Carlo Tavecchio, not to mention public fury and embarrassment at such ‘TIRED’ KEAN OUT OF ITALY a humiliating failure for an internation- WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS al football institution. Meanwhile, Italy striker Moise Kean But this week Italy begin their jour- has been ruled out of upcoming World ney to Qatar 2022 with a vibrant and in- Cup qualifi ers because of “fatigue”, the form team, thanks to manager Roberto Italian Football Federation (FIGC) an- Mancini’s successful rebuilding of the nounced. The 21-year-old Kean, who is shattered foundations he found after on loan this season at Paris Saint-Ger- taking the daunting job in May 2018. main from Premier League side Ever- Mancini has successfully rejuve- ton, has been released to return to the nated the Azzurri team and goalkeeper French club. Gianluigi Donnarumma (22), midfi elder “Kean has suff ered from a state of Nicolo Barella (24) and winger Federico fatigue that makes him unavailable Chiesa (23) are now regular starters. for the next matches of the national The next generation has been given team against Northern Ireland, Bul- plenty of opportunity; Mancini named garia and Lithuania,” the FIGC said in 12 players aged between 21 and 24 in a statement. “For this reason, Kean was his squad for this week’s triple-header excluded from the list of the Azzurri against Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and squad and this morning he will return Lithuania. to his club Paris Saint-Germain.” Italy even produced a special green Kean, who has scored twice in eight ‘renaissance’ kit in October 2019, appearances for Italy, tested positive which they said was “designed to cel- for Covid-19 at the start of March but ebrate the numerous young talents who Italy coach (centre) talks to his players during a training session in Parma, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) has played for PSG since then. Italy play are taking increasingly important roles Northern Ireland in Parma on Thurs- in the Azzurri’s successes.” beaten run, and they’ve won 17 of those spare – another record – and won all a place in October’s fi nals, which they wingers who like to cut inside and full- day, followed by Bulgaria three days Experienced players such as Giorgio games. Their qualifying campaign for their games, fi nishing with a goal dif- will host. backs bombing on to off er width. later and Lithuania on March 31. Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are still Euro 2020 was hugely impressive, as ference of +33 that only Belgium could Settling on a formation and style of The system helps Italy dominate Mancini expects to be able to call on involved, but Mancini has succeeded in Mancini broke a record held by double better across all qualifying groups. In play that gets the most out of his play- possession, while their famous defen- players , looking to the future while improving World Cup-winning manager Vittorio the subsequent UEFA Nations League, ers has been key to Mancini’s success. sive discipline has not been sacrifi ced; Nicolo Barella and Stefano Sensi after his side’s results. To say Mancini has Pozzo since the 1930s by leading Italy Italy were unbeaten as they topped a Italy use a 4-3-3 formation, with two Mancini’s side conceded six goals in 16 the trio were prevented from joining the improved results is an understatement. to 11 consecutive victories. group featuring the Netherlands, Po- in midfi eld, usually Jorgin- games in their Euro 2020 and Nations team following a coronavirus outbreak The Azzurri are on a 22-match un- They qualifi ed with three games to land and Bosnia-Herzegovina to secure ho and , supporting two League campaigns. However, the strik- in the northern club.

ROUND-UP FOCUS Pirlo and Ronaldo certain to Loew demands Germany response to stay at Juventus, says club chief recurring slump at World Cup qualifi ers

uventus coach Andrea Reuters fying for Euro 2020 after reaching the 2018 Pirlo and striker Cristiano Dusiburg, Germany World Cup and Euro 2016, where they won Ronaldo will not leave the hearts of neutral fans by advancing to despite a disap- the quarter-fi nals. pointingJ season, the ermany must bounce back from “Sport is very important in Iceland, even champions’ vice-president Pavel last year’s disappointing Nations in the icy months,” he said. “The Iceland- Nedved said yesterday. League campaign with a fi rm start ers are known for their winning mentality as Pirlo was surprisingly named in their opening 2022 World Cup they never give up no matter how the game as Maurizio Sarri’s successor Gqualifi ers, coach Joachim Loew said ahead goes. They are compact and can defend re- last August despite having no of today’s home game against Iceland in Eu- ally well, a very diffi cult opponent.” previous management experi- rope’s Group J. Iceland are also preparing for a new era ence. The 41-year-old, who won A 6-0 drubbing by Spain in their fi nal under new leadership after Erik Hamren’s the World Cup, two Champions Nations League match in November meant departure, with former international Arnar Leagues and six Serie A titles be- early elimination for the 2014 world cham- Vidarsson gearing up for a baptism of fi re in fore retiring as a player in 2017, pions and left a bitter taste after Germany his fi rst match in charge. has come in for fi erce criticism also made a group stage exit in the 2018 Hamren’s Iceland were never expected to recently as Juve’s hopes of land- World Cup. Loew, who said earlier in March successfully challenge Denmark, England or ing a 10th consecutive league he would quit after the June 11- July 11 Eu- Belgium for their right to remain in League title dwindle. ropean championship, asked his players to A of the Nations League, and six defeats Juventus suff ered a Champi- prove their worth as Germany visit Romania from six saw the Nordic nation’s relegation ons League last-16 elimination Juventus’ forward Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and coach . on Sunday and host North Macedonia next to League B confi rmed after a crushing 4-0 against Porto on March 9, before Wednesday. defeat to the Three Lions in their fi nal game falling to a shock defeat to lowly in Glasgow last week. tion zone, with their next game “I expect a response and we also have to in November. Iceland’s only victory of the Benevento on Sunday that left Kudela made comments to at Genoa on April 3. Prandelli show that we have made progress, demon- autumn came in their Euro playoff semi- them 10 points behind Serie A Finland international Kamara stood down on Tuesday with the strating the kind of running and fi ghting fi nal against Romania, whom they defeated leaders Inter Milan. while covering his mouth during former Italy coach explaining in spirit that makes us a passionate team,” the this season. 2-1, but the brilliance of Dominik Szobos- “Pirlo is and will be the a late melee at Ibrox. Slavia have a letter he was unable to follow 61-year old told a news conference. “We “Leon Goretzka, Gundogan and Joshua zlai ultimately saw Hungary progress to coach of Juventus, that’s 100% denied the claims of “vile racist the current rhythm of football. have to start with a string of good results Kimmich are in very good form so we are this summer’s tournament a month later, so certain,” Nedved told DAZN. abuse” levelled against Kudela Ex-Fiorentina player Iachini has and performances, throwing in everything very well stocked in midfi eld. Kroos always there will be no repeat of their historic 2016 “We committed to a project by Kamara. Police Scotland are managed Italian teams including that’s necessary to make an impression after wants to play of course but the medical staff run on the continental stage for Vidarsson’s with Andrea, knowing that also probing a criminal com- Sampdoria, Palermo, Sassuolo last November’s disappointment.” said it wasn’t possible this time,” he said. side this year. there would be diffi culties. We plaint against Kamara that was and Udinese. Loew will miss Toni Kroos after the Real “Ilkay is an exceptionally good strategist, However, the Nordic nation are now bid- wanted to do better than this and fi led by Slavia, who allege he as- Madrid was forced to pull out he always was but he was injured in the past ding to qualify for the World Cup for only haven’t managed to, but diffi cul- saulted the 33-year-old Kudela NIGERIA COACH WANTS with a muscle injury but was confi dent ahead of major tournaments. He has not had the second time after making their inaugu- ties were predicted. We are very after the match. ‘WINNING MENTALITY’ that a plethora of options in midfi eld would any injuries for two or three years now and ral appearance in last year, but as ex- calm. We’re on the path that we With Kudela potentially back Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said compensate for his absence. He particularly has played regularly, showing a lot more goal pected, their journey ended at the fi rst hur- wanted, which we will stay on. on British shores for Slavia’s he would use the 2021 Africa singled out Manchester City’s attacking threat.” dle as they claimed just one point from their He has everything to become a Europa League quarter-fi nal fi rst Cup of Nations qualifi ers against midfi elder Ilkay Gundogan, who has been in Loew stressed he expected a tough game three group matches, although that was a great coach.” leg at Arsenal on April 8, Ka- Benin and Lesotho to “restore a superb form for the Premier League leaders against Iceland, who missed out on quali- memorable 1-1 draw with Argentina. Ronaldo was also criticised mara’s lawyer Aamer Anwar said winning mentality” to the squad following Juve’s European exit the Czech international should ahead of the 2022 World Cup and has been the subject of expect to be spoken to by police. qualifying campaign. speculation that he could depart Anwar said Kamara would The Super Eagles, the three- Burkina Faso, Guinea qualify for African Cup of Nations fi nals at the end of the season. “For fully cooperate with an investi- time champions of Africa, failed me, Cristiano can’t be touched. gation that European governing to win a match in a coronavirus- Cape Town: Burkina Faso and erpool Naby Keita, neighbouring Sudan, because Johannesburg today. Mohamed He has a contract until June body UEFA had launched fol- disrupted 2020. Nigeria travel Guinea booked their places went top with 11 points and out the stadium in Juba is still Abdel Rahman and Saifeldin 30 2022 and he will stay. We’ll lowing events at Ibrox. to Benin on Saturday, before at next year’s African Cup of of the reach of third-placed Na- under construction. Bakhit scored either side of the see what happens after that,” they welcome Lesotho to Lagos Nations finals as they secured a mibia. Burkina Faso advanced A 4-0 win for Ethiopia over interval. Byiringo Lague’s 67th- Nedved said. IACHINI RETURNS on Tuesday to round up the top-two spot in their respective to nine points in Group B, one Madagascar moved them top minute winner ensured Rwanda TO FIORENTINA qualifi cation series for the Cup qualifying groups yesterday. ahead of Uganda and a further of Group K, although they must moved into second place in KUDELA FACES POLICE Giuseppe Iachini has been of Nations, which will be hosted Burkina Faso drew 0-0 away point clear of Malawi. still go away to the Ivory Coast Group F as they beat Mozam- QUESTIONING OVER named as Fiorentina coach just by Cameroon in January. to Uganda to become the sixth But with Malawi to host in their last qualifier in a tight bique 1-0 in Kigali. RACISM ROW over four months after being This will be the only chance country to qualify, joining Uganda in their last qualifier on group. Amanuel Gebremichael, The final two rounds of the Slavia defender Ondrej sacked following the surprise for Nigeria to play together be- holders , Mali, Senegal Monday, Burkina are guaran- captain Getaneh Kebede and preliminaries for the next Cup Kudela will likely face ques- resignation of , fore the next international break and Tunisia, who secured teed a top-two finish, irrespec- Abubakar Nassir scored in the of Nations see matches played tions from Scottish police over the Serie A club announced. in June when they open their their berths last November, tive of the result of their last first half and Shimeles Bekele every day from yesterday allegations he racially abused Prandelli took over in early Qatar 2022 campaign. They are and hosts Cameroon. Guinea qualifier at home to bottom- tapped home a late fourth goal through to next Tuesday, Glen Kamara if he returns to November from 56-year-old drawn against Cape Verde, Libe- joined them after beating Mali placed South Sudan. in Bahir Dar. finalising the 24-team field for Britain, the Rangers midfi elder’s Iachini who had been in the post ria and Central African Republic 1-0 in Group A with Seydouba Malawi kept their chances A 2-0 win for Sudan away at January’s tournament. The top lawyer said. Police Scotland are less than a year. with only the overall winners Soumah scoring the winner 15 alive as they won 1-0 away to Sao Tome e Principe put them two teams in each group, ex- investigating Kamara’s racism La Viola dropped two places advancing to a fi nal playoff to minutes from time. South Sudan. The game was level atop Group C with Ghana cept that involving Cameroon, claims following Slavia’s Europa under Prandelli and are 14th, be played on a knockout basis in Guinea, captained by Liv- played in Khartoum, the capital and , who clash in qualify. League last-16, second-leg win seven points above the relega- November. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, March 25, 2021 SPORT

