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WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2021 SpinnersS lead India to crushing victoryv over England in 2nd Test OurO application with the bat was outstanding. Conditions werew challenging for both sides but we showed more applicationa to grit it out. It was a perfect game for us.

IndiaI captain Virat Kohli Sport | 13

2ND TEST IN CHENNAI: India 329 (Rohit 161) and 286 (Ashwin 106) beat England 134 (Ashwin 5-43)) and 164 (Axar( 5-60)) byy 317 runs Champions League Round of 16: Parisians take big 4-1 advantage;e; Liverpool win 2-2-00 Mbappe fires hat-trick as PSG sink Barca at Camp Nou

REUTERS – BARCELONA

Paris St Germain's Kylian Mbappe fired in a stunning hat- trick as his side overcame the absence of Neymar to thrash Barcelona 4-1 away in their Champions League last-16 first leg yesterday to move within full view of the last eight. At Camp Nou, Lionel Messi had blasted Barca ahead with a penalty in the first half but Mbappe pulled the French champions level with a classy piece of control and finishing to complete a flowing team move also involving Marco Verratti and Layvin Kurzawa. Mbappe, who had not scored in the Champions League knockouts for two years before yesterday, smashed PSG into the lead in the 65th minute while Moise Kean took advantage of some woeful Barca marking to Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe scores his second goal against Barcelona head in a third goal for the vis- during the Champions League Round of 16 first leg match yesterday. itors in the 70th. The insatiable Mbappe in turning this tie around when on course for their first win in game on a four-game winning looked hungry for more though they visit the Parc des Princes any competition since late run, hit the post early in the first and after being denied a third on March 10. January. half but were largely toothless goal of his own by Barca keeper Elsewhere, in Budapest, Liv- Mane then pounced on in attack following the two goals Marc-Andre ter Stegen, he com- erpool struck twice in five another mistake when Nordi until Tyler Adam's miss in pleted his treble in the 85th minutes early in the second half Mukiele failed to clear a high stoppage time. minute by curling the ball past with Mohamed Salah and Sadio cross five minutes later, leaving The English champions, who ROUND OF 16 - FIRST LEG the German into the top corner. Mane on target as they stunned the Germans down for the count had lost their last three Premier TODAY Barca overcame a 4-0 defeat hosts RB Leipzig 2-0. in Budapest's Puskas Arena League games to see their title PSG 4-1 Barcelona to PSG in a last-16 first leg in Salah easily intercepted a where the game had been relo- hopes dashed, will now go into Liverpool 2-0 RB Leipzig 2017 by winning the second leg back pass by Leipzig's Marcel cated due to COVID-19 restric- the return leg in England on TODAY AT 11PM at home 6-1 but the Catalans Sabitzer to put the visitors tions in Germany. March 10 with a healthy FC Porto vs Juventus now face another daunting task ahead in the 53rd minute and Leipzig, who came into the advantage. Sevilla vs Borussia Dortmund

