FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 2 OOLYMPICSLYMPICS | Page 3 Canadian GP Full venues at cancelled, Tokyo Games race moved to ‘very diffi cult’: Turkey organisers

Thursday, April 29, 2021 FOOTBALL Ramadan 17, 1442 AH Benzema embodies GULF TIMES survival spirit aft er leading Real recovery SPORT Page 6 FIFA announces match schedule for Arab Cup HORSE RACING Sheikh Abdullah’s Abbes lands Group 3 Prix Dormane Agencies La Teste-de-Buch, France

bbes, carrying the col- ours of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, made Aa winning return at La Teste- de-Buch, capturing the Sheikh Mansour Festival — Prix Dor- mane (Group 3 PA) yesterday. With Olivier Peslier in the sad- dle, the Thomas Fourcy-trained colt prevailed by the minimum margin at the main expense of Olivier Peslier (foreground) rides Abbes to victory in the Prix Dormane Abdullah bin Fahad al-Attiyah’s (Group 3 PA) at La Teste-de-Buch in France yesterday. (Robert Polin) Munir Du Soleil who was ridden by Julien Auge and was campaigned of the Chantilly card on June 20. the straight. He’s a horse with a at Doha during the winter. The trainer said: “I’ve always sharp turn of foot and a tenden- His Highness Sheikh Moham- held Abbes in high regard. He’s cy to do things his own way. He ed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Hog- a horse for the big occasion. He is still somewhat tender at this gar De L’ardus was a further 1¼ was very switched off throughout level. However, it bodes well for lengths behind in third under the race. It’s a very good prepara- the Group 1 PA race. I don’t know Jerome Cabre. It was a special tion for the Derby in June. Mu- if he’ll beat his two stablemates, day for the French trainer re- nir Du Soleil is progressing be- but we may complete the tricast. cording a 1-2-3 in this contest. cause Abbes is one of the best PA All three have the earned the With this victory under his four-year-olds, if not the best. right to tackle the Derby.” belt, Abbes cemented his posi- He has no reason to be ashamed Abbes is out of the high class FIFA has revealed the fixtures and dates of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, to be held between November 30 and December 18. tion as the favourite for the Qa- of his second place, and he has Raqiyah, herself a multiple Group 1 Hosts Qatar will open the tournament on November 30, facing the winner of the qualifier between Bahrain and Kuwait. From tar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabe de also travelled [abroad], with all PA, having won at the highest level each group, the teams placed first and second will qualify for the next round. The tournament will be held at six of the FIFA World 4ans (Group 1 PA), the equiva- that entails. He can do very well in France, Qatar and Britain, where Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums, the details of which will be announced at a later date. The Arab Cup will be held around the same lent of the Prix du Jockey-Club at Chantilly. Hoggar De L’ardus she provided Olivier Peslier with period as the 2022 tournament, which will provide an opportunity for the organisers to test their preparations for the World Cup. (French Derby) for the Purebred may also head to Chantilly. He Group 1 PA success on the King Arabians, and which forms part didn’t get the rub of the green in George card.

FOOTBALL / UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Mahrez scores winner as Man City edges 10-man PSG Pochettino’s men take the lead through a powerful Marquinhos header early in the first half before De Bruyne equalises

AFP leg of their quarter-fi nal defeat of Bay- Paris, France ern, a game in which he also scored. Indeed for all the importance of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to the Pa- iyad Mahrez curled in a free- risians, the Brazilian defender has now kick as a much-improved scored in both the quarter-fi nals and second half performance saw semi-fi nals of the Champions League Manchester City beat Paris in back-to-back seasons. RSaint-Germain 2-1 in the fi rst leg of It was not until the 42nd minute that their blockbuster Champions League the visitors really had a chance, Ber- semi-fi nal yesterday. nardo Silva teeing up Phil Foden for the Marquinhos had powered in a header shot that Navas saved. to give PSG an early lead and the de- PSG could have doubled their lead served advantage at half-time at the early in the second half, but the stretch- Parc des Princes. ing Marco Verratti was just unable to However, City skipper Kevin De connect with Mbappe’s low ball across Bruyne’s cross dropped in to pull the face of goal. City level just after the hour mark By then the pendulum was swinging and Mahrez then beat Keylor Na- towards City, as De Bruyne sent a pow- vas from a 71st-minute free-kick to erful overhead kick just over the bar. complete the turnaround and give The equaliser arrived in the 64th Pep Guardiola’s side the advantage minute. When a corner from the right going into next Tuesday’s return in was played short, the ball came all the Manchester. way to De Bruyne, in line with the left After starting so well, PSG lost their edge of the box. way after half-time and had Idrissa The Belgian looked up and bent in a Gana Gueye sent off in the 77th minute cross which missed everyone including as a shocking tackle on Ilkay Gundogan Navas as it nestled in the far corner. earned the midfi elder a straight red The visitors had the momentum and card. won a free-kick 25 metres from goal Having already failed to win at with 20 minutes left when Gueye fouled home to Manchester United, Barcelo- Foden. na and Bayern in this season’s Cham- Mahrez, born and brought up in the pions League, the Parisians now face Paris suburbs, curled a low strike from an uphill struggle in England if they Paris Saint-Germain’s Idrissa Gueye 25 metres through the wall and beyond are to reach the final for the second (left) and Leandro Paredes (right) vie the reach of Navas. year running. for the ball with Manchester City’s Things got worse for the home side City are eyeing a first ever Cham- Riyad Mahrez during their UEFA soon after as Gueye was dismissed by pions League final, and this was their Champions League semi-final first German referee Felix Brych for a nasty first appearance in the semi-finals leg match at Parc des Princes in Paris, challenge that caught Gundogan on the since 2016, when they defeated PSG France, yesterday. (Reuters) Achilles. in the last eight before losing to Real City saw out the game against the 10 Madrid. men to take the advantage into the re- However, PSG can still be optimistic turn. about their prospects after sensational hoping to once again get the better of GAME OF TWO HALVES especially impressive early on. ia’s right-wing at the near post A fi rst Champions League fi nal is in away performances against Barcelona Guardiola, just as he did when his Tot- The fi rst leg started so well for the They went ahead in the 15th minute and head in. sight for Guardiola’s side, who could and Bayern in the last two rounds. tenham Hotspur side beat City in the French club too, with Neymar in the as Marquinhos broke away from the at- The PSG was making his fi rst also wrap up the Premier League title PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino is quarter-fi nals in 2019. mood and Angel Di Maria and Gueye tentions of Gundogan to attack Di Mar- appearance since coming off in the fi rst this weekend. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, April 29, 2021 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Federer to auction off Grand Slam memorabilia Reuters London Djokovic withdraws from Madrid Open Novak Djokovic has pulled out of single success in Paris in 2016. illions of Roger Federer the Madrid Open, the tournament an- The Madrid Open starts this week, fans around the world nounced yesterday. with the women’s main draw begin- might be salivating at the A message from the tournament’s ning today and the men’s tournament prospect of owning some off icial twitter account read: “Novak on Sunday. Mmementos of the Swiss great’s incred- Djokovic will not be playing in the Djokovic is the reigning men’s cham- ible career after he announced he is Mutua Madrid Open. pion after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas auctioning off a collection of personal ‘Sorry that I won’t be able to travel in the final in 2019. Last year’s event items this summer. to Madrid this year and meet all my was cancelled because of the Covid-19 The 20-times Grand Slam cham- fans”, said Djokovic. ‘It’s been two pandemic. (AFP) pion, regarded by many as the greatest years already, quite a long time. Hope player ever to wield a tennis racket, is to see you all next year!’”. putting various items under the ham- Djokovic has only played four tourna- mer in two sales in June and July at ments this year, having decided to Christie’s to raise money for his foun- take a break following his 18th grand dation. A live auction taking place slam success at the Australian Open in on June 23 will feature 20 lots, with February. each one refl ecting one of Federer’s The world number one suff ered a Grand Slam titles. Prices will range surprise defeat to world number 28 from 3,000 pounds to 70,000 pounds Aslan Karatsev in the semi-finals of ($97,146.00). the Serbia Open on Saturday, after Lots include the outfi t and racket also losing to Dan Evans, ranked 33rd, from Federer’s 2009 French Open fi - earlier this month in Monte Carlo. nal victory over Robin Soderling which Djokovic is expected to play in Rome completed his career Grand Slam, in- and Belgrade as he prepares for next cluding the shoes still coated in red month’s French Open, where he will Roland Garros clay dust. be hoping to deny Rafael Nadal a 13th Fans and collectors will also be able title while looking to add to his own to bid for the 2007 kit and racket he used during the second of his three Christie’s gallery assistants pose with rackets and sneakers from ‘The Championships, Wimbledon, 2007’ and ‘French Open, Wimbledon fi nals against career-long 2009’ lots included in ‘The Roger Federer Collection’, due to be sold at auction, at Christie’s auction house in London. (Reuters) Christie’s low estimate values the en- historic importance on behalf of Roger rival Rafa Nadal, including shoes dec- tire collection at one million pounds, Federer, an active sporting legend. orated with Swiss fl ags denoting his as are the shoes he wore when win- personal archive with my fans around Africa and Switzerland.” but hopes to reach 1.5 million pounds “The sports memorabilia market has Wimbledon titles. ning his third successive Wimbledon the world,” Federer said. A second online auction takes place ($2.08 million). Bertold Mueller, Man- been booming for years, in particular Federer’s elegant white RF-em- in 2005 against Andy Roddick. “More importantly, the proceeds in July featuring 300 lower-priced aging Director, Christie’s Continental for match-worn and signed pieces. blazoned cardigan, worn before fac- “Every piece in these auctions rep- will support The Roger Federer Foun- items such as the wristbands Fed- Europe, Middle East and Africa said: The auctions will no doubt be a mile- ing Britain’s Andy Murray in the 2012 resents a moment in my tennis career dation to help us continue to deliver erer wore during his 1,500th profes- “It is a great privilege for Christie’s to stone in this ever-growing, worldwide Wimbledon fi nal, is also up for grabs, and enables me to share a part of my educational resources to children in sional match at a tournament in Basel. off er this magnifi cent memorabilia of phenomenon.”

