SATURDAY 7 MARCH 2020 SPORTSPORT 17

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Because if you keep changing players you don't QNB Stars League, QNB Stars League, build the confidence, that's very important: Rangana Round 17: Al Round 17: Al Rayyan Herath urges 's cricket administrators to be Sailiya vs Al Duhail vs Al Sadd at Al Sadd ACTION

patient with the current crop of spinners. TODAY’S at Al Ahli Stadium Stadium Qatar Open: Chuqin stuns title holder Long

CHINTHANA WASALA favourite shots (11-9, 11-7, 11-7, semi-finals, Chinese compet- THE PENINSULA Wang Chuqin in 11-4). itors Wang Manyu and Zhu action at Aspire For Ito, it was a good 4-1 Yuling seeded second, pushed Chinese teenager Wang Chuqin Academy (11-7, 11-4, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7) win right down to the wire in their stunned defending champion yesterday. In a thrilling affair featuring world as well, accounting for Sato in encounter with Japanese no.4 Ma Long to advance to the class rallies throughout, Long held a deeply impressive fashion. seeds Miu Hirano and Kasumi quarter-finals of the 2020 ITTF the games lead three times during In the men’s doubles final, Ishikawa but eventually came World Tour Platinum Qatar the match but failed to capitalise Chinese superstar Ma Long and good 3-2 (11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 4-11, Open with a stunning 4-3 win as teenager Wang pulled off one Xu Xin will meet England’s Paul 11-8). (13-15, 14-12, 4-11, 11-8, 3-11, of the most outstanding wins of Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford. The Chinese duo will now 13-11, 11-6) at the Aspire his career to book a date with Ma Long and Xin looked meet the top seeds, Japan’s Academy Hall yesterday. simply unbeatable in yester- Miyuu Kihara and Miyu In a thrilling affair featuring compatriot Liang Jingkun for a day’s semi-final, finding their Nagasaki who advanced to the world class rallies throughout, place in the semi-finals. combinations without a hitch title decider with a 3-1 win Long held the games lead three as the top seeded pair stormed opver Singapore’s Lin Ye and times during the match but past Fan Zhendong and Wang Yu Mengyu (11-3, 14-12, 8-11, failed to capitalise as teenager Chuqin by a 3-0 score-line 12-10). Wang pulled off one of the most (11-6, 11-9, 11-9). The mixed doubles final of outstanding wins of his career The second seeded Hong the Qatar ITTF World Tour to book a date with compatriot Kong China combination of Ho Platinum event will also see a Liang Jingkun for a place in the Kwan Kit and Wong Chun Ting Chinese-Japanese duel today. semi-finals. appeared to had steadied the The Chinese prodigies Wang Former finalist Hugo Cal- ship after successfully recov- Chuqin and Sun Yingsha derano was also shown the exit pre-quarter-finals, 2017 winner off – the Japanese Sakura Mori, the performance from Chen that ering from 2-0 down to draw defeated Spain’s Alvaro Robles door by French qualifier Simon and two time-finalist, Wang winning in straight games (11-4, pulled focus as she eliminated level at 2-2, but an inspirational and Maria Xiao in yesterday’s Gauzy in the Round of 16 after Manyu recorded a 4-0 (11-7, 11-7, 11-6, 11-9) to reach the final world no.2 Sun Yingsha. display from Drinkhall and first semi-final. Fans at the a thrilling encounter which saw 11-6, 11-2, 11-7) victory over eight. Winning in straight games, Pitchford in game five saw the Aspire Academy Hall burst into the latter advancing into the Austria’s Sofia Polcanova, in Chen Xingtong and Mima Ito Chen was in a different mood English duo complete a dra- cheered as the two Chinese quarter-finals with a 5-3 win under 28 minutes. took on their compatriots Sun altogether as she kept Sun on matic 3-2 upset (11-7, 12-10, youngsters claimed the game (6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-1, 11-8). Meanwhile, her compatriot Yingsha and Hitomi Sato the backfoot and prevented the 4-11, 9-11, 11-7). in emphatic passion in 3-0 Earlier, in the Zhu Yuling took on – and saw respectively. However, it was young speedster from any of her In the women’s doubles (11-6, 11-4, 11-5).

Liton Das celebrates his century Russell powers West Indies to yesterday. T20 series sweep of Sri Lanka