Qatar Cup semis: Al Sadd’s Hassan The game will be like a Clasico between the two top teams in . The two teams know each other well in terms of their expects tough battle against Al Rayyan strengths and weaknesses. The Qatar Cup is different from the league because it – THE PENINSULA especially as it bears the would be playing to their needs more focus. We’re aware of this. name Qatar. And let’s not strengths rather than Al Sadd’s star defender forget that Al Sadd are the worry about the oppo- Al Sadd players realise the importance of Abdelkarim Hassan is expecting title holders. We’ll strive nents tomorrow. focus to achievee a win in the semifinal as a a feisty contest against Al to enter the event on a “Generally, every team first step and qualifyingualifying forfor the final:final: Rayyan tomorrow when the positive note in order to has strengths and weak- Abdelkarim Hassanassan two football powerhouses meet win it again,” Hassan, one nesses and what matters in the Qatar Cup semi-final. of the key members of the to me is who we are. What The kick-off - set for Qatar squad that won I want is on the day of the TOMORROW 4:45pm - will take place at Al 2019 AFC Asian Cup, match, we’re ready to Duhail Stadium. warned. apply our strengths, In the second semi-final of “We’ve great passion exploit opportunities and SEMI-FINAL 1 the event tomorrow, Al Gharafa and ambition to compete avoid mistakes by Al Rayyan face Al Duhail at the same in the tournament. Our adhering to our coach’s venue (7:45pm). preparations are a contin- instructions and focusing vs Al Sadd “As usual, Al Sadd and Al uation of what we offer throughout the match,” Al At Al Duhail Stadium Rayyan matches are always during the league. Our Ameen said. (16:45) very difficult. We managed to team has a wonderful “Al Gharafa enter all beat Al Rayyan in the first leg technical set-up,” Hassan Al Sadd's goalkeeper , Spanish midfielder and Qatari tournaments with the of the league and now Al said. defender Abdelkarim Hassan posing for a photo with the Qatar Cup winner's same enthusiasm and trophy. Al Sadd are the Qatar Cup title holders. SEMI-FINAL 2 Rayyan have a new and good When asked if he or desire to achieve vic- Al Duhail coach (Laurent Blanc) who has his team was under any tories. As long as we carry succeeded in getting his team kind of pressure before the focus throughout the match During the on-going QSL the Al Gharafa logo, the vs Al Gharafa together,” Hassan said in an high-profile clash, Hassan said: until we achieve the goal which season, Al Ameen has won the enthusiasm is always there to At Al Duhail interview. “Al Sadd players have the expe- is to qualify for the final,” Al U-23 Best Player of the Month win all competitions. Our Stadium “Therefore, the game will rience and tenacity in dealing Ameen said. Award twice. desire is to win the Qatar be like a Clasico between the with such circumstances. Al “We’re happy to be a part Al Ameen said Al Gharafa Cup,” he added. (19:45) two top teams in Qatar Cup,” Sadd remain the number one of this tournament and our Hassan said. side to win all tournaments in presence came after the effort “The two teams know each Qatar. And we know that we’ve we made last season. We’re other well in terms of their to work hard to achieve that. excited to be playing in this strengths and weaknesses,” “I hope we’ll succeed in this competition. We look forward Hassan, Asia’s Best Player in tournament and achieve more to winning the semifinal as a 2018, added. titles in the future,” Hassan said. first step and then being in the The 27-year-old urged his Meanwhile, Homam Al final. This is a knockout match team to stay focused in the Ameen, Al Gharafa’s promising and in that kind of a scenario, one-off clash which could take left-back, said yesterday his the chances are equal for both them to the final of the four- team had prepared well for parties. We will do everything team event. what would be a ‘strong’ we can in order to achieve the “The Qatar Cup is different against Al Duhail. desired result,” Al Ameen said. from the league because it Regarded as the one to “Qatar Cup matches are dif- needs more focus. We’re aware watch in the future because of ferent from league matches. of this. Al Sadd players realise his exciting game and physique, There must be a winner, which the importance of focus to the U-23 star is expected to be forces the players to have a achieve a win in the semifinal in the starting XI tomorrow. higher focus and a different Al Duhail players taking as a first step and qualifying for “It’ll definitely be a strong approach. Also, a loss means part in a training session the final,” Hassan said in an match as is the case with all our you’re out of the tournament ahead of tomorrow's Qatar interview QSL website. previous games against Al and there’s no room for come- Cup semi-final match “It’s a strong championship Duhail. We’ve to be prepared backs. This applies to both against Al Gharafa. and everyone is waiting for it, physically and mentally and to teams,” he said. WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 15