MOTORSPORT/F1 FOCUS English and Premiership rugby Canadian Grand join social media boycott over abuse

AFP “Social media can play a very London positive role in sport, widen- Prix cancelled, race ing its audience and connecting fans with their heroes in a way nglish cricket bosses and that was never possible before. Premiership rugby chiefs “However, players and support- announced yesterday ers alike must be able to use these they would join foot- platforms safe in the knowledge ball’sE boycott of social media in a they do not risk the prospect of show of solidarity against racism facing appalling abuse.” moved to Turkey and discrimination. It was announced later yes- A coalition of football organi- terday that all 12 of England’s sations including the English top-fl ight rugby union clubs ‘We really want our people and our foreign guests to be part of this excitement’ Football Association and Pre- would be joining the boycott as mier League revealed they would part of its support for BT’s new go silent on their channels from campaign to tackle online hate, Reuters 1400 GMT tomorrow until 2259 called Draw The Line. Ankara GMT on Monday. A number of “This is the fi rst stage of a high-profi le footballers have multi-million pound BT cam- been racially abused online in paign to step up and stand urkey will replace Cana- recent months, prompting calls against hate speech and abuse da on this year’s Formu- for tougher action from social on social media,” Premiership la One calendar after the media giants. Broadcasters BT Rugby said on its website. June 13 race in Montreal Sport and Talksport have an- “Additionally, Premiership Twas cancelled yesterday for the nounced they will be taking part Rugby and all our clubs will unite second year in a row due to the in the protest along with Adidas, with other sports including foot- Covid-19 pandemic. which manufactures more than a ball for a social media boycott... Formula One said it had ex- third of Premier League kits. This boycott is supported by the tended Montreal’s contract by The England and Wales Crick- Rugby Players’ Association.” The two years to take into account et Board will be joined by all 18 weekend’s boycott, also being the cancellations, securing the fi rst-class counties and the MCC implemented by the Lawn Tennis race until 2031. in boycotting the platforms. Association, follows social media The race had been sched- “As a sport, we are united in blackouts by Swansea, Birming- uled for the Circuit Gilles Vil- our commitment to fi ght racism ham and Rangers football clubs leneuve on the weekend after and we will not tolerate the kind in recent weeks. the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and of discriminatory abuse that has German club Turkey’s Istanbul circuit will be become so prevalent on social Hoff enheim said on Monday logistically convenient for air media platforms,” said ECB chief they would also be joining the freight coming from Baku. executive Tom Harrison. boycott. The Turkish race returned last year for the fi rst time since 2011 and also at short notice to bol- ster a calendar ravaged by the Wales open 2022 Six Nations pandemic. defence against Ireland Vural Ak, chairman of Istan- bul circuit operator Intercity, Six Nations champions Wales said Six Nations CEO Ben Morel. said spectators would be wel- will kick off the defence of their “This Six Nations entertained come and hoped the race would title in 2022 with a trip to Dublin many of our long-standing fans lead to a long-term deal. to play Ireland on February 5 and I believe we won plenty “We have one of the most ex- while Scotland host England of new ones as well. “We look citing circuits in the world, we in the Calcutta Cup the same forward to next year’s Champi- really want our people and our day, according to the fixtures onship with hopefully a return foreign guests to be part of this released by the organisers yes- to normality when we can excitement as well,” he said. terday. The opening weekend welcome fans back in stadia “Thanks to the pandemic will also see perennial wooden and bring that unrivalled Six measures and eff orts our state spoonists Italy running out Nations atmosphere into sitting has carried out, we plan to put against France in Paris. There rooms, pubs and rugby clubs all tickets on sale as soon as pos- will be a return of Friday night over the world.” sible.” rugby in the fourth round of There were no races in the matches when Wales host FIXTURES Americas or Far East last year, the French on March 11 at the Round 1 with the reduced, 17-round sea- Principality Stadium in Cardiff . February 5: Ireland v Wales, son conducted entirely in Eu- The final round of matches on Scotland v England rope and the Middle East and ‘Super Saturday’ on March 19 February 6: France v Italy some circuits holding more than starts with Wales v Italy, fol- Round 2 one grand prix. lowed by Ireland v Scotland and February 12: Wales v Scotland, concludes with ‘Le Crunch’ as France v Ireland F1 BUBBLE In this file photo Sebastian Vettel of Germany driving the Scuderia Ferrari SF90 leads the field including Red Bull Racing’s Pierre Gasly and France meet England in Paris. February 13: Italy v England Formula One has operated in a and Max Verstappen during the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal on June 9, 2019. (Getty Images/AFP) The 2021 championship was Round 3 bubble since the pandemic, with played entirely behind closed February 26: Scotland v France, teams and staff regularly tested The sport had hoped to visit chief executive Stefano Domen- Last year’s wet and slippery moter to refund or transfer tick- doors because of the corona- England v Wales and many vaccinated while most Canada without a mandatory icali. grand prix at Istanbul Park was ets. virus pandemic but organisers February 27: Ireland v Italy races have been held behind 14-day quarantine but a third “I equally want to thank the held in November and pro- The race is the second can- are hoping that supporters Round 4 closed doors, and is aiming for wave of the virus thwarted those promoter and authorities in duced one of the highlights of cellation of the year, after Chi- will be able to return to the March 11: Wales v France 23 grands prix this year. plans. Turkey for their ongoing will- the season, with Mercedes’ na, while Australia has been stadiums next season. “The March 12: Italy v Scotland, Eng- More than 78,000 Covid-19 “I want to thank the promoter ingness to host a Formula One Lewis Hamilton clinching his moved from March to Novem- 2021 Championship was one of land v Ireland tests conducted last season pro- and authorities in Canada for all race that shows the huge inter- record-equalling seventh world ber. the most competitive in history Round 5 duced only 78 positive results of their eff orts in recent weeks est in our sport and the hope title. The next two races in Portu- with eight of the 15 matches March 19: Wales v Italy, Ireland v and there have been 14 from more but the travel situation made from many locations to have a Formula One said it would gal, this weekend, and Spain are won by seven points or less,” Scotland, France v England. than 12,000 so far this year. our plans impossible,” said Grand Prix.” work with the Canadian pro- without spectators. Gulf Times Thursday, April 29, 2021 3 SPORT

