TTENNISENNIS | Page 2 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 3 Winning in England Doha would expecting turn be special, says from fi rst ball in Jabeur fi nal Test too

Monday, March 1, 2021 FOOTBALL Rajab 17, 1442 AH United frustrated GULF TIMES by penalty row, Bale stars for Spurs SPORT Page 7

TENNIS / TOTAL OPEN BERTENS RARING TO GO Dutch fifth seed has not played competitively since Ooredoo to be Silver Sponsor for 2021 Qatar Total Open October courtesy an injury, will face Ostapenko today atar’s leading telecommunica- to supporting events that promote tions operator has announced a healthy, active lifestyle as part our Qit is to reprise its role as Silver corporate social responsibility strat- Sponsor of the Qatar Total Open at egy, and delighted that yet again we this year’s event. can be a part of shining the spotlight The prestigious women’s tennis appear on the courts in the chal- on Qatar as the ideal venue for major tournament is set to be held from 1-6 lenge for the singles trophy, while 16 sporting events. After the challenges March 2021 at Khalifa International teams will compete for top spot in the of the pandemic lockdowns, it’s great Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha. doubles event. to be seeing live sporting events start- An impressive six of the Women’s Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, Director PR ing up again and we look forward to Tennis Association’s top 10 players at Ooredoo, said: “We’re delighted to enjoying some awesome tennis from will compete. be sponsoring the Qatar Total Open some of the best female players in the A total of 32 players are expected to for another year, as we’re committed world.”

Netherlands’ will be participating in the Qatar Total Open for the fourth time. (Reuters)

By Yash Mudgal Doha Order of play

orld No. 11 Kiki Bertens CENTRE COURT starts at 02:30 PM A. Kerber (GER) vs WC-C. hasn’t competed since last 7-J. Brady (USA) vs A. Kontaveit (EST) Buyukakcay (TUR) year’s French Open, deal- V. Kudermetova (RUS) vs G. M. Sakkari (GRE) vs WC-M. Sherif ing with an injury and also Muguruza (ESP) (EGY) Wundergoing a surgery on her Achilles Not before 6pm tendon in October in Amsterdam. 5-K. Bertens (NED) vs WC-J. COURT B starts at 02:30 PM The Dutch No 1, who has since spent Ostapenko (LAT) 2-L. Siegemund (GER) vs L. her time recuperating in the Nether- S. Kuznetsova (RUS) vs WC-V. Tsurenko (UKR) lands, will make a return in Qatar To- Azarenka (BLR) tal Open, and was feeling good on the COURT 1 starts at 02:30 PM practice court. COURT A starts at 02:30 PM C. Bucsa (ESP) vs L. Zhu (CHN) or “We had a good hitting session yes- 1-J. Pegula (USA) OR A. Potapova 7-Kr. Pliskova (CZE) terday. I am feeling good. I am pain free, (RUS) vs M. Bjorklund (SWE) or 8-M. B. Mattek-Sands (USA) or Y. I am ready and hungry to play some Doi (JPN) Shvedova (KAZ) vs E. Shibahara (JPN) matches in Doha,” said Bertens in a vir- Not before 5pm OR [6] A. Blinkova (RUS) tual press conference yesterday, hoping to build the rhythm and get back at her best for the season. “It was quite tough to see everyone The 29-year-old is defi nitely one play. It was also only the second Grand of the most prolifi c players on the Slam that I missed. And I’m not a huge tour. She has 10 singles titles to her training animal either, I don’t really name, including the Madrid Open and like just training for months. I am a Cincinnati Open. With that, she has competition player. I need practice to also got a pretty healthy record against improve,” she said. many top 10 players. After extensive rehabilitation, “So it’s about to be able to compete This year’s tournament is Bertens’ Bertens is growing in confi dence, even again, see where my level is, get the fourth appearance in Doha. She made as she keeps her approach realistic. match rhythm again and try to en- her Qatar Total Open debut in a rain- “I certainly think I still have the lev- joy my time on the match court again. soaked 2017 opening round, where she el, otherwise I wouldn’t be here at the That’s my fi rst goal.” fell to eventual fi nalist Caroline Woz- moment, but I have to put the things Bertens, who was the fi rst to land in niacki. in perspective. For me, it’s tough to Doha for the WTA 500 Premier compe- After skipping 2018, she returned have any predictions because it’s my tition this year, will face Jelena Ostap- in 2019 to earn her fi rst two Doha vic- fi rst tournament in a long time,” said enko in the fi rst round today, with both tories over Camila Giorgi and 2016 Bertens, whose career-high ranking having won two matches against each champion Carla Suarez Navarro. In was World No 4 in May 2019. other so far. They last met in Strasbourg the quarter-fi nals, she fell to eventual For the fi rst time in ten years, Bertens last year where Ostapenko reached the champion Elise Mertens. Last year, she was in her own country all winter. She quarter-fi nal after Bertens withdrew in was stopped in the round of 16 by Chi- played her last match at the beginning the fi nal set of their round-of-16 game. na’s . of October. In the fourth round of Ro- “I love Doha to be honest. We got Bertens ended the 2020 season as land Garros, she lost to Italian Martina here early because I have to play out- World No. 9, her third time fi nishing in Trevisan. Earlier in the tournament, doors again, which is a huge diff er- the top-10, having won a title in St Pe- Bertens was big news, when she left the ence as I practised only indoors with tersburg and reaching the fourth round track in a wheelchair after her victory my coach Elise the last few weeks,” she of the Australian Open and the French against Sara Errani. said. Open. Gulf Times 2 Monday, March 1, 2021 SPORT

TENNIS / QATAR TOTAL OPEN FOCUS Australia’s Popyrin wins fi rst ATP title in Winning in Doha Singapore

