SPORT Wednesday 11 April 2018 PAGES | 28 PAGE | 29 Semenya and Ronaldo looking Makwala roar on better than ever Gold Coast track ahead of Juve return Roma stun Barcelona in amazing comeback; Liverpool in semi-finals REUTERS Roma’s Edin Dzeko (centre) scores their first goal against Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match ROME: AS Roma pulled off one played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy yesterday. of the greatest Champions League comebacks by knocking Barcelona out with a remarkable 3-0 win in their quarter-final second leg yesterday, overcoming a 4-1 deficit from the first leg to reach the semi-finals on away goals. Roma’s Kostas Manolas headed the decisive third goal in the 82nd minute, putting the Italians in the last four for the first time since they reached the European Cup final in 1984. Roma forward Edin Dzeko had opened the scoring when he beat the offside trap and latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Daniele De Rossi to score in the sixth minute, lifting the hopes of the boisterous home fans in the Olympic Stadium. Captain De Rossi converted a penalty in the 58th for the hosts after Dzeko was fouled by Gerard Pique, giving Roma a deserved second goal after Dzeko and his Czech strike partner Patrik Schick missed two clear chances each before the break. Elsewhere, in Manchester, Liverpool moved into the semi- finals of the Champions League after a 2-1 win against Man- With a three-goal deficit to Gabriel Jesus to slot home. line but was ruled offside. City burst into the box, City keeper UEFA CHAMPIONS chester City at the Etihad Stadium make up from the first leg, City Sensing the comeback might objected strongly and as the Ederson dived at his feet but the LEAGUE yesterday earned them a 5-1 needed an early goal to give be within reach, City attacked teams came off for halftime ball spilled out to Salah who QUARTER-FINALS: aggregate victory. them hope and they got exactly relentlessly but with Liverpool their manager Pep Guardiola’s took his time before coolly SECOND LEG Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah that, taking the lead in the defending well in numbers protests resulted in him being converting. and Roberto Firmino struck in the second minute. chances were rare until Ber- sent to the stands for the second Any lingering questions over Manchester City 1 - 2 Liverpool second half as they fought back Liverpool defender Virgil nardo Silva struck the post in half. who would advance to the last (Aggregate 1-5) from going a goal down on the van Dijk gave the ball away and the 40th minute. All City’s breathless efforts four were ended 13 minutes night to reach the competition’s Fernandinho played a superb Two minutes later, Leroy though were undone in the 56th from the end when Firmino Roma 3 - 0 Barcelona last four for the first time in 10 pass to Raheem Sterling on the Sane thought he had added a minute when Liverpool got the robbed a sloppy Nicolas Ota- (Aggregate 4-4) years. right who slipped the ball to second, poking the ball over the crucial away goal -- Sadio Mane mendi and slotted past Ederson.
Al Shamal win Emir Cup opener against Muaither
Al Duhail players and officials celebrate on the podium as they receive the U-23 League Championship trophy yesterday. Al Shamal’s Jose Montiel (not in picture) scores their second goal against Muaither during the Al Duhail crowned Qatargas opening match of the 2018 Emir Cup at the Suheim bin Hamad U-23 League champions Stadium yesterday. The Emir Cup, Qatar’s most THE PENINSULA finished the U-23 League in (26), Al Sailiyah (26), Al Ahli (24), popular tournament, second place with 48 points. Al Kharaitiyat (19) and Umm kicked off as goals from DOHA: Al Duhail were crowned Al Gharafa, with 12 wins, Salal (13) completed the table. M. Mohamed (38’) and Qatargas U-23 League cham- ended the season with 38 points In the last round of matches, Montiel (53’) powered pions despite losing their last to secure the third spot in the Al Arabi beat Umm Salal 3-2, Al Al Shamal to a 2-0 win match of the season yesterday. 12-team championship. Gharafa edged Qatar SC 2-1, Al yesterday. RIGHT: Players Al Duhail, with 17 wins, Al Rayyan, also with 38 Ahli blanked Al Kharaitiyat 5-0, vie for the ball during topped the overall standings, points, finished in the fourth Al Sailiyah downed Al Khor 3-1 yesterday’s match. having accumulated 52 points in spot. and Al Sadd beat Al Duhail 1-0. Pictures: Abdul Basit / The 22 matches. Al Markhiya (33 points), Al Al Rayyan and Al Markhiya Peninsula Al Arabi, with 15 wins, Sadd (32), Al Khor (30), Qatar SC match ended in a 2-2 draw 28 SPORT WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL 2018
COMMONWEALTH GAMES: MEDAL STANDINGS Botswana’s Isaac Makwala (centre) celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the men’s 400m final during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games RANK/NATION G S B TOTAL at the Carrara Stadium in Gold Coast yesterday. 1: Australia 50 38 42 130 2: England 24 29 21 74 3: India 11 4 6 21 4: New Zealand 9 10 7 26 5: South Africa 9 6 6 21 6: Canada 8 21 15 44 7: Wales 7 8 7 22 8: Scotland 6 10 12 28 9: Nigeria 4 4 0 8 10: Cyprus 4 0 2 6 11: Jamaica 2 4 3 9 12: Malaysia 2 2 3 7 13: Samoa 2 2 0 4 14: Uganda 2 0 1 3 15: Papua New Guinea 1 2 0 3 16: Singapore 1 1 1 3 17: Botswana 1 1 0 2 17: Trinidad and Tobago 1 1 0 2 19: Fiji 1 0 1 2 19: Northern Ireland 1 0 1 2 21:21: BermBermudauda 1 0 0 1
Semenya and Makwala roar on Gold Coast track REUTERSREUTERS gold was some consolation for that disappointment. GOLDGOLD CCOAST:OAST: SSouth African flag- “Disappointment is disappointment bearerbearer Caster SeSemenyam powered to the (in) 2017, now we are focused again on the 1,5001,500 metresme title at the Basically I’m more like a 2018, so we forgot about what happened CoCommonwealthmm Games captain so I need to show in 2017,” said Makwala, whose path to gold yesterday,yes keeping her the guys that I’m a woman was smoothed by the absence of South bidb for a golden double of my words. If I say I will Africa’s Olympic champion Wayde van at the Gold Coast Niekerk. intact. do something I will do it. Blake’s stumbling effort for a disap- The 800m Also it’s just to motivate pointing bronze put a dampener on the South Africa’s Caster Olympic and world them so they can believe in Jamaican team on Monday, but the ath- Semenya celebrates champion bided her themselves: Caster Semenya letics powerhouse hit back with golds in after winning the timetim before burning the 