OLYMPICS GOLF Thomas backs bonus pool but paying no Full venues at attention to it Reuters mine a player’s score through Toronto, Canada their popularity in Google Search, Nielsen Brand Exposure rating, appeal, engagement on ustin Thomas voiced his social and digital channels, and Tokyo Games ‘very support yesterday for the the frequency he generates cov- PGA Tour’s new bonus erage across media platforms. structure that will reward “I’m not going to do anything theJ game’s biggest stars but the diff erently. I’m already pretty ac- world number two will not lose tive on social media,” said Tho- any sleep over where he sits in mas. the payout rankings. “I’m already pretty active in Thomas was speaking a week trying to help out other media diffi cult’: organisers after news surfaced that the PGA outlets or other organisations, Tour this year implemented a charities. I’m just trying to play Organisers also announced daily antigen virus testing for athletes plan to compensate the 10 play- good golf, and the rest will take ers judged to drive the most fan care of itself.” AFP “What’s very important is the and sponsor engagement, re- The idea behind the pro- Tokyo, Japan situation of the infections and gardless of their results on the gramme — which will award how overwhelmed the medi- course, through a pool of $40mn. $8mn to the golfer deemed most cal system is,” Shigeru Omi told “I’m not going to pay any at- valuable — is to reward play- ull stadiums will be parliament in response to a tention to it,” Thomas said at In- ers who drive engagement with “very diffi cult” at the question from an opposition nisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, sponsors and fans. Tokyo Olympics, the lawmaker. Florida, where he is competing in In theory, that means Tiger head of the Games “I think it is time to discuss the this week’s Valspar Champion- Woods, currently sidelined with warnedF yesterday, as organisers Olympics,” he added, while stop- ship. career-threatening leg injuries pushed back a decision on how ping short of calling for either a “Obviously, it would be great suff ered in a car crash and Phil many domestic fans can attend postponement or cancellation. to be the most popular, but I’m Mickelson, who is splitting time until June. Olympic offi cials insist the here for a popularity between the PGA and Champi- Overseas spectators have Games can still be held safely, contest. ons tours, could benefi t. already been barred from the with Hashimoto last week say- “I’m out here to win golf “Guys like Tiger and Phil that Games for the fi rst time, and ing organisers are “not thinking tournaments and win as many have pushed the game, got the a ruling on Japan-based fans about cancellation”. as I possibly can. If I play good game of golf where they are, they was expected by the end of this And Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro golf, I’ll do just fi ne on that pro- deserve to be where they’re going month. Muto also ruled out a further gramme, and that’s the main pri- to be on that list,” Thomas said. But with parts of the country delay to the Games yesterday. ority.” “Anybody that thinks otherwise, including Tokyo under a coro- “That’s something we’ve The programme will deter- I just highly disagree with it.” navirus state of emergency, or- never discussed with the IOC or ganisers said they needed more others,” he said, noting that the time. The Games open in less 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing SPOTLIGHT than three months on July 23. and 2024 Paris Games leave lit- “As we look into the evolv- tle room for further postpone- ing situation with the domestic ment. infections status involving new Hashimoto also defended the Tavatanakit hopes to strains, we have agreed that An elderly man walks near the National Stadium, main venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic decision to keep moving ahead, a decision regarding specta- Games, yesterday. (AFP) telling reporters “there are so tor capacity at the Olympic and many people who are looking impress in Singapore as Paralympic venues will be made for tests every four days. who are inoculated. ympic Games but, fi rst and fore- forward to the Games”, while ac- in June,” Olympic offi cials said Unclear or positive results Olympic organisers hope that most, also of our gracious hosts, knowledging “there are a lot of after top-level talks. will be followed up with addi- bolstering virus rules for the the Japanese people.” people who are anxious”. LPGA returns to Asia Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hash- tional tests to confi rm. Games will help build support Those violating the rules will “That’s the reality, and we Reuters year on tour, said after receiving imoto said it was now unlikely “If you have a confi rmed posi- in Japan, where polls show most face a disciplinary committee need to look at both sides,” she Bengaluru, India a sponsor invitation to the Sin- that fans would fi ll venues as in tive test for Covid-19 during the people back either a cancellation and could be stripped of their added. gapore event. past Olympics. Games... you will not be allowed or further delay. right to compete. Olympic chiefs took the un- “The win at the ANA Inspira- “We have to watch the situa- to compete,” an updated virus Updates to the rules for other Japan has seen a comparative- precedented decision to ban orld number one tion hasn’t really sunk in yet, but tion and consider accordingly. As rule book warns. Games participants including ly minor virus outbreak, with overseas fans in March, in a bid Ko Jin-young, two- I’m so grateful to my coaches and of now, full venues is very diffi - thousands of foreign media are just over 10,000 deaths, but it is to reduce virus risks. times champion trainers who helped make that cult, I understand that,” she said. ‘ALL NECESSARY MEASURES’ expected tomorrow. now battling what experts call a Domestic ticket sales have Park In-bee and lifelong dream a reality... “There may be a time that Those deemed “close contacts” of “We are ready with you to take fourth wave of cases. not yet resumed after last year’s Wholder Park Sung-hyun head the “I’ll be familiar with the con- we have to decide on the Games any athlete testing positive may all the necessary measures to postponement. Organisers said fi eld at the HSBC Women’s World ditions in Singapore so I hope I behind closed doors, no specta- still be able to compete, with their minimise the risks to make the ‘PEOPLE ARE ANXIOUS’ around 4.48mn tickets had been Championship starting today as can do well.” tors,” she added. situation assessed on a “case- Japanese people feel safe,” In- A new state of emergency was im- sold in Japan, and nearly a mn the LPGA Tour returns to Asia for Others in contention include But “to the extent possible, as by-case basis” and depending on ternational Olympic Committee posed on Tokyo and three other for the Paralympics. the fi rst time in 18 months amid American Danielle Kang, New many people as possible should “the likelihood of you spreading chief Thomas Bach said at the areas on April 25, and the gov- Tickets purchased by overseas the Covid-19 crisis. Zealand’s Lydia Ko, South Ko- be able to enjoy the Tokyo Games”. the virus”, the guide added. start of talks with organisers and ernment’s top medical adviser fans are being refunded, and or- The 13th edition of the tour- rea’s Kim Hyo-joo and Japan’s Organisers also announced Athletes are encouraged, but Japanese offi cials. warned yesterday that discus- ganisers have also said that any- nament, which has been dubbed Nasa Hataoka. new virus rules for athletes in- not required, to get vaccinated “Our top priority is health and sions should start soon on how one who bought tickets in Japan “Asia’s major”, will take place at A limited number of fans will cluding daily antigen virus test- before the Games, and the re- safety for everyone — not only the Games could be held if infec- is eligible for a refund if crowd Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club be allowed to watch the event at ing — up from a previous plan strictions will still apply to those for the participants of the Ol- tions remain high by the summer. numbers are cut. with 69 players from 18 nations, the venue due to Covid-19 safety including 22 diff erent major win- restrictions. ners, competing for a share of The HSBC Women’s World FOCUS $1.6mn on off er. Championship will be followed ANA Inspiration winner Patty by the Honda LPGA Thailand Tavatanakit of Thailand will from May 6-9. make her debut in the no-cut Following the Thailand tour- event, which was among a host of nament, the LPGA Tour will re- From the Euphrates to Tokyo: Syrian tournaments that were not held turn to the United States for the last year due to the pandemic. $1.3mn Pure Silk Championship “I’m feeling good about where at Williamsburg, Virginia. my game is now, and I feel ready Asia is then scheduled to stage refugee who lost leg targets Paralympics to take on the rest of the season,” four back-to-back events start- Tavatanakit, who won her fi rst ing October — in China, South major this month in her rookie Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Reuters comes from inside, from the an countries, he stayed and was Athens, Greece mind,” he said. granted asylum. More than 50 refugee athletes “I wasn’t looking for mon- hope to compete in Tokyo. The ey,” he said. “I was looking for Hatton fourth player out of Valspar s a teenager in Syria, International Paralympic Com- a homeland, I was looking for Ibrahim al-Hussein mittee plans to send up to six family, I was looking for legs. I aft er positive Covid-19 test dreamt of becoming as part of a Refugee Team to be found it all here.” an Olympic swimmer fi nalised in June. Hussein is de- Hussein began swimming World number eight Tyrrell Hatton became the fourth player to beforeA he lost a leg in the war. termined to be part of it. competitively again in 2015 and withdraw from this week’s Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, Now a refugee in Greece, he is “Every moment in the water, with the help of his coach and Florida, after receiving a positive test for Covid-19, the PGA Tour training for a place at the Tokyo I think of the Olympic Games,” the Greek Paralympic Com- said on Tuesday. The Englishman, who finished in a share of Paralympics. he said after a two-hour training mittee, competed in Rio in the eighth place at last week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans team The son of a swimming coach, session. 50-metre and 100-metre free- event with 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett, was among the Hussein, 33, began swimming “There is something inside style events. top players in this week’s field at Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead aged fi ve in the Euphrates river, me: I have to reach the Olympic “I don’t swim for myself,” he course. Earlier on Tuesday, the PGA Tour said Sepp Straka tested which passes by his hometown Games, I have to reach the World said. “There are 80mn refugees positive for Covid-19 and had withdrawn from this week’s event. of Deir al-Zor in eastern Syria. Championships. Even if I lose a in the world. I swim for them.” On Monday the PGA Tour said Will Gordon and Brice Garnett also He used a bridge as a diving second leg, if I lose an arm, I will Hussein said he has rejected tested positive for the virus and would not play this week. board until it was destroyed in not stop.” off ers to compete with Syria and his country’s civil war. Hussein crossed to Greece in will not return unless the war In 2012, Hussein ran outside 2014 in a rubber boat with 80 ends. Rickie Fowler, John Catlin get PGA to help a friend hurt in a bomb people. A private doctor even- “I cannot wear the cap, the Championship invites blast, only to be injured him- ney to Greece in a wheelchair. of the fi rst ever Refugee Team. tually got him a prosthetic leg tracksuit, which has the same self. His right leg was amputated “Anything is possible,” said “Ninety % of people in the for free and unlike hundreds of fl ag as the airplane, as the guns Rickie Fowler and John Catlin received special exemptions to from the middle of the calf. He Hussein, who competed in the world believe strength is in your thousands of refugees who trav- (dropping) bombs on people,” he next month’s PGA Championship, the PGA of America confirmed later made the dangerous jour- Rio Paralympics in 2016 as part hands, in your legs. But strength elled north to wealthier Europe- said. to multiple outlets Tuesday. The season’s second major tourna- ment takes place May 20-23 at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina. Fowler, 32, has not posted a top-10 finish this season and has tumbled from No. 53 at the end of 2020 to No. 111 in the current Off icial World Golf Rankings. Fowler missed out on the World champ Barber hoping javelin will sing through chorus of cheers Masters earlier this month, ending a streak of major appearances Reuters for the Olympics this year. I’m last year because of the pan- that dated back to the 2010 Open Championship. Catlin, 30, is Melbourne, Australia sure I’m not the only one that demic, has struggled to get back ranked No. 82 in the world and plays primarily on the European feels this way,” the South Africa- into the swing of things this year, Tour, where he has won three times since September. born 29-year-old told Reuters throwing well below her career- avelin world champion in an interview. “I do use the best of 67.70 metres in 2019, Kelsey-Lee Barber is crowd, I love the crowd and I when she was world champion. S.Korean athletes to start receiving Jshutting out the Covid-19 love to perform. It’s just going However, in front of a proper Covid-19 vaccine this week: Yonhap “noise” in the lead up to the to be diff erent this year.” crowd at Australia’s recent na- Olympics, but the Australian Foreign fans will not be allowed tional athletics championships, South Korean athletes travelling to Tokyo for the Olympics hopes desperately to hear the at the Games this year. And au- she threw above 60m for the Games later this year will receive Covid-19 vaccines starting this rumble of fans when she gets thorities recently banned crowds first time since 2019. week, Yonhap news agency reported. Around 100 athletes and set to launch in Tokyo. at sporting events in Tokyo and Her best of 61.09m at Sydney’s coaches will get their first shots today, while around 500 others As a big-stage performer, Bar- other cities until May 11. Olympic Park was second to will be inoculated by the first week of May before they travel to ber said she missed the rush of Organisers might decide it’s not Commonwealth Games cham- Japan for the Games, Yonhap said, citing the Korean Sport and crowds through the pandemic- worth the risk to have any fans pion Kathryn Mitchell (63.34m). Olympic Committee (KSOC). The KSOC did not immediately hit 2020, and would draw at all at Olympics, which run energy in a diff erent way,” she and the numbers, and play that “I’d love to say, like the head- respond to a Reuters request for comment. The Games, which energy from fans at National from July 23 to Aug. 8. said. “I might have to tap into game a bit more than normally, lines, that ‘I am back’. But I feel were pushed back by a year due to the pandemic, are set to run Stadium during the Games. “There are ways you can the (energy of the) actual com- if that’s what will fire me up.” like I’m not quite there 100% from July 23-Aug. 8. Covid-19 vaccinations are not mandatory for “This is going to be a big factor practise for that and to channel petition, the girls around me Barber, who stayed in Australia yet,” Barber said. participation in the Olympics, but they are recommended. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, April 29, 2021 CRICKET

FIRST TEST Former Test player gets six-year ban for match-fi xing Colombo: Sri Lanka’s former Test cricketer and Pakistan face coach Nuwan Zoysa was banned for six years yes- terday by the International Cricket Council for match-fix- ing during a T10 tournament in the United Arab Emirates. The ban on the 42-year- without injured Yasir old is backdated to October 2018 when he was suspended ‘Yes, we don’t have Yasir but the back-up spinners, like Sajid and Mahmood, are good’ pending an investigation into his conduct at the inaugural AFP Sharjah tournament in 2017. “Contriving to fix a game betrays the basis of sport- ing principles,” the ICC’s akistan take on Zimbabwe anti-corruption chief Alex without key leg-spinner Yasir Marshall said. Shah in a two-Test series which “It will not be tolerated in starts in Harare today, but are our sport. In his role as a na- P“confi dent” after beating South Africa tional coach, he should have earlier this year. Yasir has been an in- acted as a role model. tegral part of Pakistan’s Test bowling Instead, he became attack since making his debut in 2014, involved with a corrupter and only missing two tours – to Ireland for attempted to corrupt others.” a single Test and a two-match visit to There was no immediate England – both in 2018. comment from Zoysa, but he Yasir, who has taken 235 in 45 had expressed shock when Tests, is absent with a knee injury. The the ICC initially announced in visitors will also be without frontline November that he had been seamer Mohamed Abbas, now starring found guilty. “It is a fallacious for Hampshire in English county crick- and cheap gimmick by the et, who lost favour with selectors early ICC to perform such an act (of this year. announcing guilt) intention- The Babar Azam-led Pakistan will ally to tarnish my reputation instead rely on the pace trio of Shaheen and the reputation of my Shah Afridi (15 Tests), Hasan Ali (11) and beloved country,” Zoysa said Faheem Ashraf (eight), while Nauman at the time. Ali (two Tests) is the frontline spinner. His sanctioning came eight They also have leg-spinner Zahid Mah- days after another former mood and off -spinner Sajid Khan to Sri Lankan bowler Dilhara chose from, who both have not played Lokuhettige was banned for a Test yet. eight years for corruption Hasan’s 10 wickets anchored a vic- during the same T10 tourna- tory over South Africa in Pakistan’s last ment. Both were found guilty Test in Rawalpindi two months ago. after a two-year investigation. Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq The duo join a growing list believes his team can kick on from that of Sri Lankan players to have 2-0 series win. been punished by the ICC for “Our confi dence level is good after breaching its anti-corruption winning the home series against South rules. Africa so we hope to carry that good Zoysa was accused of performance,” Misbah said. “Yes, we agreeing to introduce play- don’t have Yasir but the back-up spin- ers to an Indian national to ners, like Sajid and Mahmood, are good Zimbabwe’s stand-in captain Brendan Taylor (left) and Pakistan skipper Babar Azam pose with the trophy in Harare yesterday, on the eve of the first Test. arrange match-fixing and and in the absence of Yasir they have a remains under investigation good opportunity to perform.” with four drawn. Zimbabwe will hope young batsmen and bowlers and we are The second Test will also be in Harare Rauf, Tabish Khan, Hasan Ali, Shahna- accused of further breaches Pakistan’s will revolve around to continue their form from the preced- really excited for the Test series.” from May 7, with the full tour played waz Dhani, Nauman Ali, Zahid Mah- of the anti-corruption code. veteran Azhar Ali, Babar, Fawad Alam ing three-match series. De- Williams will miss the Test after not behind closed doors due to Covid-19. mood, Sajid Khan Zoysa played in 30 Tests and in-form wicketkeeper Mohamed spite losing 2-1, they gave their higher- recovering from injury with Brendan Zimbabwe: Sean Williams (captain), and 95 one-day internation- Rizwan. Azhar is one of the two survi- ranked opponents a tough contest. Taylor to captain the side. Taylor is SQUADS Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chisoro, Tan- als before retiring in 2007. vors from the last Test between the two “It was a very good series with a the only other player who featured in Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Imran aka Chivanga, Luke Jongwe, Roy Kaia, Sri Lanka’s former skipper sides in Harare seven years ago, when young side,” said skipper Sean Wil- the Pakistan-Zimbabwe Test in 2013. Butt, Abid Ali, Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Kevin Kasuza, Wellington Masakadza, was the hosts upset Pakistan by 24 runs to liams, who has hit hundreds in each of In Blessing Muzarabani and Victor banned for two years in Ali, Fawad Alam, Saud Shakeel, Agha Prince Masvaure, Tarisai Musakanda, achieve a 1-1 series draw. his last three Tests. Zimbabwe drew a Nyauchi, Zimbabwe have a potent pace Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngar- October 2018 for failing to co- Pakistan still lead the teams’ head- two-match Test series 1-1 against Af- attack strengthened by Luke Jongwe, Salman, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad ava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, operate with a match-fixing to-head record with 10 wins in 17 bilat- ghanistan in the United Arab Emirates expected to make his Test debut after Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz inquiry. eral Tests. Zimbabwe have won three, last month. “We’ve got some talented taking nine wickets in the T20 series. Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano

