CRICKETCRICKET| Page 4 TENNISTENNIS| Page 6 South Africa, Nadal cruises England past Fritz to in semis of win title in Women’s WC Acapulco

Monday, March 2, 2020 GOLF Rajab 7, 1441 AH Valimaki claims GULF TIMES maiden European tour win in Oman SPORT Page 7 QATAR STADIUMS ARE ‘SPECTACULAR’: HUGHES

ormer Wales star Mark Hughes or training site. And because of this, I believe praised Qatar’s preparations for the we’re going to witness a spectacular level of FIFA World Cup during a visit to the performance as the focus will squarely be on FSupreme Committee for & football.” Legacy (SC). Hughes, who twice won the English Premier Speaking after a tour of the SC’s Legacy Pa- League with Manchester United and famous- vilion, the former Manchester City manager ly scored twice in the 1991 European Cup described the eight proposed stadiums as Winners’ Cup final for the Red Devils against ‘spectacular’. Barcelona, is also expecting an unmatched “They are all spectacular – I like the fact tournament experience for the expected 1.5 that each stadium has its own story,” said million fans. Hughes, who made 799 career appearances “I think it will be fantastic for fans. Everything for teams across Europe, including Manches- will be close by thanks to the metro and ter United, Barcelona and Chelsea. other forms of transport. They also have Hughes went on to discuss the compact the chance to attend two live games a day nature of the tournament – which he be- – something we’ve never really seen before lieves will be a massive benefit for compet- at a major tournament.” Hughes went on to ing teams. During Qatar 2022, the longest discuss the current state of the English Pre- distance between stadiums will be just 55km, mier League. The former Blackburn Rovers while players and fans will stay in only one and Stoke City manager believes Ole Gunnar accommodation during the event and never Solskjaer needs time to build a competitive be far from any attraction. team at Old Traff ord – and said Liverpool “I was a player for many years and I know have a great chance to win both at home and the hardships of moving from one place to in Europe this year. another during a tournament,” said Hughes. “After 30 years, Liverpool will finally win the “It aff ects everyone, including players, Premier League. Jurgen Klopp has done an coaches and fans. But in Qatar, the tourna- outstanding job. They also have a fantastic ment will be diff erent. Players won’t have to chance of winning the Champions League travel, change their place of accommodation for the second year in a row.”

FOOTBALL Wily Wolves stun Spurs ‘We fight to the end in every game, keep going and keep winning’

Reuters London

ily striker Raul Jimenez struck a superb 73rd- minute winner as Wol- Wverhampton Wanderers twice came back from a goal down to beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 and leap- frog them into sixth place in the Pre- mier League table yesterday. Steven Bergwijn gave Jose Mourin- ho’s Spurs, who lost 2-1 to Chelsea last week, the lead in the 13th minute by slamming home a rebound to spare the blushes of Dele Ali, whose weak shot with the goal at his mercy was parried by Rui Patricio. The visitors struck back 14 minutes later through Irish international Matt Doherty, who took advantage of some poor defending to score after Spurs failed to clear Ruben Vinagre’s cross. Serge Aurier restored the lead just before halftime, collecting the ball just inside the box before curling a sublime Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Mexican striker Raul Jimenez celebrates after left-foot shot inside the far post, but scoring their third goal against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur again Wolves came back as Diogo Jota Stadium in London yesterday. scored from close range in the 57th minute. With Spurs striker Ali spurn- For Mourinho, the defeat makes the Harry Maguire and his attempted ing several decent chances, Jota then task of qualifying for the Champions clearance was charged down by Do- set up Jimenez for the winner, sliding League that little bit more diffi cult but minic Calvert-Lewin and fl ew off the the ball into his path in the 73rd minute he did not see his side as being second- Everton striker into the net. for Jimenez to cut swiftly inside before best against Wolves. United responded well to the early curling a sweet left-foot strike into the “They are so powerful on the coun- setback though with Nemanja Matic net.The win lifts Wolves into sixth spot ter-attack,” he told a news confer- hitting the cross-bar with a long-range with 42 points after 28 games, just be- ence. “We tried diff erent solutions, it eff ort and then forcing Everton keeper hind Manchester United on goal diff er- worked in a way because we scored two Jordan Pickford into a diving save with ence, while Spurs slip to seventh, two goals. another well-struck drive. points behind Wolves. “I think it’s unfair, the result, totally It was January signing Bruno Fer- With Manchester City set to be unfair,” Mourinho added, before call- anandes, the Portuguese midfi elder banned from the Champions League ing for more fi ght from his players. who has brought some much-needed for breaching UEFA’s fi nancial rules, “We don’t have that aggression. creativity to the United side, who put Wolves striker Jimenez said he and his We are too good, too nice. That was the visitors level with a superb low teammates were setting their sights on maybe the only diff erence between shot from outside the box in the 31st a spot in Europe’s premier club com- the teams.” Meanwhile, Everton and minute. petition. Manchester United drew 1-1 at Goodi- There was VAR drama in stoppage “This is our spirit, it’s what charac- son Park in an enthralling game which time when Everton thought they had terises us. We fi ght to the end in every ended in VAR drama. a winner. Calvert-Lewin’s low shot game, keep going and keep winning. A dreadful error from United keeper defl ected off Harry Maguire and span We’re proud of this game and we have David De Gea gifted Everton a third- past Sigurdsson who was lying on the to keep going to achieve more goals, we minute opener — the Spaniard daw- fl oor in what the video referee ruled are looking at top fi ve” he said. dled on the ball after a pass-back from was an off side position. Gulf Times 2 Monday, March 2, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Generation Amazing ambassador launches football academy in eneration Amazing am- the chance to play football and make an academy for them? Now thing he’s already implementing bassador Zaheer Khat- reach their potential. I have many children and they are in his academy. tak grew up in the Paki- Khattak now works with up to playing football and learning life “We use both standard skills stani city of Thatta with 23 young children on a weekly skills.” and Generation Amazing meth- Ga dream of playing professional basis. Besides enjoying playing Being involved with Genera- ods in our training activities with football. However, due to lim- football, the participants learn tion Amazing has helped Khattak the children,” said Khattak. “The ited opportunities, Khattak was key life skills thanks to the Gen- carry his project forward. It has training and workshops during forced to neglect his footballing eration Amazing programme provided him with football for the festival were really useful ambitions. which inspired Khattak. The development training and given for me and I’m now sharing my Khattak started playing foot- academy promotes inclusive- him new and meaningful ways to learnings back home.” ball aged ten. He honed his skills ness, while keeping a keen eye keep the children engaged. The For Khattak, it’s important that in street football joining a local on cultural sensitivities – which football matches and tourna- children can stay off the streets club. But during his eight years have led to separate sessions be- ments he organises are regularly and away from drugs and crime – with the team, Khattak wasn’t ing organised for groups of girls attended by more than 40 par- and his academy is helping to en- given a chance to make the and boys. ticipants. sure that. As for his ultimate goal progress he desired. “They come to play football In December 2019, Khattak – he hopes the academy will one Frustrated by his position, and we organise a tournament,” travelled to Qatar for the inaugu- day help a player reach the top of Khattak decided to launch his said Khattak, who works as an ral Generation Amazing Festival, the sport. own club. Soon after, the Makh- engineer and runs the academy where he participated in work- Khattak said: “My dream is doom Child Academy was born in his spare time. “Children don’t shops about football for devel- to see a member of the academy – and it focused on giving under- always have the chance to play opment and also learned about play top-level international foot- privileged and disabled children football, so I thought why don’t I football3 methodology – some- ball.” (SC.qa) Generation Amazing ambassador Zaheer Khattak (second from left) launches football academy in Pakistan.