Australian Open Results Players don’t

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his quarter-final match Men’s Singles (Quarter-finals) want season to against Germany’s Alexander Aslan Karatsev, Russia, def. Grigor Dimitrov Zverev. (18), Bulgaria, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2. continue with Novak Djokovic (1), Serbia, def. Alexander quarantines, Zverev (6), Germany, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (6). Women’s Singles (Quarter-finals) says Djokovic Naomi Osaka (3), Japan, def. Hsieh Su-wei, Taiwan, 6-2, 6-2. REUTERS — MELBOURNE Serena Williams (10), United States, def. Simona Halep (2), Romania, 6-3, 6-3. World number one Novak Djokovic claims the majority of players on the ATP Tour would not want the tennis season to continue if strict quarantines are required before tournaments. Speaking after his quarter-final victory over Alexander Zverev at the Aus- tralian Open yesterday, he said he wants answers as to what the post-Melbourne season will look like. Players arriving for the Australian Open had to adhere to a 14-day quar- antine process. While many players were allowed to go out for up to five hours to train, some were confined to their rooms 24/7 for the entire isolation period after COVID-19 cases were discovered on their incoming flights. Djokovic edges Zverev as Serena Djokovic was not one of the players hit with the extra quarantine require- ments, but he says a spate of injuries amongst top players could be down to the strange preparations. tops Halep to reach semi-finals “What we are seeing is not normal. It’s not something we are used to. Top players are the ones that are fittest. It has been REUTERS — MELBOURNE to within two victories of a record- proven in the past that that’s the case,” said Serena Williams of equalling 24th Grand Slam title. Djokovic, who has been playing with an the US reacts during Reigning champion Novak Djokovic Williams hit some ferocious fore- abdominal injury suffered in his third-round overcame several dips in form to beat her quarter-final hands and moved around the court match against Taylor Fritz. Alexander Zverev 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-4, against Romania’s with a freedom that she has not “Now you have (Matteo) Berrettini, 7-6(6) and book his place in the Simona Halep. enjoyed for a good while to set up a even Rafa (Nadal) coming in with a back Australian Open semi-finals semi-final meeting against in-form injury, myself, Sascha (Zverev), as well, yesterday. Japanese third seed Naomi Osaka. struggled, (Grigor) Dimitrov. I mean, obvi- The Serbian world number one “I think this was the best match I ously it has something to do with these hit back strongly after losing a tight have played at this tournament, for kind of circumstances that we were in. opening set on a tiebreak but trailed sure,” Williams said after celebrating “We are hoping that it’s temporary. in both the third and fourth sets her win to the accompaniment of But talking to a lot of players, the majority before turning them around. canned applause as Melbourne’s don’t want to go ahead with the season German sixth seed Zverev will rue coronavirus lockdown kept the fans if we have to quarantine before most of allowing Djokovic back from 4-1 away for a fourth day. the tournaments.” down in the third set and he was also “I knew it had to be going up The Australian Open quarantine was up 3-0 in the fourth. against the number two in the world. especially stringent but even at last year’s Djokovic again wore tape on his I had to be better and I was, so I’m US and French Opens, players had to abdominal area, a legacy of the injury excited.” follow strict guidelines. picked up in his third-round win over If any match at this year’s tour- “I spoke to some of the council Taylor Fritz. But it did not appear to nament deserved a crowd, it was this. members, and they are saying they have bother him as he reached his 39th There were nine breaks of serve as extensive discussions about that with ATP Grand Slam semi-final, where he will two great competitors punched and management,” he said. “I’m waiting for face an unlikely opponent in Russian counter-punched over lengthy rallies. answers. I want to understand how our qualifier Aslan Karatsev. While the first set took an hour, the baseline in long exchanges and Williams was always in front in continuation of the season post-Australia “After the tie-break I felt like I Djokovic needed only 29 minutes to a sumptuous backhand winner the first set but needed to dig deep to is going to look, because is definitely not started moving better, I started grab the second as Zverev lapsed. earned him a set point in the 12th wrestle back the momentum after good for players wellbeing.” serving better and ended up with An unpredictable match them game, only for Djokovic to reply with Halep took a 3-1 lead in the second. more aces than him which is a took another change of direction as an ace. The match turned decisively miracle against someone like Sacha,” Djokovic went off the boil and Zverev Djokovic squandered his first when Williams broke for 4-3 after a Djokovic, whose route to the semi- moved into a 4-1 lead, with the Serb’s match point in the tiebreak with a 13-shot rally where she showed finals has been a struggle, said. frustration boiling over as he sliced backhand into the net but a incredible athleticism to get to a We are hoping that it’s “There were lots of nerves out destroyed a racket, leaving fragments dipping backhand earned him a couple of shots that would have there, emotionally I feel a little of frame across the baseline. second opportunity, this time on his defied most players. temporary. But talking to a drained, it was a great battle, tough Zverev was 0-30 ahead on Djok- own serve, and his 23rd ace sealed Seven minutes later, she wrapped luck to Sacha. We pushed ourselves ovic’s serve in the next game but victory. up the contest with a huge forehand, lot of players, the majority to the limits.” Djokovic clicked back into gear, With 114th-ranked Karatsev up her 24th winner. don’t want to go ahead The 23-year-old Zverev began in reeling off 20 of the next 24 points to next, it would be a huge surprise if Williams has not landed one of confident fashion and broke Djoko- move one set from victory. Djokovic is not contesting Sunday’s the game’s major prizes since her with the season if we have vic’s opening service game as the Again Zverev forged ahead in the final. Also yesterday, Serena Wil- seventh title at Melbourne Park in to quarantine before most favourite initially struggled to get into fourth set and he had three points to liams came through a huge test of her 2017, with Halep’s victory in the 2019 his usual silky rhythm. move into a 4-0 lead but Djokovic Australian Open title credentials to Wimbledon final denying her one of the tournaments. Zverev failed to convert a set hung on. reach the last four with a 6-3, 6-3 opportunity to match Margaret point on Djokovic’s serve when Djokovic, bidding for a record- victory over Simona Halep in a high Court’s record. leading 5-3 and wavered on his own extending ninth Australian Open title, quality quarter-final. After gaining a measure of Novak Djokovic serve at 5-4 but showed plenty of chiselled his way back into a high- The 39-year-old went toe-to-toe revenge for that defeat, Williams has composure as he edged the opening quality set, saving yet another break with the Romanian second seed over the chance to avenge another when World No.1 tiebreaker when Djokovic fended a point at 3-4. 80 minutes on Rod Laver Arena she plays Osaka, who won the 2018 return long. Zverev was happy to trade from before she was finally able to move US Open final between the two. City's Guardiola backs CL glory an achievable dream ‘exceptional’ coach for Juventus, says coach Pirlo Klopp to bounce back

