CCRICKETRICKET | Page 4 Delport hits ton as Islamabad storm into PSL play-off s

Sunday, March 10, 2019 FOOTBALL Rajab 3, 1440 AH Sterling hat-trick GULF TIMES lift s City four points clear of Liverpool SPORT Page 3 COMMERCIALQatar’s BANK QATAR MASTERSAbdulla seals T3 victory in Dubai

By a correspondent climbed to second place in the 2019 Dubai International Baja – T3 Dubai overall classifi cation at the ex- positions after SS2: pense of Emirati driver Michel 1. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Jean-Michel Fadel and Russian Fedor Voro- Polato (FRA) Can-Am Maverick X3 atar’s Adel Abdulla byev fi nished fourth. Adel won 6hrs 14min 33sec and French co-driver the second stage from the Om- 2. Abdullah al-Zubair (OMN)/Nasser Jean-Michel Polato ani by 14 seconds. al-Kuwari (QAT) Can-Am Maverick X3 got their challenge for Adel said: “We fi nished fi rst 6hrs 30min 37sec honoursQ in the FIA T3 World overall in T3. It was a big chal- 3. Michel Fadel (ARE)/Craig Tyson Championship off to a superb lenge. The race was tough and (ARE) Polaris XP 1000 6hrs 38min winning start with victory in the the terrain was tricky in some 12sec category at the Dubai Interna- places. We managed it. We tried 4. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS)/Kirill Shubin tional Baja, round two of the FIA to be fast on the fi rst day and we (RUS) Can-Am Maverick X3 6hrs World Cup for Cross-Country were clean and not as fast to- 40min 30sec Bajas, on Saturday. Adel Abdulla (R) and French day. We tried to stay away from 5. Santiago Navarro (ESP)/Pedro The Qatari began the fi nal day co-driver Jean-Michel Polato problems. This strategy also Lopez (ESP) Can-Am Maverick X3 6hrs with an advantage in T3 of 4min celebrate their win yesterday. gave us the lead on the last stage. 46min 17sec 59sec and went on to reach the “I would like to say thanks for 6. Michele Cinotto (ITA)/Mauricio ceremonial fi nish at the Du- the support from Ooredoo and Dominella (ITA) Polaris RZR 1000 6hrs bai Autodrome with a winning my FN Speed Team. I hope that 52min 55sec margin of 16min 04sec after these 25 points are the start of the second selective section of a good season for us this year. FIA World Cup for Cross-Country 204.93km through the Al-Qudra This is a small gift to the people Bajas – T3 Trophy standings after desert. of Qatar and His Highness the round 2 (unoff icial): It was an impressive perform- Amir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamed 1. Abdullah Al-Zubair (OMN) 36pts ance by the former FIA T2 World Al-Thani.” 2. Michele Cinotto (ITA) 33pts Champion on only his second The win catapults Adel Ab- 3. Adel Abdulla (QAT) 25pts event in a Can-Am Maverick X3 dulla up into third position 4. Fedor Vorobeyev (RUS) 20pts being managed on events by the in the unoffi cial T3 standings 5. Dmitrii Ponomarenko (RUS) 15pts Spanish FN Speed Team with behind Al-Zubair and Italy’s 5. Michel Fadel (ARE) 15pts support from Ooredoo. Michele Cinotto, both of whom 7. Alexey Shmotov (RUS) 12pts Oman’s Abdullah Al-Zubair have now tackled two rallies. 8. Frederic Chavigny (FRA) 10pts

MOTORCYCLING/VISITQATAR GRAND PRIX Vinales masters conditions to grab pole position in Qatar ‘We are bringing the bike to the limit all the time and that’s really positive’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

n diffi cult conditions, Mav- erick Vinales mastered the Losail International Circuit to take the pole position for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Vinales of Spain (C), who clocked the best time ahead of Ithe VisitQatar Grand Prix yes- Mission Winnow Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso (L) and Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez of Spain (R), poses terday. The Spaniard put in a with them at the end of the qualification session of the VisitQatar Grand Prix at the Losail International MotoGP riders compete in the fourth free practice session. blistering lap of 1 minute 53.546 Circuit yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil seconds on his Yamaha YZR-M1 Meanwhile, Rossi will line- taking fi fth place for new squad fi rst Moto3 pole position of the on an evening when several rid- pole position then on the basis can deliver in the race,” he said. the conditions for his struggle up 14th ahead of Lorenzo, who Petronas Yamaha ahead of LCR new season in impressive fash- ers suff ered crashes in cold and of practice times, where he was Jack Miller briefl y moved up on the night. “The conditions on crashed once again, having suf- Honda’s Cal Crutchlow who pro- ion. The Spaniard was the only windy conditions. the fastest. He went on to win to second with a 1:53.809s, only the track were not so good, really fered similar problems in test- gressed through Q1 along with man the go beneath the 2:06 bar- But Vinales was untouched on the rain-delayed and shortened to crash at Turn 2 moments later, cold and windy. That is the rea- ing. Lorenzo was the fi rst rider in team-mate Takaaki Nakagami. rier, eventually fi nishing just un- the night, as he dominated the Q2 race back then on his debut for and the Australian was eclipsed son all the riders wanted to start qualifying to go down at Turn 2 Factory Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci, der two tenths clear of the chas- in qualifying to secure a fi rst pole Yamaha, and looks good to repeat by Ducati stablemate Dovizio- the qualifying and race one hour during his fi nal run in the open- who topped FP4, heads up row ing pack with a 2:05.883. Lorenzo of the year by almost two-tenths the feat today. so by 0.065s. Miller was then earlier because it gets very cold. ing session, while Rossi contin- three ahead of fellow country- Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) and of a second over Andrea Dovizio- The Spaniard sounded out a pushed out of the front row as I had better pace and rhythm in ued to struggle for one-lap pace man Franco Morbidelli on the Kaito Toba (Honda Team Asia) so of Ducati. warning to his rivals, saying he is Marquez vaulted up to third at practice, but we will work really on his Yamaha. Petronas Yamaha and Nakagami. took second and third on the grid Last year’s winner in Qa- at his best ahead of today’s open- the chequered fl ag. hard for the race,” the Spaniard Rookie Fabio Quartararo Meanwhile, Sterilgarda Max to grab debut front row starts for tar, Dovizioso managed to beat ing race of the season. “I think Dovizioso said he was pleased said. stunned on his MotoGP debut by Racing’s Aron Canet clinched the both riders. reigning MotoGP world champi- I’m riding my best in my third to start from second place, hav- on Marc Marquez on the Honda season with Yamaha. I always try ing come into the opening race by just 0.001s. Marquez’s new to work for the race set-up and I of the season with some disap- QUALFIFYING RESULTS team-mate Jorge Lorenzo failed felt great after one lap. After set- pointing pre-season tests. “I’m to make past the Q1, so did Val- ting the fastest time early, I just really happy because we came SRT +0.690s 5. Remy Gardner (AUS) ONEXOX TKKR SAG entino Rossi, whose struggle on attacked and gave my best. We here before the weekend with MotoGP (top 10 ) 9. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN) LCR Honda Team, 1m 58.819s Yamaha was even more perplex- are bringing the bike to the limit not a really good feeling after a 1 . Maverick Vinales (ESP) Monster Yamaha, +0.693s ing after Vinales’ stunning show. all the time and that’s really posi- strange testing,” the Italian said. Time: 1:53.546s 10. Alex Rins (ESP) Suzuki Ecstar +0.711s Moto3 (top 5) In the pre-season testing at tive,” he said. “This weekend we worked re- 2. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Ducati Team 1. Aron Canet (ESP) Sterilgarda Max Racing the Losail circuit, Vinales had Vinales, though, was quick to ally hard and we are improving +0.198s Moto2 (top 5) Team; Time: 2:5.883s impressed and the 24-year-old add that Yamaha is far from the step by step, practice by practice, 3. Marc Marquez (ESP) Repsol Honda +0.199s 1. Marcel Schrotter (GER) Dynavolt Intact GP, 2. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (ITA) Leopard Racing, continued his strong form. This best. “We need to improve. In small things, but the key was to 4. Jack Miller (AUS) Pramac Ducati +0.263s Time: 1:58.585s 2:6.080s is Vinales’ second pole in Qa- the last corner, we were pretty stay calm. We came into FP4 and 5. Fabio Quartararo (FRA) Petronas Yamaha 2. Xavi Vierge (ESP) Marc VDS, 1:58.731s 3. Kaito Toba (JPN) Honda Team Asia, 2:6.109s tar but only the fi rst time he has slow. We have two opponents in qualifying with a better feel- SRT +0.400s 3. Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA) Flexbox HP 40, 4. John McPhee (GBR) Petronas Sprinta Rac- topped the qualifying at Losail (Dovizioso and Marquez) who ing, and the lap time got better. 6. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) LCR Honda +0.549s 1:58.784s ing, 2:6.308s Circuit. In 2017, persistent rain can hit the top seed tomorrow in We are very close to the fastest 7. Danilo Petrucci (ITA) Ducati Team +0.654s 4. Luca Marini (ITA) SKY Racing Team VR46, 5. Niccolo Antonelli (ITA) SIC58 Squadra meant qualifying was called the race, but we have really good riders,” the Ducati rider added. 8. Franco Morbidelli (ITA) Petronas Yamaha 1:58.804s Corse, 2:6.373s off and Vinales was handed the rhythm. And I’m confi dent we Honda’s Marquez blamed it on Gulf Times 2 Sunday, March 10, 2019 FOOTBALL