110 metres hurdles and the triple jump. women’s 1,500m awayaway from the modest field Ronald Levy led a Jamaican one-two final yesterday. to poposts a Games record time Semenya’s gold continued a proud in the hurdles ahead of former world silver of foufourr minminutesutes aandnd 0.72 seconds on a Games for South Africa on the track, fol- medallist Hansle Parchment, with local soggy track at Carrara Stadium. lowing Akani Simbine’s 100m gold when runner Nicholas Hough claiming bronze. Semenya, who will run for gold in the he upstaged Jamaica’s favourite Yohan Jamaica’s Kimberly Williams also led 800m, left Kenya’s silver medallist Bea- Blake on Monday. a one-two for the nation in the triple jump, Admin error costs cyclist trice Chepkoech (4:03:09) in her wake, Another African nation, Botswana, also leaping 14.64 metres on her final effort to with Wales’ Melissa Courtney taking the denied Jamaica in the men’s 400m as the pip her team mate Shanieka Ricketts by her place in time trial bronze. flamboyant Isaac Makwala blitzed the field 12cm. Before arriving in Australia, Semenya with a quality time of 44.35 seconds. Olympic champion Elaine Thompson AP It meant she wasn’t formally promised to lead South Africa by example. With another bumper crowd roaring won her heat to qualify fifth fastest for the entered for the race. She now hopes her commanding win will support, Makwala crossed the line with 200 metres semi-finals. Her team mate GOLD COAST: Australians Cameron “While Team England has inspire her team mates. mouth agape and arms spread like an aer- Rasheed Dwyer, the defending champion, Meyer and Katrin Garfoot won their apologised, I’m still gutted not to “Basically I’m more like a captain so I oplane, well clear of runner-up compa- was also safely through to the men’s semis. time trial gold medals in Common- have the opportunity to represent need to show the guys that I’m a woman triot Baboloki Thebe (45.09) and third- Grenada’s aptly-named Lindon Victor wealth Games road cycling my country after all the hard miles of my words,” the 27-year-old told placed Jamaican Javon Francis. took gold in the decathlon with a total yesterday. Melissa Lowther never I’ve put in,” said the 21-year-old reporters after an evening session punc- He dropped to the track and did some 8,303 points, capitalising on defending had a chance in the women’s race. Lowther, who will still be eligible tured by rain showers. trademark push-ups while his rivals stood champion Damian Warner’s calamitous Somebody didn’t check the to compete in Saturday’s road “If I say I will do something I will do it. around panting. setback during the pole vault. right boxes, so England cyclist race. Also it’s just to motivate them so they can The 31-year-old was controversially Canadian Warner, the Rio Olympic Lowther was ruled out of the time England’s Chef de Mission Sarah believe in themselves. barred from competing in the 400 final at bronze medallist, held the lead before the trial hours before it began because Winckless apologised to Lowther “With 10 years of experience for me last year’s world championships in London vault but crashed out of medal contention of an administrative error. and the cycling coaches. now I think I’m ready for anything.” over illness fears, so the Commonwealth after he failed to clear a height. Relay victories underline Aussie supremacy in pool REUTERS the table in Budapest with 10 the women’s S8 50m freestyle medals and only one gold, to and Brenden Hall the men’s S9 GOLD COAST: Bronte Campbell Seebohm in the 200m back- 100m backstroke para- and Kyle Chalmers were roared stroke, to produce their worst swimming events. on by a fervent home crowd return at the world champion- The only gold medal not won yesterday to ensure a totally ships since 1991. by the hosts on Tuesday was by dominant Australia team finished That had left fans, used to the England’s Ben Proud, who the Commonwealth Games country being a swimming pow- redeemed himself from being swimming programme with erhouse, wringing their collective disqualified in the heats of the victory in the 4x100 metres hands and the team were under 50m butterfly, with victory in the medley relays. pressure to ensure it did not 50m freestyle. Campbell and Chalmers both happen again in their own It was his country’s final gold had to chase down their backyard. In the end, they need of the meeting and they finished respective rivals in the final free- not have worried. a distant second to the Aus- style legs of the relays, with the The hosts won 73 medals, 28 tralians, with nine golds and 24 races an accurate microcosm of of them gold, produced five clean medals overall. the entire swimming competition sweeps in the non para- However, with Scotland at the Gold Coast Aquatics swimming events -- the men’s winning nine medals and Wales Centre. 50m and 200m backstroke, five, the combined British team While pushed in many of the women’s 800m freestyle and are likely to be extremely com- events on the programme, par- women’s 50m and 100m but- petitive at the European cham- ticularly by a resurgent Canadian terfly -- and set the only world pionships in August. team led by the impressive record in the women’s 4x100m Australia now prepare for the teenager Taylor Ruck, ultimately freestyle relay. Pan Pacific titles in Japan in it was ‘Advance Australia Fair’ “It’s great to win this amount August while all of the nations that rang out around the open- of medals,” Australia’s head turn their focus to next year’s air venue. coach Jacco Verhaeren told world championships in South They won eight of the nine reporters yesterday. Australia ‘s Ariarne Titmus competes during the women’s 400m freestyle swimming final during the Korea and the 2020 Tokyo medals on the final day with “Our aim for this campaign 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the Optus Aquatic Centre in Gold Coast yesterday. Olympics. Ariarne Titmus, Emily Seebohm, was to make Australia proud and But as if they did not need Mitch Larkin and Jack show Australia what we’re made reminding this was Australia’s McLoughlin all recording vic- of and I think we succeeded in Seebohm then prevented Davies of Wales. won the 200m individual event, they got it as the men’s tories in their individual races, that.” Canada’s Kylie Masse sweeping Larkin was arguably Aus- medley. relay teams left the pool deck fol- as the hosts diminished the That success continued early the backstroke gold medals tralia’s best male performer of McLoughlin then added the lowing the medal ceremony with memories of a poor World on the final day when Titmus won when she clinched the 50m title, the competition as he swept all 1500m freestyle title to his 400m the crowd’s chant of “Aussie! Championships last year. the women’s 400m freestyle to just holding off the 22-year-old three backstroke titles then silver he won on the first day, Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!” ringing Australia finished eighth on go with Monday’s 800m title. and Glasgow champion Georgia proved his versatility when he while Lakeisha Patterson won in their ears WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL 2018 SPORT 29 Ronaldo looking better than ever ahead of Juve return