REUTERS — ROME level as the others, some “We’ll need to be REUTERS — MANCHESTER to lose to realise how difficult Andrea Pirlo says that might be more favoured patient and not force things it is. Juventus are dreaming of but when you get to the last because they have quick Manchester City manager Pep “When you come back and ending their 25-year wait 16 everyone has the dream players on the Guardiola sympathised with his win games you get more to win the Champions of going all the way.” counter-attack.” Liverpool counterpart Juergen credit.” League but urged caution Pirlo is in the first The Serie A champions Klopp after the German Guardiola said midfielder ahead of his side’s last 16 season of his coaching travel to Portugal on the admitted his side’s title hopes Ilkay Gundogan is making trip to Porto today. career but knows all about back of a 1-0 league defeat were all but over following a progress after sustaining a The Italian champions the Champions League by Napoli on Saturday, a dismal run of form. groin injury but is expected to travel to Portugal for the from his playing days, result that ended a seven- Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at miss the trip to Goodison Park, first leg after impressing in having won it twice with AC match unbeaten run in all Leicester City left champions while striker Sergio Aguero will the group stage by finishing Milan and finishing as a competitions. Liverpool 13 points behind be among the substitutes. ahead of Barcelona to top runner-up with Juve in It was a blow to Juve’s leaders Manchester City having Gundogan, who has scored Group G with five wins 2016-17. chances of defending the played a game more, and even 11 league goals this season and from six games. “When you’re playing in league title, but captain led to speculation that Klopp was January’s Premier League Juve haven’t won a last 16 game the adren- Giorgio Chiellini insists the could walk away from the club. Player of the Month, limped off European football’s top aline rises so much that you result won’t weigh on the The German on Monday in the second half of Saturday’s prize since 1996, losing five can do important things,” players’ minds. said that he was determined to 3-0 victory against Tottenham finals since then, but Pirlo he said. “We’re coming off a turn around Liverpool’s Hotspur after netting twice. believes that anything is “Unfortunately, I can’t very positive period,” he flagging fortunes and that he “Gundogan is much better, possible once the knockout go out on the pitch to help said. did not need a break from but I don’t think he is available. stages get underway. them, but we need to be “The game on Saturday management. The rest of the players are OK, “The Champions careful because we’re doesn’t affect us, we need “I have a lot of sympathy, except Nathan Ake,” Guardiola League is a unique compe- playing 180 minutes and balance and the two com- what he produces in football is said. tition; the level is elevated tomorrow won’t be petitions must be exceptional. His philosophy “Sergio is one year injured from the league,” he told a decisive. separated.” makes football attractive for so cannot start. But he is ready news conference. “It’ll be a very compli- Coach Pirlo confirmed spectators,” Guardiola told to come back. He was on the “There are a lot of cated match, they defend that Paulo Dybala and reporters ahead of today’s bench last game and will be teams who want to win it, very well. They’re compact, Leonardo Bonucci will miss Premier League game at again. but it depends on how you in the style of Atletico the game through injury, Everton. Guardiola also confirmed Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo prepare mentally and Madrid, very good at but Aaron Ramsey has “We all have good moments Belgian playmaker Kevin De during a training session in physically. keeping it tight with two returned to fitness in time and bad moments, no manager Bruyne has returned to training Turin, yesterday. “We’re on the same lines of four. to feature. can sustain it for seasons and as he steps up his recovery seasons. Sometimes it’s good from a hamstring injury. 14 SPORT WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2021 Daam main supporter of Amir Sword Festival