FOCUS LA LIGA Messi and Suarez lead Barcelona Bayern back on top to Rayo victory

Reuters Samuel Umtiti started only Barcelona his second match in three months after recovering from a knee injury and looks to be re- ionel Messi and Luis gaining sharpness, but Philippe of Bundesliga as Suarez might have been Coutinho was underwhelm- rested but instead both ing again, despite being picked played and scored as ahead of Ousmane Dembele. LBarcelona came from behind to He poked an early chance beat Rayo Vallecano yesterday, wide after a Messi cross and De ahead of their crunch Champi- Tomas put Rayo in front soon ons League second leg against after, driving at Pique before Lyon. unleashing a sizzling shot past Liverpool loom Raul de Tomas’ scintillating Marc-Andre ter Stegen. strike gave struggling Rayo a Pique headed one Messi free- Lewandowski becomes top-scoring foreigner in Bundesliga history surprise lead at the Camp Nou kick wide and then another one but Messi converted a penalty in at the near post, nipping in AFP and Suarez fi nished a brilliant front of Rayo goalkeeper Stole Berlin passing move to seal a 3-1 win, Dimitrievski to nod in his sixth after Gerard Pique had headed goal of the season. in an equaliser. Dembele came on for Arthur ayern Munich warmed When Barca kicked off , Melo at half-time and Coutin- up for Liverpool with a Atletico Madrid had just com- ho dropped deeper, but it was “perfect day” by knock- pleted their own 1-0 victory right-back Nelson Semedo that ing Borussia Dortmund over Leganes, although Diego earned the penalty, after a foul fromB the top of the Bundesliga Simeone was more cautious, from Jordi Amat. Messi made no for the fi rst time since Septem- resting Antoine Griezmann, Al- mistake. ber with a 6-0 thrashing of varo Morata and Saul Niguez, Rayo’s belief, and energy, Wolfsburg yesterday. with Tuesday’s trip to Juventus melted away and Barca’s third Bayern, who host Liverpool on in mind. was their best of the night. Wednesday in their Champions There was always a risk that Suarez freed Dembele down League, last 16, return leg clash La Liga’s top two might take the right and he found Suarez after a goalless draw at Anfi eld, their eye off the ball, given again with a pull-back. Instead went top on goal diff erence from Barcelona’s last 16-tie with of shooting, Suarez bounced the Dortmund, who needed late goals Lyon hangs in the balance af- ball off Ivan Rakitic in the area to win 3-1 at home to Stuttgart. ter a goalless draw in France, before fi nally tapping home. “I’m very pleased. We want to while Atletico hold a 2-0 lead There was nothing as free- be just as focused on Wednes- over Juve but can expect an on- fl owing at the Wanda Metro- day,” said Bayern head coach slaught in Turin. politano where perhaps the Niko Kovac. Yet both avoided slip-ups to greatest show of creativity came Bayern ran riot in Munich as leave Real Madrid even further from Leganes, whose players Robert Lewandowski scored adrift before they play away wore shirts with the name of twice, leaving him with 20 goals at Real Valladolid on Sunday. their mothers on their backs to in 17 league games against Wolfs- Barca stay seven points clear celebrate International Wom- burg, while Serge Gnabry, James of Atletico and, temporarily at en’s Day on Friday. Rodriguez and Joshua Kimmich least, move 15 ahead of Real. The fi rst half was almost en- also netted. Even with a two-goal cushion tirely forgettable but despite “We are now where we want to for the fi nal eight minutes, Er- the absence of attacking punch, be – fi rst in the table and that’s nesto Valverde kept Messi and Griezmann came off at half- where we want to stay,” added Suarez on until the end, which time for Thomas Lemar, with no Kovac with nine rounds of league may have surprised some, given visible sign of an injury. games left. he was accused of burning out Griezmann would have taken Having been told on Tuesday, star players last season at the the penalty soon after, won by along with Bayern teammates expense of their success in Eu- Angel Correa with some quick Jerome Boateng and Mats Hum- rope. feet in the area, which lured mels, that his Germany career is Messi’s appearance was his Kenneth Omeruo into a clumsy over, Mueller took out his frus- 443rd for Barcelona in La Liga, challenge. Saul stepped up and tration, setting up the fi rst goal moving him ahead of Andres missed, but tucked in the re- and scoring Munich’s second. Iniesta and behind only Xavi bound after Andriy Lunin could “The three wanted to give a Hernandez, on 505, in the club’s only push the ball back into his response and they all played well all-time list. path. – it was a perfect afternoon,” said goal-scorer Kimmich. Gnabry gave Bayern the lead on 34 minutes at the Allianz Arena by tapping home Mueller’s cross, then turned provider three minutes later when he served up a simple tap in for Lewandowski to make it 2-0. Rodriguez, thriv- ing in the attacking midfi eld role, got on the scoresheet when his superb 52nd-minute shot hit the top corner. Having set up the fi rst goal, Mueller showed Germany head coach Joachim Loew what he is missing by wrong-footing Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels to score with his heel Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their sixth goal with Leon Goretzka during their Bundesliga match at Allianz Arena in on 76 minutes. Kimmich scored Munich yesterday. (Reuters) with a header on 82 minutes and Lewandowski claimed his second Christian Pulisic saw off dogged dogged Stuttgart defending, sel beat three defenders, played Third-placed RB Leipzig were by guiding his header into the far Stuttgart, but Borussia are now Dortmund took the lead at Signal Mario Goetze into the box to set held to a goalless draw at home by corner three minutes later. second after 23 weeks on top. Iduna Park when Reus netted a up Pulisic, who netted in stop- Augsburg, who beat Dortmund Lewandowski, the top-scoring “I don’t care about who is top penalty on 62 minutes. page time. last Friday and went down fi ght- foreigner in Bundesliga history now,” said Dortmund captain The lead lasted just nine min- “They parked a gigantic bus (in ing against Bayern last month. with 197 goals, has now scored Marco Reus. “It only matters utes as Stuttgart’s Marc-Oliver front of goal) – it was hard to fi nd Mid-table Hertha Berlin in each of his last seven games who is top at the end and every- Kempf headed home unmarked. the holes,” complained Dort- crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Freiburg against Wolfsburg, who he sin- thing is still open.” However, Alcacer calmed mund coach Lucien Favre. after the visitors captain Vedad gle-handedly battered in 2015 The win, only Dortmund’s nerves when the Spanish striker “We tried everything and Ibisevic cancelled out a Nils Pe- with fi ve goals in just nine min- second in their last nine games, stabbed home on 84 minutes af- managed it, we ran a lot and de- tersen goal, but then scored an utes. In Dortmund, late goals by was vital to stay level on 57 points ter a goal-mouth scramble. The fended a lot, but all in all, the win own-goal by turning the ball into Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring their second Paco Alcacer and Chelsea-bound with Bayern. Despite some third goal came when Axel Wit- was deserved.” the Berlin net. goal against Rayo Vallecano in Barcelona. (Reuters)

SERIE A Kean slams two goals as Juventus increase lead AFP before the break, picking up the came on after the break in place Milan ball after a Seko Fofana midfi eld of 19-year-old Ben Wilmot, who blunder, cutting into the box had an unimpressive debut after and fi nishing off past goalkeeper moving from Watford in January. oise Kean scored a Juan Musso. Lasagna pulled one back six brace as Juventus “Kean is very good when it minutes from time controlling warmed up for next comes to running at the goal and the ball with his chest to beat week’s Champions fi nishing, but needs to improve Wojciech Szczesny in the Juven- MLeague showdown with Atletico his movement and ball control, tus goal. Madrid by easing past lowly Udi- but that’s inevitable for a kid Juventus, on track for an nese 4-1 to up open a 19-point lead born in 2000,” said coach Mas- eighth consecutive title, remain at the top of Serie A on Friday. similiano Allegri. unbeaten after 24 games and Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario “It’s going to be completely are 19 points ahead of second- Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala diff erent game against Atletico placed Napoli who travel to Sas- started on the bench ahead of Madrid, we need to be sharp- suolo on Sunday. next Tuesday’s game where Ju- er and quicker, but we will be Udinese who had been coming ventus need to overturn a 2-0 ready.” off back-to-back league wins defeat in the last 16, second-leg Kean also won a penalty in the remain 15th - seven points above game in Turin. 67th minute after being brought the relegation zone. But 19-year-old Kean was im- down. Emre Can converted and The only worry for Allegri pressive as he partnered Federico Blaise Matuidi nodded in a Ro- before Tuesday’s game against Bernardeschi up front, scoring a drigo Bentancur cross for the Atletico was veteran Andrea fi rst-half double in his fi rst Serie fourth minutes later. Barzagli going off injured after 25 A start of the season. Kean received a generous ova- minutes. The young Italian interna- tion when he was replaced with Barzagli was making his tional opened his account after 10 minutes to go, allowing Hans comeback after four months out, 11 minutes from a low Alex San- Nicolussi Caviglia to make his but limped off to make way for dro cross from close range. debut. Leonardo Bonucci who came off Juventus’ midfielder Emre Can (centre) celebrates with forwards Moise Kean (left) and Federico Bernardeschi after scoring during their Serie A He added a second six minutes For the visitors, Kevin Lasagna the bench. match against Udinese at the Juventus Allianz stadium in Turin. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, March 10, 2019 3 SPORT

EPL FOCUS Erratic Lyon drop points in Strasbourg, Sterling hat-trick Marcelo injured

Reuters placed by Leo Dubois. Paris Lyon were already ahead af- ter Dembele had opened the scoring in the third minute by lympique Lyonnais defl ecting a Maxwel Cornet sends Man City four showed their best strike. The visitors control- and worst sides as led the game and came close they squandered a several times but Strasbourg two-goalO lead in a 2-2 Ligue keeper Matz Sels made a few 1 draw at Strasbourg yester- good saves to keep his team in day ahead of their Champions the game. He was powerless, League clash with Barcelona. though, when Dembele beat Moussa Dembele’s double him from the penalty spot six clear of Liverpool was cancelled out in the space minutes into the second half of 103 seconds in the second after Lamine Kone had brought Southampton stun fading Spurs, Newcastle edge five-goal Everton thriller half when Ludovic Ajorque down Hassem Aouar. also netted twice after Lyon Ajorque defl ected an Adrien lost centre back Marcelo to a Thomasson header with his thigh injury. shoulder to reduce the arrears The result put third-placed in the 69th minute he equal- Lyon on 50 points from 28 ised with a powerful left-foot games, four behind second- shot. Fekir came on in the 76th placed Lille, who could open minute and Traore in the 82nd a seven-point gap when they but neither could make a dif- travel to St Etienne today. ference and Strasbourg hung Lyon coach Bruno Gen- on for the draw. They are ninth esio took a cautious approach in the standings on 38 points. before Wednesday’s last-16 Leaders Paris St Germain, game at the Nou Camp after dramatically knocked out a goalless draw in the fi rst leg of the Champions League when he left forward Bertrand by Manchester United on Traore, Memphis Depay, Nabil Wednesday, are not playing Fekir and midfi elder Tanguy this weekend because their trip Ndombele on the bench. to Nantes was postponed due Marcelo limped off the pitch to planned “Yellow Vest” dem- in the 16th minute to be re- onstrations.

