FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 GGOLFOLF | Page 7 Real defeat Im takes fi rst Barcelona in US PGA title in Clasico to regain Honda Classic top spot thriller

Tuesday, March 3, 2020 CRICKET Rajab 8, 1441 AH Kiwis beat India by GULF TIMES seven wickets to sweep series SPORT Page 4

ATHLETICS / DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE 2019 Worlds medallists Kovacs, Crouser to go head-to-head again in Doha

By Sports Reporter en best throws ever. ward to going head-to-head with Doha Kovacs said: “Last year’s World Joe in Doha. Similar to what’s Athletics Championships fi nal happening in the pole vault this was unbelievable, and unforget- year, I’m sure we can bring the n a much-anticipated re- table. The depth of competition best out of one another.” match following the greatest was incredible, and I hope that For the fi rst time in its 22-year shot put competition ever, we can continue that momentum history, the Wanda Diamond world champion Joe Kovacs through 2020. League in Doha will be held over Iand silver medallist Ryan Crouser “I’m excited to be opening my two days across two diff erent will go head-to-head in the Doha Wanda Diamond League season venues. The Qatar Sports Club for the opening round of the in Doha, especially alongside will host the main programme, Wanda Diamond League on April Ryan. With such a strong group but in an innovative develop- 17 at the Qatar Sports Club. of athletes we can really moti- ment, the men’s high jump – fea- Kovacs, also world champion vate one another in this Olympic turing world champion Mutaz in Beijing 2015 and runner up in year.” Barshim – will take place at the London 2017, is an Olympic silver Crouser added: “I fi nished my Amphitheatre of the Katara – the medallist with a lifetime best of year off on a high with 22.90m at Cultural Village on the evening of 22.91m. the World Championships and April 16. Crouser, who won the Doha I hope that I can build on that in The 2020 Wanda Diamond Diamond League shot put in the early part of the summer sea- League comprises 14 meetings — 2019, is defending Olympic Joe Kovacs of the United States won the shot put gold at the IAAF son, especially after a solid open- commencing with Doha — lead- champion with a lifetime best of World Championships Doha 2019. er of 22.60m at the US Indoors. ing to a single fi nal at the end of 22.90m. “It’s important to build con- the season. Each meeting will The American pair, who were tre at the 2019 World Athletics history in an extraordinary fi nal fi dence and consistency at this be broadcast globally in a fast- Ryan Crouser of the United States had won the shot put event at last separated by only one centime- Championships in Doha, made which produced three of the sev- time of year and I’m looking for- paced 90-minute programme. year’s Doha Diamond League meeting.

GOLF QF’s Education City Golf Club ‘extraordinary’: Olazabal ‘... golf course should be a challenging, but also fair, test for professionals and an enjoyable, fun experience for amateurs’

By Sports Reporter Doha Kaymer confi rms participation for

hen the fi rst tee shot Commercial Bank Qatar Masters of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters wo-time Major Champion having last played the event to come back and play in Qatar. 2020 is struck at the Martin Kaymer is the in 2014, and will be hoping It is a popular event amongst WEducation City Golf Club this Tlatest star to confirm his another strong performance the players, and it is always nice week, it will be a proud moment participation at the Commercial can bolster his position in the for us to visit Doha, plus with for the sporting mind behind Bank Qatar Masters from March 2020 Race to Dubai Rankings the new course it adds an extra the Qatar Foundation course 5-8. The former World No 1 joins presented by Rolex. challenge.” – legendary golfer José Maria defending champion Justin “I’m looking forward to seeing Education City Golf Club Gen- Olazábal. Harding in the field as they the golf course at Education eral Manager Michael Braid- The Spaniard, who twice won prepare to tee it up at Education City,” said the 35-year-old. “I’ve wood said, “We are delighted the Masters Tournament – one of City Golf Club, with the event heard good things and I am to welcome two-time Major golf’s top four prizes – and both shifting across the Qatari capital always looking at ways to chal- Champion Martin Kaymer back played in and captained winning from Doha Golf Club for the lenge myself and to ultimately to the Commercial Bank Qatar European sides in the Ryder Cup, first time in the tournament’s improve my game. Masters. Not only is Martin a the sport’s greatest team contest, 23-year history. “I’ve had a decent start to the fantastic golfer but he is also an has turned his attention to de- The four-time Ryder Cup star, 2020 season with some good incredible role model for junior signing courses rather than dom- who counts the 2010 US PGA results in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, golfers, and we are excited to inating them since his top-level Championship and 2014 US and Saudi. I wanted to keep the showcase him and some of playing career ended. Open amongst his 11 Euro- momentum generated in the the best players in the world at And while he has mastermind- pean Tour titles, is excited to Middle East going within my Education City Golf Club for the ed the layout of golfi ng venues venture to the new course, game, so it was an easy choice first time.” from Spain, Italy, and Greece to China and Turkey, Olazábal says the Education City Golf Club – Spain’s Jose Maria Olazabal, who is a two-time Masters winner, has designed the layout at the Education which will stage its fi rst interna- City Golf Club. tional tournament when it hosts the Commercial Bank Qatar Golf Club].” wadi as a strong characteristic test for professionals and an en- Masters from March 5-8 – is spe- Olazábal and his team de- and intentionally let the course joyable, fun experience for ama- cial, not least because it refl ects signed all three courses at the to the wadi area early on in the teurs,” he said. the environment of knowledge Qatar Foundation facility, and round, to set the tone. We repeat “We off er six diff erent tee that surrounds it at Qatar Foun- says two key themes shaped their the theme of the dry riverbed a boxes per hole – seven on the dation. work. “First, there is the setting few times across the courses, and six-hole course – so we can vary “The project is unlike any within Education City, where I am pleased with how it turned the distance, and also the fairway other we have been involved in teaching and striving for excel- out.” width if needed, to get the diffi - so far,” he said in the build-up to lence are the focus of daily life,” Through design features such culty level just right for everyone. the competition. “It was my fi rst he explained. as this, Olazábal says it has been I hope we achieved that, so that design in the Middle East, and “We made sure teaching re- possible to make the golf course the pros have to bring all their it was fantastic to work in a new ceives a prominent role at the “interesting” despite being on skills to perform well and the culture and among so many dif- club, and we deliberately de- what is essentially a fl at piece of amateurs have so much fun that ferent nationalities that took part signed not only very generous land. And with its nine-hole and they want to play again.” in the development. practice facilities with a nine- six-hole courses being fl oodlit, For Olazábal, creating a setting “What made it extraordinary hole par three course wrapped he points out, “golf can be en- for golf that can be embraced by for me were the people and the around them, but we placed them joyed all year round – in the win- everyone is as important as de- location. We are right in the mid- right in the heart of the club. We ters, temperatures in Doha are signing a course fi t for the best dle of several universities [at Qa- wanted to leave no doubt about perfect for golf, and in the sum- players in the world. “Golf is fun, tar Foundation] and next door the importance of teaching and mers we have the luxury of play- healthy, and a sport for life, no to a thriving city. We are sur- learning, whether you are young ing in the evenings”. matter at what age you begin,” he rounded by campuses, an amaz- or old, a beginner or a profes- He hopes that both top play- said. “It is loved around the globe ing horse-riding stadium, and sional. ers and those for whom golf is a and I see no reason why it should now even a World Cup football “Secondly, there is the land hobby, a social activity, or a way not be embraced here [in Qatar stadium, all merely a pitch away. itself. A wadi runs through the of staying fi t will gain from tack- and across the Middle East]. ing facilities in the world here, “Early on, when we started Over 10,000 kids have partici- “That is an impressive loca- north-eastern part of the site and ling the Education City Golf Club “The Education City Golf Club then a nine-hole course to try out with the construction works, the pated in the program so far. This tion, and it fi lls us with immense also provides a bit of an elevation courses. “My view has always has all the ingredients, and it is a the game, a six-hole course for club initiated the Pearl Program is a fantastic way to start a new pride to be the designers of the change on what is otherwise a fl at been that the golf course should public course. You fi nd some of those pressed for time, plus the to bring golf to the schools, and club, and a great way to bring the golf courses [at Education City piece of land. We brought out the be a challenging, but also fair, the best and most modern train- 18-hole championship course. it turned into a massive success. game into the local community.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, March 3, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Asian champs Qatar take on Peru in Copa America opener The 12-team tournament will be co-hosted by Argentina and Colombia from June 12 to July 12

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar will take on Peru in their fi rst match of this year’s Copa America on June 14, as the Asian champions gear up take part in the prestigious South American tour- namentQ for the second consecutive time. Felix Sanchez’s men are in Group B, also fea- turing Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia. Group A includes Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Para- guay, Uruguay and Australia. Last year, Japan were the other invited team alongside Qatar. This year Australia will join Qatar. The 12-team tournament will be co-hosted by Argentina and Colombia from June 12 to July 12. Last year, fi ve-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil won the fi nal against Peru. Qatar will play fi ve matches starting with Peru (June 14), Ecuador (June 18), Brazil (June 23, Ven- ezuela (June 28) and Columbia (July 1). According to the new system of the tourna- ment, the top four QATAR SCHEDULE teams from each June 14: Qatar vs Peru group will qualify for the quarter- June 18: Qatar vs Ecuador fi nals. Qatar im- June 23: Qatar vs Brazil pressed fans with June 28: Qatar vs Venezuela their performance July 01: Qatar vs Columbia at last year’s Copa America. Asian Cup champions Qatar lost to Argentina (2-0) but drew 2-2 against Paraguay.before being edged out by Colombia (1-0). Felix Sanchez’s Qatar are in Group B, also featuring Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia; while Group A consists of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Australia.