OLYMPICS FOCUS Shaw will have to wait for his chance Once in a lifetime: in ODIs: Laxman

IANS New Delhi

rithvi Shaw will have to Torch bearers look wait for his chance to get back into the Indian ODI squad considering the kindP of competition that is there for the opening batsmen’s slot in the Indian team, said former In- dia batsman VVS Laxman. Shaw, 21, turned heads by impressed with how Shaw forward to relay start scoring a record 827 runs in the smoothed out the faults in his Vijay Hazare Trophy 50-over technique during the Vijay Haz- ‘I have been hoping to do this as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ tournament this year, thus lead- are Trophy. ing Mumbai to the title. “I am sure Prithvi Shaw will Reuters However, he has not been se- get his opportunity. What re- Iwaki, lected in the Indian squad for the ally impressed me was that he three-match ODI series against worked on his technique. It is England. not only about his performances, asao Hashimoto has “Defi nitely, the way Prithvi but there were some issues with dreamed of holding Shaw performed, and consid- his technique and that is some- an Olympic torch ering he led Mumbai to win the thing which he has worked on in since 1964, the fi rst Vijay Hazare Trophy as a cap- the Vijay Hazare and he has been Mtime hosted the Olym- tain, he deserves to be a part of consistent. He is a match-win- pics, when he ran behind the the ODI squad. But the way the ner, and I am sure he will get his torch bearers. Rena Arakawa selectors have gone about select- opportunity,” said Laxman. wants to say thanks for help ing the squad is they have made after the 2011 nuclear disaster sort of a line of players who have ZAMPA GETTING MARRIED, forced her from her home. performed,” Laxman said on Star TO MISS 1ST IPL OUTING Today, their dreams will come Sports. Spinner Adam Zampa will miss true. “Prithvi Shaw, at the moment, the fi rst match of the Indian Pre- They will be runners on the is behind in the queue because mier League (IPL) for the Royal fi rst day of the Olympic Torch we have Shubman Gill, who has Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as relay, postponed for a year along done really well with the oppor- he is getting married, the team’s with the Summer Games – a de- tunities he got in international director of cricket Mike Hesson lay unprecedented in Olympic cricket recently. Plus, you have said yesterday. history forced on organisers by experienced openers in the form “We won’t have our full con- the global pandemic. of KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan tingent of overseas players avail- The four-month relay in- and Rohit Sharma, and you can able for the fi rst game. Adam volves 10,000 runners and takes only have probably three or four Zampa is getting married. It’s an the torch across Japan’s 47 pre- openers in the squad,” Laxman important time for him and it’s fectures. It kicks off from Fuku- further said. something that as a franchise we shima prefecture, where the Shaw’s performance in the Vi- are aware of and we respect and tsunami 10 years ago crippled a jay Hazare Trophy marked the we hope he has a great time. So nuclear plant and forced thou- end of a lean patch that he was when he joins us, once again he is sands to fl ee, including both stuck in throughout 2020. He going to be fresh and make a mas- Hashimoto, 71, and Arakawa, 17. was dropped from the Indian Test sive contribution to the rest of Many have yet to return. team after scoring a duck and four the tournament,” Hesson said in “’I did it!’ That’s what I felt,” runs in the fi rst Test against Aus- a video tweeted by the franchise. Hashimoto told Reuters, de- tralia in Adelaide in December. Hesson said that travelling has scribing his feelings when cho- In the three ODIs he played, been a challenge for Australian sen more than a year ago to bear all of which came in the series players and staff with head coach the torch in the city of Iwaki. Masao Hashimoto who is going to run as a torch bearer on the first day of the torch relay at the Tokyo 2020 shows a towel against New Zealand in February Simon Katich yet to arrive in “’Am I really worthy of doing promoting the torch relay during an interview with Reuters in Iwaki, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, yesterday. (Reuters) 2020, Shaw scored just 84 runs. Chennai where the team is under it?’ That’s what I felt as well.” Laxman said that he was quarantine for a training camp. In 1964, when Japan became memory to cherish,” he said. It forced Arakawa, who was moving around after the earth- the Olympics should be can- the fi rst Asian nation to host A marathon runner who be- 7 when the disaster struck, to quake.” celled, and Arakawa said she had the Olympics, Hashimoto was gan at 61, Hashimoto looks evacuate with her family for fi ve As with many in Fukushima, worried about the torch relay – a baseball playing junior high younger than his age. He has run years to the distant islands of the nuclear accident remains on particularly in December, when Iyer set to miss last two ODIs against England school student and one of a se- about 200km a month in prepa- Okinawa and the capital, Tokyo. her mind. She hopes to become Covid-19 cases in Japan surged. India middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the lect few chosen to run with the ration for the relay, even though “I have been hoping to do this a teacher outside of the prefec- “But still, I wanted to do this,” last two ODIs against England after he hurt his shoulder while field- torch bearers, holding the Ol- – like other runners – his stint is as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime op- ture, so she can convey to chil- she added, admitting that she ing in the first ODI at the Maharshtra Creicket Association Stadium ympic fl ag. only 200 metres long. portunity,” Arakawa told Reuters dren what happened after the was tense on the eve of the big in Pune on Tuesday. Iyer had hurt his shoulder in the eighth over of “Truth be told, I wanted to Arakawa is also a runner, at her high school. disaster. But ultimately, she will day. Hashimoto said he would the England innings. hold that torch. But only six competing in the 3,000-metre “Also, I want to convey my come home. take special care. A statement from the Indian cricket board had said, “Shreyas Iyer people from our school were race for her high school in Hi- appreciation to people who sup- A recent survey by the Asahi “I’ll go easy on my drinking subluxated his left shoulder in the eighth over while fielding. He has even chosen to run, so I was rono, one of the towns worst af- ported me in Okinawa and To- Shimbun daily showed that one tonight,” he said, with a broad been taken for further scans and won’t take any further part in the delighted and it gave me a good fected by the nuclear accident. kyo when I was evacuating and third of those polled believed grin. game,” said the statement from the BCCI. Iyer was taken for scans immediately after the match. A report in ESPNCricinfo adds that Iyer, alongwith the two remaining ODIs, may also miss the first half of the Indian Premier League where he was to lead Delhi Capitals. French ex-champion snowboarder Pomagalski killed in avalanche Recovery from shoulder dislocation can often take upto 2-3 and also four months. In his absence now, either Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya France’s former world champion one of their own,” the CNOSF down the 2,961-metre Gemss- skier “were completely buried” champion in snowboard cross in Rahane or Steve Smith could lead the Delhi Capitals franchise. snowboarder Julie Pomagalski said on Twitter. Pomagalski tock summit, favoured by off - while the third person suff ered 1999 and claimed the World Cup The right-handed batsman was injured while trying to stop a shot has died aged 40 in an ava- was one of two French freeride piste skiers for its steep slopes only “light” injuries and was title for the discipline in 2004 by Jonny Bairstow. He dived but injured his left shoulder. He had to lanche in , the French snowboarders to perish in the and abundance of powder snow. able to escape. The Ski Chrono and registered nine wins on the walk off the field and was replaced by Shubman Gill. Although he Olympic Committee announced avalanche when skiing off -piste “For reasons still unknown a website identified the second world Cup circuit. She competed made just eight in Tuesday’s match, the batsman scored 37 in the yesterday. “Julie’s tragic disap- in a group of four people on sheet of snow broke away” and fatality as Bruno Putelli, a moun- in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter fourth T20 International that proved vital for India setting a 186-run pearance has left the French Tuesday. Police in the canton three of the group were swept tain rescuer from Albertville. Olympics and in the 2006 Turin target for England who fell short by eight runs. The BCCI is yet to Olympic team in mourning for of Uri said the two died coming away. Pomagalski and the other Pomagalski was crowned world Games. (Reuters) make an off icial announcement on him. (IANS)

