SPORT Thursday 3 May 16 2018 PAGE | 25 PAGE | 27 Woods to use new Resolute irons at Wells Fargo Djokovic eyes this week Roland Garros

Delhi win Liverpool reach final despite rain-hit match to Roma’s gutsy fight on home soil stay alive AGENCIES REUTERS NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant ROME: Liverpool reached the Cham- hit a rapid half century and pions League final after riding their Trent Boult held his nerve in luck to contain a fired-up AS Roma in the last over as Delhi Dare- a 4-2 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico devils edged out Rajashtan yesterday that sent them through 7-6 Royals by four runs on the on aggregate. D/L Method in a rain-affected Liverpool, who will face Real Indian Premier League match Madrid in the final on May 26, twice yesterday. took the lead but were forced to hang Pant smashed 69 off 29 on in the second half as Roma created balls in Dehi’s strong total of a string of good chances before Radja 196-6 in 17.1 overs before rain Nainggolan's two late goals put them interrupted play for the ahead on the night. second time. Liverpool's Sadio Mane was their Rajasthan’s target was most potent attacking threat and gave revised to 151 in 12 overs, but them the lead after nine minutes, but despite Jos Buttler’s blistering a bizarre own goal by James Milner lev- 67 off 26 balls, Delhi hung in elled for Roma. to restrict its opponents to A Georginio Wijnaldum header put 146-5. Liverpool back in front but Roma, who Needing 15 runs off the overturned a three-goal deficit to beat last over, Boult conceded just Barcelona in the last round, were given one boundary and lifted Delhi renewed belief when Edin Dzeko fired from the bottom of the table past Loris Karius early in the second to No. 6 with six points. half. Earlier, Pant (69 off 29 Nainggolan drilled in from distance balls; 4x7, 6x5) and Iyer (50 after 86 minutes to make it 3-2 and off 35; 4x3, 6x3) capitalised smashed home a penalty in stoppage- on a brilliant start by time but it was too late for the Italian teenaged sensation Prithvi side who lost the first leg of the semi- Shaw (47 off 25 balls; 4x4, final 5-2 in Liverpool. 6x4) as Delhi overcame the early loss of opener Colin UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Munro in the opening over. Brief Scores: FINAL Delhi Daredevils: 196/6 REAL MADRID (Rishabh Pant 69, Shreyas vs Iyer 50, Prithvi Shaw 47; LIVERPOOL Jaydev Unadkat 3/46) Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum scores their second goal against AS Roma during their Champions League semi-final Rajasthan Royals 146/5 Kiev, Ukraine second leg match played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy yesterday. (Jos Buttler 67, D Arcy Short ono May 26, 20188 44; Trent Boult 2/26) Wounded Al Sadd eye Al Khor scalp in quarters ARMSTRONG VAS At the end of the day we are THE PENINSULA humans,” Dalmada said. “Yes, indeed the loss has Al Duhail are Manchester City DOHA: Al Sadd, still seething from affected us psychologically, their dramatic Qatar Cup final loss however, on the other hand it last week, will be looking to makes us more united and moti- of Qatar: Umm Salal coach bounce back against Al Khor in an vated to attain success. We will be Emir Cup clash at Abdulla Bin missing important players who Khalifa Stadium here today. have been sent off the field but we ARMSTRONG VAS end of the match statistics Duhail in the AFC Champions Coach Jesulado Ferreira’s still have players who will be THE PENINSULA showed that they had 80 League argues well for Qatari team, which lost to Al Duhail 2-1 equal to the task and rise to the percent possession which football said the Umm Salal in the Qatar Cup final through a occasion,” Dalmada added. DOHA: Watching QNB Stars shows they have good quality,” coach. debatable Video Assistant Referee Al Khor coach Nassif Al League (QSL) champions Al said the Moroccan tactician. “When you see a Qatari (VAR) penalty goal, are yet to win Bayawi said his side ‘feels ready’ Duhail play at their best is akin “In defense, midfield as well team playing well in the Asian a trophy this season. to take on Al Sadd and believes to watching English Premier they have quality and I will not Champions League, it is a good At the same venue today, QNB his team can maintain their League giants Manchester City in talk about the strikers, they sign for Qatari football. It shows Stars League (QSL) champions Al impressive run in the Emir Cup. Al Sadd’s assistant coach full flow, says Umm Salal coach (strikers) are fast. They have dif- that Qatari football is per- Duhail can keep their treble hopes “We are pleased to reach the Nuno Dalmada Talal Al Karkouri (pictured). ferent qualities. When they have forming well at the