THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Qatar yesterday announced the completion of Education City Stadium – the third tournament-ready venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The stadium’s completion was marked during special pro-grammes on the Supreme Com-mittee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) social media platforms.

The highlight of the pro-grammes was a speech by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Launching Education City Stadium took place digitally, and in compliance with the pro-tective measures implemented by the State of Qatar, affirms the SC’s commitment to deliver its projects on schedule – despite the current circumstances.

The stadium’s successful completion was dedicated to frontline workers who have worked tirelessly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Nicknamed the ‘Diamond in the Desert’, the 40,000-capacity venue, located within Qatar Foundation’s Education City, is the first World Cup stadium to achieve a five-star sustainability rating under the Global Sustain-ability Assessment System.

Hassan Al Thawadi, Sec-retary General of the SC, said: “The completion of Education City Stadium is yet another mile-stone as we inch ever closer to the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.

“Launching the stadium now – while the world is over-coming the coronavirus pan-demic – shows everyone that there is light at the end of the tunnel and brighter days ahead. We are proud to pay tribute to the frontline workers who remain at the forefront in the battle against COVID-19 and look forward to bringing the world together – at this stadium and others – using the unifying power of football in 2022.”

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said: “Tonight, we pay a very special tribute to those who suffered, fought and are still fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic and giving us a

remarkable example of resil-ience during such a difficult moment.

“We must not forget: health comes first. In some parts of the world, it is already possible to look ahead to better times. In others, we still have to be extremely careful, stay strong and united. In the meantime, the new stadium in Education City reminds us that football will return, and with more passion than ever.”

Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said: “The atmosphere will be electric at Education City Stadium when it hosts matches during the World Cup. This is a football lover’s stadium and one we are certain fans from around the world will enjoy during Qatar 2022.

“Providing unique experi-ences for fans and players alike in 2022 is central to our planning, and we will stage several events across various venues in the lead-up to the tournament to test our readiness and refine our plans to guar-antee that everyone visiting

Qatar in 2022 has an exceptional time.”

Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC’s Operations Office and Vice-Chairman, Technical Delivery Office, said: “We are very proud to announce the completion of our third tour-nament-ready stadium, fol-lowing the successful redevel-opment of Khalifa International Stadium in 2017 and the inau-guration of Al Janoub Stadium last year.

“All of our projects remain on track and, as we celebrate this milestone today, we also look forward to marking many more between now and the big kick-off on 21 November 2022, including the completion of two more stadiums before the end of this year – the 40,000-capacity Al Rayyan S t a d i u m a n d t h e 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium.”

Machaille Hassan Al Naimi, President of Community Devel-opment, Qatar Foundation, said: “Education City Stadium will be a focal point for the world of football in 2022, and for the

people of Qatar for many decades to come after the tournament.

“The legacy of this magnif-icent venue, standing at the centre of our Qatar Foundation community, will be reflected by its continuing role as a hub of sporting activity, inspiring people to embrace healthy life-styles; as a space for education and the acquisition of knowledge; and as a destination for people to gather and interact. In its design, message and purpose, Education City Stadium is a true standard-bearer for sustainability.”

In addition to the coverage on the SC’s social media plat-forms, Education City Stadium’s completion was marked by special coverage on beIN SPORTS, Al Kass TV, Al Rayyan TV and Qatar TV last night.

SPORTThree down, five to go. We're on track: Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

The completion of Education City Stadium is yet another milestone as we inch ever closer to the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East

and Arab world: Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the SC

TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2020

Qatar’s ‘Diamond in theDesert’ shines bright

Launching the stadium now – while the world is overcoming the coronavirus pandemic – shows everyone that there is light at the end of the tunnel and brighter days ahead. We are proud to pay tribute to the frontline workers who remain at the forefront in the battle against COVID-19 and look forward to bringing the world together – at this stadium and others – using the unifying power of football in 2022: Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the SC

Tonight, we pay a very special tribute to those who suffered, fought and are still fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic and giving us a remarkable example of resilience during such a difficult moment. We must not forget: health comes first. In some parts of the world, it is already possible to look ahead to better times. In others, we still have to be extremely careful, stay strong and united. In the meantime, the new stadium in Education City reminds us that football will return, and with more passion than ever: FIFA President, Gianni Infantino