AFP said about Ronaldo’s substi- MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo tution. “There are moments has already broken one record where he does not play and in this year’s Champions The Portuguese now stands just three others where he does. He League but against Juventus goals short of his best ever tally in a single needs it, he knows that and he in their quarter-final return European campaign, an achievement that is better every day.” Luka today he can edge closer to Modric and Karim Benzema beating a bigger milestone of would suggest this Ronaldo, aged 33, may were also left out of the his own. even be the finest version yet. starting line-up at the Santiago Ronaldo’s bicycle kick in Bernabeu while Bale played Real Madrid’s 3-0 first leg 90 minutes, an indicator the victory last week ensured he 2013-14, both times Real were the supporting role and Welshman is set for another passed Ruud van Nistelrooy’s crowned champions. wingers, instructed to supply European snub in midweek. feat by scoring in 10 consec- “Cristiano is Cristiano, it’s deliveries into the box. Bale’s first choice is still to utive Champions League always been like that,” coach When Ronaldo volleyed in regain favour under Zidane games. Zinedine Zidane said after from eight yards against and then stay at Real this But the Portuguese also Ronaldo opened the scoring Atletico, it was a simple cross summer but his coach is now stands just three goals against Atletico Madrid on to the back post from Gareth showing little sign of sof- short of his best ever tally in a Sunday. Bale that provided it. tening. Zidane made three single European campaign, an “There’s no other player In this mould, Ronaldo substitutions last week in achievement that would suggest in the team that scores like he could be terrorising goal- Turin but Bale remained this Ronaldo, aged 33, may even does.” keepers for a fair few years rooted to the bench. be the finest version yet. There is no doubt Ron- yet. If Real score one, which His 14 goals so far have aldo’s game is now more Zidane withdrew his star they have not failed to do in come over nine matches and streamlined and therefore player in the 64th minute last 24 Champions League games, featured doubles against more geared towards goals weekend, despite the match Juve will need four. APOEL, Borussia Dortmund, than perhaps it has ever been being delicately poised at 1-1 “We do not cry to each Paris Saint-Germain and before. after Antoine Griezmann’s other and we go to Madrid Juventus. To preserve his fitness and equaliser. with the desire to have a good It means this is Ronaldo’s energy, he accepts less The draw keeps Atletico race. In football and in life you third most prolific Champions touches and covers less four points clear of Real, and never know,” Juve defender League showing to date ground. The touches he takes favourites for second place in Giorgio Chiellini said after a already and, with Real almost and the spaces he finds are La Liga, but Ronaldo going off 4-2 win at Benevento on certain to reach the semi- aimed at creating the greatest early in a Madrid derby, Saturday. finals, he is unlikely to finish chance of hitting the net. without any protest, is a “The game is long and here. Even Zidane’s system is measure of how the Cham- therefore we will need some When he posted 16 goals suited to accommodating this pions League is now all- balance but to do it will also in the 2015-16 tournament and predatorial Ronaldo, a 4-4-2, encompassing for Los Blancos. take a pinch of healthy his personal best of 17 in with Karim Benzema playing “He is intelligent,” Zidane madness from everyone.” Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo attends a training session at Valdebebas Sport City in Madrid, yesterday. Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay agree on 2030 World Cup
AP tough competition for the “It’s very important for hosting rights of a tour- us to feel that we have the BUENOS AIRES: Argentina, nament that will likely support of players and that Paraguay and Uruguay have feature 48 teams. it is completely unattached agreed on 12 cities where Uruguay staged the first from any political they want to host the World Cup in 1930 and has connotation.” centenary World Cup in long been expected to seek Messi and Uruguayan 2030. hosting rights with striker Luis Suarez have The Argentine Football Argentina. Paraguay later already publicly backed the Association said on Monday joined the initiative. plan. During a recent the plan would grant eight Argentine soccer offi- Argentina-Spain friendly, cities to Argentina and two cials said they met with Messi was expected to wear each for Paraguay and national captain Lionel Messi a bracelet that read “2030 Uruguay. The names of the during a recent trip to Spain. together,” but he was side- cities were not disclosed. “At all times we found lined due to an injury. Bidding is not due to (Messi) willing to help us The bracelet was worn open for another four years spread the word about the instead by Javier Juventus seek turnaround but leaders of all three possibility that the three Mascherano. national bodies say they countries organise the World So far, the co-organizers Juventus’ midfielder Miralem Pjanic of Bosnia-Erzegovina (left) and forward Paulo Dybala from Argentina want to make a joint bid. Cup,” Argentina’s Sport Sec- have not said how much the (centre) attend a training session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against The South American retary Carlos Mac Allister tournament would cost if Real Madrid yesterday at the ‘Juventus Training Center’ in Vinovo. Juventus are trailing the quarter-final 3-0. nations are expected to face said. they were to win the bid. Out of Neuer’s shadow, Ulreich eager to shine AFP Lewandowski are used to playing Ulreich joined Bayern in 2015 a