Asian level. alive if they beat Umm Salal in the quarter-finals and play against Al It is rare to find a rival coach the ball you can see the tech- I know it is going to be tough day’s second Emir Cup Sadd. I believe in the players, I rave about their opponent’s nique of the player and you can when they get to the quarter- quarter-finals. believe in our chances of “We play the best team of the performance on the eve of the see good passing. They want the final and semi-final when they Al Sadd, popularly known as winning,” said Al Bayawi. QSL. Playing against strong team, match, but yesterday Al ball at their feet, theyy want the start playing the Wolves, will miss a couple of The loss against Al Duhail in we aim not to concede any goals Karkouri went at length to ball at their feet all thee timetime,”,” he agagainstainst players through suspension and the Qatar Cup final will fire Al in the beginning of the match and explain why the QSL and Qatar added. KKoreanorean andand injuries but have sufficient quality Sadd to raise the bar, warned Al control the match. We want to go Cup winners are simply the best “They change theireir passes JJapaneseapanese bench strength. Khor coach. step by step in a controlled not just in Qatar but at the Asian from wide to deep andnd switcswitchh teams,teams, butbut I Asked about the preparation “We will be playing against a manner and with a strong men- level. play - from long ballsls to shortshort am sure for today’s match Al Sadd assistant strong team like Al Sadd. We know tality we hope to win,” said the Al Duhail, one of the four passes. They have quickck plaplayers,yers, theythey will do coach Nuno Dalmada said yes- that Al Sadd has done very well in Moroccan. teams seeded directly into the players who can playy lleft,eft, wiwidede well,”well,” hehe terday: “We have had no special the Qatar Cup having lost to Al “We know our opponents last-eight stage of the Emir Cup, and play one-two with the said.said. training session, just a normal one. Duhail in extra ordinary circum- have not lost but Umm Salal has clash with Umm Salal at Abdulla strikers. That’s why theyhey are tthehe We want to win, and we want to stances,” Al Bayawi said. a good track record in this cham- Bin Hamad Stadium. best. It’s like we are watchingwatching advance to the next round. Our “They will be missing a pionship (Emir Cup). We start on “I have not seen (Al Duhail) the Manchester City off Qatar,” objective is to win every match in number of players through a high note. Any team in the world play the way they played this added the 41-year old.d. all competitions, it is difficult but injuries and sanctions. These has weaknesses. It depends on the season, keeping the ball for 75 The consistent andnd we train that way.” factors could give them moti- opponents, if the opponents will to 80 percent possession. The impressive run of All The Portuguese said the loss vation to play stronger, but we are use (exploit) the weakness or not,” in the Qatar Cup had its effect on prepared for that,” he added. he added. the players but assured they will Meanwhile, Umm Salal coach His opposite number Djamel “After the intense Qatar Cup come in the last 15 minutes and to make for the numbers but to bounce back with all the vigour. Talal Al Karkouri said his side has an Belmadi said he will be affecting final, it is time we gave chances to made the desired impact in Qatar latch on to the chances and make “We have been affected by the opportunity to ‘achieve something’ a few changes from the side which some youngsters,” Belmadi said Cup. an impact, it is a step by step decisions of the (Qatar Cup) final. in the Emir Cup but at the same time took the field against Al Sadd in yesterday. “Young players know that development,” added the Algerian It has taken a toll on the players. said they need to be realistic. the Qatar Cup final. “Some of the youngsters have they are not there in the team just tactician. 26 SPORT THURSDAY 3 MAY 2018 Hathab winners honoured at grand ceremony

RIZWAN REHMAT HATHAB SERIES THE PENINSULA AWARDEES: DOHA: Top Qatari rider Nasser Al Ghazali, on Tuesday night BIG TOUR received the Big Tour trophy as 1st Nasser Al Ghazali (177) country’s equestrian family 2nd Hamad Nasser Al Qadi (174) celebrated the success of hugely 3rd Rashid Towaim Al Marri (171) popular Hathab Series with a spectacular season-ending gala dinner. MEDIUM TOUR Al Ghazali bagged 177 1st Saeed Nasser Al Qadi (187) points to emerge winner in the 2nd Mohammed Said Haidan (150) first edition of the Hathab Series 3rd Mohammed Sultan Al Suwaidi (145) that saw riders battling for top honours in different classes over 12 rounds. SMALL TOUR The competitions in the 1st Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi (166) 12-leg series - that concluded 2nd Mohammed Al Ghazali (132) last week - were held at Al 3rd Khalifa Abdulla Al Khaldi (131) Shaqab Arena and the Outdoor Arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF). DRESSAGE LEVEL 1 Vice-President of the Qatar 1st Jessica Waldon (124.5) Olympic Committee (QOC) Dr. 2nd Amna Ahmad Al Saffar (121) Thani Al Kuwari, QOC Sec- 3rd Saeed Hamad Al Rashdi (112) retary-General Jassim bin Rashid Al Boenin were present at the ceremony, along with DRESSAGE LEVEL 2 QEF President Hamad Abdul- 1st Mia Kardos (128) rahman Al Attiyah. 