Lyon’s French midfielder Nabil Fekir (centre) vies with Strasbourg’s French midfielder Anthony Goncalves (left) and Strasbourg’s Manchester City’s midfielder Raheem Sterling (centre) celebrates scoring his first goal with teammates during the English Premier League match against Watford in Manchester French midfielder Anthony Caci during their Liguea 1 match in yesterday. (AFP) Strasbourg yesterday. (AFP)

AFP Sterling then completed his hat-trick ter coming from 2-0 down to beat Everton London with some neat footwork from Silva’s pass RESULTS 3-2. Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez’s before Watford substitute Gerard Deulo- double in the fi nal 25 minutes earned the Moore sacked by West Brom, Leeds feu pulled a goal back just 22 seconds after Brighton & Hove 2-1 Crystal Palace Magpies a deserved victory after Dominic stay on promotion track aheem Sterling’s rapid second- coming on. Bournemouth 2-0 Huddersfield Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison put the half hat-trick moved Manchester Tottenham reached the quarter-fi nals Leicester City 3-1 Fulham visitors in front. Darren Moore has been sacked by West Bromwich Albion despite City four points clear at the top of the Champions League in midweek, Brendan Rodgers secured his fi rst win his side sitting fourth in the Championship, while Leeds remain of the Premier League with a 3-1 but are now in grave danger of missing out Cardiff 2-0 West Ham as Leicester boss thanks to Jamie Vardy’s on course for promotion to the Premier League after a 1-0 vic- winR over Watford as Tottenham’s hopes of on that competition completely next sea- Newcastle 3-2 Everton double to beat Fulham, who are now 13 tory against Bristol City yesterday. a top-four fi nish faltered again in a 2-1 de- son. Mauricio Pochettino’s side remain Southampton 2-1 Tottenham points adrift of safety, 3-1. Vardy’s fi rst Moore was axed as West Brom boss just hours after their hopes feat to Southampton yesterday. in third but their lead over Manchester goal was his 100th for the Foxes. of breaking into the automatic promotion places were dented by Manchester City 3-1 Watford The Saints’ spirited second-half come- United, Arsenal and Chelsea is a precari- “He’s showed over the last couple of a 1-1 draw against rock bottom Ipswich at the Hawthorns. back ensured they remain two points ous one with all three chasers in action on to add to their lead came back to cost them years that he’s a world-class striker,” said Stefan Johansen’s deflected goal after four minutes seemingly above the relegation zone despite Cardiff ’s Sunday. as Ralph Hassenhuettl’s men improved Rodgers. “I’m just really glad that he’s set the Baggies on their way, but Jon Nolan headed home for 2-0 win over West Ham, while victory for “The second-half we did not take it seri- markedly after the break and secured a here. He’s a brilliant focal point for the Ipswich just after half-time. Brighton and Newcastle also boosted their ously. I don’t want to criticise too much but vital three points in their attempt to beat team.” Albion, hoping for a quick return to the top-flight after last sea- survival hopes. City and Sterling had for- when you lose a game that was under con- the drop. Huddersfi eld also look dead and buried son’s relegation, reacting by dismissing Moore, whose side were tune on their side to end Watford’s resist- trol after 45 minutes, should be 3-0, 4-0 Fresh from scoring his fi rst profession- as Bournemouth cruised to their fi rst away still in the play-off places despite a run of three games without a ence after a goalless fi rst-half. and fi nishes in 2-1 defeat, it is diffi cult to al goal away to Manchester United last win since October with a 2-0 victory at win. Moore had only been in charge since April, when he made a A minute into the second period Ster- accept,” said Pochettino, who was serving weekend, right-back Yan Valery levelled the John Smith’s Stadium thanks to goals good impression after replacing Alan Pardew as caretaker boss. ling was initially fl agged off side as Daryl the fi rst of a two-game touchline ban. from Stuart Armstrong’s cross. from Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser. He couldn’t stop West Brom going down, but the damage was Janmaat’s attempted clearance ricocheted “When you lose the momentum after James Ward-Prowse then completed Cardiff , though, gave themselves hope done before he took over and his passionate style convinced the off the England winger and into the net. 45 minutes, that is about mentality, that is the comeback with a stunning free-kick as early goals in each half from Junior Hoi- Albion hierarchy to hire him on a permanent basis in May. However, after a long discussion with his about being strong and keeping the right. curled into the top corner to leave Hugo lett and Victor Camarasa gave the Welsh However, this season the pressure was on to win promotion and assistant, referee Paul Tierney awarded For us, we lost the momentum and gave Lloris helpless. “The manager told us to side a precious three points over a hugely Albion’s recent stumble prompted Moore’s surprisingly quick the goal because Janmaat’s intervention them relief.” be a bit more aggressive, we sat off them disappointing West Ham. Brighton also dismissal. Chief Executive Mark Jenkins cited Albion’s run of four meant Sterling was onside. Dele Alli made his return after seven a little in the fi rst half. The second half secured a much-needed win to move level wins from their last 12 league games as proof Moore had to go. There was no doubt when Sterling weeks out with a hamstring injury and the epitomised everything he has done for us on points with rivals Crystal Palace, fi ve Albion’s first-team coach James Shan has been placed in charge rounded off a fi ne team move involving England midfi elder teed up Harry Kane to so far,” said Ward-Prowse. above the drop zone, as Anthony Knock- of first-team aff airs in the interim but the club hope to be able to David Silva and Riyad Mahrez four min- score his 200th career goal on 26 minutes. Newcastle remain six points above the aert’s stunning strike 16 minutes from name a new manager as soon as possible. utes later. However, Spurs’ wastefulness in failing relegation zone and moved up to 13th af- time earned a 2-1 win.

BASKETBALL LEAGUE Al Shamal beat Arabi to emerge champions By Sports Reporter Doha

ohamed Harat scored a match- high 25 points as Al Shamal beat Al Arabi 80-77 to win the Qatar Men’s League basketball tournament Myesterday. In a thrilling match, Mansour Elhadary and Omar Abdelkadeer Salem also chipped in with 15 points each to help Al Shamal overcome a fi ve-point defi cit with fi ve minutes remaining for the hooter. Of Elhadery’s 15 points, 12 came via three-pointers, while Salem also shot thrice from the three-point mark from four attempts. There was precious little to choose from be- tween the two teams as Al Shamal just about maintained a slight edge – leading 19-18 and 37-36 after the fi rst two periods. In a match that saw the lead change 12 times, Al Arabi drew level at 55-55 at the end of the third quarter and took a 68-63 lead, fi ve min- utes into the fi nal period. But Al Shamal came up with a fi ne rear-guard action, scoring a whopping 17 points in the fi nal fi ve minutes to clinch victory. In the corresponding period, Al Arabi were restricted to just 11 points, which proved their undoing. Oumar Seck and Kevin Galloway excelled for Al Arabi with 22 points each, while William Byrd had 14. In an earlier match, Qatar Sports Club beat Al Sadd 92-85 to take third place. Al Shamal players and off icials celebrate with the trophy after winning the Qatar Men’s League basketball yesterday. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, March 10, 2019 CRICKET

2ND T20 SPOTLIGHT Delport and Faheem guide Islamabad to England skittle out PSL play-off s West Indies for 45 in T20 demolition ‘The purpose of keeping the squad together was to build towards the World Cup’