FA CUP FOCUS Lampard bemoans Chelsea’s injury Klopp to beef up FA Cup side as crisis ahead of Liverpool cup tie Liverpool look to bounce back AFP Reuters London London urgen Klopp said he would helsea’s progress has been severely name a more senior side dented this season due to a number for Liverpool’s FA Cup of injury setbacks and several sen- trip to Chelsea today af- ior players will be unavailable for terJ relying on the club’s talented today’sC FA Cup fi fth round clash with Liv- youngsters to make it to the fi fth erpool, manager Frank Lampard said yes- round. Klopp left under-23 coach terday, Neil Critchley, who was named Players such as infl uential midfi elder Blackpool manager on Monday, N’Golo Kante have had a stop-start cam- in charge for a 1-0 fourth-round paign while others like Antonio Rudiger replay win over Shrewsbury, have either returned from injury recently or while Klopp and his senior play- been sidelined like winger Christian Puli- ers enjoyed a two-week winter sic. “There were a few (injuries) overlapping break. from last year, which were huge: N’Golo However, the layoff has done Kante, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Antonio Ru- Liverpool little good in recent diger. It’s been an issue and now we have weeks. They returned rusty and another bulk,” Lampard told reporters when lost for the fi rst time in 45 Pre- asked why Chelsea have struggled. mier League games at Watford “There are no fresh returns from the inju- on Saturday, beaten 3-0. Klopp ry list. Andreas Christensen has got a small could still rest a number of key issue which we are going to give another 24 players at Stamford Bridge but hours, but probably puts him in out of the pointed to a 2-2 draw at Shrews- game. Other than that we have no Tammy bury that forced the replay in Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp reacts after his side’s loss Abraham, no Pulisic, no Hudson-Odoi and January as indicative of his plans. to Watford in the English Premier League on Saturday. (AFP) no Kante.” over the weekend and though Lampard be- “Of course in the summer then we look Adrian, Dejan Lovren, Joel Abraham, who is the club’s leading goal lieves it proved they were vulnerable, he said at the group as a whole and think how can Matip, Fabinho and Divock Origi in the last round. If you see the Premier League and Klopp in- scorer this season with 15 goals in all compe- they have still had an “incredible season”. we improve but there are no decisions or all started that game, while Mo- Shrewsbury team at Shrewsbury sisted the former England mid- titions, suff ered an ankle injury, with Lam- “They’ve become relatively human but thoughts beyond the game tomorrow night hamed Salah, Roberto Firmino that was a FA Cup team for us in fi elder is still doing a fi ne job in pard having no update on his return to the it’s one game,” Lampard said. “They’re a as far as I’m concerned,” Lampard said. and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the moment we thought would his fi rst full season at Stamford side. “(Abraham) went to Barcelona to get strong team and they’ve been out on their Kepa could return to face the runa- came off the bench. “It didn’t de- make sense. It will not be the Bridge. “The way they go is really another set of eyes on it,” Lampard added. own this season. We will have to be at our way Premier League leaders at Stamford struct us, it’s just the situation,” same team that played the sec- promising and Frank is doing an “He came back relatively positive. Unfor- best. I don’t mind playing midweek. The FA Bridge and Lampard praised his response Klopp said at his pre-match press ond game against Shrewsbury.” incredible job, but for all manag- tunately he’s a bit unwell at the moment so Cup is a huge competition. Evening games to being dropped for the past five games. conference yesterday, referring Chelsea are also desperate for ers and especially Frank, he was he’s been off for a couple of days with a bit of bring a diff erent atmosphere and playing “He’s been professional as expected and to the Watford defeat. a cup pick-me-up as they were a very successful player, to deal a bug. There’s no update, no idea when he’ll Liverpool is always big for us.” has trained well, kept his head down, sup- “Nobody can tell us how to deal thrashed 3-0 at home by Bayern with defeats is the biggest chal- be back. Christian has had a big phase out Lampard said he would reassess his goal- ported the team, and the group,” added in the best way with runs like this Munich in the fi rst leg of their lenge,” added Klopp. and is desperate to get back. When (they can keeping options at the end of the season after Lampard. because not a lot of teams had Champions League last-16 tie “The fi ght for the Champions return) I’m not giving an answer... I can’t dropping the world’s most expensive goal- “Every player is in control of their des- it. I was not happy with the per- and have won just fi ve of their League means you have to beat see the answer. I’m hoping they might be fi t keeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, in recent weeks. tiny in terms of how they train and how they formance but I was always clear past 16 Premier League games. three or four teams with similar over the next week or two, I just can’t say it The Spanish international has fallen behind play. This is Chelsea and we’re trying to there will be a moment when it The faltering form of the chas- circumstances, similar oppor- with clarity.” 38-year-old Willy Caballero after a series of close the gap to the top, so there can be no can happen. Now it happened, ing pack behind them means tunities in a really long and de- Premier League leaders Liverpool lost their poor performances in his second season after one that can be relaxed or loose, we have to that’s how it is, nothing else. It’s Frank Lampard’s men are still manding season. That’s not so fi rst league game of the season at Watford a £72mn ($92mn) move from Athletic Bilbao. push every day.” a diff erent situation like it was clinging onto fourth place in the easy.”

FORMER LIVERPOOL STRIKER STURRIDGE HANDED FOUR-MONTH BAN FOR BETTING BREACHES London: Former Liverpool striker ridge was unduly lenient and therefore season as Jurgen Klopp’s men won the Meanwhile, the UEFA Super Cup in Nuno Espirito Santo hailed his players to qualify for the Champions League Daniel Sturridge has been handed a increased his eff ective playing ban Champions League and missed out 2022 will take place at Helsinki’s Ol- for embracing the challenge of a physi- again, manager Mikel Arteta has said. worldwide four-month ban from all from two weeks to four months. The on the Premier League by just a point ympic Stadium, and Kazan was named cally draining schedule after Sunday’s Arsenal have missed out on Europe’s football-related activity for breaching Appeal Board also doubled the fine to to Manchester City. Sturridge left the as the venue for the 2023 edition. The 3-2 Premier League victory over Tot- elite club competition for three betting regulations. The suspension £150,000.” European champions on a free transfer draw for the next UEFA Nations League tenham Hotspur. consecutive seasons and the Spaniard comes after the English Football As- Sturridge, 30, began his career at to join Trabzonspor in August. will be made today. This season’s Striker Raul Jimenez fired in a 73rd- added that a fourth could also have a sociation won an appeal against a two- Manchester City before moving to Europa League final will be played in minute winner as Wolves twice came big financial impact. “It’s a no-brainer,” week ban and £75,000 ($95,756) fine Chelsea in 2009. He enjoyed the best BUDAPEST TO HOST 2022 the Polish city of Gdansk, while Sevilla’s back from a goal down to defeat Jose Arteta told reporters when asked if it given to Sturridge in July of last year. spell of his career at Liverpool after EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium was Mourinho’s team and leapfrog them was easier to sign players with Champi- The former England international a move to Anfield in 2013. Sturridge The 2022 Europa League final will be selected in September to host the 2021 into sixth place in the standings with ons League qualification secured. was accused of passing on inside infor- scored 24 goals in the 2013/14 season played in Budapest, UEFA announced final. UEFA had already announced the 42 points from 28 games. “Every player in the world wants to mation on potential transfer moves in as part of a prolific front three along- following an executive committee 2021 Champions League will be played The win capped off a fine week for play Champions League and if you talk January 2018. Sturridge’s contract with side Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling meeting in Amsterdam. The Puskas in Saint Petersburg, with Munich Santo’s side, who reached the Europa about having this option on the table, Turkish club Trabzonspor was termi- as the Reds came agonisingly close to Arena in the Hungarian capital was awarded the 2022 showpiece and the League last 16 with a 6-3 aggregate players are much more open to join or nated by mutual consent yesterday. ending a long wait to win the Premier opened last November and will be the 2023 final being given to Wembley. win over Spain’s Espanyol despite a 3-2 renew their contract.” “Daniel Sturridge has been suspend- League. He also led the line for England only brand new venue used for the This season’s final of Europe’s premier second-leg defeat last Thursday. Arsenal were knocked out of the ed from all football and football-related at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 2020 European Championship. club competition will be played in second-tier Europa League in the activity from today until the end of 17 among 26 caps for his country, the last European football’s governing body Istanbul. LACK OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE round of 32 last week by Olympiakos June 2020,” the FA said in a statement. of which came in 2017. also revealed the venues for the next CAN IMPACT ARSENAL Piraeus. They are 10th in the Premier “In relation to the sanction, the Ap- The rest of his time at Liverpool was two Women’s Champions League finals, SANTO PRAISES WOLVES’ TRANSFER PLANS: ARTETA League and face a stiff task to finish in- peal Board agreed with The FA that the largely derailed by injury, although with Turin to stage the 2022 showpiece ENERGY LEVELS AFTER SPURS WIN Arsenal could struggle to attract top side the top four and ensure automatic penalty originally imposed on Mr Stur- he did make 27 appearances last and Eindhoven to host the 2023 final. Wolverhampton Wanderers manager talent if the Premier League club fail Champions League qualification. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Real defeat Barcelona in Clasico to regain top spot Vinicius’s deflected finish and a stoppage-time goal from Diaz decided a frenzied contest at the Santiago Bernabeu