challenge and in the meantime, regularly in the knockout stages from Stuttgart and 24 of his 47 fans and the club’s senior figures BERLIN: With Manuel Neuer still of European competition, it is a Bundesliga appearances for the have seen that I also have my sidelined, Sven Ulreich is novelty for Ulreich. Bavarians have come this season, qualities.” relishing his time in the spotlight “Seville was a super expe- as a result of Neuer’s absence. His 10 clean sheets in 24 as Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper rience, it was a good match. I was He was thrust into the league games this season have as he prepares for today’s Cham- really happy to be able to play a starting side as Bayern’s only also attracted the attention of pions League quarter-final quarter-final of the Champions non-international player, but Germany head coach Loew. return leg. League,” he said. Ulreich has seized his chance “It is in our field of vision,” Ulreich found himself sud- With Ulreich in goal, Bayern with consistent performances to said Loew last month when denly elevated to the club’s first- wrapped up the Bundesliga title help fill the void left by Neuer. asked if Ulreich could be a sur- choice role in September when last Saturday with a 4-1 win at “The expectations were prise call-up for the World Cup World Cup winner Neuer frac- Augsburg and their focus is now enormous, if I had let a few in, in Russia this summer. tured his foot in training. firmly on Europe. people would have quickly said It would make sense given The 29-year-old will once However for Ulreich, his ‘Manu would have kept that that Ulreich works on a daily more be between the posts current situation was almost out!’” Ulreich told Kicker basis at Bayern with Germany against Sevilla at Munich’s sold- unimaginable before Neuer suc- magazine. defenders Mats Hummels, out Allianz Arena with the cumbed to injury early in the “People are used to seeing Jerome Boateng, Niklas Suele Germans on the verge of another season. world class in that position and, of and Joshua Kimmich. Champions League semi-final. The former keeper at his course, you want to match that. At club level, Neuer’s Bayern hold a 2-1 advantage home town club Stuttgart was “It used to bother me, now expected return in the next few and are bidding to reach the last facing another campaign as I’ve found a way to not let myself weeks will force Ulreich, who is four for the seventh time in nine Neuer’s understudy until the be affected by all that - the under contract at Bayern until seasons. Germany star suffered a recur- important thing is the coach’s 2021, back into a reserve role, but Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes shakes hands with Sven While the likes of Thomas rence of the broken foot he orig- opinion. there is no tension between the Ulreich as they celebrate after winning the League. Mueller and Robert inally hurt last April. “You grow when faced with pair. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL 2018
Predators, Gay, Ginobili lead Spurs over Golden Knights reflect change of NHL West’s Kings to clinch play-off berth guard AP AP CHICAGO: The Predators have Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward SAN ANTONIO: The Spurs NBA Results the Presidents’ Trophy, and the LeBron James (23) passes seemed like a perfect free-agent NHL-expansion Golden Knights LA Clippers 100 New Orleans 113 the ball against the New York destination as Rudy Gay San Antonio 98 Sacramento 85 carry the buzz entering the searched for a guaranteed Knicks during the first quarter Western Conference play-offs, Brooklyn 114 Chicago 105 of their NBA game at Madison play-off berth after just one Miami 93 Oklahoma City 115 which have the potential of postseason appearance in 11 Square Garden on Monday. resembling nothing from the New York 109 Cleveland 123 previous seasons. past. Denver 88 Portland 82 That assurance was eroded So step aside Chicago, which by injuries this season, but Gay Milwaukee 102 Orlando 86 missed the play-offs for the first made sure two decades of Minnesota 113 Memphis 94 time in nine years, and say bye success didn’t come to an end in Detroit 98 Toronto 108 to the Blues, whose six-year play- his first year in San Antonio. off run is over. Gay scored 18 points, Manu The changing of the West’s Ginobili had 17 and the Spurs guard begins at the top, where rallied late to beat the Sacra- Nashville clinched its first Central mento Kings 98-85 on Monday Division title by running away night and clinch their 21st with the league’s best record. straight postseason appearance. And then there’s Vegas, “It feels good, it feels great which broke every measureable actually,” Gay said. “This is what NHL expansion record for the regular season is for, to get success by going 51-24-7 to win to where we are now. This is a the Pacific Division. good feeling, something that I’m Add in the talent-laden Win- anxious for something I’ve been nipeg Jets, making their fran- looking forward to for a long chise’s third play-off appearance, time. It’ll be fun.” and youth-filled Colorado Ava- San Antonio is fifth in the lanche, who clinched their Western Conference despite only second berth in eight years, and having star forward Kawhi it results in three of four first- Leonard available for nine games So, we managed to compete.” Gay had eight points, five at 68-67 with 10:21 remaining. A 3-pointer by Forbes and a time postseason match-ups: this season. Sacramento, which was rebounds, an assist and a block Sacramento went back ahead layup by Ginobili 30 seconds Nashville versus Colorado, Vegas The Spurs still have a slim eliminated from the postseason in the fourth quarter. San seconds later when Buddy Hield later gave the Spurs an 82-77 versus Los Angeles and Winnipeg chance of finishing fourth and on March 11, led by 14 points Antonio outscored Sacramento hit a 3-pointer, and the lead lead with 5:23 remaining. facing Minnesota. earning home-court advantage before being outscored 38-19 in 50-25 after Gay entered the changed three times after that “He did an amazing job,” The fourth match-up has in the first round with one game the fourth quarter. Reserves Gay, game with 6:38 remaining in the before Ginobili and Gay gave the Ginobili said of Forbes. “Not only Anaheim facing San Jose for only remaining. For now, they are just Ginobili and Bryn Forbes com- third quarter. Spurs’ the edge for good. to make shots it’s easy to see the the second time after the Ducks happy to make the playoffs. bined for 25 points in the fourth “The way I was growing up, Gay and Ginobili had thun- 3s or the two big shots he got, but eliminated the Sharks in six “For moments we felt like quarter. Forbes finished with 11 you learn you never have any- derous dunks in the final five he played very solid defence, he games during a 2009 first-round the worst team in the NBA,” points total. thing given to you, so you’ve got minutes that helped San Antonio was a pest chasing them around. series. Ginobili said. “But we still “It’s tough when Rudy gets to go get it on your own,” Gay maintain small leads. Gay also We really changed the game Of the eight teams, only three managed to go close to 50 games going, everything goes in,” said said. had a 3-point play off a runner when he was on the court.” have won the Stanley Cup and make it to the play-offs in a Willie Cauley-Stein, who fin- Forbes’ fast-break layup off he tossed in and ripped the ball LaMarcus Aldridge added 15 (Colorado, Anaheim and Los conference that is tough and tal- ished with 25 points and 10 a steal by Kyle Anderson gave from Cauley-Stein while points and 14 rebounds but was Angeles), while two have never ented and young and athletics. rebounds. San Antonio its first advantage blocking the 7-footers shot. 6 for 19 from the field. won a play-off game (Vegas and Winnipeg, formerly Atlanta). The weight of expectations falls mostly on the Predators, who won’t be underestimated a year after the eighth-seeded Baseball round-up: Richard’s team’s surge to the Final ended in a six-game loss to Pittsburgh. It was a run Nashville began against Chicago in becoming the homer helps Padres outlast Rockies first team to sweep a No. 1 seed in the opening round since the current play-off format was set AP Phillies 6, Reds 5 in 1994. “I think our guys are well Nick Williams belted a aware of what went on last year,” CHICAGO: Left-hander Clayton pinch-hit home run with two Predators coach Peter Laviolette Richard hit a three-run homer outs in the bottom of the eighth said. “For me, this group is to help post his first win of the inning to lift host Philadelphia looking down the tunnel at season, and Padres relievers past Cincinnati. something, and all that other stuff Craig Stammen and Brad Hand Williams’ blast landed 417 is noise.” The Avalanche know retired nine consecutive Rockies feet from home plate. Rhys their history, with forward to protect a one-run lead Hoskins and Scott Kingery each Gabriel Landeskog listing how Monday night as San Diego homered for the Phillies. several No. 8 seeds have made defeated Colorado 7-6 in Denver. Mets 4, Marlins 2 deep play-off runs, including the Back-to-back, two-out Noah Syndergaard pitched 2012 Cup champion Kings. homers by Richard and Carlos six strong innings as visiting New “Anything can happen in the Asuaje in the fourth boosted the York won its sixth consecutive playoffs. That’s kind of the Padres to a 6-1 lead. Jose Pirela game, defeating Miami. mindset we’ve had,” Landeskog doubled home Eric Hosmer with Syndergaard (2-0) allowed said of the Avalanche, who the Padres’ final run in the fifth. five hits, two walks and two runs, enjoyed a 47-point turnaround The Rockies narrowed the one earned. He struck out five after finishing last a year ago. gap on Chris Iannetta’s three-run for the first-place Mets. “This is a big accomplishment to homer off Richard in the fourth Blue Jays 7, Orioles 1 make after such a tough season.” and Carlos Gonzalez’s disputed Josh Donaldson slugged a two-run homer off Padres grand slam and Steve Pearce NHL Fixtures reliever Jordan Lyles in the sixth. Miami Marlins’ relief pitcher Junichi smacked a two-run homer to WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 Richard (1-1) got credit for Tazawa (25) throws in the seventh Toronto record a victory over the win despite allowing four inning against the New York Mets host Baltimore. Philadelphia at Pittsburgh runs on five hits, including Ian- during a MLB baseball game at Blue Jays starter J A Happ Minnesota at Winnipeg netta’s homer, with three walks Marlins Park. (2-1) struck out nine in six Los Angeles at Las Vegas and three strikeouts in five innings. Happ gave up one run, THURSDAY, APRIL 12 innings. five hits and three walks. Pearce New Jersey at Tampa Bay Nationals 2, Braves 0 Verlander (2-0) recorded and Alcides Escobar had two one-run outing over seven has homered in each of the past Toronto at Boston Max Scherzer threw a two- nine strikeouts against just one RBIs apiece for the Royals. Junis innings in a 6-1 win over the Los three games. His third-inning Columbus at Washington hitter and struck out 10, and walk while allowing four hits. (2-0) gave up his lone hit with Angeles Dodgers on April 3, shot on Monday came on a 3-0 Colorado at Nashville Howie Kendrick hit a two-run The game’s only runs scored on one out in the seventh inning. He Godley (2-0) was just as strong pitch from Dylan Bundy (0-1). San Jose at Anaheim double in the first inning as a J D Davis single in the sixth struck out three, walked two and against the Giants, again Rays 5, White Sox 4 FRIDAY, APRIL 13 Washington defeated visiting inning and a Marwin Gonzalez hit three batters. allowing four hits but this time Mallex Smith went 4-for-4 Philadelphia at Pittsburgh Atlanta in the series opener. double in the eighth. Brewers 5, Cardinals 4 (10 no runs in the outing. He struck with an RBI triple, and Matt Minnesota at Winnipeg The victory snapped a five- Houston right-hander Chris innings) out nine and did not walk a Duffy stroked a pair of RBI Los Angeles at Las Vegas game losing streak for Wash- Devenski emerged from the Orlando Arcia’s bases- batter. singles as visiting Tampa Bay SATURDAY, APRIL 14 ington, which got swept by the bullpen and needed just one loaded walk with one out in the Indians 2, Tigers 0 beat the snow and Chicago. New York Mets this past pitch to snuff a bases-loaded, top of the 10th inning lifted vis- Temperatures may have Angels 8, Rangers 3 Colorado at Nashville weekend. one-out threat in the Twins’ iting Milwaukee to a win over St been below freezing for most of All but one hitter in the New Jersey at Tampa Bay Atlanta had won four out of eighth, inducing a 6-3 double Louis. It was the fourth free pass the night, but that didn’t stop Angels’ starting lineup had at Toronto at Boston five coming into this series and play from Rosario to preserve the handed out in the inning by Greg Cleveland ace Corey Kluber from least one hit or one RBI in vis- San Jose at Anaheim was the top offensive scoring lead. Ken Giles got the final out Holland (0-1), making his Car- heating up against visiting iting Los Angeles’ victory over SUNDAY, APRIL 15 team in the majors after this in the ninth for his first save. dinals debut after being signed Detroit. Texas. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia weekend’s games. The Braves Royals 10, Mariners 0 on Opening Day. Kluber (1-1) tossed eight Albert Pujols homered and Winnipeg at Minnesota scored 62 runs in their first nine Jakob Junis allowed one hit Diamondbacks 2, Giants 1 dominant innings to lift the singled, and Zack Cozart, Columbus at Washington games but could not do much in seven scoreless innings, and Zack Godley pitched seven Indians. He fanned 13 batters, the Andrelton Simmons, Kole Las Vegas at Los Angeles against Scherzer, who did not Mike Moustakas homered as the shutout innings and Paul Gold- most strikeouts he has ever Calhoun and Martin Maldonado MONDAY, APRIL 16 issue a walk. Kansas City rolled to a victory schmidt tripled in the middle of recorded against the Tigers, also had two hits apiece in the Boston at Toronto Astros 2, Twins 0 against visiting Seattle. a two-run first inning, sending walked one and allowed just two Angels’ 13-hit attack. Justin Tampa Bay at New Jersey Justin Verlander worked Moustakas went 3-for-5 with Arizona to a victory at San hits. Andrew Miller threw a Upton was the only Angel to miss Nashville at Colorado seven shutout innings in Hou- three RBIs for Kansas City, which Francisco. hitless ninth inning for his first the party, going 0-for-5 with Anaheim at San Jose ston’s win at Minnesota. racked up 13 hits. Drew Butera Coming off a four-hit, save. three strikeouts. WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL 2018 SPORT 31 Qatar pioneer in Olympic School Program: QSSA
QNA primary stage (second level), Malik bin Anas school team defeated Jabir ibn Hayyan DOHA: The Chairman of Qatar School school team 5/4 in penalty shootouts to win Sports Association (QSSA) and the Organ- the title. izing Committee of the Olympic Program In the preparatory stage (third level), Rabia Mohammed Al Kaabi said that Qatar Yarmouk school team captured the title after is a pioneer in the experience of the Olympic defeating Abu Bakr Assedeeq school team school program, which was established 11 3/0 in the final match. years ago, highlighting its great importance For the secondary level (fourth level), to young people and society. the M.E.S Indian school was crowned with Al Kaabi said in a statement yesterday, a 1-0 victory over the Birla Public school following the awarding of the champions team in the final. Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Secretary-General Jassim Al Buenain, accompanied by Qatar School Sports of football competitions held at Aspire QSSA Secretary General Ali Al Hitmi said Association (QSSA) Secretary-General Ali Al Hitmi awarding a medal to a young player following the finals of football Academy for all school grades with the par- the football finals achieved their goal in this tournaments under QSSA’s Olympic School Program at Aspire, yesterday. Newton School defeated Iqra School 3-0 ticipation of a large number of school stu- edition of the program, especially as the par- in the final of the primary stage (first level) while Malik bin Anas School team defeated Jabir ibn Hayyan School 5-4 dents, that 11th edition of the program wit- ticipation was high from public and private in penalty shootouts to win the primary stage (second level) final. In the preparatory stage (third level), Yarmouk nessed a remarkable participation. He schools. School team won the title after defeating Abu Bakr Assedeeq School team 3-0 in the final match. For the secondary expressed happiness at the size of the par- He congratulated the winning teams in level (fourth level), the MES Indian School was crowned champion with a 1-0 victory over the Birla Public School. ticipation in this year’s edition, which was all stages, stressing that the Olympic 3,000 students representing 192 schools, of Program is a national program that covers which 98 percent is the state schools. all the schools in Qatar. Al Kaabi praised the excellent inter- The six-month program of individual action of schools, students, and parents as and group sports draws the participation well as the positive participation that pays of thousands of students to achieve its off every year, where a number of talents mission, where a close link between sports emerge every year, benefiting clubs and and other specific social fields is estab- teams. He stressed that the great interaction lished in order to promote educating stu- of parents shows their conviction of the dents and raising their awareness about importance of sports and its benefits at the other social areas of life. The program also mental, physical, moral and psychological illustrates how these areas can coexist levels because it’s one of the most important with sport. factors of development, and everyone noted Al Hitmi said the wise leadership of the that the Olympic program began to reap the country believes that investing in human fruits. resources and generations through sports On whether the Organizing Committee is one of the main methods to achieve devel- intends to increase the number of sports in opment goals. the next edition, Al Kaabi said that the com- He added that sports is capable of mittee is in the process of a comprehensive becoming one of the main ways of achieving evaluation of this year’s edition, where the social and individual development as all the competitions were held in 12 games and the benefits that come from sports are goals for Al Gharafa player committee will see whether it is necessary a healthy and developed community as and former Dutch to add new games, in addition, there will be sports plays an important role in developing international football a consultation with Qatar Olympic Com- social and educational systems. er Wesley Sneijder mittee (QOC) and the federations QSSA Executive Director Abdulrahman giving away a medal concerned. Al Muftah reiterated the success of the 11th during the prize The results of the football finals were edition of the Olympic program and distribution ceremony. as following, Newton school team defeated thanked QOC and all the entities that sup- Iqra school in the final of the primary stage ported the implementation of the program (first level) to capture the title of the 11th in a unique way, which, he said, would edition of the Olympic program. In the undoubtedly benefit the students greatly.