AFP “It was a nice situation where Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis I could give myself some time, then cash in at the end,” he said in describing the innings and the est Indies were situation he and Joe Root found dismissed for the themselves in with the early loss second lowest ever of wickets. T20 international “There’s been lots to play for Wtotal of just 45 as England swept as a team and as individuals go- to a 137-win on Friday. ing into a World Cup year.” Chasing 183 to win, the world Billings put on 82 for the fi fth champion West Indies just wicket with Root (55) after the avoided the lowest ever total of visitors had slipped to 32 for 39 made by non-Test Nether- four in the sixth over following lands against Sri Lanka in 2014. the decision by Holder to put Chris Jordan wrecked the them in. West Indies top-order batting “We’ve got to get ourselves as England completed a crush- attuned to the T20 game,” said ing, series-clinching victory at Holder in acknowledging that Warner Park. the squad selected for these After Sam Billings engineered matches was retained from the an excellent recovery with 87 ODI series which fi nished 2-2 a to lift the tourists to 182 for six, week earlier. Jordan was almost unplayable in “There’s still pride to play taking four wickets for six runs for. The purpose of keeping the off three overs with the home squad together was to build to- outh African Cameron by a big margin today and hope side crashing in just 11.5 overs. wards the World Cup.” Delport hammered the Karachi Kings lose both their re- For England this was their Left-arm spinner Allen fastest century in the maining round matches. largest margin of victory, in snared the wickets of Alex Hales history of Pakistan Su- Lahore have six points from terms of runs, in T20s and gives and Joe Denly to fi nish with the perS League off just 49 balls and nine games while Karachi have them the series 2-0 with the fi - best fi gures of two for 29. He also Faheem Ashraf grabbed six wick- eight points from eight. Quetta nal match of the tour coming up eff ected the run out of Root just ets to steer Islamabad United to Gladiators are top of the table on Sunday at the same venue. as the partnership with Billings the play-off s during their 49- with 14 points from nine match- David Willey, who partnered was threatening to accelerate. run rout of Lahore Qalandars in es. Peshawar Zalmi are second the rampant Billings in adding Billings fell to the last ball of Karachi yesterday. with 12 points in nine while Mul- 68 runs for the sixth wicket after Chris Jordan of England celebrates the dismissal of Jason Holder of West Indies during the second T20 the innings, caught behind off The return of PSL to Karachi tan Sultans are out of play-off England were put in, started the international in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, on Friday. (AFP) McCoy, but not before he had could not have been more rous- contention, with just four points rout of the Caribbean team with taken 22 runs off the rstfi fi ve ing as Islamabad batsmen made in nine matches. the critical wicket of Chris Gayle off successive deliveries before Adil Rashid and Liam Plunkett tant pacer Obed McCoy on the deliveries of the over. the homecoming of the 2019 edi- Lahore also tried to match Is- before adding opening partner adding the scalps of Nicholas to fi nish off the match, the leg- long-on boundary in fi nishing tion truly memorable. lamabad’s run riot but apart from Shai Hope two balls later. Pooran and Fabien Allen. spinner and fast-medium bowl- with a T20I career-best of 87 BRIEF SCORES: England 182 for Delport smashed an unbeaten Sohail Akhtar (34-ball 75 with Jordan then accelerated the He was however deprived of the er taking two wickets each. off 47 balls with three sixes and 6 (Billings 87, Root 55) beat West 60-ball 117 to propel Islamabad fi ve sixes and eight fours) and slide in disposing of Darren chance of a fi ve-wicket haul as his Earlier Billings made the most ten fours to take the man of the Indies 45 all out (Jordan 4-6) by to 238-3 in 20 overs at a near- Fakhar Zaman (20-ball 38 with Bravo and captain Jason Holder skipper, Eoin Morgan, allowed of being dropped on 14 by debu- match award. 137 runs packed 32,000 capacity National three sixes and four boundaries) Stadium. the innings fell apart. Pacer Faheem Ashraf then Delport said he was happy to COMMENT chipped in with 6-19 — the sec- contribute in the win. NZ-Bangladesh Test ond best fi gures in all PSL behind “I struggled a bit in earlier Karachi’s Ravi Bopara (6-16 vs matches so it was nice to score in washed out for Lahore at Sharjah in 2016) — as the much needed win,” said Del- second day Australia’s Smith and Warner will Lahore were restricted to 189-9 port. “I tried to play straight and in 20 overs. it paid off . It was my fi rst time in Rain delayed the start of the second Test Besides the fastest hun- Karachi and the atmosphere was between New Zealand and Bangladesh in return stronger from bans: Warne dred performance, there were electrifying.” Wellington for the second consecutive day a plethora of records that were Islamabad skipper Mohamed yesterday. Reuters David Warner and Steve vigour, like he did after his broken. Islamabad’s total is now Sami credited batsmen for the The downpour which had persisted for a Bengaluru Smith. They are just going 12-month ban for failing a the highest in all PSL, ironically win. day and a half stopped long enough on day to try and let their bat do drugs test in 2003. Warne beating Lahore’s own 204 they “We lost Ronchi off the rstfi two for the covers to be lifted and for the the talking and toe the line,” was suspended for taking a made against Multan Sultans at ball but then Delport and Asif players to start warming up. ustralian bats- Warne told The Telegraph in banned diuretic and missed Sharjah this year. batted superbly and the total But as the umpires conducted a pitch in- men Steve Smith an interview. Australia’s World Cup win- Islamabad hit a total of 16 sixes was great,” said Sami. “Faheem spection, about an hour before an expected and David Warner “I think they will come ning campaign as a result. — the most in an HBL PSL teams bowled so well and got us the start, the drizzle returned, reducing the will come back back better than they were. “All I can go on is ex- innings — as Asif Ali also joined win.” strongerA than ever from They’re going to come out perience having a year off the party equalling Kamran Ak- Lahore captain Fakhar was match to three days at best. A result in three days is not unheard of in their 12-month bans and and destroy attacks and I myself. The next four years mal’s record of fastest to 50-run disappointed in the loss. New Zealand. the latter will be the best back David Warner to be were the best I ever had,” mark ( 17 balls), during his 21-ball “Credit to Islamabad bats- In 2001, also at the Basin Reserve in Wel- player at the World Cup the player of the World Warne, who took 708 wick- 55 not out. men who put up a challenging lington, New Zealand only needed 17 overs this year, former leg spin- Cup. ets for Australia in 145 Test It was a hero-to-zero situation total and we used all our plans in on the third day complete a victory over ner Shane Warne has said. “Warner overstepped matches, added. for Lahore fast bowler Shaheen bowling but nothing came off to- Bangladesh by an innings and 74 runs. Smith and Warner were the line a lot in his early ca- “I was hungry for the Shah Afridi who conceded 62 day,” said Fakhar. (PSL) However, if the rain does not clear, matches banned by Cricket Austral- reer. He then changed into game. My body and mind runs in his four overs after dis- have been abandoned in New Zealand ia for 12 months in March be reintegrated into the a more placid player but were fresh and it is amazing missing Luke Ronchi off the first BRIEF SCORES: Islamabad twice before without a ball being bowled — last year for their roles in national team after their was then told by Cricket how excited you are to play ball of the match. United 238-3 in 20 overs (C. against Pakistan in 1989 and India in 1998, the ball-tampering scan- participation in the Indian Australia to be the enforcer again. The win — Islamabad’s fi fth Delport 117 not out, Asif Ali 55 both in the southern city of Dunedin. New dal in a Test match against Premier League in March and was doing what he was “You get excited just go- in ten games — gave them third not out) beat Lahore Qalandars Zealand lead the series after taking the first South Africa in Cape Town. and April. told.” ing to the nets again be- place while the defeat leaves 189-9 in 20 overs (Sohail Akhtar Test in Hamilton by an innings and 52 runs. Their bans end on March “I think what you are go- Warne expects the duo cause you have taken it for Lahore in a diffi cult situation as 75; Faheem Ashraf 6-19) by 49 28 and both players will ing to see is a pretty quiet to return with renewed granted in the past.” they need to beat Multan Sultans runs

BOTTOMLINE Pant to replace rested Dhoni as World Cup openings narrow

Reuters said after Australia won the third battling leg injuries and still has Wellington game in Dhoni’s hometown of to play the Indian Premier League Ranchi by 32 runs to leave India before the World Cup, while with a 2-1 advantage in the series. the selectors have managed the ishabh Pant will take “We will have to fi gure out workload of key players over the over as wicketkeeper what those changes are. last few months. from MS Dhoni for the “But the idea is still to go out Kohli missed the fi nal three one- fi nal two matches of there and ask the guys to put in day matches against New Zealand India’sR one-day series against match-winning performances in late January, while pace spear- Australia with the former captain and take a lot of pride in winning head Jasprit Bumrah was rested being rested ahead of the World for the country. That mindset after the Test series in Australia Cup later this year. will not change. ended in early January. The decision to rest Dhoni may “Yes, we’ll have a few new fac- Bumrah has played the current signal the end of his international es and they’ll be given chances, series against Australia and looks career in his home country, with and they have to make the most set to get a fresh new-ball partner the 37-year-old still to make an of the chances because there’s a in Mohali on Sunday with Bhuv- announcement on his future af- World Cup coming in. neshwar Kumar likely to come in ter the May 30-July 14 World Cup “Everyone wants to be on that for Mohammed Shami, who was in England and Wales. fl ight as well.” hit in the leg on Friday by a shot It also allows Pant the oppor- Pant has not featured in the se- from Aaron Finch. tunity to make a late push for in- ries so far and only played three “Shami got hurt in his leg so clusion at the tournament, with ODIs in his nascent career but is we will need to check whether he captain Virat Kohli believing the rated highly by the selectors who can be fi t for day after (the Mohali fi nal two games in Mohali and New awarded the 21-year-old a lucra- game),” said India assistant coach Dehli the perfect opportunities for tive central contract earlier this Sanjay Bangar. players to prove themselves. week. “If he does not get fi t then “We will have a few changes in The decision to rest Dhoni was Bhuvneshwar Kumar could come the next couple of games,” Kohli not a surprise given he has been in.” Gulf Times Sunday, March 10, 2019 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT NHL Ducks explode for eight goals in US women players routing Canadiens

Reuters beaten by a long wrist shot by Montreal Daniel Sprong 6:39 into the game, and the Habs never re- ally managed to make a game dam Henrique scored of it. demand gender twice, and rookie After Henrique doubled Troy Terry produced the lead at 17:17 of the open- his second consecu- ing frame, Paul Byron put the tiveA three-point game as the Canadiens on the board 30 host Anaheim Ducks handed seconds later, but the hosts the Montreal Canadiens a sec- pulled away for good with a ond loss in as many nights with one-sided second period. an 8-2 thumping Friday night. Anaheim’s Devin Shore and equality, sue fedn Goalie John Gibson stopped 35 Montreal’s Shea Weber traded shots for the Ducks, who have second-period power-play ‘As players, we deserved to be paid equally for our work, regardless of our gender’ won three of four games but are goals. all but mathematically elimi- Terry netted his fourth goal Reuters nated from the playoff picture, of the season just 62 seconds Los Angeles sitting ahead of only the Los after Weber’s, and then Corey Angeles Kings in the Western Perry scored with 2:10 left in Conference. the second period to make it he US women’s national soccer The eight goals are a season 5-2. team sued the US Soccer Federa- high for Anaheim, which went Rickard Rakell, Henrique tion on Friday with allegations of into the night the lowest- and Max Jones added late gender discrimination just three scoring team in the league. third-period goals. Tmonths before they open their World Cup Montreal netminder Carey It was Jones’ fi rst NHL tally. title defense in France. Price was looking to supplant Terry has collected two All 28 members of the United States squad the legendary Jacques Plante goals and seven points in the were named as plaintiff s in federal court in for most wins among goal- last three games. Los Angeles on International Women’s Day tenders in franchise history, The night featured a couple and the lawsuit includes complaints about but he remains at 314 victories of milestones for blue-liners. wages and nearly every other aspect of their after saving 21 of 29 shots. Anaheim’s Cam Fowler working conditions. Montreal still holds the passed Scott Niedermayer for The players, a group that includes stars Eastern Conference’s second most points by a Ducks de- Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd and Alex Mor- wild-card spot, but it wasted a fenseman with 265, while We- gan, said they have been consistently paid big opportunity. ber’s goal was the 200th of his less money than their male counterparts Price did himself no fa- career. even though their performance has been vours, either. He’s the 21st defenseman in superior to the men’s team. He put his team behind NHL history, and the only one “Each of us is extremely proud to wear with a stinker of an early goal, still active, to reach that mark. the United States jersey, and we also take seriously the responsibility that comes with that,” US co-captain Morgan said in a state- ment. “We believe that fi ghting for gender equality in sports is a part of that respon- sibility. As players, we deserved to be paid equally for our work, regardless of our gen- der.” According to the lawsuit, fi led three years after several players made a similar com- plaint with the US Equal Employment Op- portunity Commission, US soccer has “ut- terly failed to promote gender equality.” The US Soccer Federation did not re- In this file photo taken on August 02, 2018 US’s forward Megan Rapinoe (L) celebrates her goal with teammates Alex Morgan (C) and spond when asked to comment on the law- McCall Zerboni during the Tournament of Nations women’s football match between Brazil and the US in Bridgeview, Illinois. All 28 suit. members of the US women’s national team filed a discrimination lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation (USSF) on March 8, just The players said that US Soccer President three months before defending their World Cup title. US midfielders Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe, who helped the Americans Carlos Cordeiro previously admitted the capture the crown in Canada four years ago, and have them atop the world rankings headed into the 2019 tournament in France, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jaycob Megna (43) fouls Montreal women’s team should be valued as much were among those suing the national governing body in US District Court in Los Angeles for equal pay and working conditions to Canadiens left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) in front of goalie John as the men’s squad but the federation “has their less successful male counterparts. Gibson (36) during the second period of their game on Friday. paid only lip service to gender equality.”The PICTURE: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports lawsuit outlines years of institutional- action status that would allow any women ized gender discrimination, claiming travel Adidas to pay equal bonuses to women’s World Cup winners who played for the team since February 2015 conditions, medical personnel, promotion London: Adidas-sponsored players on said they had been consistently paid to join the case. Injured guard Ball not close to return of games and training are less favourable the team that wins the FIFA Women’s less than their male counterparts even “We feel a responsibility not only to stand for female players compared to their male World Cup this year will receive the though their performances have been up for what we know we deserve as athletes, counterparts. The US women’s team has same performance bonus payments as superior. but also for what we know is right — on be- Los Angeles: Lonzo Ball’s badly sprained left ankle might keep enjoyed unparalleled success in interna- their male counterparts, the sportswear Adidas’ head of global brands Eric half of our teammates, future teammates, him from returning this season, Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke tional soccer, including three World Cup company said yesterday. Liedtke said the company wanted to fellow women athletes, and women all Walton announced on Friday. titles and four Olympic gold medals. The announcement follows news that help encourage the next generation of around the world,” said Rapinoe. Ball was hurt Jan 19 at Houston and was initially expected to The men’s team have never won either the US women’s national soccer team is sportswomen. In 2017, the US women’s national hock- miss four to six weeks, but Walton said the furthest the second- tournament and their best modern-day re- suing their federation with allegations “Today we are announcing that all Adi- ey team threatened to boycott that year’s yard guard has progressed in his return to basketball activities is sult at a World Cup was in 2002 when they of gender discrimination, where all 28 das athletes on the winning 2019 FIFA world championship but returned to the ice dribbling drills and standstill shooting, according to ESPN. reached the quarter-fi nals. members of the squad were named as Women’s World Cup team will receive after settling a dispute with USA Hockey Ball needs to make significant progress toward a return, Walton When the women’s team clinched their plaintiff s in federal court. the same performance bonus payout over wages and better benefi ts in line with said, and he said he “wouldn’t even have the conversation” about most recent World Cup title in 2015, it was The lawsuit filed by the team includes as their male peers,” Liedtke said in the their male counterparts. a return date “until we’ve had a week’s worth of practice with the most watched soccer game in American complaints about wages. The players statement. The US Women’s National Team Players him and whatnot. So like I said, he’s not close to that.” TV history with an audience of approxi- Association (USWNTPA) said in a state- The Lakers have 17 games to play in the regular season, which mately 23mn viewers. ment it made progress during contract ne- ends April 9. The team’s success has translated into sport,” said US co-captain Lloyd. The total prize money for last year’s gotiations with US Soccer in 2017 regarding After losing four straight games and six of seven, they are 30-35 substantial revenue generation and profi ts “We have made progress in narrowing men’s World Cup in Russia was $400 mn, compensation and working conditions but and tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for 10th place in the for the federation, the lawsuit said. the gender pay gap, however progress does with champions France receiving $38mn. that more work needs to be done. Western Conference playoff chase. The women earned more in profi t and/ not mean that we will stop working to real- FIFA announced on Friday plans to host “This lawsuit is an eff ort by the plaintiff s Ball, who was the No 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has or revenue than the men’s national team for ize our legal rights and make equality a real- a global women’s convention this June in to address those serious issues through the appeared in 47 games this season. the period covered by the lawsuit, it said. ity for our sport.” Paris where it said leaders from the world exercise of their individual rights,” the un- He is averaging 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 30.3 “In light of our team’s unparalleled suc- Last October FIFA said it will double the of sports and politics will discuss key issues ion said in a statement, adding that it would minutes. cess on the fi eld, it’s a shame that we still total prize money for this year’s World Cup around the development and empower- continue to seek improvements through the The Lakers lost that game in Houston when Ball was hurt, and are fi ghting for treatment that refl ects our in France to $30mn, with the winning team ment of women in soccer. labour-management and collective bar- they’ve lost 13 of 18 games since then. achievements and contributions to the taking home $4mn. The US players are also seeking class- gaining processes.