AP — PALLEKELE Brandon King scored 43 off 21 West Indies’ batsman Andre balls including consecutive sixes off Russell celebrates after scoring Andre Russell smashed six sixes in and six boundaries. the winning run against Sri an unbeaten innings of 40 off just 14 Shimron Hetmyer anchored the Lanka, yesterday. deliveries to lead West Indies to a innings with 43 from 42 balls, seven- win over Sri Lanka in watching Russell’s fireworks from the second and a 2-0 the other end. series sweep yesterday. Sri Lanka lost two players to West Indies Keiron injuries during the match, including Pollard won the toss and elected to its strike legspinner Wanindu bowl and Sri Lanka responded with Hasaranga. Without him, Sri Lanka 155-6 in 20 overs. couldn’t get the early needed Dasun Shanaka top scored with to put the West Indies under Das’ smashes record 31 runs while spin bowler Fabien pressure. Allan took two wickets for the West The West Indies won the first Indies. match by 25 runs, and made no ton as West Indies reached a winning changes 158-3 with three overs to spare. Sri Lanka brought in fast bowler Russell was named the player of Lahiru Kumara in place of complete whitewash the match and series. allrounder Isuru Udana. AP — SYLHET stand on 182 when rain stopped the game in the 34th over. They SCOREBOARD Opener Liton Das hit a national added 110 runs in 7.3 more Sri Lanka West Indies record 176 runs as Bangladesh overs before being separated. K. Perera c Simmons b Allen ...... 15 L. Simmons b Mathews ...... 9 beat Zimbabwe by 123 runs and Das completed his century A. Fernando b Thomas ...... 9 B. King c Malinga b Kumara ...... 43 swept the three-match one-day before the interruption, and S. Jayasuriya c Powell b Allen ...... 16 S. Hetmyer not out ...... 43 international cricket series was reprieved on 107 by a K. Mendis c Powell b Bravo ...... 11 R. Powell c Jayasuriya b Shanaka ...... 17 yesterday. no-ball, and dropped on 122 A. Mathews run out (Allen) ...... 23 A. Russell not out ...... 40 Das and , 128 and 144 by Sikandar Raza and D. Shanaka not out ...... 31 Extras (w6) ...... 6 not out, combined for 292 in Wesley Madhevere W. Hasaranga c Hetmyer b Cottrell ...... 8 Total (3 wkts, 17 overs) ...... 158 the opening stand, the team’s respectively. N. Perera not out ...... 21 Did not bat: N. Pooran, K. Pollard (capt), F. Al- highest ODI partnership for any He was finally caught by Extras (b5, lb5, nb1, w10) ...... 21 len, D. Bravo, O. Thomas, S. Cottrell wicket. Bangladesh remarkably Raza at long on off Carl Mumba, Total (six wickets, 20 overs) ...... 155 Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Simmons), 2-69 (King), put up 322-3 in a game which ending the record partnership, Did not bat: C. Kumara, S. Malinga (capt), P. 3-103 (Powell) became 43-overs-a-side after the third best opening stand in Sandakan Bowling: Malinga 3-0-46-0 (w3), Perera 3-0- rain halted the match for 2 1/2 ODI history. Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Fernando), 2-48 (Jayas- 20-0, Mathews 4-0-26-1, Jayasuriya 1-0-11-0, hours. Mumba later took the Zimbabwe was set 342 to wicket of (3) and uriya), 3-48 (Perera), 4-81 (Mendis), 5-95 Sandakan 2-0-17-0 (w1), Kumara 3-0-28-1, win from 43 overs to avoid the debutant Afif Hossain (7) to (Mathews), 6-109 (Hasaranga) Shanaka 1-0-10-1 (w2) clean sweep for a fourth finish with 3-69 off eight overs. Bowling: Allen 4-0-24-2 (nb1), Cottrell 4-0- Result: West Indies won by seven wickets straight time at the hands of Bangladesh won the first 29-1 (w2), Thomas 4-0-24-1 (w2), Russell 4-0- Series: West Indies 2-0 Bangladesh. But it could match by a record 169-run 33-0 (w1), Bravo 4-0-35-1 (w1) Umpires: R. Wimalasiri, Lyndon Hannibal (SRI) manage only 218 in 37.3 overs. margin, and the second match Das faced 143 balls and by four runs. smashed 16 fours and eight In his last match as ODI sixes for his third ODI century captain, and second in the series. His 176 earned his 50th win by giving Pakistan Super League: Rain plays spoilsport SA go ahead replaced as Bangladesh’s Bangladesh the breakthrough highest individual score the 158 in Zimbabwe’s reply, dis- with India tour by Iqbal three days ago. missing opener Tinashe Ground staff members cover the pitch during rain showers during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Iqbal’s 13th ODI century Kamunhukmawe for 4. match between Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, yesterday. after virus risk and second in as many matches Mohammad Saifuddin Sultans scored 102-6 in 16.5 overs before rain stopped the play. The match was later abandoned. came off 109 balls. He hit seven removed out-of-form Brendan fours and six sixes. Taylor for 14 and finished with assessment Das and Iqbal had their a career-best 4-41.

