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The International Series offers regional talent the chance to tee it up alongside the world’s best at each of its 10 destinations, and several young prospects got a taste of the big time at International Series Qatar this week.Young Daniil Sokolov was one example, getting a chance that any teenage sports fan would dream of - to tee it up in a field that contained major champions Patrick Reed, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel as well as the cream of the Asian Tour. For the 13-year-old it was an important step in his early progress, after caddying the same event last year and then representing Qatar and playing in the team that earned a bronze medal at the recent Pan Arab Men’s Golf Championship in Ajman.The learning process was steep: Daniil was in the mix with a two-over first round, before ultimately missing the cut in brutally windy conditions on day two. For such a young man, Daniil had a very mature take on the experience. He said: “There was some nerves of course, I did feel pressure, but I think I handled that well. On the first day I finished well. And then on round two I just did not have the best day, and that happens sometimes.“It’s a good learning opportunity, something to learn from - to stay more focused on my game instead of thinking of the score and overthinking everything.”Daniil is no stranger to Doha Golf Club but admits the brutal rough - prepared as a defence against the world class professionals - was his biggest problem.“This course can change a lot depending on the wind. With this rough, it is never like this, never this high. And that is probably something I didn’t expect going into this week. I thought it was just going to be like a normal weekend round, but it was a lot tougher course.” Daniil was happy with how his game stacked up, but the +5 handicapper admits he still has a lot to learn. Hardly surprising given his age. “Usually with my game, my strengths are probably my driving, as well as my putting. And I feel this week that even though they are my strengths, they are like weaknesses compared to the players in this field.”The amateur may not have made the cut in the 2024 edition, but he gained invaluable experience and some lasting memories that he and his family can cherish forever after two rounds with his dad Dmitry on the bag. He also gained some invaluable insights into the game at the elite level. He said: “The best thing for me was to watch how the big names prepared, especially when they’re on the range: how they practice, how they play, what they’re thinking about, between shots, after shots. I definitely learned a lot that week. Dad Dmitry was understandably proud of his son’s efforts. He added: “It was a great experience and very good of The International Series to give us this opportunity. The level he played at there is very different to junior tournaments, with very different conditions and it is almost a different game. It is a great benchmark to see how his game is.”Daniil admitted the experience of playing with LIV Golf League superstars and the cream of the Asian Tour has made him even more hungry to succeed.“I would say professional golf is the target. This week gave me a lot more motivation to compete with these guys, because these are the top players in the world and having the chance to compete with them is a great honour.” International Series Qatar is the ninth of 10 events on this year’s schedule.

Peter Uihlein shot one-under 71 to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the $2.5mn International Series Qatar on Friday.The American is 13-under through three rounds at Doha Golf Club (DGC) while Zach Bauchou is solo second after a third-round two-under 70.Uihlein will have another crack at winning his second International Series title today after he took the third-round lead.“It was hard. I’m pleased, I mean, I hit 16 greens so my two bogeys were on the greens that I missed. So other than that it was pretty steady. I don’t feel like I was really ever out of position, and yeah it was a tough day, I mean, really tough,” he said.“You know, it blew all day yesterday, blew all night and morning, so it was only going to get crispier. So, the greens definitely felt like they had a little bit more bite to them today, and it was tough to get close.”Just over a month ago Uihlein was on the brink of winning the International Series Thailand but surprisingly surrendered a two-shot lead on the last to finish second behind Chinese-Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po. That occurred not long after he won the International Series England – his first on both the Asian Tour and The International Series.Bauchou returned a 70 and is three ahead of Italian Stefano Mazzoli, who aced the par-three 17th, for a 69 and GaganjeetBhullar from India, also in with a 69. Bauchou also finished well with birdies on 13, 16 and 18.“No doubt it was a tough day,” said the American. “It was hardto get the ball close to the hole. There are only a couple of birdie-able holes out here with the par fives and 16 a driveable par-four but the rest of the course is hard to get it close.“Need to just try and grind and make pars on those holes and when you get on a par five you try and make a birdie. I will just try and play the best I can and try and play pretty aggressively tomorrow. I will hit the driver on almost every hole out here.Mazzoli’s ace on 17 was the first of his career. He used a wedge and his ball went straight into the cup without touching the surface.“It went straight in and we never saw it again,” said the Italian, who is in the running to win this year’s Asian Tour Rookie of the Year Award.“Usually, you know it can bounce out and come back, but it was straight in and never moved out of the way. After a tough battle on the course today with the wind, I mean, I couldn’t ask for a better finish than this.“I was already pleased with a birdie on 16 and, I mean, I never had a hole-in-one, so I wasn’t expecting that, for sure and then obviously I got a birdie also on 18,” he said. South African Louis Oosthuizen and Suteepat Prateeptienchai from Thailand are tied for fifth on eight under following rounds of 71 and 70 respectively.Uihlein began the day two ahead of Bauchou and that was the margin at the turn.He made birdie on the first but on another difficult, windy day with firm and fast greens, more birdies where hard to come by. He made bogeys on three and 14 before his fine finish.Uihlein is in the running to win The International Series Rankings with just one more event remaining, next week’s PIF Saudi International. He is currently in fourth place and could overtake the leader John Catlin from the United States with a win.

