SPORT

Tuesday 30 May 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Rabada sparks England No win but no regretsts Nadal batters Paire slump as SA register as Alonso returns to begin French consolation win to Formula One Open title bid Valverde new Lekhwiya eye quarters Barcelona boss Barcelona AFP

panish coach Ernesto Valverde is the man berth in home clash charged with reviving Barcelona's fortunes Safter being confirmed as the Catalan giants' Armstrong Vas new boss on a two-year deal yesterday. The Peninsula "Valverde has the ability, the judgement, the knowledge and the experience. He promotes the atar’s Lekhwiya youth players and he has a Barça way," club pres- need a win over ident Josep Maria Bartomeu said at a press Iran’s Persepolis conference. FC in today’s clash Valverde, whose contract will include an Qat Al Sadd Sta- option for a third season in charge, will be offi- dium to book a spot in the cially unveiled on Thursday. last eight stage of the AFC Valverde, 53, a former Barca player who left Champions League. Athletic Bilbao after four years in charge last week, With the first leg match replaces Luis Enrique with the task of getting the in Tehran ending in a goal- most out of a star-studded squad containing Lionel less draw, a win at home Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. over the Iranian side will Luis Enrique signed off his three seasons in see the Qatar Stars League charge with a ninth trophy of his reign in Satur- champions progress to their day's Copa del Rey final against Alaves. third quarter-final of the However, the daily grind of the pressure at continental championship the Camp Nou forced him to announce back in in five years. March he would leave at the end of the campaign The competition’s top even before Barca missed out on both La Liga and scorer Mehdi Taremi may the Champions League this season. be left to rue his late pen- alty miss at Azadi Stadium as Persepolis squandered AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES the chance to take a one- goal lead to Doha, where TODAY: unbeaten Lekhwiya have Al Ahli FC (UAE) vs Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) played three, won three. At Rashid Stadium, Dubai Lekhwiya players in action during a training session ahead of their AFC Champions League Round of 16 second Poor finishing proved Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) vs Muangthong United (THA) leg clash against the visiting Persepolis FC. Lekhwiya need a win over Iran’s Persepolis FC in today’s clash at Al Persepolis undoing in the At Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium, Kawasaki first leg with the missed pen- Sadd Stadium to book a spot in the last eight stage of the AFC Champions League. Kashima Antlers (JPN) vs Guangzhou Evergrande FC alty making headlines but it (CHN) was a display of overall three golden chances inside the opposition six-yard box, more an influential figure in which Lekhwiya enjoyed on At Kashima Stadium, Ibaraki wastefulness in the final the opposition penalty area as goalkeeper Qasem Bur- the clash. the night, using his quick feet Lekhwiya SC (QAT) vs Persepolis FC (IRN) third which leaves Persep- besides a Taremi missed han excelled in the While Tae-hee’s side and vision to provide At Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha olis in a tricky position in the penalty. Lekhwiya net. were forced to concede pos- chances for his side when all Kick off at 8.00pm return match in Qatar. Despite 59.2 percent of For all the quality of session for long periods, the else were failing. Al Hilal SFC (KSA) vs Esteghlal Khouzestan FC (IRN) Lekhwiya showed that possession and 10 shots to their build-up play on the Korean looked capable of Back on home soil At Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Doha much can be achieved with their opponents’ five, Perse- night, Persepolis’ squan- causing damage whenever he Lekhwiya will fancy their Kick off at 8.30pm. a patient, compact approach polis were unable to find a dered chances leave them picked up the ball—winning chances of being more dom- to the game—albeit assisted breakthrough to give them with a difficult task in the five free-kicks as Persepolis inant in the flow of the TOMORROW: by the travails of Persepolis’ a lead. away leg. struggled to deal with his slip- encounter and with Tae-hee Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) vs Jeju United FC (KOR) forward line. The normally deadly Lekhwiya carried a threat pery attacking runs. in this kind of form, they will At Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama

Persepolis will feel dis- strike duo of Taremi and throughout thanks to the It was also Tae-hee who certainly expect to create Jiangsu FC (CHN) vs Shanghai Sipg FC (CHN) appointed to have ended the Vahid Amiri were both excellence of Korean play- created four of the five what could be decisive At Nanjing Olympics Sports Centre, Nanjing tie at 0-0, having enjoyed guilty of big misses inside maker Nam Tae-hee—once shooting opportunities chances. Qatari cagers bag bronze QBSF chief says domination of sport a result of strategy

at FIBA 3x3 U18 Asia Cup Doha enjoys in recent years. He QNA added that he will look to The Peninsula enhance cooperation and resident of the Qatar Bil- communication with all fed- he Qatari youth basketball liards and Snooker's erations around the world. team won the third place of PFederation (QBSF) He also expressed his Tthe 2017 FIBA 3x3 U18 Asia Mubarak Al Khayareen (pic- pride at being the first Arab Cup at the Gem-In shopping mall in tured), who is also the president of IBSF. He added Cyberjaya, Malaysia on Sunday. President of International Bil- that the success cannot just Qatari team defeated Lebanon liards and Snooker Federation be attributed to him, but to 21-16 in the third place play-off after (IBSF), said that Qatar's dom- the continuous successes of going down fighting to China in the ination of the sport reflected the State of Qatar in sports semi-final. Qatar's prominent status and all over the world. He added China eventually went on to win its commitment to sporting that the international com- the title when they overcame Chi- excellence, which made Doha munity now has great nese Taipei in the final. a global capital of sports. confidence in the ability of The former U18 Asia Cup Cham- Al Khayareen expressed his pride at the State of Qatar to host global events. pions and U18 World Cup winners, the success Qatari athletes have made in This was reflected in holding the general Qatar beat Lebanon (21-9) and Bah- different fields and called on younger assembly of ISBF in Doha. rain (21-8) during the pool stage to prospects in Qatar to make the most of He said that he will continue his Qatar under-18 basketball players and officials pose for a photograph make their way to the last eight, the state's huge and unmatched support efforts in promoting Snooker worldwide, where they knocked out Philippines during the presentation ceremony on Sunday after winning the in their bid to excel in sports. particularly as snooker is gaining more (20-17). bronze medal at the 2017 FIBA 3x3 U18 Asia Cup Tournament held He noted that the state has provided attention and fans with each passing day. The Qatari squad consisted of Al in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. all the capabilities needed for success. He He said that in the federation, work is Haj Dodo, Al Haj Saeed, Nabil Abu maintained however that this can never focusing on restructuring the committees Essa and Assem Waleed. Indonesia struck gold to win their China defeated Singapore in a be enough, since each individual must to make sure they achieve their Chinese sharpshooter Hoanan Li country's first major 3x3 title. hard-fought battle for the bronze also put in the effort to realise their objectives. was named Most Valuable Player of The women's champions lost medal (17-14). dreams. Al Kahayareen also praised the The QBSF President expressed his the competition while Lebanese their opening game in the pool The event - hosted by FIBA in strategy placed by the country's wise lead- hope that he can repeat the success he player Nady Hachem topped led all phase but went on to win their next cooperation with the Malaysian Bas- ership to develop sports in the country. had with the Asian federation with the scorers. Qatar's Abu Essa joined the four, including a dominating per- ketball Association (MABA) and Al Khayareen also expressed his pride IBSF. He expressed his hope that he can duo in the Team of the Tournament. formance in the final against the organised by NBL Asia - featured 32 as a Qatari and an Arab at becoming the promote the sport worldwide and encour- In the women's segment, Malaysian hosts (13-6). teams from 17 Asian countries. president of IBSF, adding that it reflected age every country to establish its own the global prominence the State of Qatar competition. SPORT TUESDAY 30 MAY 2017 25 Rabada sparks England slump as SA register consolation win