COMMENT FOCUS Eighth edition of Klopp believes Workers’ Cup begins loss could prove a positive for Reds he 2020 Workers’ Cup game was in Group D, as Teyseer ‘We don’t have to defend or try to get a record, we can just try to win football games’ kicked off on Friday with Services Company came back 10 matches being played from two goals down to draw 2-2 Reuters across fi ve groups. with Al Sraiya Security Services. TFirst held in 2013, the Workers’ Teyseer’s dramatic equaliser London, United Kingdom Cup is organised by the Qatar came at the very end of the sec- Stars League and sponsored by ond half. ar from being defl ated Supreme Committee for Delivery The tournament continues on by his team’s fi rst Pre- & Legacy. Friday, March 6, with another set mier League reverse of Besides engaging workers of 10 matches on Matchday 2. the season at Watford through the beautiful game, the onF Saturday, Liverpool’s ever- tournament aims to spark interest ROUND 1 RESULTS positive manager Jurgen Klopp in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A reckoned the shock 3-0 setback and widen access to football. Nakheel Landscapes bt Chal- could prove liberating for his Many of the competing 20 lenger 5-1 treble-seeking Reds. teams have players working on HBK drew Aktor 1-1 Klopp’s champions-elect FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B served up their worst perform- projects. Qatar Star Services lost to Al ance of the year as they were The eighth edition of the Asmakh 0-5 outplayed by a Watford side who tournament is a special experi- Larsen & Toubro bt Qatar started the game one from the ence for the teams, as they are Master 11-0 bottom of the table and 55 points playing at the Qatar 2022 FIFA Group C adrift of his runaway leaders. World Cup training sites cluster Trags Engineering drew Tey- Yet while recognising his team’s at Qatar University. The players seer Services Company 1-1 44-match unbeaten league streak are following in the footsteps of GSS Certis lost to Petroserv had been bound to be dismantled numerous international teams, 0-4 some time, the German optimist including Algeria, Iran, Oman Group D also refl ected that he was not re- and India, who used the facility Shapoorji Pallonji bt Trags ally disappointed by the end of the as a training base last year. Agency Services 3-0 pursuit of some potentially unreal The day’s biggest victory came Al Sraiya Security Services records. in the Group E clash between drew Teyseer Security Services “I see it rather positive be- regulars Mowasalat and debu- 2-2 cause from now on we can play tants Smeet, with the former Group E free football again. We don’t winning by a huge 13-1 margin. Manforce lost to NAAAS 0-4 have to defend or try to get a Arguably the most exciting Mowasalat bt Smeet 13-1 record, we can just try to win football games again and that is what we will do,” Klopp told re- porters at Vicarage Road. Asked if there was any disap- pointment, he added: “Not re- Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp (left), and players Andrew Robertson (centre) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain react at the final whistle ally, because I don’t think you during the English Premier League match against Watford at Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, north of London, on Saturday. (AFP) can break records because you want to break records; you break You cannot change that and it ness,” he said. “It’s not easy to served. That is what should be the Next up for Liverpool is an FA records because you are 100 per- was always clear, sometime we explain but it should not be now headline. We didn’t perform like Cup fi fth round tie at Chelsea cent focused on each step. And would lose a game.” the biggest sensation in world we should have and Watford per- on Tuesday as they still chase for that you have to perform. Klopp dismissed the sugges- football that it happened.” formed exactly how they wanted. a Champions League, Premier “The boys performed and tion that weariness might have Klopp was keener to praise the “That’s how football is. It has League and domestic Cup treble. that’s why we won the games, crept into his side, who lost in quality of his conquerors, who nothing to do with games you “What the boys did so far is but tonight we were not good the Champions League fi rst leg had been inspired by the electric won before, it has nothing to do exceptional, but it is not over,” enough. at Atletico Madrid and then had Ismaila Sarr, who scored twice with the games you will win, it is said Klopp. “That is the only “It’s not now a plus for me not been at their sharpest in after the break and made the third just this one football game, un- thing I am interested in — it’s that in history, when they look defeating West Ham United in for Watford Troy Deeney. fortunately. For tonight, we have not over. We will go again, I back in 500 years, they will their previous two matches. “The most important thing is to admit Watford were the better promise 100 percent, and then say, ‘Liverpool nearly did it.’ “Nothing to do with tired- to congratulate Watford, well de- team.” we will see where it leads us to.”

Christie late show puts Celtic LA LIGA into Scottish Cup semi-fi nals Atletico frustrated by Espanyol Qatar and Cameroon football AFP the hands of Danish side FC Glasgow, Scotland Copenhagen, but the Hoops federations sign agreement were frustrated for much of but Sevilla snatch late win the match by a resolute St QNA signed by QFA with a number yan Christie left it late Johnstone. AFP later yesterday. Real Sociedad at Anfi eld three days later. Doha of African federations, the most to score the only goal But they did just enough in Madrid, Spain are only a point behind and also His team can hardly af- recent of which was with the Rof the game as holders the end to record a 34th suc- have a game in hand. Espanyol ford a loss against Sevilla, who federations of Burundi, Gabon, Celtic booked their place in cessive win in a domestic cup stay 20th but are now only fi ve are now third after they beat atar Football Associa- South Sudan and Sudan. the semi-finals of the Scottish competition. tletico Madrid slipped points adrift of safety. Osasuna 3-2 earlier on Sun- tion (QFA) signed a co- The agreement focused on Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 The Hoops, who have won up in the race for La After their excellent vic- day, thanks to a 93rd-minute Qoperation agreement co-operation in more than one win away to St Johnstone. the last three Scottish Cup Liga’s top four yester- tory at home to Liverpool in the winner from January signing with its Cameroonian counter- field, especially with regard Yesterday’s match at McDi- finals and are eyeing a ninth day as they were held Champions League, Atletico Youssef En-Nesyri. part yesterday. to technical and professional toA a 1-1 draw by bottom club appeared to be building some Espanyol took the lead in armid Park was still goalless straight league title, will be The agreement was signed exchanges, clubs and national when, with just nine minutes favourites to extend that Espanyol. momentum when they defeated the 24th minute when Savic on behalf of QFA by vice- teams, exchange of experiences remaining, Christie curled in sequence to 36 wins given Saul Niguez volleyed in a stun- Villarreal 3-1 fi ve days later. turned in Wu Lei’s cross at the president Saud bin Abdulaziz (including coaching education a free-kick from out wide that arch-rivals Rangers’ quarter- ning equaliser at the RCDE Sta- But Diego Simeone’s side near post and they might have al-Mohannadi, in the presence and developing young talent), appeared to go straight into finals loss to Hearts on dium but Atletico were unable have stumbled against the doubled their advantage had of secretary-general Mansoor and also ways to benefit from Zander Clark’s net, although Saturday. to fi nd a winner as Stefan Savic’s league’s lower teams this sea- Atletico’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak al-Ansari, and by Cameroonian the successful and multiple Christopher Jullien also Celtic will face Aberdeen in fi rst-half own-goal earned Es- son and so it proved again, as not made a brilliant save by tip- Football Federation president experiences of Qatari football, claimed the goal. the last four, with the other panyol a valuable point in their Espanyol dug deep for a de- ping Victor Sanchez’s thunder- Seidou Mbombo Njoya. including Aspire Academy and Celtic manager Neil Lennon semi-final drawn Sunday an struggle against relegation. served share of the spoils. ing eff ort onto the crossbar. The agreement will develop co- the specialised orthopaedic had demanded an “angry Edinburgh derby between The result is less useful for Atletico take on fellow top- Instead, Atletico equalised operation between the two fed- and sports medicine hospital reaction” from his side fol- Hearts and Hibernian. Atletico, who sit fourth in the four hopefuls Sevilla next shortly after half-time when erations in the field of football. Aspetar, and all things related to lowing their midweek Europa Both ties will be played on table but will be overtaken if weekend and Simeone will have Saul took the ball out of the air on The signing is an important athletic security and the multi- League round of 32 exit at the weekend of April 11-12. Getafe win away at Mallorca to decide to what extent he the edge of the box and banged a step on the path of agreements ple activities of Josoor Institute. during a match scheduled for keeps one eye on the second leg volley into the far corner. Gulf Times Monday, March 2, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SERIE A Zapata nets City hold off Villa to three as Atalanta win big at Lecce DPA “All these goals make us Rome, Italy proud,” Atalanta boss Gian Piero retain League Cup Gasperini said. “Today we [let Lecce] reopen the game from two talanta won 7-2 at Lec- goals down, but my team know Guardiola’s men have now won six of the last seven major trophies in English football ce with a Duvan Zapata how to keep playing their game hat-trick yesterday in and get results. Serie A action marked “In the second half we stayed byA the rescheduling of fi ve week- focused and I also found goals end games in eff orts to contain from two substitutes who are al- the spread of the new coronavi- ways willing to do their best.” rus in Italy’s northern regions. Fourth-place Atalanta, who had The Colombian headed in after their home game rescheduled last the hosts’ opening own goal and weekend, occupy the last avail- netted two more after the break able slot for the next Champions as the Bergamo side boosted League, as they battle in the last 16 their tally to 70 goals as league of the current campaign. top scorers. Atalanta sit three points clear The Bergamaschi went ahead of Roma, who won 4-3 at Cagliari from Giulio Donati’s header into thanks to a brace from Nikola his own goal before Zapata also Kalinic. Promoted Lecce have a nodded in a corner kick. three-point buff er to the drop The hosts saw Riccardo Sa- zone, Cagliari sit 11th. ponara pull one back through a Roma’s Kalinic scored his fi rst clinical drive and set up Donati to goals this season as he started in make amends with a fast shot to place of captain Edin Dzeko. make it 2-2 before half-time. Cagliari’s Joao Pedro also Josip Ilicic and Zapata made it fi ve netted a brace, sandwiching for the guests by the 62nd minute the second goal from his team- and Luis Muriel netted a late sixth mate Gaston Pereiro, while Jus- goal against his former side and fel- tin Kluivert and Henrikh Mkhi- low substitute Ruslan Malinovskyi taryan helped Roma secure closed the scoring in added time. victory.

