NNBABA | Page 5 SSPOTLIGHTPOTLIGHT | Page 7 Doncic’s 31 N. Korea points lead to skip Tokyo Mavs past Olympics over Utah Jazz virus fears

Wednesday, April 7, 2021 FOOTBALL Sha’aban 25, 1442 AH PSG not out for GULF TIMES revenge against Bayern: Pochettino SPORT Page 3 FOCUS SC chief al-Thawadi: Sport has the ‘unique power’ to change the world for good

By Sports Reporter it possesses a unique power to unify impact the lives of a million people by Al-Thawadi said the ongoing pan- Doha and inspire. A power that we must 2022, he said. demic has only strengthened the re- collectively harness to nurture inclu- “By 2022, we aim to impact a mil- solve of the programme to improve sive and peaceful society,” al-Thawa- lion young people providing the nec- lives of communities through sport. port can change the world di said. essary tools, guidance and assistance “It’s our collective responsibility for good with its ‘unique He added that the Supreme Com- to realise their potential through to lay the foundation for our future power’ to unify people and mittee’s Generation Amazing initia- serving their communities. generations to realise their dreams, inspire change, HE Hassan tive has achieved enormous success “Our Generation Amazing com- especially as we navigate the legacy al-Thawadi,S Secretary-General of across the world towards uniting so- munity clubs are safe spaces for girls effects of the pandemic,” he said. the Supreme Committee for Delivery cieties through football. and boys in vulnerable communities “We must all reinforce our com- & Legacy has said in a video message. “On this United Nations Interna- to learn, play and acquire skills that mitment to ensuring that sport’s Al-Thawadi was speaking yester- tional Day of Sport for Development open new opportunities and unlock special power and potential is truly day on the occasion of the Interna- and Peace, we celebrate the success their potential. utilised to improving lives across cul- tional Day of Sport for Development of our social and human legacy pro- “Our football for development tures and borders for the children of and Peace, an annual celebration of gramme Generation Amazing, he coaching methodology serves the today and tomorrow.” the power of sport to drive social said. ambitious mission for the sustainable Created by the United Nations change, community development “Driven by that unifying and in- development goals and we continue General Assembly on August 23, 2013, and to foster peace and understand- spiring mission, Generation Amazing to work closely with our counterparts the International Day of Sport for ing. has reached over 725,000 beneficiar- at the United Nations on creating and Development and Peace is supported “Every day, somewhere on this ies around the world through football leveraging initiatives aimed at pre- by the International Olympic Com- planet sport is changing our world for for development programmes and venting the causes of violent extrem- mittee and commemorates the inau- the better. It’s a universal language, community pitches.” ism through sport and the values as- guration, in 1896, of the first Olympic transcending culture and borders and The programme aims to positively sociated with it. games of the modern era, in Athens.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Vinicius double puts Real Madrid on top vs Liverpool Jurgen Klopp will know his side have it all to do to avoid his team’s season becoming solely about scraping into the Premier League’s top four

AFP Madrid

inicius Junior scored twice as Real Madrid made Liver- pool pay for more defensive errors yesterday, a 3-1 victo- ryV putting them in sight of the Cham- pions League semi-finals. Vinicius and Marco Asensio both profited in the first half after dart- ing behind Liverpool’s makeshift back-line before a simple move from a throw-in gave Vinicius a simple fin- ish in the second. Mohamed Salah’s strike shortly af- ter the interval briefly made it a con- test at Valdebebas, with an away goal certainly a significant consolation for Liverpool to take into the second leg at Anfield next week. But without fans and with a mis- erable recent record at home, Jurgen Klopp will know his side have it all to do to avoid his team’s season be- Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne scores against Borussia Dortmund in Manchester yesterday. coming solely about scraping into the Premier League’s top four. SPOTLIGHT Except for two spells after half- time and at the finish, when their op- ponents were holding on to what they had, Liverpool were overpowered by Manchester City edge Dortmund Real Madrid, whose only disappoint- ment might be missing out on a clear- Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior celebrates scoring their third goal with Casemiro at er margin ahead of the return in eight the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in Madrid yesterday. with last-gasp Foden winner days’ time. Before then, they go up against insisted there was no desire for re- The excellent Toni Kroos was Reuters lead with a classic counter- of things again when City the price for their unchar- Barcelona on Saturday and this re- venge in the minds of his players. given space at the base of midfield Manchester attacking move fi nished off keeper Ederson hesitated acteristic lack of precision sult, their fifth consecutive victory, They could have done with some to dictate the tempo and it was a by Kevin De Bruyne after and Dortmund’s Jude Bell- in front of goal when Dort- should be another huge boost to mo- extra fi re because Madrid were supe- pair of arrowed balls forward from Dortmund’s former Liver- ingham nipped in and slot- mund struck six minutes be- rale going into what will be a crucial rior in the fi rst half, more controlled in the German that put Madrid in anchester City’s pool midfi elder Emre Can ted the ball into the net but fore the end. fixture in La Liga’s title race. possession and more aggressive out of charge. Phil Foden had given the ball away on the 17-year-old was harshly Haaland’s clever pass on Madrid were without Sergio Ra- it. Liverpool seemed caught between The first he fired between Alexan- grabbed a last- the halfway line. ruled to have fouled the the half-turn found Marco mos, who throughout was bellowing trying to match Madrid’s intensity and der-Arnold and Nat Phillips for the minute winner Pep Guardiola’s City side Brazilian. Ederson came to Reus, who had timed his run at his team from the stands, while slowing the game down to gain a foot- scampering Vinicius, who did bril- asM they beat Borussia Dort- then had a penalty awarded City’s rescue early in the perfectly and beat Ederson Raphael Varane testing positive for hold. In the end they did neither, as liantly to chest the ball beyond his mund 2-1 in their Cham- but correctly overturned by second half, saving from with a composed fi nish. Covid-19 on Tuesday morning meant the openings came early. Luka Modric opponents and shoot low into the pions League quarter-fi nal VAR after a challenge by Can Erling Haaland with an out- But then Foden, who had both sides were fielding patched-up wanted a penalty afer being clipped just Liverpool net. Seven minutes later, fi rst leg yesterday after on Rodri and Dortmund, bu- stretched foot as the German been wasteful twice in the back fours. The last time these two outside the box and Trent Alexander- Kroos did it again, this time locat- Marco Reus had netted a late oyed by the reprieve, found side continued to cause City second half, made amends clubs met, Ramos dislocated Salah’s Arnold was beaten too easily by Ferland ing Asensio, who lifted over Alisson equaliser for the German some attacking verve. problems. with a clinical fi nish from shoulder and Madrid went on to win Mendy, whose cross was headed just Becker to leave himself with an open visitors. Romanian referee Ovidiu City had several chances close range after being set up their 13th European Cup but Klopp wide by Vinicius. net. City took a 19th minute Hategan was at the centre to extend their lead and paid by Ilkay Gundogan. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 7, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Gharafa face AGMK, seek AFC Champions League group stage place AFC Whereas the Qatar Stars League is short, losing 5-4 on aggregate. Doha two matchdays away from conclusion, That 2010 Round of 16 game was the AGMK’s domestic season has just be- last of three matches Al Gharafa played Al Gharafa’s head coach gun, and they fi nd themselves in fourth against Uzbek opponents, all being atar’s Al Gharafa host Uz- Slavisa Jokanovic at a press place with seven points collected from against Pakhtakor. The two sides had bekistan side AGMK in the conference yesterday. their opening four matches. been drawn in the same group in 2008 playoff today for a place in Starting the season with an im- with the spoils shared in a 2-2 draw the AFC Champions League portant win over Lokomotiv, AGMK in Doha and Pakhtakor emerging 2-0 groupQ stage. For Al Gharafa, victory on dropped four points from their next winners in Tashkent. home soil would signal a return to the two games, drawing away to Nasaf and Al Gharafa’s rally to third place last group stage for the fi rst time since 2018 losing 3-0 at home to Pakhtakor, but season was propelled by the partner- for a club that once appeared in fi ve they bounced back with a win over PFC ship of Qatari international Ahmed consecutive editions of the AFC Cham- Navbahor to lift their morale ahead of Alaeldin and Ivorian striker Jonathan pions League. the continental clash. Kodjia. The pair combined to score 17 AGMK qualifi ed for the 2021 AFC Al Gharafa were perennial AFC league goals in 2019-20 and have been Champions League playoff after fi n- Champions League participants in equally as infl uential this campaign. ishing third in last season’s Uzbekistan their heyday in the second half of the Growing into his creative role at the Super League. Should they come away 2000s, appearing in all but one edition club is Korea Republic midfi elder Koo from Suheim bin Hamad Stadium between 2006 and 2012. However, they Ja-cheol who will be looking to chan- with a win, they would join Pakhta- found success in the competition dif- nel his experience of nearly a decade kor, Bunyodkor, Lokomotiv, Nasaf and fi cult to come by, progressing past the in European football spent in Germany Neftchi Fergana as clubs that have rep- group stage on only one occasion. to support his team’s cause in the AFC resented Uzbekistan in the competi- The Qataris best campaign was the Champions League. tion. 2010 AFC Champions League. Back Navigating unmapped territory, Al Gharafa qualifi ed for the playoff then, they topped Group A and found AGMK can call on the talents of a trio after fi nishing fourth in the 2019-20 themselves facing Uzbek opponents in of foreign players. Ukrainian forward Qatar Stars League. Since then, their Pakhtakor in the Round of 16. Clemer- Aleksandar Kasyan was recruited at form has dipped slightly and they cur- son Araujo’s goal was the diff erence as the start of the season after impress- rently fi nd themselves sixth in the Al Gharafa advanced into the quarter- ing for fellow Uzbek side Surkhon Ter- league table, but AFC Champions fi nals where they came close to revers- mez. He is joined by combative Serbian League qualifi cation hopes remain alive in third with two games to go. A major cent form heading into the AGMK tie. lost their last three league games and ing a 3-0 fi rst-leg defeat against Al Hi- midfi elder Jovan Dokic and fl amboyant as they sit four points behind Al Rayyan concern for the Qataris will be their re- Head coach Slavisa Jokanovic’s men have just one win in their last six. lal of Saudi Arabia, but ultimately fell Dutch winger Alvin Fortis.