Pep Guardiola says he is braced for the challenge of turning around Manchester City’s fortunes after the worst run of his managerial career ahead of a daunting trip to runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool.City are without a win in six games, with five consecutive defeats followed by a 3-3 Champions League draw against Feyenoord on Tuesday, when City blew a 3-0 lead in the final 15 minutes.Defeat at Anfield tomorrow would leave the Premier League champions 11 points behind Arne Slot’s men. Guardiola’s angst was clear in midweek as he appeared on camera after the Feyenoord game with a number of self-inflicted scratches on his face.The 53-year-old recently extended his contract at the Etihad until 2027 and said the chance to overcome a rare period of adversity played a part in that decision.“The moment I feel I’m not positive for the club, another one will come. It has to be (the case). But I want an opportunity to try to do it,” Guardiola said on Friday.“I don’t want to run away. I want to be there. I want to rebuild the team in many aspects from now on until the end of the season, the next seasons, to try to continue up there.”City have repeatedly rewritten the record books of English football during Guardiola’s eight years in charge. They have won six Premier League titles in seven seasons, including an unprecedented four in a row, and won the treble in 2023. But Guardiola has repeatedly called his side “fragile” and lacking in confidence in recent weeks.“In the first knock we are not as stable as we have always been,” he said. “In the past when we were able to go 3-0 up, we didn’t score the fourth, we didn’t score the fifth, but the game was dead.“Now in the first moments (of adversity) I don’t know how we are going to react for obvious reasons that we have, for the desperation to win, for the absence of important players. The best test to prove how stable we are is Anfield because we cannot expect they will not have that moment and momentum and that is when we have to stand up as a team.”Guardiola, though, disagreed that City’s squad is in need of an overhaul in the transfer market. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury, while Guardiola has had to cope without a number of other key players.“You have to now change everything - I don’t completely agree with that. We cannot forget three months ago we were champions of the Premier League,” he said.“The squad is really good, but we don’t have the squad. It’s not just Rodri, nominated the best player (in the world), it’s many, many, many other players. So that is more difficult. We don’t have six, seven important players. We have played two weeks, three weeks without four central defenders, two holding midfielders,” he said.

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) roared to life on Friday as the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024 kicked off with an action-packed schedule featuring practice sessions and the electrifying Sprint qualifying, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend of motorsport excellence. The day commenced with the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East practice session, followed by an exciting lineup of support practice sessions including F1 Academy and FIA Formula 2 Championship, showcasing the next generation of racing talent. The first practice session for Formula 1 saw teams and drivers familiarizing themselves with the state-of-the-art 5.38km circuit, which features 16 fast-flowing corners on the Lusail tarmac. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc demonstrated exceptional pace by posting a time of 1:21.953, finishing first during the first practice session. This was part of a broader display of improved performance, with the top 16 drivers all surpassing last year's pole position time of 1:23.778, highlighting the significant evolution in car development. This unprecedented speed also meant that the top four drivers all broke the previous Formula 1 lap record at LIC. Even Haas F1 Team's Kevin Magnussen, placing 16th, posted a time of 1:23.715, faster than the 2023 pole position – a testament to the remarkable pace shown throughout the field and the circuit's optimized conditions following its comprehensive upgrades. The F1 Academy, making its debut at one of only six circuits selected to host the series this year, demonstrated the championship’s commitment to nurturing and propelling young female drivers towards higher echelons of competition. The two practice sessions Friday highlighted the impressive skill and determination of these rising stars. PREMA Racing's Doriane Pin dominated both sessions, topping Free Practice 1 with a time of 1:56.654 before improving significantly in the second session to set a 1:54.794. Title contender Abbi Pulling (Rodin Motorsport) showed strong pace throughout the day, finishing just 0.290 seconds behind in the first practice and 0.101 seconds behind in the second. Maya Weug followed third clocking in at 1:56.947in the first session while wild card entry Alisha Palmowski impressed with third position, only 0.142 seconds off the pace in the second session. The FIA Formula 2 Championship saw both practice and qualifying sessions on Friday. In the practice session, Paul Aron of Hitech Pulse-Eight set the pace with a time of 1:38.024, followed by Gabriel Bortoleto (Invicta Racing) and Richard Verschoor from MP Motorsport completing the top three. The evening qualifying session proved even more competitive, with Aron securing pole position with a lap time of 1:35.115. Bortoleto qualified second, just 0.335 seconds behind, while Victor Martins (ART Grand Prix) rounded out the top three with a time of 1:35.570, setting up an exciting Sprint Race for Saturday. The main highlight of the evening came with the Sprint qualifying session for F1, where McLaren's Lando Norris made history by setting the fastest-ever Formula 1 lap at Lusail International Circuit. His blistering time of 1:21.012 secured pole position for Saturday's Sprint race, leading a McLaren-dominated session. Mercedes' George Russell claimed second place with 1:21.075, while Oscar Piastri completed an impressive showing for McLaren with third position, posting 1:21.171. The Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East qualifying session rounded out the day's competitive action, with DHL Team's Janne Stiak claiming pole position with a time of 1:58.198. James Wallis of Porsche Junior GB secured second place, while Qatar's own Abdulla al-Khelaifi demonstrated impressive pace for Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, qualifying third with a competitive 1:58.658, less than half a second off pole position. The local champion's strong performance sets up an exciting first race scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Continuing its commitment to enhancing fan experiences, LIC hosted its first-ever Fan Forum, where supporters interacted directly with drivers receiving exclusive merchandise. For many international fans who traveled from across the globe, this forum offered a once in a lifetime opportunity. The new Lusail Hill Lounge viewing area at Turn 1 offered spectators an elevated perspective of the high-speed action, demonstrating the circuit's commitment to enhancing the fan experience. The off-track entertainment program continued with international Lebanese singer and songwriter Myriam Fares, dubbed ‘Queen of the Stage’, delivering a captivating performance that delighted fans at the circuit's main entertainment zone. Saturday’s schedule promises even more excitement with the Sprint race, marking Qatar’s position as one of only six venues chosen by F1 to host this thrilling format in 2024. The 100km Sprint race, requiring no mandatory pit stops, is set to deliver intense wheel-to-wheel action under the lights. That circuit gates open at 13:30 on Saturday. Ticket holders are reminded that complimentary Metro passes are available for redemption at the goldclub office at any Doha Metro station or selected Lusail Tram stations. The Doha Metro will operate extended hours from 05:30 AM to 01:00 AM on Saturday, with complimentary shuttle services running from Lusail QNB Station to the circuit.