NBA Thompson returns as Warriors blitz Nuggets AFP Houston dominated for much of the game, (sore back) were ruled out. Los Angeles scoring 37 points in the fi rst quarter and lead- Jahlil Okafor started in Davis’ place, but he ing by 22 points at the end of the third quarter also left the contest in the third quarter be- at the Toyota Center arena in Texas. cause of a sprained ankle. lay Thompson roared back into action “Our pace and energy has been really good Rookie Frank Jackson led the Pelicans with for Golden State on Friday, leading and it always helps to be healthy,” Houston 20 points, Julius Randle added 18 points and the Warriors to a 122-105 win over the guard Chris Paul said. Cheick Diallo added 16 points off the bench. Denver Nuggets in a marquee show- The 76ers cut the lead to 16 with fi ve min- In Florida, veteran guard Dwyane Wade Kdown between the two best teams in the NBA’s utes remaining, but Harden scored his 30th sparked a third-quarter rally and the Miami Western Conference. point of the contest soon after, and it was Heat scored 10 straight in the fi nal quarter The Warriors were looking to rebound from game over. to pull out a 126-110 win over the Cleveland their worst loss of the season — a humiliating Philadelphia had won the fi rst meeting of Cavaliers. 128-95 drubbing at home on Tuesday by the the teams this season in January, 121-93, be- And in Los Angeles, Lou Williams came off Boston Celtics — and they got the job done. hind 32 points from Joel Embiid, but their star the bench to score 40 points as the Los Ange- Thompson, who had missed two games with center was out Friday due to a knee injury. les Clippers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, a sore knee, delivered a game-high 39 points, Philadelphia’s Tobias Harris fi nished with 118-110, for their seventh game in nine games. scoring 27 of them in the fi rst half. 22 points as the 76ers lost their second straight Danilo Gallinari scored a season-high 34 He drained nine three-pointers overall. game. points and Ivica Zubac added 14 points and “I let the game come to me,” Thompson said. The Rockets got a scare in the fi rst half when seven rebounds for the Clippers. “I took two games off and it felt like eternity. Harden collided with Simmons and went Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook had 32 “It gets kind of sentimental knowing we have crashing to the fl oor. points before fouling out with 54 seconds left only so many games left in the season in this After receiving treatment, he returned to and Paul George scored 15 points before he building and we want to give our fans a show. help the Rockets to a 59-44 lead at the half. fouled out with 3:49 left. “Everybody out there is a threat and that In Louisiana, Raptors star Kawhi Leonard makes our team so dangerous.” Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) follows through on a shot attempt next to Denver scored 31 points and Kyle Lowry had a triple Results Kevin Durant added 26 points and six as- Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at Oracle Arena on Friday. double with 13 points, 12 assists and 11 re- Miami ...... 126 Cleveland...... 110 Golden State ...... 122 Denver ...... 105 sists, Stephen Curry scored 17 points and De- PICTURE: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports bounds as Toronto used a second-half surge to LA Clippers ...... 118 Oklahoma City ...... 110 Marcus Cousins fi nished with 13 points and six rout the New Orleans Pelicans, 127-104. Chicago ...... 104 Detroit ...... 112 blocked shots for the two-time defending NBA Nothing can deter us from that,” said streak. Elsewhere, James Harden racked up 31 Pascal Siakam scored 19 points and Jeremy Houston...... 107 Philadelphia ...... 91 champions. Thompson. points and 10 rebounds as the Houston Rock- Lin had 14 in the win. Memphis ...... 114 Utah ...... 104 “It is a long regular season and the guys are Malik Beasley scored 17 points off the bench ets stretched their winning streak to a season- The Pelicans played without three starters New Orleans ...... 104 Toronto ...... 127 eager to get to the playoff s. At the end of the for the Nuggets, who lost for the fourth time best seven games by beating the Philadelphia as Jrue Holiday (abdominal strain), E’Twaun Charlotte ...... 112 Washington...... 111 day, we’ve all got our eyes on that three-peat. in fi ve games following a fi ve-game winning 76ers, 107-91. Moore (quad contusion) and Anthony Davis Orlando ...... 111 Dallas ...... 106 Gulf Times 6 Sunday, March 10, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL Fleetwood shares Tuilagi at the double lead at halfway stage at Bay Hill