AFP semi-fi nals, was delighted with Singapore his breakthrough. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to know I have won my fi rst ATP ti- ustralia’s Alexei Popy- tle,” he said. would be special, rin came back from a “I always have the belief that I set down to beat Ka- can compete against the top guys zakhstan’s Alexander and without that belief, I would The Tunisian is the highest BublikA at the Singapore Open not be able to win an ATP title. yesterday and win his fi rst ATP It’s a good start and hopefully I ranked Arab player in the Tour title. can build on this result.” Popyrin started off badly, los- He added that Bublik “was history of women’s tennis ing the fi rst set 4-6 but charged mentally up and down so I just says Jabeur back and snatched the second had to keep my head level and 6-0. weather the storm when he was By Yash Mudgal Bublik put up more of a fi ght at playing well in the fi rst set. I was Doha the start of the third, with both not scared — I knew I was play- men holding their serve until it ing well”. reached 2-2. In the doubles fi nals, the for- orld No. 31 Ons But Popyrin then surged ahead, midable partnership between Jabeur has become fi ring a total of 11 aces, to take the Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen the toast of Arab set 6-2 and clinch the title. proved too strong for Austral- tennis world in the The 21-year-old, who had ia’s Matthew Ebden and John- Wlast three years and she is enjoy- earlier stunned former world Patrick Smith as the Belgians ing it to the fullest. number three Marin Cilic in the won comfortably 6-2, 6-3. And she is excited to be back in Doha – her “favourite” place — for the Qatar Total Open. “Doha is among my favour- ite places. I love to play here as I have always received a lot of crowd support here. It’s amaz- ing. Last year so many people were cheering for me and I love playing in front of my fans,” the Tunisian told the media before the tournament yesterday. “The support I’ve received while playing in these tourna- ments is amazing. That’s one of the reasons I love coming back to Doha,” she said. The highest-ranked player Arab ever in the history of wom- en’s tennis, Jabeur also became the fi rst Arab woman to reach the quarter-fi nals of a when she made it to the last eight in the Australian Open in 2020. Jabeur’s eye-catching per- formance, however, did not of Tunisia became the first Arab woman to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam when she made it to the last eight in the 2020 come overnight as the 26-year- Australian Open. (WTA) old had been making impressive strides on the Tour over the past in Doha or the UAE. As an Arab three years. Muguruza’s coach tests positive for Covid-19 woman, playing on the Arab soil Australia’s Alexei Popyrin celebrates with his trophy after winning the In January 2019, she outdid is a big deal. Winning either of Singapore Tennis Open yesterday. (AFP) compatriot Selima Sfar, who Conchita Martinez, the coach hospital. “I am hopeful that I women’s singles title at Wim- them would be something spe- was the highest-ranked Arab of former world number one will soon be able to continue bledon when she beat Martina cial,” she said. woman when she broke into the Garbine Muguruza, tested this tour of the Middle East,” Navratilova in the 1994 final. Jabeur played in Abu Dhabi in RUGBY top-100 to become the 75th- positive for Covid-19 after Martinez said in a statement on She also won five Fed Cups the second week of January this ranked player in 2001. Jabeur arriving in Doha ahead of the Twitter. “At the moment I will with Spain. Muguruza, who was year and went down fi ghting reached a career-high ranking Qatar Open which begins be developing my functions via defeated by eventual cham- against ’ Aryna Sabalen- of 56 while in 2018, she became today. The 48-year-old former videoconference and perma- pion Naomi Osaka in the last-16 ka in the round of 16. In Doha Pivac sets Wales sights the fi rst Arab to reach a fi nal (or Wimbledon champion said nently connected to direct of the Australian Open, faces last year, she lost to the Czech semi-fi nal) on the WTA Tour at she felt mild symptoms and Garbine.” Martinez became the Russian Veronika Kudermetova Republic’s Petra Kvitova in the the Moscow Kremlin Cup. is currently quarantining in first Spanish player to win the in the opening round in Qatar. quarter-fi nals. Even as Jabeur on bigger prize aft er Jabeur, who is currently sets her sights improving her coached by UAE-based former record in these two tournaments Davis Cup player Issam Jellali centage of 62.3. Despite collect- crown on the WTA Tour. Dubai double and is hoping for in the region, one thing she can Triple Crown triumph and long-time trainer Bertrand ing 11 titles on the ITF Tour, the However, she has some fond another good show this time. count on is overwhelming fan Perret, currently has a win per- Tunisian is yet to win a single memories of last year’s Doha- “I’d love to win a tournament support. AFP Cardiff , United Kingdom Sights from the practice courts at Qatar Total Open ales coach Wayne Pivac promised no let-up from his side after a decisive 40- W24 win over England in Cardiff on Saturday secured the Triple Crown. Victory in a behind closed doors match at the Principality Stadium saw Wales compile their highest score against arch-rivals England. It also kept them on course for the Grand Slam ahead of match- es away to Italy and France, with the defeat of reigning Six Nations “It would undo a lot of very champions England following good work if we didn’t focus on Wales’ wins over Ireland and that game and that game alone. Scotland. “Because we haven’t really Wales scored four tries though played the house down yet, we Defending champion and second seed of Belarus, compatriot and Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko practice ahead of the Qatar Total Open at Josh Adams, Liam Williams, Ki- have well and truly got our feet the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. (Samer Alrejjal) eran Hardy and Cory Hill in a on the ground,” the New Zea- bonus-point win. lander added. England may have had reason Meanwhile, Pivac praised to feel aggrieved with referee Bristol stand-off Sheedy, who MOTORSPORT Pascal Gauzere for awarding the had been off -target in Wales’ opening two tries. nailbiting 25-24 win away to But any complaints England Scotland last time out. might have had about the of- “After missing a couple of fi ciating were tempered by the kicks up in Edinburgh, to come knowledge that even though they on in that situation, a very tight Ice-master Tanak claims Arctic Rally conceded 14 penalties, Gauzere game, he had three diffi cult kicks did not sin-bin any of their play- and hit all three of them well.” AFP defi nitely one of the best places Sweden in 2020. ers including repeat off ender Pivac’s position was being Rovaniemi, Finland to have a winter rally, especially He moved on to 39 points in Maro Itoje. called into question after he yesterday, it was so demanding. the championship, four clear of And having drawn level at 24- oversaw just three Wales wins “I think to come back here Neuville. 24 heading into the fi nal quarter, from 10 Tests in 2020, with tt Tanak held off Finn- a second time would be much A further four points behind it was England’s indiscipline that two victories over Italy and one ish home hope Kalle more enjoyable, especially when sits France’s reigning champion allowed Wales replacement fl y- against second-tier Georgia not Rovanpera yesterday you know where you are going!” Sebastien Ogier who trailed half Callum Sheedy to kick three much consolation when his side to win the inaugural The 33-year-old’s Belgian in over 10 minutes adrift after decisive penalties late on. suff ered six successive defeats. ArcticO Rally. teammate Thierry Neuville had driving into a snowbank on the “We talked about it being a But the experienced Pivac The Estonian, world rally to settle for third after his battle fi nal turn on Saturday. special day for a lot of reasons — weathered the storm. champion in 2019 when with with Rovanpera, the 20-year- Ogier and co-driver Julien In- George North’s 100th Test match “A lot of people may have the Finland-based Toyota team, old who takes the early lead in grassia, climbed back into their (for Wales), some silverware on thought that, at 24-24, England emerged master of the demand- the championship standings. Toyota and fi nished the stage the line and the opportunity to go were coming pretty strong at us. ing frozen forest circuit behind Tanak’s winning margin af- but with their hopes of victory deeper into the competition and But our guys found another gear the wheel of his Hyundai. ter Sunday’s two closing stages, dashed. push on,” said Pivac. again and we are very pleased “First, when you come to a was 17.5 seconds, with Neuville Tanak lies fi fth in the fl edgling with that,” he said. new event it’s always a bit unex- 2.5sec behind Rovanpera, the rankings, on 27 points, all earned ‘FEET ON THE GROUND’ “For me personally it’s about pected,” he told wrc.com. winner of the Power Stage and here after retiring with a dou- Wales will be huge favourites to the players and providing them “This weekend, we came to for whom this was the best re- ble puncture from the opening beat Italy, thrashed 48-10 by Ire- with an environment where they the home country of Toyota and Ott Tanak of Estonia and co-driver Martin Jarveoja steer their car sult of his young career. Monte Carlo Rally in January. land earlier on Saturday in a 30th can come in and get the job done, we expected them to be very during the sixth stage of the Arctic Rally in Mustalampi, Finland, “It was a superb weekend for This second leg of the champi- consecutive Six Nations defeat keep improving. strong. yesterday. (AFP) me and Jonne (Halttunen, his onship was held without fans due — when they face the Azzurri in “Hopefully, we are doing that “The pressure was there and co-driver), we did all that we to the coronavirus pandemic. Rome on March 13. and people are seeing that the we knew it was going to be very weekend — nothing too much, Tanak, who secured his 14th could and we’re happy to take The WRC circus next sets up “We have already spoken hard work is starting to pay off . complicated to take the fi ght. only one mistake yesterday (Sat- career win in the top category, second,” said the Finn, claiming camp in Croatia at the end of briefl y about the importance of But there are still two big games In the end we did a very good urday).” added: “It’s an amazing place — his second podium place after April. the next game,” said Pivac. to go.” Gulf Times Monday, March 1, 2021 3 SPORT

Al Gharafa, Qatar SC win their Amir Cup basketball matches

American professional Tyler James Lee (left) scored a match-high 28 points in Al Gharafa’s 90-77 win over Al Ahli in His Highness The Amir Cup basketball tournament at the Al Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. This is the second win for Qatar League and Qatar Cup champions in the tournament. (Right) Qatar Sports Club beat Al Khor 72-60 in the other match.

CRICKET PSL Qalandars beat Kings England expecting in last over thriller turn from fi rst ball

Lahore Qalandars’ Fakhar Zaman (left) and Ben Dunk celebrate a in fi nal Test too boundary during the PSL match against Karachi Kings. (PSL) ‘We realised that the ball spinning from the start can be a challenge mentally’ ate onslaught from David Dunk (57 not out off 43, fi ve Wiese and half-centuries fours, two sixes) and Wiese (31 IANS thing that I found in Sri Lanka is from Fakhar Zaman and not out off nine, three fours, Ahmedabad, India that when it spins, it spins con- Ben Dunk guided last three sixes) contributed an un- sistently. You know that the ball Lyear’s runners-up Lahore Qa- beaten 47-run partnership for is going to turn,” said Foakes. landars to an emphatic six-wick- the fi fth wicket. hile there is still He added that the pink ball et win over defending champions Earlier, half-centuries from speculation over made things even more diffi - Karachi Kings in the 11th fi xture Sharjeel Khan and Mohamed the kind of wicket cult during the third Test which of the Pakistan Super League at Nabi helped Kings post 186 for that will be dished England lost inside two days. Karachi’s National Stadium yes- nine. After being put into bat, Wout for the fourth and fi nal Test “Especially that pink ball, it terday evening. Kings had a wobbly start, as they between India and England at can spin square past the bat- Chasing 187 to win, Qaland- lost their premier batsman Ba- Motera, the visitors are prepar- ter or it can skid quite quickly. ars found themselves in a spot of bar Azam – the top run-getter in ing for the worst, expecting the (These have been) couple of bother losing two wickets for no PSL – for fi ve, to a scorching in- ball to turn from ball one. toughest pitches I have kept on,” run in the fi rst over. Mohamed swinging delivery from Shaheen “I don’t think (the next Test said Foakes. “The last two games Hafeez (15 off nine, one four, one Afridi. Joe Clarke (four off six, is a concern). I know what we were the hardest that I have kept six) was the next batsman to go one four) and Colin Ingram (0 off are going to get. I guess they are wickets on. I have never seen the as Qalandars were reeling at 33 one) were next to follow Babar pushing their conditions and ball turn like that. They were like for three in the fi fth over. with scoreboard reading at 37 for their strategies and we know it day fi ve pitches from ball one. I Left-handed Zaman was three at the end of fi fth over. is going to spin quite consider- have not probably seen a wicket joined by another left-hander Sharjeel struck fi ve fours ably from ball one. So it is more like that,” he said. Dunk. Both contributed a 119- and six towering sixes in his in- about trying to fi nd a way to play Foakes said that the batsmen run partnership for the fourth nings of 64. He was equally sup- well in those conditions,” wick- in the team were caught by sur- wicket. Zaman top-scored with ported by Afghanistan’s Nabi, etkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes prise, but they will have to grind a 54-ball 83. He smoked eight who scored 57 off 35 balls. Both told the media yesterday. it out in the last match. fours and four sixes. batsmen knitted 76 runs for the Foakes, 28, was the lone im- “After the fi rst Test, we Requiring 30 runs from two fourth wicket partnership. pressive performer for the visi- thought these will be like more overs, the right handed Wiese For Qalandars, Afridi was the tors in the second and third Tests of a traditional Indian wickets got two fours off Mohamed Amir most successful bowler, taking of the series. His wicketkeeping on which you can bat at the start before he smashed a six in the three wickets for 27. (PSL) has received rave reviews with of an innings. But after the sec- penultimate over, as Qalandars former India stumper Kiran ond Test, we realised that the collected 20 runs and brought BRIEF SCORES: Karachi Kings More calling him one of the best ball spinning from the start can down the equation to 10 required 186-9 in 20 overs (Sharjeel Khan wicketkeepers to tour India, one be a challenge mentally,” he said. off the final over. 64, Mohamed Nabi 57; Shaheen who has great head and hand England wicket-keeper Ben Foakes during a practice session. (ECB) “We have to grind hard and Wiese hit two consecutive six- Shah Afridi 3-27) lost to Lahore position and also balance. put bigger runs on the board. I es off Daniel Christian fi rst two Qalandars 189-4 in 19.2 overs Although Foakes said he en- he said the bounce on Indian is on Sri Lankan pitches, which “Generally when a ball spins, would try to be as compact and balls to help Qalandars over the (Fakhar Zaman 83, Ben Dunk 57 joyed wicketkeeping in India, pitches is not as consistent as it also aid a lot of turn. it is fun to keep. The biggest be solid,” Foakes added. line with four balls spare. not out) by six wickets.