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

As the 2021 renewal of the Amir Sword Festival is fast approaching, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) has announced that the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam) is the main supporter of the Festival, which will be held between February 18-20 at the QREC Al Rayyan Park. Interna- tional runners will be lining up in the Festival races, reflecting the stature of horseracing in Qatar. Top runners set for feisty battle This support is part of the ongoing partnership between QREC and Daam. This support covers several of QREC’s activities and is aimed to realise the aim behind the partnership extended at $4.34m Amir Sword Festival over the years and achieve success for both parties. THE PENINSULA – DOHA Group 2 Queen’s Vase) and Doncaster three runners from the stable of French the Al Shaqab Racing Trophy over this (in the Group 1 St Leger). handler Thomas Fourcy. Pick of the tri- course and distance on February 3rd. The final declarations for the interna- The son of Sir Percy will be ridden umvirate is Julien Auge’s mount, Lady The size of the international con- tional races of the Amir Sword Festival by Jason Watson as he faces up to the Princess, who has notched six victories tingent at the Amir Sword Festival has have been issued featuring quality cream of the local equine population, and two second places from eight been reduced by the recent imposition runners. The $4.34m Festival takes spearheaded by the Group 1 scorer, career starts, most recently triumphing of additional COVID-19 quarantine reg- place at the Qatar Racing and Eques- Aspetar (Maxime Guyon), having his in December’s Qatar Derby. ulations and Saturday’s top three-year- trian Club (QREC) Al Rayyan Park in first start for Qatari trainer Julian Smart Fourcy’s other representatives are old event, the US$250,000 (£187,870) Doha from tomorrow until Saturday since leaving Roger Charlton’s British- the three-time Group 1 runner-up, one mile (1600m) Al Biddah Mile will with the Amir Sword and the Amir based string; Hellenistique (Ronan Melabi (Jerome Cabre), and Faleh be an all-domestic 12-runner affair. Trophy as the key clashes among its Thomas), winner of December’s Qatar Bughanaim’s mount, Kair Al Cham, Soldierpoy, winner of all four of his international section. Derby; and the evergreen 2016 Qatar lightly-raced since landing a Group 3 Doha starts including against nine of QREC Chairman Issa bin Derby hero, Noor Al Hawa (Alberto in Holland in 2019. these rivals on his latest outing, will be Mohammed Al Mohannadi stressed the Sanna), already twice runner-up in this There is also French involvement hard to beat if lasting out this extra magnificence of the Festival and lauded contest and successful in four times out in Saturday’s big speed test, the furlong. the role of the sponsors. of four this season, most recently $250,000 Dukhan Sprint (Sponsored Saturday’s final international event, QREC Chairman Al Mohannadi “The Amir Sword Festival is the beating Hellenistique in the H E Sheikh by Breeders’ Cup) over six furlongs the Qatar International Cup (Sponsored lauds Daam's support most prestigious and glamorous eques- Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle. (1200m), in the shape of Air de Valse. by Daam), is a $250,000 one mile trian event, not only in QREC, but in Two of the very best purebred Ara- Owner/trainer/breeder Corine (1600m) race for purebred Arabians. QREC Chairman Issa Bin Qatar in general as well,” Al Mohannadi bians in the world, Smart’s Ebraz Barande-Barbe has booked Thomas to Amaar, a visitor from Oman, is the only Mohammed Al Mohannadi lauded said. (Guyon) and the Alban de Mieulle- partner her mare, winner of a Group 3 foreigner among a 15-runner field Daam’s support. "The value and the nature of Fes- trained Tayf (Ronan Thomas), go head- at Paris Longchamp last September and headed by the three-time Group 2 “First of all, we would like to thank tival do voice the attention paid to to-head again in Saturday’s other $1m beaten little more than two lengths scorer, Al Naama (Soufiane Saadi). Daam for their keenness to be with us Qatar’s horseracing and the standing showpiece, the Amir Sword (Sponsored when sixth in the Group 1 Prix de The $200,000 Irish Thoroughbred in the major events at QREC”, he said it has reached in terms of both organ- by Al Hazm). l’Abbaye at the same venue three weeks Marketing Cup takes place 24 hours “Daam are the main supporter of isation and competitions thanks to the Ebraz has landed the last two later. She will have Ronan Thomas in before the Festival’s other five inter- our most valuable event the Amir support from the country’s wise lead- renewals of this prestigious event,event, the saddle. national contests on Friday. This one Sword Festival, this year. The part- ership support and their endless efforts gettinggetting thethe bbetteretter ooff TaTayfyf on bothboth occocca-a- Air de Valse will face eieightght mile ((1600m)1600m) affair will see an Irish nership between QREC and Daam has to promote Qatar’s equestrian sport in sions,sions, butbut TayTayff tooktook revenge in QatariQaQ tari opponents, lleded bbyy challenger,challenger, Bowerman, thethe mount of been moving from strength to strength general and horseracing in particular,” October when beatingbeating his old rivalrival Taxiwala (Sanna), ThinThinkk Ronan Whelan, ggoo up againstagainst 13 locals. for five years now. As a supporter of he said. intointo tthirdhird in thethe Group 1 Qatar BigBig (Tomas(Tomas Lukasek)Lukasek) TrainedTrained bbyy AAdodo McGuinness, Bow-Bow- youth and sports activities, Daam have “QREC would like to thank the ArabianArabian WorWorldld CuCupp in FranceFrance.. andand X Force ermanerman hhasas not bbeeneen on a racecourse supported the QREC Riding School sponsors who partner QREC in spon- TheyThey maymay not havehave (A(Auge),uge), first, sincesince landinglanding a Group 3 over an from the very beginning with the aim soring the Amir Sword Festival and the thingsthings all their own wayway secondsecond andand extendedextended mile and a qquarteruarter at DundalDundalkk of supporting Qatari jockeys. The various activities and events of QREC. inin tthishis mimilele anandd a hhalfalf fourthfourth in September.September. He is equaequallylly eeffectiveffective outcome has been very fruitful both in I seize this opportunity to thank Daam, (2400m) event as in at thisthis trip anandd may hhaveave most to ffearear terms of the training camps organised QNB, Al Emadi Enterprises/Al Hazm, a 14-strong14-strong fieldfield fromfrom December’sDecember’s Group 3 Barzan Cup form the young local talents and the Longines and Qatar Airways for their featuresfeatur es second, Dominus (Sanna).(Sanna). number of Qatari jockeys riding reg- valuable collaboration. We wish all A ffullull llistist ofof runners anandd riridersders fforor ularly in the races run at QREC,” Al stakeholders all success and look AlAl RRayyanayyan on FridayFriday andand SaturdaySaturday Mohannadi said. forward to a remarkable renewal of can bbee accesseaccessedd at: hhttps://qrec.ttps://qrec. “We have maximised our efforts to the invaluable Festival," added Al gov.qa/racing/gov.qa/racing/ produce a remarkable renewal of the Mohannadi. race-calendarrace-calendar Amir Sword Festival and present a In the finale, British raider Berk- bright image of Qatar’s equestrian sport shire Rocco taking on top locals in line with its high stature, especially Aspetar, Noor Al Hawa and Hellenis- in this prestigious occasion, which we tique in the Amir Trophy and a French all look forward to every year. We trio squaring up against the crack expect top quality racing contests as Qatari pair, Tayf and Ebraz, in the Amir all horse owners, trainers and jockeys Sword. have completed their preparations and Presented by Longines, Saturday’s look forward to the most valuable mile and a half (2400m) $1m Amir prizes and titles of the season”, he Trophy is the thoroughbred highlight added. of the Festival. It has attracted a field of 10 including Berkshire Rocco, trained in England by Andrew Balding, second A general view of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club during an earlier edition of the Amir Sword Festival. last year at both Royal Ascot (in the Al Shaqab gears up to host two world-class events