FOCUS IPL Sri Lanka punished for Chennai cruise past Hyderabad to go back top ‘below average’ pitch AFP PPE hazard suits with face masks. They New Delhi are now tested every two days and cannot even order food from outside their bio- ahead of must-win Test bubble hotels. hennai Super Kings beat bottom The IPL bubbles will remain tightly side Sunrisers Hyderabad to go sealed around the players for the rest of top of the the tournament which ends on May 30. yesterday as the big-money Inside the empty stadium, Australia’s tournamentC staged its fi rst game in In- went past 10,000 Twen- dia’s coronavirus stricken capital. ty20 runs with his 57 for the Sunrisers. Scores of police guarded the barricaded Manish Pandey hit 61 and Kane Wil- gates around the Feroz Shah Kotla ground liamson and Kedhar Jadhav added 33 in in Dehli during the match which Chennai the fi nal 12 balls to boost the Hyderabad won by seven wickets in 18.3 overs. Nor- total. Chennai were always ahead of the mally the stadium would be packed with target however. Du Plessis’ quickfi re in- 40,000 people for major cricket games. nings made him the IPL’s leading scorer But with Delhi accounting for more this year with 260 runs from six matches. than a tenth of the 3,200 coronavirus Chennai lead the eight-team table with The first match ended in a tame draw with the two sides scoring deaths recorded across India each day, fi ve wins from six games and a better net 1,289 runs for the loss of just 17 wickets over the five days. (AFP) the city has been put under a night cur- run-rate than Royal Challengers Banga- few and tough, daytime restrictions. Only lore in second. The same empty stadium AFP class games, and left-arm wrist a handful of people were on the darkened will host reigning champions the Mumbai Pallekele, Sri Lanka spinner Lakshan Sandakan in the streets around the stadium, kept empty Indians against Rajasthan Royals today. 13-man squad. “If you take the as all IPL games have been this year. spin resources we have, Praveen Fans could only watch on television as Brief scores ri Lanka risk falling to brings variety into the attack and Chennai raced past Sunrisers’ 171 for four, Chennai Super Kings’ Ruturaj Gaikwad plays a shot as the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Sunrisers Hyderabad 171/3 in 20 overs their lowest world rank- he probably has an edge,” said with Ruturaj Gaikwad hitting 75 off 44 Jonny Bairstow looks on during their IPL match in New Delhi. (Sportzpics for IPL) (M Pandey 61, D Warner 57, K Williamson ings position if they fail captain Dimuth Karunaratne. balls and his fellow opener Faf du Plessis 26 not out, L Ngidi 2/35, S Curran 1/30) to beat Bangladesh in the Bangladesh coach Russell 56 off 38. As the crisis grows, TV cover- England spinner Graeme Swann for view- dian hospitals.”It saddens me deeply to lost to Chennai Super Kings 173/3 in secondS and fi nal Test starting to- Domingo said he will stick with age is now regularly interrupted with ap- ers to stay home and wear masks. see people suff ering due to the ongoing 18.3 overs (R Gaikwad 75, F du Plessis 56, day at Pallekele after being pun- opener Saif Hassan despite two peals by commentators and pundits such Lee has donated more than $50,000 pandemic,” he said. The IPL players are Rashid Khan 3/36). ished for a “below average” pitch low scores in the high-scoring as former Australian bowler Brett Lee and to a fund to buy oxygen supplies for In- being moved around Indian cities in full in the high-scoring fi rst game. fi rst game. “Opening the bat- The International Cricket ting is hard in Tests. A lot of Council decision to order a de- openers take a bit of time to fi nd SPOTLIGHT merit point for Pallekele has their feet,” said Domingo. Left- added to the pressure on the arm bowler Shoriful Islam could home side. The fi rst match ended make his debut. in a tame draw with the two sides Australians in IPL ‘anxious’ about getting home: Union scoring 1,289 runs for the loss of SQUAD (There were) a few other things like bub- just 17 wickets over the fi ve days. Bangladesh: Mominul Haque Reuters patriation fl ights resume. The regular IPL got to try to fi nd out some more informa- ICC match referee Ranjan Ma- season ends on May 23, with playoff s to tion this morning,” he said. ble fatigue and the chance to get home, (capt), , Mushfiqur Meblourne dugalle said the Pallekele pitch follow before the fi nal on May 30. Batsman Chris Lynn, who plays for once all the news broke about the fl ights Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Abu Jayed, was “below average”. “The char- “As you’d imagine, they’re all pretty Mumbai Indians, said this week he had and everything.” acter of the pitch hardly changed Taijul Islam, Najmul Shanto, ustralians involved in the In- anxious,” Australian Cricketers’ Associa- asked governing body Cricket Australia CA said late yesterday it would contin- over the course of fi ve days,” Ma- Mehidy Hasan, , dian Premier League are “anx- tion Chief Executive Todd Greenberg told (CA) to arrange a charter fl ight to bring ue to “liaise” with the Australian govern- dugalle said. “There was no shift Ebadot Hossain, Saif Hassan, ious” about how they will get Sydney radio station 2GB. players home after IPL ends. Greenberg ment and monitor the situation in balance between bat and ball Shadmam Islam, Mohamed home from the tournament as “They’re in probably one of the biggest said the players union was in “conver- as the game progressed.” Mithun, Shoriful Islam theA Covid-19 crisis continues in India hotspots that we’ve seen since Covid so sations” with CA and authorities about BANGALORE SIGN MUMBAI Sri Lanka will fall from seventh Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne but they are not looking for any “free we’re just trying to make sure that they’re that option and would also look to work NET BOWLER KUGGELEIJN TO to eighth in the ICC Test rankings (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne, rides”, the head of the players’ union said all safe and secure and they can fulfi l their with IPL club owners on players’ travel REPLACE RICHARDSON if ninth-placed Bangladesh force Oshada Fernando, Pathum on Wednesday. Three Australian players commitments and... we can get them arrangements. Royal Challengers Bangalore have signed a draw or win. Having backed Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, have pulled out of the IPL but two remain home as soon as we can.” Zampa said his decision to cut his IPL New Zealand bowling all-rounder Scott their fast bowlers in the opening Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu stranded in India following Australia’s Former Australia fast bowler Andrew season short was about prioritising men- Kuggeleijn to replace Kane Richardson Test, Sri Lanka will turn back to Hasaranga, Niroshan decision to suspend fl ights from the Tye, who was with the Rajasthan Royals, tal health over money. “I feel like for any- who left the ongoing Indian Premier spin this time. Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Asian nation until May 15. fl ew home over the weekend but compa- one leaving halfway through a tourna- League citing personal reasons, the IPL They have included off - Ramesh Mendis, Praveen Nearly 40 Australians remain involved triots Adam Zampa and Kane Richard- ment, it’s defi nitely a fi nancial sacrifi ce,” franchise said yesterday. Kuggeleijn, who spinner Ramesh Mendis, un- son, teammates for Royal Challengers the 29-year-old said. has played two one-day and 16 Twenty20 Jayawickrama, Lakshan in the IPL as players, coaches, offi cials capped orthodox left arm spin- and commentators, but Prime Minister Bangalore, had been unable to exit India, “But from my point of view I wanted to Internationals for New Zealand, has been Sandakan, Asitha Fernando and ner Praveen Jayawickrama, who Scott Morrison said they would not be Greenberg confi rmed. put my mental health fi rst. Obviously the a reserve bowler for defending champi- Vishwa Fernando has played only a handful of fi rst allowed to jump the queue whenever re- “They’re in a diffi cult position so we’ve Covid situation over here is pretty dire. ons Mumbai Indians. Gulf Times Thursday, April 29, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Guerrero Junior’s three-homer night Nets book playoff powers Jays past Nats