London AFP Kevin Kisner agiso Rabada sparked a dramatic England collapse as South Kisner shuts Africa won by seven wickets to record a out big names Kconsolation win in the third one- day international at Lord's yesterday. to claim title at England slumped to 20 for six – the first time in an ODI that Colonial six wickets had gone down in the first five overs of an innings – New York after losing the toss. Reuters Jonny Bairstow's fine fifty helped England recover to 153 evin Kisner discarded all out. his bridesmaid tag But it never looked like being K when he sank a clutch, enough and South Africa finished five-foot putt for par to seal on 156 for three, JP Duminy seal- South Africa's Wayne Parnell (left) and Kagiso Rabada leave a one-stroke victory at the ing victory with a four off David the field after dismissing England for 153 during their third Dean & DeLuca Invitational Willey. One-Day International at Lord's Cricket Ground in London in Fort Worth, Texas on England took the three- yesterday. Right: England's Eoin Morgan poses with the trophy Sunday. match series 2-1 but this was a after England won the series. Kisner, a six times run- morale-boosting success for the nerup on the PGA Tour, boldly Proteas ahead of this week's start Parnell took three for 43 in eight. Hashim Amla (55) and Quin- something in it for the first 15 His fifth ball that over saw slammed his uphill putt into of the Champions Trophy – a Bairstow apart, the only ton de Kock (34) put on 95 for overs, and that's when we want Jos Buttler, going for a big drive, the middle of the cup for his tournament featuring the world's other England batsmen to make the first wicket but both open- to do some damage," said de Vil- well caught by Faf du Plessis at second career win. top eight ODI nations. double figures were Willey (26) ers fell on that total. liers at the toss. second slip. “I’ve been in this position Fast bowler Rabada took and number nine Toby Roland- Amla became Roland-Jones's As it turned out, South Africa Next ball, England's 20 for a ton and haven’t finished as four wickets for 12 runs in his Jones, who made an impressive first ODI wicket when he bot- only needed five overs to have five became 20 for six when Adil much as I’d like to,” the first three overs on his way to 37 not out on his ODI debut, in a tom-edged a pull onto his stumps England six down. Rashid, even more recklessly, intense 33-year-old from four for 39 in nine. match played on the paceman's and, three balls later, de Kock Rabada struck with just the attempted a huge drive and South Carolina told Golf New ball colleague Wayne Middlesex home ground. was yorked by Jake Ball. fifth ball of the match when edged to du Plessis for a golden Channel after carding 66 to But Duminy (28 not out) and Jason Roy edged a good length duck. finish at 10-under 270 at SCOREBOARD South Africa captain AB de Vil- ball to Amla at first slip. England Test wicket-keeper Colonial Country Club. England: South Africa: liers (27 not out) completed a win Next over, Joe Root (two) was Bairstow, recalled for this match, In closing the deal, Kisner J Roy c Amla b Rabada ...... 4 Q de Kock b Ball ...... 34 in a match where only 60 overs lbw to a swinging delivery from pressed his claims for a Cham- avoided what would have A Hales c Amla b Rabada ...... 1 H Amla b Roland-Jones ...... 55 out of a scheduled 100 were left-armer Parnell pions Trophy place, with a been a four-way playoff, fin- J Root lbw b Parnell ...... 2 JP Duminy not out ...... 28 bowled. England then lost their next 67-ball innings featuring eight ishing a stroke clear of fellow E Morgan c de Kock b Parnell ...... 8 F du Plessis c Buttler b Ball ...... 5 The consolation for England two wickets on 15. fours. Americans Jordan Spieth (65) J Bairstow st de Kock b Maharaj ...... 51 AB de Villiers not out ...... 27 was their inept batting display Eoin Morgan, the England He showed his brilliant and Sean O'Hair (66), and J Buttler c du Plessis b Rabada ...... 4 Extras (LB1, W6) ...... 7 had come before the Champions captain, fell for eight on his Mid- class by cover-driving Rabada Spaniard Jon Rahm (66). A Rashid c du Plessis b Rabada ...... 0 Total (3 wkts) ...... 156 D Willey c Duminy b Parnell ...... 26 Trophy, which they launch dlesex home ground, was caught and cutting fast bowler Morne Rahm had the best chance Did not bat: D Miller, C Morris, W Parnell, K Maharaj, K T Roland-Jones not out ...... 37 across London with a match behind off Parnell. Morkel for well-struck to force extra holes but Rabada, M Morkel J Ball b Maharaj ...... 7 against Bangladesh at The Oval That was the end of the boundaries. missed a 10-foot birdie putt Fall of wickets: 1-95, 2-95, 3-101 S Finn c de Villiers b Maharaj ...... 3 on Thursday. fourth over and next ball Alex But he gave his wicket away at the last. Extras (LB2, W8) ...... 10 Bowling: Willey 4.5-0-43-0 (1w); Ball 10-0-43-2 (5w); Finn 7-1-35-0; Roland-Jones 7-2-34-1 An overcast morning and a Hales, trying to drive Rabada, got when he charged at left-arm Overnight leader Webb Total (all out) ...... 153 green-tinged pitch meant it was an outside edge to Amla and spinner Keshav Maharaj only to Simpson (71) bogeyed the par- Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-7, 3-15, 4-15, 5-20, 6-20, 7-82, Result: South Africa won by seven wickets 8-134, 9-143, 10-153 Man-of-the-match: Kagiso Rabada (RSA) no surprise when de Villiers England were 15 for four. be stumped by de Kock. four 18th to finish two shots