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foun- dation, is gearing up for a feast of breathtaking equestrian sport, with two world-class international events Al Mannai: We look forward taking place on consecutive weekends to continued cooperation at the iconic Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. On this occasion, Daam CEO, The first, from February 25-27, is Abdulrahman bin Abdulatif Al Mannai Al Shaqab’s signature equestrian event said: "For the fifth straight year, the – Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Social and Sports Activities Support Presented by Longines 2021. The Fund is a main supporter of the Amir premier international equestrian com- Sword Festival as well as the activities petition, which will be organized and and events of QREC". hosted by Al Shaqab for the eighth “This support is part of Daam’s time since it was created in 2013, has belief in the stature of this remarkable evolved to become one of the high- sports and cultural event. The Festival lights on the global equestrian is of paramount importance for the calendar. A general view of the iconic Longines Arena community in Qatar given its effective The prestige associated with CHI at Al Shaqab during an earlier edition of the role in promoting the long-established Al Shaqab, and its exemplary organ- Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab. cultural heritage of Qatar both ization, has also attracted the finest regionally and internationally,” Al local and global sponsors and Mannai said. partners: The Social & Sport Contri- which will take horses, riders and restricted to 10 percent. Tickets can competition venue bar none.They also “The equestrian sport has always bution Fund (Daam) has been named spectators to 15 major cities be purchased at the venue on events bear testament to been a source of pride in our society this year as the Supporter of the worldwide, kicksoff the new LGCT days. As a further precautionary Qatar’s position as an international being the sport of our forefathers and event; Commercial Bank is the Title season in Doha. measure, there will not be a Festival sports destination, and its ability to predecessors. Daam’s support for the Sponsor; Longines is the Presenting Equestrian fans will be hoping for Area this year. organize world-class events despite Festival over successive years is but a Partner; and ExxonMobil is the Main a repeat of last year’s thrilling com- Khalifa Al Attiya, Executive the challenges posed by the COVID-19 demonstration of the value and Sponsor. petitions, which saw Germany’s Daniel Director, Al Shaqab, and Vice pandemic. standing of this prestigious event and Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Deusserride Killer Queen to a mag- Chairman, Supreme Organizing Com- “Ultimately, the health and safety its role in preserving the customs and Presented by Longines 2021 will be nificent double victory, winning the mittee, Commercial Bank CHI Al of spectators and participants remains traditions handed down from one gen- followed by the first competition of Grand Prix at both Commercial Bank Shaqab Presented by Longines, said: Al Shaqab’s highest priority, and MoPH eration to another. We look forward the 2021 Longines Global Cham- CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines “Al Shaqab is proud and delighted that COVID-19 precautionary measures to the expected success this year and pions Tour (LGCT), from March 4-6, and the LGCT first leg. CHI Al Shaqab and LGCT will once will be strictly enforced to ensure the to continued cooperation between alsoat the Longines Arena at Al In line with the Ministry of Public again take place in Qatar, as these safety and well-being of riders, eques- Daam and QREC in the upcoming pro- Shaqab. The world’s leading five- Health’s COVID-19 health and safety popular global equestrian events trian fans, and all who are involved grammes and events,” Al Mannai star showjumping competition, guidelines, the venue capacity will be showcase Al Shaqab as a premier with the events.” added. Sport WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2021 13 Spinners lead India to crushing victory over England in 2nd Test Joe Root

REUTERS — CHENNAI Indian players during yesterday’s play in Chennai. PIC COURTESY: BCCI