2nd Mennatallah Hesham Mourad (103) Al Ghazali received the 3rd Aisha Ahmed Al Ahmadi (99) award from Dr Al Kuwari. The winners of the respective Tours, Dressage levels and Future Riders categories of the 12-leg hathab Series pose for a The gathering also saw the photograph with Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Dr. Thani Al Kuwari (Fifth left) during the season-ending attendance of Omar Al Mannai, gala dinner on Tuesday. FUTURE RIDERS (70/85CM) Commercial Manager of Al 1st Sheikh Khalid Bin Ali Al Thani (183) Shaqab and Ali Al Rumaihi, the events will be made part of look forward to coming back fantastic series when we return struggles but there were so 2nd Fahad Abdulkarim Abed (173) Tournament Director of the international competitions that stronger for the next season.” next season. Everybody many stories of success as well. 3rd Barzan Azzam Saleh (125) Hathab Series. we see in Qatar.” Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, who deserves praise for their role in Qatar riders hold a lot of Saeed Nasser Al Qadi He added: “The tournament finished behind Al Ghazali, promoting this series.” promise. I am sure they will picked up the trophy for fin- was widely appreciated when applauded the QOC’s initiative Al Rumahi, the Tournament improve and we will get to see FUTURE RIDERS (85/100CM) ishing at the top of the Medium it was successfully held in Souq to launch the Hathab Series. Director, said: “I am impressed them grow into world-class 1st Abdulaziz Majid Al Ghanim (160) Tour while Ghanim Nasser Al Waqif. There is an idea by the “I got to learn so much. I the way young riders stood up riders in the future.” 2nd Tamim Nasser Al Qadi (153) Qadi clinched the Small Tour organising committee to may have finished second but to the challenge of competing The next season will com- 3rd Kanz Azzam Abdulla Saleh (72) honours. upgrade the Souq Waqif Fes- it has been a great result,” Al in front of the fans. There were mence in October. Jessica Waldon (Dressage, tival and to make it into an Qadi said. “I went about doing Level 1) and Mia Kardos international festival in the well in a step-by-step fashion. (Dressage, Levelk 2) also coming years.” I intend to keep up the good received their awards at the The Hathab Series was work next season also,” he said. ceremony held at Mondrian launched last October as a “This is a great series for riders Hotel. special initiative by QOC like us who want to be part of Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Chairman HE Sheikh Joaan bin the Qatar national squad in the Thani (Future riders (70/85cm) Hamad Al Thani. The series future,” Al Qadi added. and Abdulaziz Majid Al Ghanim grew in popularity as young “Mannai, Commercial (Future riders (85/100cm) also Qatari riders picked up pace Manager of Al Shahab and Deputy received their trophies. with the passage of each leg Chairman of the Organising Com- Khalifa Al Attiya, the Exec- held at the country’s two top mittee, said: “I want to thank all utive Director of Al Shaqab, also venues. the riders and staff people who presented the trophies to the “It was a great season for contributed to the success of this top riders. me. I got to learn so much this great series. This was a highly suc- QEF President Al Attiyah season,” Al Ghazali said after cessful championship as we said: “Hathab Series witnessed winning the Big Tour event of managed to get some new bunch a great rivalry among the home the final leg last week. The of exciting riders.” riders. We shall see the partic- young Qatari rider added: “It He added: “We have studied ipation of riders from the Gulf was a challenging season with carefully where we could do FROM LEFT: Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) President Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, and Arab countries in the many ups and downs. The com- better in the next season. I am Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Dr. Thani Al Kuwari, QOC Secretary-General coming years. Some of its petition level was very tough. I convinced we will have another Jassim bin Rashid Al Boenin and QEF Secretary General Badr Al Darwish attending the Gala dinner.