Simona Halep questioned the “big difference” in how doping cases are treated after world number two Iga Swiatek was handed a one-month drugs ban while the Romanian was out of action for over 18 months following two separate anti-doping violations.The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on Thursday that Swiatek had accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ).The Pole tested positive in August but the ITIA, which runs tennis’s anti-doping programme, accepted that it was caused by contamination of her medication melatonin.Halep was provisionally suspended in October 2022 and later banned for four years, a period which was reduced to nine months in March after an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.She had strongly denied knowingly taking the banned substance roxadustat and said she had evidence to show small amounts of the anaemia drug entered her system from a contaminated licensed supplement.“I stand and ask myself, why is there such a big difference in treatment and judgment?” former world number one Halep said in a post on Instagram on Thursday. “I can’t find and I don’t think there can be a logical answer.“It can only be bad will from the ITIA, the organisation that has done absolutely everything to destroy me despite the evidence... It was painful, it is painful and maybe the injustice that was done to me will always be painful.”The ITIA said all cases were dealt with based on facts and evidence, not a player’s name, ranking or nationality.“No two cases are the same, they often involve different circumstances, and direct comparisons are not always helpful. There are some very important differences in these two cases,” the ITIA told Reuters in an e-mail.“The product contaminated in Swiatek’s case was a regulated medication, not a supplement.“There was agreement among independent scientific experts surrounding the facts and the player admitted the Anti-Doping Rule Violation.“We urge players to exercise extreme caution when taking supplements and we are always happy to answer any questions they have.”Former Wimbledon and French Open champion Halep had criticised tennis authorities for the length of time it took to process her case. After her provisional suspension in October 2022, Halep received her four-year ban in September 2023. Swiatek, who was world number one when she failed the test, was provisionally suspended on Sept 12, but had it lifted on Oct 4, leaving her with just over a week’s ban to serve.Players on both tours called out what they perceived as double standards in the sport when men’s world number one Jannik Sinner was cleared of wrongdoing despite failing two drug tests earlier this year.An independent tribunal accepted the Italian’s explanation that the anabolic agent clostebol had entered his system from a member of his support team through massages and sports therapy.Sinner could still be banned for up to two years with the World Anti-Doping Agency appealing the decision in his case at sport’s highest court.Amid questions about the handling of the cases of Swiatek and Sinner, ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse said at a media briefing on Thursday: “These aren’t cases of intentional doping. We’re dealing with inadvertent breaches of the rules.“So I don’t think this is a cause for concern for tennis fans. The fact that we’re being clearly open, transparent, and it shows the breadth and depth of our anti-doping programme.”The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which was established by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil in 2020, said late on Thursday that tennis needed an anti-doping system rooted in transparency, consistency and objectivity.“Players deserve and are entitled to due process and support in navigating the anti-doping system, regardless of ranking and access to resources... (They) deserve and are entitled to governance that they trust,” the advocacy group added.“Our fight to overhaul the failing tennis system continues.”

An unflappable Lucas Herbert led his home Australian Open at the halfway mark on Friday as fan favourite Cameron Smith tumbled down the leaderboard with a poor back nine at Kingston Heath.South Korean amateur Yang Hyo-jin continued her stellar tournament to lead the women’s component of the dual gender event by one stroke, upstaging compatriot Shin Jiyai among a slew of major winners.Overnight leader after a flawless 63 at Victoria Golf Club on Thursday, Herbert marched on with a six-under 66 on a warm and breezy afternoon at Kingston for a 14-under total of 129, leading American Ryggs Johnston by four strokes.Fans hoping for a shootout between LIV Golf teammates Herbert and Smith were initially buoyed as both eagled the first hole and raced away with a clutch of birdies.However, Smith came apart after the turn with three bogeys and a double-bogey on the 16th, feeling the pressure after his grouping with Elvis Smylie and Victor Perez was put on the clock for slow play.Wayward in his driving, Smith finished with an even-par 72 to be six-under for the tournament, eight shots behind Herbert.“I don’t get put on the clock too often,” the former world number two told reporters.“I feel like we do a pretty good job... It’s not something I like because I feel like I’m a pretty fast-placed player.”Herbert had no such concerns as he burned away from the field.Bogey-free at Victoria and through the first nine at Kingston, he finally dropped a shot at the 10th but rebounded with three consecutive birdies from the 13th.Herbert denied his Rippers GC captain Smith a drought-breaking win at the New South Wales Open two weeks ago and is hungry to cap off the year with another title on Melbourne’s sandbelt along with an exemption to the British Open.“I’ve never come home feeling satisfied with a year as I have this year, so that’s been really cool,” said the 28-year-old.“It’s going to be hard to top next year but we’ll try.”South Korean schoolgirl Yang was a surprise co-leader after the first round at Victoria Golf Club but proved it was no fluke as the 17-year-old from Jeju Island took to Kingston Heath without a practice round and shot a two-under 71.Teeing off at the 10th, Yang stormed out of the blocks with four birdies in her first five holes before dropping three strokes across the fifth and sixth holes to surrender the outright lead.Yang steadied, though, and rolled in her sixth birdie on the last hole to be alone on top ahead of a big weekend. “I didn’t know what the course looked like,” Yang told Reuters, having prepared for the round purely off the yardage book. It was a bit hard and it was windy, too.”Yang will need to hold off Shin and other major winners to capture a fairytale title.Australian Hannah Green lurks two strokes behind on seven-under after battling to a one-under 71 at Victoria Golf Club after a poor night’s sleep from jet-lag.South Africa’s double defending champion Ashleigh Buhai is also in the mix after a four-under 68 at Victoria, five strokes off the pace.

