SPORT Monday 19 March 2018 PAGE | 32-33 PAGE | 34 PAGE | 35 Infantino: Russia NBA: Brooks and Evans Federer, Del Potro World Cup will star as Grizzlies snap in Indian Wells not be a war 19-game skid final Dovizioso pips Marquez and Rossi for thrilling Qatar win RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA

DOHA: MotoGP star Andrea Dovizioso finished runner-up We worked very well, in the last three editions of the we did everything in Grand Prix of Qatar. a perfect way. Like I However, the Ducati hero last night set the record straight expected, there were bagging his maiden GP win at a a lot of fast riders flood-lit Losail International in the race, but we Circuit (LIC). managed to win in a The 31-year-old finished just 0.027 seconds ahead of perfect way: Andrea defending champion Marc Dovizioso Marquez and riding legend Val- entino Rossi in the season’s opening race where pole winner Johann Zarco could not make the most of a top grid start. It was Dovizioso’s 9th I am very happy, MotoGP win and eight of those because podium here have come in last 21 races for the Italian. The Dovizioso- was the main target. Marquez battle took shape in lap Second place, we 18 when the two made their lost only five points move for the lead as they passed - really happy: Marc Zarco at the first turn. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) Marquez and Danilo Petrucci (Pramac Ducati) completed the top five. “It was a perfect race, perfect weekend,” Dovizioso said after the thrilling season- opening race. I’m so happy. But “We worked very well, we First-placed Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso of Italy (centre), second-placed Repsol Honda rider Marc Marquez of Spain (left), and I expected more did everything in a perfect way. third-placed Movistar Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi of Italy pose on the podium yesterday. PICTURES: KAMMUTTY VP/THE PENINSULA compared to last year, Like I expected, there were a lot of fast riders in the race, but we because with the managed (to win) in a perfect I tried, even like this I thought GRAND PRIX OF QATAR RESULTS Moto2 battle. Bagnaia took the bike of this year I feel way,” he added. Dovi would overtake me before lead in the first corner and then good: Valentino Rossi “I had a really bad start, but the finish line with the slip- MotoGP as expected the 32 riders quickly (I) was calm. I recovered very stream. But anyway I tried. 1. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 42:34.654, 2. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) at fell into rhythm. Despite a few slowly and saved a lot of tyres. Some day I will do (it) - but problems on lap 15, Marquez, 21, Galicia 0,0, was just 0.023 I was able to push at the end, again he beat me. But I am very 0.027, 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 0.797, 4. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Honda) managed to secure a podium seconds slower as Martin took but at the end the tyre was fin- happy, because podium here 2.881, 5. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati Pramac) 3.821, 6. Maverick Vinales (ESP/ finish when he ended the race the chequered flag at flood-lit ished, like everybody else’s. So was the main target. Second Yamaha) 3.888, 7. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 4.621, 8. Johann Zarco (FRA/ behind Bagnaia - who had LIC. it was very difficult, like always place, we lost only five points - Yamaha Tech3) 7.112, 9. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Suzuki) 12.957, 10. Jack Miller (AUS/ shown amazing speed in the Leopard Racing’s Lorenzo with Marc, it’s very difficult in really happy.” 20-lap race - and Baldassarri. Dalla Porta (+6.746 seconds), the last lap, but I was able to Rossi, who has won the Ducati Pramac) 14.594 In an entertaining final-lap pole winner Niccolo Antonelli beat him again,” Dovizioso said. Grand Prix of Qatar four times, Moto2 battle, Bagnaia managed to nail (SIC58 Squadra Corse, +6.791 “I’m so happy, and we had sounded thrilled with his 1. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Kalex) 40:19.802, 2. Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA/Kalex) at the neck-to-neck battle by seconds) and Argentina’s to win in this track after three podium finish. 0.12, 3. Alex Marquez (ESP/Kalex) 5.625 reclaiming his lead - that he had Gabriel Rodrigo (RBA BOE Skull second positions. Thank you to “I’m so happy. But I lost for brief while - by holding Rider, +6.850) completed the top the team, we worked very well expected more compared to last Moto3 his good speed at LIC. five in the season’s opening during the winter test, that is year, because with the bike of 1. Jorge Martin (ESP/Honda) 38:18.207, 2. Aron Canet (ESP/Honda) at 0.023, 3. Earlier, 20-year-old Moto3 race.

very important,” the Qatar this year I feel good,” Rossi, Lorenzo Dalla Porta (ITA/Honda) 6.746 Spaniard Jorge Martin produced Martin said: “I pushed hard winner said. starting his 23rd Grand Prix a great battle with compatriot from the start, but when I saw Marquez said: “I tried to give season at the age of 39, said Aron Canet to nail his second others close to me, I tried to my 100 percent, I knew before after the race. the podium,” he added. “I’m so when he edged compatriot career Moto3 victory and his relax. In the end, I tried to hold the race that this is one of the “I know that Marquez and happy. I enjoyed a lot, thanks to Lorenzo Baldassarri - his fellow second in Qatar since 2015. The something back so I could give most difficult tracks for me, but Dovizioso are faster at this my team, thanks to Yamaha. VR46 academy rider - to claim Del Conca Gresini Moto3 rider it all on the last sector and I suc- I tried, and when Dovi was moment, they have a little bit Now we will try to continue like his maiden Moto2 Grand Prix clocked a time of 38’18.207 in ceeded in bringing home the pushing, I was reaching the more speed - so when Dovi this,” Rossi said. win. the 18-lap race. result that I wanted,” said the limit, extra limit, and closing the went in front, I tried to give 120 Earlier, Italian rising star Bagnaia, who has already Canet, riding for Estrella rider. front, losing the rear.” percent to stay with them, Francesco Bagnaia yesterday secured a MotoGP ride for 2019 He added: “Anyway I because I needed to go from showed why he was named with Pramac Ducati, was Italian rising star Francesco arrived close in the last corner, the second group to stand (on) Rookie of the Year last season beaming from ear to ear with Bagnaia lifts his Moto2 Grand his spectacular finish that Prix trophy. thrilled his camp in the pits. The Rossi protege sealed his first Grand Prix win on the final lap, clocking a time of 40’19.802. Baldassarri, riding for Pons HP40, finished 0.112 seconds behind Bagnaia who has won two Moto3 Grands Prix in his young career. Pole winner Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS), was 5.625 seconds slower than Bagnaia, while Italy’s Mattia Pasini (Ital- trans Racing Team, +6.657 seconds) and Portugal’s Miguel Ducati Team’s Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso leads the pack during the 2018 Qatar Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo, + Moto GP Grand Prix at the Losail International Circuit in Lusail yesterday. 10.296 seconds) completed the top five in the season’s first 30 SPORT MONDAY 19 MARCH 2018 Six Nations: Ireland earn rare Grand Slam by beating England