Manchester City players celebrate with the League Cup trophy after their win over Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters) Inter director says Serie A risks

AFP Real Madrid in the Champi- from a goal himself with a de- ed behind by a brave block from sell out their allocation. not fi nishing due to coronavirus London, United Kingdom ons League on Wednesday with fl ected shot that fl ew inches Tyrone Mings. That did not compensate for Kevin De Bruyne among those wide. But moments later the reason the diff erence in quality on the Reuters think of injuries and suspen- left on the bench. Villa felt aggrieved when City Mings is ahead of John Stones in fi eld as City quickly settled back Milan, Italy sions. And there is the psycho- anchester City However, it mattered little as were awarded another corner the pecking order for England into their rhythm and could then logical aspect when you look claimed the League City had the luxury of recalling moments later after Jack Greal- selection became clear as the introduce De Bruyne for the fi nal at the standings.” Cup for the fourth Aguero, Raheem Sterling and ish fi red the ball off Ilkay Gun- City defender inexplicably fell half hour. he Serie A season runs Third-placed Inter’s two post- time in fi ve seasons David Silva to the starting XI, dogan for what should have been to the fl oor to give Villa a lifeline. However, City failed to turn the risk of not finishing if ponements have caused them Mby beating Aston Villa 2-1 at and the gulf in class showed. a goal kick. A long ball forward eventu- their dominance into more goals Tmore matches are post- to drop eight points behind Wembley yesterday thanks to Guardiola’s raft of changes Instead, City doubled their ally came to Anwar El Ghazi and as Rodrigo was denied by a fi ne poned because of the corona- leaders Lazio who have played goals from Sergio Aguero and also handed a rare start to Phil lead as Gundogan’s corner was from his cross Samatta headed save by Nyland from another virus outbreak, Inter Milan’s and won two games during the Rodrigo. Foden and the 19-year-old met with a powerful downward low past Claudio Bravo to the corner before Aguero then fi red chief executive Giuseppe same period. Lazio’s matches Mbwana Samatta pulled a more than justified his selec- header from Rodrigo. delight of the travelling thou- into the side-netting to give Vil- Marotta said yesterday. — away to Genoa last Sunday goal back for Villa, but their wait tion. Villa could barely even get a sands from Birmingham and la hope for the last 10 minutes. Inter’s match at Juventus, and at home to Bologna on for the club’s fi rst silverware Rodrigo’s fi ne pass picked out touch for the next 10 minutes Villa fan Prince William in the And they were very nearly which was to have been Saturday — were in regions since 1996 goes on as Pep Guar- Foden to head back into the path as the holders threatened to run stands. punished as the often-criticised played later on Sunday, was unaff ected by coronavirus. diola’s men have now won six of of Aguero and the Argentine’s riot in a repeat of the 6-1 thrash- The diff erence in the despera- Bravo had to make a brilliant one of five which were post- “I am worried about Inter’s the last seven major trophies in defl ected eff ort beat Orjan Ny- ing they handed the hosts at tion for success between the save three minutes from time to poned by Serie A on Saturday. game against Sassuolo next English football. land in the Villa goal to open the Villa Park last month. supports was obvious as Villa turn Bjorn Engels’ header onto The games, all in regions Sunday,” added Marotta. “How Guardiola made eight changes scoring on 20 minutes. Sterling had a glorious chance were roared on vociferously the post and maintain City’s grip where sporting events have do we deal with that? We can’t from the side that won 2-1 at Foden was then inches away for his fi rst goal of 2020 defl ect- throughout, while City failed to on the competition. been banned by the govern- play behind closed doors ment, had been due to be because it would be absurd played behind closed doors. to use a measure one week BUNDESLIGA Italy has registered more than that we didn’t use the week 1,100 confirmed cases of coro- before... I can’t see a solution.” navirus since the contagion Serie A president Paolo Dal came to light in wealthy north- Pino told the ANSA news agen- Leipzig slip up on Bayern as Leverkusen draw 1-1 ern regions on Feb. 20 and at cy that “Marotta represents least 29 people have died. the needs of Inter, I protect the DPA Second-placed Leipzig heim’s stadium for the next Inter’s match at home to general interests of the entire Berlin, Germany sit on 49 points with 10 two seasons because of re- Sampdoria was one of four Serie A which unfortunately games to go, three behind peated abuse of Hopp. which were postponed last suff ers daily conflicts of inter- leaders Bayern and one Many Bundesliga sup- Sunday and Marotta said a est linked to each team. B Leipzig slipped ahead of Borussia Dort- porters see their clubs as crowded fixture list meant “I have to promote the Italian up in a 1-1 home mund. Bayer Leverkusen, traditional and accuse they were running out of dates league and its image in the draw with Bayer in fi fth, are now two points SAP founder Hopp of to reschedule the games. world; broadcasting matches Leverkusen yes- off the fourth and fi nal manufacturing Hoffenhe- The Serie A league called in empty stadiums would have terdayR to leave Bayern Mu- Champions League spot. im into a Bundesliga team, an emergency meeting for been a bad business card for nich three points clear at On Saturday, Bayern’s much like they accuse Red Wednesday to discuss the con- the country.” the top of the Bundesliga. 6-0 win at Hoffenheim, Bull of doing the same sequences of the government The Serie A season is sched- In the day’s other game, Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 thing with RB Leipzig. measures and the reschedul- uled to run until May 24, with more banners against Hof- victory over Freiburg and After further fan prob- ing of matches. Euro 2020 due to start on fenheim investor Dietmar Cologne’s 3-0 win over lems at the Union game, “If more matches are called June 12. Four Italian sides — Hopp were revealed at Un- Schalke were all inter- there were fears that pro- off then, yes, we run that risk,” Juventus, Napoli, Atalanta and ion Berlin’s 2-2 home draw rupted by anti-Hopp ban- tests by away supporters Marotta told Gazzetta dello Inter — are still involved in with Wolfsburg as a fan ners or songs. could occur at Leipzig too. Sport when asked if the cham- European competition. rebellion across Germany All clubs have distanced Instead, focus returned pionship might not finish. In one of the two matches gathered pace. themselves from the fans’ to what was happening on He added that, because some played yesterday, supporters Leipzig’s title bid suf- actions, which are also the pitch and Leverkusen matches had been postponed of Bergamo-based Atalanta fered a blow after Patrik aimed at the German Foot- showed off all that is good and others had not, the “bal- were screened for possible Schick’s goal on 32 min- ball Federation after the in the Bundesliga with ance of the championship has symptoms of the virus as they utes could only cancel out DFB recently announced a superb flowing move been altered. It’s a distorted entered the stadium for a a strike from Leverkusen’s that Dortmund fans would which was finished off by Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey (right) and Leipzig’s Patrik Schick (left) vie for the ball dur- tournament. You just need to match away to Lecce. Leon Bailey. be banned from Hoff en- Bailey. ing the Bundesliga match in Leipzig yesterday. (AFP)

MLS Henry off the mark as Montreal Impact win opener

AFP 13th-minute volley after a well- to not fall into a counterattack or Hernandez, Mexico’s all-time Los Angeles, United States worked move from a corner. a one-on-one,” Henry said. “To- leading goal-scorer, was brought Romell Quioto headed Montreal day we did that. in from Sevilla by a Galaxy side ea- level in the 37th minute, nodding “We tried to repeat that and ger to replace the star-power and hierry Henry’s Major home Joel Waterman’s fl ick-on then set up in their zone and get scoring void left by the departure League Soccer manage- from a corner to make it 1-1. them to move from left to right of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. rial career got off to a Zahibo looked to have shot to free up our fullback or our for- “Always the fi rst game in the winning start as Mon- New England into the lead in the wards in the middle. season is a little bit like a hango- Ttreal Impact came from behind to 73rd minute after bundling home “There were moments where ver of the preseason,” said Her- defeat New England Revolution a free kick from close range but we could’ve done more, but mas- nandez, who had no doubt the 2-1 in their season-opener on the goal was later ruled out for a sively better on that front than hangover would clear. Saturday. marginal off side. what we did against Saprissa.” “It’s not how you start but how A superb lobbed 80th-minute Instead it was left to former you end,” he said. “I’m quite con- fi nish from Argentinian striker Portland Timbers forward Urruti CHICHARITO HELD IN DEBUT fi dent things will improve.” Maxi Urruti secured all three to clinch victory for Montreal, Elsewhere on Saturday, Mexico Nashville SC’s inaugural MLS points for the Impact, who ap- latching on to a long ball over international striker Javier Her- campaign opened with a 2-1 loss pointed former France and Ar- the top to lob Turner as the New nandez was unable to mark his to Atlanta United. senal star Henry as manager in England goalkeeper advanced off MLS debut with a goal as the Los A Tennessee state record for a November. his line. Angeles Galaxy were held to a 1-1 football match of 59,069 specta- Urruti’s winner, lifting the ball “This is not perfect yet, far draw at Houston Dynamo. tors turned out for the expansion over New England goalkeeper from it. Few teams reach that,” Argentinian forward Cris- club’s fi rst contest, but Ezequiel Matt Turner from the edge of the said Henry, who nevertheless tian Pavon fi red the Galaxy into Barco and Emerson Hyndman area, came just moments after said his side had made advances an early lead with a superb shot spoiled the party. Revs substitute Wilfried Zahibo since getting past Costa Rica’s from the edge of the area after 13 Walker Zimmerman scored the had a goal chalked off for off side deportivo Saprissa in the CON- minutes. fi rst goal in Nashville’s MLS his- after a video review. CACAF Champions League. But Houston fought back to tory in the 28th minute, pulling Earlier Teal Bunbury had fi red “Many times (in the CCL level through Colombian striker the hosts level after Barco’s ninth- New England into the lead at games) we refused to play for- Mauro Manotas shortly after minute opener, but Hyndman’s Montreal Impact coach Thierry Henry watches the action in the MLS match against New England Revolu- the Olympic Stadium with a ward when we got the ball back half-time. 37th-minute blast was the decider. tion on Saturday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Monday, March 2, 2020