AFP Yet from the start Barcelona seemed Madrid keener to kill the game than win it, Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius playing for time in the hope of keeping Junior celebrates after scoring against the contest tight, when they might have Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu eal Madrid won the Clasico been better off attacking their oppo- stadium in Madrid on Sunday. (AFP) and might have saved their nents’ fragility. “The Madrid we faced season as they ended their in the fi rst half was one of the worst slump in the best way possible Madrids I have faced at the Bernabeu,” onR Sunday night by beating Barcelona said Gerard Pique. “I don’t say it as a 2-0 and returning to the top of La Liga. criticism, we also have our problems, Vinicius Junior’s defl ected fi nish and a but we’ve missed an opportunity.” stoppage-time goal from Mariano Diaz There was more tension than crea- decided a frenzied contest at the San- tivity in the early stages as Fede Val- tiago Bernabeu, where Madrid found verde crashed into Arthur Melo before new life after a Champions League de- fellow Spain full-backs Dani Carvajal feat by Manchester City had left them and Jordi Alba were both booked after on the brink of crisis. a disagreement. Madrid had the better “It’s been a tough week,” said Real of the play and regularly broke at speed Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. through Vinicius down the left but “We talked about how we had an op- constantly they failed to make the fi nal portunity this weekend and we took it.” pass, with Isco once left with his head Victory put them one point clear at the in his hands after Marcelo opted not to top of the table and shifts focus back to pull the ball back. Quique Setien’s Barcelona, who were Barcelona’s passing was slow and outfought and, at times, outplayed. their lack of urgency obvious. At one “The reality is we lost a lot of confi - point Messi bent to tie his bootlaces dence with the ball,” said Setien. “We and re-spotted the ball before taking entered a nervous spell and that’s when a corner. But the visitors also created the goal came.” chances as Antoine Griezmann drove Lionel Messi’s rasping shot was saved over from Alba’s cutback and then Ma- by Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in drid had Courtois to thank for two ex- the fi rst half but it was the Argentine’s cellent saves. opposing captain, Sergio Ramos, who First, Arthur held off Toni Kroos to go was thrashing his arms in celebration clear but his fi nish was blocked by teh after the fi nal whistle. His reaction was foot of Courtois and then the Belgian an indication of the importance of this palmed away Messi’s shot after he had victory, not only for the eff ect it has on skipped in behind Madrid’s defence. the standings but on the dynamic of Ramos was lucky to get away with an the title race, which had seemed to be error that allowed Nelson Semedo to switching fi rmly in favour of Barca. break past him while Alba risked a sec- Cristiano Ronaldo, now of Juventus, ond yellow when he checked Valverde was watching from an executive box but referee Mateu Lahoz was unmoved. and Madrid could have done with him Barcelona were sloppy after half- during a period in which they had won time and Madrid should have capital- only one of their last fi ve games. Zidane ised. Instead, Isco’s header beat Marc- Braithwaite, Barca’s emergency sign- ma came short and pointed right to en- Barcelona chased an equaliser. Marcelo a frustrated slide on Casemiro. In injury said on Saturday this match would not Andre ter Stegen but not Pique on ing, and he sprinted in behind Marcelo courage Vinicius to run in behind. Kroos celebrated when Messi’s surge through time, Ter Stegen ventured up for a late decide who lifted the trophy in May but the line and Karim Benzema volleyed twice in his fi rst minute. But Madrid found him and Vinicius’s shot defl ected was stopped by Raphael Varane. Pique free-kick but it was Madrid that struck a Barca win and a fi ve-point gap might over after a sloppy pass from Arturo remained in the ascendancy and in the off the sliding Pique to beat Ter Stegen headed Messi’s cross over at the near again. Mariano sped past Semedo and well have been diffi cult to close. Vidal. Vidal was replaced by Martin 71st minute they took the lead. Benze- at his near post. The game opened up as post. Messi picked up a yellow card for fi nished from the angle.

VIRUS Virus-hit Asian Champions League delays knock-out rounds Kuala Lumpur: The Asian postponements. Chinese teams some sensible decisions to place. There could be further Swiss football league suspended Champions League pushed have been mostly sidelined postpone both matches and disruption as games must be back the start of its Eastern until April, and games involving events.” agreed by both teams and AFP pend all events with more than cancellation of the Geneva In- zone knock-out rounds yester- two South Korean clubs have The competition’s Eastern “other stakeholders” before Lausanne 1,000 participants until March ternational Motor Show and the day after the competition was also been delayed. zone started last month but they can go ahead. 15. It said it ruled out the option suspension of the popular Swiss severely disrupted by the novel “These are challenging and only nine games have been Delegates for the West Asia of playing matches behind closed hockey championship. coronavirus. Extra dates for unprecedented times,” Asian played so far as countries clubs will hold talks this week- he Swiss football league doors for economic reasons. Meanwhile, European foot- group games were scheduled Football Confederation (AFC) clamp down on travel to curb end in the United Arab Emir- yesterday suspended all Over 20 people have tested posi- ball body UEFA says decisions for May and June, shunting the general Windsor John said in a the spread of COVID-19. Any ates. The West and East com- Super League and sec- tive in Switzerland since a fi rst over whether to cancel matches, round of 16, which usually takes statement, after eme outstanding group matches petitions are separate until the ond-division Challenge case emerged less than a week including playoff s for the up- place in May, to August. rgency talks in Kuala can be played in July, outside final. Also this week, the AFC TLeague matches until March 23 ago and on Sunday authorities coming Euro 2020, due to the It is just the latest reshuff le Lumpur. “The AFC will not put the off icial match dates. will meet with world body FIFA as part of eff orts to contain the announced that two high school coronavirus, will be made by for Asia’s premier club football anyone at risk during these But they must be finished to discuss this month’s 2022 spread of the coronavirus. The classes and their teachers had governments and health authori- competition as it struggles times of heightened health before August, when the two- World Cup qualifiers, which are league referred to a government been quarantined. Friday’s gov- ties and not the game’s ruling or- to accommodate a raft of concerns and so we have taken legged round of 16 will take facing similar problems. decision taken on Friday to sus- ernment decision forced the ganisations.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Defeat for Beckham’s Miami in MLS debut Sadd’s Xavi, Afi f win AFP Los Angeles QNB Stars League’s

avid Beckham’s Inter Miami monthly awards made a disappointing start in their Major League Soccer debut on Sunday, losing 1-0 againstD Los Angeles FC. A superb chip from Mexico international striker Car- los Vela sealed victory for Los Angeles at the Banc of California Stadium in a game dominated by the home side. Inter Miami joined the league this sea- son after a tortuous journey marked by setbacks since former England, Man- chester United and Real Madrid star Beckham exercised his option to become an owner of his own team in 2014. Co-owner Beckham, who played for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the closing sea- sons of his professional career, watched from the stands on Sunday as Miami slipped to defeat. Inter co-owners Jorge and Jose Mas and Marcelo Claure were also on hand, as were several hundred Al Sadd manager Xavi Hernandez and forward Akram Afif pose with pink-and-black clad Miami fans. their QNB Stars League’s monthly awards. Los Angeles dominated the early ex- changes, with Diego Rossi coming close avi Hernandez of Al one defeat (lost to Al Wakrah 1-2) to opening the scoring after only fi ve Sadd has been adjudged to collect 15 points. minutes when his header from Vela’s the QNB Stars League’s Afi f played six matches, in- cross was parried away by Miami goal- David Beckham (centre) and his wife and Victoria watch the game between Inter Miami CF and the Los Angeles FC. (AFP) best coach for the cluding the deferred games keeper Luis Robles. LAFC had the ball in Xmonths of December and Janu- against Al Arabi and Al Khor, the net shortly afterwards when Brian Vermeer was pressed into action again ebrating his 31st birthday, controlled on strength, still having an idea of how to get ary, while forward Akram Afi f with a total of 571.0 minutes on Rodriguez and Rossi combined to tee-up soon afterwards, saving smartly from his shoulder and darted across the edge away, the positioning of the goalkeeper — scooped the best player award. the pitch. Mark-Anthony Kaye. Matias Pellegrini on 37 minutes. of the Miami area before cleverly spotting (for Vela) to fi nish with that delicate chip Under Spaniard Xavi, Al Sadd In the process, he scored nine Kaye’s low fi nish beat Robles but the The former Netherlands international Robles off his line and scooping his nishfi was just incredible.” played six matches besides the goals and played a crucial role in goal was chalked off after replays showed goalkeeper then twice denied Miami in over him and into the net. Los Angeles had another goal disal- two deferred games (against Al Al Sadd’s impressive run during Rossi was just off side from Rodriguez’s the space of a few seconds, clawing away “Miami put a lot into it, but we got just lowed for off side in the opening minute of Arabi and Al Khor) due to their the period. Akram had four as- pass in the build-up. Miami’s chances, Rodolfo Pizarro’s sidefooted eff ort on 42 an amazing goal,” LAFC coach Bob Bra- the second half. 2019 AFC Champions League sists to his credit as well. Akram, meanwhile, were few and far between, minutes and then blocking Nicolas Figal’s dley said. “Not our best, but winning in Miami’s best chance of an equaliser commitment. who was adjudged Asia’s best with Lewis Morgan registering his team’s follow-up header. that way is important for us. When you fell to Mexico international Pizarro, who The Wolves registered fi ve vic- player for 2019, was also an im- fi rst shot after 29 minutes only for LAFC’s But just as Miami looked to have done come to see football and then the game stretched out a foot to meet Morgan’s tories (bt Al Gharafa 5-1, Al Sha- portant part of the triumphant former Ajax goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer enough to kept Los Angeles at bay for the is determined on a play like that, which cross early in the second half only to see hania 4-2, Al Sailiya 3-0, Al Arabi Qatar national team at the Asian to save comfortably. fi rst half, the home side struck. Vela, cel- was a combination of determination, the ball roll just wide. 6-1 and Al Khor 2-1) and suff ered Cup early last year. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, March 3, 2020 CRICKET

FOCUS INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Dhoni hits the nets at Chennai amid Kiwis beat India by huge fanfare seven wickets to ‘India are a world class side, top of the comp, so a sweep series great eff ort from the guys’

M.S. Dhoni during a nets session in Chennai yesterday. (IANS)