Euro nations offered up to $75m every 2 years in FIFA league AP The global league plan was countries that would lose match Proposed distribution of Nations League revenue to European nations in revenue guaranteed for each developed by UEFA, where dates currently reserved for for playing six group-stage games in even-numbered years: edition by investors. ZURICH: Some European football Infantino was general secretary friendlies they organise. FIFA would have a 51 percent federations stand to earn up to until 2016, to replace interna- The new formats do not 5 countries: $37.5m-50m; stake in a joint venture with the $75m every two years if plans for tional friendlies. A European threaten the future of the World 5 countries: $15m-20m; consortium of investors from a new global league are approved version is already due to start in Cup, which is being expanded 7 countries: $11.25m-15m; Asia, Europe and North America as part of FIFA’s $25bn overhaul September. from 32 to 48 teams from 2026, 5 countries: $7.5m-10m; who have signed non-disclosure of competitions. The complex global format but allow FIFA to deepen the 33 countries: $5.62m-7.5m. agreements after pledging to The extent of the windfall is would start with regional quali- “relationship between fans and Prize money for the GNL Final 8: deliver $25bn in revenue from outlined in a letter from FIFA fying groups with promotion and the game,” according to Division 1: $15m per team plus $10m for winner and $5m for runner-up. 2021 to 2033. President Gianni Infantino to relegation, leading to interconti- Infantino. Division 2: $5m per team plus $5m for winner and $2.5m for runner-up. FIFA would run the new com- members of his ruling council, nental finals brackets in seven In a proposal from Infantino Division 3: $3m per team plus $3m for winner and $1.5m for runner-up. petitions and an agency would be which has been seen by The Asso- divisions. The pinnacle is an configured for Europe, FIFA fore- Division 4: $2m per team plus $2m for winner and $1m for runner-up. used to commercialize the com- ciated Press ahead of crucial eight-team mini tournament of casts that the five top countries Division 5: $1.5m per team plus $1.5m for winner and $0.75m for runner-up. petitions, including selling tele- meetings that could reshape the teams from five continents, could each be guaranteed to Division 6: $1m per team plus $1m for winner and $0.5m for runner-up. vision rights. world’s biggest sport. including three top European receive $37.5m to $50m to play Division 7: $0.5m per team plus $0.5m for winner and $0.25m for runner-up. FIFA’s 37-member ruling Infantino said an interna- countries and two South six games in the initial phase of council still needs to approve the tional consortium would under- American. It would likely be the Nations League. Each team two competitions. Gaining the write guaranteed revenues of at hosted in one nation in as few as qualifying for the “Final 8” com- by Germany for winning the 2014 as a warmup event for World consent of UEFA could be testing least $25bn over 12 years to create eight days in October or petition in the following year World Cup in Brazil or and the Cup host nations. Germany col- given how a 24-team Club World the Nations League on a two-year November of odd-numbered would bank $15m and another $38m on offer for the team which lected only $4.1m for winning the Cup, featuring 12 European cycle for more than 200 national years. $5m for being runner-up or wins the 2018 edition in Russia event last year. teams, could devalue the status teams and expand the Club World The consortium is guaran- $10m for winning the title. in July. The overhaul of interna- FIFA envisages replacing that of the Champions League and Cup from an annual seven-team teeing $13bn in revenue over 12 The $75m bonanza for a tional football would herald the competition in the international create challenges over the competition into a quadrennial years from the Nations League, European winner of the NL end of the mostly unloved Con- calendar with the expanded Club release of players by leading event for 24 participants. allowing FIFA to compensate would eclipse the $35m collected federations Cup that functions World Cup, which would see $3bn clubs. THURSDAY 3 MAY 2018 SPORT 27