SUPPORT SPOTLIGHT Australia’s Lyon joins fellow off -spinner Sri Lanka appoint Australian Ashwin in solidarity over Ahmedabad pitch Moody as director of cricket

Reuters He was also amused by Eng- Reuters dian Premier League side Sunris- Sydney, Australia land’s decision to fi eld a pace- Bengaluru, India ers Hyderabad. heavy attack on a spinners’ He has coached Western Aus- paradise with Jack Leach as their tralia, Kings XI Punjab and Sun- ustralia off -spinner only specialist spinner. ri Lanka have appointed risers Hyderabad among other Nathan Lyon has The selection blunder was all their former national roles in the game. joined India coun- the more evident as part-time coach Tom Moody as Moody played eight Tests and terpart Ravichandran spinner and skipper Joe Root director of cricket eff ec- 76 one-day internationals for AshwinA in defending Ahmeda- went on to claim his maiden Stive today as part of a revamp of Australia before retiring in the bad’s spin-friendly pitch where fi ve-wicket haul. cricket operations, the governing knowledge of the system, Tom 2000-01 season. India thumped England inside “The best thing about this body of the sport in the country will add greater value to our two days of the day-night third Test match that just passed is said yesterday. game,” SLC CEO Ashley De Silva MATHEWS TO CAPTAIN SL IN Test on Thursday. that England went in with four Former Australia all-rounder said in a statement. T20S Several former England play- seamers,” Lyon said. Moody guided Sri Lanka to the Moody will be tasked with an- Sri Lanka’s former skipper An- ers questioned the suitability India’s R Ashwin (left) and Australia’s Nathan Lyon. (AFP) “That will do me. I don’t need 2007 World Cup fi nal and Sri alysing the Future Tour Program, gelo Mathews will be the cricket of the pitch after 30 wickets fell to say any more.” Lanka Cricket (SLC) said the Sri Lanka’s domestic tournament team’s stand-in captain for the in fi ve sessions in what was the by the criticism of the pitch that seems to start crying about it. Lyon’s views echoed Ashwin, 55-year-old’s knowledge of the structure, player welfare and three-match Twenty20 series in shortest completed Test match off ered it. “I don’t get it. I’m all for it, it who hit back at claims that the system prompted their technical education and skill development. West Indies after Dasun Shanaka since 1935. “We play on seaming wick- was entertaining.” Ahmedabad pitch was not a advisory committee to recom- He will also look after the was left stranded by a visa issue, Ashwin launched an angry ets around the world and get The 33-year-old, a former good surface as it assisted the mend his name. coaching and support staff struc- the country’s cricket board said. defence of the track on Saturday bowled out for 47, 60. Nobody pitch curator himself, said he spinners. SLC added that Moody will be ture as well as high performance Shanaka was named Sri Lan- citing similar batting collapses ever says a thing (about the was up all night watching the “What makes a good surface? a consultant and must fulfi l 300 and data analytics. ka’s new Twenty20 captain last in recent day-night Tests, say- pitch),” Lyon was quoted as say- match. Who defi nes this? Seam on the days of ‘mandatory assignment’ Moody has previously served week but the 29-year-old could ing batsmen were still not used ing by the Australian Associated “It was absolutely brilliant. fi rst day, then bat well, then spin in his three-year deal. as director of cricket of the not board the fl ight that left with to the pink-ball novelty. Press. I’m thinking about bringing that on the last two days? Come on, “Tom has worked with SLC in Caribbean Premier League and his teammates on Monday after The spinner in Lyon was “But as soon as it starts spin- curator out to the SCG (Sydney who makes all these rules? We the past and has shown results, Worcestershire and currently failing to arrange a new transit thrilled with the turn and irked ning, everyone in the world Cricket Ground).” need to get over it,” Ashwin said. and I am sure with his working holds a similar position with In- visa to the United States. Gulf Times 4 Monday, March 1, 2021 GOLF

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Murray, Campos share lead at Morikawa leads Puerto Rico Open

AFP has posted two top-10 fi nishes at Miami the event in the years since. He looked set for a bogey-free round on Saturday after reeling rayson Murray fi red a off six birdies and 11 pars, before WGC by two over seven-under-par 65 to a bogey on the last dropped him grab a share of the lead back to fi ve under for the day, 14 at the US PGA Tour’s under overall. GPuerto Rico Open on Saturday. Campos and Murray lead by The 27-year-old from North one shot from Australia’s Cam- Carolina bounced back from a eron Percy and South African bogey on the 17th to fi nish with Branden Grace, who are at 13 a birdie on the last to join local under. Percy moved up the lea- Koepka, Horschel hope Rafael Campos at the top derboard with a fi ve-under-par of the leaderboard on 14 under 67 while Grace carded a 68 for a heading into yesterday’s fi nal second straight day. ‘They’re very capable of going low. That’s why I’ve got to be ready from hole one’ round. Overnight leader Brandon Wu Murray’s closing birdie capped meanwhile fell away with a one- a sparkling round which erupted under-par 71. Wu is two of the AFP early on with four birdies and lead on 12 under alongside Ar- Miami three pars in his fi rst seven holes gentina’s Nelson Ledesma and at the Grand Reserve golf Club in Andrew Putnam. Rio Grande. orld number six A 10-foot birdie put on the LEADING THIRD-ROUND Collin Morikawa ninth took him to fi ve under for SCORES fi red eight birdies the round before two more bird- (USA unless noted, par-72): in a fi ve-under-par ies on the 12th and 14th pushed 202-Grayson Murray 71-66-65, W67 on Saturday to hold a two- him into the lead. Rafel Campos (PUR) 66-69-67 shot lead over Brooks Koepka A bogey on the 17th threatened 203-Cameron Percy (AUS) and Billy Horschel at the World to sour his round, but Murray 67-69-67, Branden Grace (RSA) golf Championships-Workday recovered to birdie the par-fi ve 67-68-68 Championship. 18th to ensure a share of the lead 204-Andrew Putnam 67-70-67, Morikawa, who claimed alongside Campos. Nelson Ledesma (ARG) 69-67-68, his fi rst major title at the PGA Campos meanwhile – ranked Brandon Wu 66-67-71 Championship in August, led by 666th in the world – put himself 205-Ted Potter Jr. 69-69-67, Jho- as many as fi ve strokes after an in the frame for a fairytale fi rst nattan Vegas (VEN) 68-68-69 impressive run of seven birdies tour victory with a fi ve-under- 206-Seamus Power (IRL) 69- in eight holes at the Concession par 67. 70-67, golf Club in Bradenton, Florida. The 32-year-old made his PGA 207-Lee Hodges 66-72-69, Rob “Got off to a really good start Tour debut at the Puerto Rico Oppenheim 68-70-69, Thomas and just kept rolling birdie after Open as an amateur in 2008 and Pieters (BEL) 69-67-71. birdie, really didn’t think about it, game was playing really bor- ing, playing simple, hitting fairways and hitting greens and that’s what we try to do out here every day,” Morikawa said. Two late bogeys – and strong fi nishes for both Koepka and Horschel saw his lead shrink. Koepka got off to a rocky start with bogeys at the fi rst two holes. He pulled a shot back at the third and was back to even for the day after a six-foot birdie at the 12th. The four-time major winner, seeking his second vic- tory of this month after a win at the Phoenix Open, drained another six-footer at the 16th, then rolled in a 33-foot birdie putt at the 17th on the way to a two-under par 70. He was joined on 203 by Horschel, who nailed a 14-foot Collin Morikawa plays a shot on the 15th hole during the third round of the World Golf Championships-Workday Championships at The birdie at 16 and a 12-foot eagle Concession in Bradenton, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) putt the par-fi ve 17th – the easi- est hole on the course. never really got it going again,” birdies. The Northern Ireland far from safe. “Oh, anything 70-67, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) Morikawa wasn’t able to take Morikawa said. “Missed some star said patience was key on can happen,” he said. “I know 72-66-68, Matthew Fitzpatrick advantage of 17, fi nding a fair- fairways, kind of was struggling the unfamiliar course, which is all the guys behind me, they’re (ENG) 66-69-71 way bunker off the tee and a to make pars. But overall just a hosting the event after corona- very capable of going low. That’s 207-Abraham Ancer (MEX) 71- greenside bunker with his third lot of positives to take into to- virus pandemic logistical issues why I’ve got to be ready from 66-70, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) shot and missing a seven-foot morrow.” forced the move of the WGC- hole one and be ready all the way 69-68-70, Tony Finau 68-67-72 attempt to save par. Former US Open champion Mexico Championship. through the round tomorrow.” 208-Sergio Garcia (ESP) 67-74- He had also dropped a shot Webb Simpson was alone in “It seems like it’s one of these 67, Jason Kokrak 70-69-69 at 13 – unable to maintain the third after a 69 for 204. courses where it gives up a lot LEADING THIRD-ROUND 209-Will Zalatoris 72-69-68, momentum that saw him streak of birdies and some eagles and SCORES Jason Day (AUS) 71-69-69, Justin ahead of the pack. A 13-foot RORY ROLLERCOASTER stuff , but it can bite you very (USA unless noted, par-72): Thomas 73-66-70 birdie at the fi fth launched a run Four-time major winner Rory quickly without really doing 201-Collin Morikawa 70-64-67 210-Max Homa 73-70-67 of fi ve straight birdies that in- McIlroy carded a 66 to join much wrong,” McIlroy said. 203-Billy Horschel 67-67-69, 211-Min Woo Lee (AUS) 74-71-66, cluded a 31-footer at the sixth. former Masters champion “I’ve been riding the roller- Brooks Koepka 67-66-70 Im Sung-jae (KOR) 68-74-69, He was still rolling with bird- Patrick Reed (69) on 205. coaster a little bit, but it felt a 204-Webb Simpson 66-69-69 Kevin Na 73-69-69, Aaron Rai ies at 11 and 12 before things got McIlroy, whose double-bogey little better today.” 205-Rory McIlroy (NIR) 69-70- (ENG) 72-70-69, Sebastian shaky coming in. at the second was his second of Morikawa said the potential 66, Patrick Reed 68-68-69 Munoz (COL) 69-72-70, Gary Grayson Murray plays his second shot on the 18th hole during the “By the time I hit 13, just had the week, was buoyed by an ea- for disaster at so many holes 206-Viktor Hovland (NOR) Woodland 71-69-71, Cameron third round of the Puerto Rico Open at Grand Reserve Country Club a three-putt kind of stall and gle at the par-fi ve 13th and seven meant his two-shot lead was 71-69-66, Scottie Scheff ler 69- Smith (AUS) 68-66-77 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. (Getty Images/AFP)