IANS Speaking to IANS, CSK Chennai CEO K.S. Viswanathan had said: “Dhoni will reach Chennai on March 2 and will eteran wicket- start training the next day at keeper batsman the MA Chidambaram Sta- and Chennai Super dium. (Suresh) Raina will Kings (CSK) skip- also be training with him, but perV M.S. Dhoni was given a there will be no international heroes welcome as he arrived player as of now.” in the state capital to begin The 2020 IPL will see the his preparations for the up- return of Dhoni to cricketing coming edition of the Indian action as the wicket-keeper Premier League (IPL). is on a break since playing The offi cial Twitter han- in the semi-fi nal of the 2019 dle of the Chennai-based World Cup where India lost to franchise on Monday posted New Zealand. a 59-second video and said: The 13th edition of the New Zealand players pose with the trophy after beating India on day three of the second Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday. (Reuters) “Every goose shall bump with IPL starts from March 29 fi rst day fi rst show feels! Just with defending champions Reuters that continued to off er plenty of Scorecard start the whistles!” Mumbai Indians taking on Christchurch movement off the seam. Dhoni will start his prepa- the Chennai Super Kings at The eff orts of Jasprit Bumrah INDIA 1st innings 242 (H. Virahi 55, P. Shaw 54, C. Pujara Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Agarwal), 2-26 (Shaw), 3-51 rations for the upcoming edi- the Wankhede Stadium in and Umesh Yadav ultimately only 54; Jamieson 5-45 (Kohli), 4-72 (Rahane), 5-84 (Pujara), 6-89 (Yadav), tion of the cash-rich league what will be Dhoni’s fi rst ew Zealand romped to spared the tourists back-to-back NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 235 (Latham 52, Jamieson 7-97 (Vihari), 8-97 (Pant), 9-108 (Shami), 10-124 from March 3 in Chennai game after an eight-month a seven-wicket victory thrashings by 10 wickets. 49; Shami 4-81, Bumrah 3-62) Bumrah) along with Suresh Raina. sabbatical. over India in the second “When you sit down and look INDIA 2nd innings (overnight 90-6) Bowling: Southee 11-2-36-3, Boult 14-4-28-4, Test in Christchurch back at this series, you have to Jamieson 8-4-18-0, de Grandhomme 5-3-3-1, yesterdayN for an emphatic 2-0 give credit to the New Zealand P. Shaw c Latham b Southee 14 Wagner 8-1-18-1 series sweep of the number one bowlers... you have to play ex- M. Agarwal lbw Boult 3 NEW ZEALAND second nnings RR players start training at home side in the world. travagant shots to get runs,” said C. Pujara b Boult 24 The Black Caps dismissed the India captain Virat Kohli, who T. Latham c Pant b Yadav 52 with team bonding session tourists for 124 in the fi rst hour managed just 38 runs from four V. Kohli lbw de Grandhomme 14 T. Blundell b Bumrah 55 of the third day before chasing innings in the series. A. Rahane b Wagner 9 K. Williamson c Rahane b Bumrah 5 IANS ers integrate into the team, down their 132-run victory target U. Yadav b Boult 1 Jaipur facilitating a stronger team with half of the Test to spare for SUBDUED ATMOSPHERE R. Taylor not out 5 bond. the loss of three wickets. After the drama of day two, when H. Vihari c Watling b Southee 9 H. Nicholls not out 5 The session also saw the Henry Nicholls hit the winning 16 wickets fell as India stormed R. Pant c Watling b Boult 4 Extras (b1, lb8, nb1) 10 he fi rst day of Indian players participate in a free- run after his openers had done back into the match only to be R. Jadeja not out 16 Premier League (IPL) hand drawing activity. The most of the heavy lifting as New pegged back by the close of play, Total (three wickets, 36 overs) 132 franchise Rajasthan activity was aimed towards M. Shami c Blundell b Southee 5 Zealand drove home a dominance there was a more subdued at- Fall of wickets: 1-103 (Latham), 2-112 (Williamson), Royals Nagpur camp helping the players express that was only briefl y challenged mosphere at an overcast Hagley J. Bumrah run out (Boult/Williamson) 4 3-121 (Blundell) sawT the players participate themselves freely and hav- over the two matches in the se- Oval yesterday. Extras (b9, lb12) 21 Bowling: Bumrah 13-2-39-2, Yadav 14-3-45-1, Shami in an off -the-fi eld team ing a free mind about things ries. India resumed on 90-6 but bonding session before they without taking too much Total (all out, 46 overs) 124 3-1-11-0, Jadeja 5-0-24-0 (1nb), Kohli 1-0-4-0. “Outstanding,” said New Zea- Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, headed for training on the pressure. land captain Kane Williamson. Mohamed Shami and Bumrah all he backed up with a crucial 49 in It was left to India’s bowling further diminished the likelihood ground. The session started The session helped the “I don’t think the end result quickly departed and New Zea- New Zealand’s fi rst innings. unit, robbed by injury of Ishant that the Indian bowlers could on a musical note by the players tone down mentally refl ected how tight that match land were soon heading back to India’s fi nal wicket fell when Sharma, to keep the tourists in fashion a stunning victory. Mumbai based Muzart group and relax their minds before was. As we know, there’s a fi ne the dressing room to pad up with Bumrah charged down the track the match and they did their New Zealand openers Tom with their therapeutic proc- setting off on some intense line. India are a world class side, only 34 more runs on the board. for a single and was left stranded job to great eff ect on day two in Latham (52) and Tom Blundell ess of making music and art preparation in Nagpur lead- top of the comp, so a great eff ort Trent Boult took 4-28 and Tim as Ravindra Jadeja declined the Christchurch. (55) did most of the work in the through several creative and ing up to the 13th edition of from the guys.” Southee grabbed 3-36 as New run, a suitably chaotic end to a A magnifi cent display of seam victory chase before falling to research-based activities. the IPL. India succumbed to their fi rst Zealand’s experienced strike poor eff ort from a much vaunted and swing bowling handed India Yadav and Bumrah respectively, The players participated The players included two defeats in the World Test pairing did what they do in home batting order on New Zealand’s an unlikely fi rst-innings lead of the latter producing a peach of a in various activities includ- Akash Singh, Kartik Tyagi, Championship but their big lead conditions. green pitches. seven runs after they restricted delivery to take out the batsman’s ing some where their power Robin Uthappa, Manan Vo- means their position at the top of Their effi ciency meant all- Cheteshwar Pujara’s 24 was New Zealand to 235 in reply to off stump. of focus and concentration hra, Mayank Markande, the standings will not be threat- rounder Kyle Jamieson, who the highest score by an Indian their 242. Williamson also made a cam- was put to test. As part of the Varun Aaron, Mahipal Lom- ened any time soon. made an impressive Test debut in batsman in the second innings Their batsmen were unable to eo with fi ve runs before he was session, the players got to ror, Anuj Rawat, Shashank While their batsmen stuttered, Wellington, did not have a chance while his gritty half century was maintain the advantage, however, caught off his gloves fending an- learn and know about each Singh. Sanju Samson will be the Indian bowlers refused to to add to his 5-45 in India’s fi rst one of three from the tourists in and a shoulder injury sustained other fi zzing delivery from the other, helping the new play- joining the camp today. back down on a Hagley Oval pitch innings — a fi ne display which the fi rst. by Shami while batting yesterday impressive Bumrah.

SPOTLIGHT South Africa recall Du Plessis for India ODI tour Reuters “It is exciting to see the amount of BCCI’s CAC to meet today Cape Town competition for spots that we have within the team and in the (domestic) The newly-formed Cricket having our first off icial franchises, it’s a good headache for us as Advisory Committee meeting tomorrow, but we outh Africa have recalled top- selectors to have,” Cricket South Africa (CAC) of the Board of will not be interviewing order batsmen Faf du Plessis and independent selector Linda Zondi said Control for Cricket in the candidates eligible Rassie van der Dussen for their in a media release yesterday. India (BCCI) will be for the post of the two three-match One-Day Inter- “We are satisfi ed with our picks for off icially meeting for the selectors. Let’s go and see Snational tour of India later this month, what will certainly be a challenging first time today, but the what talks we have at the while left-arm spinner George Linde is tour of India. We are also particularly date of interviewing the meeting. I expect to meet named in the squad for the fi rst time. pleased with the balance of youth and candidates for the two the president (Sourav Du Plessis and Van der Dussen were experience that we have achieved while vacant national selectors’ Ganguly) tomorrow,” he rested for the on-going three-match our young leadership group continues to position is yet to be said. home series against Australia, where establish itself.” decided. The eligible candidates South Africa lead 1-0 after a thumping The squad will be captained by Quin- Speaking to IANS, Madan will be interviewed for the 74-run victory in the opener on Satur- ton de Kock and play the fi rst ODI in Lal said that a meeting has posts left vacant by chief day. Dharamsala on March 12. That will be been convened and it will selector M.S.K. Prasad Linde, 28, has impressed in domes- followed by a match in Lucknow three be the first time that the (South Zone) and Gagan tic 50-over cricket this season, and days later, before the series fi nale in trio of Lal, R.P. Singh and Khoda (Central Zone) as played a single test in India last October Kolkata on March 18. Sulakshana Naik will meet, their tenures have ended. where he took match fi gures of 4-133 in after being appointed on But as things stand, they Ranchi, his only international appear- SQUAD: Quinton de Kock (captain), January 31. But he went could well continue till ance to date. Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, on to add that interviews the team is picked for the He takes the place of leg-spinner Faf du Plessis, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich for the post of selectors upcoming South Africa Tabraiz Shamsi, who is not available for Klaasen, David Miller, Jon-Jon Smuts, wouldn’t take place today. series as the first game is the short tour due to the imminent birth Andile Phehlukwayo, Lundi Ngidi, Lutho “Yes, I got a call from to be played on March 12 of his fi rst child. Keshav Maharaj is the Sipamla, Beuran Hendricks, Anrich South Africa’s Faf du Plessis plays a shot during the third and final T20 match against Australia in the BCCI and we will be in Dharamsala. IANS other frontline spinner in the squad. Nortje, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj. Cape Town, on February 26, 2020. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, March 3, 2020 5 SPORT

PAKISTAN PREMIER LEAGUE Amir bowls Kings to second successive win By Agencies Multan Sultans and number little to deter Babar Azam and Rawalpindi two placed Quetta Gladiators. Alex Hales as the pair added Amir rolled back the years 101 runs for the second wicket with a special seam and swing partnership. Hales (49 off 27 stunning spell of performance in the opening balls, six fours, two sixes) was seam and swing over of the match as he dis- bowled by leg-spinner Ya- bowling from Mo- missed right-handers Tom sir Shah who was playing his hamed Amir helped Banton (lbw) and Haider Ali fi rst-ever match for Peshawar KarachiA Kings record their (bowled) with sharp inswing- Zalmi after coming in as a re- second successive victory ing deliveries. placement player for the in- in the HBL Pakistan Super The left-armer than added jured Mohamed Mohsin. League 2020 at the Rawalpindi two more wickets in his sec- Yasir accounted for Cam- Cricket Stadium as Pesha- ond spell as Zalmi were re- eron Delport (2) in the same war Zalmi faltered with both stricted to a below-par 151 for over. Babar though retained bat and ball in the night game eight total after Kings captain his composure and remained played yesterday. Imad Wasim won the toss unbeaten on a typically classy Kings who defeated Islama- and opted to bat fi eld. Amir 70 off 59 balls (10 fours) to en- bad United by fi ve wickets last was well supported by pacers sure a comfortable Kings win night owed their win to the Amir Yamin (1-22, 4 overs) and with 11 balls to spare. leader of their pace attack, the Chris Jordan (2-33, 4 overs). left-armer Mohamed Amir The veteran Shoaib Malik BRIEF SCORES who was later adjudged man- played a resilient 68-run in- Peshawar Zalmi 151 for 8, 20 of-the-match as they romped nings (55 balls, six fours, one overs (Shoaib Malik 68, Liam home in their 152- run chase six) to ensure Zalmi at least Livingstone 25, Lewis Gregory for the loss of four wickets in went past the 150-run mark. 25; Mohamed Amir 4-25, Chris 18.1 overs. He added 47 runs with Liam Jordan 2-32) The win has given Kings six Livingstone (25) and 57 with Karachi Kings 152 for 4, 18.1 points after fi ve games; they Lewis Gregory (25). overs (Babar Azam 70 not out, have jumped to number three Kings lost Sharjeel Khan (4) Alex Hales 49; Yasir Shah 2-28) in the HBL PSL 2020 points in the opening over of their in- Result: Karachi Kings win by Karachi Kings’ Mohamed Amir (centre) celebrates with teammate after taking the wicket of Peshawar Zalmi’s Tom Banton (not in the picture) during table behind table-toppers nings. But his departure did six wickets. their PSL match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi yesterday. (AFP)

ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT Akash, Adnan shine in Qatar Airways Australia edge New Premier Division ties Zealand in nail-biter ‘It was a crunch game and I thought we to make semis handled it really well’

Akash Adnan Mirza

By Sports Reporter Assad Borham (three for 34) Doha and Mirza (two for 14), War- riors Club required 39.1 overs to overhaul the target. kash steered run- Mirza and Imraz Rafi struck ners-up Tusker half-centuries to sustain the Club to a convinc- chase. Mirza’s 59 had a six and ing seven-wicket six fours, while Rafi smashed Avictory over Doha Falcons in a six and fi ve boundaries to a Premier Division match in get 50. Ikram added 28 not out the Qatar Airways Cricket with two fours. Tournament, following his Earlier, Saqlain and Asif one wicket with a superb 88 Raja were the players to off er not out. resistance to Warriors bowl- Batting fi rst, Doha Falcons ers. Saqlain blasted three collapsed at 163 in 39.5 overs sixes and nine boundaries in with Joshi being the chief 80 and Raja blasted 78, which destroyer. He snared three contained three sixes and six wickets for just 14 runs in fours. Mirza was declared the his seven overs of fast bowl- man of the match for his all- ing. Waleed picked two for 33 round display. in his spell of 10 overs with three maidens. Akash also got BRIEF SCORES a wicket. Basit accounted for Tusker Club beat Doha Fal- the bulk of runs as he cracked cons by seven wickets one six and 10 fours in 88 dur- Doha Falcons: 163 all out in ing his 80-ball stay. 39.5 overs (Basit 88; Joshi But during the chase, 3/14, Waleed 2/33) Akash was a dominant fi gure. Tusker Club: 167 for three in He hammered two sixes and 35 overs (Akash 88 not out, nine boundaries, carrying his Shaqir 38; Amjad 1/32) Australia’s Beth Mooney plays a shot during the T20 women’s World Cup match against New Zealand in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) bat through with 88 off 96 Man of the Match: Akash balls. Shaqir also supported (Tusker Club) AFP crucial wickets. batswoman Bates for 14, leaving him with 38, including four Melbourne “It was a crunch game and them in trouble on 55 for two at boundaries, to help Tusker Warriors Club beat Firox I thought we handled it really the halfway mark. Club clinch the match in 35 Unit by three wickets well,” said skipper Meg Lanning. Devine knew she had to overs. Akash was duly de- Firox Unit: 218 all out in 48 stylish 60 from Beth “I think we showed that we are take risks and after reaching clared the man of the match. overs (Saqlain 80, Asif Raja Mooney and control- able to be calm under the pump, 31 charged down the wicket to In another match, defend- 78, Anil Ridee 4/49, Assad led bowling yesterday we have done the basics right Wareham and was stumped. ing champions Warriors Club Borham 3/34, Adnan Mirza kept intact Australia’s which gives us confi dence going Maddy Green took on the at- pulled off a three-wicket tri- 2/14) recordA of making at least the into the semi-fi nals.” tack in a lightning 28 but Ware- umph against Firox Unit as Warriors Club: 221 for seven semi-fi nals of every Twenty20 One worry for Australia is the ham again pounced, with her Adnan Mirza excelled with an in 39.1 overs (Adnan Mirza 59, World Cup in a nail-biting four- fi tness of the world’s top T20 all wickets proving vital as New all-round show. After having Imraz Rafi 50, Ikram 28 not run win over New Zealand. rounder Ellyse Perry, who limped Zealand fell short. shot out Firox Unit for just out; Ehsan 3/42) The defending champions and off while fi elding, seemingly 218 in 48 overs through Anil Man of the Match; Adnan four-time winners join India, with a hamstring problem. A LEGEND Ridee (four for 49), skipper Mirza (Warriors Club). England and South Africa in the New Zealand removed the Earlier, Sri Lanka ended their last four, with the games played dangerous Alyssa Healy cheaply tournament on a high with a in Sydney on Thursday. with Lanning joining Mooney, crushing victory over Bang- Australia have been dominant but after an attacking 21 she ladesh in a fi tting farewell to Taylor ruled out of Windies’ fi nal clash since the World Cup was intro- was caught off Anna Peterson’s retiring veteran Shashikala duced 11 years ago, but were up- bowling. Siriwardena, who bagged a tour- West Indies captain Stafanie stage. With only a win against set by India in the opening game Ashleigh Gardner (20) shared nament-best 4-16. Taylor won’t feature in the Thailand in their group so of the tournament. in a quickfi re 52-run stand with The clinical nine-wicket win Sri Lanka’s Shashikala Siriwardene (right) is congratulated by team’s final Women’’s T20 far, West Indies will want Rattled, they bounced back Mooney, who brought up her was their fi rst of the event to teammates after taking four Bangladesh wickets during their T20 World Cup clash, against to end their campaign on a emphatically against Sri Lanka fi fth half-century in nine innings leave them fourth in Group A, women’s World Cup in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) South Africa to be played positive note in their final and Bangladesh before narrowly off 42 balls. with Bangladesh beaten in all today in Sydney. match today, but their hopes accounting for their trans-Tas- Playing in her 50th T20, four games to prop up the table. but she retired like a champion.” (39 not out) and Anushka San- Taylor injured her groin received a blow with the man rivals, who leave the World Moody fi nally departed for 60, While neither team could Bangladesh won the toss but jeewani (16 not out) kept the during West Indies’ loss to news that the captain will be Cup empty-handed. but it needed a spectacular catch reach the knockouts, there was again failed to fi re. momentum going to cruise home England on Sunday. Batting one of several players with The White Ferns won the toss on the boundary from Suzie plenty at stake with the winner None of their players managed with 27 balls left. on 15, and central to her injury concerns. and bowled at Junction Oval Bates to remove her. avoiding having to qualify for the a half-century during the tour- team’s hopes in their chase “I have to get my XI on the in Melbourne, snaring an early Perry (21) and Rachael Haynes 2022 tournament in South Africa nament, with Nigar Sultana Joty BRIEF SCORES of 144, she struggled to run in field first. Right now we’re breakthrough. But Australia has (19) added crucial late runs to by virtue of fi nishing as one of once more the standout, smack- Australia 155 for 5 (Mooney the middle and collapsed. She struggling,” rued coach Gus incredible depth in its batting power the score past 150. the top eight sides. ing 39 in their 91 for eight. 60) beat New Zealand 151 for 7 had to be stretchered off and Logie. “The captain is out of and Mooney led them to a com- Rachel Priest looked danger- “Really happy with the per- Siriwardena was the top bowl- (Devine 31, Green 28, Wareham retired hurt. the tournament, no two ways petitive 155 for fi ve. ous as New Zealand set about formance,” said Sri Lanka cap- er in her last match after a 17- 3-17, Schutt 3-28). Without their in-form about it. We’ve had other Skipper Sophie Devine (31) the chase, hitting quick three tain Chamari Atapattu, who paid year international career. captain, the 2016 champions players who’ve had issues and Katey Martin (37) led the fours, but she was undone by Jess tribute to Siriwardena. Sri Lanka made a good start Sri Lanka 92 for 1 (Perera 39*, were bundled out for 97, recurring as the tour went on. chase, but Australia’s bowlers Jonassen. Australia piled pres- “She’s a legend in Sri Lanka with Atapattu crunching 30 be- Akter 1-18) beat Bangladesh 91 and crashed out of the We are hoping to put a fit XI were up to the task, with spinner sure on when Wareham snared and she’s the big sister of the Sri fore being stumped. for 8 (Sultana 39, Siriwardene tournament in the group on the field first. IANS Georgia Wareham taking three the world’s number one T20 Lankan team. I will miss her a lot, Fellow opener Hasini Perera 4-16) by 9 wickets. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, March 3, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS James impressed with rookies, not ready to pass the torch

DPA Morant had 17. The point guard player,” Williamson said. “I give Washington evened the score Friday with 27 respect when it’s due.” points and a season-high 14 as- James got the better of Wil- sists in a home victory over the liamson down the stretch with fter facing the NBA’s Lakers. a steal, a three-pointer over the top two rookies four It was a huge win for Mem- rookie and a tough fadeaway times in 10 days, su- phis (29-31), which had lost fi ve with Williamson in his face. Af- perstar LeBron James straight and is clinging to the terwards, they spoke privately believesA the league’s future is Western Conference’s fi nal play- on the court. in good hands. However, he off spot. After ending the Lak- “If I’m able to give my wisdom believes he is capable in the ers’ seven-game winning streak, of the game, pass it down while present. Morant exchanged jerseys with I’m playing or after I’m playing, James and the Los Ange- James. I feel like it’s my job because the les Lakers defeated top overall “That’s big bro – The King,” game has just given me so much draft pick Zion Williamson and said Morant, who was four years since I started playing when I the New Orleans Pelicans twice old when James made his NBA was eight years old,” James said. while splitting a pair with sec- debut in 2003. “(It) defi nitely means some- ond overall pick Ja Morant and “I mean, I feel like everybody thing because he’s been doing the Memphis Grizzlies. The knows who he is. Just somebody this for 17 years, and his resume matchups appeared to bring out that I look up to, a great (role) speaks for itself,” Williamson the best in the young stars. model. He’s just one of a kind. I said. They also brought out the best don’t think there can be another Morant is considered the in James, 35, whose oldest son LeBron.” front-runner for Rookie of the is just four years younger than “The kid is super special,” Year, but Williamson – who the 19-year-old Williamson. As James said. “And like I said when missed the fi rst three months young gunslingers test them- we played them in LA, Memphis following knee surgery – is selves against him, James re- got a great one. The sky’s the closing the gap with 11 straight peatedly showed he still has the limit for the kid.” 20-point games, the most ever quickest draw. On Tuesday, James scored a by a teenager. “The league is in great hands season-high 40 points to off - It may come down to which with guys like Zion, Ja Morant, set 29 by Williamson in a home rookie’s team secures the Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Jay- win over the Pelicans (26-34). In eighth seed and sets up another son Tatum and the list goes on Sunday’s rematch, Williamson showdown with James, the old and on,” James said. “I’m just scored a season-high 35 points, gunslinger. happy to be a part of it and be on but James notched his league- “He just controls the whole the fl oor with those guys in their leading 13th triple-double with game,” Pelicans coach Alvin younger days.” 34 points, 13 assists and 12 re- Gentry said. In a February 21 home win bounds to lead the Lakers to a “I’m just amazed that they over Memphis, James scored 32 road victory. talk about anybody other than points while the 20-year-old “He is who he is – incredible him for MVP.”