Reuters Milone was replaced by Anthony Chicago Castro, who induced a double- play grounder from Victor Rob- les. ladimir Guerrero Jr. The Blue Jays scored twice berth with 116-103 hit a career-best three in the bottom of the fourth. home runs, including a Joe Panik led off with a dou- grand slam, and the To- ble. Nationals second baseman Vronto Blue Jays defeated the vis- Josh Harrison muff ed a popup iting Washington Nationals 9-5 to shallow right fi eld, with the Tuesday night at Dunedin, Fla. three-base error scoring Panik. Guerrero had a career-best Biggio’s sacrifi ce fl y gave Toron- seven RBIs and teammate Cavan to a 6-3 lead. win over Raptors Biggio contributed three singles Guerrero led off the bottom of and a sacrifi ce fl y in the opener the fi fth with a homer on a 3-2 of a two-game set. fastball. ‘We have our eyes on bigger things but it’s a nice first step to clinch a berth’ Trea Turner hit two home runs Kyle McGowin replaced for the Nationals, Ryan Zimmer- Scherzer in the sixth. Toronto’s AFP Sneakers from Michael man belted a two-run homer and Joel Payamps allowed a one-out Los Angeles Yadiel Hernandez hit a solo shot. single to Hernandez and Zim- Jordan’s rookie season Washington starter Max merman’s third homer of the Scherzer (1-2) allowed seven season in the seventh. evin Durant and Kyrie Irv- up for sale at Sotheby’s runs (fi ve earned), fi ve hits and Guerrero hit a two-run homer ing combined for 26 points as A pair of red sneakers worn by NBA two walks while striking out fi ve in the bottom of the seventh. the Brooklyn Nets became the champion Michael Jordan in 1984-85, in fi ve innings. He had a 19-in- His seventh long ball of the sea- fi rst Eastern Conference team at the start of his Chicago Bulls career, ning scoreless streak end Kto punch their playoff ticket on Tuesday is expected to fetch over $100,000 in the third. RESULTS with a 116-103 victory over the Toronto and possibly much higher at an online Turner hit an 0-2 cur- Raptors. auction next month, Sotheby’s said veball to left to open the Blue Jays 9-5 Nationals The Nets overturned a six-point defi - yesterday. The auction house has fi rst inning. It was the Reds 6-5 Dodgers cit with just under 10 minutes remaining estimated the red and white “Air Jordan 13th time in his career that in the fi nal quarter to pull away for a win 1” sneakers at 100,000-150,000 Swiss he homered to lead off a Rockies 7-5 Giants which leaves them on top of the confer- francs ($110,000-$164,000). Another game. Braves 5-0 Cubs ence with 42 wins and 20 defeats. pair, identical but bearing Jordan’s Turner hit his sixth Astros 2-0 Mariners Durant fi nished with 10 rebounds, four autograph, was sold for $560,000 at an homer of the season on a Rangers 6-1 Angels assists and two blocks while Irving ended auction last year. 2-2 cutter with one out in with nine points on a night when seven “They are obviously a pair of iconic the third. Red Sox 2-1 Mets Brooklyn players posted double-digit design and something that really collec- (1-0) then replaced Toron- Cardinals 5-2 Phillies points totals. to opener tors focus on as one of the (Holy) Grails Brewers 5-4 Marlins Jeff Green led the Brooklyn scoring and one of the ‘must-have’ pieces,” and gave up Hernandez’s with 22 points while Blake Griffi n deliv- said Josh Pullan, managing director of fi rst homer of the season Yankees 5-1 Orioles ered another solid performance with 17 Sotheby’s global luxury division. on a 1-2 fastball. Pirates 2-1 Royals points from 22 minutes on court. Joe Har- “We hope we see them fly,” he told The Blue Jays took the Indians 7-4 Twins ris had 16 points while Landry Shamet Reuters. Billed “Gamers Only”, the sale lead in their half of the had 14 off the bench. will be the first Swiss auction devoted third on Guerrero’s third Rays 4-3 A’s to sneakers. Jordan’s shoes are the star career grand slam. Ale- Tigers 5-2 White Sox jandro Kirk and Biggio RESULTS lot among 13 pairs from former NBA D’backs 5-1 Padres stars including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, singled with one out. Bo Mavericks 133-103 Golden State Patrick Ewing, Stephen Curry and Scot- Bichette walked to load Nets 116-103 Raptors tie Pippen. Jordan’s shoes, of which one the bases for Guerrero, who hit a son came on Kyle Finnegan’s 1-1 is a size 13 and the other 13.5, were de- 2-1 slider to left center to end an sinker. Blue Jays reliever Tyler Bucks 114-104 Hornets signed by Nike’s creative director Peter 0-for-11 drought. Chatwood pitched a perfect 1 2/3 Trail Blazers 133-112 Pacers Moore, Sotheby’s said. Jordan played The Nationals loaded the innings with four , and Thunder 119-115 Celtics 13 seasons with the Bulls, winning six bases with one out in the fourth. tossed a 1-2-3 ninth. championships, and is currently the Wolves 114-107 Rockets owner of the Charlotte Hornets. “There is a new generation of collec- Toronto’s Kyle Lowry led the scor- tors, generally 20 to 30 years old, who ing for the 2019 NBA champions with 24 are participating in the sneakers mar- points while OG Anunoby had 21. Nets ket, but we also see that often times, coach Steve Nash saluted his team’s char- they are also collectors of contempo- acter for securing a playoff place despite rary art or even Old Masters,” Pullan injuries which have prevented their big said. (Reuters) three of Durant, James Harden and Irving from playing together regularly this sea- son. “We have our eyes on bigger things had 27 points as the Portland Trail Blaz- but it’s a nice fi rst step to clinch a berth,” ers blew away the Indiana Pacers in Indi- Nash said. “For this group, facing all anapolis, dishing out a 133-112 beatdown we’ve faced to be in this position with 10 at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse arena. Si- games left is very positive.” mons went on a blistering three-point Nash meanwhile singled out Griffi n for blitz, making nine out of 10 attempts praise following his important 17-point from outside the arc in his 24 minutes on cameo. “Blake’s been great,” Nash said. “His court. Damian Lillard added 23 while CJ I.Q., his toughness, his physicality, his will- McCollum added 20 as Portland moved ingness to give up his body and be physical. to within striking distance of an auto- It’s a diff erent role for him than being asked matic playoff place. The Blazers are now to carry or produce - he’s a complementary seventh in the West on 33-28, just behind player now and he’s accepted that with joy the sixth-placed Dallas Mavericks. and pride. He’s been great.” Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving drives to the hoop over Toronto Raptors guard Kyle The Mavericks meanwhile improved In Charlotte, Giannis Antetokounmpo Lowry in the first quarter at Amalie Arena in Tampa. (USA TODAY Sports) to 34-27 with a brutal 133-103 pound- scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds ing of the Golden State Warriors in San as the Milwaukee Bucks solidifi ed their Khris Middleton added 17 as the Bucks despite falling to 30-31 for the season. Francisco. Luka Doncic fi nished with 39 infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. gestures as he hold on third place in the Eastern Confer- improved to 38-23 to edge closer to the Devonte Graham led the Hornets scoring points, six rebounds and eight assists as rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh ence with a 114-104 win over the Hornets. postseason. Charlotte remain in conten- with 25 points while Miles Bridges had 21. Dallas showed no mercy to an outclassed inning against the Washington Nationals at TD Ballpark. Brook Lopez pocketed 22 points and tion for a place in the play-in tournament Elsewhere Tuesday, Anfernee Simons Dubs line-up. (USA TODAY Sports)

NHL Top line leads hot Lightning past Blackhawks

Reuters get a measure of revenge against the Predators, RESULTS Chicago who prevented the Panthers from clinching their playoff appearance with a 4-1 win on Monday. Lightning 7-4 Blackhawks Nashville is trying to hold off Dallas for the rayden Point tallied a goal and two as- Panthers 7-4 Predators fourth and fi nal playoff spot out of the Central sists, Alex Barre-Boulet scored and On- Capitals 1-0 Islanders Division, currently holding a two-point lead over drej Palat added two assists as the vis- the Stars. Carolina, Florida and Tampa Bay have iting Tampa Bay Lightning rode strong Bruins 3-1 Penguins all clinched. productionB from their top line to defeat the Chi- Rangers 3-1 Sabres The Predators got the scoring going early, get- cago Blackhawks 7-4 on Tuesday night and clinch Hurricanes 5-1 Stars ting a goal from a long Ryan Ellis shot at 6:07 of a playoff berth. the fi rst period. Ellis later gave Nashville a 4-3 Alex Killorn added two goals and Blake Cole- Blue Jackets 1-0 Red Wings lead with 22.9 seconds left in the second. man had a goal and an assist as Tampa Bay im- Devils 6-4 Flyers After Ellis’ fi rst goal, the Panthers took aim at proved to 7-3-0 in its past 10 games by winning goalie Juuse Saros. Florida ended up outshooting for the third straight time. The defending Stanley a depleted defensive corps. A check from Tampa Nashville 20-8 in the opening period and had a Cup champion Lightning (33-14-2, 68 points) Bay’s Erik Cernak sent Adam Boqvist to the locker 42-21 advantage after two. continue to vie with Central Division-leading room in the second period with an apparent right Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov scored Carolina and second-place Florida in a tight race wrist injury. Later in the period, Connor Murphy two goals, his fi rst a power-play goal that tied the down the stretch. received a 10-minute misconduct penalty fol- score at 1-1 at 8:28 of the fi rst. He later tied it at Mikhail Sergachev also had two assists for the lowing a sequence in which he instigated a fi ght 3-3 with a wrist shot at 17:32 of the second. Lightning. The Blackhawks (22-22-5, 49 points) with Cernak. Rookie goaltender Kevin Lankinen Florida took its fi rst lead on a power-play goal saw their fl ickering playoff hopes take a hit as they started for Chicago but was pulled after one pe- by Anthony Duclair at 2:56 of the second. Nash- lost for the third time in four games. The Light- riod. He allowed three goals on 11 shots. Malcolm ville then got the next two goals in the period from ning raced to a 3-1 fi rst-period lead, but Chicago Subban stopped 15 of the 19 shots he faced the Luke Kunin (6:50) and Tanner Jeannot (12:40). rallied to climb within a goal as Wyatt Kalynuk rest of the way. Tampa Bay went 7-0-1 against the The Panthers tied the score again fi ve minutes scored unassisted at 17:59 of the fi rst period. Chi- Blackhawks during the regular season, taking 15 of into the third period when Owen Tippett banged cago drew no closer, though, as Point, Coleman a possible 16 points. a loose puck past Saros on Florida’s 47th shot on and Killorn scored within a 6:59 span midway goal of the night. Frank Vatrano gave Florida the through the second period to put the game away. PANTHERS RALLY TO TOP PREDS, lead for good at 7:15 of the third when he one- Duncan Keith beat Lightning goaltender Andrei CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH timed a pass from Alex Wennberg. Vasilevskiy with a wrist shot at 19:28 of the sec- The Florida Panthers rallied from a third-period Huberdeau then tacked on his two goals as the ond period and Dominik Kubalik scored at 13:51 of defi cit to beat the host Nashville Predators 7-4 Panthers tied a franchise record with 55 shots on the third to cap the scoring for Chicago. Patrick and clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup playoff s on goal. He ended with fi ve points in the game. Kane assisted on both goals to vault to 45 assists Tuesday night. The Panthers (32-14-5, 69 points) Before the third period started, Florida replaced this season, second most in the NHL. came into the third period trailing Nashville (27- starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (17 saves on 21 Vasilevskiy stopped 36 of 40 shots for his 22-2, 56 points) by a goal but scored four goals in shots) with rookie Spencer Knight, the former league-best 29th victory of the season. the fi nal period with Jonathan Huberdeau getting Boston College star who led Team USA to Gold at Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (left) and Chicago Blackhawks center Pius Suter The Blackhawks played much of the game with two of them. Florida outshot Nashville 55-30 to World Juniors. go for the puck during the first period at United Center. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Thursday, April 29, 2021 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Marcelo called for election duty Benzema embodies day before Chelsea clash survival spirit aft er leading Real recovery Reuters Benzema’s thunderbolt volley gives Madrid parity at the end of a first leg against Chelsea Madrid