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Liton, Saifuddin star India extend slender in Bangladesh win AFP Sylhet, Bangladesh

iton Das struck his second one-day inter- national century to set up a crushing 169-run lead as tumble Lwin for Bangladesh in the fi rst ODI against Zimbabwe in Syl- het yesterday. ‘WE ARE ALL ENJOYING Liton hit 126 off 105 balls with 13 fours and two sixes as HUNTING OUT THERE Bangladesh posted 321-6, their highest score against Zimba- AS A PACK’ bwe, before they bowled out in Christchurch the visitors for 152 runs in 39.1 Reuters overs for their biggest ever ODI Christchurch win. The feat surpasses Bangla- desh’s 163-run victory over Sri Liton and Tamim Iqbal put ndia stormed back into Lanka in 2018 and is also their on 60 runs in the opening the second and fi nal Test 14th consecutive win against stand before all-rounder Mad- against New Zealand yes- familiar foes Zimbabwe, giving hevere trapped Tamim in front terday, taking all 10 wick- them a 1-0 lead in the three- for 24 for Zimbabwe’s fi rst etsI to dismiss the hosts for 235 match series. breakthrough. and extending their slender Mohamed Saifuddin starred Najmul Hossain along with lead to 97 by the close of play for Bangladesh, playing his Liton then added 80 runs for on day two at Hagley Oval. fi rst match since the World the second, but several dis- The match remained very Cup last year, and managed missals slowed their innings as much in the balance, how- 3-22, while skipper Mashrafe Najmul fell for 29 and Mush- ever, after the Black Caps ran Mortaza and spinner Mehidy fi qur Rahim departed for 19. through the Indian top order to Hasan chipped in with 2-35 Zimbabwe captain Chamu reduce the tourists to 90 for six and 2-33 respectively. Chibhabha complimented at stumps on an extraordinary Chasing a mammoth target, Bangladesh on their . day when 16 wickets fell. Zimbabwe’s innings never got “I thought the Bangladeshis Hanuma Vihari (fi ve ) going after Saifuddin took two batted really well. They had a and Rishabh Pant, who had wickets in his opening spell guy bat through for them, and scored a single off a thick edge, before Mashrafe took his fi rst they had partnerships through will resume today looking to in six matches to reduce the game,” he said. give their attack something to the side to 23-3. Chris Mpofu fi nished with bowl at in New Zealand’s sec- Teenage debutant Wesley the highest fi gure for Zimba- ond innings. Madhevere made 35 runs while bwe of 2-68. Already 1-0 down in the se- Tinotenda Mutombodzi made The second match of the ries after a thumping 10-wick- 24 before he became the last series will be held at the same et defeat in Wellington and man dismissed. venue tomorrow. under pressure after a fi nal- Mohamed Mithun earlier hit session batting collapse on day 50 off 41 balls and Saifuddin BRIEF SCORES one, India needed something remained unbeaten on 28 off Bangladesh 321 for 6 (Das 126, special to get back into the 16 balls to provide a late im- Mithun 50, Mpofu 2-68) beat match. petus in Bangladesh’s innings Zimbabwe 152 (Madhevere 35, Their bowlers provided it after Liton’s blazing hundred. Saifuddin 3-22) by 169 runs. by fi ring for the fi rst time on this tour, ripping through New Zealand’s top order with seam and swing in the fi rst session Sri Lanka whitewash West Indies 3-0 and mopping up the tail af- ter some stiff resistance in the AFP also kept West Indies in the second. Pallekele, Sri Lanka hunt till the last over. Mohamed Shami took Mathews returned figures 4-81, Jasprit Bumrah fi nished of 4-59 in his 10 overs of with 3-62 and spin-bowling ngelo Mathews medium-pace bowling. all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja New Zealand bowler Colin de Grandhomme (left) celebrates after taking the wicket of India’s captain Virat Kohli on day two of the second Test held his nerve with Earlier West Indies paceman pitched in with a couple of at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday. (Reuters) the ball to help Sri Alzarri Joseph claimed four wickets and an astonishing Lanka clinch a tense wickets as Sri Lanka were catch to winkle out Neil Wag- play started. six-runA win over West Indies bowled out in 50 overs. ner. None of the Indian top or- Scorecard in the third one-day interna- Avishka Fernando and skipper New Zealand, who resumed der were able to get a start in INDIA 1st innings 242 (H. Virahi 55, P. Shaw 54, C. Pujara homme), 9-228 (Wagner), 10-235 (Jamieson) tional and sweep the series Dimuth Karunaratne gave the on 63 without loss looking to the face of a hostile barrage of 54; Jamieson 5-45 Bowling: Bumrah 22-5-62-3, Yadav 18-2-46-1, 3-0 yesterday. hosts a brisk start with a 60- rack up a big lead over India’s short-bowling with Virat Koh- NEW ZEALAND 1st innings (overnight 63-0) Shami 23.1-3-81-4, Jadeja 10-2-22-2 Mathews claimed four run opening stand before the fi rst-innings 242, lost their 10 li’s batting slump continuing. T. Latham b Shami 52 INDIA second nnings wickets and denied West West Indies struck. wickets for the addition of just Trent Boult (3-12) and Tim Indies 13 runs in the last over, Joseph got Fernando caught 172 runs. Southee had already combined T. Blundell lbw Yadav 30 P. Shaw c Latham b Southee 14 restricting the tourists to 301 behind for 29, and spinner Opener Tom Latham (52) to remove openers Mayank K. Williamson c Pant b Bumrah 3 M. Agarwal lbw Boult 3 for nine in their chase of 308 Roston Chase caught and managed to reach his 17th Test Agarwal (3) and Prithvi Shaw R. Taylor c Yadav b Jadeja 15 C. Pujara b Boult 24 in Pallekele. bowled Karunaratne for 44. half century as wickets tum- (14) when Colin de Grand- Fabian Allen smashed 37 Kusal Perera, who made 44, bled around him, before leaving homme trapped Kohli in front H. Nicholls c Kohli b Shami 14 V. Kohli lbw de Grandhomme 14 off 15 balls to close in on the and Mendis then rebuilt the a Shami delivery that nipped in for 14, leaving the India captain B. Watling c Jadeja b Bumrah 0 A. Rahane b Wagner 9 West Indies target but fell to innings during their 89-run to rattle his leg stump. with 38 runs from his four in- C. de Grandhomme b Jadeja 26 U. Yadav b Boult 1 Mathews while going for a six stand to take the attack to the Wagner hit 21 but Shami got nings in the series. in the second ball of the 50th opposition. Mendis completed T. Southee c Pant b Bumrah 0 H. Vihari not out 5 him too when Jadeja, at deep “The bowlers pitched the over. Kusal Mendis top-scored his 17th ODI fifty before falling square, leaped into the air and ball up nicely and got rewards,” K. Jamieson c Pant b Shami 49 R. Pant not out 1 with 55 in Sri Lanka’s 307 all to Joseph. plucked a ball that looked des- Boult said. “(I) feel we are in a N. Wagner c Jadeja b Shami 21 Extras (b9, lb10) 19 out after electing to bat first tined for the boundary clean decent position and it’s going and then took a crucial catch BRIEF SCORES T. Boult not out 1 Total (6 wickets; 36 overs) 90 out of the sky. Kyle Jamieson to be another big push tomor- at deep mid-wicket to send Sri Lanka 307 (Mendis 55, marshalled the rearguard ac- row. Extras (b20, lb4) 24 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Agarwal), 2-26 (Shaw), 3-51 back Allen. Dhananjaya 51, Joseph 4-65) tion with a gritty 49 and he “We are all enjoying hunting Total (all out, 73.1 overs) 235 (Kohli), 4-72 (Rahane), 5-84 (Pujara), 6-89 (Yadav) Valiant knocks from Shai beat West Indies 301 for 9 out there as a pack. The bowl- was the last wicket to fall as In- Fall of wickets: 1-66 (Blundell), 2-69 (Williamson), Bowling: Southee 6-2-20-1, Boult 9-3-12-3, Jamie- Hope (72), Sunil Ambris (60), (Hope 72, Ambris 60, Pooran ing unit is very clear with how dia took a slender fi rst-innings 3-109 (Taylor), 4-130 (Latham), 5-133 (Nicholls), son 8-4-18-0, de Grandhomme 5-3-3-1, Wagner Nicholas Pooran (50) and 51, Allen 37, Mathews 4-59) they are trying to target the op- lead of seven runs that had 6-153 (Watling), 7-153 (Southee), 8-177 (de Grand- 8-1-18-1. skipper Kieron Pollard (49) by six runs. looked highly unlikely when position.”

ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE South Africa and England Karachi register important win against Islamabad By Agencies power into semi-fi nals Rawalpindi Reuters bowler defl ect- Sydney ed Aliya Riaz’s drive on to the arachi Kings got their stumps. HBL Pakistan Super Pakistan eventually fell short League 2020 campaign outh Africa and England despite an unbeaten 47-run back on track with a re- registered comfortable sixth-wicket stand between Al- Ksounding fi ve wicket win over victories against Paki- iya Riaz, who hit 39 from 32, and Islamabad United at the Pindi stan and West Indies Iram Javed. Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi yes- Srespectively in their Group B Natalie Sciver played terday. This was their second win matches yesterday to seal their Wolvaardt’s role for England, in four games which now leaves spots in the semi-fi nals of the anchoring the innings for the them with four points. Women’s World Cup. 2018 fi nalists with a 56-ball 57 Kings chased down 184 runs for Group A leaders India were to help them to post 143-5. a win in the penultimate over of Karachi Kings’ Mohamed Amir (centre) celebrates after taking the fi rst to reach the last four Amy Jones played a vital cam- the match courtesy a match win- the wicket of Islamabad United’s Colin Munro (not pictured) with and the fi nal place will go to the eo of 23 off 13 balls down the or- ning half-century by Alex Hales teammates during the PSL match against Islamabad United in winner of today’s clash between der as England scored freely in and 30s by Sharjeel Khan, Cam- Rawalpindi yesterday. (AFP) hosts and their trans- the fi nal overs to take the target eron Delport and captain Imad Tasman rivals New Zealand. outside the reach of the 2016 Wasim. Alex Hales. Hales hit three fours sixes in his innings. Ronchi added After South Africa registered winners. Kings chase got off to the worst and as many sixes in his 52 that 106 runs for the unbroken fourth a 17-run win against Pakistan, West Indies struggled in their possible start when the top- came off 30 balls. Delport scored wicket partnership with Shadab England thumped West Indies chase and were dealt a huge ranked T20I batsman Babar Azam 38 off 28 balls (one four, three six- who stroked 54 off 31 balls with the by 46 runs to claim their third South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt plays a shot during the T20 women’s blow when captain Stafanie was run out without facing a ball in es) before becoming legendary fast help of four sixes and three fours. win and climb to the top of World Cup match against Pakistan in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) Taylor had to be carried off on a the opening over while attempt- bowler Dale Steyn’s fi rst-ever HBL Shadab joined Ronchi at the fall Group B on net run rate. South stretcher after she suff ered a leg ing a quick single. United captain PSL wicket in what was his maid- of Colin Ingram (16)’s wicket with Africa, however, have a game in stan for their third victory from Bismah Maroof, started Paki- injury while batting on 15. Shadab Khan’s direct throw beat en appearance for United. Ear- United placed at 77 for three at the hand against the Caribbean side. as many matches. stan’s recovery with a knock of Left-arm spinner Sophie Ec- Babar at the batting end which left lier, Kings opted to fi eld fi rst after completion of 10 overs. Laura Wolvaardt did not get Pakistan got off to a poor start 31. clestone picked up three wickets Kings zero for one. winning the toss. United were Shadab completed his half- a chance to bat in the previous in their chase and were reduced Javeria’s 100th T20 inter- for seven runs as the West Indies They were set back on track by a well served by opener Luke Ron- century on the last ball of the two matches but made a brisk, to 26-3 inside the seventh over national appearance came to a innings folded up for 97 in the blazing 38 off 20 balls (three fours, chi who remained unbeaten with United innings when he depos- unbeaten half-century to help before , leading the cruel end when she was run out 18th over with Taylor unable to four sixes) by Sharjeel who added 85 off 58 balls. The wicketkeeper ited Umaid Asif’s delivery into the South Africa to a win over Paki- side instead of injured captain at the non-striking end after return to bat. 58 runs for the second wicket with batsman struck nine fours and two stands. Gulf Times Monday, March 2, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Petry’s goal in OT leads Canadiens Rockets edge Celtics past Hurricanes

Reuters The Central Division-leading Los Angeles Blues have had three winning streaks of at least seven games this season, a franchise fi rst. eff Petry scored on a David Perron, Tyler Bozak in OT, Grizzlies snap breakaway 52 seconds and Brayden Schenn scored into overtime, and the for the Blues, and Vince Dunn Montreal Canadiens earned two assists. Goaltender prevailedJ 4-3 over the Caroli- Jake Allen stopped 28 shots for na Hurricanes despite blowing his third victory over the Stars another multi-goal home lead this season. on Saturday night. Tyler Seguin and Denis Brendan Gallagher and Gurianov also scored for the Lakers’ 7-game streak Phillip Danault each had a Stars, who lost their second goal with an assist, and Tomas Tatar re- RESULTS ‘I THOUGHT THEY WERE BETTER THAN US — NOT BY MUCH, BUT AT LEAST BY ONE’ corded three assists for the Canadiens, Boston 4-0 NY Islanders who snapped an 0-2- Los Angeles 2-1 New Jersey 2 home rut in which Tampa Bay 4-3 Calgary they blew a lead of at least 2-0 in each con- Chicago 3-2 Florida test. Montreal was Montreal 4-3 Carolina up 3-0 early in the Ottawa 4-3 Detroit second period Satur- day before Carolina Toronto 4-2 Vancouver charged back. Colorado 3-2 Nashville With 1:17 left in Arizona 5-2 Buff alo regulation and their net empty, the Hur- St. Louis 4-3 Dallas ricanes tied the game Edmonton 3-2 Winnipeg at 3 when Justin Wil- San Jose 5-0 Pittsburgh liams defl ected in Joel Edmundson’s blast. It was game in a row, and Anton Khu- Edmundson who got Carolina dobin made 26 saves within one just 1:14 into the fi - The Stars took a 1-0 lead nal period. 8:30 into the game when Edmundson’s wrister from Seguin started and fi nished the right point went over the a scoring play. He won an of- glove of Montreal goaltender fensive zone draw, then moved Charlie Lindgren (27 saves), into the shooting lane to de- who got the call after Carey fl ect Klingberg’s shot from the Price started the previous 11 right point. games. Fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Confer- AVALANCHE BEAT ence, Carolina managed a PREDATORS point but concluded February Erik Johnson had a goal and with a third consecutive defeat an assist, Pavel Francouz amid a 1-3-1 stretch. stopped 30 shots, and the vis- iting Colorado Avalanche beat BLUES SEAL SHOOTOUT the Nashville Predators 3-2 on WIN OVER STARS Saturday night. Ryan O’Reilly scored the win- Johnson’s two points gives ning shootout goal to lead the him 300 for his career. Gabriel St. Louis Blues past the visit- Landeskog and Martin Kaut ing Dallas Stars 4-3 Saturday also had goals for the Ava- night for their seventh con- lanche, who have won a fran- secutive victory. chise-best eight straight road The Stars rallied from a 3-1 games and six in a row overall. defi cit to force overtime – Viktor Arvidsson and Calle with John Klingberg scoring Jarnkrok had goals, and Juuse the tying goal with 19 seconds Saros had 28 saves for Nash- left in regulation. ville. The Predators had their But O’Reilly scored the three-game winning streak Russell Westbrook (right) of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics during the first half of the game at TD Garden in Boston, on Saturday. (AFP) only goal in the shootout. snapped.