AP seventh in this championship, one Murray.“Those eight minutes Aki was fortunate not to be short of the overall best set in totally summed up this team,” sin-binned for a shoulder charge LONDON- To pull off a Grand 1925. Schmidt said. “We’ve scored a lot on wing Elliot Daly, which began Slam in Six Nations rugby, “In big games against teams of tries this year, but that pure an England siege. planning, talent and commitment at least as good as you are, those resilience, the ability to get back Penalty, lineout, maul: takes you only so far. moments make a difference,” up in the defensive line, that was England repeated it three times “You need some luck,” Ireland Schmidt said. exceptional.” Having not won at only to be stopped on each coach Joe Schmidt added with a Indeed. And nobody was Twickenham in eight years, the occasion. Ireland flanker Peter grin in the bowels of Twickenham begrudging the Irish a scoreline Irish broke the fear factor with a O’Mahony was sin-binned for on Saturday. that flattered England, and a nine- fantasy start. repeated fouls. On the fourth Schmidt and his side were cel- point margin that was their A Jonathan Sexton up-and- attempt, England overthrew the ebrating Ireland’s third clean biggest at the home of rugby in 54 under was contested on the try- lineout. Ireland cleared but sweep in the championship, years. line by fullbacks Anthony Watson England came back and Daly beside 1948 and 2009, after After attacking so decisively and Rob Kearney. The ball spilled scored from an Owen Farrell smothering England in a fabulous in the first half, Ireland spent most and Ringrose dived over them to grubber kick. 24-15 win. of the second on defense as pounce, but television match England errors undermined The Irish, who secured the England, the deposed champion, official Ben Skeen missed the further attempts to take championship a week earlier, put rallied to try and prevent a first knock-on when the ball touched advantage of the extra man, and this result beyond doubt by home loss in the Six Nations since Kearney’s left hand. when O’Mahony returned, halftime after spearing England 2012. There was no doubt about the Ireland went through the phases with three converted tries to lead A short spell after halftime second try by No. 8 CJ Stander. A in injury time. 21-5. stood out for Schmidt because of set move off prop Tadhg Furlong A nice Murray pass released Two of those touchdowns his side’s determination to repel in the backline saw Sexton double Stockdale on the left touchline. He involved knock-ons missed by the England. In that period, England round him and England track him, chipped, kneed the ball on, and Brive’s French scrum-half Florian Cazenave (right) vies for the officials; in the first try by center wing Jonny May nearly scored missing Bundee Aki who burst off dived on it before it rolled out the ball with Castres’ French South African Rory Kockott during the Garry Ringrose, and the third from twice but was ankle-tapped by Furlong into space. He fed Stander back. Again, Skeen missed French Top 14 rugby union match in Castres, southern France, wing Jacob Stockdale which gave opposite number Keith Earls, then whose momentum got him to the Stockdale brushing the ball with yesterday. the newcomer an Irish-record stopped by Earls and Conor left post for 14-0. his left hand before he kneed it. Tennis: Clarke wins F1 champ Hamilton not close to ‘final chapter’ Qatar F3 Futures title AFP LONDON: Lewis Hamilton THE PENINSULA Rondoni of Italy 6-1, 7-5 to secure the The QTSBF Secretary General (pictured) has vowed to reign title. Tariq Zainal and Director of Local supreme in Formula One for DOHA: Jay Clarke of Britain claimed Last week, Clarke reached the Tournaments Sultan Khalfan years to come as the world the title of Qatar F3 Futures organized final match of Qatar F2 Futures but attended the medal ceremony. champion prepares for the start by the Qatar Tennis, Squash and he suffered a defeat at the hands of The QTSBF Secretary General of the new season next weekend. Badminton Federation (QTSBF) in Benjamin Hassan of the Germany. Tariq Zainal congratulated Jay Clarke British star Hamilton is cooperation with the International In Doubles Event, Fajing Sun of on his victory and said: “The three reportedly ready to sign a new Tennis Federation at the Khalifa China and Chun Hun Wong of Hong tournaments brought together a huge contract with Mercedes, which International Tennis and Squash Kong hoisted the trophy following number of young athletes who are could earn him up to £40m per Complex. their victory over the Czech duo of aiming at collecting more ranking year and solidify his position as In the final match held on Sat- Marek Gengel and Matej Vocel 6-3 points.” British sport’s highest earner. urday, Jay Clarke defeated Pietro 6-3. “The futures tournaments give That would be the ideal preparation for “I want to arrive in Melbourne fit. I want the chance to our players take their Sunday’s season opener in Melbourne as to hit my target weight. I want to kill it first steps in their professional Hamilton eyes a fifth world championship. through practice, get pole position and I want careers,” he added. Along with Michael Schumacher and Juan to win the race convincingly. Meanwhile, the competitions of Manuel Fangio, he would be only the third “I don’t know how long this feeling is Qatar ITF Junior Tournament for boys F1 driver to have won the title more than four going to last when I go into a new season, and girls under 18 years will begin times. but as long as I am still feeling like this I will today at Khalifa Tennis and Squash Even that historic feat wouldn’t be keep going.” Hamilton won last year’s cham- Complex. The Qatar Tennis, Squash enough for Hamilton to walk away from the pionship with two races to spare. and Badminton Federation will host sport however. But he kept a low profile over the winter a similar tournament later this month “It doesn’t feel like the start of the final following criticism he received for comments with participation of a large number chapter, and I don’t feel as though I am about he made in an Instagram video about his of players representing different to embark on my last contract,” Hamilton young nephew wearing a princess dress. nations. said. Hamilton embarked on a mass deleting Rayyan Al Jefairi and Ghanim Al “I am not sure how I will feel in two or spree across both his Instagram and Twitter Khelaifi will represent the state of three years’ time but I am back here in March accounts - of which he has a combined 12 Qatar in this tournament. for my 12th season and I am so excited. million followers - in the wake of the The tournaments will provide the “I don’t know where it comes from - this backlash. players with opportunity to take their feeling of just wanting to excel - but I really, “Everyone has an opinion about every- Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation Secretary General Tariq first steps in their professional really, more than anything currently in my thing,” Hamilton said. “The world is moving Zainal is seen with finalists. careers. life, want to excel next weekend. drastically and no-one is perfect. French Flair Rugby Touch tournament on March 23 THE PENINSULA event”. “It is very exciting to see the French using the sport Touch DOHA: The inaugural French as a catalyst for community activ- Flair Rugby (FFR) – Touch tour- ities. We are extremely happy to nament will be held on March 23 be part of their celebration, deliv- at the Doha Rugby Football Club ering a sport we are all so pas- (DRFC) as part of the Franco- sionate about”. phonie Week celebrations in Meanwhile, Total Sports has Doha. become the events first apparel The FFR committee together partner and will have its logo with QTouch will organize and appear on all team jerseys. The host the Touch tournament. extravagant Touch gala is strate- Eric Chevallier, Ambassador gically partnered by QTouch, of France to Qatar on Saturday Oryx FM, Maison De La France launched the tournament at the and the French Embassy. Other Intercontinental Hotel in the major partners include the Blue presence of event organizers, Falcons, Blue Phoenix, La French partners, sponsors and team Touch, , Institut Francais Qatar, captains. Total, MJ MASHA, QTouch Media French Flair Rugby (FFR) Touch tournament organisers, partners, sponsors and team captains pose for a picture on Saturday. The Francophonie Week cel- and Events. ebrations will take place from The one day Touch Tour- March 21 to 27. Francophonie is normally hold our first French Touch over two other event man- satisfied with their experience, nament (9.00 am – 6.00 pm) The Ambassador emphasised reserved for promoting a dia- event.’’ agement organizers based on the delivery and execution. Choosing will gather 16 teams (160) on the importance of health and logue to support solidarity French Flair Rugby vice- strength of their strategy and cre- QTouch for us is a guarantee to players, over 1000 spectators sport congratulating the organ- between these French speaking president Romain Quintane said, ative ideas, they are also the most have a successful event”. including VIP’s and dignitaries isers for bringing the community communities. “We thank his Excellency for his experienced in hosting and deliv- For his part QTouch Chief and it will bear testimony to the together through Touch Rugby. “Qatar is a member of the presence tonight what a thrill it ering Touch events in the Executive Officer, Samuel Rico strong sports and cultural ties French Flair Rugby President, International Organization of ‘’la is to have him here with us he country”. said, “It is a great honour to be among Francophone countries Jean-Christophe Barat said Francophonie’ and with the really is a great Ambassador”. “We have been participants given the opportunity to work despite diversity of cultures “There are 200,000 French support of our partners QTouch, Speaking about the event in QTouch’s events several times with the French community and under the umbrella of the Inter- speaking persons in Qatar, from Oryx FM and the French partnership, Quintane said, over the years and on each be associated with big name national Francophone various nationalities. Embassy, we have decided to “QTouch was awarded the event occasion we have been extremely partners and sponsors for the Organization. MONDAY 19 MARCH 2018 SPORT 31 Stenson grabs one-shot lead; Woods surges at Bay Hill