NBA NHL Ovechkin scores 2, Capitals down Wild LeBron scores 34 Reuters Ovechkin one-timed his sec- Philadelphia ond of the game on a three- on-two rush for a 3-1 edge. Fiala brought Minnesota lex Ovechkin tal- back into it when he launched lied twice in a three- his 20th marker on the power point outing to carry play at 13:13 – giving the Swiss the Washington winger his 11th goal in the last as Lakers defeat CapitalsA to a 4-3 win over the 14 games – and the home side Minnesota Wild on Sunday trimmed the defi cit to 3-2 af- night in St. Paul, Minn. ter 20 minutes. Ovechkin, who scored twice Following a scoreless sec- in Washington’s three-goal ond, Ovechkin recorded his ‘I don’t think anybody cares about that. We as fi rst period, raised his season third point when he dished out total to 45, tying him with the the primary assist on Wilson’s players just come in here and try to get a win’ Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston 21st marker, a wrister from the Pelicans Matthews for the NHL’s sec- right circle, 40 seconds into ond-most. The duo trails Bos- the third to make it 4-2. AFP ton Bruins right winger David Parise scored his 23rd goal Los Angeles Pastrnak (47). – 12th on the power play – at Richard Panik and Tom Wil- 12:53 to clip the lead to just son netted goals, and Evgeny one. Stalock left the ice with eBron James and Giannis Antetok- Kuznetsov had two assists for 1:05 remaining, but the Wild ounmpo stepped up their MVP Washington, which has won failed to score with the extra campaigns with dominant per- three of four and snapped a skater, as Washington im- formances on Sunday over a cou- four-game road losing streak proved to 22-10-1 on the road. Lple of teams battling for playoff spots. (0-4-0). Reigning league MVP Antetokounmpo Goalie Braden Holtby FLYERS BEAT RANGERS poured in 41 points and grabbed 20 re- stopped 37 of 40 shots, and FOR 6TH STRAIGHT WIN bounds as Milwaukee notched another forward Carl Hagelin played in Travis Konecny and Derek one-sided NBA victory, a 93-85 triumph his 600th game. Grant each recorded a goal and over the Hornets in Charlotte. Minnesota’s Kevin Fiala an assist as the Philadelphia James had a triple-double of 34 points, (goal, assist) and Zach Parise Flyers extended their winning 13 assists and 12 rebounds as the Los An- produced power-play tallies, streak to a season-high six geles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Ryan Donato also scored and games with a 5-3 victory over Pelicans 122-114. Alex Stalock made 26 saves for the host New York Rangers on The Bucks pushed their league-leading the Wild, who opened record to 52-8 with their sixth straight March with a loss af- win since the all-star break. ter going 9-4-1 last RESULTS month to move into the Philadelphia 5-3 Rangers playoff race. RESULTS Ryan Suter sprung Calgary 3-0 Florida New Orleans 114-122 Lakers Donato on a breaka- Columbus 5-3 Vancouver way early in the fi rst, Washington 4-3 Minnesota Golden State 110-124 Washington but Donato failed to Denver 133-118 Toronto put a shot on net as he New Jersey 3-0 Anaheim Sacramento 106-100 Detroit skated past a sprawling Los Angeles 4-1 Las Vegas Holtby. However, he Minnesota 91-111 Dallas retrieved the puck and Charlotte 85-93 Milwaukee banked in his 14th goal off the Sunday afternoon. Clippers 136-130 Philadelphia netminder from behind the The Flyers tied a season high net at 3:01. with three power-play goals With Washington on its fi rst and added a short-handed tal- Antetokounmpo said that was all that power play, Stalock inadvert- ly en route to their ninth win mattered as the team’s streak of 100-point ently struck T.J. Oshie in the in the past 10 meetings with regular-season games ended at 83. mouth, committing another the Rangers. Philadelphia also “I don’t think anybody cares about penalty and giving the visi- improved to 16-5-1 in its last that,” he said of the triple-digit scoring tors a fi ve-on-three for 1:18. 22 games and remained three streak that stretched back to February 23, Ovechkin rifl ed home his 13th points behind Washington for 2019. “We as players just come in here and power-play tally at 7:21 be- the lead in the Metropolitan try to get a win.” fore the two-man advantage Division. In this “old-school” victory, the Bucks ended. Panik took advantage Philadelphia’s Matt Ni- never trailed in the second half, although of a miscue in the neutral zone skanen and Sean Couturier their 15 turnovers in the fi rst three quar- and rang in his eighth off the scored power-play goals in the ters helped the Hornets keep it close and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during the fourth far post at 10:28. fi rst period while Michael Raffl Charlotte trailed by just two entering the quarter of their NBA game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Just 31 seconds later, scored a shorthanded tally. fi nal quarter. Charlotte is in 10th place in the Eastern Conference two spots back of star Zion Williamson and the Pelicans in James had 11 of his 19 fi rst-half points duced an 18-5 scoring run to take control. a playoff position. New Orleans. in the second quarter, making all fi ve of Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points and Paul Antetokounmpo seized control in the James carried the team on his back as his shots, including one three-pointer, as George added 24 as the Clippers notched waning minutes, putting the Bucks up 88- the Lakers overcame the absence of for- the Lakers led 63-61 at halftime. their fourth straight win. First-year guard 83 with a turnaround jump shot. ward Anthony Davis, who missed out on “It was a playoff type atmosphere,” said Shake Milton led Philadelphia with 39 He then pulled down an off ensive re- facing his former team because of a sore James. “They are competing for the eighth points, including seven three-pointers. bound, drew a foul and made two free knee. James, who had 40 points in a 118- seed and we don’t like to lose two in a row.” But with Simmons nursing a back injury throws drove for another layup and added 109 home victory against the Pelicans on The Los Angeles Clippers, locked in and Embiid sidelined by a shoulder injury, another free throw as he scored the Bucks’ Tuesday, is the clear MVP winner in some battle with Denver for second place in the the Sixers suff ered another blow when last seven points to seal the game. people’s eyes. West, rallied in the third quarter for a 111- guard Josh Richardson clashed heads Antetokounmpo, who handed out six “He is just amazing,” said Pelicans 91 victory over the short-handed Phila- with a teammate in the second quarter assists, became the fi rst Bucks player with coach Alvin Gentry. “I am not sure what delphia 76ers. and exited the game. Richardson suff ered a 40-20-5 stat line since Kareem Abdul- defi nes an MVP, but he makes everybody The Sixers got off to a hot start despite a bruised nose and is being checked for a Jabbar in 1974. Remarkably, Antetok- on his team better.” the injury absences of stars Ben Simmons possible concussion, the 76ers said. ounmpo amassed the numbers in just 35 Williamson scored a career-high 35 and Joel Embiid, leading by as many as 14 The absence of Slovenian star Luka minutes on the court. points, marking his 11th consecutive game points on the way to a 39-34 fi rst-quarter Doncic, who is nursing a sprained left Elsewhere, the Western Conference with 20-plus points for the Pelicans, who lead. They were up by two at halftime, thumb, didn’t slow the Dallas Mavericks Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin celebrates his power leading Lakers bounced back from a loss are in nine place in the Western Confer- and it was knotted at 89-89 with 4:39 in a 111-91 victory over the Timberwolves play goal during the first period of their NHL game against the to the Memphis Grizzlies by beating rising ence one spot out of a playoff spot. left in the third when the Clippers pro- in Minnesota. Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times Tuesday, March 3, 2020 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT ‘Olympic events with no fans possible’ Im takes fi rst US Reuters ian team members were suspect- London ed of having tested positive for coronavirus. Denmark’s Michael Morkov was forced to self-iso- ritish Cycling’s per- late when he arrived at the Berlin formance director world track championships last Stephen Park has raised week, having taken part in the the possibility of some UAE race. Morkov was eventu- PGA title in Honda OlympicB events taking place ally cleared to race, winning a without spectators if the coro- gold medal in the madison. navirus crisis does not subside. Park said British Cycling were Park, who joined British Cy- well-equipped to avoid any pos- cling in 2016, remains confi dent sible coronavirus infections with that the Games will go ahead, the national velodrome’s chang- but says it could be ‘diff erent’. ing rooms in Manchester getting “You would struggle to fi nd a a deep clean last week. Classic thriller day when the Olympics didn’t “We are preparing as if (the take part for any reason. But will Olympics) are going to happen,” ‘I hope to really work hard and move forward and become a winner again soon’ it mean that they might be diff er- he said. “That’s all we can do. No ent? Possibly,” he told reporters. point wasting our energy worry- AFP LEADING SCORES “Look, at the World Cup (Fi- ing about it, but equally we will Miami nals) skiing in two weeks time take the right advice from the 274 - IM Sung-jae (KOR) 72- in Cortina, they are doing it on NHS and WHO in terms of mak- 66-70-66 a closed circuit with no fans. ing sure we can do everything we outh Korea’s Im Sung- 275 - Mackenzie Hughes And that’s going to an area that can to look after out athletes. jae captured his fi rst US (CAN) 71-72-66-66 doesn’t currently have infec- “We are making sure that we PGA Tour title on Sun- 276 - Tommy Fleetwood tions. So might there be some of don’t let it become a distrac- day in a dramatic four- (ENG) 70-68-67-71 those things that happen (at the tion or overtake the prepara- manS Honda Classic shootout, Olympics)? Possibly.” tion. As soon as you start doing 277 - An Byeong-Hun (KOR) then shared his worries about 76-66-68-67, Daniel Berger Sporting events have been hit that, start thinking ‘it might not the coronavirus outbreak strik- 69-70-69-69, Lee Westwood hard across the globe by coro- happen’ what are you preparing ing his homeland. (ENG) 67-69-71-70, Brendan navirus fears, especially in Asia for? We are full steam ahead and The 21-year-old Asian prodi- Steele 68-67-71-71 with this month’s Thai Moto GP expecting to be there in July, in gy, last year’s US PGA Rookie of 278 - Gary Woodland 70-67- race the latest to be cancelled. Tokyo, having fun.” Morkov, who the Year, birdied four of the fi rst 74-67, Cameron Davis (AUS) The Tokyo Marathon held at spent 34 hours in his hotel room fi ve holes and sank tension- 70-67-73-68, Russell Henley the weekend had a much-re- before being given the all-clear, packed birdie putts at the par-3 70-69-70-69 duced fi eld and few fans showed said the “whole world was wait- 15th and 17th to help secure the 279 - Brice Garnett 72-69-72- up to watch. Cycling was also af- ing” to see what happens. “Big victory at Palm Beach Gardens, 66, Wyndham Clark 68-74- fected last week when the UAE things could be cancelled, but Florida. 71-66, Maverick McNealy Tour was cancelled with two it’s out of everybody’s hands,” Im fi red a four-under par 70-69-71-69, Robby Shelton stages remaining after two Ital- the 34-year-old said. 66 fi nal round to become the 70-69-70-70, Mark Hubbard youngest winner in tournament 69-71-69-70, Luke Donald history with a breakthrough (ENG) 70-66-71-72 TENNIS triumph at PGA National in his 280 - Harris English 66-74-72- 50th US PGA start. 68, Richy Werenski 70-68-73- “After so many chances so 69, Ryan Palmer 70-72-68-70, many weeks and having a bunch Charl Schwartzel (RSA) Brazilian teen Wild of top 10s, using that experi- 69-69-70-72 ence this week was big,” Im said 281 - Hudson Swaff ord 70- through a translator. “I hope 69-73-69, Patrick Rodgers outlasts Ruud for to really work hard and move 69-71-72-69, Kramer Hickok forward and become a winner 73-70-69-69, Shane Lowry again soon.” (IRL) 69-69-73-70, JIMmy Chile Open title Im fi nished 72 holes on six- Walker 72-69-70-70, Brandon under 274 for a one-stroke vic- Hagy 70-71-69-71 tory over Canada’s Macken- zie Hughes. Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood was third on 276 gressive than I had been playing and American Brendan Steele on the fi nal holes. I felt pretty shared fourth on 277 with Eng- good after the birdie.” land’s Lee Westwood, American Im said his performance for Daniel Berger and South Korean the Internationals in last De- An Byeong-hun. cember’s Presidents Cup, when After the breakthrough title, he went 3-1-1, helped him han- Im expressed his concern over dle the intense pressure he faced the coronavirus and its impact in the fi nal round. in South Korea. “There have “I felt a little less pressure been reportedly over 2,000 cas- than I did at the Presidents es of the coronavirus in South Cup,” Im said. Korea and I’m a little concerned “Hopefully that can help me and worried about how fast going forward.” this virus is spreading,” Im said Hughes, whose last top-10 through a translator. eff ort was nine months ago at “All I can do is pray for the Colonial, shared the lead at 16 best and hope moving forward but missed the fairway with his that not many more people get Im Sungjae of South Korea poses with the trophy after winning the Honda Classic at PGA National Re- approach and was just short on Brazil’s Thiago Seyboth Wild holds the trophy after winning the ATP infected and hopefully this vi- sort and Spa Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) a 22-foot par putt. World Tour Santiago Open 2020 in Santiago. (AFP) rus can be calmed down and Im found a fairway bunker sort itself out.” briefl y match Im for the lead, his fi rst US PGA victory, sank a stand, recovering for a par but but blasted out with a 5-iron Reuters that he deserved his wildcard Im made a huge drive over but the South Korean calmly 24-foot birdie putt at 17 to pull settling for second place. from 176 yards and two-putted Santiago and took very good care of his water to eight feet at the par-3 answered moments later with within one of Im heading to the Im made aggressive shots on from 28 feet for a key par. opportunity. Even though I’m 15th and sank the putt to cre- a birdie putt from just inside par-5 18th with Steele two back. the closing holes to set up his At 18, Im layed up on his sec- not that experienced myself, I ate a four-man logjam atop the eight feet to reclaim the solo Fleetwood and Steele both birdies, knowing the event was ond shot out of the rough only razilian teenager Thiago can see that he’ll be around for leaderboard with Fleetwood, lead for good. plunked their second shots into up for grabs. to fi nd a bunker with his third, Seyboth Wild became many more years.” Hughes and Steele. England’s Fleetwood, run- the water at 18 to doom their ti- “I knew I was one back going but blasted his 60-foot bunker the youngest player to The road to the title was not Hughes sank a stunning 53- ner-up at the 2018 US Open and tle hopes while Hughes pulled into the last four,” Im said. “I shot two feet beyond the hole win on Latin America’s an easy one for Seyboth Wild as foot birdie putt at the 17th to 2019 British Open and seeking his approach left into the grand- wanted to get a little more ag- and made the putt. ‘GoldenB Swing’ since Rafael he had to overcome fi fth-seeded Nadal in 2005 when he outlasted Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero Norwegian second seed Casper in the second round before ad- US Open prize money unlikely to soar, says USGA CEO Davis Ruud 7-5 4-6 6-3 at the Chile vancing past top seeded Cristian Open on Sunday. Garin when the Chilean retired This year’s US Open purse is un- non-profit USGA’s revenue is in- The slogan refers to the PGA Tour’s flagship event, the asked why the USGA did not The 19-year-old wildcard col- due to a left leg injury. likely to jump dramatically from vested back into the game and thousands of players who Players Championship, which diff erentiate itself by raising lapsed to the ground in delight The 182nd-ranked Seyboth last year’s figure of $12.5 million, the Open’s profitability allows enter US Open qualifying each next week will off er a record its purse to $20 or $30 million. after Ruud sent a backhand wide Wild, who had started the week US Golf Association (USGA) CEO it to provide funds for a myriad year before the number is purse of $15 million. “For every million dollars, on match point. Seyboth Wild with just two tour-level wins to Mike Davis has said. of programmes that benefit the eventually whittled down to Davis would not say whether that’s a million dollars we can’t fi red down 17 aces en route to his his name, became the youngest The association estimates that game. the champion. the purse for this year’s US put into funding for (other maiden tour-level title. Brazilian to win an ATP title. the US Open costs about $80 “Virtually everything we do The four men’s majors – Mas- Open at Winged Foot in June areas),” he said, citing junior Ruud was full of praise for He is expected to shoot up to million to stage and generates loses money,” Davis said after ters, PGA Championship, US would be at least $15 million, programmes, research grants Seyboth Wild, who is two years a career-high 113th in the world revenue of some $165 million, Saturday’s USGA annual meeting, Open and British Open – gener- stating that the figure would and a new championship for younger than the Norwegian. when the new rankings are re- about 75% of the body’s annual where the body unveiled its new ally raise their purses incre- be decided closer to the event. disabled Golfers, among other “He played amazing tennis all leased on Monday. revenue. Davis said 100% of the brand slogan: ‘From Many, One’. mentally to keep pace with the But he said it was fair to be things. week. I can’t be too upset about Nadal, then 18, prevailed at my loss,” Ruud said. “He proved Acapulco in 2005.