QNB STARS LEAGUE ROUND-UP Coutinho to miss Copa America, Cazorla’s penalty helps says Brazil doctor arcelona midfi elder Philippe Coutinho will not play for Brazil Al Sadd beat Al Rayyan at this year’s Copa AmericaB after undergoing another knee surgery, according Al Ahli were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Qatar SC in a match which was significant for both sides to national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar. “I can say that he will By Sports Reporter during the hotly-contested match. not recover in time for the Copa Doha Following the draw, Al Ahli are fourth America,” Lasmar said. with 33 points, while Qatar SC are a Coutinho, 28, underwent point behind in fi fth with just one round surgery in early January to repair anti Cazorla’s penalty ensured remaining in the league. a torn meniscus and had another Al Sadd remained unbeaten in Qatar SC’s Nasir Peer did well to enter operation Monday on the same the QNB Stars League with a 2-1 the box soon after the kick-off , but he left knee. Barcelona did not win over Al Rayyan at the Jassim got little support from team-mates as reveal how much time he would BinS Hamad Stadium yesterday. Al Ahli defenders were in place to fend miss, but Lasmar eff ectively The runaway champions took the lead off the attack. Nabil El Zhar responded ruled him out for the rest of through prolifi c Baghdad Bounedjah for Al Ahli by racing into opposition’s the season. “He was already in the fourth minute before Yohan Boli area before being trapped by Nasir and operated on twice in Barcelona, scored the equaliser for Rayyan in the Bashar. but a new surgery was needed 28th minute. Rayyan’s hopes of a rare Qatar SC’s Elmehdi Barrahma re- to remove a cyst,” the doctor victory against Sadd were dashed af- ceived the fi rst yellow card of the match explained. Coutinho returned ter Spanish star Cazorla converted a for a dangerous tackle against Nasser to Barcelona at the start of the penalty in the 66th minute, which was Saleh al-Khalfan in the 15th minute. season following a year-long awarded to the Wolves after Ali Asad Al Ahli took charge from then on and loan at Bayern Munich. was fouled by Frank Kom. made attempts through Abdulrasheed He scored three goals in 14 With this victory, Sadd have 57 points and Nasser Saleh, whose shot was su- games under Ronald Koeman with just one match remaining in the perbly saved by Qatar SC goalkeeper before the injury. He started season. Rayyan, meanwhile, stay third Jassim al-Hail with a dive on his right. every game for Brazil as they with 34th points, just one point ahead A long-range shot from captain Omid won the 2019 Copa America at of Al Ahli and two more than Qatar SC. Ebrahimi hit the upright. home. The 2020 edition was Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez said: Al Ahli were fi nally rewarded for their pushed back by a year due to the “We played an amazing and wonderful eff orts fi ve minutes before half-time, Covid-19 pandemic and will be match. We won against a good team and with Abdulrasheed’s angular shot from held in Colombia and Argentina we deserved it. We we also deserved to the right fi nding the target, leaving no from June 13 to July 10. score more goals. It was a great game chance for al-Hail. Nasser Khalfan as- for us, both defensively and off ensively. sisted in the goal with a superbly-placed UEFA SUSPENDS KUDELA The diffi culty is we have won the league pass in the presence of many defenders. FOR ARSENAL GAME AFTER and are still playing hard. Winning and In stoppage time of the fi rst half, RACISM ALLEGATION enjoying game is the mentality of Al referee Saoud Ali al-Athba overturned Al Sadd’s Santi Cazorla (centre) and Al Rayyan’s Frank Kom vie for the ball during the QNB Stars League match yesterday. UEFA yesterday handed Slavia Sadd players, which makes me proud. his decision of a red card to Qatar SC’s Prague’s Ondrej Kudela a pro- Our goal is still to end the league com- Youcef Belaili for hitting Ali Ghaderi, visional one-match suspension petition without losing.” following consultation with VAR. Both over alleged racism, ruling the In another match, Al Duhail were were cautioned after Ghaderi was found centre-back out of tomorrow’s held to a 1-1 draw by Al Khor at the Ha- guilty of pulling Belaili fi rst. Europa League quarter-fi nal mad bin Khalifa stadium. Dudu opened Belaili’s shot on target was picked fi rst leg at Arsenal. Rangers the scoring for Duhail in the 49th comfortably by Al Ahli keeper Yazan midfi elder Glen Kamara accused minute, but Greek midfi elder Ioannis Naim as Qatar SC pushed for an equal- Kudela of racially abusing him Fetfatzidis gave Al Khor a valuable point iser after the match was resumed. Fol- during the teams’ last-16 tie at by converting a penalty in the 65th lowing the red card to Ceballos, Al Ahli Ibrox last month. minute. Duhail have already assured looked to double their lead and a bril- Kudela, already sidelined second place, but the relegation threat liant eff ort by Nasser Saleh was well- for the visit to Arsenal through still hangs over Al Khor. They are in 11th blocked by the goalkeeper. injury, is being investigated by place with 16 points, two behind Umm The depleted Qatar SC were also rac- European football’s governing Salal, who take on Al Sailiya today. ing well in Al Ahli’s box, but they were body and Police Scotland over Earlier, Al Ahli were held to a 1-1 draw missing execution until Bashar levelled the incident. Slavia, who won by 10-man Qatar SC in a match which the score for them. In a move from the 3-1 on aggregate to advance to was signifi cant for both side’s top four right fl ank initiated by Belaili, Hamed the quarter-fi nals, have denied hopes. Bashar Resan (74th minute) lev- Ismail, with a back pass, set up Beshar, the claims, instead saying they elled the score for Qatar SC after Abdul- who made no mistake with a hit from would fi le a criminal complaint rasheed Ibrahim (40th minute) had put just inside the box. against Kamara for allegedly at- Al Ahli ahead. There were more exchanges late tacking Kudela after the game. Qatar SC were reduced to 10 men on into the match and substitute Hazem UEFA that following an initial the hour mark after Cristian Ceballos Ahmed missed a golden chance to score investigation “proceedings have was sent off for kicking Hernan Perez on the winner for Al Ahli in the last minute been opened” against Kudela, as his chest while vying for ball possession as both sides split points. Al Ahli’s Abdulrasheed Umaru (right) scores against Qatar SC yesterday. well as Kamara.

CADIZ PLAYER CALA RAILS AT ‘WITCH-HUNT’ OVER ALLEGED RACIST INSULT

Madrid: Juan Cala has fiercely denied team in Spain to walk off the pitch have all seen my reaction.” ence by saying he had been “forced to Cala also said he was “astonished him that Cala had racially insulted racially insulting Valencia’s Mouctar during a match in protest against Diakhaby also claimed a Cadiz play- appear”. He denied racially insulting and embarrassed” when Valencia left him but none of the refereeing team Diakhaby during Sunday’s La Liga racist abuse. Valencia’s players left the er asked if Valencia would return to the Diakhaby, claiming he told the French- the pitch and said a number of times, heard it. Valencia released a video on game against Cadiz, insisting he has field in the 29th minute of the game pitch if Cala agreed to apologise. “My man: “Leave me alone.” “there is no racism in Spanish football”. Monday afternoon of first-team players been a victim of a “circus” and a “witch- against Cadiz before returning around teammates and I said no, that there are “I never said it,” Cala said. “Every- “There are black players on all teams, and staff standing behind Diakhaby hunt”. Cala gave a press conference 15 minutes later to resume but without things you can’t just apologise for and thing he says is false. If there was a they are all super-integrated,” he said. on the club’s training pitch in a show yesterday afternoon, during which he Diakhaby, who was substituted. let it pass,” Diakhaby said. Cadiz player that said I would apolo- If Cala is found guilty, Cadiz could be of support. Valencia coach Javi Gracia defended himself against accusations The club initially said the team Valencia reacted angrily to Cala’s gise, I will quit football. This is a media sanctioned, while the club have also and defender Jose Luis Gaya both said he racially insulted Diakhaby. returned at the request of Diakhaby press conference, releasing a state- witch-hunt.” raised the possibility of punishing Cala the team were told in the changing He also threatened to sue anyone but later shifted the emphasis, insisting ment later entitled: “Juan Cala, we “Either he made it up or he under- themselves. “Anyone guilty of such an rooms they would be punished if they making the allegations and when they were “forced” to continue under don’t believe you.” The statement said stood something else when I said off ence, whether or not they belong to did not resume. asked if he would also take legal action threat of punishment and a points the club were “deeply saddened” by ‘Leave me alone’,” Cala continued. “I our team, must be punished,” a club “In the changing rooms we were told against Diakhaby, Cala said: “That is penalty. Earlier, Diakhaby spoke for the Cala’s response and added he had will take legal action against all the statement read on Sunday. if we didn’t return, we would be sanc- something for my lawyer. What I can first time about the incident through a “missed a great opportunity to accept people who have tried to discredit me. La Liga president Javier Tebas tioned,” said Gracia. “We went back tell you is I will defend my honour.” video posted on social media. He said: his mistake and apologise”. There are two victims here: a player confirmed on Monday an investigation out to play because they told us they La Liga are investigating the inci- “A player (racially) insulted me... That is Cala had not spoken publicly since who is accused and another who be- has begun. Referee David Medie wrote could penalise us with three points and dent, with Valencia the first top-flight intolerable, I cannot allow that and you the game and began his press confer- lieves he is the victim of a racist insult.” in his match report that Diakhaby told something more,” said Gaya. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 7, 2021 3 SPORT

NABEEL AL RAYYAN AND SAFIRA AL DOHUL ARE CHAMPION STALLION AND MARE

Ahmed Salem al-Ali, Director of Programs of Daam, with the winners of the Senior Stallions Championship HE Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani crowned the winners of the Senior Mares Championship after Al Nawasi Stud’s Safira Al Dohul after Al Marroona Stud’s Nabeel Al Rayyan won gold, ahead of second-placed Mountaser Laff an of Jassim won gold yesterday. Al Hazm Stud’s Al Johara Al Waab and Abdulla Saed Mohamed al-Hajri’s Shahrazad Al Waab won silver and bronze Kayed al-Muhannadi and third-placed Masrour Al Waab of Abdulla Saed al-Hajri at 6th Qatar National respectively. The two-day competition saw participation of almost 200 horses. Arabian Peninsula Horse Show at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, Member of Qatar Foundation, yesterday.

