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A lot was going against Qatar on the eve of their FIFA Arab Cup Opener against Bahrain. The Asian champions have been below-par at best, having not won a game since July, with an eight-match winless streak and some heavy losses against superior European teams. The last time Qatar beat Bahrain in a competitive game was in 2002. Felix Sanchez’s men are also chasing history with Qatar seeking their first Arab Cup title – albeit they have played in the tournament only twice before, in 1985 and 1998. In the latter, which they also hosted, they finished runners-up. So history and form was against Sanchez and his men last night. But the moment Abdulaziz Hatem’s header found the net at the electric Al Bayt Stadium, all seemed forgotten and Qatar’s preparation for next year’s World Cup at home was back on track. The narrow 1-0 win against Bahrain at the packed Al Bayt Stadium last night gave the Maroons a good start to their FIFA Arab Cup campaign. While the win was far from perfect, it allowed Sanchez some breathing space after a difficult last few months. The hosts, who are favourites for the title, were not fluent in the first half but put in a much-improved performance in the second half. The 2019 Arabian Gulf Cup champions put up a strong resistance and on another day could have nicked a point, which Sanchez later acknowledged. "We know Bahrain is a very good team. They have been doing well in the last two-three years, a much organised team with top quality players. I think we played a good game. The first half was a little difficult because the opening game of any tournament is not easy. But I think we had better chances and we deserved the three points," the Qatar coach said. With just a year to go before the historic World Cup at home, Qatar players experienced a glimpse of what could be on offer at the showpiece event. The Al Bayt Stadium staged a stunning opening ceremony, with a 60000-capacity crowd treated to jaw-dropping pyrotechnics display along with some beautiful choreography and performances that featured traditional themes, scenes and costumes from the Arab region. The opening ceremony featured 220 dancers, 75 orchestra performers and 45 FIFA Fan Leaders representing 48 different countries as the Al Bayt stadium came alive. All these fanfare – and much more – is what Qatar players will experience in a year’s time. "Playing at this stadium, I think, it's an experience for us,” said Sanchez. “As I have said before, to play in this tournament is like training for the World Cup. So, I think it's a good experience to have one year before the World Cup,” the Spaniard added. Expectedly, the players took time to get into the groove at the start of the match with fans still awestruck by the opening ceremony. With captain Hassan al-Haydos – returning from injury – and experienced Abdelkarim Hassan on the bench, midfielder Mohamed Waad and Homan al-Amin making the starting XI. Bahrain had the first real opening in the game when in the seventh minute Mahdi Alhumaidan failed to connect a header from a close range. A lot depended on Qatar’s star striker Akram Afif and he was the star of the show yesterday. The host’s went closer in the 18th minute with Waad being thwarted by the Bahraini keeper Sayed Mohamed Jaffer, who made amends for clumsy clearance in his first attempt. While Afif – 2019 Asian player of the year – dictated the play creating several goal-scoring chances, Qatar failed to find the net in the first half. At the one hour mark, Boualem Khoukhi’s header bounced over the cross before Afif's sumptuous cross set up the goal for Qatar. A whipped cross from Akram Afif was met expertly by Hatem, who charged in to power a header and send the crowd into raptures. Bahrain did come close in the closing stages but Qatar held out for the remainder of the match, including seven minutes of injury-time to seal a morale-boosting victory. Up next for Qatar is Oman, who yesterday were held to a 1-1 draw by Iraq. Qatar are on top of Group A after the first round of matches, but with Oman and Iraq to come next, qualification to quarter-finals is still not done. The top two sides from each of the four, four-team groups’ progress to the quarter-finals. “All the teams are equal so we have to play at our best. So let's hope that we can recover after today’s game and be ready for the next one,” Sanchez said.    

With just a year to go for their World Cup debut at home, the Qatar team is starting a crucial journey towards preparation for the football showpiece event. Thanks to a well-planned strategy in place, the Maroons have travelled length and breadth of three continents as they sharpen their skills ahead of the World Cup. Since becoming Asian Champions in 2019, Qatar under Felix Sanchez have gone on to play in Copa America, CONCACAF Gold Cup and UEFA World Cup qualifiers with varied success. And now as they enter into final stretches of preparation, the FIFA Arab Cup – which starts in Qatar from Tuesday – will serve Sanchez and his men another opportunity to test their skills against quality opponents. The tournament itself is a dry run for Qatar as the country gears up to host the World Cup. And Qatar players will get a firsthand experience of six magnificent stadiums, which are set to host matches in the marquee event next year. But on the field, Sanchez will be desperate to get his tactics and formations right during the Arab Cup, which they have never before. Qatar under Sanchez has done exceptionally well but off late the standards have slipped. Qatar have not won since the 3-2 win against El Salvador in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final in June and are on an eight-match winless streak. In Europe, Qatar has run into strong opposition, giving them a taste of things to come. They were beaten heavily by Portugal, Serbia and the Republic of Ireland, while only managing to draw against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg. They found it tough against the physically stronger European opponents, who overpowered Qatar in the midfield and forced them into defensive errors. In the Arab Cup, Sanchez will hope to overcome those mistakes. Fourteen of the Qatar players who won the Asian Cup two years ago will turn out at the Arab Cup, which will give Sanchez enough experience in his squad. The hosts open their campaign against a well-drilled Bahrain side at the Al Bayt Stadium Tuesday, with tougher tests against Iraq and Oman to come in Group A. “The Arab Cup is an important preparation for the team ahead of the World Cup,” Sanchez said Monday. “We have the resolve to win this tournament and we will give everything [to win the title]. We want to make a good start in the tournament. The opening matches are always difficult, which makes this match an important one. We have prepared well,” the Spaniard added. Bahrain have punched above their weight in recent times, having won the Arabian Gulf Cup in Doha in 2019. Coached by Portuguese Helio Sousa, they will be no pushovers for Qatar, who are struggling for form. The Qatar coach admitted Bahrain will be a strong opposition and will give them a stern test. “Yes, we aspire to win the title, but we have to take one step at a time. We respect the Bahrain team, they are a strong team and have won Gulf Cup before in Doha and has some quality players in its ranks. We will give our best to make our fans proud and we are looking forward to fans to back us during the tournament,” Sanchez said. The Spaniard said his team will approach each group stage match like a final. “We have played many times against all three group teams. It is not going to be easy, history tells us that. We will have to play each game like the final to get points in order to reach the next stage. We have to play very good three games to be with the level of opposition,” Sanchez said. Meanwhile, Bahrain coach Sousa is under no illusions about the task that lies ahead but is confident his team can beat the hosts. "The Qatar team will be difficult to play at home and in front of their fans. They have been preparing for the World Cup for more than six years, they have participated in the biggest events – the Gold Cup, Copa America and UEFA qualifiers. They are an experienced team and have been exposed to playing different styles of football from all continents. These made them improve as a team. But tomorrow the score will be 0-0 at kick-off and we're ready to beat them,” he said. “The tournament is an opportunity to see the team develop and grow by playing against tough opponents. This is the first time that we are going to play Qatar, while we played against other teams. We will take advantage of this competition to continue to grow as a team,” Sousa added.