FOCUS Thiem third in the world; Djoko still top of rankings DPA top on 10,220 points having won Swiss player Belinda Bencic 8. (8) Matteo Berrettini, Italy, 2,860 Berlin the Dubai title at the weekend to made the only gain in the top 10 9. (9) Gael Monfils, France, 2,860 AUSTRIA’S DOMINIC THIEM extend his unbeaten start to the players by moving to eighth from 10. (10) David Goff in, Belgium, 2,555 season. Spain’s Rafael Nadal is sec- ninth at the cost of American star ustria’s Dominic Thiem ond on 9,850 points. Meanwhile Kei Serena Williams. Further down WTA TOP 10 has reached a career high Nishikori is set to return to action the rankings, big moves were made 1. (1) Ashleigh Barty, Australia, 8,717 of third in the latest world for the fi rst time in 2020. by Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, points rankings released yes- Nishikori makes his return to the who gained 14 to 32nd, and Briton 2. (2) Simona Halep, Romania, terdayA by the governing ATP. The sport for the fi rst time since the US Heather Watson, up 20 to 49th. 6,076 26-year-old has 7,045 points to Open last year when he leads Japan 3. (3) Karolina Pliskova, Czech overtake Swiss great Roger Federer, in the Davis Cup qualifi er at home ATP TOP 10 Republic, 5,205 who is currently out with a knee in- to Ecuador this weekend. However, 1. (1) Novak Djokovic, Serbia, 10,220 4. (4) Bianca Andreescu, Canada, jury and intending to return for the due to fears over the coronavirus, points 4,555 grass season from June. the Friday-Saturday tie in Miki 2. (2) Rafael Nadal, Spain, 9,850 5. (5) Sofia Kenin, United States, The 26-year-old Austrian didn’t will be played behind closed doors. 3. (4) Dominic Thiem, Austria, 7,045 4,365 play last week but he went past Fe- Nishikori has been sidelined after 4. (3) Roger Federer, Switzerland, 6. (6) Kiki Bertens, Netherlands, derer when the Swiss star was un- undergoing elbow surgery. 6,630 4,335 able to defend his points gained by Australia’s Ashleigh Barty is still 5. (5) Daniil Medvedev, Russia, 7. (7) Elina Svitolina, Ukraine, 4,301 winning the Dubai title last year. top of the world in the latest rank- 5,890 8. (9) Belinda Bencic, Switzerland, Federer, 38, has undergone knee ings released by the WTA yesterday. 6. (6) Stefanos Tsitsipas, Greece, 4,010 surgery and is not expected back on Barty has a best 8,717 points with 4,745 9. (8) Serena Williams, United tour until the grass court season. Romania’s Simona Halep second 7. (7) Alexander Zverev, Germany, States, 3,915 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic remains on 6,076. 3,630 10. (10) Naomi Osaka, Japan, 3,625

Tuesday, March 3, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS MOTORCYCLING Grand Prix of Qatar Open table Qatar to go ahead with Moto2 and tennis begins with Moto3 races By Sports Reporter Doha

fter Sunday’s an- nouncement from Dorna regarding the qualifi ers today cancellation of the Mo- toGPA race of the Grand Prix of Qatar due to travel restrictions ‘We wish everyone on this occasion to celebrate the silver jubilee of the Qatar Open’ brought into force aff ecting pas- sengers from Italy (among other countries) because of the spread of the coronavirus, Losail Circuit Sports Club has announced that Moto2 and Moto3 races will take place from 6-8th March at the circuit. Also the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup will have their two races during the Grand Prix of Qatar. The Moto2 and Moto3 rid- ers and teams are already in Qa- tar preparing for the event with winter testing. Six riders in the elite class are Italian - seven- ent areas remaining the same: time MotoGP world champion Grandstand, Losail Club and VIP Valentino Rossi, 2019 runner- Village. At the Grandstand area up Andrea Dovizioso, Danilo fans can still enjoy all the ac- Petrucci, Francesco Bagnaia, tivities scheduled (kids karting, Franco Morbidelli and Andrea kids quad bikes, skate park and Iannone. Ducati and Aprilia are a variety of food vendors) and at leading Italian manufacturers. the Losail Club there will be live MotoGP riders and teams were commentary of all the sessions in Qatar from February 22-24 for with a live band. the fi nal session of winter test- Losail Circuit Sports Club has ing. taken into account all the rec- All the tickets will still be valid ommendations by the Ministry for the three-day event with the of Public Health to carry out the initial set up for all the diff er- event.