AFP eal Madrid defender Madrid Marcelo could be pre- vented from playing in next week’s Champions eal Madrid might not reach the LeagueR semi-fi nal second leg at Champions League fi nal but Chelsea after being chosen to Karim Benzema has given them work in a polling station during a chance, his genius against a regional election, newspaper El ChelseaR the embodiment of a team that Mundo reported yesterday. still never knows when it is beaten. Teammate Victor Chust, who Benzema’s thunderbolt volley gives is injured, has also been selected Madrid parity at the end of a fi rst leg to work during the election in that could have been won decisively by the region around the capital Chelsea, who were the superior team Madrid next Tuesday, the day overall and, for 25 minutes, made their before the match in London. Real opponents look weary, rigid, even out did not immediately respond to a of date. But the most recent additions request for comment on the El to Real Madrid’s 13 European Cups have Mundo report. come from their ability to bend these Unless Marcelo is excused matches to their will, to weather the from his election-day duties, he storms and then accelerate when the will be unable to travel with the wind is behind them. team the day before the game. El Again and again, they have shown Mundo said Real had appealed to themselves to be masters of moments, the Electoral Commission but their belief that in the end they will win the request was denied. creating certainty when it is needed A four-time Champi- most and for their opponents, doubt, ons League winner with Real, just when they think they have the up- Marcelo started Tuesday’s 1-1 per hand. It comes from a history of draw at home to Chelsea as fel- success and the hubris of a club con- low left back Ferland Mendy was vinced it has earned the right even to injured. Marcelo, a Brazil inter- play in a Super League, only ever against national, obtained Spanish na- the biggest teams, bypassing the need to tionality in 2011, a common path qualify, and for theoretical fans that see for South American footballers Real Madrid winning as the beginning in La Liga, where there is a limit and end of the sport. on the number of players clubs It comes from a coach too in Zined- can have from outside the Euro- ine Zidane, whose philosophy is not so pean Union. much possession or pressing but calm, All Spanish nationals on the and players, like Cristiano Ronaldo, electoral register are liable to be Sergio Ramos and on Tuesday night, called up to work at polling sta- Benzema. Eight minutes before his goal, tions, for which they are paid 65 it was Benzema stirring the fi rst signs of euros ($72), and require mitigat- recovery. Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema (right) celebrates after scoring against Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg in Madrid on Tuesday. (AFP) ing circumstances to be excused. He robbed the ball off Antonio Rudi- Footballers being called to ger on the halfway line and played two fade. Benzema turbo-charged another are no doubts remaining that Benzema the Champions League, level on 71 with Real Madrid life in La Liga, it was his in- work at polling stations is not passes, each time demanding it back, counter-attack down the right, his belongs to the most distinguished class Raul, behind only Ronaldo, Lionel Messi tervention against Chelsea that has now uncommon: Levante goalkeeper before circling into the centre and fi r- punching pass out to Toni Kroos on the of footballers.” “He woke the team up,” and Robert Lewandowski. them alive in the Champions League Aitor Fernandez was named on ing off a shot that shaved the outside of opposite side the one that led to Kroos wrote AS. When Benzema signed his If recognition has come late, it is in too. “Nothing surprises me about Ka- a reserve list to work during a the post. In the stadium, it was a trigger, winning the corner, that led to Benzema fi rst professional contract with Lyon, he part because Benzema has saved his rim,” said Zidane, who had earlier taken general election in 2019 but was Madrid’s substitutes raised to their feet throwing his body at the ball and the was made to give an initiation speech at best until last, his fl ourishing into a him off in the 89th minute, the kind of excused as his side were playing and Ramos behind them also stand- ball fl ying into Chelsea’s net. a squad dinner and the cocky 20-year- graceful but deadly number nine occur- substitution usually designed to give Athletic Bilbao on voting day. ing up, fl apping his hands and shouting “Benzema took responsibility in re- old irked some of the senior players by ring after many had perhaps made their the home crowd the chance to applaud. Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Wil- “Come on guys! That’s it! A bit more viving the belief of a team that appeared telling them he would soon be taking minds up: Ronaldo’s support act could Instead, Zidane stepped in, smiling, liams was also excused from now! Believe!” to be creaking, and to a large extent they their place. never be among the very best himself. whispering, an arm around his shoul- working at a polling station in Chelsea’s were still in charge but from are, but so often they fi nd something Thirteen years later, he is the fourth And yet just as his late equaliser der, another moment seized and the fi - 2015 as voting clashed with a that moment their dominance began to more,” wrote El Pais. Marca said: “There most prolifi c goalscorer in the history of against Atletico Madrid last month gave nal still in sight. match against Levante.

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Tuchel rues missed chances Wales boss Giggs denies assault charges Reuters that let Real off the hook Manchester Reuters Madrid ormer Manchester United player and Wales national team manager Ryan Giggs was released on bail on helsea coach Thomas Wednesday after pleading not guilty Tuchel said his side toF charges of assaulting his ex-girlfriend should have wrapped up and her sister. The 47-year-old was charged their Champions League last week with causing actual bodily harm semi-fiC nal fi rst leg with Real Ma- to former partner Kate Greville and beating drid in the fi rst half on Tuesday her younger sister Emma. and rued missed chances in the He also faces one count of coercive and 1-1 draw that could have put the controlling behaviour. game beyond their opponents. After he entered his plea, the case was US forward Christian Pulisic sent to Manchester Crown Court to be heard fi red Chelsea in front in the 14th on May 26. The court heard the prosecutor minute in the Alfredo di Stefano read out a summary of charges including Stadium, and the visitors cre- that he struck Kate Greville with a “deliber- ated plenty more opportunities ate headbutt”. Wales’ Manager and former Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs leaves from in the fi rst half as 13-times win- “There was fear of violence on many oc- Manchester Magistrates Court yesterday. (AFP) ners Real struggled to make any casions,” the prosecution added, saying inroads at the other end. Giggs had subjected his partner to “degrad- might be. Giggs, who has said he looks for- hearing on a video link. Yet Chelsea’s inability to score ing treatment” and isolation from friends ward to clearing his name, was fi rst arrested Giggs made 963 appearances over 23 years a second away goal proved costly and colleagues. The former player gave in the case and released on bail in November. for Manchester United as a player, a club as Karim Benzema’s fi ne eff ort his name, address and date of birth before He has been replaced as Wales manager record, winning a haul of honours including levelled things up before the answering not guilty to the charges in a for this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament. 13 Premier League winner’s medals and two break with his side’s only shot on 13-minute hearing. The appearance at Manchester and Sal- UEFA Champions League winner’s medals. target in the opening period. He was released on bail on condition that ford Magistrates’ Court was his fi rst in the He represented Wales as a player 64 times “I have a feeling we should he has no contact with either sister and does case and attracted a large media presence between 1991 and 2007 and took over as na- have won the fi rst half and we Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio (left) vies for the ball with Chelsea’s not go to any address where he believes they outside, with reporters also following the tional coach in 2018. could have perhaps decided this N’Golo Kante during the Champions League semi-final. (AFP) game in the fi rst half an hour when we were playing so strong,” that doesn’t help,” Tuchel said. the only manager to face Real as Tuchel said. “The second half “It doesn’t help crying about many as fi ve times without ever was a tactical game and you could it or regretting it. There are mil- losing in Champions League Marsch to succeed Nagelsmann as Leipzig coach: Reports feel we only had two days in be- lions of people who have harder history. Having scored the away tween two away games which things to deal with than chances goal, Chelsea are in the driving Berlin: Salzburg’s American coach Jesse team, Marsch has long been a rising star season as head coach. made it physically and mentally that you miss... I don’t feel we’re seat to reach a fi rst Champions Marsch has agreed terms to succeed within Red Bull’s sprawling global football At Leipzig, Marsch would replace demanding and you could feel it pointing fi ngers but of course the League fi nal since 2012 ahead of Bayern Munich-bound Julian Nagelsmann network. The Leipzig job would be his 33-year-old German coaching prodigy in the decision making. “We suf- strikers want to score. next week’s return leg. at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, German third in charge of a Red-Bull backed club, Julian Nagelsmann, who was announced as fered a bit and an extra day would “This is the highest level and Real Madrid coach Zinedine media reported yesterday. Wisconsin-born following a three-year spell at the helm of the next Bayern Munich coach on Tuesday. have been nice.” when you have a good half an Zidane admitted he was relieved Marsch, 47, had “turned down Tottenham New York Red Bulls and two years in the Bayern reportedly paid a fee of up to 30mn Timo Werner failed to score hour like we did... then yes we to fi nish fi rst leg with his side Hotspur and decided to move to Leipzig”, Salzburg dugout. Marsch also previously euros (36mn dollars) to secure Nagelsmann from close range early in the wish for more composure and still in the tie. the break. “I’m so according to Kicker. worked at RB Leipzig as assistant coach as a replacement for Hansi Flick, who will game and Tuchel was left frus- more precision in the decision happy with the players because The country’s most widely read news- to Ralf Rangnick in the 2018-19 season, leave Munich after this season. trated by the German striker’s making and fi nishing.” we’re still alive,” Zidane said “We paper Bild also claimed that Marsch had helping the club to a German Cup final and The move completes a meteoric rise for inability to put away clear chanc- Tuchel continued his fi ne struggled a bit for the fi rst 25-30 reached “an agreement in principle” with top-three finish in the Bundesliga. Nagelsmann, who will turn 34 in July and es. “He missed a big one at West record against Zinedine Zidane’s minutes but then we improved Leipzig director Oliver Mintzlaff . A former He then moved to Salzburg, winning the is younger than Bayern club captain and Ham United (on Saturday) and side in Europe’s premier club and were much better in the sec- assistant coach of the US men’s national Austrian league and cup double in his first goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. now he’s missed a big one here, competition — the German is ond half and had control.” Gulf Times Thursday, April 29, 2021 7 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Spotify CEO ‘very serious’ about Specialist Emery Arsenal takeover bid