 Omran Mohamed Darwish, QREC PR & External Communication Director, with the winners of the Junior Fillies Championship after Al Sraiya Stud’s Rayana Alsraiya won gold. Al Jaham Stud’s Bedayat Ibn Salamah and Abdulla Jassim al-Buainain’s Farha Ainain won silver and bronze respectively. Ebrahiim Yusuf al-Romaihi’s Mutabahi Al Waab won gold in the Yearling Colts Championship, while Nasser Abdulla al-Mansouri’s Dhuha Al Waab topped Yearling Fillies Al Sraiya Stud owner Rashid al-Kaabi with the winners of the Junior Colts Championship after Mohamed Jassim Championship. al-Kuwari’s AUF Al Shaqab won ahead of Jathab Arabians’ Laheeb Jathab and Ali Salleh al-Marri’s Hadban Al Furat.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Porto coach Conceicao not fooled by Chelsea Pochettino says PSG thrashing by West Brom

Reuters not out for revenge Seville orto coach Sergio Conceicao said he is uneasy about fac- ing Chelsea in today’s ChampionsP League quarter-fi nal against Bayern fi rst leg so soon after they en- dured a shock 5-2 defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion. Sat- ‘Revenge exists in sport but for us it’s more of a challenge to beat such a strong team’ urday’s thumping at the hands of relegation-fi ghting West Brom was Chelsea’s fi rst defeat in 15 games in all competitions under Thomas Tuchel. It was all the more surpris- ing as the Blues had conceded only twice in their previous 14 games. “I wished they had won the last game rather than lost,” Conceicao told a news confer- ence. “A defeat like that serves as a warning, it sets the alarm have prepared (for) the game bells off and makes everyone well,” he said. “If we keep believ- more alert to danger. Chelsea had ing in the work we’re doing and been very strong until this game, follow what the coach tells us, they have the second-best de- we’ll have a great chance of get- fence in the Champions League ting through.” and are a strong side. Their last Meanwhile, Chelsea manager game barely formed part of our Thomas Tuchel praised defender analysis of them, I’m more fo- Antonio Rudiger and goalkeeper cused on what they did against Kepa Arrizabalaga for burying Atletico Madrid in the Champi- the hatchet after the pair were ons League, for example. Chelsea involved in a training ground have several strengths that will bust-up on Sunday. be a real challenge for us to over- German defender Rudiger was come.” sent to the changing rooms af- The fi rst leg is Porto’s “home” ter he clashed with the Spanish From Left: Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Angel Di Maria and Mitchel Bakker joke during a training session in Munich yesterday. (AFP) game in the tie, although both goalkeeper following a late chal- matches are being played in Spain lenge, with the two having to be AFP Bayern have cruised to this stage of the at Seville’s Estadio Sanchez Piz- separated by teammates. Munich competition and are on course to win the Gnabry out of PSG clash with Covid-19 juan due to restrictions on travel Tuchel said that the incident German Bundesliga for the ninth season between Portugal and England. was serious but that Rudiger and running, but their prospects of beating Munich: Holders Bayern Munich, who Arena after picking up an injury on Conceicao’s side knocked out Kepa would not be punished. aris Saint-Germain coach Mau- PSG appear compromised after leading already have top-scorer Robert Lewand- Sunday in training. With Gabry out, his Juventus in the last 16 on away “We calmed the situation imme- ricio Pochettino insists last scorer Robert Lewandowski was ruled out owski sidelined by injury, will also be Germany team-mate Leroy Sane is set goals, and the coach described diately. They can happen because year’s fi nal defeat at the hands of of the tie with a knee injury. without Covid-19 case Serge Gnabry to play on the flanks along with Kingsley Chelsea as a similar calibre of everyone is competitive in train- Bayern Munich will not feature in German international winger Serge when they face Paris Saint Germain in Coman, whose header last August club to the Serie A champions. ing,” Tuchel said. “They cleared Phis pre-match team talk when the teams Gnabry is also set to miss both legs after today’s repeat of the 2020 Champions sealed a 1-0 win over PSG in the 2020 “They are two of the best the air and there was nothing clash again in the last eight of this sea- testing positive for Covid-19. However League final. Champions League final. teams in the world with players left afterwards. They solved it in son’s competition today. PSG, who are three points behind leaders Gnabry “has tested positive for the While the French giants may be that need no introduction, but an honest and humble way... For “Honestly it is not a reference point for Lille in Ligue 1, are also missing several coronavirus. The FC Bayern forward motivated to avenge that defeat in we’re prepared,” he said. “We’re this situation, there will be no us. We were not there, we were just spec- players, with Marco Verratti absent with is okay and isolating at home,” the Lisbon, Flick played down the element a historic club who can beat any- punishment.” tators. I don’t think that one-off game has Covid-19 and the likes of Mauro Icardi, club said in a statement ahead of the of a rematch with Mauricio Pochettino one with our spirit and quality, The German insisted there much to do with this two-legged quarter- Leandro Paredes, Layvin Kurzawa and quarter-final, first leg at home with the having since replaced Thomas Tuchel as even though we don’t have the was no panic heading into match fi nal,” Pochettino told reporters from Alessandro Florenzi also sidelined. return in Paris next Tuesday. Earlier, PSG’s head coach. “For Paris maybe, but money they do.” against FC Porto. “We got a big Munich. “Revenge exists in sport but for “We live in a diffi cult world with this Bayern head coach Hansi Flick had said not for us. It’s a new game, a new team Porto will have to make do to- slap in the face, and it was re- us it’s more of a challenge to beat such a virus and with injuries. For every coach- Gnabry was suff ering from a sore throat and Paris has a new coach,” Flick said day without Iranian striker Me- quired to remind us how tough strong team, maybe the best in the world. ing team, the best quality you can have is before the Covid confirmation. succinctly. Nevertheless there is plenty hdi Taremi, who was sent off in it is to keep winning,” he added. It’s a source of motivation,” he added. the ability to adapt and we will adapt to The 25-year-old had already con- of respect from the Bayern camp for the second leg against Juve, plus “I have the feeling we can over- The Argentine was appointed by the these absences,” insisted Pochettino. tracted the virus last October. His latest PSG, whose line-up boasts the talent of Portuguese midfi elder Sergio Ol- come Porto but it will be tough. French champions along with his back- Meanwhile the former Tottenham Hot- positive test leaves Bayern without two Brazil superstar Neymar and France for- iveira, who scored both strikes in They are very experienced, but room staff in January to succeed Tho- spur coach said Neymar was feeling no ill key forwards for both legs against PSG. ward Kylian Mbappe. Everyone knows that game and is also suspended. we are strong enough and believe mas Tuchel, who oversaw their narrow eff ects from his late sending-off against Lewandowski, voted FIFA’s best male “what attacking power they have, with Team captain Pepe also em- in ourselves.” 1-0 defeat against Bayern behind closed Lille at the weekend in his fi rst start in a player of 2020, is out with a knee injury players like Neymar or Mbappe who can phasised his side’s underdog sta- Tuchel confi rmed winger doors in Lisbon last August. “Bayern are month and a half after injury. “After six after scoring 42 goals for Bayern this decide a game at any time,” said Bayern tus but was confi dent they could Christian Pulisic was in the the European and world champions and weeks he has started to play again. On season including five in the Champions board member and former club captain beat Chelsea. “Their squad is squad after suff ering a hamstring have shown they are the best team in Eu- Saturday he was very excited to play, but League. Flick said midfielder Marc Roca Oliver Kahn. “They are an absolute top worth around 700mn euros but scare against West Brom, while rope just now so the challenge of beating of course he’s a very emotional player,” will also miss the first leg at the Allianz opponent.” that won’t be felt on the pitch. midfi elder N’Golo Kante is only them motivates us,” Pochettino added. Pochettino said. They have great players, but we fi t enough to make the bench. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 7, 2021 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Maradona lawyer blasts star’s daughters over inheritance Barcelona edge closer to dispute Buenos Aires: Diego Marado- na’s former lawyer has hit back at the late Argentine football legend’s daughters after his off ices were raided by anti- fraud police, accusing them of Atletico aft er Dembele abandoning their father. Matias Morla and two of Maradona’s daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, are embroiled in an inheritance dispute over Maradona’s brand and image rights. “Maradona was aban- winner against Valladolid doned, that’s clear. He died alone, apart from the sisters with whom he spoke every day ‘We have shown that without playing well, we are capable of winning games’ and (his ex-girlfriend) Veronica Ojeda, who went to see him AFP with Dieguito Fernando, his Madrid son,” Morla told America TV on Monday night. Morla’s off ices were raided usmane Dembele volleyed in a on Monday as part of an in- 90th-minute winner against vestigation launched after Real Valladolid on Monday Dalma and Gianinna made a night to fi re Barcelona to complaint against the lawyer withinO a point of Atletico Madrid ahead on March 12 for fraudulent of next weekend’s Clasico in La Liga. administration and fraud. Barca looked set for a damaging The two daughters asked for stalemate at Camp Nou after Atletico’s an investigation into the use defeat by Sevilla on Saturday but Val- of the Maradona brand by a ladolid had Oscar Plano harshly sent company called Sattvica that is off with 12 minutes left and Dembele owned by Morla. snatched a 1-0 victory. His strike could They accused Morla of “be- prove a crucial moment in the Span- trayal, dishonesty and abuse” ish title race, with Barca now breathing in his management of Mara- down Atletico’s necks ahead of Satur- dona’s brand and image rights day’s meeting with Real Madrid, who after the star’s death. Sattvica are three points off the top. is currently barred from using If Ronald Koeman’s men win at Val- the brand. But Morla fired back debebas, they will claim fi rst place for at his accusers, suggesting the 24 hours at least, before a depleted and issue was really about money. defl ated Atletico play away at Real Betis “Diego said: ‘The Maradona on Sunday. They will have to play better brand will look after my sisters, after being frustrated by a determined the image will look after my Valladolid side, with Lionel Messi deliv- heirs’,” said Morla, adding that ering some fi rm words to his teammates the 1986 World Cup winning in the tunnel at half-time. “We have to captain submitted a signed step it up a gear, we have to play with document to that eff ect with a more rhythm,” Messi said. “If not it’s Dubai court in 2015 or 2016. going to get complicated for us.” Dalma and Gianinna “don’t It might have been more complicated like me because in 2014 we had Plano not been shown a red card in took away their credit cards,” the 78th minute, his hack on Dembele added Morla, who has locked from behind giving Barca a crucial ad- horns with the two daughters vantage for the fi nal stages. for years. Maradona died of “We struggled in the fi rst half, to cre- a heart attack on November ate scoring opportunities in attack, and 25 aged 60 while recovering also at the back, our pressing was not from an operation to remove a very good,” said Koeman. “I saw a Barca blood clot from his head. that was a little slow, tired, we did not In a separate investigation, have control of the game. In the second authorities are looking into the half we have improved. We have shown health treatment he received that without playing well, we are capa- Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Real Valladolid in the La Liga at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. (AFP) to determine whether there ble of winning games.” was any neglect or malprac- Victory makes it six in a row for them To mark Messi breaking Xavi Hern- struck the bar. Dembele broke through who held his run but could not fi nish Sergio Busquets and Oscar Mingueza. tice. Maradona had battled in La Liga, another win — particularly andez’s appearance record for the club, and dragged back for Messi, whose shot before the leaping Antoine Griezmann But Barca’s biggest boost came 12 cocaine and alcohol addic- after an unconvincing performance — he was presented with a framed shirt was blocked, while Pedri’s long-range headed the rebound wide. minutes from the end, when Plano was tions during his life. He was enhancing the sense that momentum before kick-off , which he accepted with eff ort fi zzed through and came back off Barcelona looked more dangerous on sent off for chasing Dembele back and suff ering from liver, kidney and now lies with Atletico’s rivals. Defeat his family on the pitch. Messi passed the post. the break than in possession and they tripping the Frenchman from behind. cardiovascular disorders when also compounded what Valladolid coach Xavi’s previous record of 767 appear- But Barcelona were fl at, their pass- were lucky to escape a penalty when A yellow card seemed the more obvi- he died. Maradona is an idol to Sergio admitted on Sunday had already ances last month, with this his 769th. ing predictable and there was concern Oscar Plano poked the ball onto the out- ous decision. Trincao went close and millions of Argentines after he been a “s***** week” after fi ve of his Valladolid were not just able to com- in Messi’s voice when he told his team- stretched hand of Jordi Alba. Koeman the winner came in the last minute as inspired the South American players tested positive for Covid-19, pete in the fi rst half, they were prob- mates to fi nd a diff erent gear in the sec- made three changes shortly after, Mar- Frenkie de Jong’s cross was fl icked to country to only their second leaving him without 12 players, with six ably the better side and could have ond half. Valladolid were almost undone tin Braithwaite, Francisco Trincao and the back post by Ronald Aruajo. Dem- World Cup triumph in 1986. others injured and one more suspended. led when Kenan Kodro’s early header by a Messi through ball for Dembele, Ronald Araujo replacing Griezmann, bele was free and lashed into the corner.