Brengle sues WTA, Venus and Serena join ITF over injuries from doping tests
REUTERS
King’s equal pay push MIAMI: Madison Brengle filed a lawsuit against the Women’s Tennis Association and the Inter- AP themselves, so they totally understand national Tennis Federation on Monday seeking what’s going on. The two of them have damages for injuries she says were caused by NEW YORK: A day before playing in transcended sports. The BJKLI is not the repeated drawing of blood for anti-doping the 2005 final at the All England Club, about sports. It’s about every industry. tests. Venus Williams addressed a meeting To try to get equal pay for equal work, The 28-year-old American had informed of the Grand Slam Board, urging and that means across the board, from tennis authorities that she suffered from a rare Wimbledon and the French Open to CEOs down to entry level.” medical condition that reacts to needle injec- offer equal pay to male and female Her group was formed in 2014, tions, her lawyer Peter Ginsberg said. players. and other advisory board members “Tennis authorities ignored evidence of her “I said: ‘All of our hearts beat the include 2003 US Open champion Andy professionally-diagnosed condition and refused same. When your eyes are closed, you Roddick, former NBA player Jason to provide alternative testing or a medical really can’t tell, next to you, who’s a Collins, singer Elton John and CNN’s accommodation, instead subjecting Brengle to man and who’s a woman.’ And (I asked Christiane Amanpour. testing that caused her to withdraw from tour- them) to think about their daughters It was a pretty easy sell for King naments and has now resulted in permanent and their wives and sisters. How to add the Williams siblings, owners swelling and weakness in her serving arm and would they like them to be treated?” of a combined 30 Grand Slam singles hand,” Ginsberg said in a statement. Williams recalled. titles, along with another 14 they’ve Brengle, ranked 83rd in the world, had never “Sometimes, we lose track of, and won together in doubles. failed or missed a doping test in her 10 years as don’t even realize, our own bias and “We always put our hands up for a professional, the statement said. our own prejudice. And we have to Billie. We love her. She has a tre- The lawsuit said the exact amount Brengle confront ourselves.” mendous history, not just in women’s would seek from a jury had yet to be determined The following afternoon, she won tennis, but in leading rights for people, but would likely be in excess of $10 million. one of her seven major singles cham- in general, no matter who they were,” The WTA and ITF did not immediately pionships. About 1½ years later, Wim- Venus Williams said. respond to a request for comment. bledon announced it would, indeed, “Billie could be at the point in her Brengle said the lawsuit was aimed at forcing offer the same prize money to men life now where she could say, ‘Hey, tennis authorities to give more thought to the and women in all rounds of the tour- I’m going to sit back and enjoy my life.’ health of players. nament, and the French Open soon But she’s still working hard for others. “I am bringing this action in an effort to force followed suit, eliminating the pay gap And that’s a prime example for every those who control the sport I love to understand at the four majors. single person. Your work on this earth that players are not commodities and should be Now, Williams and her sister, never ends, as long as there is treated with respect and dignity,” she said in the Serena, are adding their names and inequality.” statement. voices to the push for equal pay across King, for her part, looks at the Wil- “The unbridled authority of officials to all types of jobs that the Billie Jean liams sisters as among those who can subject players to the kind of abuse I suffered Venus (left) and Serena King Leadership Initiative (BJKLI) is carry on the work she started decades cannot be tolerated; players must have a say in Williams playing a doubles championing. ago. matters involving our health and safety.” Brengle The two current tennis stars are match in this file picture. “I am in my 70s, so I am looking lost her first round match at the Charleston Open joining the advisory board of the group to younger people to take up the mill last week. founded by the former player, and as I phase out over time,” King said. The lawsuit comes less than two months Tuesday’s announcement was timed 31. “Venus, in particular, helped us get always had the courage to step up. And “I’ve got energy right now, so we’re after Canadian player Eugenie Bouchard reached to coincide with Equal Pay Day, which equal prize money in the majors. She Serena’s the same way. They step up. teeing everything up so we’re in great a settlement in her lawsuit with the US Tennis approximates how far into a new year was amazing. She really got Wim- I mean, Serena is not afraid to say shape for the legacy of the BJKLI, Association (USTA) after a fall at the 2015 US a woman must work to earn what a bledon to make the big step,” King said whatever is on her mind.” Added King: because I want it to have a life after Open resulted in her withdrawal and a man made by the previous December in a telephone interview. “Venus has “They’ve been through a lot I’m out of here.” concussion. WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL 2018 SPORT 27
I have never seen such disap- pointed football players before. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE We wanted to win the Confedera- Stanislav Cherchesov Bayern Munich vs Sevilla: Allianz Arena tions Cup from the start in order to Russia coach for 2018 Real Madrid vs Juventus: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium World Cup know the taste of victory. ACTION Kick-off: 9.45pm (Doha time) TODAY’S Asia Cup shifted to UAE over India-Pakistan row