AFP Miami, Florida as England beat Italy ommy Fleetwood drained two eagles en route to grabbing a share Eddie Jones’ men hand Italy their 21st successive defeat in the Six Nations of the lead at the half- Tway stage of the US PGA Tour’s AFP a match involving the Barbarians, Arnold Palmer Invitational in Twickenham, United Kingdom where both teams are expected to Florida on Friday. run the ball come what may. The 28-year-old Englishman, Tuilagi then turned provider, who is seeking his fi rst title on anu Tuilagi scored with another strong run through the US Tour, posted a six-under his fi rst Test tries in weak cover before a well-timed 66 at the Bay Hill course in Or- fi ve years as England inside pass to Brad Shields saw lando, Florida to tie Keegan Bra- thrashed Italy 57- the fl anker score his fi rst Test dley at the top of the leaderboard M14 at Twickenham yesterday to try — England’s fourth of the with a nine-under 135 total. maintain their Six Nations title game, with Farrell duly adding Former PGA Championship hopes. the simple conversion. winner Bradley fi red a four-un- The rampaging centre, whose But Italy captain Sergio der 68 to seize a share of a 36- career has been blighted by in- Parisse was continuing to drive hole lead for the fi rst time since juries, crossed twice as England hard despite the scoreline, the 2013. ran in eight tries in total against No 8 returning for his 137th Test Fleetwood rolled in eagles on perennial strugglers Italy, for after missing the defeat by Ire- the sixth and 12th holes to be- whom this was a 21st successive land with concussion. come the only player to have defeat in the Six Nations. Italy managed to extend the two eagles in a round twice this England will, however, need fi rst half beyond the regulation season. He also did it in his most Grand Slam-chasing Wales to 40 minutes with a controlled recent start at the WGC-Mexico slip-up against Ireland a week 17-phase move only to knock- Championship. on Saturday before they them- on at the last. “Hopefully, I can continue selves kick-off against Scotland Parisse had suggested on Fri- to play well around here,” said if they are to still have a chance day that England coach Eddie Fleetwood, who now has nine of claiming the Championship. Jones’ decision to pair Tuilagi straight sub-70 second round The match was over as a con- alongside fellow strong-run- scores on the Tour. “It was just test before half-time, with Tui- England’s Manu Tuilagi (left) scores their fifth try in the Six Nations Championship match against Italy at ning centre Ben Te’o meant the nice to have a day like that and lagi — whose career has been Twickenham Stadium in London yesterday. (Reuters) hosts were not going to play just constantly feel at ease, really, morning group, had a 71. blighted by a succession of in- “champagne rugby”. with hitting good golf shots.” juries — scored one of England’s But there was a ‘fl air moment’ Fleetwood’s last tournament DIFFICULT TEST four tries as they secured a bo- Wales keep Grand Slam hopes alive by beating Scotland when George produced a cut- win came on the European Tour First round leader Rafa Cabrera nus point in the 32nd minute. ales survived a went in nine points clear thanks just short of the hour mark. out pass worthy of a midfi elder when he captured the 2018 Abu Bello shot a 75 and is tied for ninth. Italy, to their credit, were spirited second half to tries from Josh Adams and The home side continued to to send Tuilagi in for his second Dhabi event. Defending champion Rory briefl y level at 7-7 thanks to fl y- Wcomeback from Jonathan Davies with Scotland’s press but were unable to break try in the 47th minute. His has fi nished runner-up McIlroy, who won last year with half Tommaso Allan converting Scotland to win 18-11 at Mur- only points coming from two down a resolute Welsh defence Farrell, for once, missed the twice in his career on the PGA a 18-under 270 total, fi red a 70 his own try. rayfield yesterday and remain Finn Russell penalties. and a 13th victory in a row was conversion but it scarcely mat- Tour at last year’s US Open and and is tied for 31st. But there was a reason the Az- on course for a Six Nations Scotland turned the tables in secured for the visitors with tered. the 2017 WGC-Mexico Champi- “The golf course is hard,” said zurri, who’ve now lost all 25 of Grand Slam. the second period, however, the last kick of the game when Italy managed a second try onship. McIlroy. “It’s probably more of a their Tests against England, were Warren Gatland’s side complete- and drew within four points Gareth Anscombe slotted over when Luca Morisi went over in “I’ve done a lot of good things test off the tee than the last few 60/1 outsiders and from then on it ly dominated the first half and through a Darcy Graham try a simple penalty. the 54th minute, Allan again over the last two, three years,” weeks. If I hit fairways on the was largely one-way traffi c. adding the conversion. Fleetwood said. “That would be weekend, I’ll feel like I’ve got a England, dominating terri- But England were not done, the next logical step to win in good chance.” tory from the start, opened the ing through a tackle by England had already exposed the Italy ed that try as well, then found George Kruis charging down America or win on the PGA Tour Among the players missing the scoring in the eighth minute scrum-half Ben Youngs on the defence when Tuilagi, renowned himself in the unusual position full-back Jayden Hayward’s kick and then see where we go from cut by one stroke are Phil Mick- when hooker Jamie George was blind side for a try he converted. as a powerful ball-carrier, burst of being booed at Twickenham for a 64th-minute try converted there.” elson, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh. driven over from a close-range Minutes later, however, Eng- through Italy wing Angelo Es- when he opted to kick, rather by George Ford, one of a stream Jhonattan Vegas and Billy Former champion Mickelson line-out for a try converted by land were 14-7 ahead after full- posito’s tackle and handed off than run a penalty that extended of replacements. Horschel are part of a group of missed the cut with rounds of 68 captain Owen Farrell. back Elliot Daly sent Jonny May centre Michele Campagnaro be- the lead to 24-7. Reserve scrum-half Dan Rob- six golfers at fi ve-under 139, four and 78. Italy then stunned a capac- in for the wing’s fi fth try in four fore running in from 34 metres son then scored his fi rst Test try strokes back of the Fleetwood “That’s probably the score I ity Twickenham crowd of over Tests. for his fi rst England try since BARBARIANS-LIKE TEST before another charge down saw and Bradley. deserved,” he said of his 78 which 82,000 with a well-worked Dynamic wing Joe Cokanasi- one against Italy in 2014. MATCH Shields grab his second try of Vegas shot a two-under 70 included a couple of double bo- score that saw Allan, break- ga, holding the ball one-handed, Fly-half Farrell, who convert- A full Test was assuming the air of the game. and Horschel, who teed off in the geys.

TENNIS FOCUS Wawrinka outlasts Evans in opener Stephens stunned, Serena cruises AFP “So I’m happy to get through a run to the fi nal in Rotterdam last Indian Wells, California match like today,” he added. month was his fi rst fi nal since Reuters former number one, just like Wawrinka, on the rise after 18 Roland Garros in June of 2017. Indian Wells, California me. months battling injury and re- He hasn’t lifted a trophy since “It’s hard to play someone hree-time Grand Slam covering from double knee sur- Geneva in May of 2017, but says you’re so close with but it’s also champion Stan Wawrin- gery, was runner-up in the Cali- his Rotterdam run put his come- wiss qualifi er Stefanie really invigorating and cool.” ka made a triumphant fornia desert in 2017, but missed back in a new phase. Vogele stunned world Williams will play Garbine return to Indian Wells on the combined ATP Masters and “It helped me a lot to put away number four Sloane Muguruza in the third round TFriday, rallying for 6-7 (4), 6-3, WTA event last year. a little bit of pressure of know- Stephens 6-3, 6-0 in the after the 20th-seeded Spaniard 6-3 victory over British qualifi er While top seeds led by world ing that you play well but (are) secondS round of the BNP Parib- crushed American Lauren Davis Daniel Evans to reach the second number one Novak Djokovic not winning too many matches,” as Open on Friday while Serena 6-1, 6-3 earlier on Friday. round. enjoyed fi rst-round byes, 40th- Wawrinka said. Williams got the better of Vic- Unseeded American Jenni- It was a rematch of Wawrinka’s ranked Wawrinka gutted out a Fifth-seeded South African toria Azarenka to advance. fer Brady defeated 19th-seeded four-hour, fi ve-set victory over two-hour, eight-minute clash Kevin Anderson’s challenge end- Vogele needed just over an Caroline Garcia 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 Evans in the third round of the with 100th ranked Evans. ed before it began as he withdrew hour to dispatch the fourth- to book her place in the third 2016 US Open – where the Swiss Wawrinka saved all six break from the tournament with a right seeded Stephens and push her round. would go on to claim his third points he faced in the decid- elbow injury that has nagged him overall record to 4-1 against the The 23-year-old Brady Grand Slam crown. ing set, battling back from 0-40 since a second-round exit at the 2017 US Open champion, who thumped fi ve aces en route “He’s always a tough player to down in the fi fth game and push- Australian Open. committed her 32nd unforced to her third victory over the play, for sure,” Wawrinka said. ing to a 5-3 lead. In other first-round matches, error on match point when she Frenchwoman this year, setting “He’s mixing a lot, especially on He held at love to line up a German Peter Gojowczyk de- sent a forehand wide. sunny day in the Southern Cali- 39 winners to defeat Azarenka up a meeting with 12th-seeded conditions like today when it’s second-round meeting with feated Italian Andreas Seppi “Obviously playing someone fornia desert. 7-5, 6-3 in a rematch of the 2016 Ash Barty, who defeated Tatjana windy. With his slice, he feels the 29th-seeded Hungarian Marton 7-5, 6-4 to set up a second who you haven’t done that well “It was windy but it was fi nal, which the Belarusian won. Maria 6-4, 6-4. ball really well. He’s mixing his Fucsovics. round meeting with fourth- against in the past is a little bit windy for both of us. I just “I truly love her, she’s a really Czech Marketa Vondrousova game, serve and volley, some- “I think for me this year it’s for seeded Roger Federer, who is rough,” Stephens told report- didn’t play a great match today.” good friend,” 23-times Grand eased past error-prone Russian times coming, sometimes not, sure special because I’m happy to coming off a remarkable 100th ers after the match, which was Under the lights on the sta- Slam champion Williams said. Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1 to book passing well. be back,” said Wawrinka, whose career title in Dubai. played amid high winds on a dium court, Williams smashed “She’s a fellow mom and a her place in the third round.

SPOTLIGHT Women in business of sport get together for new association

By Sports Reporter management companies and the are from diverse cultures and Doha International Centre for Sport backgrounds but who all have Security (ICSS). a common personal or profes- The idea is to provide a social sional interest in, and around, or the fi rst time in Qatar, and professional networking the field of sport.” an association for women group for women working and The fi rst Women In Sport Qa- working in sport has been playing in sport in Qatar. It was tar meeting focused on the vision launched. conceived by Karen Webb Moss, and goals for such a network. FThe roll out of the initiative who co-founded the Women Women In Sport Qatar will now was held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sport network in the UK in work swiftly to set down its ob- in Doha and coincided with the the run up to the London 2012 jectives and identify a scope of International Women’s Day, cel- Games, and now lives and works work. ebrated annually on March 8. in Qatar as the ICSS Group Chief Matters discussed ranged from This new group, to be named Operating Offi cer. the growing opportunities for Women in Sport Qatar (WISQ), Speaking at the event, Moss women in the sports business to met for the fi rst time and, in said, “As Qatar is the proud host challenges for women wanting to what was an informal meeting, of multiple sporting events and, compete and participate in com- brought together both local and as we move closer to the staging munity team sports. international resident female of the IAAF World Champion- professionals who all work in the ships and the 2022 World Cup, it Qatar Olympic Committee’s fi eld of sport. is increasingly evident that Qatar (QOC) Sheikha Asma al-Thani Many of the women hold sen- also can, and should be, proud of (foreground, second from right) ior positions in sport and togeth- the many impressive women now and ICSS Group Chief Operating er they represented organisations leading and working in the busi- Off icer Karen Webb Moss such as the Qatar Olympic Com- ness of sport. (foreground, third from right) mittee (QOC), Aspire, Aspetar, “Our association aims to were among those present at the Al Jazeera, Qatar Women’s Sport bring together a network of roll out of the Women in Sport Committee, local sport event women living here in Qatar who Qatar (WISQ) initiative. Gulf Times Sunday, March 10, 2019 7 SPORT

EQUESTRIAN Devos clinches CHI Al Shaqab feature class in nail-biter The Belgian galloped to glory on his bay gelding Espoir to win the prestigious CSI5* Grand Prix 1.60m class