AFP Henrik Stenson of Sweden plays a shot at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in MIAMI: Henrik Stenson clung to a one-stroke lead after Saturday’s Orlando, Florida on Saturday. third round of the PGA Arnold Palmer Invitational while Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose surged into the title hunt. Sweden’s Stenson, the 2016 British Open champion, fired a one-under par 71 to stand on 12-under 204 after 54 holes at ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL Bay Hill as American Bryson DeChambeau shot 72 to stand one Leading scores after Saturday’s third round of the US PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill (USA unless stroke adrift. noted, par 72): But the 36-hole leaders 204 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) 64-69-71 couldn’t expand their edge, 205 - Bryson DeChambeau 67-66-72 allowing Rose, McIlroy and 206 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 69-70-67 Woods among others to charge 207 - Justin Rose (ENG) 69-71-67, Ryan Moore 71-67-69 into a showdown, 12 rivals in all 208 - Charley Hoffman 71-66-71, Rickie Fowler 67-71-70, within five strokes of Stenson at Talor Gooch 65-70-73, An Byeong-hun (KOR) 68-68-72 the Orlando layout. 209 - Grayson Murray 71-69-69, Tiger Woods 68-72-69, “I could have a two- or three- Bud Cauley 72-67-70, Patrick Reed 68-70-71 shot lead, which would have been 210 - Ollie Schniederjans 71-71-68, Graeme McDowell (NIR) a nice cushion, but I’ve been in 69-72-69, Chris Kirk 71-69-70, Sam Burns 69-70-71 the mix a few times and I’m back 211 - John Huh 72-73-66, Austin Cook 72-73-66, Jason Day here trying to give it a go,” (AUS) 73-71-67, Patrick Rodgers 72-71-68, Brian Stuard Stenson said. 74-69-68, Sam Horsfield (ENG) 70-73-68, William McGirt Four-time major champion 70-71-70, Jamie Lovemark 73-68-70, Zach Johnson 69-71- McIlroy, who needs only a 71, Billy Horschel 68-70-73 Masters green jacket to complete a career Grand Slam, birdied two of the last three holes to fire 67. It was the Northern Irish- man’s best US PGA round since week.” England’s Rose made six US compatriots Patrick Reed, Bud Stenson opened with a bunker to two feet to birdie the Bay Hill course where he has cap- the first round last August at birdies against a lone stumble, a Cauley and Grayson Murray. 13-foot birdie putt and answered par-5 fourth and sank a 12-foot tured eight career titles. Akron and he stood third on 206 three-putt bogey at 15, to shoot “I figure I’m within reach if I a bogey at eight with a 30-foot birdie putt at nine. With the Masters only three a week after missing the cut. 67 and share fourth on 207 with shoot a really, really low round birdie putt at nine. He answered After bogeying 11, McIlroy weeks off, Woods now has nine “Worked on my swing a little American Ryan Moore. tomorrow,” Woods said. “I’m a bogey at 10 with birdies at the landed his approach at 12 eight consecutive rounds of par or bit, found a feeling, found some- South Korea’s An Byeong- going to have to shoot a low one par-5 12th and 16th, only to miss feet from the cup and sank the better -- his longest such US PGA thing I could go with for this week hun was in a pack on 208 that and get a little bit of help. But my the green at the par-3 17th on the eagle putt, then used great streak in more than five years. and maybe beyond,” McIlroy said. also included Americans Rickie responsibility is to go out and way to bogey. approaches at 16 and 18 to set up Woods curled in a 12-foot “Freed up my putting a little Fowler, Talor Gooch and Charley shoot a low one first.” - Stenson “Especially with the way I tap-in birdies. birdie putt at the par-4 18th to bit. Felt a little bit more in control Hoffman. satisfied - Stenson had four con- played coming in, I think that I - ‘Never give in’: Tiger - complete his day, cocking for a of my game. I knew if that could And then came Woods, who secutive top-10 showings didn’t really miss a shot the last Woods, a 14-time major winner full-speed fist pump before translate from practice onto the birdied two of the last three holes between 2013 and 2016 but has six holes,” Stenson said. making a comeback after back adopting a mellow low-key course, I could have a good for a 69 to share 10th on 209 with yet to win at Bay Hill. McIlroy blasted out of a surgery, showed solid form at the finish.

Park In-bee of South Korea plays a shot at Wildfire Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday. Park heads leaderboard as Davies chases historic win AFP Choi on 205. The Englishwoman nine I was hitting pretty solid but the LPGA FOUNDERS CUP would become the oldest champion putts didn’t drop like they did on the Leading third-round scores on Friday in the LOS ANGELES: South Korea’s Park in LPGA history by winning Sunday front nine. If they did I would’ve had LPGA Founders Cup at Phoenix, Arizona In-bee fired a nine-under par 63 to in the first event of the season on US a 59.” (USA unless noted): seize a one-stroke lead after Satur- soil. Park, who has won nine times 202 - Park In-bee (KOR) 68-71-63 day’s third round of the LPGA “I’ll certainly have a crack at it,” in 15 prior attempts when leading 203 - Mariajo Uribe (COL) 68-68-67 Founders Cup, where Britain’s Davies said. “I’ve given myself a entering the final round, matched 204 - Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 68-68-68 54-year-old Laura Davies chased a chance.” The sizzling start had Park Davies for the day’s low round. 205 - Laura Davies (ENG) 73-69-63, Chella historic triumph. pondering the all-time LPGA record Davies, who has not won since Choi (KOR) 67-72-66 Park, a seven-time major low 18-hole score of 59 fired by Swe- the 2001 Rochester Invitational, 206 - Tiffany Joh 70-72-64, Brittany Linci- winner, opened with four birdies and den’s Annika Sorenstam in 2001. would break the oldest LPGA come 72-66-68, Marina Alex 70-66-70 an eagle in the first five holes and “For a little bit I think a 59. I got winner mark held by Beth Daniel, 207 - Megan Khang 71-71-65, Jodi Ewart vaulted atop the leaderboard at off to a really good start,” Park said. who was 46 when she won the Shadoff (ENG) 70-71-66, Caroline Inglis 14-under 202. “On the back nine, it was different, 2003 Canadian Women’s Open. 71-68-68, Park Hee-young (KOR) 68-70- That was one stroke ahead of a little bit more boring golf.” But after Davies, in her 32nd LPGA cam- 69 Colombia’s Mariajo Uribe with Thai- the fantastic start, Park only birdied paign, birdied five of the last six 69-68-71, Karine Icher (FRA) 67-69-72 land’s Ariya Jutanugarn third on 204 the par-4 ninth and par-5 11th until holes on the front nine, eagled the 209 - Ryann O’Toole 70-73-66, Austin at Wildfire Golf Club in Phoenix, she closed her bogey-free round par-5 11th and birdied the par-5 15th Ernst 73-69-67, Nanna Koerstz Madsen Arizona. with a birdie at 18. and par-3 17th holes. (DEN) 72-69-68, Kang Hae-ji (KOR) 71-69-

Davies shot a 63 for the first time “To finish with a birdie on the “I hit a lot of fairways and that 69, Chun In-gee (KOR) 71-69-69, Michelle

Wie (KOR) 70-68-71, Mo Martin 71-66-72, since 2005 in jumping into a share back nine was a big relief,” Park said. gives you a chance to get relatively of fourth with South Korea’s Chella “The front nine felt great. The back close to the hole,” Davies said. Blake sees Comm Games as step to build on Bolt’s legacy