All of our projects remain on track and, as we celebrate this milestone today, we also look forward to marking many more between now and the big kick-off on 21 November 2022, including the completion of two more stadiums before the end of this year – the 40,000-capacity Al Rayyan Stadium and the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium: Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC’s Operations Office and Vice-Chairman, Technical Delivery Office

Education City Stadium ready to host matches

EDUCATION CITY STADIUM TOURNAMENT CAPACITY: 40,000

LEGACY CAPACITY: 20,000DISTANCE FROM DOHA: 13 km

COMPLETION Education City Stadium was

completed in June 2020.

DESIGNThe façade of the stadium

features triangles that form

complex, diamond-like

geometrical patterns which

appear to change colour with

the sun’s movement across

the sky. Like diamonds, the

stadium’s design represents

quality, durability and resilience

– and will become something

to be treasured, both for the

memories it holds and its future

value to the country.

TOURNAMENT MODE Stadium set to host matches

up to and including the quarter-

finals stage during Qatar 2022.

SUSTAINABILITY

The stadium is the first Qatar

2022 tournament venue to

achieve a five-star design and

build rating from the Global

Sustainability Assessment System

(GSAS).

LEGACY MODE The stadium’s modular upper

tier will be removed, with the

seats donated to a country which

lacks sporting infrastructure. The

stadium will become a sporting

hub for the local community,

including students and faculty.

TRANSPORT Fans will be able to reach

the venue using the Doha Metro

Green Line. Education City Station

is located just 500m from the

stadium.

PRECINCT FACILITIES

The precinct already features

Education City Golf Club, which

recently hosted the Qatar Masters

- a European Tour event - for the

first time. During legacy mode,

the precinct will feature a retail

area, conference centre, health

and wellness facility, and two

schools.

COOLING TECHNOLOGY Education City Stadium will

feature state-of-the-art cooling

technology for the benefit of

fans, players and officials.

MAIN CONTRACTOR Education City Stadium’s

main contractor is a joint venture

between J&P Qatar WLL, Conspel

Qatar WLL, J&P Avax SA.

06 TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2020SPORT

REUTERS — NEW YORK

The United States Tennis Asso-ciation will hold the US Open this year without fans amid the COVID-19 outbreak even though some top players have expressed concerns about attending the tournament due to the virus, according to multiple reports.

Forbes, which cited unnamed sources, said the men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs the women’s circuit, are both expected to approve a plan for the August 31-Sep-tember 13 event in New York and that a formal announcement is due soon.

The USTA’s agreements with the men’s and women’s tours are “happening or almost there,” one source told Forbes. ESPN, which cited a source familiar with the plan, said the USTA is waiting for a green light from local and state health officials.

The USTA did not immedi-ately respond when asked by Reuters via email to comment on the plans.

“We’re following each step in the (restart) procedure in the great hope that we can announce that the 2020 US Open will be played in its reg-ularly scheduled date,” USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said in the ESPN report.

“We hope to make an announcement in the very near future.”

No professional tennis tour-naments have been held since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left the sport’s calendar in tatters, and the shutdown will extend until August. Wimbledon was can-celled altogether while the French Open has been moved to September and is due to start one week after the scheduled US Open men’s final.

World number one Novak Djokovic and reigning US Open men’s champion Rafa Nadal are among the players who have expressed concerns about attending the New York tournament.

Nadal said earlier this month he would not travel to the US Open in present circum-stances while Djokovic said playing the event this year would be impossible given “extreme” protocols that would be in place. In mid-April the USTA said its decision on

whether to hold the Grand Slam this year will be made in June, and playing it without fans is on the table but highly unlikely.

The US Open is held annually in New York City, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

The USTA Billie Jean King

National Tennis Center was even turned into temporary hospital to help in the battle against the virus.

Last year’s edition drew an all-time attendance record of nearly 740,000 fans and the event is the engine that drives the governing USTA.