By Sports Reporter take fi rst place, staying well ahead of Doha his competition. Ruoste said: “I’m so excited. I’m very happy with the horse and with everything here at Al Shaqab. elgium’s Pieter Devos clinched It’s a beautiful place – one of the most feature class at the CHI Al beautiful places in the world to ride and Shaqab equestrian champion- compete. Everything is perfectly or- ship yesterday, after a thrilling ganised and there’s nothing more that JumpB Off at the Al Shaqab arena. On a any rider could ask for.” chilly night, Devos galloped to glory on In the Para Dressage CPEDI 3* Free- his bay gelding Espoir to win the pres- style event, Rodolpho Riskalla of Bra- tigious CSI5* Grand Prix Two Rounds zil, competing in Grade IV, enjoyed a with Jump-Off 1.60m class. clear victory. It represented a hat trick In the Jump Off , Devos and Espoir put of wins for the Brazilan, as he earned on a sublime show for a faultless round fi rst place in all three events held for his to beat Nicola Philippaerts astride grade during CHI Al Shaqab. H&M Chilli Willi by a little more than a Omar al-Mannai, Al Shaqab Com- second’s diff erence to emerge supreme mercial Director and CHI Al Shaqab in 42.18secs. The 33-year-old Devos Event Director was pleased with the took home €135,300 in prize money. successful organisation of the champi- Emanuele Gaudiano of Italy, riding onship. “We are very happy that CHI Al Chalou brought down a railing and had Shaqab has proven to be such a success to settle for third spot. Qatar’s Bassem for everyone, from riders to spectators, Hassan Mohamed, who had won the but we’re also sad in such moments be- LGCT Doha Grand Prix in 2017, rode on cause it means saying goodbye to the his trusted mount Gunder but couldn’t event and everyone involved until the repeat his fi ne form ending up as a next time. Congratulations to the win- creditable fourth. ners. Unfortunately, Bassem had one Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint fault and couldn’t be on the podium. Nasser, the Chairperson of Qatar Foun- Next time perhaps will be better.” dation for Education, Science and Al-Mannai also mentioned the im- Community Development crowned portance of Al Shaqab’s partnership Devos. President of Qatar Olympic with ExxonMobil, who have signed on Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- to remain the main sponsor of CHI Al mad al-Thani crowned runner-up Shaqab, saying the oil and gas company Nicola Philippaerts. “provides support to Al Shaqab across Commenting on his win, Devos said: many areas, including education”. “We had three diffi cult rounds today, Running alongside CHI Al Shaqab, but they were horse-friendly and I ap- the Hathab national equestrian series’ preciate that. My horse has been jump- ninth leg saw Cyrine Cherif of France ing well for the last two weeks. He had Belgium’s Pieter Devos rides his bay gelding Espoir to victory in the CSI5* Grand Prix Two Rounds with Jump-Off 1.60m class at the CHI Al Shaqab yesterday. emerge as best, riding Gerlin VD Water- some good rest earlier this week and kant in the Big Tour. Qatar’s Mohamed he jumped very well today. I am a very Zorzi and Danique by 0.08 seconds. Schwizer said: “It was a very tough In the dressage CDI5* Grand Prix operated very well with me. This place Khalifa al-Baker on his mount Arselina happy man.” Belgium’s Karel Cox aboard his geld- competition. There were many fast Freestyle to Music event, Spain’s Borja is amazing, you cannot fi nd a place claimed the Open Class honours. The Earlier in 1.45m CSI5* class, Switzer- ing Evert came third, with the duo also riders and it was a close call, but Liv- Carrascosa with his horse Ein Traum like this in Europe or in the rest of the Inter-nations Camp held for talented land’s Pius Schwizer astride Living The registering a sub-par 59 seconds. Jur ing The Dream was super. He is in good garnered the most points to win the world. It’s really a privilege to be here.” junior riders from Qatar, Asia and the Dream galloped to victory. The pair hit Vrieling followed in fourth with Davall, form and very fast. Al Shaqab is great. It grand prize of €17,900. Carrascosa The day began with the Dressage CDI Middle East also concluded with par- their strides in tandem to fi nish fast- while Emily Moffi tt completed the top is like Hollywood for me and I like par- said: “I am super happy! To win in this 5* Grand Prix Special where Henri Ru- ticipants receiving their certifi cates in a est in 58.56secs, pipping Italy’s Alberto fi ve aboard Tipsy du Terral. ticipating here.” big show is like a dream. My horse co- oste of Finland earned 71.915 points to ceremony at Al Shaqab.

RESULTS CSI5* GRAND PRIX TWO ROUNDS CDI5* GRAND PRIX SPECIAL 2. Philippa Johnson-Dwyer (RSA); Lord WITH JUMP-OFF 1.60M 1. Henri Ruoste (FIN); Rossetti; 71.915; Louis; 72.250; €1,000 1. Rider: Pieter Devos; Horse: Espoir; €11,550 3. Lotte Krijnsen (NED); Zarienta; Faults: 0; Time: 77.09secs; Faults: 0; 2. Nicole Vazque Z Kremer (ESP); Won- 72.042; €800 Time: 61.53secs; J.O.: Faults:0; Time: der; 68.745; €8,750 CPEDI3* FREESTYLE V 42.18; Prize: €135,300 3. Insa Hansen (GER); Diamond’s Diva; 1. Frank Hosmar; Guetta; 76.250; €1,320 2. Nicola Philippaerts (BEL); H&M 67.277; €7,000 Chilli Willi; 0; 79.98secs; 0; 61.84secs; 0; 2. Ciska Vermeulen (BEL); Rohmeo; 44.42secs; €82,000 PARA-DRESSAGE 74.625; €1,000 3. Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA); Chalou; 0; CPEDI3* FREESTYLE I 3. Kevin van Ham (BEL); Eros Van Ons 78.67secs; 0; 58.77secs; 4; 42.74secs; 1. Rider: Katja Karjalainen (FIN); Horse: Heem; 70.917; €800 €43,050 Dr Doolittle; Total Points: 73.945; Prize: HATHAB BIG TOUR ONE ROUND CSI5* TABLE C (239) 1.45M €1,320 AGAINST THE CLOCK WITH JUMP-OFF 1.30/1.45M 1. Pius Schwizer (SUI); Living The 2. Laurentia Yen-Yi Tan (SGP); Floren- Dream; 58.56secs; €6,250 zius S; 73.889; €1,000 1. Rider: Cyrine Cherif (FRA); Horse: Gerlin VD Waterkant; Faults: 0; Time: 2. Alberto Zorzi (ITA); Danique; 3. Anna Isabel Mota Veiga (PRO): Con- victo; 68.389; €800 79.49secs; Faults: 0; Time: 39.78secs; 56.68secs; €5,000 Prize: QR8,750 CPEDI3* FREESTYLE II 3. Karel Cox (BEL); Evert; 58.93secs; 2. Faleh Suwead al Ajami (QAT); Ulano; €3,750 1. Nicole den Dulk (NED); Wallace N.O.P.; 0; 81.64secs; 0; 43.38secs; QR7,000 73.500; €1,320 4. Jur Vrieling (NED); Davall; 60.17secs; 3. Saeed Nasser al Qadi (QAT); Day- €2,500 2. Julie Payne (GBR); Pandora; 70.000; dreamer EC; 0: 77.07secs; 4; 35.08secs; DRESSAGE CDI5* GRAND PRIX FREE- €1,000 QR5,250 STYLE TO MUSIC CPEDI3* FREESTYLE III OPEN CLASS TWO PHASES 1.25CM 1. Rider: Borja Carrascosa (ESP); Horse: 1. Roberta Sheff ield (CAN); Fairuza; 1. Mohammed Khalifa al Baker (QAT); Ein Traum 2; Total Points: 75.375; Prize: 70.167; €1,200 Arselina; 0; 41.21secs; 0; 24.95secs; €17,900 2. Amanda Shirtcliff e (GBR); Remi; QR3,750 2. Juan Matute Guimon (ESP); Don 69.834; €1,000 2. Khalid Mohammed al Emadi (QAT); Diego; 75.250; €14,200 3. Annemarieke (NED); 68.611; €800 Ambre de Beaufour; 0; 38.97secs; 0; 3. Morgan Barbancon Mestre (FRA); Sir CPEDI3* FREESTYLE IV 24.96secs; QR3,000 Donnerhall II Old; 74.875; €10,600 CDI5* Grand Prix Special dressage winner Henri 1. Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA); Don Hen- 3. Abdulrahman Adel Nassar (QAT); Omar al-Mannai, Al Shaqab Commercial Director and CHI Al Shaqab Ruoste (centre), runner-up Nicole Vazquez 4. Minna Telde (SWE); Isac; 74.100; rico; 76.125; €1,200 Dubaii; 0; 42.74secs; 0; 26.00secs; Event Director, presents the award to Switzerland's Pius Schwizer, Kremer (left) and third-placed Insa Hansen pose €7,000. QR2,250 who won the 1.45m CSI5* class yesterday. on the podium at Al Shaqab indoor arena.

FOCUS Sama Global Investment launches 2019 Sama Qatar Angel Nieto Team he 2019 MotoGP World Cham- once more and to develop young riders pionship fi red into life this for World Championship competition. weekend and the Angel Nieto Today we have presented a new part- Team heads into the new sea- nership that is born through a blend of Tson with extra force thanks to a new diff erent cultures, aimed at bringing partnership with Sama Global Invest- the best out of each other to achieve ment. The partnership was offi cially success. Sama Global Investment have presented yesterday in Doha, in front welcomed us with open arms and we of an illustrious audience including the want to repay the faith they have shown Vice President of Losail Circuit Sports in us with some great results.” Club, Khaled al-Remeihi, as well as Abdulla al-Mutawaa, Chairman of Sama Global Investment President Ab- Sama Global Investment said: “Sama dullah al-Mutawaa and Carmelo Ezpe- is excited to partner with Angel Nieto leta, CEO of Dorna Sports. Team and support their goal of becom- Integrity, teamwork, passion and ing World Champions. Sama is keen to respect are the values shared between support and enhance Qatar’s vision to the Angel Nieto Team and Sama Glo- become a centre of sports in the world. bal, who are ready to embark on a new Sama Global’s strategy is to create last- adventure together that will see Albert ing value for all its partners through a Arenas and Raul Fernandez compete in lasting investment horizon, disciplined the Moto3 class, with Jake Dixon and development, and robust organisa- Xavi Cardelus on board in Moto2. tional culture. This partnership repre- Jorge Martinez CEO of Sama Qa- sents another exciting opportunity for tar Angel Nieto Team said: “The Sama our group and we are looking forward Qatar Ángel Nieto Team has two clear to spearheading this wonderful journey objectives: to be World Champions together.”