Resolute Rohler eyes 100m mark as Djokovic eyes Roland Garros world’s best reach Doha AFP FAWAD HUSSAIN Olympic, World, European and THE PENINSULA Diamond League Champion Kat- BELGRADE: Novak Thomas Rohler will be a treat erina Stefanidi of Greece, Djokovic, whose latest to watch for fans at Qatar SC DOHA: Thomas Rohler left fans reigning World Champion and comeback in Barcelona in awe with a monster throw of tomorrow. Olympic silver medallist in the last week ended after 93.90m at the Qatar Sports Club 5000m and Doha Diamond one match, believes he Stadium last year. League record holder in the will improve before Given the 26-year-old Ger- 3000m Hellen Obiri of Kenya, Roland Garros. man’s rising stature since then, two-time Olympic Champion, The former world the dream of a 100m throw three-time World Champion and number one has not seems possible when he returns six-time Diamond League won a Grand Slam title to the same venue for the Champion Christian Taylor of the since the 2016 French season-opening Diamond USA, besides Rohler. Open. League tomorrow. Speaking ahead of the 2018 “Basically it is now The reigning Olympic Doha Diamond League, Pres- all about improving my champion yesterday ‘all one ident of the Qatar Athletics Fed- fitness,” Djokovic told need is perfect conditions and to eration, Dr Thani Abdulrahman reporters in Belgrade do the ‘right thing on the right Al Kuwari, said: “We are so when asked about day’’ to achieve the Herculean excited to welcome so many of Roland Garros and task of throwing 100m. the World’s biggest athletics stars Wimbledon. Jan Zelezny, the former back to Doha for what promises “I believe that things Czech athlete, holds the world to be a phenomenal Diamond will sort themselves out record of 98.48m set in 1996. League opening meeting of the very soon and I hope for “ I said to people I want to 2018 season.” some better results in the throw 100m. I want to check The QAF President added: next few weeks,” the whether it’s possible for humans. “The Doha Diamond League is Serbian said. It’s a dream for me,” Roheler told the only IAAF Diamond League At the Barcelona www.iaaf.org ahead of Doha meeting in the Middle East and Open Djokovic was meeting. is one of the most exciting and knocked out by Slovak “I think it’s possible. I mean unmissable sporting events Martin Klizan, ranked the actual world record we now hosted annually in Qatar. It is our 122nd in the world. have is quite close, just one and day. I still see myself as the and will be competing in the ambition to use this event to The defeat was not a half metres to go,” the 26-year- younger thrower so still a lot of longer distance of 3000m in engage and inspire our nation the shock it once might old athlete added. room for my development (to do Doha, and 200m sprinter Nath- through athletics and we are have been. He said ‘one lucky day’ can the task), he added. aneel Mitchell-Blake from Great very pleased to be able to give After losing in the I think it’s possible. make this unprecedented task Meanwhile, athletics fans in Britain, who is the World the public this exclusive chance Australian Open fourth happen. Qatar will get a free opportunity 4x100m Champion and U20 to meet Olympic and World round in January, I mean the actual “I never experienced good today to meet a number of the Champion in the 200m from Champions ahead of their com- Djokovic had surgery on world record we now conditions in any competition. I world’s best athletes ahead of 2013. petitions. We encourage eve- his right elbow. have is quite close, never had the feeling that today their competition. Joining them on stage for the ryone to come down and not The injury had been just one and a half was a good day. It never hap- The event will be hosted by panel session will be Qatar’s miss out on this unique troubling him for almost pened,” Rohler said. athletes MCs Jenny Simpson of sporting hero, 2017 World opportunity.” two years during which metres to go: Thomas “You need good track, good the USA, who is the reigning Champion, Diamond League Qatar will stage the IAAF time the 12-time major Rohler wind, the aerodynamics. You just 1500m World silver medallist Champion and World Athlete of World Athletics Championships champion suffered a need to do the right on the right and Olympic bronze medallist the year Mutaz Barshim, reigning next year in October. prolonged slump. Djokovic said Wednesday his problems Omega Official with the elbow seemed to be fixed and added Global superstars give tips to that he had been playing Timekeeper of without pain for the past month. DL once again “I still want to con- tinue tennis at the THE PENINSULA budding athletes at Aspire highest level. I am very motivated and I have THE PENINSULA DOHA: When the Qatar always aimed high and Sports Club hosts the opening this hasn’t changed,” the leg of the IAAF Diamond DOHA: Enthusiastic school- 30-year-old said. League (DL) tomorrow, children from across Doha, A reunion with long- Omega will once again be on yesterday were given the chance time coach Marian Vajda hand as Official Timekeeper. to try their hand in athletics with in April sparked hopes The Swiss brand will a masterclass hosted by World Djokovic could yet steer follow the league around the and Olympic Champions at his career back on track. globe, timing the world’s best Aspire Academy. “We have made athletes in 11 different Held ahead of tomorrow’s plans until the end of the countries. Doha Diamond League, the clay season -- three Omega has served as youngsters, aged nine to twelve, more tournaments Official Timekeeper of the eagerly ran onto the track to be ending with Roland