AFP — JOHANNESBURG SCOREBOARD Bangladesh innings B. Taylor c Mithun b Saifuddin ...... 14 South Africa will go ahead with Tamim Iqbal not out ...... 128 S. Williams b Afif ...... 30 their three-match one-day Liton Das c Raza b Mumba ...... 176 W. Madhevere c Mehidy b Saifuddin ...... 42 international series in India Mahmudullah Riyad lbw b Mumba ...... 3 S. Raza c Naim b Saifuddin ...... 61 Afif Hossain c Williams b Mumba ...... 7 R. Mutumbami run out ...... 0 after performing a risk Extras (lb1, w5, nb2) ...... 8 T. Mutombodzi c Naim b Mustafizur ...... 7 assessment of the effects of the Total (three wickets, 43 overs) ...... 322 D. Tiripano b Taijul ...... 15 coronavirus, Cricket South Fall of wickets: 1-292 (Liton), 2-312 (Mah- C. Mumba not out ...... 4 Africa (CSA) announced mudullah), 3-322 (Afif) C. Tshuma b Saifuddin ...... 0 yesterday. Did not bat: Mohammad Naim, Mohammad Extras (lb1, w6) ...... 7 The South African team Mithun, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan, Total (all out; 37.3 overs) ...... 218 will depart as scheduled Mashrafe Mortaza, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rah- Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Kamunhukamwe), 2-28 man (Taylor), 3-74 (Williams), 4-113 (Chakabva), tomorrow for a series which Bowling: Mumba 8-0-69-3 (w2, nb1), Tshuma 5-150 (Madhevere), 6-164 (Mutumbami) 7-173 starts in Dharamshala. 6-1-48-0 (w1), Raza 7-0-64-0 (w1, nb1), Mad- (Mutombodzi), 8-202 (Tiripano), 9-218 (Raza), The statement said that hevere 5-0-29-0, Tiripano 8-0-65-0 (w1), Wil- 10-218 (Tshuma) “CSA has engaged in a formal liams 9-1-46-0 Bowling: Mashrafe 6-0-47-1 (w1), Saifuddin risk assessment process to Zimbabwe innings 6.3-0-41-4 (w4), Mehidy 8-0-47-0 (w1), Mus- ensure the health and safety T. Kamunhukamwec c Liton b Mashrafe ...... 4 tafizur 6-0-32-1, Afif 2-0-12-1, Taijul 9-0-38-2 of and duty of care to our R. Chakabva b Taijul Islam ...... 34 Result: Bangladesh win by 123 runs players and staff”. 18 SPORT SATURDAY 7 MARCH 2020

QSL: Qatar SC, Al Ahli share points; Al Arabi edge Al Khor Japan bars

Action from the children from QNB Stars League (QSL) Round 17 Olympic torch match between Qatar SC and Al ceremonies Ahli at Qatar SC Stadium yesterday. The match ended over virus in a 2-2 draw. AFP — TOKYO