CRICKET Kohli rises to fourth spot in ICC T20I rankings Fernando leads Sri Lanka fi ghtback India captain Virat Kohli rose to 24th while Hardik Pandya to the fourth spot in the ICC has advanced 47 places to AFP might have sensed a chance to T20I rankings for batsmen 78th. For England, Dawid Ma- North Sound, Antigua and sweep away the rest of the Sri yesterday. Kohli scored an lan maintains a healthy lead at Barbuda Lankan batting, Dhananjaya de unbeaten 80 off 52 balls in the top of the batting rankings Silva and debutant Pathum Nis- the fifth T20I against England after his 68 in the fifth T20I sanka featured in an unbroken while opening the innings with against India, while Jos Buttler shada Fernando and fi fth-wicket partnership of 66 Rohit Sharma, who moved up has inched up one place to Lahiru Thirimanne led and will resume on the fourth to the 14th position. Kohli over- 18th. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid a Sri Lankan fi ghtback morning seeking to extend their took KL Rahul in the rankings, (up one place to fourth) and as the tourists reached overall lead beyond 250 to give who took the Indian captain’s fast bowlers Jofra Archer (up 255O for four in their second in- themselves a fi ghting chance of previous fifth position. 12 places to 22nd) and Mark nings, a lead of 153, at close of pulling off a come-from-behind Rohit’s 34-ball 64 in that match Wood (up 12 places to 27th) play on the third day of the fi rst victory. has helped him move up three have advanced in the bowlers’ Test against the West Indies in “I think this is a good batting places to 14th in the latest list. In the ODI rankings, Jonny Antigua on Tuesday. pitch because it has fl attened weekly rankings update, which Bairstow is up four places to a With the other Fernando in out nicely,” said Mayers in as- took into account the three- career-best seventh position the team, fast-medium bowler sessing the day’s toil, even with match Afghanistan-Zimbabwe after his knock of 94 in the Visha, doing just what was re- his double-strike. series in Abu Dhabi apart from opening match of the three- quired in the taking the last two “They had the upper hand to- the last two matches of the match ODI series against India West Indies fi rst innings wickets day but the game is still evenly India-England series. in Pune on Tuesday. England at the start of the day to dismiss poised. In other gains, Shreyas Iyer captain Eoin Morgan has ad- the home side for 271, it was “We just need to pick up two has moved up five places to vanced one place to 24th. the fl uent middle-order bats- early wickets (on the fourth day) a career-best 26th position All-rounder Ben Stokes has man Oshada who starred with and things can look very diff er- while Suryakumar Yadav moved up from 75th to 64th an innings of 91 in a 162-run ently.” and wicketkeeper-batsman among bowlers, besides second wicket partnership with Earlier, West Indian hopes of Rishabh Pant too have made leapfrogging compatriot Chris Thirimanne. extending their 99-run over- rapid progress. Woakes to the third place in Fernando, in just his eighth night lead ended in the second Yadav, who debuted in the all-rounders’ list. Test, came to crease in the fi fth over of the day when Vishwa second match of the series but India opener Shikhar Dhawan’s over of the innings when his cap- Oshada Fernando of Sri Lanka hits a boundary during Day 3 of the 1st Test against West Indies at Vivian Fernando bowled Cornwall for a could not garner any points match-winning knock of 98 tain Dimuth Karunaratne, failed Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda. (AFP) top score of 61 and then trapped as he did not get to bat, has has lifted him two places to for the second time in the match, last man Shannon Gabriel leg- pushed up from the bottom 15th while Bhuvneshwar has driving loosely at Kemar Roach spanned 149 deliveries and in- innings. Chandimal in almost identical before without scoring. to 66th position after scores gained five places to move to give John Campbell a straight- cluded 11 fours. The occasional medium- fashion two overs later. Suranga Lakmal missed out of 57 and 32, while Pant has into the top 20 in the latest forward catch at third slip. Fernando appeared destined pacer met with instant success When Roach returned for an- the tail but ended with career- moved up 11 places to 69th in ODI bowlers’ update, which The 28-year-old Fernando for a second Test hundred un- as Fernando pushed at his fi rst other spell and bowled the ob- best Test innings fi gures of fi ve the rankings. Fast bowler Bhu- considered performances in was given a life on 17 when he til West Indies skipper Kraigg ball, a full-length delivery just durate Thirimanne for 76 to fol- for 47, an improvement on the vneshwar Kumar, named Man the opening India-England ODI was dropped at leg-slip by Jason Brathwaite, in what was either outside off -stump, and edged a low his fi rst innings top score of fast-medium bowler’s previous of the Match in the fifth T20I and the first two matches of Holder off off -spinner Rahkeem a moment of inspiration or des- catch to wicketkeeper Joshua Da 70, Sri Lanka were wobbling at best of fi ve for 54 against New against England for his spell of the New Zealand-Bangladesh Cornwall but looked assured peration, brought on Kyle May- Silva. 189 for four. Zealand in the Boxing Day Test 2/15, has moved up 21 places series. (IANS) throughout his innings which ers as his seventh bowler of the Mayers then removed Dinesh Just when the West Indies in Christchurch in 2018. Gulf Times Thursday, March 25, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Quarterback Flacco agrees to deal with Ingram rampant Philadelphia Eagles as depleted Lakers