Novak Djokovic described his decision to team up with recently retired rival Andy Murray as a surprise to everyone but said he could not be more excited by the prospect of the two former world number ones working together.Murray agreed to join Djokovic’s team last week and will coach the 24-times Grand Slam champion at the Australian Open next year.“I was going through a process of thinking about next season in the last couple of months, and trying to figure out what I need at this stage of my career,” Djokovic told Sky Sports on Friday.“I stopped with my coach Goran Ivanisevic, that I was very successful with for many years, in March. So I took about six months to really think about if I (actually) need a coach, and if yes, who that’s going to be and the profile of the coach.”The 37-year-old said he and his team considered various candidates for the job but the requirements were strict.“We were going through different names and I realised the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone that has been through the experiences that I’m going through, possibly a multiple Grand Slam winner, former number one,” Djokovic said.“I was thinking about different people and then Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table with me and my team. (I decided) to give him a call and see how it goes. It caught him a little bit off guard as well because he wasn’t expecting it, so we connected really fast and he accepted after a few days.” Djokovic will be targeting a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown under twice Wimbledon winner and three times Grand Slam champion Murray’s guidance when the first major of the year begins on Jan 12. “I couldn’t be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to me as well, to everyone,” Djokovic added. “But it’s exciting for tennis. He’s been one of my greatest rivals. We’re the same age. We’ve played in all the biggest stadiums in our sport. So I can’t wait to get out on the court and prepare for next season.”

With ample South Korean talent marching down the Australian Open fairways, there was no surprise that one of the nation’s golfers would lead the women’s event at the halfway mark on Friday.The wonder, however, was that it was Yang Hyo-jin, a 17-year-old amateur, on top after negotiating the sandbelt courses of Melbourne like a seasoned professional.Overnight co-leader after an impressive 65 at Victoria Golf Club on Thursday, Yang proved it was no fluke as she backed that up with a two-under 71 at Kingston Heath.At nine-under for the tournament, she holds a one-stroke lead over compatriot and former world number one Shin Ji-yai, and home hope Justice Bosio.Yang’s performance is all the more startling given she had never played the course, with a storm scrapping a practice round on Wednesday.She and her caddie Woo Se-hee were left to pore over the yardage book but both gained confidence as Yang stormed out of the blocks with four birdies in her first five holes after starting from the 10th.“We could see the pin positions, so we just imagined how we would go,” Yang told Reuters. “It was a little bit hard after six holes,” Yang added.She dropped three strokes across consecutive holes on the way back to the clubhouse to surrender the outright lead as the wind grew late in the day - but took it back with a birdie on her last hole.A match-up with Shin, South Korea’s most prolific winner with 64 titles across various tours, looms at the weekend and Yang would be delighted to play alongside the twice Women’s British Open winner.“I am very happy. It’s like a dream to play with her,” said Yang on Friday.“She’s a legend.”A schoolgirl from South Korea’s Jeju island, Yang barely has a profile in her home nation let alone in world golf.She may have one now after upstaging Shin and a host of major winners, including Australians Minjee Lee and Hannah Green.Shin, who shot a five-under 68 at Kingston Heath to shoot up the leaderboard, will be hard to beat. She said Yang had come to greet her each morning in Melbourne.“I play pretty much closer than 20 years on the tour, so always I’m happy to see the new generation coming up,” said Shin.“I think it’s going to be good challenge for me, too, but I have more experience.”

Harry Brook scored a brilliant century to drag England right back into the first Test in Christchurch on Friday, driving the tourists to within 29 runs of New Zealand’s tally of 348 on 319 for five at the end of day two.The tourists were well and truly on the ropes at 71-4 in the second session but Brook and Ollie Pope put together a battling partnership of 151 for the fifth wicket to cut the deficit in half by tea.Both benefited from some uncharacteristically sloppy fielding from the Black Caps before Glenn Phillips produced a gully catch for the ages off the bowling of Tim Southee to remove Pope for 77.Brook, having brought up his half century with one of his two sixes, forged on to pass 2,000 career runs and secured his seventh century in 22 Tests when he sent one of his 10 fours racing to the Hagley Oval boundary.The 25-year-old reached 132 from 163 deliveries at stumps with his captain Ben Stokes alongside him on 37 not out and English hopes of taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series very much revived.“Obviously, very pleased to put together a partnership with Harry Brook out there,” said Pope, who was playing down the batting order as emergency wicketkeeper.“They bowled really well early, some pretty good balls in there ... so from where we were to where we’re finishing the day, the boys are really happy with what’s on the scoreboard.“Should be a good day tomorrow to hopefully push a button in the morning and put them under some pressure.”It had all looked much bleaker when, with opener Zak Crawley having already fallen for a duck, Jacob Bethell and Joe Root departed cheaply in the last over before lunch at the hands of all-rounder Nathan Smith.Smith removed fellow Test debutant Bethell for 10 with an outside edge before Root, playing his 150th test, chopped on for a duck four balls later.Ben Duckett, the other opener, tried to get the scoring moving but holed out in the deep for 46 trying an ambitious pull shot off Will O’Rourke to leave the tourists floundering.Smith finished the day with figures of two for 86, having experienced both the joy and the frustrations of the longest form of the game.The last of a half dozen dropped catches by Black Caps came off Smith’s bowling when skipper Tom Latham put down his counterpart Stokes at short cover a few overs before the close of play.“I thought we bowled pretty well in periods but yeah, England batted well to get themselves into this position,” said Smith.“A couple of catches go to hand there, and it’s a completely different story. They got a couple of good partnerships and we just need to break (this one) with the new ball tomorrow.”Earlier, seamer Brydon Carse took 4-64 and spinner Shoaib Bashir 4-69 for England but an unbeaten 58 from Phillips helped New Zealand extend their overnight tally by 29 runs at the cost of their last two wickets.BRIEF SCORES (Christchurch Test, Day 2)England 319 for 5 (Brook 132*, Pope 77) trail New Zealand 348 (Williamson 93, Phillips 58*, Carse 4-64, Bashir 4-69) by 29 runs