REUTERS “That’s what I want, to start with the “Usain Bolt was at the track in Jamaica Commonwealths, to take over the dominance before I left,” said Blake. “He said, ‘if you don’t MELBOURNE: Next month’s Commonwealth of the sprinting world.” win there is going to be problems’. Games will be Yohan Blake’s chance to build The 28-year-old Blake won his only indi- “I don’t have a Commonwealth medal. on Usain Bolt’s “legacy” and step out of the vidual global title in the 100m at the 2011 It’s very important for me to have one in my track great’s shadow, the former 100 metres world championships when Bolt was dis- trophy case.” world champion said yesterday. qualified in the final, but has three other gold Blake, who finished fourth in the 100m Bolt retired last year with eight Olympic medals as a member of the Jamaican 4x100m at the Rio Olympics, was in top form last year and 11 world championship gold medals to relay team. heading into the world championships in his name, leaving his former training partner He has yet to win any kind of medal at London and qualified third fastest for the Blake to carry the flame for Jamaica. the Commonwealth Games but Bolt, who ran final. “Usain Bolt has left his legacy for us to the relay at his only Commonwealths However, he was shut out of the medals carry on and that’s what we want to do,” appearance in Glasgow four years ago, joked by Bolt, who took bronze behind winner Yohan Blake Blake told local media after landing in Aus- there would be trouble if Blake did not Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman. Blake tralia for the April 4-15 Games on the Gold succeed when the athletics programme also failed to make the 200m final in a Coast. begins April 8. surprise. 32 SPORT MONDAY 19 MARCH 2018 MONDAY 19 MARCH 2018 SPORT 33 Batshuayi strike seals Salah can pass Messi and be best in world: Klopp Infantino: Russia AFP season in the manner Messi and Ron- drawn one of their last 10 away games. aldo have for the past decade. And manager Javi Gracia admit- Dortmund Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah World Cup will LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager “As it always is in life, if you have ted his side had been completely celebrates after scoring their fourth Jurgen Klopp believes comparisons the skills, you have to show that con- outclassed. goal on Saturday. victory between Mohamed Salah and Barce- I think Mo is on the way stantly, and consistently he is very “We know we play against one of lona’s five-time Ballon d’Or winner good and he helps us a lot.” the best teams in Europe at this not be a ‘war’ AFP Lionel Messi are premature, but that to being the best in the Salah even defied the slippery moment and they were much better the Egyptian is on his way to one day world. I don’t think Mo conditions of a snow storm as he than us,” said the Spaniard. AFP BERLIN: A superb goal off the becoming the best player in the world. or anybody else wants weaved his way past Jose Holebas to “We need to compete with the best outside of his boot by Michy Salah’s stunning season contin- slot home the opener after just four 11 we can and it was not the best per- PANAMA CITY: FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Saturday that the upcom- Batshuayi (pictured below) ued with a four-goal haul in a 5-0 to be compared with minutes. formance for us today.” Salah turned ing World Cup will not be a “war,” as Russian authorities and Vladimir Putin are gave Borussia Dortmund a thrashing of Watford at Anfield to take Lionel Messi: Klopp “Conditions were difficult. It was provider immediately after the break committed to ensuring safety amid fears of fan clashes. 1-0 win over Hanover yester- his tally for the season to 36 on Sat- obviously slippery and everybody suf- when his cross was wonderfully back- “We are not going to war,” Infantino said. day and kept them third in the urday -- the most goals ever scored fered, but not Mo in that situation. It heeled past Karnezis by Roberto “You will see that we are going to have a football party and if anyone wants Bundesliga. by a Liverpool player in their debut both now in their thirties, as the was really special,” added the Liver- Firmino. to cause trouble, they will have problems.” Batshuayi, on loan from year at the club. world’s best player. pool manager. The Egyptian made it 4-0 with 13 “The Russians are very committed to this World Cup being a total success,” Chelsea for the rest of the sea- Messi showed why he is still “I think Mo is on the way (to being Liverpool had to wait until two minutes remaining as, despite falling he told a news conference in Panama. son, gave Dortmund the three widely considered the world’s best by the best in the world),” said Klopp. minutes before half-time to double over, he managed to slide the ball past There are concerns violence could erupt between fanatical “ultras,” particu- points at home with a won- scoring his 100th Champions League “I don’t think Mo or anybody else their advantage, but there was no sur- Karnezis. larly Russian and English fans, who clashed at the 2016 European Championship derful piece of individual skill goal in tearing Chelsea apart in a 3-0 wants to be compared with Lionel prise who was on the end of a And he then capped off a brilliant tournament in France. midway through the win on Wednesday. Messi. He is the one who is doing what sweeping team move as Salah got his personal performance in the dying However, the FIFA chief -- explaining he had been involved in the organiza- first-half. But Klopp believes Salah, 25, has he’s doing for what feels like 20 years second of the evening from Andy Rob- seconds, thrashing into the roof of the tion of four European Championships -- confirmed organizers in Russia are The Belgian international time on his side to succeed Messi and or so.” And Klopp challenged Salah to ertson’s inch-perfect cross. net after Karnezis had fumbled Danny pulling out all the stops to avoid such incidents. claimed arguably the best of Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo, maintain the standards he has set this Watford have now lost nine and Ings’ shot. “I have a little bit of experience in organizing big events and I have to say that his eight goals in just 12 games I have never seen the level of preparation -- especially in security -- that I am for Dortmund by flicking the seeing in Russia anywhere else,” he said. ball into the net from a cor- The tournament -- which runs from June 14 to July 15 -- is set to attract fans ner. Having hit the post after from all over the world, as spectators will not need a visa to attend. just 35 seconds, Batshuayi has his back on goal when he stabbed at Andre Schuerrle’s cross on 24 minutes and his effort sailed past Hanover’s goalkeeper. Alves sends PSG Leganes’ Ruben Perez (left) vies with Sevilla’s Sandro It was his sixth German Ramirez during their La Liga match yesterday. league goal in seven Bundes- liga games with Dortmund after spending the first half of Paris Saint-Germain’s Sevilla slump the season stuck on Chelsea’s Brazilian defender Dani bench. Hanover had their Alves celebrates after he chance to equalise on 81 min- 17 points clear scored the winning goal utes when Jonathas headed on yesterday. to defeat after from a free-kick and the ball was poked over the line, but REUTERS the goal was ruled offside. equalised just four minutes host fourth-placed Olympique above Bordeaux into ninth. The home win buoyed PARIS: Dani Alves struck late later thanks to Di Maria, who Lyonnais. Striker Wesley Said scored United heroics Dortmund after Thursday’s to give Paris St Germain a 2-1 found the back of the net with Meanwhile, Rennes made twice for Dijon, including a disappointing Europa League victory at Nice yesterday as a left-footed effort. it six games unbeaten, climb- 91st-minute equalizer. FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures during a news conference in Panama exit in the last 16 when Borus- they extended their Ligue 1 Balotelli went close to ing to fifth place in the French Forward Karl Toko Ekam- City on Saturday. REUTERS but his side rarely got going sia was held to a goalless lead to a massive 17 points. putting Nice ahead again league, with a 2-0 win at Bor- bi’s 16th league goal of the against Leganes. second-leg draw at home to The kickoff was brought eight minutes before the deaux on Saturday. season carried him up to MADRID: Sevilla suffered a Forward Javier Eraso Red Bull Salzburg after losing forward to 1200GMT to break, but his curled effort Forward Ismaila Sarr put fourth in the scoring charts hangover from their Cham- side-footed home a second 2-1 in Austria. ensure maximum exposure in shaved the far post. Rennes ahead in the 49th and helped 12th-place Angers pions League triumph over goal for the home side in the The home Bundesliga win China and Asia and PSG, who PSG had a chance on the minute with his fifth goal of beat Caen 3-0. Manchester United as they 69th minute and things got at Signal Iduna Park leaves now have 83 points from 31 hour, but Nice keeper Walter the season, netting from close Struggling Amiens and Mourinho slams lost 2-1 at mid-table Leganes worse for Sevilla when mid- Dortmund 18 points behind games, were keen to impress. Benitez pulled off a superb range after winger Wahbi Troyes shared a 1-1 draw, in La Liga yesterday, their fielder Pablo Sarabia was runaway league leaders Bay- They failed to do so in a save to tip Alves’s bicycle kick Khazri’s shot came back off with Toulouse sandwiched sixth defeat in 12 league sent off in the 84th for pick- ern Munich. lacklustre performance but over the bar. the post. inbetween the two teams in games under coach ing up two yellow cards Dortmund’s win and Alves’s 82nd-minute header Balotelli forced Areola Midfielder Yoann Gour- 17th place after conceding a United’s ‘lack of Vincenzo Montella. inside 11 minutes. Schalke’s 1-0 victory at was enough for them to edge into another brilliant save two cuff, once hailed as France’s last-gasp equalizer in a 2-2 Sevilla qualified for the Miguel Layun pulled a Wolfsburg on Saturday mean closer to a seventh French minutes later as Nice piled on successor to Zinedine Zidane home draw with quarter-finals of Europe’s goal back for Sevilla in the Bayern’s confirmed title vic- title. the pressure. after inspiring Bordeaux to Strasbourg. elite competition for the first 90th minute. tory must be put on ice until Nice, who hit the wood- The Italian hit the wood- the 2009 title, then scored Former Arsenal striker personality, class’ time by beating United 2-1 Sevilla are fifth in the after next weekend’s inter- work through Mario Balotelli work 15 minutes from fulltime two minutes after coming off Yaya Sanogo’s second goal in at Old Trafford on Tuesday Liga standings on 45 points, national break. in the second half, opened the with a header while the visi- the bench to claim his first three minutes, coming in but went behind to Leganes 12 behind fourth-placed scoring through Allan Saint- tors had another chance four goal of the season. injury time, looked to have REUTERS I have to feel frustrated,” he said. four minutes before halft- Real Madrid and one ahead Maximin, whose early goal minutes later when Kylian Gourcuff finished in the sealed a victory for “Because I think as a coach the big- ime to a looping header of Villarreal in sixth. was quickly cancelled out by Mbappe’s header went just 86th minute after swapping Toulouse. MANCHESTER: A day after he took on gest frustration is not the result because from defender Unai With the top four in Angel Di Maria. over. Eight minutes from full- passes with Khazri, who has But center back Bakary his critics in a news conference diatribe, sometimes a bad result can happen,” Bustinza. Spain qualifying for the Saint-Maximin beat PSG time, however, Alves met shone since joining on loan Kone pounced in the 95th Manchester United manager Jose Mour- Mourinho added. “We prepared the team Montella made three Champions League, Sevil- keeper Alphonse Areola from Adrien Rabiot’s cross to send this season from English sec- minute to seal a point for the inho took aim at his players after a to be more aggressive, to attack the last changes from the side that la’s best hope of getting into close range after being per- his header past Benitez. ond-tier side Sunderland. Alsace-based side, which is lacklustre performance in their 2-0 FA line much more and that connection had stunned Old Trafford, the competition next season fectly set up by Alassane Plea Later on Sunday, third- Montpellier missed the 15th. Strasbourg is one point Cup win over Brighton and Hove Albion between defenders in possession and giving a starting berth to may now rest on them beat- on 17 minutes. placed Olympique de chance to move up to sixth ahead of Amiens, two above at Old Trafford on Saturday. attacking players didn’t work. I want more Wissam Ben Yedder after he ing Bayern Munich in the That spurred PSG into Marseille will hope stay in the spot after drawing 2-2 at Toulouse and three clear of Mourinho had made little direct crit- personality in the team,” he said. scored twice after coming quarter-finals and going on action and the visitors hunt for second when they home to Dijon, which rose 18th-place Troyes. icism of his team after Tuesday’s poor As well as Matic, Mourinho praised off the bench on Tuesday, to win the competition. display in the Champions League defeat young midfielder Scott McTominay, by Sevilla or on Friday when he defended although even those words were pep- his work and questioned assumptions pered with criticism of others. about United’s heritage. “McTominay lost more passes today But this time his anger was firmly than in all the matches he played together Gibson suspended directed at the majority of his players. but he was a Manchester United player. “I didn’t like the game. I think we And for me a Manchester United player over drink driving SPAL hold Juve to offer Napoli title lifeline deserved to win because I think the game is a player that, when he plays bad, he was in control for the majority, we scored gives to the team,” he said. charge AFP first attack of the night when a season after a 49-year absence, two and they didn’t score, but we didn’t “The perfect Manchester United Douglas Costa solo run created SPAL are one point above the rel- play as I prepared the team to play,” he player is the one that has quality and per- AFP ROME: Juventus’s march towards space for fellow Brazilian Alex San- egation zone with 25 points from told BT Sport. sonality and is consistent on that. But a seventh consecutive Serie A dro but his effort was deflected 29 games. Mourinho singled out midfielder when you play bad you must have that LONDON: Struggling Cham- championship was stalled on wide. “There’s a long way to go, but Nemanja Matic, who created the first goal personality that a kid of 20 years old has pionship side Sunderland Saturday by a goalless draw at Dybala tried his luck after 17 tonight SPAL showed that we for Romelu Lukaku and added the sec- - and some of the others didn’t have.” suspended their former struggling SPAL that kept the minutes with a long-range curling belong in Serie A,” said coach ond himself with a late header, as one of Manchester United midfielder suspense alive in Italy. I’m neither effort that flew wide. Leonardo Semplici of his side’s best the few players he was satisfied with. Darron Gibson yesterday “I’m neither angry nor disap- There was also a worry three run in form this season with eight “Many, many times Matic was an after he was charged with pointed, we came up against a angry nor weeks before their Champions points from four games. island of personality and desire and con- drink driving. battling SPAL who fought us and disappointed, League quarter-final first leg “It’ll be a battle (for the title) to trol, surrounded, not by water but by a The club announced they played a wicked game,” said against Real Madrid with Giorgio the end, but right now Juventus lack of personality, class and desire,” said have launched an investiga- Allegri. we came up Chiellini leaving the pitch 10 min- remain the favourites,” added Sem- the former Chelsea and Real Madrid tion into an incident in which “They made many fouls, 29, to against a utes before the end with a thigh plici of the title chase. manager. the 30-year-old Republic of break up our game. These are not injury which Allegri later said was “Juve have the experience of a Asked whether he had seen a positive Ireland international was excuses, but things that can hap- battling SPAL “muscle fatigue”. side used to challenging on many reaction from his players after the Sevilla allegedly involved. pen during the season. who fought us Costa missed a golden chance different fronts and have a bigger loss, he said: “I didn’t have the reaction A club statement said: “It’s only human that when you and played a to break the deadlock as the clock squad, but Napoli are to be from all of them. I had the reaction from “Sunderland AFC has sus- are top of the Serie A table, in the ticked with Mario Mandzukic also respected for their style of football some of them. And because some of them pended Darron Gibson with Champions League quarter-finals wicked game: sending a late diving header wide. and organisation.” Earlier Sassuolo were mentally strong enough and with immediate effect after the and the Italian Cup final, you can Allegri Juventus’s next match after the got their first win since December, the football quality to play, was the rea- player was charged with driv- miss a beat and lack energy once international break will be against triumphing 2-1 to condemn Udi- son why we won.” Mourinho showed ing with excess alcohol on in a while. AC Milan in Turin on March 31. nese to a fifth consecutive defeat. particular anger that his demand in train- Saturday 17 March. The foot- “The positive thing is that we “Fortunately there is a break,” Iraqi international Ali Adnan ing for a quicker and more incisive ball club has commenced a kept a clean sheet and still have a said Allegri. conceded an own goal after 42 transition game had not been carried out full investigation into the five-point advantage.” Juventus’s “We have time to regroup, to minutes but two minutes later Seko in practice. matter.” Chief executive Mar- 12-match league winning streak recover some injuries and, above Fofana pulled hosts Udinese level. “When I spend two days working on tin Bain added: came to a halt but they matched from Ferrara, to the north of Bolo- 50 years that Juventus had played all energy and get back into posi- Stefano Sensi scored the win- this and then I arrive here, attacking play- Photographs of Gibson their own Serie A record of 10 gna, with normally reliable goal in Ferrara and they came up tion, physically and mentally, then ner 15 minutes from time to give ers hiding behind defenders, not wanting being spoken to by police at games without conceding a goal. machines Paulo Dybala and against a solid and well-organised we will think about Milan and Real Sassuolo breathing space as they the ball between the lines, defenders play- Action during the match between Juventus and SPAL on Saturday. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho the scene later emerged on The champions lacked inspi- Gonzalo Higuain failing to fire. SPAL unit. Madrid.” move away from the relegation ing just square passes and taking 10 to 12 reacts during FA quarter-final on Saturday. social media. ration against the promoted side It was the first time in nearly Juventus almost scored in their Promoted to the top flight this zone. passes to get from one line to another line 34 SPORT MONDAY 19 MARCH 2018