LPGA TOUR Korda grabs lead as Lydia falters, Sorenstam struggles AFP Top-ranked Ko also took ad- “You get tired when you have Miami vantage of the back nine, fi ve of to really just fi ght for pars. Yeah, her seven birdies coming in a six- I’m tired now, but that’s just kind hole span from the 11th through of part of the deal. That’s why I’m elly Korda grabbed a the 16th. Yin was buoyed by an here getting back into it and try- one-shot lead heading eagle two at the 14th to go along ing to score and do the best I can.” into the fi nal round of with fi ve back-nine birdies. the Gainbridge LPGA But Lydia Ko, the former world LEADING THIRD-ROUND Non Saturday, fi ring fi ve birdies in number one chasing her fi rst SCORES a four-under 68 at Lake Nona in LPGA title since 2018, couldn’t (USA unless noted, par-72) Orlando, Florida. take advantage of the back-nine 203-Nelly Korda 67-68-68 Korda’s second straight 68 scoring chances. 204-Patty Tavatanakit (THA) gave her a 13-under-par total of She had four birdies overall, 69-69-66 203, one shot clear of Patty Tava- two on the back nine, but also a 206-Angel Yin 72-69-65, Ko Jin- tanakit, who stormed home with double-bogey six at the 12th and young (KOR) 68-72-66, Lydia Ko three straight birdies in a six- a bogey at the last. (NZL) 65-69-72 under 66. “I felt like it could have been 206-Lexi Thompson 71-68-68 World number one Ko Jin- a little bit better,” the New Zea- 207- hella Choi (KOR) 69-69-69 young of South Korea also carded lander said. “Had pretty much 208-Brooke Henderson (CAN) a 66 to head a group sharing third one bad hole, but other than that 71-69-68, Marissa Steen 69-71-68, on 206, alongside American An- I felt like I played pretty solid.” Chun In-gee (KOR) 69-68-71 gel Yin (65) and New Zealand’s LPGA great Annika Sorenstam, 209-Stacy Lewis 71-68-70, Jes- overnight leader Lydia Ko, who who parred her fi nal hole on Fri- sica Korda 71-68-70, Sarah Kemp posted an even par 72. day to make the cut in her fi rst (AUS) 70-69-70, Jennifer Kupcho Korda, ranked fourth in the tour start since 2008, seemed to 68-71-70, Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) world, started the day one behind run out of steam as she posted a 71-67-71 Kiwi Ko and after six straight pars seven-over 79. 210-Leona Maguire (IRL) 69-72- picked up birdies at the seventh, That put the 50-year-old 69, Sophia Popov (GER) 70-70-70 ninth and 12th. Swede – who won 10 major ti- 211-Liu Yu (CHN) 73-72-66, Lindy She bounced back from her tles in her 15-year career – last Duncan 70-73-68, Lin Xiyu (CHN) lone bogey of the day at 13 with among the 74 players who made 68-71-72 back-to-back birdies at the 15th Nelly Korda of the United States tees off on the third hole during round three of the Gainbridge LPGA at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in the cut. 212-Anne van Dam (NED) 73-72- and 16th. Orlando, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) “I just put myself in really dif- 67, Lauren Stephenson 71-73-68, “I think I just played pretty fi cult positions and it’s hard to Morgan Pressel 70-74-68, Amy consistent all day,” Korda said. players there, so it’ll take good holes but made the most of the “I was driving the ball pretty best in the morning, but hung in score, so it gets tiring,” said So- Yang (KOR) 72-70-70, Dani Hol- “Any time you can get ahead of golf to win.” scoring opportunities off ered on well,” the Thai rookie said. “Hit it there and got through it and just renstam, who is playing the event mqvist (SWE) 74-67-71, Georgia the pack going into Sunday is a Thailand’s Patty was two-un- the back nine with birdies at 14, pretty well. Felt a little slow in the keep my head down, just kept as a tuneup for the US Senior Hall (ENG) 72-69-71, Jenny Shin positive. There are some good der for the round through nine 16, 17 and 18. start. My body wasn’t feeling the playing golf.” Women’s Open. (KOR) 71-70-71 Gulf Times Monday, March 1, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA BOXING Alvarez beats Yildirim to retain super Doncic’s Mavericks middleweight crown

AFP “No one has done it,” Alva- MIami rez said. “I want to make history. No-one has done it at 168.” Alvarez meanwhile brushed aul “Canelo” Alvarez de- off suggestions that he wants to halt streaking Nets molished Turkey’s Avni be remembered as the greatest Yildirim in three rounds boxer Mexico has ever produced. to retain his WBC and “I respect everyone but I want ‘I THOUGHT WE HAD ONE QUARTER WITH ENERGY, THE THIRD QUARTER’ WBAS titles to make my own history,” Alvarez by knockout on Saturday. said. Mexico’s Alvarez dominated Saturday’s bout will give underdog Yildirim from the Saunders plenty of food for opening bell and sent the Turk thought after Alvarez produced crashing to the canvas with a his trademark blend of techni- crisp left-right combination in cal skill and punching power to the third round at Miami’s Hard overwhelm mandatory chal- Rock Stadium. lenger Yildirim. The outclassed Yildirim then The 29-year-old Turk, fi ght- failed to emerge from his corner ing for the fi rst time in two years, for the fourth round as Alvarez looked hesitant from the outset once again demonstrated why he as Alvarez landed an array of is regarded as the best pound- hooks to the body and uppercuts for-pound fi ghter in Boxing. to easily win the fi rst round. “I wanted to have a great fi ght The second round followed an here and I did what I had to do,” identical pattern, with Yildirim Alvarez said. barely off ering any kind of re- “I needed a knockout and sistance as Alvarez worked his that’s what I did. It doesn’t mat- opponent’s ribcage mercilessly. ter if they’re taller, if they’ve got The end came after a third more reach, or they’ve got a good round where Alvarez once again trainer. I came to do my job, I went on the attack against a pas- came here to win.” sive Yildirim. Alvarez, who improved to 55- A straight left from Alva- 1-2 with 37 knockouts, had got rez smashed through Yildirim’s back into the ring on Saturday guard and landed on his chin and a little over two months after the following right sent the Turk beating Britain’s Callum Smith rocking backward to the canvas. in December. After the fi ght, Although Yildirim hung on promoter Eddie Hearn said the for the remainder of the round, 30-year-old Mexican star will the end was nigh. As Yildirim next seek to add the World Box- slumped on his stool, trainer Joel ing Organisation belt to his col- Diaz could be heard telling his lection with a May 8 fi ght against fi ghter he would give him only Britain’s Billy Joe Saunders. one more round before throwing The Saunders fi ght will be the in the towel. next step in Alvarez’s quest to In the event, it never got that become the fi rst undisputed su- far as Yildirim failed to come out per middleweight champion in for the fourth to hand Alvarez Boxing history. victory by technical knockout.