FOCUS PREMIER LEAGUE Asian Champions Lingard lift s West Ham into fourth aft er Wolves win AFP 100th goal in European football. Dominic League for women London Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison were de- nied by Vicente Guaita with the chance to seal the points. to kick off in 2023 esse Lingard inspired West Ham And that proved costly as Everton ul- to a thrilling 3-2 win at Wolves to timately dropped points for the seventh AFP ganised the fi rst pilot Women’s move fourth in the Premier League time in eight home games. Kuala Lumpur Club Championship in South on Monday, as Everton’s hopes of a Batshuayi had only been on the pitch Korea, with four sides from Aus- top-fourJ fi nish were dented in a 1-1 draw two minutes when he latched onto Jeff rey tralia, China, Japan and South against Crystal Palace. Schlupp’s through ball to fi re low beyond women’s AFC Cham- Korea competing over several Lingard’s stunning form since joining Robin Olsen. Palace remain in 12th, but pions League will be days. the Hammers on loan from Manchester look safe for another season in the top launched in 2023, Asia’s The second edition will take United in January saw him earn a recall by fl ight as they edge 11 points clear of the football governing body place this year and there will England manager Gareth Southgate last relegation zone. hasA said, with the new interna- be a third in 2022, before the month. The midfi elder further bolstered tional club tournament aiming launch of the Women’s Cham- his case for inclusion in Southgate’s WEST HAM AGREE PERMANENT to increase the strength of the fe- pions League proper in 2023. Bai squad for Euro 2020 as he ran from inside DEAL FOR ON-LOAN DAWSON male game across the continent. said the details were still being his own half to slot home his sixth goal in Meanwhile, West Ham have agreed Japan won the Women’s World worked out, and it was not clear eight West Ham appearances after just six to sign on-loan defender Craig Dawson Cup in 2011 and Asia has other yet how many teams would par- minutes. Lingard then turned creator for from Watford in a permanent deal at the strong nations such as Australia ticipate in the debut edition of his side’s other two goals as the visitors end of this season. Dawson joined David and China, but at club level the the Champions League or its ex- surged into a 3-0 lead inside 38 minutes. Moyes’ side from the Championship club popularity of women’s football act format. His cute fl ick when penned in at the in October and has played a key role in in Asia lags far behind Europe The men’s Champions League, corner fl ag teed up Arthur Masuaku to their unexpected surge into fourth place and the United States. which will this year involve 40 cross for Pablo Fornals to double the in the Premier League. At the last Women’s World clubs from the world’s most pop- Hammers’ lead. Lingard then surged be- He has scored three goals in 15 Premier Cup in France in 2019, no Asian ulous continent, sees group stag- yond four weak Wolves challenges to free League appearances as West Ham chase team reached the quarter-fi nals es and knockout rounds split into Jarrod Bowen, who fi red in at Rui Patri- qualifi cation for next season’s Cham- for the fi rst time since the tour- east and west zones, before the cio’s near post. pions League. The 30-year-old centre- nament began in 1991. But the winners of each zone meet in the “He’s playing terrifi cally well,” said back will now remain at London Stadium Asian Football Confederation is fi nal. There is already a Women’s West Ham boss David Moyes. “Tonight until at least 2023. now preparing to launch a fe- Asian Cup, in which national he looked like a real top player.” “Coming to West Ham has been a great male version of the Champions teams compete every four years, West Ham move a point ahead of Chel- move for myself, and it is a privilege to League in two years’ time, said but Bai hopes a major club com- sea in a tight battle for a place in the West Ham United’s Jesse Lingard (left) runs past Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Leander play for a club with such rooted tradi- the governing body’s head of petition will strengthen the Champions League next season. Totten- Dendoncker before scoring during the English Premier League match at the Molineux tions,” Dawson said. “The squad has a real women’s football, Bai Lili. “That women’s game in Asia the way ham and Liverpool are just three points stadium in Wolverhampton, central England. (AFP) togetherness, team spirit and great qual- is going to defi nitely boost wom- it has in Europe. The 42-year- behind Moyes’s men with eight games ity. I’m excited for what my future at the en’s football,” Bai, who played for old believes the UEFA Women’s to play. “We have to take it on. I’m hear- before half-time. game in hand to come, as Michy Batsh- club may hold and the potential for what China at the 2004 Athens Olym- Champions League, which began ing people talking about West Ham with Substitute Fabio Silva then found the uayi’s 86th minute equaliser salvaged a we as a club can go on to achieve.” pics, said at the AFC’s headquar- life in 2001 in a cup format, has a chance of playing in the Champions far corner 22 minutes from time to set up point for the Eagles at Goodison Park. Dawson, who played for Rochdale, ters in Kuala Lumpur. been key to the development of League,” added Moyes. “Nobody would a grandstand fi nish. This time the Ham- The Toff ees were made to rue a string of West Bromwich Albion and Bolton earlier “If we are organising a club the game there. have envisaged that last season. All those mers held out, but their top-four chal- missed chances either side of James Rod- in his career, had to wait until late De- competition, that means the European women’s football big teams up there going for fourth, we lenge could be impacted by a couple of riguez’s opener. cember for his Hammers debut but has participants need to meet the has become “really advanced” are going to try to compete with them all signifi cant injuries. “The reason was we were not able to since been ever-present in the top fl ight. criteria for the club licensing, the due to the tournament, she said, the way to the end.” Declan Rice missed his fi rst Premier kill the game when we had the opportu- “Craig’s performances, attitude and leagues need to be well organ- but added that “it still took West Ham let a three-goal lead slip in League game of the season with a knee in- nity,” said Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti. the impact he’s had demonstrate why he ised. That is defi nitely going to them 20 years”. There remain their last outing as Arsenal battled back jury that is expected to keep the England “When you deserve to win, you have to deserves a permanent deal,” Moyes said. help the domestic leagues. It will major challenges in developing to draw 3-3 at the London Stadium two midfi elder out for a month and Michail win. We have to be more focused to avoid “He had to be patient but he’s come in give exposure to the non-nation- women’s football in a vast region weeks ago and they nearly made the same Antonio limped off in the fi rst-half with these kinds of situations.” and grabbed his opportunity with both al team players.” home to myriad cultures and mistake. Leander Dendoncker kickstart- a hamstring problem. Rodriguez broke the deadlock 11 min- hands. We are always looking to improve The AFC has started laying the countries at diff erent stages of ed the Wolves fi ghtback with a towering Everton missed the chance to also utes into the second-half when he fi red the squad and Craig joining us perma- groundwork. In 2019, they or- development. header from Adama Traore’s cross just move within three points of four, with a home Seamus Coleman’s cut-back for his nently certainly does that.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 7, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Giants edge Padres aft er Fernando Tatis Doncic leads Mavs Jr. leaves injured