QORC: Omanis shine in Chile race at WRC 8 seriesTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar’s T2 Rally champion Adel Abdulla suffered his first loss in the Qatar Online Racing Championship (QORC) WRC 8 series as his Omani counter-parts Ammar Al Balushi and Zakariya Al Aufi emerged victorious in the opening round of the semi-finals. Omani Rally champion Al Aufi won the Group A battle while his regular co-driver Al Balushi clinched the top spot in Group B after battling through eight gravel stages on

a virtual route in Chile. Abdulla, a former FIA World Cup of Cross-Country Rall ies

champion, was in close contention as the Qatari, his Kuwaiti counterpart Mishari Al Thefiri and Ahmed El Khouly pushed the eventual winner to his limits.

Al Balushi managed to win four stages with QORC Touring Car Championship winner El Khouly winning three stages. Al Thefiri, the MERC 2 champion secured the win in the remaining stage.

Al Balushi clocked a time of 43:53.455 to complete the race and bagged 40 points in the three-leg semi-final series

as Abdulla finished 21.118 secs slower than him to collect 36 points.

It was Abdulla’s first loss in four races after staying unbeaten over 22 stages in the first round of the series.

Al Thefiri bagged 33 points after booking the remaining spot on the podium.

In Group A, Al Aufi posted five stage wins and three second-place finishes to lead a field of seven drivers.

Qatar’s Khalid Al Maraghi finished second in the overall Group A standings with one

win and six podium finishes. Mansour Dbeissy remained in the third spot.

The second rally in the semi-final stage will take place in Spain today. After three semi-final rallies, top three from each group will qualify for the final which will take place on Saturday.

The WRC8 series is the third online event organised by the Qatar Motor and Motor-cycle Federation following highly successful Touring Car Championship and the MotoGP series.

Group A

1 Zakariya Al Aufi/Oman 44:21.915

2 Khalid Al Maraghi +22.956

3 Mansour Dbeissy +1:17.919

4 Ahmed Al Kuwari +2:18.626

5 Patrick Roux +4:10.315

6 Misfer Al Hajri +4:49.807

Group B

1 Ammar Balushi/Oman 43:53.455

2 Adel Abdulla +21.118

3 Meshari Al Thefiri/Kuwait +39.513

4 Ahmed El Khouly +53.252

5 Hamad Al Sulaiti +2:04.438

6 Nasser Al Kuwari +3:09.228

RALLY OF CHILE RESULTS

Berger wins play-off at Colonial in US PGA virus returnAFP — WASHINGTON

Daniel Berger parred the first play-off hole Sunday to defeat Collin Morikawa and capture the Charles Schwab Challenge, the first US PGA event in three months after a coronavirus pandemic shutdown.

Berger went over the green with his approach at the par-4 17th in the play-off, chipped inches from the cup and tapped in, then watched Morikawa lip out from three feet on the left edge to deliver the emotional victory at Colonial Country Club.

It marked the biggest moment in Berger’s fightback from a left wrist injury that threatened his career.

“This is one of the greatest days of my life, from where I’ve been and where I’ve come from,” Berger said. “It has been a long year and a half. I’m happy to be here.”

The victory, which came with no spectators on the course, was the third career US PGA title for Berger, whose wins at the 2016 and 2017 St.

Jude Classics also came on the second weekend of June.

It was a level the 27-year-old Floridian feared he might not attain again after his injury.

Morikawa, who found the rough twice in the playoff before chipping to three feet, shook his head and said, “Just hit a bad putt.”

“It’s going to sting for a little bit,” he added.

“But we’ll make it out and move on to next week.”

Morikawa also missed left on a birdie putt from just inside six feet at 18 to settle for a spot in the playoff.

Berger closed with a 10-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole in regulation to fire a four-under par 66 in the final round at Fort Worth, Texas, to match Morikawa after 72 holes on 15-under 265.

Britain’s Justin Rose and Americans Xander Schauffele, Jason Kokrak and Bryson DeChambeau shared third on 266 with US stars Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed another shot back.

In the final regulation holes, Morikawa made a stunning birdie putt from just inside 50 feet at the par-4 14th to match Schauffele for the lead at 15-under.