Japan has been forced to scrap plans to involve children in the Olympic torch handover and arrival ceremonies because of fears over the new coronavirus, Tokyo 2020’s chief organiser said yesterday. Organising committee head Yoshiro Mori called Al Arabi's players celebrate it a “heartbreaking their 1-0 victory over Al Khor decision” to cancel a per- at Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. formance of 140 children at the handover ceremony in Athens. The announcement comes after organisers ‘Losing will end our dream’: Coach Xavi said they may have to scale back the torch relay and limit spectators because of concerns over wants Al Sadd to rise to the occasion spreading the deadly COVID-19. “A performance by FAWAD HUSSAIN Al Sailiya in today’s first game, achieved excellent results in the QNB STARS LEAGUE 140 children was THE PENINSULA which will be played at Al Ahli league and are coming from scheduled at the Stadium. back-to-back victories. So I Today’s fixtures handover ceremony in Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hern- Al Sailiya – placed fifth with expect a tough battle against Al 4:55pm: Al Sailiya vs Al Duhail at Athens on the 19th (of andez (pictured) has said his Our goals are similar 23 points – registered victories Sailiya, said Regragui. Al Ahli Stadium March), but we’ll put team must produce a winning to Al Rayyan, and overover Qatar SC anandd AlAl ““WeWe sshouldhould bebe at tthehe top ooff 7:05pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd at utmost priority on the performance against Al Rayyan GharafaGharafa in theirtheir pre-pre- ththee ffocusocus aagainstgainst AAll SaiSailiyaliya safety of children and our aim is to win. A Al Sadd Stadium in today’s ‘Qatar Clasico’ to keep viousvious two games, andand playplay strongstronglyly on tthehe cancel their trip,” Mori hopes alive for retaining their draw will not help and Al Duhail field.field. Now we have told reporters. QNB Stars League (QSL) title. us, and losing will coachcoach WalidWalid thethe rreturneturn ooff AlmAlmoezoez all the matches with big impor- The Olympic flame is The Wolves will host Al Regragui saidsaid hhisis Ali,Ali, Mario ManMand-d- tance,” Al Duhail coach added. set to arrive in Japan on Rayyan today at Al Sadd end our dream of teamteam wiwillll hhaveave zukiczukic,, Luis Martin Meanwhile, Al Sailiya coach March 20 but about 200 Stadium, hoping to replace the winning the league:e: to wworkork hahardrd forfor and Mohamed Imad, Sami Trabelsi said his team will children will also have to Lions in second spot in the Xavi Hernandez a wwin.in. andand tthathat is ggoodood fforor go well prepared against an miss the welcoming cer- standings, led by Al Duhail with “The“The matchmatch us,” hehe said.said. in-form side. emony in Miyagi 39 points. willwill bebe difficultdifficult “There“There is no ddoubtoubt “It is a very important match prefecture. Al Sadd are on 32 points, losing will end our dreamm ooff because wewe willwill thatthat winniwinningng aagainstgainst AAll against a big team, so we are The torch will then three points behind Diego winning the league,” he said.aid. face a teamteam that SailiyaSailiya wiwillll bbee googood,d, bbutut working during the training on embark on a nationwide Aguirre-coached Al Rayyan. “We have 6 finals in whwhichich isis ggoingoing throughthrough it willwill not ggiveive us focus and discipline in order to relay starting in Fuku- A victory today will bring 18 points are very importantant to goodgood times. thethe ttitle.itle. WWee come out with a positive result, shima, a disaster zone just the defending champions to the us and we depend on the resultsesults TheyTheyy havehave to especially since Al Duhail are nine years ago after an second spot and will ensure Al of the leaders (Al Duhail),” Xavi look the league leaders and one of earthquake-triggered Sadd remain in the title-hunt as added. ata t the best clubs in Asia," said tsunami swamped a the league nears conclusion. He said absence of kkeyey Trabelsi. nuclear plant and sent its But, Xavi is concerned about players did not have mmuchuch He said finishing the league reactors into meltdown. his team’s recent form as it impact in the previous matches,ches, among top four remains his Organisers have been earned just two points in their saying his team need properoper team's prime target and hoped scrambling to give assur- last two QSL outings. execution. for better result against Al ances that the Olympics, “I am very disappointed “We were not successfulsful Duhail. from July 24 to August 9, with the draws in games against when it came to the finalinal “Although our matches remain on track despite Umm Salal and Al Arabi. The touch, especially in ththee against Al Duhail were always the international outbreak loss of the two match points has matches against Umm Salalalal strong, like our matches this of COVID-19. had a great impact,” Xavi said and Al Arabi, and thereforeore season in the league and Qatar The International ahead of Al Rayyan’s game, our position got complicatedted Cup, but small details went in Olympic Committee which will kick off at 7:05pm. despite the good per-r- favour of the rivals in the pre- insisted this week that a The Spaniard said Al Sadd formance in all the matches,”s,” vious two games. So we want potential cancellation or must grab maximum points in said Xavi. to correct this because our postponement of the all their remaining QSL Al Duhail eyee target is to finish in the top Games due to the virus fixtures. maximum points againstst four." was “not mentioned” at a “Our