Reuters with a leadoff blast in the second San Diego against Padres starter Adrian Morejon, The Padres tied the game in the bottom of the sec- ike Yastrzemski, who ond when Profar reached on a over Jazz, Harden was a late scratch fi elder’s choice, stole second and from the starting scored on Caratini’s two-out lineup due to a sore single. Mleft hand, belted a pinch-hit Longoria homered off More- home run to break a seventh- jon to lead off the fourth. The inning tie and lead the visiting Padres tied it in the sixth. Profar San Francisco Giants to a 3-2 win tripled with one out on a drive over the San Diego Padres on that skipped past Giants center injury fear for Nets Monday. fi elder Mauricio Dubon. Caratini However, the loss of a second followed with a sacrifi ce fl y to straight game wasn’t the Padres’ center. ‘We needed his defense, his rebounding and his scoring. He did everything tonight’ biggest concern. Fernando Tatis Jr. sus- AFP tained a partial disloca- RESULTS Los Angeles tion of his left shoulder on a swinging third strike in Giants 3-2 Padres the third inning and im- Yankees 7-0 Orioles uka Doncic scored 31 points as the mediately left the game in Dallas Mavericks shrugged off the considerable pain. Red Sox 11-2 Rays injury absence of Kristaps Por- The 22-year-old short- White Sox 6-0 Mariners zingis to snap Utah’s nine-game stop, who signed a 14- Dodgers 10-3 A’s Lwinning streak on Monday. year, $340 million con- Phillies 5-3 Mets Slovenian star Doncic spearheaded tract with the Padres in a superb off ensive performance for the mid-February, collapsed Cubs 5-3 Brewers Mavs in a dominant 111-103 victory over in pain at home plate af- Cardinals 4-1 Marlins the Western Conference leaders, who had ter swinging through Angels 7-6 Astros been chasing a 10th straight win. the pitch from Anthony Doncic’s tally included six three- DeSclafani. Padres man- Reds 5-3 Pirates pointers, while the 22-year-old prodigy ager Jayce Tingler and a Twins 15-6 Tigers also hauled down nine rebounds with trainer rushed to the plate. Blue Jays 6-2 Rangers eight assists. Tatis walked off the field It was a hugely impressive fi fth consec- holding his left arm. Royals 3-0 Indians utive victory for the Mavs, who improved The Padres have said to 28-21 to remain in seventh place in the Tatis had the injury while in the Yastrzemski, who was hit on West. minor leagues. He re-injured the the left hand by a pitch in the Dallas had been jolted by confi rma- shoulder on a head-fi rst slide Giants’ fi nal exhibition game, tion just hours before tip-off that Por- into home in an exhibition game homered to straightaway center zingis would miss Monday’s game with a last month. Later during spring off Craig Stammen (0-1) with sprained right wrist. training, Tatis left a game after one out in the seventh. But the Mavs made light of the reshuf- again hurting the shoulder mak- Caleb Baragar (1-0), who fl e with Dorian Finney-Smith weighing ing a lunging stop in the fi eld. All pitched one-third of an inning, in with 23 points – including fi ve from three Giants runs Monday came was credited with the win. Jake outside the arc – and Jalen Brunson add- on solo homers. The Padres McGee got his second save, re- ing 20 off the bench. countered long balls from San tiring Tommy Pham on a fl y to Francisco’s Darin Ruf and Evan deep center for the fi nal out with RESULTS Longoria thanks to Victor Car- runners on fi rst and second. atini twice driving in Jurickson San Francisco has alternated Nets 114-112 Knicks Profar. losses and wins over its fi rst four Mavericks 111-103 Jazz Ruf gave the Giants a 1-0 lead games. Suns 133-130 Rockets Raptors 103-101 Wizards Timberwolves 116-106 Kings Cavaliers 125-101 Spurs Pistons 132-108 Thunder Luka Doncic (left) of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against Royce O’Neale of the Utah Jazz in the second quarter at American Josh Richardson fi nished with 17 points Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP) and Tim Hardaway Jr. 16 points. Dallas steadily took control after edg- thing tonight,” Carlisle said. James Harden, who played just four min- so we’re going to err on the side of cau- ing into a 27-25 lead at the end of the Utah, who owns the league’s best utes before leaving the game with tight- tion. We don’t have any indicator that it’s fi rst quarter, and pulled away decisively record with 38 wins against 12 defeats, ness in his right hamstring. a long-term thing,” said Nash. “We just by outscoring the Jazz 37-27 in the third saw star playmaker Donovan Mitchell ef- The Nets are already without Blake have to proceed day by day and monitor period. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said his fectively bottled up for long periods. Griffi n, Kevin Durant, Tyler Johnson and and hopefully it’s a short-term thing.” team had been determined to ask more Mitchell fi nished with 16 points and Landry Shamet. Nets coach Steve Nash Irving’s virtuoso display, meanwhile, questions of Utah after suff ering a 120- four assists. Mike Conley led the Utah said the team had withdrawn Harden as a received backing from Jeff Green with 23 101 defeat to the Western Conference scorers with 28 points, while Bojan precaution, and said there was no indica- points, while Joe Harris had 16 points. pace-setters in January. “The diff erence Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson had 16 tion yet of a long-term injury problem. Alize Johnson also cracked double fi gures was we came out and were much more apiece off the bench. A strength test carried out in the lock- with 12 points from the bench. physical than the last time we played er room had shown no sign of an injury, Irving was relieved that a late-game them,” Carlisle said. “That was light years HARDEN SCARE FOR NETS Nash added. turnover did not prove costly. ago. We knew we had to play with a lot Elsewhere Monday, Kyrie Irving delivered “There was just an awareness that “Oh my goodness – I’m sorry for my more presence tonight.” a 40-point masterpiece as the Brooklyn something’s not right in his hammy,” fans at home, I’m sorry for my family, Carlisle singled out the performance Nets won a thriller against the New York Nash said. “His strength tests were nor- I’ve got to be better,” Irving said, prais- of Finney-Smith, who is back at full fi t- Knicks in the “Battle of the Big Apple.” mal. ing Brooklyn’s resilience in battling back ness after missing nine games earlier this A wild encounter saw the lead change “It’s just something that we have to from a double-digit defi cit. season after testing positive for Covid-19. hands 15 times, and Brooklyn clawed back protect him. It’s very frustrating for “We just want to stick together,” he Mike Yastrzemski (right) of the San Francisco Giants is congratulated “He’s such an important part of our a 14-point second quarter defi cit to grab James but we can’t risk it if we can aff ord said. by Ron Wotus after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning team. We needed his defense, his re- the win. But the Nets’ victory celebra- not to. I thought the right decision was “We’ve had injuries but we just want to of their MLB game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park in bounding and his scoring. He did every- tions were muted by the early exit of star not to take any risks. “He felt something keep playing hard.” San Diego. (Getty Images/AFP)

NHL Staal scores in OT to lead Canadiens past Oilers The Canadiens paid for the win as forward Reuters RESULTS Montreal Brendan Gallagher left late in the fi rst period after a slap shot from teammate Alexander Ro- Canadiens 3-2 Oilers manov hit his hand. In 34 games this season, ric Staal scored the overtime winner in Gallagher has 14 goals and nine assists. Avalanche 5-4 Wild his Montreal debut to give the host Ca- Canadiens head coach Dominique Ducha- Flyers 3-2 Bruins nadiens a clutch 3-2 comeback victory rme said after the game that Gallagher broke his Golden Knights 6-1 Blues over the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. right thumb. EStaal, who was acquired by trade from the Maple Leafs 5-2 Flames Buff alo Sabres, made his mark at 4:02 of the ex- TRAVIS SANHEIM’S OT GOAL GIVES Jets 4-2 Senators tra frame when he ripped a wrist shot from the FLYERS FIRST WIN OVER BRUINS Coyotes 5-2 Kings right circle for his fourth goal of the season. Josh Travis Sanheim scored 3:08 into overtime as the Anderson and Tomas Tatar netted third-period Philadelphia Flyers fi nally fi gured out Boston, three goals on 32 shots – including a great kick goals for Montreal to erase a 2-0 defi cit, while beating the host Bruins 3-2 on Monday night. save on Sanheim’s attempt to start overtime – goaltender Carey Price stopped 21 shots. Mon- Denied on a point-blank chance 53 sec- but fell to 2-1-1. treal has won four of fi ve meetings with the Oil- onds into the three-on-three session, Sanheim After falling behind by two goals in Saturday’s ers this season blocked Patrice Bergeron’s long shot, collected shootout loss to the New York Islanders, Phila- Montreal, which won for just the second time the puck and skated in alone on the retreating delphia played from out front in the opening this season when trailing after two periods, is on Boston captain. period at TD Garden by grabbing a 1-0 lead at a 5-1-2 run. But Bergeron fell down at the Boston blue line, 10:15. Devin Shore and Darnell Nurse replied for allowing the big defenseman to roof home the Provorov’s long point shot was defl ected the Oilers, who received a 29-save performance game-winning goal for his second tally of the in the slot, and the ensuing carom landed on from goaltender Mike Smith. season. Konecny’s stick in front of Boston’s open cage. Despite the Canadiens controlling play from Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier scored, He then potted his eighth goal to put the visitors the drop of the puck – shots were 7-1 for Mon- Ivan Provorov posted two assists and Brian El- up. However, the Bruins tied it after a nice pinch treal at the seven-minute mark – Shore opened liott (10-5-1) stopped 27 of 29 shots for the Fly- by defenseman Jakub Zboril along the wall led to the scoring with 20.2 seconds remaining in the ers, who won for the fi rst time in six tries (1-3-2) a turnover. Kuhlman wristed his second goal of opening period. Jujhar Khaira held off a check against Boston. the year on Elliott’s glove side at 17:33. while he scooted behind the net and sent a pass Bergeron’s power-play goal moved him past On a power play that carried over into the across the crease that Shore converted for his Rick Middleton and into fourth in all-time Bru- second period, David Pastrnak found Berger- third goal of the season. Nurse then doubled the ins scoring with 899 points. Karson Kuhlman on cruising alone through the slot in the fi rst Edmonton lead with 10.2 seconds remaining in also scored for Boston. minute and sent a slap pass that the Boston cap- the second period. With only a few seconds re- Montreal Canadiens forward Eric Staal reaches for the puck as Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ethan Earlier Monday, Boston announced that goal- tain redirected in for his 12th goal. maining on a power play, Nurse gained the puck Bear (right) defends during the third period at the Bell Centre in Montreal. (USA TODAY Sports) tender Jaroslav Halak entered the NHL’s Cov- During Philadelphia’s third power play, Cou- and blasted a point shot for his career-high 13th id-19 protocol after his positive test, turning the turier skated in and sent a sharp wrister in at goal of the season. Anderson was parked at the doorstep and from the third period tied the clash. Paul Byron in- crease over to backup Dan Vladar, 23, for just his 6:56 of the third to knot the contest at 2 and However, Josh Anderson’s goal 105 sec- there redirected Corey Perry’s pass into the net tercepted a Nurse clearing attempt, fed a pass fourth NHL start. eventually send it to overtime. onds into the third period gave the Canadiens for his 14th goal of the season and third in two to Tatar, and he buried a wrist shot to earn his The 6-foot-5 rookie manned the crease for On Tuesday night in Philadelphia, the clubs a much-needed jolt and cued the comeback. games. Then, Tatar’s tally at the 5:23 mark of eighth goal of the campaign. the fi rst time ever against the Flyers and allowed meet again to fi nish up the back-to-back set. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 7, 2021 SPORT