AFP FALCONS ADD DAVIS TO lose third straight London BOOST OFFENSE The Atlanta Falcons are sign- ing running back Mike Davis to a ‘Getting us organised off ensively is probably my top priority right now’ uarterback Joe Flacco two-year contract, NFL Network has agreed to a contract reported Tuesday. AFP with the Philadelphia His deal reportedly is worth $5.5 Los Angeles Eagles, his agents an- million, with $3 million guar- nouncedQ on Tuesday. anteed in the fi rst year. Davis, JL Sports took to Twitter to 28, played in 15 games for the randon Ingram scored 36 points publicly congratulate Flacco, Carolina Panthers last season, as the New Orleans Pelicans took a former Super Bowl MVP and starting a dozen games in place full advantage of LeBron James’ southern New Jersey native. of injured All-Pro Christian Mc- injury absence to pummel the “Congratulations to our cli- Caff rey. He ran for 642 yards and LosB Angeles Lakers 128-111 on Tuesday. ent @JoeFlacco on signing with six touchdowns, adding 373 re- Ingram, who was drafted by the Lak- the @Eagles #NextChapter,” JL ceiving yards on 59 catches and ers in 2016 but traded away by the club in Sports tweeted. two scores. 2019, sent his former team sliding to de- Multiple media outlets re- An Atlanta native, Davis was feat in a one-sided game at New Orleans’ ported that Flacco is receiving a selected by the 49ers in the Smoothie King Center. one-year deal with $3.5 million fourth round of the 2015 NFL The Lakers were rocked on Saturday by guaranteed. The contract could Draft and played two seasons an injury to James which has left the four- increase to $4 million more in in- in San Francisco, then with the time NBA champion facing several weeks centives. Seattle Seahawks (2017-18), Chi- on the sidelines. The Eagles traded Carson cago Bears (2019) and Panthers With Anthony Davis and Marc Gasol Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts, (2019-20). already out injured, the depleted Lakers leaving 2020 second-round pick He has 1,531 career rushing have now lost three consecutive games to Jalen Hurts as the only signal- yards and 11 touchdowns. fall to fourth place in the Western Con- caller on the current roster. Todd Gurley was the Falcons’ ference standings at 28-16. Flacco, 36, lost all four of his leading rusher in 2020, gaining The Pelicans meanwhile remain in the starts with the New York Jets last 678 yards. He signed a one-year hunt for a playoff berth after a win that season, completing 55.2 percent deal with Atlanta before last sea- sees them improve to 19-24. of his passes for 864 yards with son and now is a free agent. The Pels’ superior fi repower comfort- six TDs and three picks. The Falcons were 27th in the ably overwhelmed the Lakers on Tuesday, Flacco was the No. 18 over- league in rushing yards last sea- with Zion Williamson complementing all pick by the Baltimore Ravens son and 28th in rushing fi rst Ingram’s display with a 27-point eff ort. in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was downs. Multiple outlets also re- Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 18 named Super Bowl MVP when ported the Falcons are signing points, while Kira Lewis Jr. (16 points), the Ravens notched a 34-31 win former fi rst-round pick Barkevi- Jaxson Hayes (15) and New Zealander over the San Francisco 49ers fol- ous Mingo, 30, to a one-year deal Steven Adams (12) also weighed in with lowing the 2012 season. to provide depth at linebacker double-digit contributions. After the emergence of quar- and special teams. The deal re- Montrezl Harrell led the Lakers scor- terback Lamar Jackson, the portedly includes a $175,000 ing with 18 points, with Kyle Kuzma and Ravens traded Flacco to the signing bonus and a base salary Markieff Morris adding 16 points apiece Broncos before the 2019 season. of $1.075 million. for the reigning NBA champions. He started eight games in Den- The No. 6 overall pick in 2013, Lakers coach Frank Vogel said his team ver before a neck injury sidelined Mingo is well-travelled, playing must improve off ensively in the absence him the rest of the season. After his fi rst three seasons with the of James and Davis, but insisted the squad the Broncos released him in the Cleveland Browns, then one sea- could overcome their absence. off season, the Jets signed him to son each with New England, In- “Getting us organised off ensively is a one-year, $1.5 million contract. dianapolis, Seattle, Houston and probably my top priority right now,” Vo- Flacco has passed for 40,931 Chicago. In 126 career games, he gel said. yards, 224 touchdowns and has 255 tackles, 12.5 sacks, fi ve “We’re staying positive. We’ve got a 144 interceptions in 176 career fumble recoveries, one intercep- great belief in this group that even with games. tion and 16 passes defensed. LeBron and AD out we can win games Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Wesley Matthews of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of down this stretch and that there’ll be a an NBA game at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Getty Images/AFP) silver lining at the end of it.” ering another MVP-calibre performance ference leaders Philadelphia. Mariota takes pay cut, returns to Raiders SUNS RISING with a triple-double featuring 28 points, RESULTS The Sixers, meanwhile, were pushed Quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to return to the Las Vegas In other games Tuesday, Devin Booker 15 rebounds and 10 assists. all the way by a Golden State Warriors Nets 116-112 Blazers Raiders on a reworked contract that will pay him $3.5 million this scored 23 points and Deandre Ayton add- The Denver win played out against the team missing the injured Steph Curry be- season, NFL Network reported Tuesday. Mariota can earn up to $8 ed a double-double as the Phoenix Suns tragic backdrop of Monday’s mass shoot- Knicks 131-112 Wizards fore battling to a 108-98 win in San Fran- million with incentives. Either way, it’s a big pay cut for Mariota, who extended their winning streak to three ing in a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado Nuggets 110-99 Magic cisco. signed a two-year, $17.6 million deal with the Raiders last March to games with a 110-100 road win over the which left 10 people dead. Pelicans 128-111 Lakers Philadelphia looked to be cruising to an back up Derek Carr. He earned $20.9 million in 2019 with the Ten- Miami Heat. In pre-game remarks to media, Nug- easy victory after building a 24-point lead nessee Titans but lost his starting job to Ryan Tannehill and wasn’t The Suns are now in second spot in the gets coach Michael Malone fought back 76ers 108-98 Warriors in the fi rst half. re-signed. Mariota, 27, was scheduled to earn $10.7 million in 2021, Western Conference after improving tears as he read out the names of each of Suns 110-100 Heat Golden State roared back with a but with the money not guaranteed, the Raiders would have cut him to 29-13, two games back from leaders the victims on Monday’s massacre. 40-point third quarter to lead by had he not agreed to restructure his deal. The reduced 2021 salary Utah. “It’s important to turn our attention In Portland, James Harden brushed off six points midway through the fi nal cap made that price too high for a backup, and Mariota found him- The fi fth-placed Denver Nuggets to where it should be – which is back in the absence of Brooklyn teammates Kevin period. self with limited options as many teams with needs at quarterback meanwhile are closing in on the fourth- Boulder,” Malone said. Durant and Kyrie Irving to lead the Nets Philadelphia outscored the Warriors have filled their open spots. The Titans made him the No. 2 overall placed Lakers after a 110-99 win over the “It feels like we’ve been here before. to a 116-112 victory. 28-13 in the fi nal quarter to close out draft pick in 2015. In 61 career starts, he has a 29-32 record and has Orlando Magic in Florida. Yesterday was another tragedy. Hopefully Harden scored 25 points and had 17 the win, with Tobias Harris scoring 25 thrown for 13,433 yards with 77 touchdowns and 45 interceptions. Serbian international Nikola Jokic was we can fi nd a way to prevent this happen- assists as the Nets improved to 30-14 to points and Australia’s Ben Simmons add- He also has run for 1,487 yards and added 12 scores. once again the star man for Denver, deliv- ing in the future.” remain hot on the heels of Eastern Con- ing 22.

NHL Lightning stay hot with 2-1 victory over Stars and slipped a backhand into the net for Reuters RESULTS Tampa, Florida the power-play goal at the 4:32 mark for his fi fth goal in his last seven games. Lightning 2-1 Stars econd-period goals by Steven COYOTES RALLY, TOP AVALANCHE Coyotes 5-4 Avalanche Stamkos and Yanni Gourde led IN SHOOTOUT Blackhawks 3-2 Panthers the Tampa Bay Lightning to a Nick Schmaltz, Conor Garland and Devils 4-3 Flyers comeback 2-1 road victory over Christian Dvorak scored in the shoot- theS Dallas Stars on Tuesday. out, and the Arizona Coyotes beat the Predators 2-0 Red Wings Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy only Colorado Avalanche 5-4 on Tuesday Just 3:27 later, Goligoski made it 2-0 needed to stop 16 shots for the Light- night in Glendale, Ariz. when his one-timer from the slot beat ning to win their fi fth straight game. Alex Goligoski, Lawson Crouse and Johansson for his fi rst goal of the sea- The defending Stanley Cup champions Phil Kessel had a goal and an assist each son. are on a 14-2-1 run that’s put them atop for the Coyotes, who overcame a 4-2, Colorado came back later in the pe- the league standings. Though Vasi- third-period defi cit. riod on a power play, getting within a levskiy was not counted on for a huge Arizona’s Jakob Chychrun also goal when Landeskog battled in front of number of saves, he was at his best in scored and Adin Hill made 35 saves the net, kicked a loose puck to his stick the fi nal 10 minutes of the clash, espe- through regulation and overtime, with and knocked it in at 14:47. It was his cially while holding the Stars from con- another in the shootout. 10th of the season. verting during a 5-on-3 power play. Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and The Avalanche tied it when Ran- Roope Hintz tallied for the struggling two assists, Mikko Rantanen and tanen’s shot from the right circle beat Stars, who benefi ted from Anton Khu- Gabriel Landeskog had a goal and an Hill to the far side at 18:49 of the fi rst. dobin’s 24-save performance to keep it assist apiece and Valeri Nichushkin had It was Rantanen’s 19th of the season. close. Dallas has just two wins in its last a goal for the Avalanche, whose seven- MacKinnon put Colorado ahead with eight games (2-3-3). game winning streak ended. his 10th goal of the season and 200th Tampa Bay, which beat the Stars in Jonas Johansson stopped 28 shots of his career at 19:49 of the second last season’s Stanley Cup Final, has in Colorado debut, and Samuel Girard period. won all four clashes this season. They Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos skates against the Dallas Stars during the third period of their NHL game at the added two assists. Nichushkin put the Avalanche ahead will meet again today. American Airlines Center in Dallas. (USA TODAY Sports) Johansson, acquired from the Buf- by 4-2 when he tipped Ryan Graves’ With his team trailing by a 1-0 falo Sabres on Saturday, failed to make shot from the point at 5:28 of the third. count, Stamkos pulled the Lightning stick of Dallas defender Andrej Sekera the puck from Radek Faksa and, af- shot on goal during the one-sided mid- a save in the shootout. It was his seventh of the season. even with a power-play goal before the and past Khudobin at 8:08 of the sec- ter his fi rst shot was blocked, he took dle frame. Hintz, one of the few Dallas Joonas Donskoi scored the only The Coyotes got back in it with two game’s midway point. ond period. It was Stamkos’ fi fth goal in a second shot and found the mark at skaters who is consistently providing shootout goal for the Avalanche. goals in a span of 2:03. The Lightning captain slapped a one- eight games and 16th of the season. 12:44 for his 12th tally of the season. off ense amidst their struggles, gave the The Coyotes took the early lead when Crouse made it 4-3 when he scored timer from his trademark spot with the Gourde scored what held up as the He ran his goal-scoring streak to four hosts an early lead. Chychrun sent a shot through traffi c on a rebound at 6:38, his second of the man-advantage – the left face-off dot eventual game-winning goal with a games. Hintz gained the puck at the side of and to the far post at 1:25 of the fi rst pe- season, and Kessel had his sharp-angle – and the off ering ricocheted off the strong individual eff ort. Gourde stole The Stars were held to just a single the net, zipped to the front of the net riod. It was his ninth of the season. shot sneak through for his 10th at 8:41. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, March 25, 2021 SPORT