AFP club to bring it back to its glory. New York And I want to establish trust with fans and I want to engage the fans again.” threatens Arsenal’s potify co-founder Daniel According to reports, Arsenal Ek says he wants to bring greats Thierry Henry, Patrick back the “glory” to Arse- Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp nal as he plans to test the would be part of an advisory resolveS of the club’s American group in a takeover bid. “All I billionaire owner Stan Kroenke can do is prepare what I think is with a takeover bid. a very thoughtful off er, and bring shot at salvation Kroenke, through his Kroenke it to them and hope they hear me Sports and Entertainment (KSE) out,” added Ek. business, has been the Gun- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta The Spaniard is a three-time Europa League winner during his time at Sevilla ners’ majority shareholder for defended the commitment of a decade and took full control KSE to improving results on the AFP of the club by buying out Rus- pitch. Arteta’s side are 10th in the London sian oligarch Alisher Usmanov’s Premier League and on course for stake in 2018. Arsenal’s perform- their worst league fi nish since ances on the pitch have declined 1995. “The reality is that we have rsenal are relying on Europa markedly during the Kroenke owners who are really, really League success to save a sorry reign. The London club have not committed and want a successful season, but face former man- won a Premier League title since team on the pitch and are going ager Unai Emery with a point 2003/04 and are set to miss out to do everything on the pitch to toA prove in today’s semi-fi nal fi rst leg on a top-four fi nish in the Eng- achieve that,” said the Spaniard. against Villarreal. Sitting 10th in the Pre- lish top fl ight for a fi fth consecu- Arteta said he was pleased with mier League, the Gunners are on course tive season. the response KSE’s statement. for their worst league fi nish since 1995. Kroenke’s part in the failed “It closes a lot of the specula- But Mikel Arteta’s men are also just European Super League (ESL) tion regarding what could hap- three games away from only the club’s project further angered success- pen because they moved straight third ever European trophy and a much- starved fans. Arsenal were one away and made very clear lines needed ticket back into the Champions of 12 clubs to initially sign up of their understanding and what League for the fi rst time in fi ve seasons. to proposals for the breakaway they want to do with the football All is not well at the Emirates on or off competition but, along with fi ve club,” he said. the fi eld. Ahead of Friday’s 1-0 defeat by other English clubs, withdrew “We spoke to them and I think Everton, thousands of fans demonstrated from the plans within 48 hours it was very clear, they have shown against Arsenal’s owner Stan Kroenke, after a fi erce backlash from fans, their commitment and ambition calling on the American billionaire to sell players, governing bodies and the to the football club because we the club following his role in a collapsed British government. all want a successful team on the European Super League. Thousands of supporters pro- pitch. It was very clear and took Arsenal were one of 12 breakaway clubs tested outside the Emirates Sta- any doubt out of the situation.” seeking the reassurance of top level Euro- dium before Friday’s 1-0 defeat Arsenal are 10th in the Premier pean football every season without facing by Everton, calling for Kroenke League and on course for their the perils of having to qualify. It is easy to to sell the club. On Tuesday, KSE worst league fi nish since 1995. see why Kroenke sought the guaranteed said it had no intention of selling, However, they could play them- income the Super League would provide. despite reports of Ek’s interest. selves back into the lucrative For 19 seasons between 1998/99 and “In recent days we have noted Champions League for the fi rst 2016/17, the Londoners never failed to media speculation regarding a time in fi ve years should they win qualify for the Champions League. Now potential takeover bid for Arse- the Europa League. they are set to fi nish outside the Premier nal Football Club,” read a KSE Amid the turbulence that has League’s top four for a fi fth consecutive statement. “We remain 100% rocked the club, Arteta has been year. That decline started prior to Em- committed to Arsenal and are not readying his players for a last- ery’s 18-month spell in charge between selling any stake in the club. We four tie that will defi ne their sea- May 2018 and November 2019. have not received any off er and son. Realistically they must win The Spaniard missed out on the top four we will not entertain any off er.” the Europa League if they are to by a point and got to the Europa League However, Ek, who says he has play continental football next fi nal in his only full season in charge, but supported the club for 30 years, season and they travel to face a was dismissed just four months into his believes he has the funding to side managed by his predecessor, second. “It ended in unwanted circum- make a serious off er. Unai Emery. stances,” Emery said ahead of the tie. ferent clubs. Revenge is also on Villarreal themselves,” added Emery. “It will be a League, but too far off Manchester City “I’m very serious,” the Swed- Arteta may be able to select “I want to win for myself and for Vil- minds for those with a far longer connec- great contest, regardless of my having to mount a title challenge, ending a four- ish billionaire told CNBC yester- from a full-strength squad. larreal. (Two years ago) I was defending tion to the club than Emery. coached there recently.” year trophy drought is the major prize left day. “You know, I have secured Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Arsenal’s red colours in that fi nal against A fi rst ever major trophy is also the In the other semi-fi nal, Manchester on off er for Solskjaer’s men this season. the funds for it, and I want to has recovered from malaria, Al- Chelsea, now I feel that affi nity for the Spanish side’s only route into next sea- United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is aim- “It feels like a proper European tie be- bring what I think is a very com- exandre Lacazette is back after yellow of Villarreal. I have that competi- son’s Champions League. Arguably the ing to reach a fi nal at the fi fth time of ask- cause Roma is a club with lots of history,” pelling off er to the owners and I a hamstring problem and David tive instinct, that responsibility I owe the closest they have ever come to silver- ing since taking charge of the Red Devils said Solskjaer when the draw was made. hope they hear me out. Luiz is available after minor knee club and everyone I represent with my ware was a Champions League semi-fi nal against Roma. Under the Norwegian, the Like Arsenal and Villarreal, there is “I’ve been an Arsenal fan since surgery. More surprisingly, Ki- decisions.” against Arsenal, when Jens Lehmann’s English giants have twice fallen at the last even greater motivation for the Italians, I was eight years old. Arsenal eran Tierney could be fi t after A three-time Europa League winner last-minute penalty save from Juan Ro- four in the League Cup and in the semi- who sit seventh in Serie A. Victory in next is my team. I love the history. I working to overcome a knee in- during his time at Sevilla, the 49-year- man Riquelme in 2005/06 prevented the fi nals of last season’s Europa League and month’s fi nal in Gdansk is the best shot at love the players. And of course, I jury that was expected to sideline old has won 28 out of 31 knockout ties in tie from going to extra-time. “The two FA Cup. With United realistically as- European football next season for Paulo love the fans. So as I look at that, him until mid-May. Tierney has the competition across spells at four dif- clubs have their own history between sured of a top-four fi nish in the Premier Fonseca’s men. I just see a tremendous oppor- been “working like a beast every tunity to set a real vision for the single day”, Arteta said.

FOCUS Man United’s Solskjaer seeks to defuse Roma fans’ anger

AFP hadn’t analysed and hadn’t seen them in ropa League — and again this term in the London depth to give them enough respect prob- League Cup. ably with analysis. I could’ve said, which “It will be a dream come true the day I truly mean, ‘it’s a fantastic club with a I can lift a trophy for this club as a man- le Gunnar Solskjaer yester- great history’.” ager, of course,” said Solskjaer, who won day tried to placate angry fans Solskjaer said he even owned two multiple trophies as a player at Old Traf- of Europa League semi-fi nal treasured shirts worn by Roma greats. ford. “That’s what we’re building for. opponents Roma, who have ac- “I’ve actually got two prized possessions We’ve been close, we’re building step by cusedO the Manchester United boss of dis- back home — a (Francesco) Totti shirt step.... But for this team and myself, our respecting their club. and a (Daniele) De Rossi shirt that I’ve ambition this season is to fi nish with lift- Comments made by Solskjaer after swapped with them, actually signed,” he ing a trophy and being able to celebrate.” the quarter-fi nal triumph against Gra- said. “I know about the history, I know Roma were comfortable in the Serie nada have angered some Giallorossi sup- about the quality. It was not meant as any A top four at the turn of the year, but a porters, who have put up posters of the disrespect and I think everyone knows run of one win in their last seven league Norwegian near the Serie A club’s train- that. I’ve got loads of respect for them,” matches means they have dropped to sev- ing ground alongside the quote: “I don’t press conference that the remark should he added. enth, with pressure mounting on coach know them and I haven’t seen them play”. be put in context. “That was straight af- Solskjaer said forward Marcus Rash- Paulo Fonseca. Elimination would surely The fans have added the caption “Make ter the game and with all the games we’ve ford should be fully fi t for today’s fi rst leg hasten Fonseca’s exit, with reports in the sure he remembers us!” had I was just relieved that we’d gone at Old Traff ord. United suff ered semi- Italian media linking the club with former Solskjaer, who is seeking to win his fi rst through,” he said. fi nal heartbreak three times last season Napoli, Chelsea and Juventus manager Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, said he had been an Arsenal fan since he trophy as United boss, told his pre-match “Of course I’ve watched them but I — in the League Cup, FA Cup and Eu- Maurizio Sarri. was eight years old. (Reuters)

BOTTOMLINE ‘I want the biggest prizes’: Kane opens up on frustration at Tottenham By David Hytner fi rst-leg lead was surrendered – the mer. The 27-year-old is under contract Spurs host Sheffi eld United on Sun- The Guardian season comes down to an uphill strug- until June 2024, meaning the chairman, day and, with fi ve league games to play, gle in fi nish in the Premier League’s top Daniel Levy, would feel empowered to they are fi ve points behind fourth- four. demand an astronomical fee – were he placed Chelsea. “It has been a disap- arry Kane has expressed Kane described the campaign as to even countenance selling him, which pointing season, if I am totally honest,” frustration at a continued in- “disappointing” and, for all his indi- the club maintain he is not. Would any Kane said. “We have had so many op- ability to achieve his ambition vidual excellence since establishing rival be able to fi nd that kind of money portunities and been in so many games of winning major trophies at himself at Spurs in 2014-15, he has yet in the coronavirus era? where we have been ahead or been in HTottenham in comments that will raise to win a trophy. He was on the losing One of the big questions for Kane a good position going into the last 15 alarm about his happiness at the club. side in the fi nals of the 2019 Champions could concern how badly he may want minutes and we haven’t quite got over The striker’s future has been the League and the 2015 League Cup and he a transfer or, to put it another way, how the line for one reason or another. subject of intense discussion after he saw league title challenges in 2016 and badly he would be prepared to behave to “When we look back, we were in a remained uncharacteristically silent 2017 fall away. force one. Spurs stars who have wanted great position come November and that in the media for several months before Kane was interviewed by Sky Sports away in the past – chiefl y Dimitar Ber- [bad] spell over December and Janu- saying on England duty last month that after being named as the Premier batov, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale ary really put a halt to what we were he would concentrate on the remainder League player of the year at the London – had to dig in hard and withdraw co- trying to achieve. We have got loads of the season “and then we’ll see where Football Awards. He is the competi- operation to varying degrees to assist to improve on. The thing now is to try we go from there”. tion’s top goalscorer with 21 and lead- moves. Berbatov went to Manchester and fi nish strong, try and win the last Kane was part of the Spurs team that ing assist-maker with 13. as a player is to win team trophies. I it is what it is. I am proud to win it, it United and Modric and Bale to Real fi ve games, hopefully try and make the lost 1-0 against Manchester City in the “Individual awards are great, they want to be winning the biggest prizes means it’s been a good season on the Madrid. Bale is back at Spurs on loan. Champions League spot. It has been Carabao Cup fi nal on Sunday and – af- are fantastic achievements,” he said. there is to off er and we are not quite do- pitch. So I have got to try and continue Kane has been a Spurs player for disappointing and as players we have ter the FA Cup defeat at Everton in Feb- “When I look back at the end of my ca- ing that. what I am doing.” most of his life, having joined as a boy to take responsibility and when we go ruary and the Europa League disaster at reer, these are the things I will go over “It is bittersweet, I would rather be It will be extremely diffi cult for any and, ideally, he would not want to anger away in the summer really focus on Dinamo Zagreb last month, when a 2-0 and take in more but the goal right now winning team trophies and this one but club to prise Kane from Spurs this sum- the club. what we can improve on.”