England captain Jos Buttler wants to explore the prospect of giving up the gloves and focusing on his batting under incoming white-ball coach Brendon McCullum as the wicketkeeper-batter eyes Champions Trophy (CT) success after two failed World Cup defences.Buttler has kept wicket for the majority of his Twenty20 international career, which began in 2011, but chose to play solely as a batter in England’s recent 3-1 T20I series victory over the West Indies.Phil Salt took over wicket-keeping duties in place of the 34-year-old, who was making a comeback after a four-month injury layoff.“It’s something we tried in the Caribbean, not keeping wicket and as captain being closer to the bowler, which I enjoyed,” Buttler told Reuters. “I had more time and energy not being a wicket-keeper and around training as well. That’s something I found interesting.”McCullum, who already coaches the Test side, will take charge of the white-ball teams when England tour India in January.“I know McCullum is coming in as the coach (who) in his career moved from wicketkeeper to a fielder, so that’s something I can discuss with him,” Buttler added.Buttler, under whom England won the 2022 T20 World Cup but failed to defend the T20 and fifty overs titles, said it’s his “ambition” to win next year’s Champions Trophy but added that he was trying not to look too far ahead.“We play against India in the new year before that tournament, which will obviously be a huge challenge and good preparation...,” Buttler said.“And to be honest, I’m just focused on Brendon coming in and getting close with him and working hard together to take the team where we want it to be.”Buttler said he was excited for a new challenge with Gujarat Titans, who bought him in this month’s Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for 157.5mn Indian rupees ($1.86mn). “There are guys who I already know relatively well in the coaching staff, like Vikram Solanki and Parthiv Patel,” he said. “I’m just really looking forward to getting to know Shubman (Gill). He’s an absolute superstar of the game and makes batting look very easy... With my record against Rashid Khan, having him in the team is a big help.“It’s a really exciting bowling lineup...with guys like (Kagiso) Rabada, (Mohammed) Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.“So lots of pace on show and obviously, Rashid is the best T20 bowler, so getting to see him up close as well.” Buttler is currently one of the highest run-scorers in Abu Dhabi T10 where he is in red-hot form with second-placed Deccan Gladiators.“I was looking forward to playing in the T10 this time. I’ve never played in it before...it’s not a format that you’re looking to be consistent in because you’re playing lots of high-risk shots,” Buttler said.“In T10 you need the power and aggression and I think that’s been one of the hallmarks of our team.”

South Africa were five wickets from victory as Sri Lanka finished the third day of the first Test on 103-5 in their second innings after being set a 516-run target on Friday.The home side will have two days to chase down the remaining wickets with Sri Lanka still needing a daunting 413 more runs to win the test at Kingsmead.Captain Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs scored centuries as the hosts built an imposing lead before declaring their second innings on 366-5 at tea.Sri Lanka, dismissed for their lowest Test score of 42 in the first innings, saw Pathum Nissanka (23) and Angelo Mathews (25) get off to good starts before being dismissed but will again be disappointed with their batting effort.Dinesh Chandimal (29) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (0) will resume on Saturday.Lanky bowler Marco Jansen, who took 7-13 in the first innings, bagged two more wickets, snagging veteran Mathews leg before wicket before the dangerous Kamindu Mendis edged a rising delivery behind to depart for 10.Kagiso Rabada also took two wickets with Tony de Zorzi taking a sharp catch at short leg to get rid of Prabath Jayasuriya in the second last over of the day.Earlier South Africa took full advantage of a pitch that went flat and docile after being lively on the first two days with Bavuma and Stubbs putting on 249 for the fourth wicket, taking the overnight score from 132-3 to 338 before Stubbs was bowled by Vishwa Fernando for 122.Bavuma was out to the last ball before tea when he was trapped leg before wicket to Asitha Fernando for 113.It was only Bavuma’s third century in his 60th Test. After developing a reputation for an inability to convert half centuries, this time he was a study in determination as South Africa manoeuvred into a match-winning position.Bavuma, who has scored 23 Test 50s, returned to the lineup from an elbow injury after missing the two-test series win in Bangladesh last month.Stubbs, who now has two Test tons, was handed a lifeline when first slip Angelo Mathews spilled a nick from Stubbs off Vishwa Fernando when the South African was on 33.He was also given out leg before wicket on 102 but successfully reviewed the umpire’s decision with the delivery from Lahiru Kumara outside the line and missing the stumps. South Africa and Sri Lanka are both chasing victory in the two-Test series to stay on course for a place in next June’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s.The second Test is in Gqeberha, starting next Thursday.BRIEF SCORES (Durban Test, Day 3)Sri Lanka 42 and 103 for 5 (Chandimal 29*, Jansen 2-22, Rabada 2-34) need another 413 runs to beat South Africa 191 and 366 for 5 dec (Stubbs 122, Bavuma 113, Vishwa 2-64)

The Qatari national football team ranked 48th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, released today by the international football governing body.Qatar dropped two spots, earning 1474.6 points, compared to 1478.6 in the previous ranking. The team is ranked 4th in the Arab world, behind Morocco (1st Arab, 14th globally), Egypt (2nd Arab, 33rd globally), and Algeria (3rd Arab, 37th globally), and ahead of Tunisia (5th Arab, 52nd globally).In Asia, Qatar is ranked 5th, behind Japan (1st Asia, 15th globally), Iran (2nd Asia, 18th globally), South Korea (3rd Asia, 23rd globally), and Australia (4th Asia, 26th globally).Argentina maintained its position at the top of the FIFA rankings with 1867.25 points, ahead of France in second place. Spain came in third.England ranked 4th globally, followed by Brazil in 5th, Portugal in 6th, and the Netherlands in 7th. Belgium is 8th, Italy 9th, and Germany 10th.