GOLF Rahm prepared to leave Masters for son’s birth Reuters attempt in 2017 before falling to Dustin New York Johnson, 1-up. Rahm has six top-10 fi n- Eagle-machine Van Tonder takes ishes in 10 starts in the 2020-21 season, results he sees as positive while making a halfway lead at Karen on Rahm has a word of warning for switch to Callaway clubs. Still, he says he eagled each anyone planning to place a futures competes to “win tournaments.” of the three par fives at Karen bet on him to win the Masters next To do that this week, he’ll need to ad- Country Club as the South month. vance from his group that includes No. 24 African moved into a one-stroke JThink twice. The 26-year-old Spaniard seed Ryan Palmer, No. 38 Shane Lowry and lead at the halfway point of the said his wife, Kelley, is due with the cou- No. 56 Sebastian Munoz. From there, Rahm sup- ple’s fi rst child around April 10, and the would need to win four single-elimination ported by Absa. world’s third-ranked golfer has no plans to matches to claim his fi rst WGC title. The 30-year-old, who won four miss the birth of his fi rst child. The Mas- “I’m going to say that I’m kind of want- of his seven titles ters is scheduled for April 8-11 at Augusta ing to do a little bit better on Sundays. I in the 2020 season, had ten National in Georgia. just haven’t,” he said. “Yes, I’m doing top- threes on his card on day two in “I’m not going to disclose too much,” 10s and that’s alright, but I’m here to win Nairobi – three of them birdies Rahm said. “All I can say is if anybody’s tournaments. And if I’m not going to win, and three of them eagles – as thinking of a betting on me on the Masters, then I want to at least give myself a chance a seven under par 64 added to maybe think about it twice because there’s coming down the stretch because I haven’t his opening 65 for a 13 under a chance I have to just turn around and done that this year so far. pat total. leave that week.” “Every week is a little bit diff erent but, That moved him to the front Daniel van Tonder. Rahm tied for seventh at the 2020 Mas- still, same thing. I’ve been playing good, of the packed leaderboard at (European Tour Media) ters that was postponed to last November I’ve been playing consistent, so hopefully Karen Country Club, a short, due to the coronavirus pandemic. He’s the I can get it over the line.” classic golf course which has South Korean Kyongjun Moon fourth betting favourite at +1100 at DraftK- Rahm is attempting to conquer one of proven equally challenging for had the highlight of the day as ings for next month’s event as he seeks his the PGA Tour’s biggest hurdles while also players of every playing style he made a hole-in-one albatross fi rst career major title. Rahm’s best fi nish to planning for the birth of his fi rst child. He over both of the back-to-back on the par four seventh hole, date at the Masters was fourth in 2018. said he’s ready to leave “at any moment’s events held there. holing out from 346 yards with He’s also the +1200 betting favourite notice” and is excited to be by his wife’s Justin Harding, the winner of his driver. “It started from the for this week’s WGC Match Play, an event side for the event. last week’s Magical tee shots. I hit three very good Rahm says is one of his favourite. It’s the “If I knew it, if I could give anybody a presented by Johnnie Walker, tee shots. On the sixth I hit only head-to-head tournament on the timeline, I would, but nobody knows,” he continued his remarkable form driver and had 177 metres to the PGA Tour. “I enjoy it a lot. I really, really said. “So I’m just hoping everything goes at Karen as he carded a 66 to pin and hit nine iron, I got short like it,” he said. “It’s about just trying to well. I’ve said it before; if I have to leave move to drop back to a share of of that last slope and made the somehow get it done. Strategies change, it any event, I’ll leave. If I have to leave this second place having shared the putt. Second one was driver, goes back and forth, sometimes you need week, hopefully it doesn’t come when I’m first round lead. eight iron, pin-high left and to be aggressive, sometimes you don’t. in the fi nal and I just have to leave after He was joined on 12 under par made a good putt again. Then “It’s certainly something I wish we had nine holes. I mean, that would be unfortu- by Scot David Drysdale, who the next was driver-wedge and more often.” nate for the winner, but it is what it is. signed for second successive 65 I hit the putt well and made it,” Rahm has failed to advance out of group “Being a father is much more important Jon Rahm of Spain plays a shot on the fifth hole in his match against Sebastian Munoz as he hunts a maiden European Daniel van Tonder said. play in each of the past two Match Play than any golf event would ever be, so that’s of Colombia during the first round of the -Dell Technologies Tour title. (European Tour Media) events, but he did reach the fi nal in his fi rst my head right now.” Match Play at Austin Country Club in Austin, Texas, yesterday. (Getty Images/AFP)

TENNIS FOCUS Zverev even hungrier aft er brush with Depth in women’s Grand Slam glory

Reuters “We have four Masters Mimai 1000s events before that. I have other big events before that, as well. I’m trying to fo- lexander Zverev cus on that, trying to compete game no surprise said letting his best in those events, trying to do the chance so far at (best) job that I can.” Grand Slam glory slip throughA his fi ngers at last year’s TSITSIPAS EYES US Open has not discouraged OPENING IN MIAMI him but instead provided ex- WITH BIG THREE OUT tra motivation to get the job Stefanos Tsitsipas is keeping done this year. The 23-year- expectations low heading into for top players old German, who for years has the Miami Open but said the been touted as the future of the absence of Roger Federer, Rafa sport, came tantalizingly close Nadal and Novak Djokovic at to hoisting the championship the tournament gives players ‘I FEEL LIKE THE LEVEL OF WOMEN’S TENNIS HAS REALLY RISEN’ trophy at September’s fi nal in like him a better chance for Flushing Meadows but ulti- success. Reuters mately fell to Dominic Thiem The 22-year-old Greek, who Miami in a fi ve-set thriller. is ranked fi fth, reached the “That loss made me in a way semi-fi nals of the Australian even hungrier,” he told report- Open last month and the fi nal he WTA circuit has seen only one ers ahead of the Miami Open. of the Mexican Open on Satur- repeat winner in 13 tournaments “I was two points away day, in a solid start to what he this year and for Japan’s Naomi from winning my fi rst Grand hopes will be his breakthrough Osaka, who is fast emerging as Slam title at the US Open, but year. “It is an opportunity, I Tthe next dominant force in women’s ten- I didn’t at the end of the day. won’t lie,” he told reporters nis, the results underline the depth of tal- You have to look at those things when asked about the absence ent on the Tour. Russian Daria Kasatkina, as well,” he said. of the so-called Big Three. who bagged the Phillip Island Trophy in “In a way, this year I feel like “But there are plenty of good Melbourne last month, became the fi rst I’m more motivated than ever guys that aren’t in the top fi ve two-time winner on the Tour this year on to do well. I’m trying to im- that can play good tennis, as Sunday after the 23-year-old’s triumph in prove every single aspect of the well. I can see them as a threat, the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy fi nal. game to give myself the best too.” While Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and chance that I can have. Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic have dominated the men’s “I feel like I’m building to- and world number one Djoko- game, women’s tennis has been search- wards that.” vic withdrew from the tourna- ing for a successor to Serena Williams Zverev’s improved game was ment to spend more time with since the 23-times major winner became a on display on Saturday when his family while Nadal is recov- mother in 2017. he dug deep to dispatch fellow ering from injuries and Federer World number two Osaka, who has won young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas is using the time to work his four of the last six Grand Slams held on to win the Mexican Open. way back to the tour. hardcourts, was not surprised there had The big-serving Zverev, US Open champion Dominic been so many diff erent winners in 2021. who is ranked seventh, said he Thiem will also miss the event “I feel like the level of women’s tennis was not too picky about which and return to the tour during has really risen,” she told reporters yes- Grand Slam title he would like the European claycourt sea- terday at the Miami Open. “Everyone is to win fi rst. son. World number two Da- really strong. Everyone has the capability “I would like to win them niil Medvedev is set to lead the of winning matches. Outside people might all,” he said with a smile before fi eld. Despite being seeded sec- say it’s really random and whatever. But I adding that he is most com- ond, Tsitsipas said he did not think just everyone is so strong, so every- fortable on hardcourts and consider himself a favourite. one has a chance to win.” clay. But he said he was deter- “I have a pretty diffi cult road Two-time major winner Simona Halep Australian Open champion Japan’s Naomi Osaka poses with the trophy at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne on February mined not to get too far ahead despite all of this,” said Tsitsi- said the Covid-19 pandemic had made 21, 2021. (Below) Australia’s Ashleigh Barty reacts during her Australian Open quarter-final against Czech Republic’s Karolína Muchova of himself. pas, who will face either Brazil- it diffi cult for the top athletes to perform on February 17, 2021. (Reuters) “I’m looking forward to the ian Thiago Monteiro or hard- at their best, contributing to a more level next weeks. I’m not trying to hitting South African Kevin playing fi eld, while world No.1 Ash Barty long-haul fl ights and almost non-stop think of the Grand Slams right Anderson in his fi rst match. said the depth of talent was testament to travel but world number one Ash Barty had now because the Grand Slams “But generally speaking, it’s how hard players were working. to admit her near-50-hour fl ight to Flori- are... still a little bit far away,” an opportunity. I can see it that “It makes for a really healthy competi- da to begin her title defence at the Miami he said. way. Let’s hope for the best.” tion knowing every single match you have Open this week was a bit jarring. to be near your best level to compete,” Bar- Barty has spent the last year in her home ty added. “That brings out the best in eve- country of Australia, mostly due to the ryone. It’s pushing everyone to continue to Covid-19 pandemic, and Miami will be her drive to be better.” fi rst tournament abroad since February Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Austral- 2020. “Tough playing tennis after travel- ian Open winner, said there were no easy ling again. Quite a while since I’ve done matches any more, not even in the early that,” said Barty, 24, who added that a pair stages of tournaments. “It’s very visible of cancellations created “quite a wriggle because right from the fi rst matches on, around”. “I’m looking forward to feeling you have to be 100% ready,” the Belarusian good in another day’s time and we’ll be said. “There are a lot of girls who are able to ready to go.” produce such a high level of tennis. I think Barty, who was knocked out in the Aus- sometimes for some young players it’s a bit tralian Open quarter-fi nals last month by last year due to health and safety concerns. me. But I think we’re excited to have the more diffi cult to have the consistency. “But Czech Karolina Muchova, is among the Now she is mounting her title defence opportunity to play the whole season,” on any given day you know it can be dan- players who elected to stay close to home in Miami ahead of what she hopes could said Barty. We can’t plan too far ahead. As gerous, and the level is going to be high.” as the world of tennis trudged onward be a long stretch on the road, facing a fi eld we know, everything can still change so amid the global pandemic last year. stacked with top talent including Halep rapidly. But we’re planning as best as we BARTY ENDURES TWO-DAY FLIGHT IN Like world number three Romanian Si- and four-times Grand Slam winner Naomi can and just preparing for some changes. RETURN TO TRAVEL CIRCUIT mona Halep, who is also set to compete Osaka. “When leaving Australia, it was We had to be fl uid with some of our deci- Most tennis players are accustomed to in Miami, Barty opted out of the US Open quite hard to leave and quite emotional to sions, but we’re looking forward to it.” Germany’s Alexander Zverev. (Reuters) Gulf Times Thursday, March 25, 2021 7 SPORT