Olympic Games 28 times, so led in a warm-up by Olympic Garros.” “After that we the athletes who have worked medallist Dawn Harper-Nelson will sit down again... and so hard to compete on the alongside fellow American Olympic silver make further plans,” said world stage, are in good Olympian Sandi Morris, medallist Sandi Djokovic, currently the hands. American Indoor Champion Morris of the US world number 12. President and CEO of Katie Nageotte and 2017 demonstrating her Djokovic said that Omega Raynald Aeschlimann, Diamond League Champion pole vault skills to although his confidence commenting on OMEGA’s Noah Lyles as well as Javelin a schoolkid. was lower than it used to role, said: “I’m always deeply World Champion Johannes be, it could return “very impressed by the level of Vetter and Canada’s Olympic soon, a few good passion and commitment silver medallist Andre de Grasse. were kept to a minimum, as the meeting the young children of athletics and celebrate the true matches, a good tour- shown by the athletes. For Utilising the state-of-the-art athletes begin final preparations Doha gave wider insight into the spirit of the sport with the next nament.” “I believe in Omega to play such a vital indoor athletics track at Aspire for their respective Diamond role of sport in the country: generation of athletes, especially myself,” he said. role in their sporting careers Academy, the champions shared League events later in the week, “Being welcomed at Aspire with the opener to the Diamond is a source of great pride, both their expertise with more than Harper-Nelson, Lyles and de Academy with such warmth League season arriving in the for the brand and for me per- 50 eager youth in sprinting, Grasse couldn’t resist a fun relay from the smiling faces of the city and the IAAF World Cham- sonally. Serving as Official hurdles, javelin and pole vault. race at the end of the class. schoolchildren shows how much pionships on the horizon in 2019. Timekeeper of the IAAF Though demonstrations For Dawn Harper-Nelson, appreciation Qatar has for track Speaking after the master- Diamond League is a great and field. I’ve been motivated to class, Sandi Morris discussed honour. I wish all of the ath- put on a great show for Doha how much she enjoyed the letes the very best in 2018”. and its community and abso- morning and the impact sport Omega has been the lutely kill it on the track.” can bring beyond the track: Official Timekeeper of the Twelve-year-old Waleed “Coming here today and IAAF Diamond League ever from Lycee Voltaire expressed meeting these children from a since the event was founded his excitement at meeting Andre different background, I was able in 2010. de Grasse and added about the to introduce them to pole In addition to its time- importance of sport in his life: vaulting, draw the shy ones out keeping and data handling “It was a great experience to of their shells and help them try activities at some of the see these athletes from all over something new. That’s what world’s highest-profile the world, and even more being sport is truly about; being able sporting events, Omega has able to run and try out javelin to interact with people from all also been responsible for the and pole vaulting with them. We over the world and build development of much of the even met Andre de Grasse who confidence.” key technology in sports was behind Usain Bolt in Rio! This year’s Doha Diamond A fan takes timing, including the modern Sport is very important for me, League promises to be one of the a selfie with starting pistol, state-of-the- because as I see it, it’s not a com- best-ever and will take place art starting blocks and false Olympic plete life without sport.” from 5-9pm at Qatar Sports start detection systems and silver Organised by the Doha Club. Tickets are priced from just the latest version of its pho- medallist Diamond League Local Organ- QR40 and can be bought online Serbia’s Novak Djokovic tofinish camera, the Andre De ising Committee, in collabo- now at https://bit.ly/2GVnHqN. reacts during a training Scan’O’Vision Myria, which Grasse ration with Aspire Academy, the Keep up to date on all news on the session in Belgrade, Serbia records up to 10,000 digital yesterday. masterclass aimed to engage and Diamond League website and yesterday. images per second. inspire local schoolchildren in social media channels. THURSDAY 3 MAY 2018 SPORT 25

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Qatar’s Fakhroo to feature at US Thailand’s Wanheng equals Formula Drift