Lusail International Circuit opened its doors on Thursday for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024, marking the beginning of an action-packed race weekend with a special celebration of Qatar’s motorsport heritage. The highlight of the evening featured a spectacular motorsport showcase on the Lusail International Circuit grid, in the presence of Saeed al-Hajri, former rally champion and Abdulrazaq al-Kuwari, General Secretary of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, along with President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif al-Mannai and Executive Director Amro al-Hamad, where the Qatar Motorsports Academy demonstrated the nation’s comprehensive motorsport development programme. Ten distinctive racing vehicles were displayed, including a kart, Formula 4 car, two GT cars participating in Porsche Cup, Off-Road Rally car, Cross car, and three motorcycles – a Moto2 bike, Honda NSF250, and Ohvale 160. This diverse lineup represented the full spectrum of racing disciplines available through Qatar’s motorsport development initiatives, underlining the country’s commitment to nurturing local talent from grassroots to professional levels. Earlier in the day, fans enjoyed unprecedented access to the world of Formula 1 through various activities, including the traditional pit lane walk, allowing fans to get up close to the teams’ garages. The F1 in Schools programme continued the excitement with their own pit lane activities, Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif al-Mannai, the President of QMMF and Lusail International Circuit said: “As we approach the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024, I extend a warm welcome to all teams, drivers, and fans joining us at Lusail International Circuit.” He added: “This evening’s presentation perfectly exemplifies our vision of being a comprehensive hub for motorsports development in the region. By showcasing the complete spectrum of racing disciplines available through Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and Qatar Motorsports Academy, we are demonstrating Qatar’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of motorsport talent. We are honoured to host this prestigious event and look forward to an exciting weekend of competition. Best wishes to the drivers and teams for a successful and safe race.” Saeed al-Hajri, former rally champion, stated: “It is a wonderful occasion to meet our motorsports champions today, whom we hope will represent the State of Qatar honourably on the international stage. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Abdulrahman bin Abdulatif al-Mannai for his significant efforts and dedication to the future of motorsports in Qatar, which reflects a clear vision for developing this sport and supporting national talents to achieve excellence.” The race weekend kicks off on Friday with the first practice sessions and qualifying, leading up to Sunday’s main race under the spectacular Lusail lights.

It was here at the Lusail International Circuit last year that Max Verstappen wrapped up his third successive World Championship title by winning the Sprint race. This time, the Red Bull driver has gone one race better, securing his fourth title in Las Vegas with two Grand Prix still to go in the season. However, there remains one championship battle still alive. The Qatar Grand Prix, which begins today, will serve as a crucial indicator of who might claim the Constructors’ title heading into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. Despite Verstappen’s dominance this season, reigning world champions Red Bull are rank outsiders for the team title this year. A resurgent McLaren lead the table with 608 points — 24 clear of Ferrari, with Red Bull a further 53 behind. The form of Sergio Perez has been Red Bull’s undoing this year. The Mexican has had a dreadful season compared to his teammate Verstappen. Perez is eighth in the driver’s standings — a mammoth 251 points adrift of his teammate. He has scored just nine points in the last six Grands Prix weekends, while Verstappen managed more than that tally alone in Las Vegas. These stats do little to inspire confidence in the Red Bull garage, with Team Principal Christian Horner admitting on Thursday, “We have a mountain to climb. But we’ll never give up. Max (Verstappen) has obviously been brilliant so far this year. We need Checo (Sergio Perez) to get on the scoreboard a little more in these next couple of races to have any chance,” said Horner. This leaves McLaren and Ferrari as the frontrunners with the chance to end respective long waits for the title. Ferrari last won the Constructors’ Championship in 2008, while McLaren’s last came a decade earlier, in 1998. After falling behind in the drivers’ title fight in Las Vegas, Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri will be hoping to end the season on a high with a team title. But they face a formidable challenge from Ferrari’s duo, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. The Lusail International Circuit’s medium and high-speed long-radius corners, linked with long flat-out stretches, should, in theory at least, suit McLaren. Last year, Piastri took his first F1 pole position and went on to win the Sprint. The Australian and Norris also showed their pace in the corners, finishing second and third respectively behind Verstappen in the main race. McLaren will hope to edge closer to winning their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years — perhaps with some help from Mercedes, who pulled off a rare one-two in Las Vegas, where George Russell won ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. While Piastri and Norris admitted they were strong in Qatar last year, they do not believe they will be the ones to beat again this year. “Last year we were incredibly quick in all the high-speed corners,” said Piastri. “This year, we’re still quick, but it’s not as clear-cut as it was last year, probably.” At the start of the 2023 season, it seemed almost impossible to imagine any team — least of all McLaren — challenging Red Bull for the title before the next major regulation changes in 2026. Struggles in preseason testing set the tone as both Norris and Piastri failed to score points in the opening two races, with the car far off the pace of Red Bull, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Mercedes. Norris reflected on the challenges and his long-term commitment to the team: “I’ve been part of McLaren for eight years now, six years in Formula 1. There have been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of great moments, and some tough ones too,” he said. “I think for me, [the Constructors’ title is] worth more. Some people have come into Formula 1 and won in their first year—there’s not as much of a story. For me, there’s been a lot more that’s gone into it, a lot more chapters in my story, and I think that makes everything feel a little bit more special,” the Brit added. Leclerc and Sainz, meanwhile, feel it will be a tricky weekend — but they retain hope that they can end a 16-year wait for a world title for Ferrari. “It’s going to be until the very end,” said Leclerc. “McLaren are going to be very strong in Qatar, so we’ve got to have a good weekend. I would be very surprised if we recover points from them, but we’ve got to, so we’ll do our best.” Sainz added: “Over the last few weekends, we’ve done a good job. [In Qatar] the maximum might be a P5 or P6. I expect to struggle and I expect McLaren and Mercedes to be very strong, probably also even Red Bull, given that they were strong in qualifying in Austin.” McLaren can wrap things up this weekend in Qatar if they outscore Ferrari by 21 points (or 20 if they win the race, as they could not be beaten on countback results if it’s a tie) and do not lose more than 14 points to Red Bull.