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles as James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the first half in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Getty Images/AFP)

AFP quarter and 56-47 at halftime. An 18-9 and handed out seven assists and Rudy Los Angeles RESULTS third-quarter run saw the Sixers pull Gobert chipped in 12 points and 16 re- level at 65-65 and the lead changed hands bounds for the Jazz, who had 18 points off Dallas 115-98 Brooklyn eight times in the fourth. the bench from Jordan Clarkson. uka Doncic scored 27 points to New York 110-107 Indiana Joel Embiid’s dunk with 1:38 left in Center Nikola Vucevic led the Magic lead the Dallas Mavericks to a regulation knotted the score at 92-92, with 34 points, but Utah out-scored the 115-98 NBA victory in Brooklyn Utah 124-109 Orlando but he missed a potential game-winner at hosts 70-59 in the second half to roll to Saturday, snapping the short- San Antonio 117-114 New Orleans the buzzer. victory. Lhanded Nets’ eight-game winning streak. The Cavs scored the fi rst fi ve points of In Washington, Bradley Beal scored 34 Denver 126-96 Oklahoma James Harden scored 29 points for the overtime and never trailed, claiming the points and Russell Westbrook added 19 Cleveland 112-109 Philadelphia Nets but ran out of steam late as he car- win despite a 42-point, 16-rebound per- in his 10th triple-double of the season ried the load in the absence of Kevin Du- Washington 128-112 Minnesota formance from Embiid. to propel the Wizards to a 128-112 vic- rant and Kyrie Irving. “I thought we had one quarter with en- tory over the hapless Minnesota Timber- Durant missed his seventh game with Doncic, who added that even with two ergy, the third quarter,” 76ers coach Doc wolves, who lost their seventh straight. a strained left hamstring while Irving sat stars out the Mavs knew the Nets re- Rivers said. Westbrook added 14 rebounds and 12 out to rest his surgically repaired right mained a dangerous adversary. “Other than that, they basically got the assists to help the Wizards to their sev- shoulder. Harden had just four points in “We just kept going as a team,” he said. shots they wanted all game. If they didn’t enth win in eight starts. the second half, sitting out most of the Brooklyn remained half a game behind they got the off ensive rebounds. They got Westbrook’s 10 triple-doubles lead the fourth quarter in which Dallas led by as Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia, the back cuts when they needed them.” NBA and with just 24 games under his many as 22. who fell 112-109 to the Cleveland Cava- The league-leading Utah Jazz wasted belt since arriving in Washington he has The Mavs were buoyed by the return of liers in overtime in a rare home defeat. no time in bouncing back from a disor- a club record for most triple-doubles in a Kristaps Porzingis, who scored 18 points Guard Collin Sexton scored 28 points ganized defeat to the Miami Heat, cruis- season. in his fi rst contest since missing three and Darius Garland added 25 with nine ing past the Magic 124-109 in Orlando. The Denver Nuggets routed the Okla- games with back trouble. assists for the Cavaliers, who came into Donovan Mitchell scored 25 of his 31 homa City Thunder 126-96 on the back “We played like a team today,” said the contest missing half a dozen players points in the second half as the Jazz im- of 26 points from Jamal Murray and a tri- Doncic, who was able to celebrate the due to injury or personal reasons. proved to 27-7. ple-double of 19 points, 11 rebounds and Saul Alvarez after winning his WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine super victory on the eve of his 22nd birthday. Despite having just nine players in uni- Joe Ingles, starting at point guard in 13 assists from Nikola Jokic – his eighth middleweight championship bout against Avni Yildirim at the Hard “They have an amazing team,” added form, Cleveland led 28-23 after the fi rst place of Mike Conley, scored 17 points triple-double of the season. Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Matchroom Boxing/AFP)

NHL Vasilevskiy gets 2nd straight shutout, Lightning roll Reuters placed Khudobin with Oettinger, who New York RESULTS stopped all fi ve shots. The clubs will play again Tuesday in Lightning 5-0 Stars Dallas in a rescheduled contest that was ndrei Vasilevskiy produced his Blues 7-5 Sharks originally slated to be played on Feb. 18 second consecutive shutout but postponed due to freezing tem- by stopping 20 shots as the Hurricanes 4-3 Panthers peratures in Texas. In all, they had four Tampa Bay Lightning wal- Penguins 4-3 Islanders games against each other postponed lopedA the visiting Dallas Stars 5-0 in because of weather or Covid-19. Golden Knights 3-2 Ducks the fi rst meeting between last season’s Flyers 3-0 Sabres Stanley Cup fi nalists. BLUES FEND OFF SHARKS Vasilevskiy, who blanked Carolina on Capitals 5-2 Devils IN WILD 7-6 VICTORY Wednesday, recorded the 23rd shutout Wild 4-3 Kings Marco Scandella scored twice as the of his career, saving all 45 shots in the visiting St Louis Blues outlasted the Predators 2-1 Blue Jackets two whitewashings. San Jose Sharks 7-6 Saturday night. Steven Stamkos and Anthony Cirelli Maple Leafs 4-0 Oilers The injury-riddled Blues snapped each produced a goal and an assist, and Avalanche 6-2 Coyotes their three-game losing streak while Ondrej Palat, Pat Maroon and Brayden Flames 6-3 Senators the Sharks lost for the fi fth time in Point scored. Tyler Johnson and seven games. Ryan O’Reilly, Mackenzie Mikhail Sergachev recorded two helpers Red Wings 5-3 Blackhawks MacEachern, Zach Sanford, Brayden each for the Lightning, who won their Jets 2-1 Canadiens Schenn and Sammy Blais also scored fourth straight. By going 2-for-2 on for the Blues. Blues goaltender Jordan the power play and also tallying short- marker at 13:18 for a 1-0 lead while on Binnington allowed four goals on 19 handed, Tampa Bay completely domi- the team’s lone power play of the pe- shots. Ville Husso replaced him and nated special teams play to improve to riod. Cirelli made it 2-0 at 4:06 of the made 19 saves to earn the victory. Timo 9-1-0 at home and fi nish February with second when he started on a breakout Meier and Evander Kane scored twice a 10-3-0 record. After two stellar per- with Stamkos while short-handed, for the Sharks. Kevin Labanc and Logan formances this week against Florida – a took a pass at the off ensive blue line and Couture also scored, and Devan Dub- 49-save outing Monday and his 10th deked a backhander past Khudobin for nyk made 24 saves. career shutout two nights later – Anton his fi rst goal since Feb. 8 in Nashville – The depleted Blues lost forward Khudobin allowed fi ve goals on 17 shots his fi fth this season. Jacob De La Rose to a lower-body injury and was replaced by Jake Oettinger early Point wheeled through the slot past in the fi rst period. They were already in the third after Stamkos’ goal. defenseman Andrej Sekera and bur- missing forwards Vladimir Tarasenko, Dallas fi nished 0-for-6 on the power ied his seventh goal at 8:17. Maroon’s Jaden Schwartz, Robert Thomas, Tyler Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy makes a save against the Dallas Stars during the second period at play on its way to a 1-5-3 mark in its last power-play marker from Johnson gave Bozak and Ivan Barbashev plus de- Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay. (USA TODAY Sports) nine. Palat opened the scoring after the the home side a commanding 4-0 lead fenseman Colton Parayko. puck caromed around after a faceoff to after two periods. Stamkos notched his The Sharks outshot the Blues 12-6 in just 17 seconds into the game when the game 1-1 with a slap shot from the rebound conversion. The Blues out- the left of Khudobin. The left winger 10th goal just 67 seconds into the third, the fi rst period and took a 2-1 lead. Meier banked a shot in off of Blues de- blue line. The Sharks countered with scored the Sharks 3-2 in the wide-open corralled it and popped in his eighth and Dallas coach Rick Bowness re- San Jose capitalized on a lucky break fenseman Torey Krug. Scandella tied Kane’s power-play goal on a weak-side second period. Gulf Times 6 Monday, March 1, 2021 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Crisis-hit Schalke sack Gross in major clear out : Bundesliga crisis club Lukaku helps Inter Schalke sacked almost their entire sporting leadership yesterday, including coach Christian Gross, after an al- leged player revolt and a 16th league defeat plunged their nightmare season deeper into crisis. pull seven points clear “The decision had become unavoidable after results ‘We’re happy because the work is paying off . It had already paid off last year, but the team is maturing a lot’ against Dortmund and Stutt- gart,” said Schalke chairman AFP Jens Buchta in a statement Milan following Schalke’s 5-1 loss to on Saturday, a week after defeat to local rivals omelu Lukaku scored after 33 Borussia Dortmund. “The seconds and then set up a sec- team now owe it to the club ond as beat Genoa and the fans to be as success- 3-0 to extend their lead at the ful as possible in the last third topR of the table yesterday. In- of the season.” ter are seven points ahead of second- Coach Gross, sporting placed city rivals AC Milan who were director Jochen Schneider playing at Roma late last night, and 10 and team coordinator Sascha clear of champions Juventus, who were Riether were all relieved of held 1-1 at Hellas Verona on Saturday their duties in today’s mass and have played a game fewer. clear out. Gross’ assistant Lukaku scored with the fi rst chance Rainer Widmayer and fitness at the San Siro, then laid on Matteo coach Werner Leuthard were Darmian for Inter’s second in the 69th also fired. The move comes minute. Alexis Sanchez came off the with one-time giants Schalke bench to add a third with 13 minutes bottom of the league and to go. “We’re fi rst in the standings and nine points adrift of safety, it’s a good feeling,” said Lukaku as Inter having won just one of their try to deny Juventus a 10th consecutive 23 league games this season. league title after fi nishing runners-up Having been in the Cham- last season. pions League two seasons Antonio Conte’s side followed on ago, Schalke are now hurtling from last weekend’s 3-0 derby win over towards their first relegation Milan, notching up a fi fth win in a row since 1988. as they push for a fi rst league title since Veteran Swiss Gross, 66, 2010. “We’re happy because the work had been in the job for only is paying off . It had already paid off last two months, having taken year, but the team is maturing a lot,” over from interim boss Huub said Conte. “We know that there are 14 Stevens at the end of De- games left. Let’s keep our antennas up cember to become Schalke’s until the end if we want to do something fourth coach this season. good.” Victory in his second game in Lukaku led the way, completing a charge saw Schalke narrowly give-and-go with Lautaro Martinez af- avoid equalling a 54-year- ter good work from Nicolo Barella to fi re old Bundesliga record of 31 in from an angle for his 18th Serie A goal games without a win, but of the season, one shy of leading scorer Gross was ultimately unable Cristiano Ronaldo. to stop the rot. Inter missed a string of chances to The 4-0 victory over Hof- pull further ahead against their 13th- fenheim remained his only ranked rivals with Barella and Darmian win in 10 league games in both rattling the crossbar and Mattia charge, as Schalke remained Perin denying a pair goal-bound eff orts rooted to the bottom of the from Lukaku. Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku (left) and Genoa’s Ivan Radovanovic vie for the ball during the Italian Serie A match at the San Siro stadium in Milan. (AFP) table. Reports of a player But the giant Belgian set up defender revolt against Gross’ leader- Darmian, who took the place of sus- last year we lost in these matches, this Duvan Zapata picked up an injury thereafter dominating. Joakim Maehle SERIE A RESULTS ship surfaced last week in the pended Achraf Hakimi, for his fi rst year we’re growing.” against Real and was ruled out along set up Gosens for the second with goal- Sampdoria 0 Atalanta 2 (Malinovskiy build-up to Saturday’s defeat. league goal for Inter, with Sanchez scor- Mid-table Genoa ended their seven- with Hans Hateboer, with coach Gian keeper Emil Audero denying Pessina the 40, Gosens 70); Crotone 0 Cagliari Team coordinator Riether ing minutes after coming off the bench game unbeaten run under new coach Piero Gasperini sitting out a touchline visitors a third. 2 (Pavoletti 56, João Pedro 60-pen); sought to play down the getting his head to a rebound after Perin before next weekend’s ban. Atalanta could thank goalkeeper In the relegation battle, Cagliari rumours, saying it was “nor- Udinese 1 (Nestorovski 86) Fiorentina had denied Lukaku. local derby with Sampdoria. Marco Sportiello and defender Jose Pal- snapped their 16-match winless run in mal that players are disap- The 27-year-old has scored six goals Atalanta shook off their Champions omino for keeping their slate clear early coach Leonardo Semplici’s fi rst match 0; Inter Milan 3 (Lukaku 1, Darmian 69, pointed” but denying there in the last fi ve games. “I’m in a good League defeat to Real Madrid midweek before taking hold of the game. in charge with a 2-0 success over rock- Sanchez 77) Genoa 0 was a “revolution” in the moment of my career but the impor- with a 2-0 win at Sampdoria to move up The breakthrough came when Luis bottom Crotone. Played Saturday: Spezia 2 (Gyasi 52, dressing room. Yet yesterday, tant thing is that Inter wins,” added to fourth, equal on 46 points with third- Muriel set up Ukrainian midfi elder Ma- got the fi rst after 56 minutes with Joao 72) Parma 2 (Karamoh 17, Hernani 25); both Gross and Riether were the former Manchester United player. placed Juventus. Ruslan Malinovskiy linovskyi to blast into the top corner Pedro adding a second from the penalty Bologna 2 (Mbaye 19, Sansone 64) shown the door as Schalke “These matches are opportunities for us broke through fi ve minutes before the for his second league goal this season. spot four minutes later to give the 18th- Lazio 0; Hellas Verona 1 (Barak 77) made one last desperate bid to give signals to others, but the cham- break with Robin Gosens adding a sec- Matteo Pessina and Josip Ilicic came off placed Sardinians their fi rst win since Juventus 1 (Ronaldo 49) to save their season. pionship is long. “We must not give up, ond with 20 minutes to go in Genoa. the bench before the hour with Atalanta November 7.