Thursday, April 29, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Al Sadd, Al Nassr set for cracker with Round of 16 in sight AFC been drawn together in the 2020 Al Sadd will be out to avenge their back matches against Foolad, but Riyadh edition, but with only the group earlier loss to Al Nassr and fi nish their unbeaten streak came to an winners guaranteed a spot in the group stage with a fl ourish. end when Al Wehdat stunned the the Round of 16, Al Nassr will be “Like all the other matches, Saudi side 2-1 to put their qualifi - t will be winners take all hoping to repeat their Matchday we have another fi nal, we need cation hopes at risk. when Al Sadd SC of Qatar Two triumph, where they re- to get the three points in the fi nal “This is the fi nal match for and Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr corded a convincing 3-1 win over match to stay fi rst in the tourna- us, and it will be diffi cult for us, clash in their fi nal 2021 AFC Al Sadd. ment,” said Xavi. like the previous match against IChampions League Group D tie Al Nassr may have beaten Al “We are leading the group, but Al Sadd, and the importance of at the King Saud University Sta- Sadd the last time out but the we can’t relax, as we are going to this match is more because it is dium today. Qatar champions have grown play against a strong team who decisive in determining who will Al Sadd grabbed top spot from from strength to strength with reached the semi-fi nals last year. qualify,” expressed Menezes. Al Nassr after the Qatar champi- each passing game, recording But we are ready for the match. “We will try to play at the same ons beat Foolad Khouzestan FC three consecutive wins to fi nish All the players are ready to play, level of the last match against Al on Matchday Five to move up to top of the table after Matchday as there are no injuries or sus- Sadd, but we don’t know how 10 points, with the Saudi club Five. pensions in the squad. they will react, but we will play missing out on vital points when Head coach Xavi Hernandez “Both teams will play under for the win. they suff ered a 2-1 defeat to Al will hope that his charges keep up pressure, as each team wants to “Our performances in the Wehdat stay second two points their fi ne performance, with the get the result that gets them to last fi ve matches were aff ected adrift. legendary Spaniard describing the second round, but we will by several factors, as we played The onus will be on Al Nassr to their 1-0 win against Foolad as play for the win. We showed against teams with diff erent secure full points while Al Sadd their best display of football yet. our real performance in the last styles, and we were also aff ected only need a draw to confi rm their While a draw is all they need match, and we want to repeat by the fi tness demands. We were place in the Round of 16. to confi rm a seventh consecu- that against Al Nassr.” also aff ected with the absence of The two teams are no stran- tive appearance in the knockout Mano Menezes’ side recorded many key players who can make gers to one another, having also stage, there will be no doubt that Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez. positive results in their back-to- the diff erence in the team.”

HORSE RACING FOCUS Aspetar part of our De Mieulle refl ects on national team’s success: Algerian a big season, before football chief focusing on the next ‘It’s not about the amount you have won, but what you do with the horses’

By Mikhil Bhat On April 1, when Tayf entered Doha the winner’s circle for the big feature victory, it was the nine- year-old’s farewell to Al Rayyan pril 1, earlier this Park’s track. “He has always run year, trainer Alban de well, given his heart out,” says Mieulle was marginally De Mieulle about the horse that ahead of the competi- has tasted victory in some of tionA in the trainers’ champion- the biggest Arabian races in the ship, and it was the last of the world, including the Qatar In- big racing days – Qatar Gold ternational Stakes (Group 1 PA) Algerian Football Federation President Amara Chraf-Eddine (left) Sword and Trophy Day – at Al in Goodwood, Qatar Arabian receives a memento from Aspetar CEO Dr Abdulaziz Jeham al-Kuwari. Rayyan Park. World Cup (Group 1 PA) in Paris In the card-opener, an Ara- and Qatar Derby (Group 2 PA). By Sports Reporter etar was a good supporter of the bian maiden race, his hopes “He will now go to Goodwood Doha Algerian national football team were on Umm Qarn’s Al Arabie, and then to Qatar Arabian World and their career competing in “a good fi lly for me, but unfor- Cup, and from there he will re- many continental and interna- tunately she didn’t prove her- tire to the stud.” he President of the Alge- tional competitions. He added: self at the start” as De Mieulle Last year, his nephew, Jean, rian Football Federation “We are proud of what they have reminisces. “A lot of quality in too set up stables in France after (FAF), Amara Chraf- achieved as Champions of Af- the morning, but does not show working with De Mieulle for 5 Eddine, visited Aspetar, rica and we wish them continued much in the afternoons,” he years as an assistant. “This sea- Tthe world’s leading specialised success.” adds. son he has done well, he has had orthopaedic and sports medicine Under the FAF and Aspetar But that day, the chestnut fi lly 6-7 winners already, and he got hospital, where he was given a agreement, the players of the pulls a fast one out of the bag some horses in training for Har- comprehensive tour of the hos- Algerian football team benefi t and wins over seven furlongs by as de Grand Courgeon (owned pital’s facilities and the newly primarily from the medical sup- more than three lengths. and managed by De Mieulle). He built extension that is dedicated port provided by Aspetar medi- Next up, in the local Thor- has some good three-year-olds exclusively to athletes. FAF Pres- cal specialists during competi- oughbreds run, the Frenchman owned by Qatari owners, I think ident, who was accompanied by tions. Algerian football team has another Umm Qarn entrant, Sa’ad (maiden winner at Saint his General Secretary Mohamed players also receive preferential Equinoxe. The colt has a few wins In this April 1, 2021, picture, trainer Alban de Mieulle (right, also inset) congratulates jockey Ronan Thomas Cloud late last year) is a good Saad, was welcomed by Aspetar treatment for various Aspetar under the belt but has had to be after he rode Umm Qarn’s Tayf to victory in the Qatar Gold Sword (Group 1 PA). PICTURES: Juhaim horse,” De Mieulle says. “He CEO Dr Abdulaziz Jeham al-Ku- services, including sports medi- put in blinkers every race. And has a very nice training centre, wari. cine, surgery and rehabilitation before this one, he hasn’t been “I feel better, of course,” De many owners,” he explains. been more interested in getting a diff erent track because it is on Chraf-Eddine said: “This is services, taking advantage of the jumping well out of the gates. Mieulle tells Gulf Times. “It was Having a few more horses, a good result for the owner. So wood shavings, it is in a forest… my fi rst visit to Aspetar as a FIFA latest research in performance, So, for the 1,850m race, De a nice season, even though we especially Thoroughbreds from you can have only one horse, very good track.” accredited Centre of Excellence. and other world-class services Mieulle decides to do away with missed a few big wins, like dur- the other owners, De Mieulle and win some of the biggest From the time he moved to Aspetar is one of the best sport provided by the hospital. the blinkers. A much better start ing the Amir Sword meeting. reckons has helped him top the races with that one horse, and I Qatar, his last big season in 2013, medical centres in the world, and It is worth noting that Aspetar from the inner stall, no traffi c in In the Amir Sword itself, (His championship. “I am a lead- would be happy with that. It is a lot has changed since as far as this visit falls within the frame- has provided medical support a small fi eld, settles well mid- Highness) Sheikh Mohamed ing trainer also because I am not about the total amount that racing in the country goes. “The work of permanent and continu- to the Algerian national foot- fi eld, and a straight run to a fi n- (bin Khalifa al-Thani) won the working with diff erent owners you have won, but what are you racing has only improved. My ous co-operation for 11 years, ball team since 2010, includ- ish with a fl ourish. race because they have better too, because at Umm Qarn we doing with the horses that really boss is Sheikh Abdullah, and he which has been an important and ing the provision of a number of The veteran trainer fi nishes horses on the distance, but the don’t have a lot of Thorough- matters.” has given me the chance to prove fruitful co-operation for both dedicated specialists who work the day with the smart and race we missed was the ones for breds, only 4-5 of them,” says The Qatar Gold Sword and what I can do in Qatar. But now I parties. Many stars of the Al- closely with the team’s staff to consistent Tayf taking the USD local breds. But the rest of the De Mieulle, who has now spent Trophy Day defi nitively secured also work with some young Qa- gerian national team have been provide medical support as part 250,000 Qatar Gold Sword, and season was very good, we also almost two decades in Qatar. De Mieulle’s place on top this tari owners, and it is nice to try treated here, and Aspetar ac- of the partnership agreement. with two more wins before the enjoyed with the new owners.” Any pressure to follow it up? season. “We fi nished very, very and put their horses at a high companied the Algerian national Experts from Aspetar also ac- feature, he has all but bagged the Last season, De Mieulle be- And the man with 60 wins and nice at the Qatar Gold Trophy level. And now we are also see- team and the Algerian athletes companied the Algerian team to leading trainer’s title. gan training horses for a few over QR750,000 in prize money meeting. At the end of the sea- ing a lot of competitiveness be- during their recent achievements the 2010 FIFA World Cup South A few more meetings later, other owners, besides His this season, says, “Between you son, form of our horses was bet- tween the owners too.” and is considered a partner in Africa and the 2014 FIFA World De Mieulle has topped the full Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin and me, it is not a pressure for ter, and you know it can happen Europe is going to be the next these achievements.” Cup Brazil. As offi cial medical season for the fi rst time since Khalifa al-Thani’s Umm Qarn. me. I have been in Qatar for 20 in this sport. To be able to enjoy stop before racing returns to Dr al-Kuwari said that Aspetar partner, Aspetar also provided 2013, having also fi nished as “We requested Sheikh Abdul- years now. I don’t think it would racing horses, you have to be Qatar, and De Mieulle is excited. is proud to have continued this medical support to the Algerian the leading trainer last season, lah for it, and when he said be nice on my part to say that I very sporting. But do not forget, “For Umm Qarn, we have new fruitful cooperation with the FAF team when they won the African which was truncated due to the yes, we took horses from a few do not care about the champi- a horse is an animal, you have to horses coming in next season, for 11 years, during which Asp- Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2019. Covid-19 pandemic by around owners, including Al Shaqab. onship, and it is not the case, fi nd a way… and sometimes you and I think we should have a two odd months. We didn’t want to take too either. But for me, I have always make mistakes,” he says. good season.”

GOLF Casey takes aim at rare PGA Tour three-peat

Reuters “We’ve got Justin Thomas and guys numerous things that I still want to win, Toronto, Canada like that playing this week, and the focus so just to add something to the fabric of is going to be on them, so I feel like I’m everything would be very, very cool.” kind of in a sweet spot and raring to go.” Casey has not played since missing the aul Casey is feeling no pressure There have only been eight instances cut at the RBC Heritage two weeks ago in his bid this week to join an of a player winning a tournament three but has four top-10 fi nishes in 12 starts elite group who have won three or more times in a row over the last 40 this season, share fi fth place in the AT&T consecutive titles at the same years and Tiger Woods accounted for six Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players PPGA Tour event when he tees it up at the of those. Championship. Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, Stuart Appleby accomplished the feat “I feel very happy with the game. Florida. at the Sentry Tournament of Champi- There’s nothing I’m worried about,” said The Englishman is the two-time de- ons from 2004-06 while the last player Casey. fending champion of the event, which to pull it off was Steve Stricker, who was The world number 20 will play the was cancelled in 2020 due to the Cov- to his advantage. “I’ve never had a unbeatable at the John Deere Classic from opening two rounds this week at In- id-19 outbreak, and feels the presence three-peat as a professional, and I feel 2009-11. nisbrook Resort’s Copperhead course of world number one Dustin Johnson like the pressure is not on me,” Casey “It’s elite company,” said Casey. “I’ve alongside 2019 US Open champion Gary and number two Justin Thomas works said yesterday. been in the game long enough, but there’s Woodland and Jason Kokrak.