BASKETBALL TENNIS French Govt says Roland Garros faces Baylor dominate delay of ‘a few days’

AFP working on almost all the sce- Paris narios. He said the only ones he “dared not” consider were the extremes he French government has – a 100 percent spectator level Gonzaga to win discussed a possible “de- and outright cancellation. lay of a few days” of this “At the moment, we are on year’s French Open with track, the tournament is on the Tthe event organisers, the sports scheduled date,” he said. ministry told AFP yesterday. “But if we go into total lock- Discussions between the min- down for two months, we will istry and Roland Garros offi cials obviously need to take measures also included how the tourna- – the worst being the outright NCAA crown ment might be able to accommo- cancellation, but I dare not im- date fans who were largely locked agine that.” out of the delayed 2020 edition. Coronavirus restrictions ‘We just couldn’t get anything going, you have to give credit to Baylor’ This year’s event is due to take were tightened across France place between May 23 and June 6, last Wednesday although all with qualifi cation rounds start- professional sport is carrying ing earlier. on albeit behind closed doors. “Discussions are underway President Emmanuel Macron has with the organisers on the meth- expressed a wish to re-open cin- ods used, in particular for the re- emas, museums and theatres in ception of the public,” the minis- mid-May. try spokeswoman told AFP. Last year Roland Garros was “A delay of a few days is under delayed by four months and held discussion,” she added. in September and October in- At the end of March, Gilles stead of its longstanding May- Moretton, the new president of June slot. the French Tennis Federation Crowds were limited to just (FFT), had indicated that he was 1,000 spectators each day.

This file photo taken on May 26, 2019, shows a general view of the Philippe Chatrier court, on Day 1 of 2019 French Open in Paris. (AFP)

CYCLING

The Baylor Bears pose with the National Championship trophy after winning the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Baylor Bears defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs 86-70. (Getty Images/AFP) Aranburu wins

AFP season with a championship. MaCio Teague had 19 points “Our guys have been motivat- we couldn’t get anything going Los Angeles Monday’s defeat at Indiana- with two rebounds. ed all year. It’s a player-led team. on the off ensive end. Hats off Basque Country 2nd polis’s Lucas Oil Stadium came Baylor laid the foundations We’re so blessed to have unbe- to them. They dominated both just two days after Gonzaga’s for success with a blistering lievable leadership. We play with ends of the ball all night.” he Baylor Bears ended exhilarating semi-fi nal victory start, jumping into a 9-0 lead a culture of joy. If you’re going to Few had words of solace for stage, Roglic leads the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ over UCLA on Saturday, when that they never relinquished. war and I’m coaching, then I’m his players, who had won 31 quest for an unbeaten Jalen Suggs’ buzzer-beater The Bears had surged into a taking these guys.” straight games this season by an AFP Roglic, said his fi nal solo run- NCAA championship sealed a 93-90 win. 19-point lead midway through Gonzaga, meanwhile, were average of 22.4 points. Paris in had not been too bad. “I felt Tseason on Monday, clinching the For long periods on Monday, the fi rst half and also led by 20 left shattered in defeat, with “You can’t go 31-0 and get to good, I saw the opportunity, I US college basketball title with a it looked as if Gonzaga were still points at one stage in the sec- Saturday’s hero Suggs – who the last night and get beat and attacked and I gave everything 86-70 victory. nursing a hangover from that ond. Baylor Bears coach Scott led the Bulldogs’ scoring with 22 feel bad about it,” Few said. “It panish Astana rider Alex right through to the end.” The Waco, Texas-based Bay- win, with Baylor dominating in Drew said the fast start refl ected points – in tears. was an unbelievable run we’ve Aranburu won yester- Today’s third stage is a 167km lor University team sealed their all departments to build a com- his team’s “culture of joy.” “We just couldn’t get any- been on. I just said to them this day’s second stage of ride from Amurrio to Ermualde. fi rst ever “March Madness” title fortable lead well before the end. “They came out and fed off of thing going, you have to give will pass, and they’ve got to re- the Tour of the Basque with a dominant performance Jared Butler led the Baylor each other and got off to a great credit to Baylor,” said Gonzaga member what an amazing ac- Country,S while Slovenian Pri- RESULTS AND STANDINGS against the Bulldogs, who were scoring with 22 points, seven as- start, and defensively we’re coach Mark Few. “They were complishment it was just get- moz Roglic (Jumbo) retained the Stage aiming to crown an undefeated sists and three rebounds, while pretty good,” Drew said. just so aggressive defensively ting to this point.” overall race lead. 1. Alex Aranburu (ESP/Astana) Aranburu attacked 10km out 3hrs 45mins 32sec, 2. Omar from the fi nish of the 154.8km Fraile (ESP/AST) at 15sec, 3. Tadej NFL run between Zalla and Sestao. Pogacar (SLO/UAE) same time, Finishing with a steep, narrow 4. David Gaudu (FRA/FDJ) s.t., 5. 3.1km climb where the fi rst three Michael Woods (CAN/ISR) s.t., 6. riders gain times bonuses of 10, Primoz Roglic (SLO/JUM) s.t., 7. six and four seconds, the Span- Maximilian Schachmann (GER/ iard crossed the line 15 seconds BOR) s.t., 8. Mikel Landa (ESP/ Jets trade Darnold to Panthers ahead of a group led by team- BAH) s.t., 9. Sergio Higuita (COL/ Reuters mate Omar Fraile. EF1) s.t., 10. Alejandro Valverde New York Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, (ESP/MOV) s.t. the Tour de France champion, Standings rounded out the stage podium. 1. Primoz Roglic (SLO/Jumbo) he New York Jets traded That same lead peloton also in- 4hrs 03mins 04sec, 2. Alex quarterback Sam Dar- cluded Roglic and Briton Adam Aranburu (ESP/AST) at 5sec, 3. nold to the Carolina Yates, the new Ineos rider and Brandon McNulty (USA/UAE) 6, Panthers on Monday in winner of the recent Tour of 4. Tadej Pogacar (SLO/UAE) 24, Texchange for a sixth-round pick Catalonia. “It’s a dream to win at 5. Adam Yates (GBR/INE) 28, 6. in the 2021 NFL Draft and sec- home, it’s something massive,” Maximilian Schachmann (GER/ ond- and fourth-round selec- Aranburu told Basque television. BOR) 31, 7. Jonas Vingegaard tions in 2022. The 25-year-old, whose re- (DEN/JUM) 32, 8. Omar Fraile The Jets hold the No. 2 overall sult saw him move into second (ESP/AST) 34, 9. Wilco Kelder- pick in this month’s draft. They spot in the general classifi cation man (NED/BOR) 40, 10. Pello are expected to take a quar- 5sec behind the yellow-jerseyed Bilbao (ESP/AST) 42. terback, whether it be BYU’s Zach Wilson, Ohio State’s Jus- tin Fields, North Dakota State’s Cardinals give Hudson $20.1mn extension Trey Lance or Alabama’s Mac Jones. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence is projected to be taken with the top overall pick by the Jackson- ville Jaguars. “I want to publicly acknowl- edge the commitment, dedica- tion, and professionalism Sam displayed while with the Jets,” general manager Joe Douglas said. “He is a tough-minded, tal- After acquiring center Rodney Cardinals traded a 2021 third- ented football player whose Hudson in a trade last month round pick to the Raiders for NFL story has not been written with the Las Vegas Raiders, the the 31-year-old Hudson and a yet. While all these things are Arizona Cardinals reportedly seventh-round pick in 2021. true, this move is in the short- added two years and $20.1 mil- Hudson, a three-time Pro Bowl and long-term best interests lion to his contract. selection, has missed only one for both this team and him. We with the Panthers. ups, downs, injuries and ill- 17 to 19, his interception total (all starts). He completed 59.6 Hudson’s new deal is for three game the past five seasons. He thank Sam for all of his work on Bridgewater, 28, threw for nesses since being selected with dropped from 15 to 13 and he percent of his passes and was years and $30 million, including joined the Raiders in 2015 as behalf of this organization and 3,733 yards with 15 touchdowns the third overall pick in the 2018 completed a higher percent- intercepted 11 times. the $9.9 million he was due an unrestricted free agent after wish him well as he continues and 11 interceptions in 15 games NFL Draft. age of his passes (57.7 percent in Darnold has thrown for 8,097 to earn in 2021, NFL Network four seasons with the Kansas his career.” last season, his fi rst with Caroli- Darnold, 23, showed modest 2018, 61.9 percent in 2019). yards with 45 touchdowns and reported. It includes $16 mil- City Chiefs. He has started 127 The move to acquire Darnold na. He also rushed for 279 yards improvement from his rookie But in 2020, Darnold threw 39 interceptions in 38 games (all lion in guaranteed money, per of his 143 games since entering puts fellow quarterback Teddy with fi ve scores. year to his second season. His for a career-low 2,208 yards and starts) in his fi rst three NFL sea- the report. On March 17, the the league in 2011. Bridgewater’s status in question With the Jets, Darnold had touchdown total improved from nine touchdowns in 12 games sons. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 7, 2021 7 SPORT