goals are similar to Al Al Sailiya "At the moment, our target meeting of their executive Rayyan, and our aim is to win. Meanwhile, points leadersders is to get a positive result against board. A draw will not help us, and Al Duhail are eyeing a win over Al Duhail," said Trabelsi. McIlroy’s 66 Davis Cup qualifier: Australia eclipsed by lead Brazil 2-0 after first day Every in AP — ADELAIDE John Millman of Australia reacts after Orlando John Millman came from a set winning his Davis and break down to beat Thiago Cup qualifying tie REUTERS — ORLANDO Seyboth Wild 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2 yesterday. to give Australia a 2-0 lead over Rory McIlroy was under water Brazil after the opening singles early but sitting high and dry by in their Davis Cup qualifier the end of the opening round at yesterday. the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Jordan Thompson had one stroke behind leader Matt earlier given Australia the lead Every in Orlando, Florida. Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Thiago World number one McIlroy, on the 18th hole during the Monteiro on hard courts at the 2018 champion, made an first round of the Arnold Palmer Memorial Drive. inauspicious start when he Invitational. Millman trailed Seyboth plunked his approach shot into Wild 5-2 in the opening set a lake at his second hole at Bay before play was stopped for 25 Hill, but he roared back with five than his second at the par-five putts in quick succession, a minutes for a medical emer- birdies and an eagle. fourth, where McIlroy struck a 35-footer at his 10th hole fol- gency in the crowd. The Northern Irishman shot sublime fairway bunker shot lowed by a 50-footer at the next. In the second set, Seyboth six-under-par 66 in pleasant some 260 yards before draining “Complete luck,” he said. Wild, who won his first ATP title morning conditions at Bay Hill, the 25-foot eagle putt. “Sometimes they just go in.” last week at the Chile Open, forced him out of a tournament towels. The International a score that was surprisingly While McIlroy’s score was Brooks Koepka, who broke Millman’s serve in the in Mexico and Alex De Minaur Tennis Federation said in a bettered by American Matt Every almost expected, Every’s was a McIlroy recently displaced at fifth game and saved two break aggravated an abdominal injury statement yesterday that the in more demanding strong horses-for-courses the top of the rankings, points in the next. which sidelined him for last decision to have ball persons afternoon winds. performance. bogeying his final two holes for At 5-4 and serving for the month’s Australian Open. not handle player towels was Every, a two-times Bay Hill He has had only one top-70 an even-par 72. match, the Brazilian saved two Today, the doubles match being taken “event by event as winner who has not won any- finish since his return in He said he was struggling more break points before will feature the Australian pair the situation is specific to each where else on tour, showed his January from a 12-week sus- for confidence in his battle to Millman converted a third to of James Duckworth and John country.” affinity for the course by making pension for a positive cannabis find form on his return from a level at 5-5 and later was Peers against Marcelo Demo- “The ITF has formed a seven birdies. test. He said he used the sub- knee injury, a startling perfect in the tiebreaker. liner and Felipe Meligeni Rod- working group to monitor the McIlroy, who started at the stance for medical reasons and admission from someone nor- Australia is playing without rigues Alves, followed by the evolution of COVID-19 and is 10th tee, was particularly was legally prescribed the drug mally so self-assured. its two top-ranked players. Nick reverse singles assessing further measures on pleased with his driving. in Florida. The event features a high Kyrgios has a left wrist injury that In an apparent attempt to a daily basis,” it said in a “I only missed one or two “Sometimes I’m really good, quality field though notably John Millman came from reduce the spread of the coro- statement. fairways and if you can do that sometimes I’m really bad,” he missing eight-times champion a set and break down navirus, ball boys and ball girls “The ITF has asked the around this place, especially said. “It’s a weird game. Tiger Woods, who is playing a did not provide towels to referee at each Davis Cup tie to with how juicy the rough is, “I really just didn’t want to very limited schedule ahead of to beat Thiago Seyboth players during games Friday. discuss and decide on court you’re going to give yourself a shoot myself out of the tour- defending his Masters title next Wild 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2 The towels were left behind procedures such as handling lot of chances,” McIlroy told nament. There’s so much month. to give Australia a 2-0 advertising signs at the end of towels with the local reporters. trouble out here and I’m not Defending champion lead over Brazil after the each court, with players able to organisers.” “I hit some really good shots scared to make a double Francesco Molinari pulled out opening singles in their wipe perspiration from the face The winner advances to the coming in, drove it really well.” (bogey) here and there.” shortly before his round citing Davis Cup qualifier. and arms without the ball Davis Cup Final in Madrid in Perhaps none was better Every sank two monster a back injury. persons having to handle the November. SATURDAY 7 MARCH 2020 SPORT 19 Deusser dazzles with another slick show