Machado: NBA: Grizzlies snap 19-game skid Judge pitch to join Yanks AP -- which means the Wizards would get the tiebreaker if the ‘blown out of NEW YORK: Dillon Brooks teams end up with the same LeBron James (23) of Cleveland scored 24 points and Tyreke record at season’s end. Both proportion’ Cavaliers in action during his team’s Evans added 20 points and seven teams are now 40-30. NBA game against Chicago Bulls at assists as the Memphis Grizzlies Marcin Gortat (18 points), AP the United Centre in Chicago, Illinois, ended a 19-game losing streak Kelly Oubre Jr. (16 points), by beating the visiting Denver United States. Markieff Morris (15 points) and NEW YORK: New York Nuggets 101-94. Tomas Satoransky (12 points, Yankees star Aaron Judge Wayne Selden scored 16 eight assists) also scored in telling Baltimore Orioles points on 6-of-7 shooting and double figures for Washington. shortstop Manny Machado Marc Gasol scored 14 for the Griz- Indiana’s Lance Stephenson that he’d look good in zlies, who won for the first time scored a game-high 25 points. pinstripes was deemed inap- since defeating the Phoenix Suns Knicks 124, Hornets 101 propriate by Major League on Jan. 29. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 25 Baseball, but Machado doesn’t Jarell Martin collected 13 points and four bench players see what all the fuss is about. rebounds and JaMychal Green scored in double figures as host In fact, he said he’s done grabbed 11 for Memphis. New York defeated Charlotte. the same thing to other Nikola Jokic recorded 17 Hornets centre Dwight players. points and 12 rebounds and Jamal Howard, who had a string of “I think it was just blown Murray scored 16 for Denver, recent 30-point games, had just out of proportion,” Machado which shot just 36.8 percent from 14 points to go along with his 13 told reporters. the field. rebounds, and Dwayne Bacon “I’ve told a lot of people Trail Blazers 100, Pistons 87 had 15 points off the bench for they’d look good in black and Damian Lillard led the way Charlotte, which lost for the orange as well, trying to get as host Portland turned back seventh time in nine games. guys over here,” he added. Detroit to extend its NBA-best Bucks 122, Hawks 117 “It’s just part of the game. You win streak to 12 games. Taurean Prince matched his want to put the best team out Lillard collected 24 points, career-high with 38 points, but there on your field, and if I’m eight assists and seven rebounds to lead the Kings. Sacramento lost LeBron James notched his Capela had 13 points and 11 it wasn’t enough to halt Atlanta’s a part of this team, I want to for the Trail Blazers, who have to the Jazz for the third time this 70th career triple-double with rebounds for the Rockets. losing streak, which grew to six bring the best guys over here won nine in a row at Moda Center season despite hitting 14 of 21 33 points, 12 rebounds and 12 Anthony Davis had 26 points games with a loss at as much as I can. I want to get and 18 of their past 19 home from 3-point range. assists as Cleveland held off a and 13 rebounds, and Jrue Milwaukee. a ring as well.” games. Warriors 124, Suns 109 second-half rally by host Chicago. Holiday scored 19 for the Prince made 13 of 26 shots, Judge and Machado spoke CJ McCollum added 16 points Andre Iguodala had a three- James, who has 15 triple- Pelicans. including four 3-pointers, while before their teams played a for Portland, which had all five point play and a 3-point basket doubles this season, became the Spurs 117, Timberwolves 101 grabbing eight rebounds. Atlanta spring exhibition on starters score in double figures. to trigger a 16-2, third-quarter sixth player in NBA history to LaMarcus Aldridge scored 39 also got 18 with nine assists from Wednesday. During the con- Andre Drummond scored 18 burst that allowed Golden State reach 70 for his career, joining points and pulled down 10 Dennis Schroder. versation, Judge couldn’t help points and grabbed 22 rebounds to turn a deficit into a lead en Oscar Robertson (181), Magic rebounds to help lift San Antonio Giannis Antetokounmpo led but sneak in a quick pitch for for the Pistons, who have lost route to a victory at Phoenix. Johnson (138), Jason Kidd (107), to a tougher-than Milwaukee with 33 points, 12 Machado to join him and eight of their past 10 games Quinn Cook and Nick Young, Russell Westbrook (101) and Wilt San Antonio has won three rebounds, seven assists, four Giancarlo Stanton in the overall and 15 of the past 16 away replacing the injured Stephen Chamberlain (78). consecutive games for the first steals and a pair of blocks. Khris Bronx. from home. Curry and Klay Thompson, Jeff Green added 21 points for time since Dec. 23-28 and has Middleton overcame a slow start Machado is expected to be Jazz 103, Kings 97 scored 28 and 20 points, respec- Cleveland, which won for the pulled into a tie with Minnesota to finish with 23 points. one of the top free agents in Donovan Mitchell scored 28 tively, helping the Warriors shake second time in three games and in fifth place in the Western Con- Nets 114, Mavericks 106 a potentially loaded class next points and Rudy Gobert tallied off a home loss to Sacramento on finished its six-game road trip ference standings. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson offseason. 22 points and 13 rebounds to lift Friday night with just their at.500. Denzel Valentine scored Karl-Anthony Towns led the scored 23 points as Brooklyn “We talked a little bit, and Utah past Sacramento in Salt second win in their last five a career-high 34 points on a per- Timberwolves with 23 points and clamped down defensively in the I just asked him how his off- Lake City, the Jazz’s ninth con- games. A third Warriors star, sonal-best 8-of-11 shooting from nine rebounds. fourth quarter and beat visiting season was, how everything secutive win. Kevin Durant, also sat out due to 3-point range to lead Chicago. Wizards 109, Pacers 102 Dallas. was going,” Judge said of the Ricky Rubio added 14 points, an injury. Rockets 107, Pelicans 101 Bradley Beal scored 19 points Hollis-Jefferson recorded his exchange. nine rebounds and five assists for Josh Jackson poured in a James Harden had 32 points, and led the way as five Wizards 10th game with at least 20 points “I asked him how he liked the Jazz, and Joe Ingles chipped season-best 36 points for the 11 rebounds and eight assists as finished in double figures, helping as the Nets outscored Dallas (shortstop) and said you’d in 14 points, nine assists and Suns, who were short-handed as Houston defeated visiting New Washington post a victory over 26-17 in the fourth quarter and look pretty good in pinstripes, seven rebounds. Utah won for the well, playing without injured Orleans. visiting Indiana. held the Mavericks to 7-of-20 too.” 21st time in 23 games. leading scorer Devin Booker. Chris Paul added 21 points, The win gave Washington a shooting from the field in the Buddy Hield scored 23 points Cavaliers 114, Bulls 109 Trevor Ariza scored 17 and Clint victory in the season series 2-1 final 12 minutes. Blue Jays’ Stroman makes his NHL: Blue Jackets win seventh straight first spring REUTERS Blues 4, Rangers 3 (OT) training start Brayden Schenn’s wrister AP NEW YORK: Boone Jenner and from the right circle at 1:02 of Markus Nutivaara each scored a overtime gave St. Louis a win goal as the Columbus Blue Jackets over visiting New York. DUNEDIN: Marcus Stroman rallied for a 2-1 victory over the After goalie Jake Allen has his eyes on starting the Ottawa Senators on Saturday stopped Chris Kreider’s point- Toronto Blue Jays’ fourth night in Columbus, Ohio. blank bid for a game-winner, game of the regular season The Blue Jackets extended Schenn tallied his 25th goal off a April 1 against the New York their winning streak to seven pass from Alex Pietrangelo, who Yankees. games. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky earned his third point of the Stroman pitched two made 23 saves to help Columbus night. hitless innings against the St Louis Blues’ earn its seventh consecutive St Louis forced overtime with Canadian Junior National goaltender Jake Allen home victory. Pietrangelo’s second marker of Team in his first spring Alex Burrows scored for the (34) and centre Patrik the night at 5:15 of the third training start yesterday after Senators, who got 33 saves from Berglund (21) and period. Mika Zibanejad scored being sidelined by inflam- Mike Condon. left-wing Alexander twice for the Rangers. mation in his right shoulder. Bruins 3, Lightning 0 Steen (20) defend Sharks 5, Canucks 3 “I’ll be out there the Tuukka Rask had 23 saves the net against New Timo Meier scored two goals, fourth game of the series and while picking up his third shutout York Rangers’ centre including the winner, as visiting I’ll be ready to rock,” Stroman of the season and Torey Krug had Ryan Spooner (23) San Jose defeated Vancouver. said. “I can’t wait.” three assists to lead Boston over and defenceman Meier’s second goal of the Said Toronto bench coach host Tampa Bay. Neal Pionk (44) and night broke a 3-3 tie at 6:07 of DeMarlo Hale: “I know the It was the 41st career shutout right-wing Mats the third period as he wired a competitor that he is, he’s for Rask and marked the first Zuccarello (36) during long shot home during a going to be pushing for that, time this season that the the second period counterattack. no doubt.”. Lightning were shut out. David of their NHL game at Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl Stroman struck out two Pastrnak, David Backes and Riley Scottrade Centre. and Kevin Labanc each had a and walked one during a Nash each scored goals for the goal and an assist for the Sharks, 27-pitch outing. Bruins, who moved within two won their third straight game on Maple Leafs 4, Canadiens 0 NHL with 89 points entering Sat- who posted their fourth consec- “I thought it went really points of the first-place Lightning a season-high six-game road trip. William Nylander, Kasperi urday night. All three of utive win. well,” he said. with a game in hand. It also was Flyers 4, Hurricanes 2 Kapanen, Nazem Kadri and McDavid’s points came in the The Canucks took their “My changeup was great, the fifth time that Rask shut out Valtteri Filppula had the go- Andreas Johnsson scored goals, third period. season-worst sixth straight loss sinker was good, slider will Tampa Bay in his career. ahead goal with 5:49 left, and and Toronto easily defeated vis- Despite the loss, the Panthers despite goals from Nikolay come along the next couple Andrei Vasilevskiy had 24 Philadelphia scored four times iting Montreal for its fourth con- are 16-5-1 since Jan. 30 and Goldobin, Bo Horvat and Alex starts.” saves for the Lightning, who in the third period to beat host secutive win. 9-2-0 in their past 11 home Edler. The injury cost a disap- dropped their second straight Carolina. Curtis McElhinney turned games as they chase a playoff Wild 3, Coyotes 1 pointed Stroman a chance at game. The Flyers snapped a two- away 33 shots for the Maple berth. Marcus Foligno scored the the opening day start March Devils 3, Kings 0 game skid. Leafs. Sabres 5, Blackhawks 3 winning goal midway through 29 at home against the Keith Kinkaid made 38 saves Philadelphia’s Travis The Canadiens have lost two Nicholas Baptiste scored the third period as visiting Min- Yankees. as visiting New Jersey beat host Konecny tied the game 1-1 with in a row and are 1-5-2 in their twice, including the go-ahead nesota beat Arizona. “That’s what I wanted, I Los Angeles. 11:41 left in the third period. past eight games. goal on the power play with 1:56 Nino Niederreiter and Eric want to be that guy to have Kinkaid improved to 9-2-0 Carolina responded and retook Oilers 4, Panthers 2 left in the third period, and Staal also tallied goals for Min- the ball on opening day,” in his last 11 starts and recorded the lead, 2-1, just over two Connor McDavid scored the Buffalo held on for a win over nesota. Clayton Keller scored for Stroman said. “It just didn’t his fourth career shutout. He minutes later on a goal by Jaccob tying goal and had an assist on visiting Chicago. Arizona. work out.” stopped 19 shots in the first, eight Slavin. the go-ahead score as visiting Benoit Pouliot, Ryan O’Reilly Wild goaltender Devan Stroman went 13-9 with in the second and 11 more in the The Flyers tied the game Edmonton rallied to defeat and Sam Reinhart also scored for Dubnyk, who lost his previous a 3.09 ERA last year. He third. again on a goal by Jakub Voracek Florida. Buffalo, which snapped a two- two starts, made 30 saves to earn struck out 164, two shy of his He also helped kill off six with 8:02 remaining. Filppula McDavid also added an assist game winless streak. his 200th career victory. career high, and walked 62 in Kings power plays. then gave Philadelphia its first on Ty Rattie’s empty-net goal Jordan Oesterle, Jonathan Antti Raanta, returning to 201 innings. Michael Grabner scored a lead with his 11th goal of the with 50 seconds left. McDavid has Toews and Tomas Jurco scored action after missing six straight “I know what I’m capable short-handed goal and Nico His- season with 5:49 left. Michael 19 goals in his past 22 games. For for Chicago. The Blackhawks contests due to a lower-body of, I’m not close to my pin- chier tallied on even strength in Raffl provided a two-goal margin the season, he has 34 goals and have lost two straight and four of injury, recorded 30 saves for nacle I can promise you that,” the opening period as the Devils with just under two minutes left. 55 assists, ranking third in the their past five. Arizona. Stroman said. MONDAY 19 MARCH 2018 SPORT 35 Federer, Del Potro in Indian Wells final