A Formula One title race for the ages is set to go down to the wire after Lewis Hamilton’s dominant victory at the inaugural Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday. The Brit was untouchable in his Mercedes around the lightning Losail International Circuit as he closed the gap on title rival Max Verstappen. Red Bull’s Verstappen finished second and also claimed the fastest lap bonus point, overcoming a five-place grid penalty for failing to respect warning flags in Saturday's qualifying which had dropped him down to seventh at the start. With two races remaining in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, Hamilton has narrowed down Verstappen’s lead to eight points. Former two-time world champion Fernando Alonso took the final podium position in Alpine, his first in seven years. It would be an understatement to say the maiden Qatar F1 Grand Prix was just a blockbuster hit. True to its anticipation, the motorsports fans in Qatar thronged the Losail Circuit on all three days, with a packed crowd yesterday enjoying a dazzling evening which was sprinkled with spectacular race, glamour and sporting icons from F1 and football. The race day coincided with one year countdown for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, as the spectators in the main grandstand lapped up the trophy on display and some of the game's finest – with David Beckham, Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldinho and John Terry all making an appearance on the grid before the race. After a year’s break, the F1 will return to Qatar in 2023 with the country having signed a 10-year deal. On the track though, it was Hamilton all the way. The seven-time world champion was coming into the Qatar GP after one of his greatest victories in Brazil and he made sure he cashed in on the momentum, to stay afloat in the title race. After his clinical win, Hamilton was not in a celebratory mood, turning his focus to the final two Grand Prix of the season. “The last two weeks have been fantastic, just amazing,” said Hamilton. “But there’s no time for celebrations; I’ll be back in with the team already again next week and just back in training tomorrow,” he said. “Today, of course the race was made a lot easier with the penalties that the guys obviously got for the mistake they made yesterday, so that made it a lot more straightforward,” added Hamilton. “I was just managing the gap at the front, keeping the car safe and trying to maximise and bring the car home. I generally felt I wasn't massively under threat. I managed to cover the ground just off the start and after that it was just kind of head down and focused on trying to [keep] the gap,” he said. Once Hamilton made a clinical start from pole position, his newly fitted engine in Sao Paulo last week proved too hot to handle for Verstappen and the rest of the chasing pack. The Brit was able to control the pace at the front of the field, with his Mercedes flying around the fast-flowing circuit. Verstappen too was not the one to give up easily as he made an impressive start from seventh to fourth. The Dutchman soon climbed to third by lap four after charging past Pierre Gasly’s Alpha Tauri and a lap later moved to second after overtaking Alonso, with only Hamilton around four seconds up the road from him. But with Hamilton steadily increasing his lead, Red Bull decided to pit Verstappen at the end of lap 17 after a possible damage to the front wing. Mercedes followed suit in the next lap with Hamilton also moving to the hard tyre as his team mirrored Verstappen’s strategy. From there, the pair traded fastest laps across the next phase of the race. But as the race entered the final stages, Hamilton’s lead over Verstappen only widened. The Red Bull called in Verstappen for the third time, only to make sure he used the softs to seal the fastest lap with a time of 1m23.196s as Hamilton took the chequered flag 25.7 seconds ahead of his title rival. Verstappen later said he is relishing the title battle with Hamilton. “I feel good. It’s going to be a tight battle to the end. I know it’s going to be difficult to the end, but I think that’s nice – it keeps it exciting,” he said. “We just didn’t have the pace this weekend to match them [Mercedes]. I did the fastest lap – at the end of the day it was still one extra point and everything counts at the moment – but this weekend wasn’t the best for us,” the Dutchman added. Meanwhile, there was joy down at Alpine as Alonso returned to the podium for the first time since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix, the Spaniard having executed an aggressive drive to survive late-race pressure from Red Bull’s Sergio Perez to take third. Perez’s fourth place was a decent recovery considering he’d started P11, while he finished ahead of the Alpine of Esteban Ocon, with Lance Stroll taking P6 for Aston Martin. The Ferrari pair of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were P7 and P8. Lando Norris took P9 after a late stop for the McLaren driver, as Sebastian Vettel took the final points-paying position for P10 – with Pierre Gasly failing to make a two-stop strategy work, dropping from P2 on the grid to P11, allowing Alpine to move clear of AlphaTauri in P5 in the standings. Meanwhile, it was a day to forget for Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, who took his own grid drop, dropping from P3 to P6, before falling to 11th at the start and then suffering mid-race tyre issues before Mercedes retired him. Bottas' misery left the Silver Arrows with only a five-point lead over Red Bull in the constructors’ championship.    

After struggling to set the pace in practice on Friday, Lewis Hamilton had said he needed to figure out why he was ‘little bit slow’ at the Losail International Circuit. Twenty four hour later though, the seven-time world champion had more than figured it out as the Mercedes driver took pole position for the Formula One Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix with a stunning lap in qualifying Saturday. At the packed Losail circuit, Hamilton put on a show as the Brit blazed through the fast-flowing track with a stunning 1:20.827 lap to beat his title rival Max Verstappen by a massive 0.455s seconds under the lights. There could be more good news waiting for Hamilton after Verstappen was summoned to the stewards before Sunday’s race at 5pm after allegedly failing to slow down for double waved yellow flags. The Red Bull driver could be at risk of a grid penalty, if the stewards decide he has fallen foul of the rules, which will delight Hamilton as he trails the Dutchman by 14 points in championship race with three races remaining. Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas will line up in third place after what was a below-par qualifying for the Finn after having topped the second practice on Thursday. Later Bottas along with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was also asked to make an appearance in front of the stewards Sunday afternoon over their alleged passing of single waved yellow flags. Meanwhile, Hamilton was in a league of his own Saturday as the 36-year-old was the quickest in both Q1 and Q2 before going out all guns blazing in the Q3. This was Hamilton's 102nd career pole but his first since Hungary almost four months ago. Hamilton, who revealed he was suffering with a stomach ache for several days, was surprised with the pace of his car Saturday. “It was really beautiful out there today, especially under the night lights,” he said. “I didn’t know that I was going to gain as much as time as I did on that last lap – normally it's a bit of a struggle with the second run in Q3, but the last couple of races, I managed to really put a nice clean lap together, and it felt amazing,” he added. The Brit was also at a loss of words to explain his huge gap to Verstappen in qualifying. “Of course (I’m surprised by the gap to Red Bull),” Hamilton added. “The same as in the last race. Probably the last three races in qualifying we've been ahead of them, which has been a bit of a surprise and today I definitely wasn't expecting to have as big a gap as that,” he said. Meanwhile, Verstappen said he would give it all in the race as he would have to fight Mercedes alone after teammate Sergio Perez dropped out in Q2. “I think (we were) lacking a bit of pace,” said Verstappen. “Perez was not even in Q3, so it just shows that we are struggling a bit more than normal. But nevertheless, we're still second, so it's all to play for. But of course, I wish we could have fought for more,” he said. Pierre Gasly for Alpha Tauri will start fourth. The Frenchman, however, had the shine taken off his stunning performance when he ran well wide at the penultimate corner and hit the kerb, which shattered his front wing and led to a puncture. That forced some drivers to back out of their final results, though Fernando Alonso’s first effort was still good enough for a very impressive fifth in what is his second top-five start in the last five races. Lando Norris put McLaren sixth, to give them the edge in the tight fight with Ferrari for P3 in the constructors’ championship but Carlos Sainz was only a place behind for the Scuderia, as he out qualified his teammate Charles Leclerc for the third successive race. Yuki Tsunoda continued his great weekend in Qatar with eighth, putting both AlphaTauris in the top 10 for the fourth time in five races. Esteban Ocon made Q3 for the first time since Russia and will start ninth with Sebastian Vettel closing out the top 10, following his first Q3 in eight races. Meanwhile, Alonso, who put in his best qualifying performance since his return to Formula 1, was delighted so far with his stint in Qatar. “Happy days!” said Alonso afterwards. “The whole weekend has been great for us. The car seems to perform really well in these long corners. I think we did in Turkey as well, we did in Sochi, and here, so very enjoyable. The Qatar track is unbelievable for Formula 1 cars. Now at night, light cars with low fuel, new tyres, I could be driving all night long!”

Doha   The two protagonists of the title race – Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton – were left plenty to ponder with as Valtteri Bottas set the pace at yesterday’s practice session for the Formula One Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix. With just 14 points separating the title race leader Verstappen to seven-time champion Hamilton, the focus was naturally on the two but the physically demanding and unfamiliar Losail International Circuit proved difficult to crack. Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Bottas was 0.209 seconds quicker than Pierre Gasly, who was impressive in Alpha Tauri. Red Bull’s Verstappen and Hamilton were third and fourth respectively after the second of the practice session was held under lights, with the former just 0.072secs ahead of his title rival. Verstappen was faster than Bottas in the first session, but the Dutchman clearly struggled in the second with rear wing issues troubling him and his teammate Sergio Perez. Hamilton was also fourth in the afternoon but his performance in the evening session – which was deemed more representative of race conditions as it was held under floodlights – will worry the Brit. Today’s qualifying session, which is expected to be tight, will be key for Hamilton to stay in the title race. Bottas, though seemed to have find the right key to unlock Losail Circuit, with the Finn quick on a single lap and very good on a long run. “We’ve started the weekend pretty well with the set-up. The balance felt good, so I only made a few minor tweaks for FP2. That’s an encouraging way to start the weekend at a new track,” Bottas said. “It’s not far off the sweet spot, obviously there’s always work to do and improvements to find and even with driving, you can’t find all the speed available in just two sessions. We’ll keep on working. It’s hard to draw conclusions from today, practice is practice, but the feeling is okay and that’s promising for the rest of the weekend,” he added. With no previous data to work from in Qatar, Hamilton admitted he still didn’t feel entirely comfortable on track. “I don’t even know how big the gap is, but I’m off,” Hamilton said. “I’m definitely not close. I’m a little bit slow, so I need to figure that out tonight.” “Driving-wise, it’s okay,” added Hamilton of the Losail track. “I mean it’s all high-speed corners, so it’s definitely physical, but then the track’s quite nice, no real issues.” Verstappen also felt he had more work to do overnight and will have a better idea of what will work on the track after a debrief session. “It was the first time (we ran) in the evening, so it was important to understand how the car would react,” said Verstappen. “Quite a bit of the change between the medium and the soft tyre I think for me, that’s why on the soft tyre it wasn’t, let’s say amazing, but again you know it’s our first time here, so a lot of things to understand. You need to learn the track a bit, but it’s been a lot of fun to drive to be honest. I think it’s a really cool track,” he added. Lando Norris was fifth fastest for McLaren, 0.422s off the pace, ahead of Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) and Perez. Nikita Mazepin – the only other driver along with Perez in the field who’s raced here before – missed the session while his Haas chassis was switched as he damaged his car in FP1. Second practice timings 1. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) Time: 1:23.148; 2. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) +0.209s; 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.350s; 4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) +0.422s; 5. Lando Norris McLaren +0.484s; 6. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) +0.557s; 7. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) +0.587s; 8. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) +0.639s; 9. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) +0.872s; 10. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) +0.885s; 11. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) +0.893s; 12. Fernando Alonso (Alpine) +0.908s; 13. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.947s; 14. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) +0.987s; 15. Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo Racing) +1.483s; 16. George Russell (Williams) +1.806s; 17. Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo Racing) +1.924s; 18. Nicholas Latifi (Williams) +2.061s; 19. Mick Schumacher (Haas) +2.427s; 20. Nikita Mazepin (Haas) DNS Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas arrives at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. (Reuters) PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil

Formula One made its long-awaited debut in Qatar Friday with the Losail International Circuit hosting the Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix. The 5.38-km fast-flowing track came to life as engines roared with the drivers taking part in the two practice sessions. The motorsports connoisseurs made a beeline to Losail Circuit, which is no stranger to hosting big events with MotoGP racing here since 2004. Fans lined up on the stands to watch their favourite drivers behind the wheels of the F1 car, while they also had plenty of entertainment options outside the track in the Fan Zone. An air show was held for the spectators on the sidelines of the Formula One Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix After watching Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas top the timesheets in the first and second practice sessions respectively, fans were enthralled with a live air show. Verstappen, who leads Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton by 14 points in the title race, was impressed by the nature of the Losail track. "It's been a lot of fun to drive to be honest," the Dutchman said yesterday. "I think it's a really cool track. It's difficult to say for the race. With these cars anyway, it's very tough to follow. I think over one lap anyway, it's going to be good," he added. Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) president Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif al-Mannai was pleased with the turnout on the first day and expected more crowd to come in the next two days. “We are excited to see such a record number of fans at a motorsport event in Qatar. Qatar is ready to host the first ever F1 race in front of a capacity crowd. We will have completely full grandstands come race day on Sunday and this is a testament to the huge appeal of F1,” al-Mannai said Friday. “We have been hosting motor racing events at LCSC for many years but this weekend’s event will go down in history as the one with the biggest turnout. I am sure the fans will enjoy what should be a spectacular weekend,” he added. “There was great buzz at the free practice sessions Friday. We can safely say the atmosphere inside the venue was electric and will be even more so on Saturday and Sunday. There’s a lot of activity right now and the buzz will simply get bigger with each passing hour,” the QMMF president said. It might be the first time F1 is being held in Qatar but it won’t be the last. While the race won’t be happening next year, it is a sign of things to come with Qatar signing a 10-year deal to host races starting in 2023 in a newly-built circuit. QMMF’s executive director Amro al-Hamad was hopeful that hosting the F1 race would help put Qatar in contention to bring other major motorsport championships to the country in the future. “Formula 1 being here is definitely going to attract a lot of attention, and put us back again in the spotlight,” he said. “So there’s a huge possibility that we’re going to host a lot of other motorsports events in the state.”

The Losail International Circuit, which will host the inaugural Formula One Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix this weekend, adds an interesting subplot to the title fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Red Bull’s Verstappen leads Hamilton by 14 points after the Mercedes driver won the Brazilian Grand Prix in a dramatic fashion last weekend. With three rounds to go, Verstappen will be hoping he can stop Hamilton from winning his eighth world title, while also claiming his maiden championship. While the two title contenders will be hatching a plot to keep each other at bay, both Hamilton and Verstappen will be wary of the beast that is Losail International Circuit. A 5.380-kilometre layout, which was designed with motorbike racing in mind in 2004 – having hosted the season-opening MotoGP races since then – is still a still uncharted territory for the Formula One troupe. Of those on the current grid, only Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez and Haas’ Nikita Mazepin have previously raced at the track, in GP2 Asia and the MRF Challenge respectively. While other drivers have turned to simulators, only after two practices sessions scheduled for today will they be able to get a taste of the track A high downforce set-up and a series of quick sweeping corners will make it challenging and tough physically for the drivers. The rest of the lap is fast, flowing and dominated by medium and high-speed corners, making tyre degradation a key factor. “I think it’s going to be a different track. Probably straight line speed is not so relevant over there, so hopefully we can be a lot more competitive. I think it’s a very high downforce track, very fast. And hopefully the main straight is not too long,” said Perez yesterday. “I don’t really remember when I drove there, it was a long time ago. So I don’t think there is much of an advantage for me,” the Mexican added, while admitting he had little memory of his victory here in 2009. McLaren’s Lando Norris said it was a ‘fun track’ while acknowledging the physical toll it would take on the drivers. “It’s a pretty fast track. Not many big braking zones or anything, so it’s probably going to be quite a physical one. I don’t know how the racing or anything is going to be, I’ve got no idea just yet. But quite a fun track from what it looks like,” said the Brit. Despite the fast nature of the track, Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation’s executive director Amro Al-Hamad believes that the lack of track data and the flowing layout would create an exciting on-track spectacle. “Nobody has any data here, nobody drove here before, so that is going to add a lot,” Al-Hamad told Autosport. “Every single minute in practice is going to make a difference because they still don’t know what type of set-up they need for all their chassis. The strategy is going to be completely different when it comes to tyre wear, because it’s a very fast track, or a flowing track with a couple of opportunities for overtaking. “I know from a competitive driver point of view that there is a lot of overtaking that is going to be done, against all of the speculation that has been spread, that this is a straight-line kind of circuit, which it’s not. It’s very technical. It needs a lot of downforce. There are a lot of strategies that are going to be involved with the tyre wear here as well,” the QMMF official added. While the teams and drivers would have a better idea of the track after the practice sessions today, there is a feeling in the paddock that the Losail circuit would favour Mercedes over the Red Bull, due to their faster starlight line speed. The tyre management would be a key factor here with Pirelli choosing the three hardest tyre compounds in its range for this week’s race. The Italian tyre manufacturer said its existing data and simulations point to Losail being a high-severity circuit with very demanding corners – similar to Silverstone or Mugello – and quite aggressive asphalt, hence its hard rubber choice.      

Al Sadd retained the HH The Amir Cup after a hard-fought victory over Al Rayyan in penalties at the Al Thumama Stadium, which was inaugurated Friday. In the presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, both the teams lit up the newly-constructed 40,000-capacity stadium, which follows Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Al Bayt in being declared ready to host the FIFA World Cup 2022. > > > While Al Sadd went in as overwhelming favourites, Al Rayyan gave them a tough fight but could not deny the Wolves their record 18th Amir Cup and 76th overall title. The teams were deadlocked 1-1 in regulation time, with Rayyan's Yacine Brahimi (44th minute) and Sadd's Santi Cazorla (58th minute) scoring through penalties. In a match with a handful of contentious penalty calls by referee Abdullah al-Athba, Sadd thought they had nicked it before the end of regulation time, when they were awarded a penalty after Akram Afif was fouled in the box. But the referee reversed his decision after a VAR review as the title clash went into penalties. After the first four penalties were converted by both teams, Rayyan’s Shojae Khalilzadeh’s spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb before Jung Woo-young won it for Sadd with a decisive strike. Xavi Hernandez, who won his seventh trophy in two years as Sadd manager, said his team ‘deserved’ to win the Amir Cup. “We played a good match and appeared at a good level and I am proud of that. The match was unique and was of high quality. But Sadd deserved to win the title after a good performance throughout the tournament. The victory will serve as a motivation for us the rest of the season,” the former Barcelona midfield maestro said. PICTURES: Naushad Thekkayil Sadd started with the strongest possible line up with Spanish midfielder and last year’s player of the season Cazorla returning to the starting XI after recovering from injury. Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc too had the strongest squad to pick from with Colombia star James Rodriguez starting along with Ahmed Yasser, who made his first start since signing for the club. As expected it was Sadd who went all out on attack and should have taken lead in the ninth minute. However, Algerian forward Baghdad Bounedjah shot just wide from the edge of the box. The Algerian had scored both goals for Sadd in last year’s 2-1 Amir Cup final victory against Al Arabi. Rayyan too could have gone ahead in the 14th minute but Mowafak Awad inexplicably skied the ball from just six yards with al-Sheeb not even in the picture. Four minutes later, Akram Afif, who was a livewire for Sadd and a constant threat on the left, tried his luck from a tight angle but the ball went out after hitting the side post. Afif also turned Khaled Muftah inside out and sent in a cross, but Al Sadd failed to make use of it. The game’s first controversial call came in the 39th minute, when Bounedjah went down after a contact from Yacine Brahimi. But the referee al-Athba chose to wave the play on and interestingly did not go for a VAR review. With Sadd pressing for the goal, Afif almost produced a stunner but his sweet strike in the 40th minute hit the top of the post. Out of nowhere it was Rayyan, who got a lucky break after Yohan Boli was brought down by al-Sheeb, with al-Athba pointing to the spot after a VAR review. Captain Brahimi coolly converted the penalty as Rayyan went into the break dreaming of a seventh Amir Cup title. However, Sadd were not one to give up easily and had two good chances to score in the first 10 minutes after the break. In the 49th minute, Bounedjah header went just wide after a cross from Santi Cazorla, while Afif hit it just over the bar after playing a 1-2 with Hassan al-Haydos. At the other end, Boli’s claim for penalty was not given, while Sadd’s persistence finally paid off when they won the penalty after Dame Traore's stamp on Khoukhi Boualem. Cazorla stepped in to convert the penalty as Sadd were right back in the contest. Sadd controlled the match thereafter but could not find the net. With just two minutes remaining, the brilliant Afif looked to have won another penalty after a challenge from Khalilzadeh but al-Athba reversed his decision after another VAR review. But Sadd players kept their nerves in the penalty shootout, while al-Sheeb produced a terrific save off Khalilzadeh as Sadd’s domestic domination continued.