The miracle England needed did not materialise as India crushed them by 317 runs in the second Root wants Test in Chennai to level the series yesterday. batsmen to Chasing a record victory target of 482, England’s last seven batsmen lasted a little learn from over a session on the penul- timate day as they collapsed to Chennai 164 all out. Although it was a marginal improvement from the 134 they lesson managed in the first innings, all 10 English batsmen fell to spin REUTERS — CHENNAI on a turning track where the ball kicked up dust on landing. England captain Joe Root Left-arm spinner Axar Patel said playing on Chennai’s claimed a five-wicket haul in spin-friendly pitch was an his debut Test while Ravi- education for his team chandran Ashwin’s tally of eight after Indian thumped wickets and a century in the them by 317 runs inside second innings earned him the four days in the second man-of-the-match award. Test yesterday. Moeen Ali smashed five England managed 134 sixes, including three in a row and 164 on a track where off Patel, to top-score for the ball turned from day England with 43 off 18 balls, and one and kicked up dust on captain Joe Root made 33 but landing, prompting debate his team’s run of six away Test on the suitability of the victories ended in Chennai. faced 52 balls for his eight runs forearm and did not field he feels he needs to get out of the surface at the M A SCOREBOARD India will reach the final of the before Ashwin dismissed him yesterday. bubble. I'm sure it wasn't an easy Chidambaram Stadium. inaugural World Test Champi- and the touring side’s resistance Moeen Ali to return decision." The visitors lost all 10 India 1st innings (329) onship if they win the series. effectively ended when Patel home Fast bowler Jofra Archer, wickets in their second England 1st innings (134) England must win both removed Root after lunch. England all-rounder Moeen who missed the second Test due innings to spinners, who India 2nd innings (286) remaining matches to make the Root mournfully stared at Ali is to fly home to be with his to an elbow injury, will return for bowled the lion’s share of

England 2nd innings (Target 482) June final on home soil against the spot where the ball had family and will miss the third the third match while batsman India’s overs. R. Burns c Kohli b Ashwin ...... 25 D. Sibley lbw b Patel ...... 3 New Zealand. landed before kicking up to hit Test against India in Ahmedabad, Jonny Bairstow and pacer Mark “Challenging condi- D. Lawrence st Pant b Ashwin ...... 26 “Our application with the his glove en route to slip. skipper Joe Root said Wood are also back after being tions but let’s be honest, J. Leach c R. Sharma b Patel ...... 0 bat was outstanding,” home Realising the futility of yesterday. rested for the first two Tests. we’ve been outplayed,” J. Root c Rahane b Patel ...... 33 captain Virat Kohli said after defending, Moeen went on the Moeen took eight wickets Top-order batsman Zak Root said after England’s B. Stokes c Kohli b Ashwin ...... 8 leading India to their biggest attack and entertained the noisy and scored 49 runs in the second Crawley also returns to the squad run of six consecutive O. Pope c I. Sharma b Patel...... 12 victory against England by runs. crowd before Kuldeep had him Test in Chennai, which India won after missing the first two away Tests wins came to B. Foakes c Patel b Yadav ...... 2 “Conditions were chal- stumped. by 317 runs to level the four- matches with a wrist injury and an end. M. Ali st Pant b Yadav ...... 43 lenging for both sides but we “Credit has to go to India, match series 1-1 earlier in the fast bowler James Anderson has “It’s important that we O. Stone lbw b Patel ...... 0 showed more application to grit they outplayed us in all three day. The 33-year-old, who had been included too. learn, we take it as a bit of S. Broad not out ...... 5 it out. It was a perfect game for departments,” Root said. Tested positive for COVID-19 The third Test, a day-night an education. Extras (b6, lb1) ...... 7 us.” “For us, it’s bit of an edu- ahead of the Sri Lanka series last contest, will be played at “Look at how they’ve Total (54.2 overs, all out) ...... 164 Resuming on 53-3, England cation for us, we got to learn month, felt he had spent enough Ahmedabad's Sardar Patel gone about on the Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Sibley), 2-49 (Burns), lost four wickets in the morning from this...we got to find a way time in a biosecure 'bubble', Root Stadium from Feb. 24. surface... take that 3-50 (Leach), 4-66 (Lawrence), 5-90 (Stokes, session and it could easily have to scoring runs in these said. Squad: Joe Root (captain), forward, take it as a 6-110 (Pope), 7-116 (Foakes), 8-116 (Root), "Moeen has chosen to go James Anderson, Jofra Archer, 9-126 (Stone), 10-164 (Ali) been five as Mohammed Siraj conditions.” learning (experience), dropped an easy catch at The third Test, a day-night home. He obviously feels he Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Bess, make sure we’re better for Bowling: Sharma 6-3-13-0, Patel 21-5-60-5, Ashwin 18-5-53-3, Siraj 3-1-6-0, Yadav 6.2-1- backward point after Root, on match, starts in Ahmedabad on wants to be with his family and Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak it next time we do expe- 25-2 32, reverse-swept Kuldeep Feb. 24. we have to respect that," he Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Law- rience conditions like Toss: India Yadav. India will be fretting on the added. rence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, these.” Result: India won by 317 runs By then England had lost availability of opener Shubman "It's been a tough tour for Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly India posted 329 and all-rounder Ben Stokes who Gill who sustained a blow to his him. It's come to a point where Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. 286 with opener Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin smashing centuries as the India's Ashwin plays down pitch criticism hosts levelled the four- Test series. “The fact is that India REUTERS — CHENNAI about pitches having a lot of grass, “I ddon’ton’t think on this ppitchitch it showed that you can score or all these things. would hhaveave matteredmattered so muchmuch runs on it and found a way India’s spin spearhead Ravi- I’m completely fine with “When people come out with becausee iiff yyouou llookook at our seconsecondd of managing a very tricky chandran Ashwin dismissed crit- such opinion, we should respect innings,s, on ddayay three,three, we stistillll surface,” Root said. icism of Chennai’s turning track people having opinion, them but should be able to mag- appliedd ourselves and almost ggotot “We’ve got to learn after his match-winning because we’ll also have our nanimously deflect them away,” 300 runsuns again,”again,” captacaptainin from that. We’ve got to performance secured the hosts’ he said. Kohli said.aid. take bits from it, add it series-levelling victory in the opinion when we tour Ashwin showed how to “Bothoth teateamsms had to to our own games and second Test against England abroad. But we don’t master such tracks, smashing a apply tthemselves,hemselves, anandd come back better.” yesterday. complain or crib, we just second innings century to go with that’s wwhathat yoyouu want iinn “One thing that India’s three-pronged spin his match haul of eight wickets Test cricket,icket, whether we could have attack wreaked havoc on the get on with it. I’ve never that earned him the player-of- you’re playingplaying on done a little bit surface where the ball spun from seen any of our greats talk the-match award. spinningng tracks or better, espe- the first session and kicked up about pitches having a lot “It was not like some amazing on seamingming tracks cially on day dust on landing. balls got the wickets, it was more which havehave a llotot ooff one, was just Former Australia batsman of grass, or all these things. the balls that followed them, or grass onn iit.t. squeeze the Mark Waugh called the pitch the mind game that was being game for unacceptable, while former Ravichandran Ashwin played,” Ashwin said. longer, try England captain Michael Vaughan Many felt India won half the Ravichandran and bowl six described it as a beach. Indian spinner battle after winning the toss and Ashwin balls to one “I’m completely fine with ensuring England had to bat last “Both“Both batter, try and make people having opinion, because on a deteriorating track but home teams shouldshould be in the game it difficult to rotate we’ll also have our opinion when “But we don’t complain or captain Virat Kohli pointed to from thehe first session onwardsonwards,, strike, create pressure we tour abroad,” Ashwin told a crib, we just get on with it. I’ve India’s second-innings score of and thatat was exactlyexactly the case that way." video conference. never seen any of our greats talk 286. on this pipitch,”tch,” adaddedded KoKohli.hli. Jazz topple 76ers for eighth straight win