AP and didn’t break Coric for the first time until late in the second Roger Federer of INDIAN WELLS: Roger Federer set. Switzerland fades was on the ropes, down two “Really I just woke up,” back for a shot while breaks in the second set and Federer said in an on-court playing Borna Coric another one in the third. Borna interview. “It was early today. I of Croatia during the Coric thought he was close to had pasta at 9:15. It was yummy.” semi-final match of the toppling the world’s top-ranked Until losing the first set, BNP Paribas Open at player. Federer hadn’t dropped a set in the Indian Wells Tennis Not so fast. the tournament. Garden in Indian Wells, Federer rallied for a 5-7, 6-4, Trailing a set and 0-2 in the California. 6-4 victory in the BNP Paribas second, the crowd, including Rod Open semi-finals on Saturday, Laver and Pete Sampras, seem- extending his career-best start ingly tried to will better shots out to 17-0 and giving him a chance of Federer with loud applause to win his record sixth title. and shouts of encouragement. “I went for my shots. I was “Borna played a great match. not waiting. I made the right He was very steady,” Federer choices all the time,” Coric said. said. “I can see why he caused a “He was just a better player in lot of problems to a lot of players, those specific moments. At the and he’s only going to improve end, he just got through.” from here.” Barely. Coric, a 21-year-old from “I should have lost a match,” Croatia, was in his first ATP Federer said. Masters 1000 semi-final. He will He will meet No. 6 Juan jump 13 spots to No. 36 in Mon- Martin del Potro in the final. day’s ATP World Tour rankings. The Argentine breezed past Federer, No. 1 again at 36, No. 32 Milos Raonic of Canada Juan Martin Del owns 27 career Masters 1000 6-2, 6-3 in 66 minutes for his Potro of Argentina titles. 10th consecutive match victory in action during BNP Coric is part of a trio of and 400th of his injury-plagued Paribas Open at the 20-somethings that have domi- career. Indian Wells Tennis nated the desert tournament. “It was surprising to see him Garden in Indian Daria Kasatkina of Russia and serving not too hard, and I broke Wells, California. Naomi Osaka of Japan, both 20, his serve very quick in both sets,” will meet in the women’s final Del Potro said. “That gave me the after knocking out several control of the match.” higher-ranked players along the Federer is 18-6 in his career way. against del Potro, with two of the Del Potro has fought back losses coming at the US Open, in from left wrist surgeries in 2014 the 2009 final and last year’s and 2015 (twice) and another one quarterfinals. and that’s the reason I won.” the end he was better player,” on his right wrist in 2010 that “I love to play against him,” There were five breaks in the Coric said. “I thought he was nearly caused him to quit tennis. Del Potro said. “It will be a good third. Federer trailed 4-3 and going to drop, but he didn’t. He He is 16-3 this year with one title challenge to see how my level is then broke after two deuces on stayed in the match very, very in Acapulco. against him.” his way to winning the last three long, and I just couldn’t keep it “I didn’t play him before his Federer rallied from a 5-7, games of the two-hour, up anymore.” injuries, but his backhand was 2-4 deficit to win the final four 20-minute struggle. Federer hasn’t started a probably one of the things that games of the second set, breaking “That’s why he’s champion,” season so well since 2006, when was overlooked because the Coric twice for the first time in Coric said. he won his first 16 matches en forehand was so hard,” Raonic the match. Coric’s crosscourt forehand route to a 92-5 record. said. “But the backhand, I “It didn’t come easy, so I had was called out on match point. The Swiss superstar was remember when he won the US to go get it,” Federer said. He challenged the call and the playing a rare 11 a.m. match. Open, he could hit it crosscourt “You need to be match- line system showed it was just According to the ATP Tour, without any guys being able to tough, you need to be confident, wide of the sideline. Federer hadn’t played that early have the freedom of running have experience, and I think I “I was aggressive and I was since 2006. And it showed as he around or anything. He’s gotten have a bit of all of that right now, pushing him to the limits, but at sprayed errors all over the court that back quite a bit.”