BUNDESLIGA LIGUE 1 Kruse returns for Union as Fonte rescues Lille, Monaco continue surge AFP Zentner howler sinks Mainz Paris AFP Berlin ortugal centre-back Jose Fonte’s late header rescued Ligue 1 leaders Lille a 1-1 draw against Strasbourg nion Berlin striker Max yesterday, while Monaco moved Kruse celebrated his Pcloser to the top of the table by cruising past long-awaited return Brest. Lille are now two points ahead of sec- from injury with a goal ond-placed Paris Saint-Germain, although Uyesterday as the capital club were Lyon could move within a point of the pace- held to a 1-1 draw at home by setters when they visit Marseille later last Bundesliga rivals Hoff enheim. night. Monaco sit in fourth place, only four Making his fi rst appearance points off the summit. since his injury in the Berlin der- Christophe Galtier’s Lille, bidding for a by back in December, the former fi rst major trophy since winning the league Germany international netted and French Cup double in 2011, are unbeaten his seventh goal of the season in in nine league games since a defeat by An- a hard-fought draw in Berlin. “It gers in early January, but lost both legs of felt good today. their Europa League last-32 tie. “We’re dis- I’ve been out for a long time so appointed,” Fonte said. “We did everything it was nice to be able to help my in the second half, but we have to create team again,” Kruse told the Bun- more chances. But we didn’t lose... There desliga website. was perhaps a bit of fatigue from the game Kruse gave Union the lead from (on Thursday) against Ajax, but there are no the penalty spot on nine min- excuses, we have to do better. It’s a disap- utes, smashing the ball into the pointment, but we continue the fi ght. It’s top corner after Florian Grillitsch FC Union Berlin’s Max Kruse (right) celebrates after scoring against not over.” Lille’s Jose Fonte (centre) scores against Strasbourg during the Ligue 1 match at the brought down Christopher Hoff enheim in the Bundesliga yesterday. (Reuters) Home team Lille started on the front foot Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, France, yesterday. (Reuters) Trimmel. Hoff enheim equalised and had a penalty appeal waved away in the through an own-goal shortly home to Augsburg and kept the Freiburg 2 (Demirovic 50, Hoeler 17th minute after Jonathan David went down Goals deep into the second half from Stevan with fellow strugglers Nimes. PSG bounced before the half-hour mark, Nico relegation-threatened side in 61) in the area, despite a VAR review. But they Jovetic and Kevin Volland sealed the Prin- back from their 2-0 loss to Monaco at the Schlotterbeck knocking the ball fell behind nine minutes before half-time as cipality club’s ninth win from their last 10 the bottom two. With 25 minutes Played Saturday: Borussia Dort- Parc des Princes with a Kylian Mbappe-in- into his own net as he tried to gone, Zentner mistakenly passed Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque volleyed outings. spired 4-0 victory over last-placed Dijon on mund 3 (Dahoud 48, Sancho 58- challenge Togolese striker Ihlas the ball straight to Augsburg’s home. Ajorque almost doubled his tally two At Monaco’s Stade Louis II, Brest goal- Saturday. Bebou. Florian Niederlechner, despite pen, Reinier 81) Arminia Bielefeld minutes later, but his header was well saved keeper Gautier Larsonneur had kept the vis- 0; Bayern 5 (Choupo Liverpool loanee Loris Karius, being under no pressure. by Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Sven itors in the hunt, especially when denying LIGUE 1 RESULTS who was making only his second Niederlechner gratefully Moting 18, Lewandowski 33, 65, Botman saw a header kept out by Stras- Wissam Ben Yedder from the penalty spot Monaco 2 (Jovetic 75, Volland 89) Brest 0; start for Union with fi rst-choice squared the ball to Andre Hahn, Gnabry 82, 86) 1 (Skhiri bourg’s Eiji Kawashima and David also fi red after half an hour. But he was fi nally beaten Angers 2 (Diony 5, Mangani 10-pen) Lens keeper Andreas Luthe out of ac- who slotted it into the empty net. 49); VfL Wolfsburg 2 (Klünter over before the break. by Jovetic in the 75th minute, with German tion, was powerless to stop the Both sides hit the woodwork in 38-og, Lacroix 89) Hertha Berlin Two good second-half chances both fell forward Volland cementing the three points 2 (Clauss 22, Kalimuendo 90+2); Lorient 2 own goal. Pavel Kaderabek ap- the closing phases, but Augsburg 0; VfB Stuttgart 5 (Endo 10, 26, to Jonathan Ikone, but the young Lille for- in the fi nal minute. (Lauriente 66, 86) Saint-Etienne 1 (Mouk- peared to have scored a winner held on to take the win and move Kalajdzic 34, Klement 88, Didavi ward, who snapped a 10-game goal drought Monaco are now 14 points clear of fi fth- oudi 14); Nimes 1 (Kone 76) Nantes 1 (Blas for Hoff enheim ten minutes from eight points clear of the drop 90+2) Schalke 1 (Kolasinac 40); in the win over Lorient last weekend, saw his placed Metz, but coach Niko Kovac is still 27); Reims 0 Montpellier 0; Lille 1 (Fonte 86) time, but the goal was ruled out zone. RB Leipzig 3 (Nkunku 57, Poulsen low eff ort saved by Kawashima and a header focused on securing fourth, which provides Strasbourg 1 (Ajorque 36) for an off side in the build-up. 66, Sorloth 90+3) Borussia fl y over. But Lille were not to be denied the a Europa League spot. “The top three? Yes, Played Saturday: Bordeaux 1 (Kalu 14) Metz The draw sees Union hold onto BUNDESLIGA RESULTS Moenchengladbach 2 (Hofmann point which ensured they would end the it’s taboo,” he said. “When we have enough 2 (Delaine 72, Vagner Dias 90+1); Dijon 0 seventh place while Hoff enheim weekend top, as Fonte rose highest to head points to ensure the fourth place, we’ll talk Union Berlin 1 (Kruse 9-pen) Hof- 6, Thuram 19) Paris Saint-Germain 4 (Kean 6, Mbappe 32- remain in 11th. home Benjamin Andre’s cross with four about it (top three).” fenheim 1 (Schlotterbeck 29-og); pen, 51, Danilo Pereira 82) Elsewhere, a howler from Friday: Werder Bremen 2 (Gebre minutes remaining. Elsewhere, Lorient beat Saint-Etienne 2-1 goalkeeper Robin Zentner con- Mainz 0 Augsburg 1 (Hahn 25); Selassie 47, Sargent 62) Eintracht Earlier,Monaco extended their unbeaten to climb out of the bottom three, pushing Friday: Rennes 1 (Terrier 39) Nice 2 (Gouiri demned Mainz to a 1-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Bailey 70) Frankfurt 1 (Andre Silva 9) run to 12 games with a 2-0 win over Brest. Nantes into 19th place after their 1-1 draw 19-pen, Daniliuc 58) Gulf Times Monday, March 1, 2021 7 SPORT