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA

World No.3 Daniel Deusser of Germany yesterday produced I am very happy the only double clear round to with the results win the feature event on day today. In the two of the 2020 LGCT season first round it was opener at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. difficult to get a Deusser, winner of the CHI clear round. It was Al Shaqab Grand Prix at the a little funny ride same venue last week, last as we had only night guided 10-year-old Kiana van het Herdershof to a near- 7 riders in the perfect run in the jump-off of jump off. There the 1.55m competition. were not many Going in second last in the clears so yeah I seven-rider field in the jump- off, Deusser knew he would am happy. She’s finish second or first since the a careful horse. first five riders had failed to She’s impressed produced a clear round. with the Al Shaqab A thinking rider who con- siders every minute detail Arena. That’s why before entering the arena, respects the pole Deusser went in slow and then so much: Daniel stepped up the gas with Kiana The President of Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations, Hamad Abdulrahman Al Attiyah posing for a photograph with the podium Deusser van het Herdershof, clocking a winners of the feature event at the Longines Arena At Al Shaqab, time of 40.54 seconds under yesterday. lights at the imposing Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. On Thursday, Deusser Castleforbes Talitha. Bost won great connection with Castle- teamed up with Belgium’s €7,665 as his 13-year-old mare forbes Talitha to take the third Pieter Davos to clinch the top clocked a time of 71.79 seconds. spot (71.79 seconds). World No.3 Daniel spot in the Global Champions Schwizer (Switzerland, In the Longines Hathab Deusser of Germany League (GCL) opening round. Quatro Rubin, 73.23 seconds, Series, Qatar’s Khailfa Abdulla guiding Kiana van het “I am very happy with the €5,110) and Ireland’s Shane Al Khaldi yesterday guided Herdershof over a hurdle results today,” Deusser said Breen (Compelling Z, 73.48 Dusty to the top spot in a time during the 1.55m class yesterday. seconds, €3,577) completed of 52.15 seconds in the 1.15m on day two of the 2020 “In the first round it was the top five. class at the Longine Arena at LGCT season opener difficult to get a clear round. It Only seven riders out of 34 Al Shaqab. Al Khaldi won €611 at Longines Arena at was a little funny ride as we managed a clear round in the in a field that had 55 riders. Al Shaqab. Deusser, had only 7 riders in the jump 1.50m. Qatar’s Hamad Nasser Al winner of the CHI Al off. There were not many clears There was disappointment Qadi (Hugo Z, 52.60 seconds, Shaqab Grand Prix at the so yeah I am happy. She’s a for Thursday’s star rider Nor- €489) sealed the second spot same venue last week, careful horse. She’s impressed way’s Johan Sebastian Gul- (against the clock) while produced the only double with the Al Shaqab Arena. liksen who was astride Gin Uzbekistan’s Abdushukur clear round to win the That’s why respects the pole so Chin van het Lindenhof. Sobirjonov (Kapitel, 54.74 feature event on his much,” he added with a smile. However, the 14-year-old seconds, €367) completed the 10-year-old mare. “We (in the Global Cham- gelding had an off-day - podium spots. pions League) started really despite going into the ring first Qatari duo Mohammed CLASS 04: DOHAN CSI5* 1.55M well yesterday. I did well today - with five faults to go down Nasser Al Qadi (Galwaybay and I hope it continues the pecking order. Merbreaker, 54.85 seconds, Table A: Against the Clock with Jump-Off tomorrow also,” he added. Dutchman Maikel Van Der €244) and Ali Mohammed Al RK Rider/Horse Jump-Off Time (secs) Prize Money Deusser won €37.125. Vleuten, astride Edinburgh, Marri (Fernhill Friendly Touch, 1 Daniel Deusser / Kiana van het Herdershof 0.0 40.54 €37,125 Davos, astride Espoir, clocked 78.18 seconds which 56.92 seconds, €171) finished 2 Pieter Devos / Espoir 4.00 37.90 €29,700 clocked 37.90 seconds but got wasn’t fast enough as others in fourth and fifth spots 3 Scott Brash / Hello Shelby 4.00 39.67 €22,275 stalled because of 4 faults to maintained a better time. respectively. 4 Max Kühner / Vancouver Dreams 4.00 41.20 €14,850 claim the second spot worth Soon afterwards, winner In the Medium Tour (Accu- 5 Pénélope Leprevost / Varennes du Breuil 4.00 47.41 €10,395 €29.700. Guery galloped into the ring mulator on Points), British rider Scott Brash, in with Eras Ste Hermelle who Uzbekistan’s Sobirjonov CLASS 03: DOHAN CSI5* 1.50M the saddle with Hello Shelby, produced amazing tight lines grabbed the top spot with Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi secured the third place in a to clock 71.59 seconds to take Demilion in a time of 51.60 (Numero Uno - T, 52.07 Table A: Against the Clock time of 41.20 seconds (4 faults). the overall win. seconds. Sobirjonov won seconds, €733). RK Rider/Horse Time (secs) Prize Money Brash won €22.275 for his Veteran Swiss rider Pius €1,221. Promising Qatar rider 1 Jérôme Guery / Eras Ste Hermelle 71.59 €12,775 third-place finish. Schwizer showed glimpses that Qatar’s Khalid Mohammed Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 2 Henrik von Eckermann / Best Boy 71.63 €10,220 Austria’s Max Kuhner (Van- he could do well but could not Al Emadi, astride Eglantine du (Cantaro 32, 52.70 seconds, 3 Roger-Yves Bost / Castleforbes Talitha 71.79 €7,665 couver Dreams,4, 41.20 match Guery’s speed managing Castelet, secured the second €489) and compatriot Salman 4 Pius Schwizer / Quatro Rubin 73.23 €5,110 seconds, €14.850), France’s to grab the fourth fastest time spot in a time of 51.71 seconds. Mohammed Al Emadi (Zorro Z, 5 Shane Breen / Compelling Z 73.48 €3,577 Penelope Leprevost (Varennes of 73.23 seconds. Al Emadi won €977. 53.34 seconds, €342) com- du Breuil, 4, 47.41 seconds, Moments later, experience The third place on the pleted the top five out of 55 CLASS A: DOHAN SMALL TOUR 1.10/1.15M €10.395), Switzerland’s Pius French rider Bost exhibited podium was grabbed by Qatar’s entries. Table A: Against the Clock Schwizer (Cortney Cox, 8, 45.98 RK Rider/Horse Time (secs) Prize Money seconds, €8.167) and Italy’s Winners of the Al Shaqab Internations Cup Emanuele Gaudiano (Kingston 1 Khailfa Abdulla Al Khaldi / Dusty 52.15 €611 van het Eikenhof, eliminated) 2 Hamad Nasser Al Qadi / Hugo Z 52.60 €489 Earlier yesterday, Belgian 3 Abdushukur Sobirjonov / Kapitel7 54.74 €36 Olympic rider Jerome Guery 4 Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi / Galwaybay Merbreaker 54.85 €244 produced a flawless routine 5 Ali Mohammed Al Marri / Fernhill Friendly Touch 56.92 €171 with Eras Ste Hermelle to win the day’s second biggest event CLASS B: DOHAN MEDIUM TOUR 1.20/1.30M that featured 34 starters. Accumulator on Points The 39-year-old won the RK Rider/Horse Time Prize Money CSI5* 1.50m event in a time of 71.59 seconds as 10-year-old 1 Abdushukur Sobirjonov / Demilion 51.60 €1,221 stallion looked at ease in fin- 2 Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi / Eglantine du Castelet 51.71 €977 ishing his routine. Guery won 3 Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi / Numero Uno - T 52.07 €733 the top prize of €12,775. 4 Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi / Cantaro 32 52.70 €489 Sweden’s Henrik von Eck- 5 Salman Mohammed Al Emadi / Zorro Z 53.34 €342 ermann, 38, secured the second spot by maintaining tight lines TODAY'S PROGRAMME that saw him clock a time of 09:55 National: Against-the-clock 1.15/1.25m (QR15,000) 71.63 seconds with Best Boy. 12:15 National: Against-the-clock 1.30/1.45m (QR35,000) Von Eckermann won €10,220 Frenchman Roger-Yves 14:45 CSI5* GCL of Doha Round 2 - 1.50/1.55m (€95,000) Bost savoured another con- 18:15 CSI 5* Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha - 1.60m sistent run in Dohas astride (€375,000)