REUTERS — NEW YORK NBA RESULTS James Harden made six finalists for four years in a row Jazz 134 - 76ers 123 3-pointers while recording 29 from 2015-18, Curry shot Jordan Clarkson helped the points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds 13-for-19 from the field and Utah Jazz overcome big nights Nets 136 - Kings 125 as Brooklyn prevailed despite the 7-for-11 on 3-pointers en route by Ben Simmons and Tobias Bulls 120 - Pacers 112 absence of Kevin Durant (ham- to his game-high point total.

Harris while leading the NBA’s Knicks 123 - Hawks 112 string). The Nets, who attempted It was his 10th straight game hottest team to a 134-123 win Clippers 125 - Heat 118 47 treys, shot 57.4 percent from with at least 27 points on 50 over the Philadelphia 76ers in behind the arc and 57.3 percent percent or better shooting as he Salt Lake City. overall. became the first guard since Clarkson came off the points and 10 rebounds from Hassan Whiteside accumu- Michael Jordan (1995-96) with bench to score a team-high 40 Harris. lated season bests of 26 points at least 25 points and 50 percent points, two shy of his career- Harris scored five points in and 16 rebounds for the Kings, shooting in 10 straight games. high and the most with the Jazz, a row late in the fourth to cut who lost their fourth consec- In other match, Zach to lift Utah to its eighth straight the Jazz lead, once as big as 16 utive contest. Cory Joseph LaVine continued to be prolific win and the 19th victory in 20 points, down to 113-109. But added a season-best 22 points and clutch as he scored a games in a matchup of the Donovan Mitchell made a and Buddy Hield made six game-high 30 points to lead teams with the best records in driving score and then 3-pointers while scoring 21 Chicago to an overtime victory the West and East. Clarkson hit three free throws points. over Indiana in Indianapolis. Playing without Joel and drained a 3-pointer during Also, Stephen Curry had 36 LaVine scored 12 of the Embiid, a late scratch because an 8-2 run for Utah. points in 30 minutes and Bulls’ final 15 in regulation and of back tightness, the Sixers Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving Draymond Green tied his both Garrett Temple and Coby managed to make a compet- established season bests of 40 career-high with 16 assists, White scored clutch buckets in itive contest thanks to a near- points and nine 3-pointers and lifting Golden State to a victory the extra period to help triple-double effort by Brooklyn set a franchise record over Cleveland in San Chicago secure its first road Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (left) and Philadelphia 76ers guard Simmons (42 points, 12 assists, with 27 treys en route to a Francisco. win over the Pacers since Matisse Thybulle battle for the ball in the fourth quarter. nine rebounds) along with 36 victory over host Sacramento. In a matchup of the NBA March 29, 2016.