AGENCIES team play two Tests against England at Lord’s (May 24-28) and KUALA LUMPUR: Cricket’s Asia Headingley (June 1-5). Cup has been moved from India Pakistan will also play two Chennai Super Kings captain Mahandra Singh Dhoni (left) to the United Arab Emirates over Twenty20 Internationals against is watched by Kolkata Knight Riders wicketkeeper Dinesh Pakistan’s refusal to cross the Scotland on June 12 and 13, both border, as relations simmer at Edinburgh’s Grange Cricket Club Karthik as he plays a shot during the IPL match against between the arch rivals, the Asian Ground. Kolkata Knight Riders at the MA Chidhambaram Cricket Cricket Council said yesterday. Pakistan yesterday announced Stadium in Chennai yesterday. The biennial event was due to its initial 25-member squad for the be held in India in September, upcoming tours of Ireland and sparking protests from the England, with fast bowler Wahab Chennai win thriller Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) who Riaz out of favour and key spinner called for the event to be Shah ruled out with injury. relocated. The probable team members against Kolkata “This year’s Asia Cup is moved will join a training camp in Lahore AGENCIES out of India to UAE and will be held from April 18-22 before leaving for the IPL table with two vic- from September 13-28,” Sultan the UK a day later to acclimatise tories in a row. Rana, the Asian Cricket Council ahead of what is expected to be a CHENNAI: Chennai Super Earlier, Andre Russell (ACC) development and event tough series. Kings (CSK) marked their smashed an unbeaten manager, said. Pakistan will play Ireland in home return at the Chepauk 36-ball 88 to help KKR India has suspended bilateral the only Test in Dublin from May Stadium in style after two recover from early jitters cricket ties with Pakistan since the 11-15 -- Ireland’s first since being years by beating Kolkata and post a mammoth total. 2008 attacks in Mumbai, which granted Test status last year -- Knight Riders (KKR) by 5 KKR were reduced to 89 New Delhi blamed on militants before playing two Tests against wickets yesterday. for 5 at one stage after being based across the border. England, starting at Lord’s from After being put to bat put in before Russell (1x4, However India has continued May 24 with the second at Leeds first, KKR posted a 11x6) took the home team to square off with Pakistan in from June 1. humongous 202-6 on board bowlers to the cleaners with international events like the 2016 Express pace bowler Wahab riding on Andre Russell’s some lusty blows. Asia Cup in Bangladesh, the Riaz, believed to be out of knock of 88. But the home The 29-year-old West Pakistan leg World Twenty20 at home and the favour with the team man- side came out all guns Indian all-rounder was at it spinner Yasir 2017 Champions Trophy in agement, was left off the list blazing in the second innings from the word go and in the England. Shah will miss despite taking 40 wickets in the to chase down the total 19th over smoked compa- The Asia Cup has been marred the upcoming 11 Tests he has played since the Shane Watson and triot Dwayne Bravo for three by strained Indo-Pak relations tour of the Lord’s Test against England in Ambati Rayudu got CSK off back-to-back sixes. since its inception when the UAE British Isles. July 2016. to a flyer but the opposition Russell was ably sup- hosted it in 1984. Middle order batsman Fawad spinners made it hard for ported by skipper Dinesh Two years later, India pulled Alam was included in the probable them to carry on the Karthik (26 off 25 balls) and out of the event in Sri Lanka, while Meanwhile, the ACC Emerging which is expected to sideline him list after showing good form in momentum with some quick Robin Uthappa (29 off 16 Pakistan refused to send its team Asia Cup was also jeopardised for roughly 10 weeks. domestic season, having last wickets. balls) at the beginning. to India when it hosted the cup in earlier this month when India The 31-year-old represented played a Test in 2009. However, from there MS For CSK, Watson 1991. refused to send their team to Lahore Qalandars in the recent Team (probable): Sarfraz Dhoni and Sam Billings returned best figures of 2/39 With Pakistan and India Pakistan to compete. Pakistan Super League but com- Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, stitched a crucial fifty part- while Harbhajan Singh (1/11), unable to host, Bangladesh held “Emerging Cup will now be plained of pain in his hip bone, an Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar nership to get the Yellow Ravindra Jadeja (1/19) and three straight Asian Cups from hosted jointly by Pakistan and Sri injury which warrants four weeks Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Brigade going. Billings in Shardul Thakur (1/37) also 2012 to 2016. Lanka in December this year,” said of rest then six weeks of active Salahuddin, Fawad Alam, Saad Ali, particular lead from the picked up wickets. Rana said six Asian teams will Rana. rehabilitation, according to local Imam-ul-Haq, Bilal Asif, front with a stupendous KKR lost two wickets in compete in the 50-over Asia Cup. India will play its Emerging media reports. Mohammad Asghar, Shadab Khan, half-century to keep the the form of Sunil Narine (12), “India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cup matches in Sri Lanka. In the absence of Yasir, who Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Amir, game alive. and Chris Lynn (22) who Pakistan and Afghanistan are the Meanwhile, Pakistan will be has amassed 165 wickets in just 28 Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Tom Curran dismissed failed to make the most of a five top teams while, there will be without slow-bowling spearhead Tests. Rahat Ali, Mir Hamza, Mohammad his compatriot later on but reprieve when Deepak a qualifying round to select the Yasir Shah for their upcoming tour Ireland will play their inau- Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain by then the damage had Chahar grassed a difficult sixth team,” said Rana, a former of the British Isles after the leg- gural Test against Pakistan from Talat, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Musa already been done. With the catch off Harbhajan’s Pakistan first class player. spinner sustained a hip injury May 11-15 before the South Asian Khan. win, CSK move to the top of bowling.
EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL AT SOUQ WAQIF
Action from the Equestrian Festival at the Souq Waqif yesterday. The six-day equine extravaganza will conclude with the round 11 of the Hathab Series, the hugely popular show jumping event to be held on Friday and Saturday.