The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation president Abdulrahman al-Mannai was a pleased man as he sat next to Formula One President & CEO Stefano Domenicali to announce Qatar hosting its first ever F1 Grand Prix later this November. The night race at Losail International Circuit has been in the planning stages for some months, but the announcement had to wait for the commercial arrangements to be finalised, and will take place from November 19 to 21. After a break next year due to Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup, the country will host F1 races for 10 years from 2023 to 2032. Al-Mannai said it was a ‘very special day for Qatar Motorsport’ and was proud Qatar could step in to fill a slot to host a race following a decision to cancel the Australian Grand Prix for a second year running due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “This is a very special day for Qatar Motorsport and our nation’s ambitions as a host of major sporting events,” al-Mannai said at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. “I’m very proud that we’ve been able to support Formula 1 by stepping in and hosting a race in our country in such a short time frame, while also securing a ground-breaking long-term deal with F1. We are very grateful to Ooredoo for supporting us with this historic event,” the QMMF President added. In a statement F1 noted: “There was a strong will from Qatar to be helpful to F1, and in the course of this process, the vision for a longer partnership was discussed and agreed for 10 years. “The step from the gesture to be helpful to F1 in 2021 to a long-term strategy was short and simple and the vision for F1 to be the showcase for Qatar after the FIFA World Cup in 2022 was the driving force behind this long-term agreement. As part of the longer-term deal, discussions will continue regarding the location for the grand prix from 2023 with further details to be provided at a later time.” The night race at Losail will be the third event in a triple header that begins with the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix. The Ooredoo Qatar GP will be followed by races in Saudi Arabia and the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The 16-turn Losail track built in 2004 is no stranger to high octane racing, having become a permanent fixture on the two-wheeled MotoGP calendar. Discussions will continue regarding the location for the Grand Prix from 2023, with further details to be provided at a later time. Losail already had an FIA Grade 1 Licence, which meant it was a viable option to host a Grand Prix this year at short notice amid the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. It’s learnt F1 has listed some modifications to the track which includes a revised pit entry and modifications to some kerbs and barriers, as well as new team hospitality buildings in the paddock. That work has been undertaken in recent weeks. The Losail track has only rarely been used for top level car racing. A round of the GP2 Asia championship was held in February 2009, with the two races won by Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg, while the NASCAR-based Speedcar series that featured former F1 drivers also visited the same year. Three rounds of the WTCC were also held at the track between 2015 and 2017.      

Qatar’s stature as a top destination for marquee sports events will get another major boost with the Losail International Circuit set to host the country’s first ever Formula One Grand Prix from November 19 to 21. The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), the governing body for motorsports in the country, and the global body Formula 1 announced in a press conference Thursday that the Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix will replace the cancelled Australian Grand Prix in this season’s calendar. Qatar has also signed a 10-year deal to host Formula One from 2023, with the F1 saying it would confirm the venue for the race from 2023 onward at a later date, suggesting a possible change from Losail. This November’s Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix will be a night race and will form the first part of a Middle Eastern ending to the F1 season as it will be followed by races in Saudi Arabia and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Qatar has a strong track-record as a host of world class international sporting events – with state-of-the-art sporting facilities, modern infrastructure and expertise in major event management. Doha’s globally central location will be of huge benefit to F1 logistically, while also allowing more fans to travel to the race. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Doha has established itself as one of the most trusted and safe sports hubs for major events. The QMMF and F1 said they have worked around the clock to ensure the race this November takes place, despite the unprecedented Covid-related challenges and the turn-around time for a deal of this complexity. For this year’s race, F1 will make use of Qatar’s existing motor racing facilities, which have hosted many motorsport events including MotoGP since 2004. The 11-race deal will take place over 12 seasons, with Ooredoo – the international communications company – also announced as the title sponsor. There will be no race in 2022 as it coincides with Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The race will return to Qatar in 2023 and take place for the next 10-years until 2032. Qatar’s deal with F1 will boost the balance sheet of a sport recovering from the hit of Covid-19 as well as further raising the profile of the Middle East in an increasingly global championship. The F1 revenues took an $877mn hit, a 43% drop, last year when the Covid-19 pandemic forced cancellations and races without crowds. “We are very pleased to welcome Qatar to the Formula 1 calendar this season and for the longer term from 2023,” said F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali Thursday. “We have shown that we can continue to adapt and there is huge interest in our sport and the hope from many locations to have a Grand Prix. The huge effort from all the teams, F1 and the FIA has made it possible to deliver a 22 race calendar, something that is very impressive during a challenging year and something we can all be proud of,” Domenicali added. The QMMF president Abdulrahman al-Mannai said Qatar will be a ‘great destination for F1’ calling it a pinnacle event in global motorsport. “This is a very special day for Qatar Motorsport and our nation’s ambitions as a host of major sporting events. I’m very proud that we’ve been able to support Formula 1 by stepping in and hosting a race in our country in such a short time frame, while also securing a ground-breaking long-term deal with F1. We are very grateful to Ooredoo for supporting us with this historic event,” al-Mannai said. “This exciting agreement means that Qatar will be the home of both Formula 1 and MotoGP for the next decade, which are the pinnacle events in global motorsport. We have a proud motorsport history and this is the next chapter for us. Qatar will be a great destination for F1 and we look forward to welcoming all the drivers, teams, media and fans very soon,” he added. In a statement, Ooredoo said its sponsoring of F1 races in Qatar comes as part of Ooredoo’s strategy and efforts to contribute to the full realisation of the Qatar National Vision 2030.    Commenting on the sponsorship, Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Managing Director of Ooredoo Group, said: “We are delighted that Qatar will be the host of such an important event on the global sporting calendar. As Title sponsor, Ooredoo is honoured to have been given the opportunity to support the QMMF in bringing Qatar’s first ever F1 race. We have a long history of supporting major sporting events, in line with our corporate social responsibility strategy, and we are tremendously proud this history will now include the F1 Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix. We extend our thanks to our partners F1 and the QMMF for their trust in Ooredoo and look forward to an incredible race weekend. I wish all the talented competitors the best of luck.” Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Thani, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, said: “For Qatar to host such a prestigious international sporting event is a great honour. We are proud that, as part of our drive to achieve the aims of Qatar National Vision 2030, our country is well-prepared for such an event, and has indeed proved its suitability as a trusted hub for major sporting occasions. The magnitude of Ooredoo having its brand name showcased in such a prominent sport – alongside other major global entities – is highly valued, and we will ensure we support our partners in delivering a world-class event that will cement Qatar’s place on the global sporting stage.”