On a windy day in Doha on Thursday, Peter Uihlein held things together well enough to sign for an eight-under-par 64 in the second round of the US$2.5mn International Series Qatar.An eagle on the short par-4 16th, seven birdies, and a solitary bogey helped him take the halfway lead at the Doha Golf Club (DGC).Uihlein shot a brilliant eight-under-par 64 to take the halfway lead – embracing the windy conditions that replaced the calmness of the opening day.The American is 12-under leads by two from compatriot Zach Bauchou, who carded 68. First-round leader Ian Snyman from South Africa is in third, a shot further back, following a 70.“It was hard,” said the 35-year-old, about the conditions.“I mean, when it gets windy. It’s fun though. I enjoy it. Kind of shapes the shots for you a little bit. I enjoy it.“I definitely prefer when the wind picks up.”Former Masters champion South African Charl Schwartzel (65), Spain’s Luis Masaveu (69) and David Puig (70) plus Miguel Tabuena (68) from the Philippines sit tied fourth, four behind the leader.Louis Oosthuizen, 2010 Open Championship, is five back, while last week’s Hong Kong Open winner Patrick Reed is six back heading into the final two rounds alongside Dean Burmester, Brendan Steele and Eugenio Chacarra, who last week said he is hoping to find a new team after being dropped from Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC.American Uihlein won the International Series England in August for his maiden victory on the Asian Tour and The International Series. He nearly followed that up with a win at the International Series Thailand but finished second after letting a two-shot lead slip on the last, and has unfinished business this week.The race to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit continues to gain momentum. LIV Golf reserve player John Catlin remains in the pole position, but at one point in Round 2 he looked like he would miss the cut for the second week in a row. But Catlin shot 73 to put himself into the weekend. His nearest challenger, Richard T. Lee from Canada, is 3-under after a 72.Lee or Ben Campbell, also a LIV Golf reserve player who is 4-under through two rounds this week, need to win this week to have a chance of surpassing Catlin’s 3,030.06 points on the Merit list and also need to finish solo second next week. That scenario also needs Catlin to finish at the bottom of the leaderboard both weeks, so the American remains on course to win the title for the first time.Catlin also leads The International Series Rankings, but that battle is wide open.Schwartzel, whose most recent victory was the LIV Golf Invitational in 2022 – LIV Golf’s first-ever event – began on the back nine and made a brilliant start by making birdie on the first hole before holing out for an eagle on the par-4 11th.He dropped his only shot of the day on the 14th but made a jump on the leaderboard with five more birdies. “Yeah, that was quite a surprise,” said the 2011 Masters champion.“Struggled with my driver a bit yesterday and with this wind I was a bit worried. I actually drove it well and got off to that fantastic start and played solid from there, all the way in.”Schwartzel has registered some strong performances on the LIV Golf League this season, tying for second in Jeddah and finishing tied for third in Adelaide, and would no doubt love to finish the year with a win.“With me it’s always rhythm,” Schwartzel said. “I get all quick, just tried to keep it smooth today and did a good job of it.”South African Snyman was unable to repeat his brilliant first-round 65 but was delighted with his round in much more difficult conditions that he felt played four shots harder.“This is probably one of my best rounds I would say, on the Asian Tour. Hit it really good, hit lots of fairways, which is great in these conditions. Hit lots of greens, made some great putts. One bogey, I mean, I think that basically says it, it was a solid round of golf,” Snyman said.“Shot wise compared to yesterday, probably about four shots I would say, that would be my guess. It was just a guessing game out there, and yeah, I managed to guess most of them correctly. Even putting you had to take the wind into account.”The International Series Rankings, which will see the champion earn a place on next year’s LIV Golf League, will go down to the wire at next week’s $5mn PIF Saudi International.

Moroccan amateur Adam Bresnu is the sole representative flying the flag for Arabian golf after holding his nerve to make the halfway cut at International Series Qatar on Thursday.Bresnu, the recent gold medal winner at the 43rd Pan Arab Golf Championship, followed up his two-under first round of 70 with a battling one-over 73 in windy conditions to comfortably make the cut at the Doha Golf Club (DGC).The ninth of 10 elevated Asian Tour tournaments this season offered a number of regional golfers the chance to mix it with some of the biggest names in world golf and experience elite-level competition at Doha Golf Club.Local Qatari amateurs Daniil Sokolov, just 13, and Saleh al-Kaabi fell short along with Bresnu’s compatriot Othman Raouzi, but all three gained invaluable experience along the way. The 20-year-old Texas State student had to battle hard to make the cut. After trading two birdies and two bogeys on the front nine, he dropped three shots in six and was in real danger of missing the cut before roaring back with two birdies and par in his final three holes.He said: “It was really different over the two rounds. Yesterday I didn’t think I played well, but it was fairway – greens and making two putts every time. I thought I played bad but it is called boring golf and I am glad I did that now.“Today was different, really difficult and I had to change my plan as the wind made it very difficult to find fairway.“So I was like ‘you are on the cut so try to keep it simple’. I did but golf is tough and I had a run of bogeys and I lost momentum. I knew I had to wake up. I made birdie 16 and 17 and spoke to myself about making par on 18 and I’m glad I did.”Bresnu is not just playing for personal pride this weekend. He knows a good performance will help his WAGR (World Amateur Golf Rankings) position – something that will help him and also his country in the long run. He explained: “I’m really excited, it is going to be way different on moving day. I don’t get any money as an amateur but it will be really good for my WAGR, my rankings, and I’m going to play for that tomorrow. “Morocco are trying to qualify for Eisenhower Trophy (World Amateur Team Championship) and I know if I can play good it can make a big difference. I am playing for me and my country and I felt that on 16, that I needed a birdie-birdie finish, and I did.”On the improving standards of golf across the region, he added: “Every federation is doing a great job now so it is making it harder to win. I know I can compete when my game is good, and I know I can win when my game is great. It is a question of confidence for sure.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes Pep Guardiola will come up with the solution to Manchester City’s problems, but is hoping to inflict more pain on the English champions on Sunday.Slot’s incredible start to life at Anfield continued with a 2-0 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday to move back to the top of the Champions League table.Liverpool are also streaking clear at the top of the Premier League, eight points ahead of City, who are suffering the worst run of form in Guardiola’s managerial career.After five consecutive defeats, City collapsed from 3-0 up in the final 15 minutes to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in midweek.The loss of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to a season-ending knee injury has been a colossal blow to City’s chances of defending their title.Slot is confident Guardiola will turn their fortunes around, but is hoping it will not come in time for the top-of-the-table clash.“One of the reasons why I think Guardiola is the best manager in the world is that he always comes up with solutions for his problems,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.“His problem now might be that Rodrigo is out, but we all know, I think, that he will come up with a solution and the run of form will go again. Hopefully after Sunday.“I think he was the one who started playing the inverted full-back, then he was the one that started to play the centre-back as a number six.“So I don’t think it’s a surprise for anyone if he again comes up with something no-one has ever thought about before to make his team even stronger.”Liverpool’s latest statement win, to defeat Madrid for the first time in nine meetings, came at a cost.Defenders Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate are doubtful for the weekend after suffering injuries late in the game.“It’s never a good sign if, in Conor’s case, we had to take him off and Ibou couldn’t walk off the pitch as he should after such a fantastic game that he played,” added Slot. However, the Dutchman confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold would be fit enough to replace Bradley if necessary.All three previous sides to enjoy at least an eight-point lead after 12 Premier League matches went on to win the title.Liverpool have won the league just once since 1990 and have missed out twice in recent seasons to City by a single point as Guardiola’s men have racked up six of the last seven titles.