MOTORSPORT RUGBY Jones faces ‘brutally honest analysis’ Verstappen seeks aft er England’s Six Nations fl op

AFP early win, Hamilton London he performance of Eng- land coach Eddie Jones will be subjected to a “brutally honest analy- Tsis” as part of a review into the holders’ dire Six Nations per- starts record bid formance, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said on Tuesday. Jones’ men fi nished fi fth for ‘The only thing we know for sure is that we must prove our ability to react’ a second time under the former Japan coach, to leave a question Reuters over the veteran Australian’s fu- right in the build-up to the next Manama ture. Jones, the best-paid coach World Cup in France. He and his in world rugby, agreed a contract panel colleagues, whose identi- extension with the RFU through ties he did not reveal, must de- ewis Hamilton kicks off to the 2023 Rugby World Cup cide whether Jones is the man to his bid for a record eighth last April. The deal, however, is reverse the slump in form. Formula One champion- understood to contain a break Sweeney, asked if Jones or any ship in Bahrain on Sun- clause. RFU chief executive Bill of his assistants might now be Lday but Red Bull rival Max Ver- Sweeney said on Tuesday no sacked, replied: “I don’t think I stappen can strike an early blow stone would be left unturned could honestly answer that one. at the fl oodlit Sakhir circuit. during the inquest. “I spoke to him on Sunday. The 23-year-old Dutch driver “It needs to be a thorough, He’s as disappointed as we are. was the last winner of 2020 in brutally honest analysis of what He’s hugely competitive and we Abu Dhabi, ending six years of went wrong and why and what will do this debriefi ng session Mercedes success at Yas Marina, the issues are,” he said. together as a panel and see what and has a good chance of kicking England lost to Scotland, we learn from it.” off the new season where he left Wales and Ireland as they Despite the disappointing off . “Now I have to deliver and equalled their fi fth-place fi nish tournament Jones boasts a win the team have to deliver so we of 2018, though they bounced ratio of 77 percent -- the highest can try and mount a title fi ght,” back a year after that disappoint- of any England head coach. said Verstappen. ment to reach the World Cup fi - “I think you have to recognise “I like the Bahrain track and it nal in Japan. and respect Eddie’s achieve- will be exciting to see our per- But Sweeney said: “You don’t ments since he’s been here – formance. It’s time to see who want to look at the performance three Six Nations titles, a Grand has got what.” in 2018, when we came fi fth, and Slam, a World Cup fi nal. That’s Verstappen was quickest on say ‘we did that in 2018, every- a tremendous performance,” two of three days of testing at thing’s fi ne’ because of where we Sweeney said. Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit while ended up at the 2019 World Cup. “His record against southern Mercedes looked strangely off - No one wants to fi nish fi fth.” hemisphere teams is also terrifi c. form. While Red Bull are ada- England entered the Six Na- But he wants to understand this mant that Mercedes remain the tions on an eight-game winning as much as anybody.” favourites, Mercedes say their streak, but captain He added: “I think it’s really rivals are now ahead on per- and others looked a shadow of important at this stage that we formance. themselves during a tournament apply a bit of good old English “The W12 wasn’t as stable, notable for the team’s ill-disci- calm, if you like. We have to re- predictable or planted as some pline. act. You can’t just do nothing. of our rivals,” said Mercedes Sweeney, who will be head- And we won’t do nothing.” team boss Toto Wolff . “Red Bull ing up the review panel, said the The RFU expect their debrief looked strong on both the long main issue was getting things to end in mid-April. and the short runs, but as always with testing, it’s diffi cult to be for the fi rst time in December - Mercedes are one of only three Bull-owned AlphaTauri. I’m looking to hit the ground certain of true performance. meaning Red Bull’s latest lineup teams with an unchanged line- Four-times world champion running, leave nothing on the Australia boss ‘surprised’ Lions “The only thing we know for have won the last two races. The up – the others are Williams and Sebastian Vettel will be racing table,” said Ricciardo. sure is that we must prove our last time Mercedes lost three Alfa Romeo – and Sunday will for Aston Martin, making a re- Renault have morphed into tour going ahead in South Africa ability to react.” races in a row was in 2019, when see a string of fi rsts. turn as a constructor for the fi rst Alpine, with double world Bahrain will give some early Ferrari were their closest rivals. The Schumacher name, and time since 1960 as the rebranded champion Fernando Alonso re- Rugby Australia (RA) chief in stadiums. RA had off ered to indications of any change in the Hamilton’s Finnish team mate the screen abbreviation MSC, Racing Point, after leaving Fer- turning after a two-year absence executive Andy Marinos said he hold the tour in Australia, where pecking order, with Mercedes Valtteri Bottas has won the last will be back for the fi rst time rari.Australian Daniel Ricciardo from the starting grid to make was surprised by news that the Covid-19 has been virtually winning fi ve of the last seven two season-openers, in Austral- since Ferrari great Michael’s has switched from Renault to his 312th start. 2021 British and Irish Lions’ tour eliminated and decent crowds races there on the regular grand ia and Austria, and will be eager farewell in 2012 as his 22-year- McLaren in place of Spaniard Bahrain will be the fi rst step to South Africa will go ahead have been packing sport events prix circuit and Hamilton the for a hat-trick. old son Mick debuts for Haas. Carlos Sainz who has joined of a marathon, record 23-race as planned and was cool on the for months. Australia and its last two.Verstappen’s new Mexi- This year’s Australia race has Russian rookie Nikita Maz- Ferrari as Charles Leclerc’s team season – pandemic permitting idea of the Wallabies also travel- southern hemisphere partners can team Sergio Perez won the been postponed to November epin also lines up for Haas while mate. – after 17 rounds last year con- ling there to play tests. The South Africa, New Zealand and most recent race at Sakhir, how- because of the Covid-19 pan- Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda makes his “This season looks like it’s go- fi ned to Europe and the Middle Lions and SA Rugby confirmed Argentina have yet to decide ever, on the outer layout used demic. fi rst race appearance for Red ing to be a competitive one, but East. the July-August tour will go when and where to hold the ahead in South Africa where the annual four-nation Rugby Covid-19 situation has improved Championship, which is slated Statistics for Sunday’s season-opening Formula One Grand Prix significantly in recent weeks. for the second half of the year The decision eff ectively ruled after the Lions tour. South Africa Lap distance: 5.412km. Total on the calendar in 2004, hosts for Racing Point (now Aston their last two races. They have he debuts on Sunday with Haas. out contingency plans for the withdrew from last year’s Rugby distance: 308.238km (57 laps) the season-opening race for the Martin). not lost three in a row since Russian Nikita Mazepin and or Australia to Championship after governing 2020 winner: Lewis Hamilton first time since 2010 after also Sunday’s race is just 16 weeks 2019. Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda are also host the quadrennial series. body SANZAAR elected to stage (Britain) Mercedes doing so in 2006. after the previous race in POLE POSITION newcomers. “This announcement this morn- the whole tournament in Aus- 2020 pole: Hamilton, one Hamilton has won the last two Bahrain. Hamilton has a record 98 Haas are the only team with an ing that they’re going to host tralia due to the pandemic. minute 27.264 seconds. Bahrain Grands Prix. The Briton RACE WINS career poles. all-rookie line-up. the Lions tour took me by sur- The rebranded “Tri-Nations” 2020 fastest race lap: Max and Sebastian Vettel, now with Hamilton has a record 95 career OPENER MILESTONE prise a little bit,” former Wales tournament went off without a Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Aston Martin, are both four victories, of which 74 have been Hamilton’s team mate Valtteri Ferrari have their youngest centre Marinos told reporters in hitch but it was much dimin- Bull 1:32.014 times winners in Bahrain. with Mercedes, from 266 starts. Bottas has won the season- lineup since 1968, with Charles Sydney yesterday. ished in the absence of the Lap record: One minute 31.447 Ferrari have won the Bahrain Ferrari have won 238 races opening race for the past two Leclerc (23) and Carlos Sainz “I don’t know what the structure world champion Springboks. seconds, Pedro de la Rosa GP six times, more than any since 1950, McLaren 182, years. (26) around that is looking like.” Marinos said Australia hoped to (Spain), McLaren 2005. other team. Mercedes 115, Williams 114 and DEBUTS Aston Martin returns as a Africa’s most industrialised host the whole Rugby Cham- Start time: 1600 GMT (1800 The Sakhir Grand Prix in Red Bull 64. Former champions Mick Schumacher, son of constructor for the first time nation has yet to start vaccinat- pionship with the Springboks local) December used the outer McLaren and Williams have not Michael and nephew of Ralf, will since 1960. ing the general public, and the included, and was less enthused BAHRAIN circuit for the first time and was won since 2012. be the third member of his fam- Alpine, the renamed Renault Lions’ winter tour will almost by the idea of the Wallabies Bahrain, which made its debut won by Mexican Sergio Perez Mercedes have been beaten in ily to race in Formula One when team, debuts as a marque. certainly be staged without fans travelling to South Africa.