A general view of the full stands during the semifinal match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Borna Coric of Croatia at BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Quotable Quotes

“Really I just woke up. It was early today. I had pasta at 9:15. It was yummy. I needed to fight a little bit to keep the ball in play. Borna was incredibly steady and was playing deep and hard shots. Borna was incredibly steady. Those 10 minutes when I was down a set and a break it was hard for me to accept. I got a bit lucky. It was a good match.” Roger Federer after beating Borna Coric

“I love to play against him (Roger Federer). Everybody was expecting that final, and I will try to enjoy the atmosphere on court. It was an easier match than I expected (against Milos Raonic). I’m healthy and that is the most important thing. I get on every court with a smile. I’m playing free of pain and am enjoying playing tennis again. I didn’t expect to play at this level after all my surgeries but I’m here and I’m so happy.” Juan Martin del Potro after his win over Milos Raonic ‘Shark’ Nibali wins Milan-San Remo classic AFP “When I knew I was 20 seconds But he has already won ‘Monument’ Italian Vincenzo Nibali of ahead I gave it the gas,” said the 33-year- classic races, notably the Tour of Lom- team Bahrain climbs the SAN REMO: Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali old, who still had almost 5km to ride. bardy. The 109th edition of the race, made a late solo break and held off a “I’m speechless.” which is the longest in the cycling cal- Poggio di San Remo during desperate chase from the pack to win “We were racing for (teammate) endar, started under the rain before the the 109th edition of the the first big classic of the season, the Sonny Colbrelli but in the last 15km, I felt sun came out with 60km to go. Milan - San Remo cycling Milan-San Remo. good and decided to go. This is the race But there were some high-profile race. Nibali won the race The 2014 Tour de France winner, I least expected to win, the one I’m least casualties with Britain’s Mark Cavendish, ahead of Australian Caleb nicknamed ‘The Shark’, shook off the suited to win,” said the man renowned the 2009 winner, and Germany’s Andre Ewan and France’s Arnaud sprint favourites on the Poggio hill 10km for his climbing and descent work. Greipel both suffering injuries in sep- Demare. from home in the 294km race through Ewan, who made an impressive last arate crashes. north-western Italy. thrust to try and catch Nibali, added: “I Cavendish hit a bollard and flew Nibali cruised to victory with his realise it’s a massive result but to come through the air before landing hard on arms aloft as Australian Caleb Ewan and so close to winning it’s a pretty big his back, 10km from the finish line. France’s Arnaud Demare led the chasing disappointment.” The stunned 32-year-old lay pack over the line a good bike length Three-time world champion Sagan motionless for some time and was later behind after the struggle that had gone eventually settled for sixth place as the taken to hospital in San Remo for tests to the wire. Slovak, who came second last year, once on his right hip. As Nibali pulled away on the final again failed to seal victory on his eighth This season has been crash-prone climb, pre-race favourite Peter Sagan attempt. for rider from the Isle of Man who came just watched him go, refusing to chase Defending champion Kwiatkowski a cropper on the Tour of Abu Dhabi in the Italian down after being pipped on of Poland finished in eleventh. February and again during the team a broken collarbone among other year’s Tour de France. The 28-year-old the line in 2017 by Michal Kwiatkowski Nibali’s victory ended Italy’s 12-year time-trial in last week’s injuries. His Lotto team manager Marc was controversially kicked off the Tour as the Sky man again sat on his wheel. wait for a first home winner since Filippo Tirreno-Adriatico. Sergeant said the German would miss for elbowing Cavendish and causing a At the summit Nibali led by just eight Pozzato in 2006. He had been uncertain to compete the upcoming northern classics. crash. seconds, but his sheer mastery on the The 33-year-old Sicilian is one of the in the Milan-San Remo until the last Meanwhile, the race marked the As a result governing body the UCI descent earned him a lead that allowed few riders to have won the three big minute. Greipel fell twice, the second debut of a video review system following is introducing video technology for all him to hope for victory. Tours -- Giro, Tour de France and Vuelta. time on the Poggio descent, and suffered the row over Sagan’s exclusion from last major races. MONDAY 19 MARCH 2018 SPORT 36

We’ve played really well in this 10.45PM 10:30AM tournament and to not win the FOOTBALL CRICKET final would have been unfor- Dinesh Karthik tunate. It was not that easy to Man-of-match of Doncaster Rovers vs Zimbabwe vs bat there. tri-series final Watford West Indies