Barcelona Legends upstaged Real Madrid Legends 4-2 via shootout after an exciting 2-2 draw in Legends El Clasico match, by Visit Qatar, at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday. Organisers said the match was a “celebration of the rich history, passion, and rivalry that have defined these two clubs for decades.” Retired football stars Ronaldinho, Luis Figo, Rivaldo, Clarence Seedorf, IkerCasillas and Patrick Kluivert were among others seen in action.

At the 24th CISM World Military Equestrian Championship held at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, Oman’s Sergeant Madian Said Hamad al-Yusfi, riding Hurry Up, claimed first place in Competition 2, a 1.20/1.25m Accumulator with Joker event.UAE’s First Lieutenant Saeed Almaazmi on Baccarat d’Azur secured second place, while Italy’s OR4 Primo Graduato Emanuele Addis, aboard Eddie, finished third.Qatar’s First Lieutenant Hamad Ali al-Attiyah came seventh on Kimberly, with First Lieutenant Salman Mohammed al-Emadi taking 12th place on Dino Bb Z. Major Ali bin Khalid al-Thani and Sidney 184 ended in 29th place.Today serves as a rest day for the competitors, with final events and closing ceremony slated for tomorrow.

The Rashid Awajan KA al-Khayarin-owned and Hamad al-Jehani-trained Toromona recorded a pillar-to-post victory to annex the Al Ghashamiah Cup at the QREC’s Al Uqda Racecourse on Thursday.Jockey Bauyrzhan Murzabayev took the six-year-old son of Shamardal to the front from the word ‘go’ and stretched away well to win the Thoroughbred Conditions over 2100m contest, the day’s feature, by two lengths. Sharq Stud’s El Chaco came second, while Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Maraseem finished third. Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, crowned the winners.In the penultimate race of the day, jockey Szczepan Mazur, trained MHK al-Attiyah and Al Jeryan Stud completed a double on the card when the Polish rider guided Al Buraq, in the colours of Al Jeryan Stud, to half a length victory in the 2100m race for the Local Thoroughbred Conditions for three-year-old+.The owner-jockey-trainer pair was in the winners’ enclosure earlier in the day when Mazur rode AJS Haizum to win in the 1400m race for the Purebred Arabian Handicap (65-85) for three-year-old+.Wathnan Racing-owned and Alban de Mieulle-trained Farida won the 2100m contest for the Purebred Arabian Handicap (70-90) for four-year-old+ by a neck under a confident ride by Youssef Lachhab. In the card opener, Al Shaqab Racing-owned and Jean de Mieulle-trained Mawhob won the 1400m Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for three-six-year-olds by two lengths.RESULTS8th Al Rayyan Race Meeting -WINNERS: (Horse, owner, trainer, jockey)Al Ghashamiah Cup, Thoroughbred Conditions, 3-year-old+, 2100mToromona (IRE), Rashid Awajan KA al-Khayarin, Hamad al-Jehani, Bauyrzhan MurzabayevLocal Thoroughbred Conditions, 3-year-old+, 2100mAl Buraq (QA), Al Jeryan Stud, MHK al-Attiyah, Szczepan MazurPurebred Arabian Handicap (80-100), 3-year-old+, 1400mGinkeau (FR), Osama Omer E al-Dafea, Osama Omer E al-Dafea, Xavier ZianiLocal Purebred Arabian Handicap (70-90), 3-year-old+, 1400mHabes (QA), Abdulaziz Saleh al-Jaber, Hadi al-Ramzani, Soufiane SaadiPurebred Arabian Handicap (70-90), 4YO+, 2100mFarida (FR), Wathnan Racing, Alban de Mieulle, Youssef Lachhabocal Thoroughbred Handicap (40-60), 3-year-old+, 1300mIrtiqaa (QA), Meshaal bin Ali M A al-Attiyah, Mohamed Khaled Elahmed, Fayos Martin BorjaPurebred Arabian Handicap (65-85), 3-year-old+, 1400mAJS Haizum (QA), Al Jeryan Stud, MHK al-Attiyah, Szczepan MazurThoroughbred Maiden Plate, 3-6-year-olds, 1400mMawhob (FR), Al Shaqab Racing, Jean de Mieulle, Faleh Bughanaim