SWIMMING Honda bests Seto at Japan’s Olympic trials AFP head even when Seto streaked off competitions and offi cial train- trials, Miho Teramura and Yui Tokyo into the distance early on in the ing from October to the end of Ohashi both clinched Olympic race. last year. He also quit as captain berths in the women’s 200 IM. “I’m a rowdy character, and of Japan’s team and was dropped Teramura fi nished fi rst in a elf-described “rowdy I’m always being told to stay by a sponsor in the wake of the time of 2:09.55, ahead of Ohashi character” Tomoru cool,” said Honda, who will be scandal. in 2:09.67. Honda kept his cool to making his Olympic debut. He started this week’s trials by Ohashi had already booked clinch a place in Japan’s “My coach has been telling me comfortably winning the 400 IM her place in the Olympic 400 TokyoS Olympics swimming team since I was in junior high school and setting his sights on claim- IM earlier in the week, but she on Tuesday, qualifying along- that if I don’t stay calm in a race, ing Michael Phelps’ world record had to grit her teeth to clinch the side star Daiya Seto in the 200m whether I’m feeling down or in the event this summer. double. butterfl y. feeling happy, I’ll wear myself But he acknowledged he still “I did what I set out to do Honda, who confessed af- out. It’s something that I’ve al- has work to do after losing to in the fi rst half of the race, but ter the race that he “just can’t ways tried to keep in mind.” Honda in the 200m butterfl y. then my body seized up after the calm down” in his daily life, put Seto had already qualifi ed for “I need more training, and 100m turn and I thought ‘uh oh, in a late surge to fi nish ahead of the Olympic 200m and 400m with that I can defi nitely win I’m in trouble here’,” she said. world silver medallist Seto in a individual medley going into gold,” said Seto. “I just managed to clinch my time of 1min, 54.88sec at Japan’s the trials, by virtue of his 2019 “My main event is the 400 place at the last, but I need to Olympic trials. world championship wins in IM, and I’m aiming for the world think a bit more about my train- Seto also booked his spot in a both events. But he has yet to hit record in that. If I can get near ing.” third event at the coronavirus- his peak this year after serving a Phelps’ record, then I can get Chihiro Igarashi won the delayed Games with a time of suspension for having an extra- near the gold medal in the 200 women’s 200m freestyle in a 1:55.20. But it was Honda who marital aff air. butterfl y and the 200 IM. I want time of 1:57.47, but it was not Japan’s Tomoru Honda reacts after winning the men’s 200m butterfly final during the Japan National took centre stage, heeding his Seto returned to racing in Feb- to train with that in mind.” enough to meet the qualifying Swimming Championships, which doubles as a qualifier event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, at the Tokyo coach’s advice to keep a clear ruary after being banned from Elsewhere at the Japanese time for the individual event. Aquatics Centre yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Tokyo Olympics water polo test N. Korea says will postponed over virus: organisers

AFP and record-keepers who were Tokyo due to travel to Japan could not not go to Olympics take part in the event. Test events for the Games re- Tokyo Olympics wa- sumed last weekend for the fi rst ter polo test event has time since the pandemic began, been postponed, or- with a wheelchair rugby event ganisers said yesterday, held at Tokyo’s Yoyogi National followingA reports it had been Stadium. called off because sport offi cials But there are doubts over over Covid fears cannot enter Japan due to virus whether the remaining 17 test restrictions. events can be held as scheduled. Test events function as dress Last week, FINA said it was WITH THE GAMES JUST MONTHS AWAY, THE REGIME’S SPORTS MINISTRY rehearsals for each sport, and considering moving its Olym- the two-day water polo test was pic qualifi ers from Japan. Those SAYS IT WANTS TO PROTECT ATHLETES FROM THE ‘GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS’ supposed to open on Saturday events include the Diving World but will now be held in May or Cup scheduled for this month June, Tokyo 2020 organisers said. and the Artistic Swimming qual- A series of qualifi ers and tests for ifi er scheduled for May. the virus-delayed Tokyo Games FINA’s competition calendar – due to open on July 23 – have already lists both events, along been cancelled or postponed be- with the May 29-30 Olympic cause of Covid-19 border rules. marathon swim qualifi er in Ja- Tokyo 2020 said in consultation pan’s Fukuoka, as cancelled. with others, including the In- But the two events were still ternational Swimming Federa- listed on an updated test event tion (FINA), a decision had been calendar provided by Tokyo taken to postpone the event. 2020 yesterday. “In order to ensure the best FINA reportedly told member level of preparations for these nations last week that it had re- test events and for the Tokyo ceived “worrying” information 2020 Games, considering the about the organiser’s proposed schedule of each stakeholder virus countermeasures. under the current global Cov- On Monday, the Japan Triath- id-19 conditions, it was felt that lon Union also announced that a postponing the events was nec- triathlon World Cup event due to essary,” Tokyo 2020 said. be held in Osaka in May has been Local media earlier reported cancelled because of virus re- that the event had been can- strictions. The competition was celled because of Japan’s strict not an Olympic test event but travel regulations – which bar helps decide which athletes will virtually all foreign nationals qualify for the Games, and was from entering the country. meant to feature 130 triathletes The reports said time-keepers from 30 diff erent countries.

England’s Taylor returns from cricket exile to join Hundred Former England wicketkeeper first year of the Hundred is a Sarah Taylor is to return to pro- little bit of a no-brainer, really,” fessional cricket in the Hundred said Taylor. after putting her career on hold “A draw for me was playing due to anxiety issues. with Meg Lanning, that’s always Taylor, who will play for the something that I’ve wanted to Welsh Fire, took up coaching do for quite a few years. I’m fed positions after announcing up of fetching her balls rather her international retirement in than being at the non-striker’s September 2019. end. This file photo taken on August 5, 2016 shows North Korea’s delegation during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana stadium in Rio de The 100 balls-per-side franchise “I can’t wait to work with Beth Janeiro. (AFP) tournament was meant to have Mooney, she’s a great player. If I been launched last year but get a run around in the field I’m AFP ministry in Pyongyang. But analysts said The new US administration of Joe Bi- rean peninsula against Tokyo’s colonial was delayed by the coronavirus not actually going to complain Seoul other factors may have been at play. den is in the fi nal stages of a review of rule. Seoul’s unifi cation ministry said it pandemic. because I do enjoy it. I’m just The announcement – dated Monday – North Korea policy, with offi cials widely was “sorry that the Covid situation” had All eight franchises will feature really looking forward to it.” reported a meeting of the national Olym- expected to support a resumption of prevented the Games from serving as “an both men’s and women’s teams, The Hundred is aimed at at- orth Korea will not attend this pic committee on March 25. lower-level talks rather than high-stakes, opportunity to advance peace on the Ko- with the two competitions run- tracting a fresh audience to year’s Tokyo Olympics because The North’s offi cial KCNA news agency high-drama summits. rean peninsula”. ning side by side. cricket in order to safeguard of the coronavirus pandemic, had previously carried a dispatch on the On the campaign trail, Biden charac- Japan’s chief government spokesman “The coaching is the future for its future but critics have Pyongyang’s sports ministry committee meeting, without mentioning terised Kim as a “thug” and has sharply Katsunobu Kato said it was monitoring me but a little bit of testing the questioned the need for yet Nsaid, dashing Seoul’s hopes of using the the Olympic decision. All International criticised Trump’s meetings, saying he the reports and authorities were seeking waters – am I good enough, another new format in a packed Games to restart talks with its nuclear- Olympic Committee member countries legitimised one of the world’s most ruth- to improve the environment, “including have I still got what it takes? calendar. The competition will armed neighbour. are required to take part in each Games less leaders, but has also said he is open to infection countermeasures, so that many I don’t really feel like I’ve got launch with a women’s fixture The isolated North’s participation in under the Olympic charter. diplomacy. countries and regions can participate in much to lose by playing, I just as Oval Invincibles host Man- the last Winter Games, hosted by the An IOC spokesperson told AFP that it Biden recently warned North Korea of the Tokyo Games”. get to enjoy myself,” said Taylor. chester Originals on July 21, South in Pyeongchang, was a catalyst in had “not received any offi cial application consequences for violations of UN Secu- Analysts said the virus may not be the “I could have the worst tourna- with the men’s sides playing the the diplomatic rapprochement of 2018. from the NOC of DPRK to be released rity Council resolutions after Pyongyang only reason behind Pyongyang’s deci- ment in the world but I know following day. Leader Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo from their obligation”. tested what US offi cials judged to be bal- sion. “Pyongyang seems to be protesting that I will probably love every Jong attended as his envoy in a blaze of The spokesperson added that “despite listic missiles. against Japan’s policies on North Korea, minute. Having my full-time job MI CONSULTANT MORE publicity, and the South’s President Moon several requests” the North’s Olympic as sensitive issues such as human rights now, it’s my grounder, my feet TESTS POSITIVE Jae-in seized the opportunity to broker Committee had been unable to hold a ‘SHAMELESS DISTORTION’ and sanctions have been raised by Tokyo, are firmly on the ground. I can The Mumbai Indians scout talks between Pyongyang and Washing- conference call to discuss the coronavirus Inter-Korean relations are also at a along with the US,” Yang Moo-jin, a pro- now enjoy my cricket.” and wicketkeeping consultant ton that led to a series of high-profi le situation. standstill, with the North repeatedly say- fessor at the University of North Korean Taylor, who won two World Cups Kiran More has tested positive meetings between Kim and then US pres- ing it has no interest in talking to Seoul, Studies in Seoul, told AFP. with England, is unsure about for Covid-19 ahead of the new ident Donald Trump. But Pyongyang’s BORDER LOCKDOWN and last year blowing up a liaison offi ce on The North regularly excoriates Olym- whether she will wear the wick- Indian Premier League season, announcement extinguishes the possi- Pyongyang is more isolated than ever af- its side of the border. pic host nation Japan over its brutal 20th- etkeeping gloves at the Welsh which begins on Friday. Cham- bility that the postponed Tokyo Games, ter imposing a strict border closure more Even so, Moon in his Independence century annexation, with KCNA carrying Fire, who also have Australia’s pions Mumbai said yesterday due to begin in July, could kick off a reset than a year ago to protect itself from the Day speech on March 1 said: “This year’s a report Sunday condemning new Japa- Beth Mooney in their ranks. that former wicketkeeper More, in the now deadlocked talks process. virus that fi rst emerged in neighbour- Tokyo Olympics could be an opportunity nese history textbooks as “persistent and The 31-year-old is relishing the 58, was currently not show- North Korea’s Olympic Committee ing China. While the North insists it has for dialogues between South Korea and shameless distortion of history”. opportunity to return to playing ing symptoms and has been “decided not to participate in the 32nd had no coronavirus cases – although ex- Japan, the North and the South, North Tokyo regularly demands resolution of and said working alongside isolated. The side are camped Olympic Games in order to protect play- perts doubt the assertion – the lockdown Korea and Japan, and North Korea and the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped Australia captain Meg Lanning in Chennai where they will open ers from the world public health crisis has exacerbated the economic pain from the US.” by the North, although Pyongyang insists was an added bonus. their campaign against the caused by Covid-19”, said the Sports in multiple international sanctions over its The day commemorates mass protests it has returned all those it seized who are “The chance to be there in the Royal Challengers Bangalore. the DPR Korea website, run by the sports banned weapons programmes. that took place in 1919 across the Ko- still alive. Wednesday, April 7, 2021 GULF TIMES GOLF