At just 26, Alexander Massialas is on the verge of becoming a three-time Olympian in fencing. He already has a silver medal from the 2016 Rio Games in the individual foil and a bronze in the team event – making him the first US man to win two fencing medals in the same Olympic Games in more than a century.  It’s exactly how his dad Greg had envisaged in the late 90’s. A two-time Olympian himself, Greg could never reach the podium.  His best bet was at the 1980 Moscow Games, when he was at his peak, but the United States’ decision to boycott the Olympics because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan meant Greg had to wait till 1984 Los Angeles Games to make his debut. He made another appearance at the 1988 Seoul Games, but his best years had passed him. Greg became an international referee and forged a career in advertising in San Francisco. His wife Vivian, who was born in Taiwan, was the one who encouraged him to start coaching. The Massialas Foundation fencing club was born in 1998. Since then, the senior Massialas had only one aim: to produce Olympic champions. While his son fell just short of realising that dream – losing to Italy’s Daniele Garozzo in the gold medal match in Rio – Greg has consistently churned out fencers at his San Francisco club. But Alexander still is his star pupil and remains his best bet for that elusive gold medal at Olympics.   Alexander didn’t take long to fall in love with fencing and started to train under his dad in the second grade. His sister Sabrina – three years younger than him – followed him onto the strip when she was just six. Now the Massialas family will be making a trip to Tokyo Games after Sabrina qualified for her maiden Olympics at the FIE Grand Prix event in Doha last month.   “When my sister qualified for the Olympics, it was such an emotional moment for us in the family. We gave her a hug but she was running through so many emotions and it was yet to sink in for her,” said Alexander, who also competed in Doha.   “As an older brother, I was proud and happy for her. She has watched me compete at two Olympics from the stands and now she will participate in it. It will be amazing to go to Tokyo with my sister and dad,” he added.  With his dad also doubling up as coach of the US team, the pressure is bound to be there but Alexander said it only motivates him to become a better fencer. “For me and my sister it was the love for fencing why we took it up. When we are fencing, he is a coach not my dad and when we are not fencing, he is my dad and not a coach. I don’t take anything to heart when he is training me. He is just trying to get the best of me and make me a better fencer. There is no additional pressure. If anything, he motivates me. He has been such a great influence for me and my sister,” says Alexander.   A Stanford alum with a mechanical engineering degree, Alexander qualified for the Tokyo Games at the World Cup in Cairo in February 2020. But just as he started to chart his plans, the pandemic ravaged through the world with tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics, either cancelled or postponed.   “It’s been a difficult last one year for everyone,” Alexander says. “After the pandemic broke in last March, all the tournaments were cancelled or postponed. It wasn’t easy not to be competing or training but the health and safety of the athletes was more important.   “I had already qualified for the Olympics, so I started training outdoors with my dad. We put a fencing strip in our backyard. That was the first time I had trained outdoors. But we couldn’t train indoors at our academy as it wasn’t safe and we had to take into account the safety of everyone. Obviously, the training was different but it’s an experience I will never forget,” he adds.  Having already equalled his dad’s feat of qualifying for three Olympics, Alexander is hungry for more, with a burning desire of donning an Olympic gold medal around his neck.   “My ambition is to be an Olympic champion. After that I want to keep going on in the sport and take it day by day. I have not set any long-term goals other than doing well at the Tokyo Olympics. I don’t want to go far ahead in terms of goals. I am 26 now and would certainly want to compete at my fourth Olympics in Paris in 2024. To compete in the 2028 Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles would also be great as it will be in my hometown. My dad competed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, so it would be fitting for me to be part of the 2028 Olympics at home,” Alexander says.  The FIE Grand Prix in Doha last month was the first fencing event in a year, while Alexander did not have a great outing he was pleased to take part in a competition and was full of praise for the organisers.   “Personally, I didn’t do really well as I would have liked but I didn’t do badly either. It was good to be back competing in a tournament. The organisation and facilities were top class. The safety protocols were strictly followed by the organisers. The US team did really well with two of my teammates winning gold and bronze, so I was really happy for them. This event will surely act as a stepping stone for the Tokyo Olympics,” he says.  “I prefer to compete in tournaments rather than training. There is no better way to test yourselves than in a competition environment. There is a lot of room for improvement but I am happy to get into the groove. I want to get into my best shape before the Olympics,” he adds.  After the Grand Prix, Alexander along with his dad, had a chance to take a tour of Qatar and the Rio Olympic silver medallist was impressed by what he witnessed.  “It was an amazing experience. We went to Sealine for dune bashing and it was a unique thing I have never experienced before. The driver pulled off some cool manoeuvres in the sand. Then we had lunch at Katara and also went to Mushreib, Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar, which was really great. To experience Qatar’s culture and diversity was amazing,” he says.  On Qatar’s plans to bid for the 2032 Olympics, Alexander is all for the Games to be held in different locations, which are culturally diverse.  “Qatar’s bid to host the Olympic Games in 2032 is great. I don’t know much about their bid but it would be nice if the Olympics are held in different locations, which are culturally diverse. It would be a very nice experience. I would love to see the Olympics going into different locations around the world,” he says.

Belgian rider Niels Bruynseels astride bay gelding Delux van T & L put on a blistering run to clinch the Grand Prix of Doha, – the marquee completion of the season-opening Longines Global Champions Tour on Saturday. Bruynseels, who had missed out on winning Friday’s feature class, made up on the big stage as he tackled the tricky 1.60m CSI5* class with power and precision at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. It was a blistering jump-off featuring seven of the world’s best horse and rider combinations and it all came down to precision and speed under the floodlights in breezy conditions. Bruynseels and Delux van T & L trailed Lorenzo De Luca and Nuance Bleue by three-tenths of a second at the midway checkpoint, but a speedy second half saw them stop the clock in 39.93 seconds, 0.27 inside the Italian rider’s time. Canada’s Beijing 2008 Olympic champion Eric Lamaze, with Dieu Merci, took third in 40.35 seconds after going fastest in Round A. Friday’s feature event winner and one of the strong contenders Scott Brash looked set to land the marquee event as the Brit, riding Hello Vincent, was well ahead on the clock. But the pair had the last two fences down to end up in sixth place ahead of Germany’s Marcus Ehning (Stargold). Bart Bles of the Netherlands was fourth on board Kriskras DV with German Christian Kukuk and Mumbai in fifth. “Sometimes you just have to be lucky,” Bruynseels laughed afterwards, as he took home a whopping €123.750 in prize money.  “I’m really happy with my performance in Doha, it’s been an extremely good two weeks here. I wish to thank the competition’s organising committee for doing a great job during these special times. I’m very happy to emerge on top while competing against some of the world’s best horses and riders,” he added. Bruynseels’ strategy of saving his gelding Delux van T & L only for the Grand Prix paid him rich dividends. “That was a conscious choice. My horse felt so good last week that I decided to start him only in the GP this weekend. I didn’t think it was useful to make him tired unnecessarily and wanted to save his strength for today. So that turned out really well. I have to really thank my horse. I think he is one of the best horses in the world. He made a difference for me,” the 37-year-old said. With this Grand Prix victory, Bruynseels also has won a ticket for the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs in November. “Of course I’m very happy. This is a championship at a very high level. The best riders and horses in the world are competing here. So I’m very pleased to have secured my place in the final so early in the season,” he said. Lorenzo De Luca paid credit to his 10-year-old Nuance Bleue for the runner-up finish, even though he admitted that his horse was not ready for the big event. “She’s quite new at this level and it was my mistake to push her into such a high-level competition. She gave me everything she had. I’m really happy to be standing on this podium now,” De Luca said. Earlier, Valkenswaard United won the Global Champions League in spectacular style with unbeatable performances by the team’s top guns in the opener of the 2021 championship race. Heavyweights Peder Fredricson and Marcus Ehning took full advantage of the extraordinary horsepower of Hansson WL and Stargold with flawless rounds to seal the coveted first win of the season. Shangai Swans with Christian Ahlmann (Dominator 2000 Z) and Max Kuhner (Elektric Blue P) finished in second place. They were both able to jump a clear round and clocked off in a combined time of 145.22 seconds.  The Berlin Eagles with Christian Kukuk (Mumbai) and Philipp Weishaupt (Asathir) followed in third place. A delighted Marcus Ehning said “It’s always great to be here in Doha. I think I can talk for everyone to say it is a very special event. Peder made my life easier he jumped a fantastic clear round, I know my horse is fast but you also need some luck. I am really lucky to be in a strong team like this. We have 6 very strong riders and I am very lucky to ride with them.” Peder Fredricson said: “It’s really amazing to be back jumping at top level sport again. It is fantastic to ride with Marcus and I am really looking forward to the rest of the season!”  