SIX NATIONS Russell returns for Scotland’s fi nale against France AFP rus outbreak in the French camp. Scotland captain , Both of those fi xtures, as will Edinburgh Scotland reached an agree- who plays his club rugby for Eng- be the case at the Stade de France ment with the English Premier- lish and European champions on Friday, were played behind ship over player release but were Exeter Chiefs, has been retained closed doors because of Covid-19 inn Russell has returned limited on overall numbers, with but moves to his familiar full- restrictions. from concussion to be in- Saracens winger back position after covering for “We hadn’t won in London for cluded in Scotland’s side missing out. Russell. 38 years, hadn’t won in Wales for for Friday’s Six Nations “Look, it’s much more satis- Les Bleus have a chance to win 18 years,” said Townsend. “So tripF to France. factory than I thought it was go- the title after denying Wales a this is another number, another Russell was ruled out of last ing to be on Saturday, when none Grand Slam last week, but Scot- record that we’d like to take away. weekend’s 52-10 rout of Italy and of our (England-based) players land could fi nish second – which “And it’s a big opportunity there were concerns the Racing were going to be available and would be their highest fi nish in with no crowds in the stadium. 92 fl y-half might not be released we were putting together a team the Six Nations. “I’d hope they (France) would for a re-arranged match that falls of home-based players plus Finn If France score four tries or know we’re a tough opponent for outside the tournament’s sched- Russell,” said Townsend. more and defeat Scotland by them.” uled window. “I’m glad we got a resolution. at least 21 points, they will be “It is an important game for It is a complex situation. crowned outright champions. SCOTLAND (15-1) Finn as he plays in France and I’m “In the past when Six Nations It is 22 years since Scotland last Stuart Hogg (capt); Darcy Gra- sure he looks forward to it more games have been postponed they beat France in Paris, with fl y-half ham, Chris Harris, Sam Johnson, than any other,” Scotland coach have been played months and Townsend one of the stars in a Duhan van der Merwe; Finn told reporters month later or the following sea- 36-22 victory. Russell, ; , yesterday. son like last year and 2001 with Scotland, however, have al- Hamish Watson, ; “I am sure he is itching to get foot and mouth (livestock dis- ready ended one away ‘hoodoo’ , Sam Skinner; back out there and play for Scot- ease). this year, beating England for , George Turner, land and lead this team.” “In a (British and Irish) Lions their fi rst win at Twickenham Rory Sutherland The match should have taken year it is good that we get to play since 1983. Replacements: David Cherry, place last month but was post- now and not wait until Septem- That victory followed Scot- , , Alex poned to this week – six days af- ber or October. Everyone in our land’s long wait for a win on Craig, Nick Haining, Scott Steele, ter the scheduled end of the Six squad was very keen this game Welsh soil during last year’s Au- , Huw Jones Nations – because of a coronavi- took place this weekend.” tumn Nations Cup. Coach: Gregor Townsend (SCO)

Thursday, March 25, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING EQUESTRIAN Longines Hathab has achieved Lekhraib tops sprint impressive success despite pandemic: feature thriller Hamad al-Attiyah Trainer Mohamed Ghazali celebrates a treble; three wins for Qatari jockeys