QUEST SPOTLIGHT DeChambeau envisages day Westwood seeks of giants when he becomes obsolete

Reuters lessly, that’s when things get a Augusta little interesting. That’s when I’m elusive fi rst major going to become obsolete poten- tially even. eefy Bryson DeCham- “There’s still a chipping aspect beau smashes his drives and there’s still a putting aspect with a never-seen-be- to it, but from a driving aspect, fore ferocity on tour but that’s where the gains will be had theB American envisages a day with these athletes coming out when he could become obsolete, in the future. And it won’t stop. victory at Masters overtaken by a breed that make There’s just no way it will stop.” him look like a short-hitting That might be true, but for ‘It’s amazing that I’m old enough to have my son on the bag...’ weakling. now DeChambeau is the big dog DeChambeau hits his drives an on tour. At last November’s Mas- average of 320 yards and similarly ters he was on the verge of using generates a clubhead speed of 133 a 48-inch driver, the longest al- miles-per-hour, enough to make lowed shaft length, but eventu- onlookers wince at the pressure ally opted for one a couple of he puts on his body as he winds inches shorter because of con- up and violently uncoils. cerns about losing accuracy. His go-for-broke mentality The 48-inch driver remains on paid off at last year’s US Open at the sidelines, but DeChambeau Winged Foot, where he won by intriguingly said he would have six strokes, though he has yet to something new in his bag this put it all together at the Masters, week, apparently a new driver without a top-20 fi nish in four designed to be more forgiving for starts. hits slightly off -centre towards “As time goes on, there’s not the toe. much more to gain from the tech- “This has been a few years in nology side of golf club manufac- the making, and I’m very excited turing, building. There are little for it,” DeChambeau said. things we can do, but where the “Whether it helps me perform massive gains will be is in ath- at a higher level, I’m not sure, be- letes,” the 27-year-old said at cause it’s golf and you never know Augusta National yesterday. what happens. “Once you get somebody out “Defi nitely what I’ve seen on here that’s a seven-foot-tall the driving range and what I’ve (213-centimetre) human being seen the last week in practice, and they are able to swing a golf there’s some tremendous ben- club at 145 miles-an-hour eff ort- efi ts to it.”

Lee Westwood of England plays his shot from the seventh tee during a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club yesterday.

AFP 54-hole leader in both events, but fi n- said. “Looking forward to having some PGA Championship at 48. Augusta, United States ished a stroke behind Bryson DeCham- fun out there.” “As for expectations, I don’t really beau at Bay Hill and one shot behind Jus- Westwood’s most recent triumph came have any,” Westwood said. “I just put the tin Thomas at the Players. last year at Abu Dhabi on the European preparation in, hit it off the first tee and fter turning back the clock with “It just is validation, really, that I’m Tour, where he has won 25 titles. His most try and fi nd it... after that, it’s in the lap two impressive runner-up fi n- still good enough at my age to be out here recent US PGA triumph came at 2010 in of the gods, really.” ishes in March, Lee Westwood and contending,” Westwood said. Memphis. Westwood marvels at having played at hopes to become the oldest “It’s amazing that I’m old enough to “I maybe don’t play as well as often Augusta since 1997. Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays his shot from the championA in Masters history and capture have my son on the bag and still be com- anymore, but when I do play well, I tend “I still remember the fi rst time I came third tee during a practice round prior to the Masters at Augusta an elusive fi rst major title. peting in these tournaments.” to contend,” Westwood said. “With the here like it was yesterday,” Westwood National Golf Club yesterday. And the 47-year-old Englishman will Westwood’s 19-year-old son, Sam, work I’ve done on the mental side of the said. “It’s such a special place, traditions, have his son as his caddie this week at will serve as his caddie this week. His game, I feel a lot more comfortable out and you feel fortunate to drive down Augusta National, just as Jack Nicklaus girlfriend, Helen Storey, also serves as his there.” Westwood says age brings more Magnolia Lane. FOCUS had his son Jackie on the bag when he be- caddie these days. “mental scarring” but mental coaches “It still sends chills down my spine to came the oldest Masters winner at 46 in “Having Sam on the bag, it’s very spe- have given him “tools to deal with that” see Amen Corner in the distance. It’s a 1986. cial,” Westwood said. “Walking around in his 20th Masters start. very special place.” “It would be great to break his record,” out there with Sam is very special.” “When I do get into the heat of battle and Westwood admits he’s still learning Woosie back at Westwood said. “To have a chance to Westwood has 84 career major starts close to the lead, I feel comfortable again. about the famed course, even picking the break one of his records would be very without a victory, the most of any play- That’s a big part of it too,” Westwood said. brains of Welshman Ian Woosnam, the special.” er in the field. He has 19 top-10 major “The psychological part of the game is 1991 champion, last weekend. Masters 30 years Westwood, who claimed his third Eu- finishes without a victory, his nearest a massive part of the game now. It’s prob- “You never know everything about ropean Tour Race to Dubai crown last misses being runner-up efforts at the ably the biggest part of the game.” the game of golf. You’re always learning, year, was second at the Arnold Palmer 2010 and 2016 Masters and the 2010 If he takes the green jacket, Westwood, and even more so around Augusta,” said aft er winning title Invitational at Bay Hill and The Players British Open. who turns 48 on April 24, would be the Westwood. Championship last month. “Having played well here before, my second-oldest winner of any major after “There’s nowhere like Augusta. It’s Reuters no longer approaches the long World number 20 Westwood was the confidence levels are high,” Westwood American Julius Boros, who won the 1968 unique. That’s what makes it great.” Augusta hilly walk with trepidation. His goal is simple. “Just to try and play the course without be- BOTTOMLINE pain-racked Ian Woo- ing in any pain really, because snam said two years I’ve been in pain for the last 20 ago that he had played years playing around here,” he Ahis fi nal Masters, but told reporters. the rejuvenated Welshman is Woosnam said the Covid-19 back for another crack at Au- lockdown had aff orded him gusta National this week. Thirty plenty of time to recuperate Aussie legacy rolls on 25 years years after winning the Green without being tempted to travel, Jacket during a period of Euro- and that with a healed body he pean domination, 63-year-old could not resist the temptation Woosnam will make his 32nd to return to Augusta. start here at the scene of his “I’ve always said if I could do aft er Norman’s Augusta fall greatest triumph. He seems like something, I’d have another go, AFP six-stroke lead into the fi nal the last this year and I’m sure that’s a sign of things to come, a new man after undergoing ap- so decided to have a back op- Augusta round of the Masters and lost I’m not going to be the last for we’ve got to buckle up for this parently successful spinal sur- eration 15 months ago... and I’ve by fi ve to playing partner Nick many years to come,” Jones said. week.” gery early last year that relieved managed to recover pretty good,” Faldo of England, the Aussie “We’ve got a lot of great Aus- He recalled them as the fast- nerve pain in his lower back, and he said. quarter-century after shooting a closing 78. tralians coming up. There will est since a 2007 practice round Greg Norman’s epic “We don’t want to even think be more wins, and hopefully with Norman. “Poured some fi nal-round Masters about that,” Day said. “It was we continue that streak to 50 or water on the (16th green) slope Acollapse, his legacy unfortunate the couple of times 60.” and the water just trickled is still felt at Augusta National that he had here with Faldo and Day was shocked at so long all the way across and off the and in an epic 33-year PGA win Larry Mize.” a win run by the Down Under green,” Scott said. “It never got streak for Australians. Aussie Matt Jones “vividly” golfers. absorbed.” Five Australians are in this recalled watching the back nine “That’s amazing. That just Smith shared second last No- week’s Masters fi eld, includ- breakdown. goes to show for such a small vember by becoming the fi rst ing 2013 winner Adam Scott, “I was defi nitely disap- country that we’ve got a lot of player to crack 70 all four days 2015 PGA Championship win- pointed,” Jones said. “But I was talented players,” Day said. “I on a rain-softened layout. ner Jason Day and 2020 Masters so busy at that time playing so feel like most Australians have “The course is already so runner-up Cameron Smith, the many other diff erent sports a really good short game and much diff erent to what it was only player with four rounds in that golf wasn’t a focus for me. they’ve got a really good chance last year,” Smith said. “None- the 60s in one Masters. hard-luck history at the Mas- I was busy playing soccer and this week.” theless, looking forward to the “What the Shark did for Aus- ters is the stuff of legend. cricket.” The only Aussie winner of a challenge.” tralian golf was huge for us,” Jack Nicklaus edged him at Jones, who became a full- green jacket was Scott, whose He played nine holes Monday Ian Woosnam of Wales reacts Day said on Monday. “This is age 46 in 1986 to become the time golfer when he went to col- breakthrough came when he alongside Scott, learning some on the sixth green during a probably why we have so many oldest Masters winner. In 1987, lege at Arizona State, sustained beat Angel Cabrera with a birdie lay-up options on par-5 holes. practice round prior to the players on tour now, because of Larry Mize holed a 140-foot a 33-year US PGA win streak by on the second playoff hole. He “He knows a lot more about Masters at Augusta National him.” chip shot to beat Norman in a at least one Aussie by taking last sees lightning-fast greens this the course than what I do,” Golf Club yesterday in Norman won the 1986 and playoff . month’s Honda Classic. week. “The greens are fi ery, al- Smith said. “Pick his brain a lit- Augusta, Georgia. 1993 British Opens but his In 1996, Norman carried a “It’s great. Hopefully I’m not most all of them,” Scott said. “If tle bit here and there.”