AFP and Boston trailing 104-101. Dillon Brooks scored 24 points and Jo- RESULTS Los Angeles “I thought the right team won,” Celtics nas Valanciunas added 22 points and 20 coach Brad Stevens said. “I thought they rebounds for the Grizzlies. Houston 111-110 Boston were better than us — not by much, but at LeBron James scored 19 points and Dav- ussell Westbrook delivered a Indiana 113-104 Cleveland least by one.” is added 15 with nine rebounds. game-high 41 points as the Hou- San Antonio 114-113 Orlando Elsewhere, the Memphis Grizzlies, The Lakers sliced the deficit to nine ston Rockets defeated Boston Atlanta 129-117 Portland clinging to the eighth and fi nal playoff points with less than seven minutes re- 111-110 in overtime to cap a sea- spot in the NBA Western Conference, maining, but the Grizzlies pushed the sonR sweep of the Celtics on Saturday. Miami 116-113 Brooklyn snapped a fi ve-game skid with a 105-88 lead back to 18 and Lakers coach Frank James Harden, who made just seven of Golden State 115-99 Phoenix victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Vogel emptied his bench for the waning 31 baskets and had fi ve turnovers, gained Memphis 105-88 LA Lakers Saturday. minutes. a small measure of redemption from his Rookie Ja Morant scored 27 points and “We knew they were going to play with poor shooting night by making two late New York 125-115 Chicago tied his season high with 14 assists for the desperation,” Vogel said. “They’re cur- free throws in the win. Harden,” Celtics guard Brown said. “We Grizzlies, who led by as many as 22 points rently the eighth seed in the playoff s and Harden’s free throws gave Houston the forgot about the other MVP over there.” in the third quarter. they lost fi ve straight. lead and then Rockets defence took over Jayson Tatum fi nished with 32 points The victory in Memphis snapped the “Our guys have done a great job forcing Boston’s Jaylen Brown to miss his and 13 rebounds, and Brown added 22 West-leading Lakers’ seven-game winning throughout most of the year playing with late shot to clinch the victory. points for the Celtics. Marcus Smart streak. The Grizzlies out-rebounded the energy and matching the energy of the Harden fi nished with 21 points after be- scored 26 points and Daniel Theis tallied Lakers 51-45 and harried Los Angeles into 16 home team — we just fell short with that ing double teamed most of the night. Rob- 15 rebounds and three blocks in the loss. turnovers leading to 22 Memphis points. tonight.” ert Covington had a double-double with Brown hit the buzzer-beating three- “They came out and played with a sense The Grizzlies went into the night two 16 points and 16 rebounds for Houston, pointer that forced overtime. He of desperation,” Lakers star Anthony Davis games ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry (right) plays the puck who won their sixth straight. grabbed a loose ball after Tatum missed said. “They wanted it more than us to- for the eighth and fi nal playoff spot in the against Carolina Hurricanes left wing Teuvo Teravainen during “We had a lot of attention on James two free throws with five seconds left night, and it showed.” West. an overtime period at Bell Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

SPOTLIGHT MLB ICSS, WEC sign agreement to promote Darvish strikes out three in pre-season youth empowerment through sports debut for Cubs By Sports Reporter Ethnosport said, “It is with great AFP Doha pleasure that we join forces with the Los Angeles ICSS and its Save the Dream initiative to use the power of volunteerism to n a commitment towards pro- create solidarity through traditional u Darvish displayed moting and supporting tradi- sport. The aim of WEC is to increase control of multi- tional sports and games, the the awareness and promote the popu- ple pitches Saturday International Centre for Sport larity of traditional sports and games in his Major League ISecurity (ICSS) and World Ethnosport around the globe and with this agree- YBaseball pre-season debut, Confederation signed an agreement ment we look forward to create an en- striking out three over two in- during the 3rd International World vironment of social values and youth nings for the Chicago Cubs in a Ethnosport Forum held in Antlaya, empowerment.” 4-3 loss to Milwaukee. Turkey. Massimiliano Montanari, Executive The 33-year-old Japanese The ICSS through its Save the Director, Save the Dream said, “We are right-hander surrendered a Yu Darvish in action against Dream Initiative, together with World extremely pleased to sign this agree- leadoff home run before dis- Milwaukee Brewers at Sloan Park. Ethnosport Confederation (WEC) will ment with World Ethnosport Con- playing success with a varied PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports work towards empowering youth from federation to keep protecting and pro- set of throws in Mesa, Arizona. urban and rural communities through moting the purity of sports. At Save “Fastball, cutter, hard cut- veball. sport with the focus on fi eld of tradi- the Dream, we have come far with the ter, slider, knuckle-curveball, “I’ve showed my power tional sports and games. projects on international sport volun- two-seam (fastball). Yeah, curve over my nine years here The agreement aims at utilising teerism and we are glad to make this six pitches,” said Darvish in a and no one has hit well against sport to promote inter-cultural dia- collaboration on the context of tradi- posting on the MLB website. that pitch, so I can show it any logue, socio-economic development, tional games as it heavily relies on the Orlando Arcia smashed time I want,” Darvish said. build peace and prevent violent ex- work of volunteers. a homer off Darvish on the Darvish went 4-4 with a tremism while protecting respect of Traditional sports remind us about game’s opening pitch, but 2.76 earned-run average af- diversity as well as promoting sport the essence and cultural dimensions Darvish closed the inning by ter last year’s MLB All-Star volunteerism in the context of Ethno- of sport and plays a key role in creat- striking out Avisail Garcia on Game break and his fastball sport and other major sporting events. ing inter-cultural dialogue and build- Executive director of Save the Dream Massimiliano Montanari (left) and president of WEC Bilal a 98-mph fastball and Logan impressed with just under four Bilal Erdogan, President of World ing bridges between nations.” Erdogan during the signing ceremony. Morrison on a knuckle-cur- weeks before season openers. Gulf Times 6 Monday, March 2, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Alfardan Premier Motors recognised for luxurious contribution to Qatar Total Open 2020 lfardan Premier Motors Co, nessed the participation of 64 inter- the offi cial retailer of Jaguar national players vying for the cov- Land Rover in the State of eted trophy. There is no doubt that Qatar, is delighted to repeat the partnership between Alfardan itsA sponsorship of the Qatar Total Premier Motors and the Qatar Tennis Open – the phenomenally prestig- Federation is a long-standing, mu- ious international tennis tournament tually benefi cial partnership, with on Doha’s sporting calendar for the this being our tenth year of working tenth year in a row, acting as the of- together.” fi cial transport provider. The tourna- “We have always prided ourselves ment was successfully held from 23rd on our association with prestigious to 29th February at the Khalifa Inter- sporting sponsorships such as this, national Tennis and Squash Com- and we are proud to support Qatar plex with the participation of the re- as it becomes a hub for sporting ex- nowned tennis stars in the world. cellence. In tune with this, Jaguar Alfardan Premier Motors provided Land Rover cars are known to be the a fl eet of 45 chauff eur-driven luxuri- perfect partners for this high calibre ous Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles globally recognised event as they re- to cater for the transportation needs fl ect its elite stature,” he added. of all players and offi cials in its role as The tournament witnessed an the tournament’s Offi cial Car. exciting star-studded line up of the Samer Bou Dargham, General world’s greatest women tennis play- Manager for Alfardan Premier Mo- ers. This year’s tournament culmi- tors, said: “This year’s Qatar Total nated with the triumph of Belarusian Open has by far been the best till date Aryna Sabalenka who bagged the in terms of participation as it wit- championship trophy for 2020.