QNA Mayweather’s 50-0 record AFP greats including Manny Pac- DOHA: Qatari driver Abdulrahman quiao and Oscar De La Hoya. Fakhroo will participate in the 14th NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Wanheng’s rivals have edition of US Formula Drift in Pro 2 Thai boxer Wanheng been a mixed bag -- one last category, which features four rounds Menayothin clinched his 50th year had 44 losses, while over four days and kicks off on May 9 straight victory yesterday, another in 2014 had 24. with the participation of 40 drifters. stopping a Panamanian chal- In December, he tied Fakhroo expressed his delight to be lenger to hold onto his WBC Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 tally the first Arab driver to take part in the minimumweight belt and tie with a win over Japanese con- championship, noting that he will the undefeated record of tender Tatsuya Fukuhara. compete against some of the world’s boxing great Floyd Still, World Boxing best drivers. He added that his main Mayweather Jr. Council president Mauricio target is to develop his level and gain The 32-year-old Thai Sulaiman, who attended yes- more experience. nicknamed the “dwarf giant” terday’s bout, applauded the The Qatari driver said he prepared reached the milestone in the “tremendous fight” and well for the first round and worked on fifth round as Leroy Estrada record-equalling feat. his Mustang 2014 that he will compete failed to recover from a pow- “The world is going to get with, expressing hope that he will erful upper cut. to know him much better, and promote Qatar’s name in the event and The Panamanian was the great opportunities will open obtain a global Pro 2 license, thus qual- busier of the two fighters in for him,” he said. ifying to participate in the Pro 1 the opening rounds, leaving That may bring a boon to Undefeated Thai boxer Wanheng Menayothin wears his WBC title belt after defeating competition. a cut above Wanheng’s left Wanheng, who has fought Panamanian challenger Leroy Estrada to win his 50th straight victory yesterday in Nakhon US Formula Drift comprises four eye. But the veteran Thai was since he was 12 and despite rounds, with each of them taking place unruffled, knocking down Ratchasima. his prowess is significantly in a different state. The first round will Estrada twice in round three less wealthy than May- be staged in Georgia on May 9, the with withering right hands “I’m happy that I can Mexican flyweight Ricardo -- and air conditioning -- of weather, who briefly emerged second will be in Missouri in August, the and again in the fourth, before make the same record as him Lopez, who retired with 51 Mayweather’s favoured Las from retirement last year to third will take place in Texas in Sep- the stoppage in the fifth. (Mayweather),” the champion wins, one draw and no losses. Vegas. fight MMA star Conor tember before the last one in California Wanheng’s quest to equal said ringside after the fight. The bout was hosted in a Boxing analysts have McGregor for a $100m purse. a month later. “Money” Mayweather has Asked about his next parking lot, under an awning taken note of his achievement Given the lack of finances, Fakhroo had won the Doha round stirred intrigue between the move, he said he was not yet in the blistering late afternoon but point out that Wanheng fighters in Thailand often of Red Bull Car Park Drift Series in 2016 unheralded, soft-spoken Thai thinking about a 51st bout. heat of the northeastern city has dominated undistin- compete under the label of and 2017. and the brash, vastly more But one more win would of Nakhon Ratchasima, far guished rivals compared with their gym -- Menayothin is wealthy American. bring Wanheng level with from the glitz Mayweather, who took out Wanheng’s Bangkok gym. Cavaliers stun Raptors; Curry Woods to use new irons at Wells triumphs in Warriors return Fargo this week AFP REUTERS week will be more forgiving LOS ANGELES: LeBron James’s than it was when Thomas won “worst” was too much for NEW YORK: Tiger Woods last August, with more grass Toronto on Tuesday as the (pictured) will use a new set of around the greens expected to Cleveland superstar and his Cavs irons at this week’s Wells Fargo offer better lies for chip shots. team-mates rallied to stun the Championship in North “It was really tough to chip Toronto Raptors 113-112 in Carolina, the 14-times major around the greens (at the PGA) overtime in game one of their winner announced on Tuesday. because it was so tight,” said NBA play-off second-round Woods has been trying out defending champion Brian series. the TaylorMade clubs for a Harman, who won last year’s It was a heart-breaker for while, and has decided the time Wells Fargo at a different the Raptors, who led throughout is right to put them to the test venue. regulation only to see James knot in the heat of competition. While Woods will consume the score at 105-105 with 30.9 “Phase 1 of irons devel- most attention, fans with an eye seconds left in regulation. opment... is complete. Looking on the future could do worse Toronto, the Eastern Con- forwardward to teeing it up tthishis thanthan watchwatch Joaquin NNiemann.iemann. ference top seeds for the first week,”ek,” hehe saidsaid on TwTwitteritterr ahead TheThe 19-y19-year-oldear-old time in franchise history, missed of today’stoday’s ffirstirst roundround in from Chile finished their last 11 shots of regulation. Charlotte.arlotte. ssixthixth