At 15, Schauffele blasted out of a fairway bunker and rolled into water left of the green, then made a 31-foot bogey putt to fall only one back.

Schauffele followed by sinking a 25-foot birdie putt at the par-3 16th but missed the playoff by missing a three-foot par putt at 17, the ball rolling around the edge and out, and coming up just short from 24 feet on a birdie putt at 18.

The event was the tour’s first after a 91-day shutdown due to the deadly disease outbreak.

World number one Rory McIlroy struggled to a 74 to share 32nd on 274.

The tour’s revamped schedule sends players to the Heritage tournament in South Carolina next week.

Daniel Berger of the United States celebrates with the plaid jacket and trophy after defeating Collin Morikawa of the United States in a play-off.

265 - Daniel Berger 65-67-67-66, Collin

Morikawa 64-67-67-67

266 - Jason Kokrak 67-70-65-64, Bryson

DeChambeau 65-65-70-66, Justin Rose

(ENG) 63-69-68-66, Xander Schauffele 65-

66-66-69

267 - Bubba Watson 68-66-68-65, Patrick

Reed 68-69-63-67

268 - Gary Woodland 65-67-66-70

269 - Im Sung-Jae (KOR) 66-69-67-67, JT

Poston 68-66-67-68, Jordan Spieth 65-65-

68-71, Justin Thomas 64-68-66-71

270 - Patrick Rodgers 67-68-70-65, Rory

Sabbatini (SVK) 68-68-69-65, Peter Uih-

lein 69-65-69-67, Cameron Champ 66-71-

65-68, Abraham Ancer (MEX) 64-70-66-70

271 - Joel Dahmen 68-65-70-68, Corey

Conners (CAN) 66-67-67-71, Harold Varner

63-66-70-72, Branden Grace (RSA) 66-66-

66-73

272 - Lucas Glover 67-70-69-66, Viktor

Hovland (NOR) 70-68-68-66, Rafael Ca-

brera Bello (ESP) 68-67-69-68, Brian Har-

man 65-69-70-68, Tony Finau 68-69-67-

68, Chesson Hadley 70-68-64-70

SCORES

Qatar’s T2 Rally champion Adel Abdulla suffered his first loss in the Qatar Online Racing Championship (QORC) WRC 8 series. It was Abdulla’s first defeat in four races after staying unbeaten over 22 stages in the first round of the series.

US Open will go ahead without fans: Reports

This September 05, 2019 file photo shows a general view of Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open men's singles semi-final match between Matteo Berrettini of Italy and Rafael Nadal of Spain.

AP — BRISBANE

Ash Barty (pictured) has joined the ranks of high-profile players concerned over the staging of the US Open while there’s still so much uncer-tainty around the c o r o n a v i r u s pandemic.

T h e women’s No. 1 hasn’t had the chance y e t t o

defend her French Open title because all elite tennis com-

petition is shuttered.

The Aussie already proc-essed the fact there’ll be no

Wimbledon in 2020 but

is still

awaiting clarity on the US Open, which is scheduled to begin August 31.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, winners of the last eight men’s major titles, have aired reservations about the potential restrictions on players, limits on player entourages and other changes being considered for the US Open. Women’s No. 2 Simona Halep reportedly is also uncertain about playing.

“I have concerns too,” Barty said in an e-mail. “I understand the tournaments are eager to run but keeping everyone safe has to be the priority.”

Australia's Barty joins players expressing concern over timing

Barty (pictured)joined the s of high-le players erned over taging of the

Open while e’s still so h uncer-y around theo n a v i r u s emic.

h een’s No. n’t had

chancet o

petition shuttered.

The Ausalready proessed the fthere’ll be

Wimbledon2020 b

is s

Gabi to leave Al Sadd after two 'wonderful' seasonsQNA — DOHA

Al Sadd SC yesterday announced that its captain Gabi will leave at the end of next month after two seasons with the club.

“Thank you Gabi for the two wonderful years! We wish you and your family the very best for the future. Youll always be a part of the AlSadd family,” the club tweeted yesterday.