TENNIS FOCUS Wongharuthai wins women’s Nadal cruises past 6Red World Cup

By Sports Reporter in the fourth frame to go 3-1 Doha up. However, the Thai player, produced a scintillating fi ght- back for the second time in the aiden 6Reds wom- day, taking the fi fth frame 63- Fritz to win title en’s World Cham- 10, and then restricting State- pion Nutcharat czny to single digits in the next ‘I couldn’t be happier. I played a great event from the beginning to the end’ Wongharuthai three frames to win the fi nal Malso bagged the inaugural edi- 5-3. AFP tion of the Women’s 6 Red Earlier in the day, Wong- Los Angeles World Cup with a fantastic haruthai had booked her place comeback at the Qatar Bil- in the title round with a 4-3 liards and Snooker Federation win over multiple-time World orld number two Hall in Doha yesterday. champion Wendy Jans. Rafael Nadal cap- The 20-year-old from In the semi-fi nal against tured his fi rst ATP Thailand was 1-3 down the Belgian too, Wongharuthai Tour title of 2020, against veteran German Diana had been 1-3 down before she Weasily defeating unseeded Taylor Stateczny in the fi nal of the recovered well to take the next Fritz in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, in USD20,000, but the three- three frames for a 4-3 win. the fi nal of the Mexico Open on time World Junior champion Stateczny, on the other Saturday. reeled off the next four games hand, was a comfortable win- The 33-year-old Nadal, play- to earn the winner’s cheque of ner in her semi-fi nal, out- ing in his fi rst tournament since USD12,000. classing World 6Red No 2 losing in the quarter-fi nals at Stateczny, the European Amee Kamani of India. the Australian Open last month, champion, was fi rst off the The German player had didn’t drop a set all week and blocks winning the fi rst two beaten Kamani in the round- improved to 19-2 all-time at this frames 42-28 and 50-18. robin stage but that was a event. He nabbed his third Mexi- Wongharuthai, who is half much closer aff air at 3-2. co Open title to go with victories her opponent’s age, reduced Yesterday, however, State- in 2013 and 2005. Spain’s Rafael Nadal wearing a the gap taking the third frame czny was in control of her “I couldn’t be happier. I sombrero holds the trophy aft er 51-20. nerves and continued in top played a great event from the be- winning the Mexican Open The German then reduced form to defeat Kamani 4-0 for ginning to the end,” Nadal said. in Acapulco. (AFP) Wongharuthai to single digits a place in the fi nal. “Acapulco was the fi rst big title that I won in my career, so to be able to stay here after 15 years is EQUESTRIAN amazing. “I can’t thank enough the people who make me feel at home every single time.” Excitement builds Nadal wasted no time fi gur- ing out Fritz’s game in the fi rst career meeting between the two. for LGCT Doha The 19-time Grand Slam win- ner made eight unforced errors and needed just one ace but it Open, where the Serb won a earlier Saturday to lift the Dubai for Nadal which he put away fi rst WTA title in three years by came in the fi nal game of the record eighth title. Nadal could trophy. Nadal won the fi nal eight nicely. Nadal broke Fritz twice grinding out a 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), second set to get to champion- have regained the top spot with points to take the fi rst set. He in the second set, including the 6-1 win over Canadian teen Ley- ship point. a win in Acapulco, but he also seized control by breaking Fritz’s fi fth game to go up 3-2. He broke lah Fernandez. Nadal closed it out with a needed Djokovic to fail to reach serve in the ninth game to go up Fritz again to take a 5-4 lead and The persistent Fernandez, of blistering serve that handcuff ed the fi nal in this week’s Dubai 5-4. He then served for the set, then served out the match. Filipino and Ecuadorean de- Fritz and gave Nadal his 85th ca- event. winning four straight points. Nadal has now won a ti- scent, survived nine champion- reer title. Nadal ceded the world Djokovic extended his win On set point he hammered a tle 17 consecutive years. In the ship points before fi nally suc- number one ranking to Novak streak to 21 matches by beat- serve which Fritz barely got back. women’s fi nal, seventh seeded cumbing to Britain’s Watson in Djokovic after the Australian ing Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 That set up an overhead smash Heather Watson captured her a two hour, 46 minute marathon.

MOTORSPORT Bekele breaks Farah’s London half-marathon record xcitement is build- Brash (GBR), Pieter Devos Navarro back on top as Moto2 ing with less than (BEL), Maikel van der Vleuten Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele Kipchoge, the reigning Olym- one week before the (NED), Simon Delestre (FRA), broke Mo Farah’s course pic champion from Kenya, 2020 Longines Glo- Daniel Deusser (GER), Hans- balE Champions Tour and GCL Dieter Dreher (GER) and Peder testing concludes in Doha record as he won the London as the two fastest marathon half-marathon yesterday in runners of all time meet in gets underway at the Longines Fredricson (SWE) in a bid for orge Navarro of Beta Tools a time of one hour and 22 the British capital. “The new Arena at Al Shaqab in Doha glory at this early stage of the Speed Up was back on top seconds. Bekele took 1min course record is a great bonus. from March 5-7. season. as Moto2 testing came to a 18sec off the record set in I wasn’t focused on time today, As world’s top riders and Shanghai Swans emerged close at the Losail Interna- 2019 by British distance great I just wanted to win,” Bekele, horses begin the champion- victorious in the GCL of Doha tionalJ Circuit in Doha, the Span- ship race at the incredible in- in 2019 as the only team to Farah, who missed this year’s three times an Olympic gold iard pulling a tenth and a half edition with an achilles injury. medallist on the track, told the ternational equestrian facility, fi nish on a zero score, while clear of Remy Gardner of ON- Britain’s Christopher Thomp- BBC. “I’m on schedule in my show jumping fans will be able Valkenswaard United and New EXOX TKKR SAG Team as both son finished second, with Jake preparation for the London to watch all the action live on York Empire took the second continued to fl ex their 2020 pace. Smith third. Yesterday’s event Marathon in April. GCTV. and third places. It will be Fabio Di Giannantonio of Beta Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele “There’s no question about the All eyes will be on Doha for all to play for this season as Tools Speed Up moved up into broke Mo Farah’s course crowds in London being great. the LGCT Grand Prix and GCL the teams aim to make their third as Speed Up chassis im- record as he won the London They were cheering all around team competition to see which mark at this opening leg of the pressed once again. half-marathon yesterday in a the course and it felt like a rider and team will claim vic- Championship battle. Most of the fast laps came late time of one hour and 22 sec- great place to be.” tory in Doha, and secure the Tickets are available for the in the day, with the top 16 setting onds. Bekele took 1min 18sec Farah decided to concentrate fi rst qualifi cation spot for the three days of spectacular show their quickest laps in Session 9. off the record set in 2019 by on the marathon having LGCT Super Grand Prix, held jumping. Visitors will be able Marcel Schrotter of Liqui British distance great Farah, won gold in the 5,000m and at the GC Prague Playoff s in to enjoy a variety of activities Moly Intact GP was next up be- who missed this year’s edition 10,000m at both the London November. including a Kids’ Village, chic hind the top three as he made with an achilles injury. and Rio Games, but a relative Last season saw a stunning ringside cafes and the oppor- the most of his time attack, with Jorge Navarro of Beta Tools Speed Up in action during the Moto2 Britain’s Christopher Thomp- lack of success on the road fi nish as French rider Julien tunity to see the next genera- Enea Bastianini of Italtrans Rac- testing at the Losail International Circuit in Doha. son finished second, with Jake has seen him turn his atten- Epaillard (FRA) snatched the tion of young talent in the im- ing Team completing the top fi ve Smith third. Sunday’s event tion back to the track ahead of win from 2019 LGCT Cham- pressive indoor Kids Academy. to do the same. hands on the new Speed Up fair- Xavi Vierge of Petronas Sprinta served as a warm-up event this year’s Olympics in Tokyo. pion and LGCT Super Grand The stage is set as the best Sixth was another impres- ing, although teammate Hafi zh Racing, Lorenzo Baldassarri of for the full London Marathon served as a warm-up event for Prix winner Ben Maher (GBR). in show jumping return to the sive performance from rookie Syahrin sent it down the road. Flexbox HP 40 and Nicolo Bule- on April 26. That race is set to the full London Marathon on Julien returns to defend his Qatari capital to begin this superstar Aron Canet of Aspar Luca Marini of Sky Racing ga of Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 see Bekele go up against Eliud April 26. title this year, and will compete season’s race to the top of the Team as the Aspar Team got their Team VR46 was seventh, with completing the top ten. against stars including Scott leaderboard. Gulf Times Monday, March 2, 2020 7 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT QF’S Education City Golf Club supports Qatar’s global tourism goals

ome to a national li- brary, a public art gal- lery, an equestrian cen- tre, a hotel, and, most Hrecently, a golf course – as well as eye-catching and thought- provoking architecture – Qatar Foundation’s Education City has become a true destination. And an international audience will experience it for themselves when the Education City Golf Club (ECGC) – a member of Qa- tar Foundation – hosts the Eu- ropean Tour’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters for the fi rst time from March 5-8, welcoming golfers from all over the world. Education City Golf Club Deputy General Manager Mohamed al-Naimi “Hosting the Qatar Masters is an important milestone for us,” club in the country, the course refl ects Qatar Foundation’s goal explains Mohamed al-Naimi, was specially designed by Span- of creating an open, diverse, in- Deputy General Manager, ECGC. ish golfi ng legend Jose Maria clusive, accessible, and welcom- “It is a very prestigious event, Olazabal, who has been involved ing environment for all members and not only is it a chance to in golf course design for more of the local and international sions to creative spaces, com- cation City’s role as a tourist a key element in helping trans- “This part of the world is showcase the golf course to the than 20 years. community,” says Machaille al- munity education classes, and destination can be seen at a na- form the nation into a sustain- very popular, especially among world, but it is also an opportu- Comprising 33 holes – across Naimi, President, Community cultural events and platforms, our tionwide level. able and diversifi ed economy. northern Europeans for winter nity to share our knowledge with 18-hole, nine-hole, and six-hole Development, Qatar Foundation. aim is to make a lasting, positive “Tourism is very heavily linked “A huge number of hotels are golf, plus it is a sport that is be- others and encourage players to courses – a Center of Excellence, “Our facilities, research and impression on people. to Qatar National Vision 2030,” being built in preparation for ginning to grow in countries like try the course out themselves.” a TrackMan driving range, and a academic resources, and commu- “Education City is an experi- says Michael Braidwood, the the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, India and China. And with Qatar “And ultimately, it will help putting green, the ECGC aims to nity activities within Education ence, and a destination that of- club’s General Manager, speak- and, with this, Qatar needs more Airways’ fantastic network – attract more players – local and cater to all visitors, regardless of City are designed to be universally fers something for everyone to ing about how the golf course amenities. Visitors need some- they fl y to over 200 international international – as well as more age, gender, and ability level. appealing. From football pitches, enjoy, learn, and be inspired by.” aims to help grow the nation’s thing to do, and golf is a very destinations – Qatar is very ac- spectators.” Only the second golf “The Education City Golf Club squash courts, and fi tness ses- And the ripple eff ects of Edu- tourism industry, identifi ed as popular sport amongst tourists. cessible.”