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Commercial Bank gives local golfers United frustrated chance to play with tour professionals ommercial Bank, Qa- Club, said: “This is the second by penalty row, tar’s fi rst private bank, time we host qualifi ers into the and Education City Golf CB Pro Am, and once again it Club have completed the has been an outstanding success CommercialC Bank Qatar Mas- with over 800 golfers aiming to ters Pro-Am Qualifi ers. These qualify of the Pro AM. The Pro qualifi ers, which was been held AM gives local golfers and mem- through January and February, bers the chance to have a once Bale stars for Spurs gave local golfers the chance to in a lifetime opportunity to play qualify for the prestigious event. alongside the European Tour Overall, six qualifi ers were held professionals.” Arsenal deliver a hammer blow to Leicester's faint hopes of winning the title with over 800 golfers participat- Commenting on the mat- ing in total. ter, Hussein al-Abdulla, EGM The qualifying events not only and Chief Marketing Offi cer at saw adult golfers participating Commercial Bank stated: “Play- but a dedicated tournament for ing in Commercial Bank Pro-Am young junior golfers was held, tournament with leading pro- giving them the chance to play fessional golfers is a dream for with a tour professionals. The many golf enthusiasts. As we are golfers qualifying in the tour- always looking at ways to provide nament produced impressive more playing opportunities for scores and featured 3 eagles and our customers and general pub- 254 birdies in total during the lic, the introduction of this new events. pro-am competition is another Michael Braidwood, General example of how we are fulfi lling Manager at Education City Golf that pledge.”

The golfers qualifying in the tournament produced impressive scores and featured 3 eagles and 254 birdies in total during the events.

Betis continue Europe bid with Cadiz victory Madrid: Real Betis maintained yesterday as Shaun Rooney’s their bid for European football goal earned a 1-0 win over next season thanks to Juanmi’s Livingston at Hampden. The Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale (left) scores past Burnley’s goalkeeper Nick Pope during the Premier League match in London yesterday. (AFP) late strike which earned them a Perth-based Saints had never 1-0 La Liga victory at strug- won a major trophy until win- AFP with Mason Greenwood. ing for Madrid in 2013, scored again with League. Having picked his best team for gling Cadiz. Spaniard Juanmi ning the Scottish Cup in 2014, London “It was a penalty, 100% nailed on. If a cool strike from Son’s 55th-minute pass. the come-from-behind win against Ben- rammed home a close range but have now engraved their that’s a natural position for a hand to be Tottenham are up to eighth, six points fi ca in the last 32 second leg on Thursday, header with six minutes remain- name on both Scotland’s major in when the ball comes in then I must be behind the top four with a game in hand. Arteta left Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ing to squeeze Betis past the cup competitions. anchester United were left blind,” United manager Ole Gunnar Sol- “Sometimes you (the media) like to say and Bukayo Saka on the bench after the home side and put them sixth. Rooney’s first-half header frustrated by a VAR penalty skjaer said. Tuchel disagreed, saying: things that are not really true but there is long trip back from the neutral venue in Betis are just two points came against the run of play controversy in their 0-0 draw “How can this be a VAR intervention? I not one single manager in the world that Greece. behind Real Sociedad in the as Livingston had started the at Chelsea, while the revital- don’t understand why the referee has to doesn’t play Gareth Bale if Gareth Bale is After the gamble paid off , Arteta said: automatic Europa League brighter. But St Johnstone Mised Gareth Bale struck twice in Totten- check it but I’m glad it was no penalty.” in very good condition,” Mourinho said. “Coming into this game I was concerned. qualification spot, ahead of dominated the second-half and ham’s 4-0 rout of Burnley yesterday. After fi ve defeats in their previous six “There is not one, but now he is better They’re one of the most dangerous teams the Basque club’s clash at Real should have avoided a nervy Second-placed United had hoped to league games, Tottenham eased the pres- than ever. It’s not just about the two goals in the league to play once you go behind Madrid today. finish as Chris Kane missed an close the gap on Manchester City with a sure on Jose Mourinho with a signifi cant he scored, it’s fundamentally about his against them. The reaction was terrifi c, Earlier, Real Valladolid open goal after on-loan Rang- victory at Stamford Bridge. But instead contribution from Bale, who made just physical performance.” the team looked really mature.” climbed out of the relegation ers goalkeeper Robby McCrorie they now sit 12 points behind the Pre- his third league start of the season. The Arsenal delivered a hammer blow to Third-bottom Fulham are three points zone despite extending their had saved David Wotherspoon’s mier League leaders as their title hopes Wales forward’s most impressive display Leicester’s faint hopes of winning the from safety after a 0-0 draw at Crystal winless league run to eight in a initial eff ort. There was to be no fade following a run of one win from four since his season-long loan move from title with an impressive 3-1 win. Mikel Palace. 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo. Valladolid fairytale success for Livie man- games. Real Madrid gave him four goals in his last Arteta’s side fell behind to Youri Tiele- were denied a first league ager David Martindale, whose Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is un- four appearances. mans’ early goal at the King Power Sta- PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS win since January 2 by Jeison rise to prominence has proven beaten in nine matches in all competi- Bale, who had clashed with Tottenham dium, but David Luiz equalised and Al- Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0; Crystal Murillo’s stoppage time header. to be a source of inspiration tions since replacing the sacked Frank boss Mourinho over his fi tness earlier in exandre Lacazette’s penalty gave Arsenal In an intense relegation scrap for rehabilitation projects. The Palace 0 Fulham 0; Leicester 1 (Tiele- Lampard, but the stalemate was a blow to February, took just 68 seconds to score the lead. Valladolid are level on 22 points 46-year-old served three-a-half mans 7) Arsenal 3 (Luiz 39, Lacazette his team’s top-four challenge. The fi fth- with a clinical close-range fi nish from Son Nicolas Pepe’s second-half goal sealed with Alaves and Eibar, Elche years in prison starting in 2006 placed Blues are one point behind fourth- Heung-min’s cross. In the 15th minute, the Gunners’ second win in their last six 45-pen, Pepe 52); Tottenham 4 (Bale 2, are 19th on 21 points and rock- for his involvement in organ- placed West Ham and four ahead of Bale’s superb long pass picked out Harry league games and their fi rst success at a 55, Kane 15, Moura 31) Burnley 0 bottom Huesca have 20. ised crime, but since his release sixth-placed Liverpool, who visit Shef- Kane’s run and the England captain’s team in the Premier League’s top three Playing today: Everton v Southampton played a major part in Living- fi eld United in Sunday’s late game. shot defl ected off James Tarkowski for his since 2015. Leicester remain in third place (2000 GMT) ST JOHNSTONE WIN ston’s rise back to the top flight The biggest talking point of a dour 22nd goal of the season. and trail City by 13 points with 12 games Played Saturday: Manchester City 2 SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP as a coach before taking charge clash came in the fi rst half when United’s Lucas Moura netted with a predatory remaining. FOR FIRST TIME as manager in November. De- (Dias 30, Stones 68) West Ham 1 (Antonio appeal for a penalty was rejected by ref- fi nish after Sergio Reguilon’s cross was With Arsenal stuck in mid-table, St Johnstone lifted the feat was just Livingston’s third 43); West Brom 1 (Bartley 11) Brighton 0; eree Stuart Attwell after he consulted the defl ected into the Brazilian’s path by Arteta has prioritised winning the Eu- Scottish League Cup for the in 18 games since Martindale pitchside monitor when Callum Hudson- Tarkowski in the 31st minute. Bale, in his ropa League as his side’s only hope of Leeds 0 Aston Villa 1 (El Ghazi 5); New- first time in the club’s history became manager. Odoi appeared to handle in a challenge second spell with Tottenham after leav- qualifying for next season’s Champions castle 1 (Lascelles 52) Wolves 1 (Neves 73)

LOSS LA LIGA Former West Ham boss Roeder dies Real Madrid come into their own AFP London in critical moments, says Zidane