in hhisis pprofes-rofes- Cleveland’s Kyle Korver The news comescomes moremore than sionsionalal ddebutebut at the opened overtime with a three- a yearear aafterfter WooWoodsds ssignedigned witwithh TexasTexas OOpenpen two weeweeksks pointer and the Cavs held on for TaylorMade,ylorMade, andand afterafter a ddisap-isap- ago.ago. the victory and a 1-0 lead in the pointinginting performanceperformance lastlast “It“It gave me a lotlot ofof best-of-seven Eastern Con- monthnth at the US MMasters.asters. confidence,”confidence,” saisaidd ference set. Woods struggledstruggled with his Niemann,Niemann, who reckreckonsons “It was an all-around team ironsns on thethe way to finishingfinishing hishis aabilitybility witwithh tthehe win for us,” James said after five Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots the basketball against the New Orleans Pelicans tiedd for 32n32nd.d. driverdriver shouldshould holdhold himhim Cavs players scored in double during the first half in game two of the second round of the 2018 NBA Play-offs at Oracle Arena on “I“I ffeltelt I hithit it wellwell enoughenough ooffff in goodgood steasteadd tthishis weeweek.k. figures. Tuesday. the tee to dodo some things,things, butbut I “Hitting“Hitting ffairwaysairways is “Everybody contributed hit mmyy irons awful for the one of mmyy best parts ooff tonight, and we needed it.” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said nine boards. “Big win for us,” triple-double of his career with week,”ek,” hhee saisaidd aafterfter hhisis ffinalinal my ggame.ame.a I just needneed to hhitit After the high drama in of Curry’s impact. Curry said after a game that saw 26 points, 13 assists and 11 roundund at AugustaAugusta fairwaysfairways because Toronto, all eyes were on Curry had not played since 13 lead changes, 11 of them in the rebounds. National.tional. theh coursecourse is isres reallyreally Stephen Curry in Oakland, suffering a sprained left knee lig- first half. “I definitely wasn’t as effi- Woods,Woods, in hhisis long.long. You ddon’ton’t where the two-time NBA Most ament on March 23. There was no such back- cient as I like to be,” James said. seventhenth start of the yyearear wantwant to hihitt Valuable Player scored 28 points But he got off to a confident and-forth in Toronto, where the “I missed a lot of open looks. It afterer a successfulsuccessful spinalspinal five-ironsfive-irons fromfrom in his return from a 16-game start, quickly draining a three- Raptors led until James tied it up was probably one of my worst fusion,ion, will be jjoinedoined aatt the rough.”rough.” injury absence to help the pointer, and the Warriors, who in the final minute of games of the season. Quailail HollowHollow bbyy a strong reigning champion Golden State trailed 18-11 when Curry entered regulation. “But at the end of the day fieldd tthathat aalsolso ffeatureseatures RorRoryy Warriors to a 121-116 victory the game, were up 58-55 by Once Korver put them in the only thing that matters is that McIlroy,Ilroy, Justin Thomas and over the New Orleans Pelicans. halftime. front at the start of overtime, my team-mates stepped up and Masterssters cchampionhampion The Warriors took a 2-0 “He was Steph,” Kerr said. they wouldn’t relinquish the got the win when I wasn’t at my Patrickrick RReed.eed. lead in their best-of-seven “He doesn’t take long to lead. best.” McIlroyMcIlroy and Western Conference series, with warm up, that’s for sure.” Kyle Lowry converted a JR smith scored 20 points Thomasomas havehave Curry looking fit and confident Curry connected on eight of three-point play to pull Toronto and Korver added 19. Tristan fondd mmemoriesemories as he came off the bench late in 15 shots from the field and five- within 113-112 with 57 seconds Thompson came off the bench of QuailQuail Hollow.Hollow. the first quarter. of-10 from three-point range. He remaining but Toronto’s Fred to add 14 points and 12 rebounds McIlroyc I lroy “Everything changed as pulled down seven rebounds VanVleet missed a potential for the Cavs and Jordan Clarkson recordedorded hhisis ffirstirst soon as he walked on the floor,” with two assists and three steals. game-winner. chipped in 16 points. PGAA TTourour win Kevin Durant paced the James, who said he was “We didn’t play great, but therere in 20102010,, wwhilehile NBA RESULTS Warriors with 29 points, seven “burnt” after the Cavs clinched we played tough,” said Cleveland Thomasomas more recentlyrecently

Cleveland 113 Toronto 112 assists and six rebounds and a seven-game first-round win coach Tyronn Lue, whose Cavs madede his majormajor bbreak-reak-

Draymond Green fell one over Indiana on Sunday, made trailed by as many as 14 in the throughoughg at thethe PGA G’ State 121 N’ Orleans 116 rebound shy of a triple double just 12 of 30 shots from the floor first half. Championship.ampionship. with 20 points, 12 assists and but still recorded the 21st playoff “We stayed the course.” The course set-up set-up ththisis