For the second time in a week, Frenchman Kevin Staut pipped compatriot Simon Delestre to victory at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. Staut, who had got the better of Delestre during the CHI Al Shaqab last week, once again overcame his countryman at the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT), which kicked off on Thursday. In the against the clock 1.55m class, Staut astride 12-year-old mare Visconti du Telman clocked 61.73 seconds to emerge as the fastest pair among 40 combinations. Delestre was little less than two seconds behind Staut as he completed his round in 63.44 with 10-year-old gelding Berlux Z. Philipp Weishaupt completed the top three as the German finished the course in 63.74 seconds with 11-year-old gelding Coby. A modest Staut downplayed his victory, preferring to call his dominance over Delestre as ‘lucky’. “I was lucky because I know it is two different competitions. I knew that my mare jumped really well last week, she is really in good shape. Even at the practice arena, she was really relaxed and focused at the same time,” said Staut, who took home €13750 in prize money. “When I had seen the riders riding for the team competition, I knew I had to go fast in the end. I had a good rhythm and I tried to keep it going till the last hurdle,” he added. Staut was glad to be competing again in LGCT after the coronavirus pandemic had forced the cancellation of the season last year and praised the organisation at Al Shaqab. “Everybody is happy to be back competing in the sport. This is a really high level of sport. I have to say here the people, the infrastructure and organization is amazing and really efficient. It’s not easy to organise the show in this situation. For sure, the quality of everything is there for everyone to see,” he said. Meanwhile, Valkenswaard United consisting of Peder Fredricson and Marcus Ehning took the top honours in the first round of the Global Champions League (GCL) yesterday. Fifteen teams went head to head in the first GCL competition of the 2021 season to battle it out for their starting position in Round 2. And Valkenswaard United was propelled to victory by Peder Fredricson (Hansson WL) and Marcus Ehning (Stargold), with both the pairs being able to record a clear round for a total time of 132.41 seconds. The Berlin Eagles’ Christian Kukuk (Checker) and Philipp Weishaupt (Coby) were second with a total time of 133.33 seconds, while New York Empire’s Denis Lynch (Cristello) and Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson) jumped clear for a combined total of 134.29 seconds. "It’s a good performance from us. My horse jumped really well. Marcus Ehning’s horse jumped very well. We will try to go really well on Saturday. We are happy today, said Fredricson. Meanwhile, Ehning said: "The strategy (for Saturday) is to go clear again. I think we had a couple of missed clear rounds. This is halftime. We need two double clears and need to be fast on Saturday. It will be a new day and we will try to do well. It’s a new horse at this level. He is 10 years old. I am very happy with him and he makes things easy for us." Earlier, Max Kuhner won the season opening CSI5* 1.45m class. The Austrian rider put on a sublime round in the saddle of 11-year-old Vancouver Dreams in 25.15 seconds. Marcus Ehning came closest to beat Kuhner’s time but fell short by 0.21 seconds astride Funky Fred. Maurice Tebbel and Chacco's Son completed the top three after a clear round in 25.47 seconds. Results CSI5* 2 phases 1.45m €25,400 1. Max Kuhner (AUT); Horse: Vancouver Dreams, Time: 25.15 secs; Prize money: €6350 2. Marcus Ehning (GER); Funky Fred; 25.36 secs; €5080 3. Maurice Tebbel (GER); Chaccos' Son; 25.47 secs; €3810 Global Champions League - Individual classification against the clock (1.50/1.55m) 1. Kevin Staut (FRA); Horse: Visconti du Telman; Time; 61.73 sec; Prize money: €13750 2. Simon Delestre (FRA); Berlux Z; 63.44 secs; €11000 3. Philipp Weishaupt; Coby; 63.74 secs; €8250 Global Champions League – first team competition (1.50/1.55m) 1. Valkenswaard United – Riders: Peder Fredricson (Hansson WL) 67.06 secs, Marcus Ehning (Stargold) 65.35 secs. Total time: 132.41 secs. 2. Berlin Eagles – Riders: Christian Kukuk (Checker) 69.59 secs, Philipp Weishaupt (Coby) 63.74 secs. Total time: 133.33 secs. 3. New York Empire – Riders: Denis Lynch (Cristello) 68.59 secs, Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson) 65.80 secs. Total time: 134.29 secs. Today Schedule 9am: Hathab Against the Clock no jump off 1.00/1.15m, Prize money QR20,000 1pm: Hathab Phase Special Individuals 1.20/1.35m, Prize money QR70,000 3:45pm CSI5* Against the clock - NO jump off 1.50m, Prize money €51,100 6:00pm CSI5* Against the clock - With jump off 1.55m, Prize money €148,500    

Germany’s Christian Ahlmann produced a stunning ride with his 11-year-old stallion Dominator 2000 Z to clinch a thrilling Grand Prix at the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines  Saturday. The formidable combination took top honours in the CSI5* 1.60m class, jumping double clear and then setting the fastest time in the six-way jump-off at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. Hussein Ali al-Abdulla (second left), EGM & Chief Marketing Officer of Commercial Bank and Omar al-Mannai (second right), Event Director and Organising Committee Member at CHI Al Shaqab pose with the CSI5* 1.45m class podium finishers. Ahlmann and Dominator beat French rider Olivier Robert and his 12-year-old Gelding Vivaldi des Meneaux by just 0.100 seconds. The German rider was the first to go in the jump-off and he produced a daring performance, drawing gasps from the crowd, as he delivered the winning round in 36.17 seconds. Robert and Vivaldi des Meneaux jumped clear in 36.27 seconds. Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels on Delux Van T&L finished in third place after coming home in 36.82 seconds. “Dominator is a fantastic horse and very intelligent. I was the first to go and it wasn’t the best position to be in. But I tried as hard as I could. I’d good turns and everything worked like I wanted it to. But with opponents like this, you can never be sure. In the end, it worked out well,” said the 46-year-old Ahlmann, who walked away with €135,300 in prize money. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann astride 11-year-old stallion Dominator 2000 Z gallops to Grand Prix victory at the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines Germany's Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl celebrates with her 17-year-old KWPN horse Zaire-E after winning the dressage Grand Prix Freestyle title Robert was content with runner-up finish. “I’m very happy with my second place finish today. When I walked into the second round, I felt as if we had so many fantastic horses. I think this is going to be a fantastic year of competitions,” the Frenchman said. Earlier, Julien Epaillard, who had won the opening event of the championship on Thursday, triumphed for the second time in three days. The Frenchman topped the CSI5*1.45 class with Safari d'Auge in 67.99 seconds. Spain’s Eduardo Alvarez Aznar astride Legend was second in 70.53 seconds, followed by the Netherlands Maikel van der Vleuten and Kamara van't Heike in 72.25 seconds. Meanwhile, Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl clinched the dressage Grand Prix Freestyle title. The German had won the Grand Prix - CDI5* with the 17-year-old KWPN horse Zaire-E on Friday, and they put on another spectacular show yesterday. Bredow-Werndl and Zaire-E were unbeatable as all jury members placed the combination at the top with a total score of 84.780%. The Germans swept the podium after Helen Langehanenberg (Damsey FRH) took second place with 82.050% score, while Dorothee Schneider (Faustus 94) was third with a total score of 81.865%. RESULTS Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines Grand Prix 1.60m/Two Rounds + Jump Off 1. Christian Ahlmann (GER); Horse: Dominator 2000 Z; Time: 75.75 secs & 36.17; Prize money: €135300 2. Olivier Robert (FRA); Vivaldi des Meneaux; 72.35 & 36.27 secs; €82000 3. Niels Bruynseels (BEL) Delux Van T & L; 75.34 & 36.82 secs, €43050 Jumping CSI 5* 1.45m/Table C 1. Julien Epaillard (FRA) Horse: Safari D Auge; Time: 67.99 secs; Prize money: €6350 2. Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP); Legend; 70.53 secs; €5080 3. Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) Kamara Van'T Heike; 72.25 secs; €3810 Dressage Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines Grand Prix Freestyle 1. Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl (GER); Horse: Zaire-E; Total score: 84.780; Prize money: € 26000 2. Helen Langehanenberg (GER); Damsey FRH; 82.050%; €21000 3. Dorothee Schneider (GER); Faustus 94; 81.865%; €15000 CDI 5* Grand Prix Special 1. Nicolas Wagner Ehlinger (LUX); Horse: Quater Back Junior FRH; Total scores: 74.128%; Prize money: €6400 2. Dennis Fisker (DEN); Delatio; 70.553%; €5000 3. Tatyana Kosterina (RUS); Diavolessa VA; 68.575%; €3800 Para-Dressage CPEDI3* Freestyle IV (IV FS) 1. Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA); Horse: Don Henrico; Total points: 81.075%; Prize money: €1200 2. Lotte Krijnsen (NED); Rosenstolz; 75.500%; €1000 3. Neel Schakel (NED); Edison; 74.083%; €800 CPEDI3* Freestyle V (V FS) 1. Amelia White (AUS); Genius; 73.733%; €1320 2. Valentina Strobl (AUT); Bequia Simba; 72.350%; €1000 3. Tamsin Addison (IRL); Donna Siesta; 67.750%; €800 CPEDI3* Freestyle I (I FS) 1. Ana Isabel Mota Veiga (POR); Convicto; 70.545; €1320 2. Magdalena Cycak (POL); Sybilla; 67.545; €1000 CPEDI3* Freestyle II (II FS) 1. Pepo Puch (AUT); Sailor's Blue; 78.789%; €1320 2. Annemarieke Nobel (NED); Doo Schufro; 69.445%; €1000 CPEDI3* Freestyle III (III FS) 1. Rixt van der Horst (NED); Findsley N.O.P.; 80.678%; €1320 2. Maud de Reu (NED); Webron N.O.P; 77.456%; €1000