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

njaaz Stud’s versatile home- bred Lekhraib raced to his fi fth victory this season when the Mohamed Ghazali Iward held on to a slender ad- vantage at the post to win the Fuweiret Cup at the dirt track at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. The Purebred Arabians Con- ditions feature saw the jockeys’ championship leader Alberto Sanna keep Lekhraib within striking distance of the lead- ers early on in the six-furlong sprint. When the seven-year- old was given a go-ahead by Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, Chairman, Organising Committee the Italian rider on the home QREC Acting CEO Bader bin Mohamed al-Darwish (third from right) and Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) with the winners of Longines Hathab, and President of Qatari and Asian Equestrian straight, stablemate Fakhir Fuweiret Cup after Injaaz Stud’s Lekhraib landed the six-furlong sprint at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Federations. upped his pace under JP Guil- lambert from further back in the bin Fahad al-Attiyah. Trainer: By Sports Reporter champions, in addition to raising fi eld. Mohamed Ghazali. Doha awareness of equestrian as an in- While Anas al-Seyabi and his Race 4: LOCAL tegral part of Qatar’s history and mount Ateej couldn’t run Le- THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP ancient tradition,” he added. khraib down, Fakhir dug into his (75 & below) (1,700m) he countdown for the Omar al-Mannai thanked reserves and his pursuit almost 1. Numuthej (Ali Khalid al-Mos- 12th and fi nal round of all the committees of Longines paid off but ran out of real estate allam), 2. Qawaafi (Tomas Lu- the fourth edition of the Hathab for playing a positive role as Lekhraib won by a nose for a kasek), 3. Malik (JP Guillambert), Longines Qatar Eques- and ensuring a successful cham- one-two for the colours and the 4. Maksab (Faleh Bughanaim). Ttrian Tour Hathab is well and pionship. He stressed that the trainer. Won by: ¾, ¾, 1 1/2. Time: 1:51.16. truly on with the fi nale com- eff orts of the organisers, riders Ghazali saddled two more win- Owner: Ali Yousuf al-Kubaisi. petitions set to be held at the and referees ensured in deliver- ners yesterday, including Abdul- Trainer: Owaida Salem al-Hajri. Longines Indoor Arena of Al ing continued success and that lah bin Fahad al-Attiyah’s Stilvio Race 5: THOROUGHBRED Shaqab tomorrow and Saturday. the Qatar Equestrian Tour’s suc- and Al Azraq Stable’s Immoral. HANDICAP (Class 4) (80 & Longines Hathab has become cess has led to an increase in the Stilvio was one of three win- below) (1,900m) a popular domestic equestrian local market for horses as more ners yesterday guided by Qatari 1. Immoral (Ronan Thomas), 2. series with growing number of and more riders and horse-own- jockeys. The home riders were Message (JP Guillambert), 3. Com- riders and horses each season. ers are showing keenness to own astride the top three fi nishers in rade In Arms (Meteb Ali al-Marri), The 4th Hathab (2020-21) sea- horses. the Purebred Arabian Handicap 4. Amenable (Saleh Salem al- son was launched on October He also said that there will be for horses rated 70 and below led Marri). Won by: Shd, 9, 2 ½. Time: 7, 2020, behind closed doors at more demand as this market will by Stilvio with apprentice rider 2:01.66. Owner: Al Azraq Stable. the Qatar Equestrian Federation develop as more GCC riders par- Meteb Ali al-Marri winning for Trainer: Mohamed Ghazali. and since then the activities have ticipate in upcoming new tour- the 13th time this term. In the Alberto Sanna (left) rides Lekhraib to Fuweiret Cup victory ahead of Fakhir, ridden by JP Guillambert Race 6: THOROUGHBRED continued successfully till now naments. “We hope that we will 1,700m outing, al-Marri and (right), at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. HANDICAP (Class 3) (75-95) amid strict health and precau- contribute to achieving the de- his four-year-old partner edged (1,100m) tionary measures against coro- sired goals as every season has its out Abdulaziz Jaber Dharman- oldest contender in the fi eld for entered the winner’s enclosure lam (Tomas Lukasek), 3. Mosko 1. Khafooq (JP Guillambert), 2. navirus (Covid-19). own goals, and that the organis- ridden Ahzaab by a short head, the 1,700m, and managed to win twice, having earlier tasted vic- (Ronan Thomas), 4. Maysoon Al Leafy Moss (Rashid Ali al-Marri), Saturday, March 27th will ing committee will review some while Faleh Bughanaim was by three quarter of a length in tory with JP Guillambert-ridden Naif (Faleh Bughanaim). Won by: 3. Lauded (Anas al-Seyabi), 4. see the conclusion of the fi nal of the rules of the tournament’s astride third-placed Ebaady. front of Tomas Lukasek ridden Khafooq, saddled by Ghazali 3 ¾, 2 ¼, 1 ¼. Time: 1:59.01. Owner: Shellbrook (Ghofrane Gh- round after which champions in regulations in line with our needs Bughanaim raced his 10th win- Qawaafi . Senior, in the 1,100m Thor- Subaiya Awad Ibrahim. Trainer: rissi). Won by: 7 ¾, No, 1 ¼. Time: all classes (Small, Medium and and requirements in the State of ner of the season when he guided Al Azraq Stable’s Immoral oughbred Handicap event for Khaled Mohamed Alahmad. 1:03.38. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Big Tour, and dressage) will be Qatar,” he said. Deborah Mountain-saddled bagged a course-and-distance horses rated 75-95. Race 2: THOROUGHBRED Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. crowned. Cumulative scores of Al-Mannai appreciated the Mount Fuji to a Thoroughbred victory in the Class 4 Thor- Earlier in the evening, Sou- NOVICE PLATE (Class 5) Race 7: THOROUGHBRED best seven of the twelve rounds backing of the families and friends novice win yesterday. The Hassan oughbred Handicap for horses fi ane Saadi and his partner (1,900m) CONDITIONS (Class 2) (1,200m) are taken into consideration of the participating riders given Ali al-Abdulmalik-owned geld- rated 80 and below. Ronan Tho- Suka’ar landed the card-open- 1. Mount Fuji (Faleh Bughanaim), 1. Bint Saff ian (Ronan Thomas), based on points in determining the stressful time of the global ing won a start for the fi rst time in mas helmed the fi ve-year-old ing Purebred Arabian Maiden 2. Suff rage (Ronan Thomas), 3. 2. X Force (Anas al-Seyabi), 3. the overall champions. pandemic. The backing helped Qatar when in a spectacular pow- gelding in a fantastic ride over Plate. Khalid Mohamed Alah- Inherent (Alberto Sanna), 4. Nitro Munira Eyes (Tomas Lukasek), 4. The Chairman and members of the riders keep up their enthu- er fi nish he raced past the post a 1,900m that saw the duo edge mad trained horse, owned by Express (JP Guillambert). Won Return To Senders (JP Guillam- the Organising Committee from siasm to focus and excel and to mammoth 15 lengths in front of out Guillambert and his partner Subaiya Awad Ibrahim, showed by: 15, 4 ¾, 2 ½. Time: 2:00.37. bert). Won by: Nk, 1 ½, 1 ¼. Time: Qatar Equestrian Federation and spread the equestrian sport cul- the competition. Message, schooled by Ghazali’s versatility and determination Owner: Hassan Ali al-Abdulmalik. 1:10.50. Owner: Al Azraq Stable. Al Shaqab (Member, Qatar Foun- ture that has become widespread Third Qatari rider to make a father Jassim, by a short head. when he landed the race for Trainer: Deborah Mountain. Trainer: Bader al-Balushi. dation) will participate in the and desirable by a large number of trip to the winner’s enclosure was The colours returned to the four-six-year-olds despite a Race 3: PUREBRED ARABIAN Race 8: FUWEIRET CUP coronation of the champions of young people, especially from the Ali Khalid al-Mosallam when the winner’s enclosure later in the step up in distance from sprints HANDICAP (70 & below) (PUREBRED ARABIANS the season 2020-2021. In attend- future riders, whose number has apprentice rider helmed Ali You- evening when Bader al-Balushi- to 1,700m. (1,700m) CONDITIONS) (1,200m) ance will be Hamad bin Abdul- substantially increased. suf al-Kubaisi’s Numuthej to a schooled Bint Saffi an was rid- 1. Stilvio (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 1. Lekhraib (Alberto Sanna), 2. rahman al-Attiyah, Chairman, About the 12th and fi nal round, fi ne victory in a close fi nish to den to a thrilling neck victory by RESULTS 2. Ahzaab (Abdulaziz Jaber Fakhir (JP Guillambert), 3. Ateej Organising Committee Longines al-Mannai said there will be a the Local Thoroughbred Handi- Thomas in the penultimate run Race 1: PUREBRED ARABIAN Dharman), 3. Ebaady (Faleh (Anas al-Seyabi), 4. Daloob (Faleh Hathab, and President of Qatari comprehensive technical and cap event for horses rated 75 and of the day — Class 2 Thorough- MAIDEN PLATE (4-6-Year-Old) Bughanaim), 4. Haff iz (Ronan Bughanaim). Won by: No, 2, 5 ¾, and Asian Equestrian Federa- administrative evaluation of below. Owaida Salem al-Hajri- bred Conditions sprint. (1,700m) Thomas). Won by: Shd, 8 ¾, 2 ½. Time: 1:17.40. Owner: Injaaz Stud. tions, Omar bin Khaled al-Man- the championship, its rounds, schooled eight-year-old was the The silks of Injaaz Stud too 1. Suka’ar (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Dal- Time: 1:57.98. Owner: Abdullah Trainer: Mohamed Ghazali. nai, Vice-Chairman Organising sponsors and its laws, and con- Committee Longines Hathab, Ali verting any negatives into posi- bin Yousef al-Rumaihi, Event Di- tives, especially since the Qatar SPOTLIGHT rector and Organising Commit- Equestrian Tour has benefi ted a tee Member Longines Hathab, lot from the support of The So- and Badr al-Darwish, Organising cial & Sport Contribution Fund Committee Member Longines (Daam), Longines, ExxonMobil Hathab, and General-Secretary and Al Salam International. QWFF, Aspire Academy sign agreement as of Qatar and Asian Equestrian The previous season, the list Federations. of honour in the third season in- Appreciating the success of cluded Hamad Nasser al-Qadi, Grand Prix is all set to begin tomorrow the fourth season of Longines who won the Big Tour title, while Hathab, Hamad bin Abdulrah- Mohamed Khalifa al-Baker was By Sports Reporter USA, Japan and Russia are leading the man al-Attiyah, said, “Praise be the Medium Tour champion Doha contingents with 35 representatives each. to God, Longines Hathab has while Mohamed al-Ghazali won At the same time, from the Arab world, achieved success in a way that the Small Tour title. Fahad Abdul we have a ten-member delegation from has impressed us all despite sev- Karim emerged best in the Future oha is once again set to be the , three from Tunisia and one each eral challenges faced given the Tours while Ghanem Nasser al- centre of focus for global sports from Morocco and Algeria,” al-Hamadi spread of the global pandemic. Qadi won the Dressage compe- as the world’s top fencers de- added. “This season’s champion- titions (Level 2) title, and Jessica scend on the sport-loving city Qatar is being represented by eight ship has played a vital role in the Waldon (Level 1). forD the FIE Grand Prix Doha 2021, a Tokyo athletes, mainly from the Aspire Acad- equestrian community as a series The Team Championship was Olympics qualifying event, from March emy. Ali Turki, Abdullah Ismail, Khaled of local equestrian competitions won by ‘The Top’ team. Keen 26-28. Aref, Hussein al-Mutawa, and Faisal al- that are very popular in Qatar, contests are expected in the 12th The expanded -only competition, Suwaidi comprise the male contingent, have inspired and encouraged and fi nal round this year too, this the fi rst of its kind to be hosted in Qatar, is while Amira Boujbara, Lina al-Buainain, Qatari riders to become world weekend. set to attract about 500 delegations from Ghraiba Dhahi, and Rana Ibrahim repre- 51 countries. Included are 296 male and sent the women. female players, who would be competing Top stars expected in Doha include the for points that help towards qualifi cation world’s top-three in the women category Preparations on for holding Tokyo for the Tokyo Olympics at the ultra-mod- – Inna Deriglazova of Russia, Italy’s Alice ern Aspire Dome in Doha. Qatar Weightlifting & Fencing Federation General Secretary Khalid Issa al-Hamadi (left) Volpi and her compatriot Elisa Di Fran- Olympics in the summer: Qatar The competition is one of the surest and Deputy Director General at Aspire Academy Ali Salem Afifa during an agreement cisca. For the men, Italy’s Alessio Foconi, Athletics Federation president ways for fencers to secure their tickets for signing ceremony yesterday. from France and USA’s Gerek Tokyo as the top-16 athletes automati- Meinhardt will be headlining the cast. QNA lines of the Athletics Federa- cally get a berth at the end of the three- day between the Qatar Weightlifting & Games in 2030, and this competition will “We are ready for the tournament. The Doha tion’s General Assembly that he day event. Qualifi cation for the remain- Fencing Federation (QWFF) and the As- further help in this regard. We are part- venues and equipment are ready, and all presided today and stressed the ing athletes will then have to depend on pire Academy. ners in progress towards the development is set to host the world. In total, 16 com- importance of supporting Qa- the results from the subsequent regional In attendance at the event were QWFF of fencing in Qatar, and we look forward petition halls are ready at the main venue E the President of Qatar tari athletes who will take part competitions. General Secretary Khalid Issa al-Hamadi, to a continued fruitful relationship. We aside from 10 training halls in addition to Athletics Federation in the Olympics. He added that Participants will earn double points the Deputy Director General at Aspire want to thank Mr Mohamed Yousef al- a special hall for the fi nal and the coro- HDr Thani bin Abdulrah- the Qatari federation faces a big for their performance, which add to their Academy Ali Salem Afi fa, Khaled Sweid, Mana, the federation president, for his nation ceremonies,” Khalid Suwied, the man al-Kuwari, who is also challenge in terms of realising rankings, while a maximum of 64-points and other offi cials from the federations immeasurable support.” competition’s head of the venues com- Second Vice-President of Qatar the ambitions of QOC, stressing is on the cards for the winners. and the Aspire Academy. The QWFF secretary-general noted mittee, said. Olympic Committee (QOC) and the need for finding new play- In line with the measures put in place to Al-Hamadi said, “We would like to that the competitions would be broadcast Mohamed al-Sahli, head of the Public Vice-President of the Olympic ers in clubs who should be top ensure all participants’ health and safety, appreciate the Aspire Academy for their on Al Kass Channel, Olympic Channel Relations and Transportation Commit- Council of Asia (OCA) for West of the funnel in attracting future the mega-event will be held with strict continuous support to the federation and and Eurosport on all three days, with the tee, said, “Preventive measures have been Asia, said Tuesday that prepa- world champions. adherence to the Qatari health authorities’ the annual Qatar Grand Prix in particular. grand fi nale aired live on Al Kass Channel put in place by the authorities at the air- rations are ongoing to host the The meeting dealt with prepa- protocols and the guideline from FIE. The Aspire is our main and strategic part- from 8am to 6pm. port and the hotel in co-operation with Tokyo Olympics in the summer rations of Qatari’s athletics competition is closed to the fans. ner for this tournament. We are working “The competition is generating huge the Rowad Center for Voluntary Work, from July 23 to August 8. team for the upcoming Tokyo Ahead of the competition, an agree- together to build a formidable team that interests from around the world, and we the Red Crescent Society, and the health He was speaking on the side- Olympics. ment signing ceremony was held yester- will proudly represent Qatar at the Asian have a large number of delegations. The services in the country.”