Sunday, March 10, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

GOLF / COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS SPOTLIGHT Aussie Lee Consistent Wilson hopes to in ‘right direction’ continue upward with one-stroke lead trend ‘I’m delighted, quite frankly. There’s still a long way to go. It’s hard out there’

By Yash Mudgal Australia’s Jake McLeod shot the Doha second hole-in-one of the tourna- ment during the third round, and he also eagled the 18th to move to ive years ago, Oliver Wilson eight-under alongside compatriot produced one of the unlike- Min Woo Lee, Belgium’s Thomas liest professional victories Detry and Anton Karlsson of Swe- in recent memory by secur- den. ingF the Alfred Dunhill Links Cham- Last week’s Oman Open winner, pionship at St Andrews on the back Kurt Kitayama, put himself in con- of an invite, when ranked 792nd in tention for a third European Tour the world. title of the season after carding a That was his maiden European two-under 70 to share tenth place Tour victory, two seasons after losing with Bradley Dredge, Jorge Camp- his card in the midst of horrendous illo, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Adri struggles. It was a remarkable story. Arnaus, George Coetzee and Justin Wilson is back in that position, Harding on seven-under par. having lost his European Tour card in 2016 as he fi nished 167th in the LEADING THIRD ROUND SCORES 2015 Challenge Tour rankings. 206: O Wilson (Eng) 69-68-69 He is playing on an invite in the 207: E Van Rooyen (RSA) 69-68-70, 2019 edition of Commercial Bank N Cullen (Aus) 69-70-68, N Elvira Qatar Masters and at the end of the (Esp) 71-67-69, M Lorenzo-Vera (Fra) third day it seemed like the cam- 68-68-71 paign was moving in “the right 208: T Detry (Bel) 70-68-70, J direction” for another successful England’s Oliver Wilson in action during the third round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Doha Golf McLeod (Aus) 72-70-66, M Lee (Aus) comeback. Club yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram 75-66-67, A Karlsson (Swe) 72-66-70 Yesterday at the Doha Golf Club, 209: J Campillo (Esp) 72-69-68, A the Englishman shot around the Arnaus (Esp) 67-70-72, J Harding Peter Harradine-designed course (RSA) 68-68-73, B Dredge (Wal) in 69 strokes, propelling himself 68-71-70, G Coetzee (RSA) 68-68-73, to the top of the leaderboard with a C Bezuidenhout (RSA) 72-71-66, K one-stroke lead going into the fi nal Kitayama (USA) 69-70-70 round in testing conditions. 210: S Jamieson (Sco) 73-69-68, M “I’m delighted, quite frankly. Kawamura (Jpn) 69-68-73, N Col- There’s still a long way to go. It’s saerts (Bel) 68-70-72, M Korhonen going in the right direction – It’s (Fin) 72-70-68, K Broberg (Swe) 71- hard out there. It’s really hard to get 67-72, N Johansson (Swe) 70-72-68, it close, even from the fairways with A Sullivan (Eng) 70-71-69, O Fisher By Yash Mudgal the wind. I tried really hard to keep (Eng) 73-67-70, F Zanotti (Par) 72- Doha it in play off the tees, get in the mid- 68-70, J Dantorp (Swe) 72-68-70 dle of the greens and just two-putt. 211: J Kruyswijk (RSA) 71-67-73, L Nobody is going to get too far away Slattery (Eng) 69-74-68, J Walters ustralian Min Woo Lee lived up to his repu- and shoot super low – you just have (RSA) 67-73-71, A Saddier (Fra) 72- tation of a fast-rising star on the European to go out there and plod your way 69-70, D Fichardt (RSA) 76-64-71 Tour when he rose to within striking distance round,” Wilson said after his con- Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) second vice-president Dr Thani al-Kuwari (left) and Qatar Golf Association (QGA) 212: A Otaegui (Esp) 71-72-69, T Mur- of the lead at the Commercial Bank Qatar sistent three-round show. MastersA yesterday. general secretary Fahad Nasser al-Naimi (second from left) watch the proceedings of the third round yesterday. ray (Eng) 73-68-71, L Johnston (Sco) He reached a ten-under par total 72-71-69, G Green (Mas) 71-69-72, M The 20-year-old carded a fi ve-under yesterday to with a birdie on the 18th hole yes- – I’m really pleased that happened have a good round tomorrow and grass, I said ‘there’s no chance’. Kieff er (Ger) 69-71-72, A Björk (Swe) go tied sixth with an overall score of eight-under. terday after starting the day a shot and I allowed myself to let that put myself in the mix.” People told me it hit the car.” 73-70-69, L Herbert (Aus) 69-73- “I played great. I will see what I can do in the last off the lead. Wilson birdied the sec- happen. It’s easy to lose your head Lorenzo-Vera enjoyed a stroke South Africa’s Van Rooyen, who 70, S Soderberg (Swe) 72-68-72, J round. I am looking forward to playing well again to- ond and fourth to take a share of and get frustrated. I was thinking of good fortune as his tee shot on is bidding for his maiden victory on Winther (Den) 70-70-72 morrow and I feel I am certainly trending up,” Lee told lead but dropped a shot on the fi fth clearly and found something,” said the drivable par four 16th hole hit a the European Tour, sounded satis- 213: M Schwab (Aut) 72-69-72, R Gulf Times, while practising at the driving range, yes- before making nine straight pars, Wilson, the 2008 Ryder Cup player. car and bounced to safety – he then fi ed after the round. Fisher (Eng) 69-74-70, R Macintyre terday. and two more birdies. Australia’s Cullen picked up converted his second of three con- “I feel like I’d been hanging on all (Sco) 69-72-72, Y Miyazato (Jpn) 69- The Perth native announced his arrival at the world This is the 38-year-old English- birdies on the 10th, 12th and 16th, secutive birdies as he reached nine day until the 14th. I misjudged the 71-73, R Rock (Eng) 72-69-72, J Smith stage in style this season fi nishing fourth in his in- man’s fi rst 54-hole lead on the Eu- while an 18-foot putt on the penul- under par. wind on a couple of shots and came (Eng) 71-68-74, T Pulkkanen (Fin) 72- augural European Tour event in Saudi Arabia, and he ropean Tour since the 2014 Alfred timate hole thrust him right into “I was very happy after three up short, I had a lot of long putts. 71-70, T Aiken (RSA) 71-69-73, P War- impressed further on home soil when he fi nished tied Dunhill Links Championship title. the mix. birdies. I played alright in the day, I That was a nice reward for staying ing (Eng) 69-70-74, C Paisley (Eng) fi fth at the ISPS Handa World Super 6. The event was His gain on the last hole saw him Cullen, who secured his Europe- just had a couple of three putts on patient and just grinding it out,” he 74-69-70, J Choi (Kor) 72-69-72, L De tri-sanctioned by the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Aus- pull away from a fi ve-way tie for an Tour card at Qualifying School 12 and 13 – that was a bit hard for said. Jager (RSA) 74-67-72, W Nienaber tralasia, the European Tour and the Asian Tour. second place, which includes Nick at the end of last year, said, “It was the game I was playing. When you “I’m learning how to stay calm. (am) (RSA) 75-68-70 “I played obviously well in Saudi. It is nice to know Cullen, Nacho Elvira, Mike Loren- pretty breezy out there today which have six/seven metres to putt, grain I’m quite emotional, even if I don’t 214: D Lawson (Aus) 70-68-76, R that I can also shoot 14-under at the weekend. I had zo-Vera and Erik van Rooyen. made it pretty tricky to hit some plus wind is very hard to get it in. show it on the course. It’s nice to Ramsay (Sco) 68-70-76, H Leon a really good lesson in Abu Dhabi, missed the cut and “It’s nice to be back in the mix. I clubs. I’m trying to forget about I just kept to the plan and got very stay nice and steady, and learn from (Chi) 68-72-74, M Southgate (Eng) then kind of had to switch my mentality,” he said. didn’t play very well today. I man- swing mechanics and just play a lucky on 16,” Lorenzo-Vera said. those experiences. I played great 72-70-72 “There were a few names up there in front of me that aged to keep it in play. Hit some bit more golf and focusing on hit- “I didn’t know it hit the car, I in Ireland last year but didn’t quite 215: B Wiesberger (Aut) 72-71-72, K were really good, and good shots when I needed to. I was ting shots. It’s perfect that I’m in was sure I was in the water next to fi nish it off . I’ve learned a lot from Koivu (Fin) 73-70-72, G Bhullar (Ind) it’s okay if they beat me I have played a lot of patient and found something on the contention as that’s exactly where 17. I lost balance at the top of the those and I’m in a good position 69-71-75, A Chesters (Eng) 70-70-75, because they’re top fi ve pro tournaments so last four holes and hit good shots all I want to be and what I’ve been backswing and pulled it. Kev, the going into tomorrow,” the 29-year- T Bjørn (Den) 72-71-72, K Samooja in the world. But it was that helped me a lot. the way in – maybe a bit of maturity working towards. Hopefully I can referee, told me the ball was in the old said. (Fin) 71-70-74 nice to beat, I guess, ‘ These pros are really most of the pros there.” very good. Even your Lee’s elder sister, bad scores have to be Minjee Lee — currently very good. I am glad that ranked seventh in the I have stuck together F1 world Women’s Rolex Rank- well and made the cut. ing — turned profes- I am looking forward to champ sional when she was tomorrow Lewis aged 18, joining Jason — Min Woo Lee, Day, Adam Scott and Australian golfer Hamilton Cameron Smith as Australian teenagers in Qatar who turned pro. Lee bucked the trend by waiting until he was aged Mercedes’ British 20 before signing professional terms. Formula 1 driver “The start to my pro career has been good. In fact, it and five-time world has defi nitely been much better than I had expected. It champion Lewis is very challenging when a lot of amateurs turn pro. I Hamilton walks am happy that I had a good time in Saudi. through the Petronas “I have played a lot of pro tournaments so that Yamaha SRT garage helped me a lot. These pros are really very good. Even in the paddock your bad scores have to be very good. I am glad that I during the have stuck together well and made the cut. I am look- qualifying sessions ing forward to tomorrow,” he said. for the Grand Prix of As an amateur, Lee excelled, becoming the fi rst Qatar at the Losail Australian to win the US Boys’ Junior Championship International Circuit in Tennessee in 2016. He was a key member of several yesterday. (AFP) Australian and international teams, including at the World Amateur Teams Championship last year in Ire- land, where he was sixth individually. He also played a vital role in the 2018 Asia-Pacifi c team that ended their 14-year wait for victory in the Bonallack Trophy against Europe at Doha Golf Club last March, scoring three points from fi ve matches. Lee fi nished his amateur career as the fi fth-ranked player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Talking about his rounds here, Lee said: “I did well yesterday and played good even today. Hopefully I can do it tomorrow again.” Lee has not fi nalised his next playing schedule yet, but he is certain to play in Hero India Open which is being held from March 28 to 31 in New Delhi. “Yes I have to decide my plans for the next couple of months. I am defi nitely going to play in the Indian Open and I am very excited about my fi rst Indian trip,” he said.