Kevin Staut edged out French compatriot Simon Delestre to clinch Friday's feature class at the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines. At the gusty Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, the 40-year-old Staut put on a flawless round with Tolede De Mescam Harcour in the jump-off to win the 1.55m class. Out of 33 combinations, only eight managed to jump clear in the first round in a course, which was challenging and technical in equal measure. Staut was the last to start in the jump-off with Delestre and his mount Hermes Ryan’s time of 36.32 seconds to beat for the title. And Staut did just that, as he cut corners and galloped around the course with Tolede De Mescam Harcour to stop the clock at 35.87 seconds – with 0.45 second separating the two Frenchmen. Austrian Max Kuhner finished third on Vancouver Dreams in 36.84 seconds. "I am really happy. It was a very difficult competition with eight riders in the jump-off. Then I could see my French colleague Simon Delestre riding first and he was really fast. I was jumping last so I had all the information. And what can I say, it's been wonderful two days of competition. It was a difficult Grand Prix today, I am so happy,” said a delighted Staut, who won 2016 Rio Olympic gold medal with the French team. “I think in the first round we had so many faults everywhere. It was a difficult course and technical. It was important the riders stayed focused throughout the round,” he added. The marquee event of the prestigious championship – Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix presented by Longines – will be held today and Staut will be one of the strong contenders for the title. “Normally in the Grand Prix, I ride Tolede de Mescam Harcour but he did such a good job today, so I will ride my other horse Visconti du Telman tomorrow. I am already happy today, tomorrow is another day. I will enjoy this evening after what happened today,” he said. “I want to thank my whole team for coming here and to do the best as we can. I want to thank the organisers here, because it’s so difficult right now. To organise this event at the highest level it’s fantastic,” the Frenchman added. Meanwhile, World No. 4 Peder Fredricson, the highest ranked rider in the championship, won the CSI5* against the clock 1.50m class yesterday. The Sweden rider produced a clear round with Hansson WI in 58.95 seconds. France’s Penelope Leprevost and Verite Une Prince took second place 59.15 seconds, while Colombain Rene Lopez Lizarazo astride Kheros van't Hoogeinde finished third in 61.49 seconds. Results Showjumping Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.2 - CSI5* with jump-off (1.55/1.60m) 1. Kevin Staut (FRA), Horse: Tolede de Mescam Harcour, Time: 74.15 sec & 35.87 secs. Prize money: €48,939 2. Simon Delestre (FRA), Hermes Ryan, 74.12 sec & 36.32 sec, €29,660 3. Max Kuhner (AUT), Vancouver Dreams, 71.12 sec & 36.84 secs, €22,245 Showjumping Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.1 - CSI5* against the clock (1.50m) 1. Peder Fredricson (SWE). Horse: Hansson WL, Time: 58.95 secs. Prize money: €12,775 2. Penelope Leprevost (FRA), Verite Une Prince, 59.15 secs, €10,220 3. Rene Lopez (COL), Kheros van't Hoogeinde, 61.49 secs, €7,665 Dressage FEI Test Grand Prix - CDI5* 1. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER). Horse: Zaire-E. Points: 77.826%, 75.435%, 78.696%, 74.348 %, 78.478%, 76.957%. Prize money: €7,500 2. Dorothee Schneider (GER), Faustus, 77.065%, 77.717%, 75.761%, 74.022%, 75.000%, 75.913%,€6,000 3. Henri Ruoste (FIN), Kontestro DB, 75.870%, 72.935%, 74.130%, 75.000%, 74.565%, 74.500%, €4,500 FEI Individual Test - Grade I - CPEDI3* 1. Ana Isabel Mota Veiga (POR). Convicto, Points: 70.179 %, 66.250 %, 68.750 %, 68.393 %. Prize money: €660 2. Magdalena Cycak (POL), Sybilla 67.857%, 64.107%, 63.036%, 65.000%, €500 Para dressage FEI Individual Test - Grade II - CPEDI3* 1. Pepo Puch (AUT), Sailor's Blue, Points: 78.088%, 76.471%, 73.088%, 75.882%. Prize money: €660 2. Annemarieke Nobel (NED), Doo Schufro, 63.824%, 61.618%, 64.853%, 63.431%. €500 FEI Individual Test - Grade III - CPEDI3* 1. Rixt van der Horst (NED), Findsley N.O.P., Points: 73.529%, 77.353%, 76.176%, 75.686%. Prize money: €660 2. Maud de Reu (NED, Webron N.O.P.,). Points: 71.471%, 72.794%, 71.029%, 71.765%. €500 FEI Individual Test - Grade IV - CPEDI3* 1. Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA), Don Henrico, Points: 75.122%, 80.000%, 76.220%, 77.114% €600 2. Neel Schakel-Van Klei (NED), Edison, 70.244%, 74.634%, 75.366%, 73.415%. €500 3. Tessa Baaijens-Van-De Vrie (NED), Happy Grace, 70.366%, 74.146%, 74.390%, 72.967%. €400 FEI Individual Test - Grade V - CPEDI3* 1. Valentina Strobl (AUT), Bequia Simba, Points: 70.238%, 72.024%, 70.714%, 70.992%. Prize money: €660 2. Amelia White (AUS), Genius, Points: 71.786%, 71.429%, 68.095%, 70.437%. €500 3. Tamsin Addison (IRL), Donna Siesta, Points: 66.667%, 65.595%, 65.595%, 65.952%. €400 Longines Hathab showjumping Medium Tour 1. Mohamed Said Haidan (QAT), Miss Chili, 56.84 secs, QR7,500 2. Cyrine Cherif (FRA), Brennus Villelongue, 57.82 secs, QR6,000 3. Rashid Towaim Ali al-Marri (QAT), Lamm Addiction Z, 58.51 sec QR4,500 Medium Tour Team 1. Business Trading Company 2. Limited Edition Cars 3. Exxonmobil Small Tour 1. Mohamed Jabor al-Naimi (QAT), Naville Z, 28.44 secs, QR5,000 2. Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi (QAT), Dusty, 29.76 secs, QR4,000 3. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (QAT), Best of des Forets, 30.33 secs, QR3,000    

Olivier Philippaerts clinched the feature class on the opening day of the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines. At the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab on Thursday, the Belgian rider galloped to victory in the saddle of the 15-year-old H&M Legend of Love. The pair produced a scorching 60.61-second round under the floodlights at the magnificent arena. Britan’s former World No. 1 Scott Brash finished in second place with Hello Vincent after clocking 60.85 seconds, while Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt and Coby 8 took home third place after a clear round in 61.07 seconds. The 27-year-old Philippaerts was delighted with his victory but at the same time was relieved to compete at the highest level despite the prevailing pandemic. “If you look at the start list, you know that you have to ride fast if you want have a chance to win. I didn't let that distract me and wanted to ride my own round,” he said. “It's super that we can start again at the highest level here in Al Shaqab. So I didn't want to come to the championship here unprepared. In January, I rode in Oliva, Spain, to get my horses ready for the outdoor season and I seem to have succeeded pretty well. My horses already have some competitions in their legs and are in the rhythm. That certainly made a difference today,” Philippaerts added. Earlier, Frenchman Julien Epaillard won the opening class of the CSI5* competition. Epaillard topped the 39-combination field in the 1.45m class astride Safari d'Auge in 32.19 seconds. Epaillard, who has been riding stallion Safari d'Auge at international competitions since February 2013, put on an impressive round. In second place was Henrik Von Eckermann with Carlotta 276, as the pair left the wood untouched in 33.06 seconds. World No. 1 Peder Fredricson of Sweden and Hansson came third after a clear round in 33.34 seconds. Meanwhile, Omar al-Mannai, Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines and Organising Committee member, was pleased with safe start of the prestigious championship. CHI Al Shaqab is being held for the eighth time, with 85 riders from 27 countries and 138 horses from overseas participating in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers have able to successfully host the annual event. In line with the Ministry of Public Health’s Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, the venue capacity is restricted to 10 percent. “Everyone is working hard towards making the championship and a safe and successful on, especially it is being held under exceptional circumstances. With 10 percent of crowd allowed, we are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the event,” al-Mannai said. Results Showjumping CSI5* 1.55m/ against the clock Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.1 1. Rider: Olivier Philippaerts (BEL); Horse: H&M Legend of Love; Faults: 0; Time: 60.61 secs; Prize: Euros 23,725 2. Scott Brash (GBR); Hello Vincent; 0; 60.85secs; €18,980 3. Philipp Weishaupt (GER); Coby; 0; 61.07secs; €14,235 4. Pieter Devos    (BEL); Jade v Bisschop; 0; 61.58secs; €9.490. CSI5* 1.45m/Special Two-Phase Table A, FEI Art. 274.2.5 1. Julien Epaillard (FRA); Safari d'Auge; 0; 32.19secs; €6.350 2. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE); Carlotta; 0; 33.06secs; €5.080 3. Peder Fredricson (SWE); Hansson WL; 0; 33.34secs; €3.810. 4. Penelope Leprevost (FRA); Verite Une Prince; 0; 33.40secs; €2.540. Para Dressage FEI Team Test - Grade I - CPEDI3* 1. Ana Isabel Mota Veiga (POR); Convicto; 70.714%; 65.714%; 66.071%; Total Score: 67.500%; €330 2. Magdalena Cycak (POL); Sybilla; 67.857%; 62.857%; 66.429%; 65.714%; €250 FEI Team Test - Grade II - CPEDI3* 1. Pepo Puch (AUT); Sailor's Blue; 76.515%; 74.394%; 77.424%; Total Score: 76.111%; Prize: €330 2. Annemarieke Nobel (NED); Doo Schufro; 65.758%; 67.727%; 72.121%; 68.535%; €250 FEI Team Test - Grade III - CPEDI3* 1. Rixt van der Horst (NED); Findsley N.O.P.; 76.176%; 76.471%; 72.353%; 75.000%; €330 2. Maud de Reu (NED); Webron N.O.P.; 74.559%; 71.618%; 75.882%; 74.020%; €250. FEI Team Test - Grade IV - CPEDI3* 1. Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA); Don Henrico; 75.500%; 77.875%; 76.000%; 76.458%; €300 2. Lotte Krijnsen (NED); Rosenstolz; 74.625%; 70.750%; 72.250%; 72.542%; €250 3. Tessa Baaijens-Van-De Vrie (NED); Happy Grace; 68.375%; 70.375%; 68.500%; 69.083%; €200. FEI Team Test - Grade V - CPEDI3* 1. Valentina Strobl (AUT); Bequia Simba; 72.907%; 69.419%; 71.977%; 71.434%; €330. 2. Amelia White (AUS); Genius; 68.023%; 67.442%; 68.256%; 67.907%; €250. 3. Tamsin Addison (IRL); Donna Siesta; 67.674%; 66.279%; 68.023%; 67.326%; €200.    