Thai MotoGP race postponed over coronavirus

Reuters tion IRTA. Bangkok, Thailand An alternative date would Qatar Table Tennis Federation (QTTF) president Khaleel al-Muhannadi (centre), tournament director Ali Sultan al-Muftah (left) and Thani al-Zarraa, the Director of the National be considered this season, it Teams, address a press conference ahead of the Qatar Open. added in the statement. Thai he second MotoGP race Deputy Prime Minister Anutin By Sports Reporter Tour Grand Final from 10-13 De- and a selection of leading Chi- ments to host the event. We are Committee of the world body,” of the season, sched- Charnvirakul, who is also Doha cember. There are fi ve titles on nese paddlers have stayed Doha expecting another great edition al-Mohannadi said. Tuled for Thailand on health minister and chairman off er: men’s and women’s sin- for nearly a month after the Ger- of the Qatar Open,” he added. He informed that a few coun- March 22, has been postponed of the event’s organising com- gles, men’s and women’s dou- man Open. The winner of the men’s and tries had pulled out of the main indefinitely due to the corona- mittee, had announced the he 25th edition of the bles and mixed doubles. Khaleel al-Muhannadi, First women’s singles competitions draw citing coronavirus con- virus epidemic, MotoGP said cancellation earlier. Qatar Open will be be- Reigning women’s world Vice-President of the Asian and will take home $44,000 each cerns. “We, as the Local Organ- yesterday. The race is the latest in a long gin from today, with champion Liu Shiwen will skip International Table Tennis Fed- while the beaten fi nalist in both ising Committee, are follow- The decision to postpone the line of international sporting top table tennis stars in the tournament due to injury, erations (ITTF), said around 300 classes gets richer by $22,000. ing up with Qatar’s Ministry of event in the northeastern events aff ected by the flu-like Taction at the Aspire Dome. The with the Chen Meng, Sun Ying- players representing China, Ja- “We wish everyone on this oc- Health and other top offi cials province of Buriram came virus that originated in China stellar cast will be led by Chi- sha, Mima Ito and Wang Manyu pan, Germany, Taiwan, France, casion to celebrate the silver fi rst-hand on the matter. We a day after this weekend’s late last year and has killed nese paddlers Fan Zhendong and the contenders for the title. Italy, Austria, Portugal and Bra- jubilee of the Qatar Open. The were fortunate that the fi rst season-opening race in Qatar nearly 3,000 people and in- Xu Xin, the top two seeds in the Shiwen – the 29-year-old zil will feature in the tourna- number of countries partici- Chinese squad including the was also cancelled due to fected over 86,500 globally. men’s and women’s section re- former world No 1, a record fi ve- ment . pating in 2020 Qatar Open is 53 world’s top seed were in Qatar travel curbs on participants Thailand has reported 43 cas- spectively. time World Cup title holder, Al-Mohannadi, who is the countries. The players have ar- for a month ago to set up their from Italy and elsewhere. es since January and recorded The tournament will be held had registered to participate in President of the Qatar and Arab rived and we are set to stage six preparatory camp,” al-Mohan- Six riders in the champion- its first fatality on Sunday. until March 5-8 event and a the women’s singles and mixed Federations and the Chairman days of non-stop table tennis nadi said. ship’s 22-strong grid come The MotoGP championship staggering $400,000 in prize doubles at the Qatar Open be- of the Local Organising Com- matches,” al-Mohannadi added. Meanwhile, Thani al-Zarraa, from Italy, which has Europe’s now moves to the United money in fi ve categories, with fore sustaining an injury on her mitte (LOC) said the champi- Meanwhile, Qatar Table Ten- the Director of the National worst coronavirus outbreak. States with next month’s the preliminary matches sched- right elbow. The men’s category onship prize money has been nis Association (QTTA) held a Teams, said there will be a large “The Thai government has Grand Prix of the Americas in uled for today and tomorrow. will see the absence of Timo Boll increased from $300,000 to series of meetings with ITTF number of Qatar players partici- communicated that it won’t Austin, Texas. The Qatar Open is a Platinum and Dimitrij Ovtcharov. $400,000 and that the mixed offi cials and top representatives pating the tournament in vari- be possible to hold the Formula One, whose season Series event on the ITTF World Amid concerns over the doubles segment is an offi cial of regional federations yester- ous categories. “Our players are Thailand Grand Prix on its starts in Australia on March Tour and is the second out of six spread of Covid-19 coronavi- qualifying competition for the day. “Around 80 offi cials are ready to participate in the tour- original date,” MotoGP said in 15, has already cancelled its Platinum Series, as the players rus in China, the Chinese team 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. present in Qatar, including the nament and we hope that they a statement with governing Chinese Grand Prix scheduled fi ght for points to qualify for the has cancelled all competitions, “We, as the LOC, have fi nished ITTF President Thomas Weikert will represent Qatar in the best body FIM and teams’ associa- for Shanghai on April 19. season ending 2020 ITTF World training and activities in China, all preparations and arrange- and 44 offi cials of the Executive manner possible,” al-Zarraa said.

BOXING Anthony Joshua to fi ght Kubrat Pulev in London

AFP London, United Kingdom Third Fury vs Wilder fi ght is on, says Warren Reuters nthony Joshua con- London, United Kingdom fi rmed yesterday that he will defend his world heavyweight titles third fight between WBC againstA Kubrat Pulev in London heavyweight world on June 20. A champion Tyson Fury The British boxer posted a and American Deontay Wilder picture of himself wearing his is on and set for the United belts on his Twitter feed with the States by early July, the Briton’s words “June 20th”. promoter Frank Warren said Joshua, 30, regained the WBA, yesterday. IBF and WBO titles with a unani- Fury took the title in Las Vegas mous points win over Andy Ruiz on February 22 with a seventh- In this February 22, 2020, picture, British boxer Tyson Fury (right) Jr in Saudi Arabia in December. round stoppage of Wilder, who slams a right to the head of US boxer Deontay Wilder during their That victory saw the Briton fought the Briton to a split-deci- WBC heavyweight title bout in Las Vegas, United States. (AFP) avenge the fi rst defeat of his pro- sion draw in their first meeting fessional career, in New York last in December 2018. working towards,” Warren told promoter. “It will take place by June. Warren had said he wanted Fury talkSPORT radio. the end of June, early July — no Joshua is set to face Bulgaria’s to fight fellow Briton Anthony “It’s contracted to take place later than that.” Pulev, 38, at the new Tottenham Joshua next in a world title in the States. That is in the Joshua will face Bulgarian Ku- Hotspur Stadium in north Lon- unification bout but Wilder had contract and set in stone unless brat Pulev, the IBF’s mandatory don for what will be the 62,000 a rematch clause. anyone agrees diff erently. But challenger, at Tottenham Hot- capacity football ground’s fi rst In this December 8. 2019, picture, Anthony Joshua poses with the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight “He’s invoked the rematch at the moment it is due to take spur’s 62,000-seater stadium boxing bout. belts after winning his title fight against Andy Ruiz Jr (not pictured) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters) clause so that is what we are place in the US,” added the on June 20. Pulev, who is the mandatory challenger for Joshua’s IBF title, International Boxing Federation fi ght” between Joshua and Ty- US media reported on Sunday. pulled out of a scheduled meet- (IBF)... is guaranteed!” son Fury suff ered a setback when “We received a letter from last week — the American’s fi rst Joshua’s promoter Eddie “You go back to (Muhammad) ing with the Briton in 2017 due to Pulev added: “I am happy that American Deontay Wilder said Wilder’s team on Friday night, defeat of his career — after a draw Hearn said last week they would Ali fi ghting (George) Foreman in injury. I will be able to show the world he would trigger a clause in his and we agreed with the networks between the two boxers in 2018. do “everything we can” to bring Zaire when a lot of money was But in a Facebook post yes- how strong I really am.” contract for a third meeting with and the hotel that July 18 was Fury’s promoter Frank War- about a fi ght with Fury. put up, you go back to the ‘Thrilla terday, Pulev’s camp said: “The A seasoned campaigner, Pulev Fury, the new WBC champion. the optimal date,” promoter Bob ren had urged Wilder to ditch his The 90,000-capacity Wem- in Manila’, where money was put contract between the two coun- last challenged for a world title in Wilder has offi cially exercised Arum told the Los Angeles Times re-match rights in return for a bley Stadium could host a poten- up. That happens in boxing,” tries is already offi cially signed 2014 when he was stopped in fi ve his right to another fi ght against newspaper. payment in order to pave the way tial Joshua-Fury bout but it could Warren told the Daily Telegraph. and the battle between the Bul- rounds by Wladimir Klitschko. Fury and the plan is to stage the Fury stopped Wilder in the for a lucrative unifi cation bout take place overseas for fi nancial “All I can say at our end is that garian boxer, who is a manda- The prospects for a much- bout on July 18 at the MGM Grand seventh round of their heavy- between the self-styled “Gypsy reasons, with Saudi Arabia re- if we can do it we’ll do it, for ob- tory contender for the belt of the anticipated all-British “super- Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, weight title rematch in Las Vegas King” and Joshua later this year. ported to be a potential venue. vious reasons,” he added.