Gabi joined from Atletico Madrid in 2018 and helped the club when the league, the cup, and the Super.

Al Sadd also reached the semi-finals of the AFC Cham-pions League in 2019.

The star player said on his official Instagram account that he will leave after June 30, thanking all the fans and staff.

Cricket Australia boss Roberts facing the axe, say reports

AFP — SYDNEY

Cricket Australia chief Kevin Roberts (pictured) looks set to be axed this week, with stake-holders and staff disgruntled over his handling of the coro-navirus shutdown, reports said yesterday.

The Australian newspaper said his fate would be sealed at a board meeting in the next 24 hours, while the Sydney Morning Herald reported his departure would be announced tomorrow.

Cricket Australia had no immediate comment.

If Roberts, 47, loses his job he will join Rugby Australia and National Rugby League coun-terparts Raelene Castle and Todd Greenberg as casualties of the COVID-19 crisis.

Roberts was appointed in October 2018, replacing James Sutherland who quit after 17

years at the helm following a damaging ball-tampering scandal involving then-national skipper Steve Smith, his deputy

David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft.

The pressure has reportedly been building on him since he shocked staff in April by informing them that the vast majority would be layed off until at least mid-year due to COVID-19’s impact on the game.

Morale is said to be low with a major round of redundancies imminent.

Further cost-cutting is expected, which has left some state cricket chiefs unimpressed given the coronavirus pan-demic hit the sport in its off-season.

While doubts remain over whether Australia can host the ICC Twenty20 World Cup as scheduled in October and November, CA chief Roberts has locked in dates for India’s lucrative Test tour later in the year.

Qatar’s ‘Diamond in the Desert’

The façade of the stadium features triangles that form complex, diamond-like geometrical patterns which appear to change colour with the sun’s movement across the sky. Like diamonds, the stadium’s design represents quality, durability and resilience – and will become something to be treasured, both for the memories it holds and its future value to the country.

Qatar 2022 Quarter-finals venue

During Qatar 2022, the stadium is set to host matches up to the quarter-finals stage. The stadium’s seating capacity during the tournament will be 40,000. After Qatar 2022, the capacity will be reduced to 20,000 following the removal of the modular upper tier. The excess seats will be donated to countries which lack sporting infrastructure – meaning the legacy of Qatar 2022 will be felt far and wide.

Set in the heart of Qatar’s education and research hubEducation City is the home of Qatar Foundation for Education,

Science and Community Development (QF). Situated within Education City are leading universities, along with research and development institutions. As well as hosting matches during Qatar 2022, the stadium will provide sporting facilities for the entire QF community, including faculty and students. Parts of the stadium will be turned into classrooms and event spaces for QF schools and universities after the tournament.

First 2022 World Cup venue to achieve 5* sustainability

ratingThe stadium achieved a 5* rating under the Global Sustainability

Assessment System for its design and build. Its range of sustainability features include direct access to public transport, low toxicity indoor materials and LED sports lighting. In addition, 85% of building materials were regionally sourced, while 29% were generated from recycled materials. The stadium also boasts carbon dioxide sensors for high occupant density spaces to ensure ventilation and indoor air quality, and a water efficient irrigation design to minimise landscape water consumption.

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Education City Stadium is the latest FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament venue to be completed by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

It becomes the third tournament-ready venue for Qatar 2022 following the successful redevelopment of Khalifa International Stadium in 2017 and the inauguration of Al Janoub Stadium last year. Two more stadiums are expected to open by the end of 2020: Al Rayyan Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium.

07TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2020 SPORT

What makes EducationCity Stadium unique

Key facts about Qatar's latest FIFA 2022 World Cup venue

Doha Metro offers direct access for fans

Convenient access to the stadium is provided by the Doha Metro. Education City Station – on the Green Line – is

located just 500m from the venue. A single ticket on the Doha Metro is QAR 3 ($0.82), while a

day pass costs QAR 9 ($2.47).

Qatar Foundation’s Education City is the first World Cup

stadium to achieve a five-star sustainability rating under

the Global Sustainability Assessment System.