In what will be a treat for equestrian connoisseurs, the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab will host two top quality events on consecutive weekends. Starting Thursday for three days, Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, will play host to the prestigious Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines. The following weekend, the opening round of the 2021 Longines Global Champions Tour will be held. Australia's Edwina Tops-Alexander in training yesterday. - DOHA, Al Shaqab - 24 February 2021   The indoor arena of the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab is all decked up The five-star CHI AL Shaqab is being held for the eighth time, and the much-anticipated event will see riders participate in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage besides the local equestrian series Longines Hathab from Thursday till Saturday. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers have ensured the events will take place, which is a testament Qatar’s organisation skills. In line with the Ministry of Public Health’s Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, the venue capacity will be restricted to 10 percent but there will not be a festival area this year. There will be a total of 85 riders from 27 countries and 138 horses from overseas in action this weekend. Leading the field will be World No. 4 Peder Fredrickon of Sweden, with Scott Brash of Britain, Germany’s Marcus Ehning and Daniel Deusser, Canada’s Eric Lamaze, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet and Pieter Devos, Frenchmen Kevin Staut and Julien Epaillard and Edwina Tops-Alexander of Australia making up the high-quality field. Qatar’s challenge will be led Sultan Salmeen al-Suwaidi. The 25-year-old, who won the 2018 His Highness the Amir Sword, will partner with his trusted mount Aslan 69. Al-Suwaidi, who is a regular in the Big Tour class of the Longines Hathab, will relish the opportunity of competing along with world’s top riders. The Qatari rider will be competing in the CHI Al Shaqb for the fourth time and has been sharpening his skills in Italy recently. Al-Suwaidi will only have a limited local crowd to root for him, but the action-packed event will be telecast on Alkass Channel and also streamed live in the Al Shaqab website. “We are proud of the work we have achieved to host this event despite prevailing Covid-19. We have done everything to secure safety of everyone and followed ministry advice thoroughly,” said Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI AL Shaqab Presented by Longines, and Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab. “Qatar is an example of hosting sporting event during the pandemic. Thanks to the wise leadership we are conducting international events successfully. We have achieved the level of professionalism to host any event. Ten percent of fan presence may sound small but this arena is large and hence it would still be sizeable,” he added. A strict health protocols is in place with a ‘bio bubble’ created for all participants and those working towards the event. “Let me assure you, great efforts have been made to host the event at this time. We have received support from our partners. We have always wanted to host this event. It will be a good and enjoyable event for fans in addition to those who will follow it on television and social media channels,” said Al Mannai. Meanwhile, Belgium Olympic rider Olivier Philippaerts said he was thrilled to back in Doha and was excited to compete in next two weekends. “I took off to Doha last Saturday and had to stay quarantined in the hotel room until I got my test results”, he said. Philippaerts explained the strict safety measures adopted by the organisers. “The next two weeks, I’ll be traveling up and down between the hotel and the equestrian centre. Those are the only two places where we’re allowed to go at the moment. We get a new test every three days, on top of the other measurements taken here like wearing mouth masks, social distancing and washing hands with hand sanitizer,” he said. “I’m looking forward to ride some competitions on this level again. It is not just that they have the best riders participating, but also their organization is on point. Maybe even better now during the pandemic than before. The organizers do everything to continue our sport. That motivates and helps us feel safe,” he added. The Schedule Thursday 12:00-15.45: Indoor Arena: Para Dressage CPEDI3* Team Test 15:00-17:00: Outdoor Arena: Jumping CSI5* 1.45m/Special Two-Phase 17:45-20:00: Outdoor Arena: Jumping CSI5* 1.55m/ Faults & Time 18:00-20:45: Indoor Arena: Longines Hathab-Dressage L1 & L2 Tomorrow 9:00-11:00: Outdoor Arena: Longines Hathab - Small Tour 1.15m/Special Two-Phase 9:15-12:45: Indoor Arena: Para Dressage CPEDI 3* Individual Championship Test 13:00-15:00: Outdoor Arena: Longines Hathab - Medium Tour 1.35m/One Round 15:00-18:00: Indoor Arena Dressage CDI 5* Grand Prix Test 15:45-17:15: Outdoor Arena: Jumping CSI 5* 1.60m/Jump Off Saturday 8.30-9:15: Indoor Arena: Dressage CDI 5* Grand Priz Special 10:00-13.30: Indoor Arena: Para-Dressage CPEDI 3* Freestyle Test 10:15-12:15: Outdoor Arena: Longines Hathab - Open Class 1.25m/One Round 13:30-14:45: Outdoor Arena: Longines Hathab - Big Tour 1.45m/One Round + Jump Off 14:15-16:45: Indoor Arena: Dressage- Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines Grand Prix Freestyle 15:30-16:30: Outdoor Arena: Jumping CSI 5* 1.45m/Table C 17:30-20:00: Outdoor Arena: Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines Grand Prix 1.60m/Two Rounds+Jump Off

It may not count as one of Bayern Munich’s best performances but the Bavarians couldn’t care less as they beat Tigres 1-0 in an insipid final to clinch the FIFA Club World Cup Thursday. Benjamin Pavard’s 51st minute strike at the Education City Stadium was enough for the European champions to win their sixth title in nine months to complete an historic season under Hansi Flick. Bayern – who also hold UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, German Super Cup, Bundesliga and German Cup titles – have become only the second club after Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in 2009 to win all six domestic and international titles in a season. In a cagey encounter, Bayern created all the opportunities but were far from their brilliant best, while Mexico’s Tigres were disciplined but never threatened to score all night. Bayern had a goal ruled out in the 18th minute after Joshua Kimmich’s brilliant strike was disallowed as Robert Lewandowski was deemed to be in offside position. Bayern initially had Pavard’s goal ruled out for offside on Lewandowski but VAR reversed the decision.    Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani presents the Golden Ball trophy to Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (left)Thursday.     “We really wanted to win today. The goal that we scored was probably from the first cross that came in. I said to the boys at half-time, come on, put a few more crosses in. They managed it once and that’s how we won, and that’s an amazing thing! It’s a shame that Thomas Muller wasn’t able to be here. We are flying back straight home to Munich, there is no time to celebrate,” said Lewandowski, who took home the Golden Ball trophy. After defender Jerome Boateng left the squad on the match eve due to personal reasons, Bayern were dealt a further blow just hours before the final with Thomas Muller testing positive for coronavirus. With two of them being involved in the semi-final win against Al Ahly, Flick was forced to make three changes with Marc Roca dropping to the bench. Bayern had enough quality in the bench though with Niklas Sule, Leroy Sane and Lucas Hernandez all coming in. Tigres, meanwhile, went into the game unchanged with coach Ricardo Ferretti keeping his faith in the XI which stunned Palmeiras in the semis. For Mexico’s Tigres, who had already made history by becoming the first CONCACAF team to reach the title clash of Club World Cup, their plan was simple: To counterattack Bayern. But Bayern, with world class quality all over the pitch, barely gave them a sniff.   However, Bayern too lacked the finishing touch on the night with Kingsley Coman and Lewandowski spurning decent chances. In the 18th minute though, Kimmich looked like he had given the Germans the lead with his swerving strike finding the bottom corner. But with Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman claiming Lewandowski was in his line of sight in an offside position, referee Esteban Ostojich made a check in the pitch-side monitor with the Uruguayan ruling in Tigres’ favour. Bayern went close again in the 31st minute with Sane’s shot hitting the post, while Guzman also denied Alphonso Davies and Coman as it remained goalless at half-time. Post interval, Bayern were in business straight away with Sane miscuing a header while Gnabry fired just over. Six minutes into the second half though the deadlock was broken after Guzman parried a Lewandowski header but Pavard was unmarked to dispatch the rebound. Pavard’s celebration was short-lived after the linesman had his flag up but upon VAR the goal stood. Tigres attempted to come back into the game but they barely created any chances, with Bayern going close through substitutes Corentin Tolisso, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Douglas Costa. Tigres finally conjured a chance in the 82nd minute but their star striker Andre-Pierre Gignac failed to connect a bicycle-kick as Bayern held to achieve a rare feat. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer after their win over Tigres UANL in the final at Education City Stadium yesterday.