Reuters ormer West Ham and Newcastle Madrid manager Glenn Roeder has died aged 65 after a long struggle with a brain tumour. Roeder was fi rst di- eal Madrid coach agnosedF with the tumour in 2003 while in Zinedine Zidane said charge of West Ham, who he led to an im- his side always thrive pressive seventh-placed fi nish in the Pre- in adverse situations as mier League just a year earlier. theyR prepare to host Real Socie- He had to undergo surgery and a period of dad in La Liga today aiming to recovery before returning to the Hammers continue to rein in La Liga leaders after they were relegated to the Champion- Atletico Madrid. Real slipped 10 ship later that year. Roeder was sacked early points behind Atletico with a 2-1 in the following season and didn’t manage defeat at home to Levante at the selves in the critical moments,” the championship. “Right now again until 2006 when he took over at New- end of January but have turned Zidane told reporters. it’s between three teams, before castle after a spell as the club’s youth-team their stuttering campaign around “We know you will always ex- people said only one team could boss. He resigned in 2007 and went on to At Newcastle, he made 219 senior ap- Former England striker Gary Lineker with a fl awless run in February perience diffi culties in a season win it, soon it will be down to two manage Norwich for two years before his pearances in fi ve years and won promotion called Roeder: “A real football man who despite a crippling injury crisis. but you always have good mo- teams. But we’ve always felt it last role in the game as a managerial advisor from the Second Division in 1984. League had a great career both on the fi eld and in They also are the only Spanish ments too. But the campaign is was open. There’s 42 points left with Stevenage in 2016. Roeder also man- Managers Association chairman Howard the dugout”. Newcastle shared several pic- side to have won the fi rst leg of very long, there’s a lot of games to play for and we’ll keep only aged Watford and Gillingham and worked as Wilkinson said: “Glenn was such an unas- tures of his time as player and manager at St their Champions League last-16 left, and we still haven’t achieved focusing on ourselves,” he added. a coach under Glenn Hoddle with England. suming, kind gentleman who demonstrated James’ Park on social media. tie, winning 1-0 at Atalanta on anything.” Real’s injury problems were He enjoyed a successful playing career lifelong dedication to the game. Not one to The Magpies wrote: “We are deeply sad- Wednesday after Barcelona, Se- Real go into Monday’s game eased by Federico Valverde and with QPR, Newcastle and Watford. Roeder court headlines, his commitment and appli- dened to learn of the passing of our former villa and Atletico lost their home sitting third in the standings af- Alvaro Odriozola returning to captained QPR in the 1982 FA Cup fi nal cation to his work at all levels warrants spe- player and manager, Glenn Roeder at the age fi xtures. ter Barcelona beat Sevilla 2-0 on training but they are still with- against Tottenham, which they lost follow- cial mention. Football has lost a great serv- of 65. The thoughts of everybody at NUFC “That’s how this team works, Saturday to rejoin the title race. out top scorer Karim Benzema, ing a replay, and led them to the Second Di- ant today and our sincere condolences go to are with his family and friends. Rest in when the tide turns against us, Zidane said he never thought captain Sergio Ramos and record vision title in 1983. Glenn’s family and friends.” peace, Glenn.” we know how to impose our- Atletico would run away with signing Eden Hazard. Monday, March 1, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

SHEIKHA MOZA ATTENDS COMMERCIAL BANK CHI AL SHAQAB PRESENTED BY LONGINES

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), witnessed on Saturday evening the conclusion of the competitions of the eighth Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, organised by Al Shaqab, a QF member, over three days. HE the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani and a number of dignitaries of the country attended yesterday’s competitions, Qatar News Agency reported. After the end of the competitions, Her Highness crowned Grand Prix winner Christian Ahlmann of Germany, runner-up Olivier Robert of France and third-placed Niels Bruynseels of Belgium. She also honoured the companies sponsoring the championship. PICTURES: Aisha al-Musallam and A R al-Baker

TABLE TENNIS FOOTBALL QNB Stars WTT Contender qualifi ers League schedule amended begins at Lusail Hall he Qatar Stars League (QSL) has amended the schedule for the remain- A total of 298 players are taking part in the WTT Middle East Hub, representing 66 countries ing rounds of 2020-21 Tseason QNB Stars League. The By Sports Reporter it’s an indoor tournament. following decisions have been Doha Meanwhile, 13-year-old Hana Goda taken. The Week 18 matches were of Egypt stole the spotlight yesterday rescheduled, to be held over three despite narrowly losing her match to days (6th, 7th and 8th March, he World Table Tennis (WTT) Belgium’s Lisa Leung 2-3. Hana is one 2021), taking into account the Middle East Hub began yester- of Egypt’s youngest stars, a fast-rising clubs’ participation in the 2021 day at the Lusail Multipurpose talent with many tipping her as the next Amir Cup quarter-fi nals. Hall yesterday with a three- big thing in African table tennis. The Al Wakrah’s match against Al Tday qualifying draw for the Contender teen sensation made her senior inter- Gharafa in Week 21 has been pre- series. Ninety one players started their national debut yesterday. poned to 16th March, 2021, due journey in the men’s singles draw, with Hana lost the opening game 8-11, but to Al Gharafa’s AFC Champions a further 76 in the women’s singles. she bounced back quickly to take the League play-off against Uzbek They will battle it out to be amongst the next one 11-7. The Egyptian could not club FC AGMK on 7th April. 8 players to progress to the main draw. carry the momentum to the third game Dates of matches in the last Adding spice to the proceedings, as Leung took a 2-1 lead before Hana three rounds (Weeks 20, 21 and these eight players will be selected made it 2-2 by pocketing the fourth 22) of QNB Stars League have at random into the main draw of the game. In the decisive fi fth game, Hana been revised after the AFC con- Contender series, that is held between heartbreakingly went down 6-11. fi rmed the dates for the group March 3-6, starting with a round of stage of AFC Champions League 32 in both men’s and women’s sin- QTTA SIGNS CO-OPERATION (14th to 30th April). The dates gles events. The qualifying draw also AGREEMENT WITH IRAN and venues of QNB Stars League features 32 mixed doubles pairs, who FEDERATION games will be fi nalised later, tak- are vying for 8 spots in the main draw, The Qatar Table Tennis Association ing into account the teams’ posi- which will be contested from the round (QTTA) signed a co-operation agree- tions in the standings and in line of 16 across mixed doubles, men’s dou- ment with its Iranian counterpart on with the QSL’s policy of giving bles and women’s doubles formats. the sidelines of the WTT Middle East equal opportunities to all clubs. The Middle East Hub features two Hub. In this regard, Ahmed Khellil tiers of the new WTT event struc- The agreement was signed by QTTA Abbassi, vice-chairman of Qatar ture, with players competing in a WTT president Khalil al-Mohannadi and Football Association’s Compe- Contender event before moving on to a Qatar Table Tennis Association president Khalil al-Mohannadi (right) and Iran Table Tennis Federation chief Mehrdad Ali Mehrdad Ali Gardashi, president of the titions Committee and Execu- WTT Star Contender event, which will Gardashi signed a co-operation agreement yesterday. Iranian Table Tennis Federation. Al- tive Director of Competitions be held from March 6 to 13. Mohannadi expressed his happiness at and Football Development at the The WTT Contender Series has been score. Maha Framerzi lost to India’s the presence of Gardashi and the Iran QSL, said, “The recent amend- designed to provide the perfect setting Archana Girish 0-3 as well, while Aya team for the WTT Middle East Hub and ments to the league’s schedule for some of the world’s leading stars to Majdi lost to France’s Brechika Pavadi the Olympic qualifi ers. will witness a necessary pe- be challenged by the best up-and-com- by the same score. “I think that the Iranian team has a riod of suspension in March and ing athletes in table tennis. A total of The other Arab players too bowed high level in table tennis at the Asian April. It’ll be an ideal prepara- 298 players are taking part at the events, out of the competition. Egyptian Omar level, and this agreement includes tory time for the players of our representing 66 countries. Asr lost Germany Walter Ricardo, while many points that will benefi t the game national team before they play Yesterday, Qatar’s challenge came his compatriot Mohamed al-Bayli was of table tennis in Qatar and Iran. We in the European qualifi ers for to an end in the qualifying rounds it- beaten by Belarusian Pavel Platonov 0-3 have a very good relations with the Ira- the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar self. Qatari men’s trio – Ahmed Kha- Saudi’s Ali al-Khadrawi narrowly lost nian Table Tennis Federation for a long in addition to the participation lil al-Mohannadi, Ahmed Muthanna to Russian Vladimir Sidorin 3-2. As for time,” al-Mohannadi said. of our clubs in the Champions and Mohamed Abdulwahab – put on a his compatriot Abdulaziz Bochlibi, he For his part, Gardashi expressed his League after the AFC announced tough fi ght but eventually succumbed lost to Singapore’s Xiao Ziyu Clarence happiness at signing the co-operation its new dates, which will be held to higher rated opponents. Al-Mohan- 3-0, and Algerian Arab Buryah lost to agreement with the QTTA. “We have during the period from 14th to nadi lost to Canadian Jeremy Hazen Russian Alexander Shebaev 3-0. friendly relations with the State of Qa- 30th April. 0-3, while Muthanna went out to Cheng In the women’s singles competi- tar and the Qatar Table Tennis Federa- Abbassi said: “If the AFC Ting Liao of Chinese Taipei in the same tions, German Chantal Mantz defeated tion,” he said. Champions League matches are score. Abdel Wahab won a game against the Slovak Emma Labusova 3-0 in the Gardashi praised the eff orts made not held as scheduled in April, Belgian Florent Lampet but lost 1-3. round of 36 match. Russian Olga Fora by al-Mohannadi to develop Asian and as the AFC has announced, then The Qatari women paddlers Maha Piva defeated Mexican Yadrera Silva Qatar’s Mohamed Abdulwahab in action during the qualifiers of the WTT international table tennis. “Khalil al- the 2020-21 football season will Flamerzi, Maryam Ali, Aya Majdi and 3-1, and Korean Kim Haoyoung beat Contender tournament at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall yesterday. Mohannadi has provided great services end on 30th April, as we an- Maha also exited the competition. Slovak Tatiana 3-1 as well. for Asian and international table tennis nounced previously. Co-ordina- Maryam Ali lost to Anastasia Lafar of The competition continues today, and mixed doubles. measures in the tournament to limit the for 25 years, and we aspire to further de- tion and consultations are pres- Uzbekistan 0-3, while Maha lost to Bel- with 81 second-round matches sched- The Qatar Table Tennis Federation spread of the coronavirus. The fans are velop Qatari and Asian table tennis,” the ently under way with all parties gium’s Daniela Monterrey by the same uled in the men’s and women’s singles has implemented strict precautionary not allowed to watch the games since Iranian offi cial said. concerned.”