Karthik’s last-ball six gifts India title AFP in the last 12 balls. Karthik then Rahman’s 50-ball 77 to post stepped up to clobber paceman 166-8 against a disciplined Indian COLOMBO: Wicketkeeper- Rubel Hossain for two sixes and bowling. batsman Dinesh Karthik hit a two fours as India took away 22 Leg-spinner Yuzvendra last-ball six in his blazing cameo runs in the 19th over to make the Chahal claimed three wickets to to help India edge out Bangladesh equation easy. rattle the Bangladesh batting early by four wickets and clinch the Rubel claimed two wickets in including the prized scalp of the Twenty20 tri-series title in his four overs. Earlier put into bat, in-form Mushfiqur Rahim for nine. Colombo yesterday. Bangladesh rode on Sabbir He returned figures of 3-18. Karthik hit 29 off just eight balls to get India past their SCOREBOARD 167-run target in a tense chase of Bangladesh Thakur 4-0-45-0 1w; Vijay Shankar 4-0-48 0-1w a dramatic final at the R. Pre- Tamim Iqbal c Shardul Thakur b Y Chahal ...15 India madasa Stadium. Liton Das c Suresh Raina b W Sundar ...... 11 Shikhar Dhawan c (Sub) b Shakib Al Hasan 10 Needing 12 to win off the last Sabbir Rahman b Jaydev Unadkat ...... 77 Rohit Sharma c Mahmudullah b N Islam ...... 56 over, India lost Vijay Shankar on Soumya Sarkar c S Dhawan b Y Chahal ...... 1 Suresh Raina c M Rahim b Rubel Hossain .....0 the penultimate ball but Karthik Mushfiqur Rahim c V Shankar b Y Chahal .....9 Lokesh Rahul c S Rahman b Rubel Hossain .24 Mahmudullah Run Out Vijay Shankar ...... 21 M Pandey c Sabbir Rahman b M Rahman ....28 held his nerve to hit Soumya Shakib Al Hasan Run Out Lokesh Rahul ...... 7 Vijay Shankar c Mehedi Hasan b S Sarkar ....17 Sarkar for six, triggering wild cel- Mehedi Hasan Not Out ...... 19 Dinesh Karthik (not out) ...... 29 ebrations in the dressing room. Rubel Hossain b Jaydev Unadkat ...... 0 Extras (2LB,2W) ...... 4 Skipper Rohit Sharma gave Mustafizur Rahman Not Out...... 0 Total (6wkts) ...... 168 the team a blazing start during Extras (2LB, 4W) ...... 6 Fall of Wickets: 1-32, 2-32, 3-83, 4-98, 5-133, 6-162 his 42-ball 56 but his wicket gave Total (8 wkts) ...... 166 Did not bat: Sundar, Thakur, Chahal, Unadkat Bangladesh hope of turning it Fall of Wickets: 1-27, 2-27, 3-33, 4-68, 5-104, 6-133, Bowling: Shakib Al Hasan 4-0-28 ; Mehedi Hasan 1-0- 7-147, 8-148 17-0; Rubel Hossain 4-0-35-2; Nazmul Islam 4-0-32-1 around. Number-five batsman Did not bat: Islam 1w; Mustafizur Rahman 4-1-21-1; Soumya Sarkar 3-0- Manish Pandey also made a Bowling: Jaydev Unadkat 4-0-33-2 2w; Washington 33-1 1w crucial 28 but returned to the Sundar 4-0-20-1; Yuzvendra Chahal 4-0-18-3; Shardul India’s team members pose with the Nidahas Twenty20 Tri-Series international cricket trophy at the pavilion with India requiring 34 end of the final at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday.

Morocco says Southampton reach FA Cup semis ready to host AFP Southampton’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scores their first “We have work to do in the WC 2026 in goal against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup quarter-final Premier League, but we will WIGAN: Mark Hughes enjoyed match at DW Stadium, Wigan, Britain, yesterday. enjoy this moment.” After a 14 stadiums the ideal start to his Southampton scrappy first half, Southampton reign as the struggling Premier took the lead in the 62nd AFP League club reached the FA Cup minute. semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Dusan Tadic’s corner was Wigan yesterday. stabbed goalwards by Hojbjerg CASABLANCA, MOROCCO: Hughes was hired as South- and Wigan’s Dan Burn couldn’t Morocco pushed its bid to ampton manager this week to react quick enough to clear off host the 2026 World Cup in replace the sacked Mauricio Pel- the line. the name of Africa despite legrino and the former Saints Manolo Gabbiadini had a tough competition from a striker had an immediate impact chance to double Southampton’s joint effort by the United on his new team. advantage in the 73rd minute States, Canada and Mexico. Hughes’ main goal is to help when he got past Burn and the Two days after officially Southampton preserve their top- Wigan centre-back brought him submitting Morocco’s bid flight status and they dropped down in the penalty area. book to FIFA, the head of the into the relegation zone on Sat- But Wigan goalkeeper bid committee Moulay Hafid urday as Crystal Palace won in Christian Walton plunged to his Elalamy outlined to the press the league while the Saints were left and pushed Gabbiadini’s the country’s readiness and preparing for their powerful spot-kick round the determination to host the quarter-final. post. game. Nevertheless, a trip to Wigan, FA Cup winners in “The dice has not been Wembley in the semi-finals could 2013, applied plenty of pressure cast...Morocco has all the provide a welcome tonic as the in the closing stages, but couldn’t chances,” he said. new manager tries to make his Wigan in the FA Cup this season. and Chelsea meeting in the last of the talent I have,” said Hughes, emulate their epic fifth round The North African presence felt. They achieved that aim quarter-final later on Sunday. who was sacked by Stoke earlier success against Premier League kingdom has pre-selected 12 It was essential Southampton thanks to second half goals from It will be Saints’ first this season. leaders City. cities to host the competition avoided following in the footsteps Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric appearance in the last four in 15 “They have lost a bit of con- In the first minute of and is proposing 14 stadiums. of Manchester City, West Ham Soares. years. fidence recently but they are stoppage-time, Southampton Casablanca, the economic and Bournemouth -- top-flight Southampton joined Tot- “It was an important day for good players. right back Soares surged into the hub of Morocco, and Mar- sides who had all perished tenham and Manchester United the players today. I have been “We stood up to Wigan. It was area before side-footing past rakesh, its tourist capital, will against third tier giant-killers in the semi-finals, with Leicester really impressed with the quality a statement of intent and a start. Walton. each have two stadiums, while the others will be spread around the country. The largest stadium will be in Tangiers and have a 93,000-seat capacity. Icardi breaks goal drought by scoring four The “pillars” of the Moroccan bid are the “time AFP goals and then I just kept going,” “It was very important to get Despite missing four games with a come-from-behind 3-2 zones”, which is in GMT, that said Icardi. points,” said Icardi. through injury this season, he has win over Chievo in the San Siro will allow many fans in the ROME: Captain Mauro Icardi “It was a fine performance “We showed a lot of sacrifice scored 22 goals in the Italian to consolidate sixth position -- regions providing most teams scored four times to break from the whole team and we got and team spirit to get a draw league. five points off the Champions to the contest to watch the through the 100-goal mark in three very important points, against Napoli, but with this win Sampdoria -- who were League spots. games in real time, said Serie A as Inter Milan returned to which are more important than we can rest over the break and beaten 4-1 by Crotone last week After their Europa League Elalamy, who is also the top four with a 5-0 rout of the goals.” prepare to begin again with the -- drop to eighth place six points exit to Arsenal, Gennaro Gattuso’s Morocco’s minister of Sampdoria yesterday, while AS After holding title-chasing right attitude.” off the Europa League berths. side were in battling mood industry. He also noted that Roma consolidated third place Napoli to a goalless draw, Ivan Perisic headed in the In Calabria, Roma followed opening their account after ten Morocco offers visa-free with a 2-0 win over Crotone. Luciano Spalletti’s side showed first after 26 minutes in Genoa on their from a 4-2 win over minutes when Hakan Calhanoglu entrance to citizens of 70 Icardi, the 25-year-old they were back in the race for a before Icardi stole the show, Napoli and booking their spot in finished off a Franck Kessie cross. countries and that the dis- Argentina international, who had Champions League spot. slotting in a penalty for a century the Champions League quarter- But Chievo pulled ahead with two tances between stadium is been sidelined for a month with Inter are now four points of Serie A goals after half an hour. finals with a third league win on quick fire goals from Mariusz relatively short, allowing fans injury, broke the century after behind AS Roma whose third was Just a minute later he grabbed the trot. Stepinski and Roberto Inglese just to move freely from one to scoring his first goals since consolidated by a 2-0 win at a second with a back-heel kick El Shaarawy latched onto an after the half hour mark. Rising the other. January. Crotone thanks to goals in either which caught Sampdoria goal- Aleksandar Kolarov cross to open star Patrick Cutrone -- who has Morocco is passionate His four-goal haul included half from Stephan El Shaarawy keeper Viviano off guard and the scoring after 39 minutes with just earned his first senior call-up about football and considers three in 14 minutes against his and Radja Nainggolan. added a third just before Nainggolan sealing on 70 minutes for Italy -- hit Milan’s second the 2026 World Cup a former club. But Lazio could move back half-time. to condemn Crotone to their third when he finished off a rebound “national cause”. Icardi now has 103 goals in into fourth place, the final spot The fourth goal came after loss in four matches. on 54 minutes with Portuguese “For us football is every- Serie A -- 93 with Inter and ten for elite European football next the restart, bouncing off the - AC Milan bounce back - Andre Silva again scoring the where, in the countryside, in with Sampdoria. season, when they host Bologna ground to fly over a helpless AC Milan extended their winner after Genoa last week the cities, with a ball, a piece “I really wanted to reach 100 later on Sunday. Viviano. unbeaten league run to ten games eight minutes from time. of cloth,” Elalamy.