Medium Tour individual Small Tour winner Khailfa event winner Abdulla Al Khaldi. Abdushukur Sobirjonov.

Ali Al Rumaihi (right), Longines Hathab Event Director, posing for a photograph with the podium winners of the Small Tour. SPORT

SATURDAY 7 MARCH 2020 Campillo, Sullivan share Qatar Masters lead

ARMSTRONG VAS Andy Sullivan in action at the STANDINGS THE PENINSULA 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters tournament at the 132 J Campillo (ESP) 66, 66, A Jorge Campillo and Andy Education City Golf Club yesterday. Sullivan (ENG) 66, 66 Sullivan share the lead at the TWITTER @ANDYSULLIGOLF halfway stage of the 2020 133 O Fisher (ENG) 69, 64, A Björk Commercial Bank Qatar (Swe) 70 63, J Luiten (NED) 65, 68, R Masters. Langasque (FRA) 69, 64, M Kinhult Yesterday at the newly (Swe) 68, 65 inaugurated Education City Golf course, both fired a 135 J Winther (DEN) 66, 69, B second consecutive 66 to get Poke (DEN) 68, 67, N Højgaard (DEN) to ten under. They have a host 64, 71, D Fichardt (RSA) 67, 68, S of European Tour winners Jamieson (SCO) 67, 68, J Senior (ENG) breathing down their necks 69, 66 heading into the next round. Spaniard Campillo had a 136 D Burmester (RSA) 69, 67, L bogey-free round two in the Van Meijel (NED) 70, 66, S Chawrasia evening session while earlier Marcus Kinhult of Swede in (IND) 67, 69, L Gagli (ITA) 66, 70, T in the morning session Sul- action at the 2020 Commercial Pieters (BEL) 66, 70, D Coupland livan took advantage of the Bank Qatar Masters. (ENG) 68, 68, D Drysdale (SCO) 67, 69 low winds in the morning to fire a 66 for the second suc- 137 B Hebert (FRA) 67, 70, J cessive day and get to 10. stretch, so it was a lot of fun to Harding (RSA) 70, 67, N Lemke (Swe) “I’ve got it under lock at actually feel the flow again, 68 69, M Jordan (ENG) 70, 67, F Zanotti the moment. I feel like I am and maybe my best round tee (Par) 69, 68, K Moon (Kor) 67, 70, C control of myself, which is the to green since I won two years most important thing for me, ago. It was fun to get that I’ve worked on a few Pigem (ESP) 66, 71, K Samooja (Fin) I really felt like I took my time feeling again because it was a things over the last week 70, 67 a little bit more on shots and long time ago.” and in Oman. It’s working 138 W Nienaber (RSA) 68, 70, stuff. When I have been doing Danish trio Nicolai Højgaard, out good and I’m putting well before I generally rush I’ve not been Benjamin Poke and Jeff Winther, D Horsey (ENG) 69, 69, T Detry (BEL) the shot, maybe try to hit it a super aggressive South African Darren Fichardt, great as well - I’ve been 72 66, G Coetzee (RSA) 70, 68, O Farr bit quickly, so I have been the past two days Scotland’s Scott Jamieson and putting awfully lately - (Wal) 74, 64, J Smith (ENG) 69, 69, A trying to take my time a little and I have holed England’s Jack Senior are three and it’s been a great two Rozner (FRA) 69, 69, M Armitage (ENG) 67, 71, C Sordet (FRA) 72, 66 bit more and be a bit more shots off the lead. days. It’s a nice position composed over the shot trying a couple of putts India’s SSP Chawrasia along to hit it to the right areas,” Sul- to keep me in with six others is four shots away to be in going into the 139 G Green (Mas) 70, 69, B Stone livan said. it, so like I said from the leaders. weekend, hopefully I can (RSA) 71, 68, P Larrazábal (ESP) 72, “I’ve not been super yesterday, it’s “Happy, with my per- play like this and if I do, 67, A Saddier (FRA) 69, 70, Z Lombard aggressive the past two days formance in the second round just about being I’m going to have a good (RSA) 70, 69, C Paisley (ENG) 69, 70, G and I have holed a couple of today. Anything can happen Havret (FRA) 68 71, Y Touhami (Mar) 68 chance to win on Sunday: putts to keep me in it, so like I patient and that is with a few shots separating us 71, J Wang (Kor) 70 69, M Pavon (FRA) said yesterday, it’s just about what I have been from the leaders. Hope to Jorge Campillo 70, 69 being patient and that is what doing the past two maintain the same level of I have been doing the past two consistent play on the third days: Andy Sullivan 140 M Schwab (Aut) 70 70, S days,” he added. day,” Chawrasia said. Colsaerts of Belgium, Paul Heisele (Ger) 68 72, S Soderberg Sullivan said his game had There were several big Lawrie of Scotland, Haotong (Swe) 74, 66, C Sharvin (Nir) 71, 69, B improved. names who did not make it Li of China, and Min Woo Lee of Robinson Thompson (ENG) 72, 68, S “I feel like I have grown up working on his game and that Langasque and Dutchman through to the weekend’s Australia were also among those Gallacher (SCO) 72, 68, T Lee (Kor) 70, a little bit now on the golf has helped him in getting good Joost Luiten. action in Qatar, including Ger- who failed to make it through course. You know I think that scores. “I have been struggling a many’s Martin Kaymer. India’s to the final two rounds of the 70, R Macintyre (SCO) 68, 72, M Kieffer having a laugh on the golf “I’ve worked on a few lot lately, but I have been Shubhankar Sharma, Nicolas tournament. (Ger) 69, 71, R Paratore (ITA) 69, 71, T course is all well and good, things over the last week and starting to feel last week that Tree (ENG) 71, 69, A Cañizares (ESP) 71, and I still enjoy it but for me, in Oman. It’s working out good the game was getting a bit Action from the 2020 Commercial 69 I have really had to knuckle and I’m putting great as well better. I played quite good yes- Bank Qatar Masters. down the past two days to - I’ve been putting awfully terday but did not get the putts 141 R Rock (ENG) 72, 69, L Canter keep myself in check because lately - and it’s been a great to drop, so I don’t know. I just (ENG) 72, 69, S Crocker (USA) 71, 70, J there are times when I find two days,” he said. got in a really good flow from Scrivener (Aus) 70, 71, S Valimaki (Fin) myself wondering. It has been “It’s a nice position to be the start, hitting almost every 70, 71, H Du Plessis (RSA) 72, 69, N difficult, and it is something in going into the weekend, fairway, kind of firing at the Bertasio (ITA) 72, 69, J Guerrier (FRA) new for me, trying to keep hopefully I can play like this pins so it just felt really good,” 72, 69, H Porteous (RSA) 73, 68, R focused for so long, normally and if I do, I’m going to have Björk said. Ramsay (SCO) 70, 71, J Lagergren (Swe) I drift in and out a little bit, but a good chance to win on “I took advantage of the 70, 71, S Brown (ENG) 71, 70, R Fisher it’s been really good and pos- Sunday,” he added really calm weather and when (ENG) 68, 73, J Morrison (ENG) 73, 68, itive signs as the golf has been The duo is a shot in front you feel like the swing is really S Kim (USA) 72, 69, M Kawamura (Jpn) really good,” he said. of a chasing pack of five. there, and there is no wind, 76, 65, P Figueiredo (Por) 70, 71, S Campillo, a runner-up in Swede Alexander Björk carded you can aim at the pins and I Kjeldsen (DEN) 72, 69 this event at Doha Golf Club the lowest round of the week got a lot of good chances,” he last year showed he enjoyed and his European Tour career added. SELECTED the new course in Qatar too. with a course record 63 to sit The Swede said he was it 152 J Gonnet (FRA) 75, 77, S Al After carding 66 in round one at nine under alongside coun- was nice to get the fluency in Kaabi (am) (Qat) 79, 73 he matched that tally tryman Marcus Kinhult, Eng- his game. 166 A Al-Shahrani (am) (Qat) 80, yesterday. land’s Oliver Fisher, “Like I said, I have been 86 Campillo said he has been Frenchman Romain coming off quite a tough Roberts sets new lap record at Losail; Fernandez fastest in Moto3