REPORT FOCUS Fleetwood seizes one-stroke lead at Valimaki claims PGA Honda Classic

AFP at 10 and 11 were more than a 12- Miami foot birdie putt at 17 could off set. Westwood made three bogeys and two birdies in the fi rst seven ritain’s Tommy Fleet- holes, then grinded out back maiden European wood birdied four of the nine pars with a birdie at 12 and a last six holes, including bogey at 16 after his 6-iron from two spectacular birdie 200 yards landed short and left puttsB from beyond 40 feet, to of the green. grab a one-stroke lead after Sat- “I wasn’t as prepared as I’m urday’s third round of the US used to when I pulled back on PGA Honda Classic. the ball,” Westwood said of his The 29-year-old Englishman, round. “There was a little bit of Tour win in Oman runner-up at the 2018 US Open doubt in there. I’ll have to work and 2019 British Open, fi red a on that for tomorrow.” three-under par 67 to fi nish on It’s not that Westwood isn’t ‘It’s awesome. There are not many words to say. It’s unbelievable’ fi ve-under 205 after 54 holes feeling a boost after capturing at PGA National in Palm Beach January’s Abu Dhabi Champion- Reuters Gardens, Florida. ship for his 25th career European Muscat Fleetwood, who began the day Tour victory. three strokes off the lead, made “My confi dence levels are six birdies against three bogeys high,” he said. “Any time you win inland’s Sami Valimaki on a wild day where he was the a tournament like I did in Dubai, claimed his maiden Eu- only player to shoot a round un- your confi dence has to escalate.” ropean Tour title yes- der par in the fi nal eight groups. Sharing fi fth on 208 were terday, beating Brandon “It’s funny, really, how tough ’s Im Sung-jae, StoneF in a playoff to win the certain shots can play,” Fleet- American Daniel Berger and Oman Open in Muscat. wood said. “There are just so South African Charl Schwartzel. Valimaki and Stone fi nished many factors on a golf course. level on 13 under par at Al Mouj You can only hit golf shots and LEADING SCORES Golf after both shot two-under- see where they play.” par 70s in the fi nal round in dif- American Brendan Steele, the 205-Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) fi cult, breezy conditions by the 36-hole leader who was three 70-68-67 coast. The duo halved the fi rst ahead of Fleetwood when the 206-Brendan Steele 68-67-71 two playoff holes on the par- day began, fi red a 71 to stand 207-Lee Westwood (ENG) four 18th but when South Afri- second on 206 with England’s 67-69-71, Luke Donald (ENG) can Stone faltered with a bogey 46-year-old Lee Westwood and 70-66-71 on their third time around, par 42-year-old Luke Donald both 208-Daniel Berger 69-70-69, was enough for Valimaki to seal on 207 after 71s Saturday. Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 69-69- victory. “I didn’t have my A-game today,” 70, Im Sung-jae (KOR) 72-66-70 The 21-year-old, who secured said Westwood, seeking his fi rst US 209-Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) his European Tour card at the PGA win since 2010. “Struggled 71-72-66, Rory Sabbatini (SVK) Qualifying School, recorded his with my game a little bit. Stayed 71-69-69, Mark Hubbard 69-71- fi rst top 10 fi nish at the Vic Open patient and ground it out. I don’t 69, Robby Shelton 70-69-70, last month and is now a winner think I did too much damage.” Russell Henley 70-69-70, J.T. in only his sixth Tour appear- Fleetwood dropped the ball Poston 67-69-73 ance. Valimaki took the lead in within six feet at the par-3 sixth 210-Ryan Palmer 70-72-68, An the fi nal round with back-to-back and made the birdie putt, then Byeong-Hun (KOR) 76-66-68, birdies from the seventh hole but suff ered a three-putt bogey from Jason Dufner 70-72-68, Bran- then found a bunker on the ninth 85 feet at the par-3 seventh. He don Hagy 70-71-69, Jhonattan on his way to a double bogey. answered with a fi ve-foot birdie Vegas (VEN) 70-71-69, Billy He roared back with four bird- at the ninth but needed four Horchel 73-67-70, Maverick Mc- ies on the back nine, including a shots to fi nd the 10th green and Nealy 70-69-71, Cameron Davis clutch putt from 20 feet to force took a bogey. His closing charge (AUS) 70-67-73, Nick Watney the extra holes with Stone. began with a “lovey putt” for 71-66-73 “It’s awesome,” he said. “There birdie from 14 feet at 13, followed 211-Grayson Murray 73-68-70, are not many words to say. It’s by a monster 45-footer for birdie Jimmy Walker 72-69-70, Lee unbelievable. After the ninth at 14. “Just looking to lag that Kyoung-hoon 69-71-71, Cam- hole, when I made a double, I one up close. Wasn’t expecting it eron Tringale 67-72-72, Kevin knew that the tenth hole is good to go in,” Fleetwood said. “Bit of Streelman 69-70-72, Richy and I had to make birdie on that. a bonus there.” Werenski 70-68-73, Jamie “I didn’t make a really good After fi nding sand with his Lovemark 69-69-73, Shane par on 11 and after that bogey I fi rst two shots at the par-3 15th, Lowry (IRL) 9-9-73, Sepp Straka felt like, ‘okay this is gone’. But Fleetwood blasted out and sank a (AUG) 70-67-74, Gary Woodland then I just grinded, made three testy 10-foot bogey putt. 70-67-74. birdies and on the last, an awe- Finland’s Sami Valimaki poses with trophy after winning the Oman Open in Muscat yesterday. (Getty Image/European Tour) “The putt at 15 for bogey was some birdie.” big,” Fleetwood said. It bolstered France’s Adrien Saddier took his confi dence heading to the third after carding a 69 to fi nish LEADING AND SELECTED FINAL ROUND SCORES fi nish and at the par-3 17th he on 12-under while Italian Guido 275-Brandon Stone (RSA) 67 71 67 70, Sami Jordan Smith 70 70 67 72, Rasmus Hojgaard 73 70 69 68, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 71 70 70 rolled in a 48-foot birdie putt. Migliozzi and Finn Mikko Ko- Valimaki (FIN) 74 67 64 70 (Valimaki wins (DEN) 67 68 70 74, George Coetzee (RSA) 69, Lorenzo Gagli (ITA) 69 70 73 68 “At 17, again, another bonus rhonen were a shot back to share play-off on 3rd hole) 68 73 72 66 one in there, just to walk it in,” fourth place. 276-Adrien Saddier (FRA) 72 68 67 69 280-Ross Fisher 68 75 70 67, Joost Luiten Selected: Fleetwood said. On the par-5 277-Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 66 72 68 71, Mikko (NED) 69 69 67 75, Clement Sordet (FRA) 281-Li Haotong (CHN) 73 69 68 71 18th, Fleetwood became only the KENNEDY BAGS SECOND Korhonen (FIN) 73 67 65 72 70 71 66 73, Martin Kaymer (GER) 73 69 67 286-Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 70 72 72 72 day’s seventh player to reach the NEW ZEALAND OPEN TITLE 279-Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 70 69 72 68, 71, Grant Forrest 70 73 69 68, Connor Syme green in two, then rolled a 44- March 1 (Reuters) – Austral- foot eagle putt to two feet and ia’s Brad Kennedy hit a spot- tapped in for birdie. Fleetwood, a less eight-under-par 63 in the further fi ve after the turn for a but lost his way after a double- grinded it out and really tried to at a leaderboard all day. I actu- fi ve-time European Tour winner fi nal round of the New Zealand total of 21-under-par 264 at the bogey on the 13th. Needing a play within my game as much as ally posted a number in my head who is seeking his fi rst US PGA Open to chase down compa- Millbrook Resort to claim the ti- birdie at the closing hole to force I could,” Kennedy said. “I just last night, 21 was the number, title, has his fi rst 54-hole lead on Tommy Fleetwood lines up his triot Lucas Herbert and clinch tle he also won in 2011. Herbert, a playoff , he instead found water let my putter do the talking to- and I didn’t think I’d reach it but the US tour. putt on the eighth green during the title by two strokes yester- who won the European Tour’s and fi nished with a bogey to end day and I’m just relieved, and to I just knew that this course was Steele birdied two of the fi rst the third round of the 2020 day. Kennedy, 45, gained three Dubai Desert Classic in Janu- two strokes ahead of fellow Aus- do this again after nine years is out there to be had, the course is three holes but back-to-back Honda Classic in Palm Beach strokes on the front nine and a ary, had appeared to be cruising tralian Nick Flanagan. “I just just unbelievable. “I didn’t look playing unbelievable.” bogeys at four and fi ve and again Gardens. (USA TODAY Sports)