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) MOTO2: TOP 10 COMBINED MOTO3: TOP 10 COMBINED: having a better afternoon to finish P5 American Racing’s Joe Roberts set a 1. Joe Roberts (American Racing Team) – 1:58.421 1. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – 2:04.577 overall, the Spaniard crashing in FP1 new Losail International Circuit lap 2. Marco Bezzecchi (SKY Racing Team VR46) + 0.248 2. Darryn Binder (CIP Green Power) + 0.121 and finishing P16. Fernandez slipped record in FP2 at the QNB Grand Prix 3. Luca Marini (SKY Racing Team VR46) + 0.338 3. Sergio Garcia (Estrella Galicia 0,0) + 0.146 to P6 after his FP2 tumble to end 0.653 of Qatar to end the day on top of the 4. Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.500 4. Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) + 0.345 off the pace, with Bendsneyder having timesheets in the Moto2 class, 5. Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) + 0.638 5. Kaito Toba (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.411 a great FP2 to finish P7 overall on Day yesterday. 1, the Dutchman claimed P18 after the Roberts’ 1:58.421 was 0.248 clear opening session of 2020. of intermediate class sophomore Marco Moto2 is set to light up Qatar again Bezzecchi (SKY Racing Team VR46) today as Roberts heads a top 18 split and his teammate Luca Marini closed by less than a second. What a way to out the top three on Day 1. start the year in the intermediate class After topping Free Practice 1 earlier as qualifying starts to rear its head on in the day, Tom Lüthi (Liqui Moly Intact the Doha horizon. Tune in for Moto2 GP) had a tricky start to his FP2 after FP3 at 13:50 local time (GMT+3), with crashing at Turn 14 while on a session Q1 getting underway at 18:00. best lap – rider ok. There were no such In Moto3, Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Raul troubles for Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Fernandez had the honour of sitting at Bull KTM Ajo) though as the Japanese the top of the timesheets at the close rider, who finished P11 in FP1, shot to of the opening day of the 2020 World the top of the times with the fastest lap Championship, just 0.018 of a second of the weekend. In the early stages, American Racing’s Joe Roberts in action in the Moto2 class of the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar at the Losail International adrift of Aron Canet’s fastest-ever plenty of riders were beating their FP1 Circuit yesterday. lightweight lap. times, with Marini and Bo Bendsneyder Honda Team Asia’s Ai Ogura was (NTS RW Racing GP) going well in the again just outside the fastest three in opening exchanges. There was plenty of movement on was an American express turning up the last lap, Bezzecchi would leapfrog fourth, thanks to his final lap of the Having finished P4 in FP1, Augusto the times to come as Nicolo Bulega the wick. Roberts was setting the timing ahead of Marini for P2 on the timesheets session, with compatriot and former Fernandez (FlexBox HP 40) then took (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) climbed to screens alight and the number 16 went as the riders in P7 and P8 in FP1 claimed teammate Kaito Toba a place further over the P1 baton with around 25 P3, with Marini then going P1 as he and P1 with a new lap record in FP2, beating P2 and P3 in FP2. back in fifth. Rivacold Snipers Team’s minutes remaining. However, the Bezzecchi continued to work together Marini by over three tenths. It was a Exactly half a second off Roberts’ Tony Arbolino was the first man not to Spaniard then suffered a crash at Turn under the floodlights, just as they did in phenomenal day for Roberts having time in P4 was Nagashima, a good dip beneath the 2:05 barrier in sixth 5 which ended his session early, but the opening session. But the Italian picked up P5 in FP1, and the same can improvement for the new Red Bull place, just ahead of fellow Italian managed to escape any injuries. stranglehold wouldn’t last long as there be said for SKY Racing Team VR46. On KTM Ajo recruit from FP1 to FP2, with Andrea Migno (SKY Racing Team VR46).