Bowling: Rabada 9-1-39-4 (2w); Parnell 8-0-43-3 (6w); Series: England win three-match series 2-1 opted to field first upon winning It was the start of a brilliant Roland-Jones struck five behind. Morkel 4-0-15-0; Maharaj 6.1-0-25-3; Morris 4-0-29-0 Man-of-the-series: Eoin Morgan (ENG) the toss. over that yielded three wickets fours but the damage had long Kisner jump-started his "The stats show there's in five balls for Rabada. since been done round with a 40-foot birdie at the par-four 10th and then broke clear with further bird- ies at the next two holes. But a three-putt bogey from the fringe at the 16th set Aussie paceman Starc sees Former captain Yousuf up an exciting finish. “I hung in there coming in,” he said. defends Sharjeel's dot “It got a little tighter than quick return to rhythm I wanted to but it’s a fun way to finish. I kept going at the London balls in PSL scandal flag and trying to make as Mitchell Starc Reuters many birdies as I could. Karachi said he gave to the tribunal. “I'm just happy to win any efreshed Australia pace AFP "Sharjeel played both the tournament, but especially spearhead Mitchell Starc balls on merit and he played here. I love this place.” Ris confident of regaining ormer Pakistan captain forceful shots on both and Spieth came close to suc- his rhythm quickly for the Mohammad Yousuf one (stroke) could have cessfully defending his title Champions Trophy after being Fyesterday told a tribu- resulted in a single. Had he with a bogey-free final round sidelined nearly three months nal hearing spot-fixing wanted to play a dot ball he but left too much ground to with a foot injury. charges against Sharjeel would have either left it or make up. The left-armer was rusty Khan that the batsman did played with a dead bat." “It was really close,” the coming back against West Indies not deliberately play two dot Yousuf called for officials former world number one last year after a more serious balls during a Pakistan Super to present more proof, "or told reporters. foot injury kept him out of League (PSL) match. else don't make fun of “All in all a very solid action for seven months, but he The allegation relates to players". round. It’s hard to ask for felt it would be a smoother a match between Islamabad Islamabad United coach much more than 65 on the return in England after positive United and Peshawar Zalmi Dean Jones, a former Austral- last day." signs at training. in Dubai in February, in ian batsman, also defended Spieth was upbeat to find Starc, who skipped the which Sharjeel scored a sin- Sharjeel last week, saying the his form. On Friday he was in Indian Premier League and gle off four deliveries two balls were not suspicious danger of missing an unprec- returned to training about a including two dot balls (balls from a cricketing edented third consecutive cut month ago, said he has found it off which no run is scored). perspective. but he played the final 45 much easier to get up to speed The Pakistan Cricket Spot-fixing involves holes in 11-under. after the latest injury. Board has accused him of attempts to determine the "So even coming back into Injuries have kept the quartet high performance chief Pat agreeing to a spot-fixing plan outcome of a specific part of COLONIAL SCORES the nets, it didn't feel like it took from coming together sooner, Howard had written to senior and of failing to report an a match rather than the over- -10 Kevin Kisner (US) 67 67 70 66 too long to get some good so Starc was thrilled they were players directly in a bid to end the approach, charges punisha- all result, and is therefore -9 Jon Rahm (Spain) 66 69 70 66 rhythm back. So hopefully it's all fit for selection. impasse with less than a month ble by a ban ranging from five harder to detect than Sean O'Hair (US) 67 68 70 66 not like last time with such a big "We're looking forward to to go before a new collective bar- years to life. match-fixing. Jordan Spieth (US) 70 68 68 65 lay-off," he added. hopefully playing a few games gaining agreement is due. A three-member tribunal Bowlers Mohammad -8 Webb Simpson (US) 68 66 67 71 "I'm pretty confident with together if the four of us get Starc, who hinted at the pos- headed by a retired judge is Irfan and Mohammad Nawaz, -7 Danny Lee (NZ) 70 64 69 70 how it's going, it's feeling good picked," he said. sibility of an Ashes boycott on investigating the scandal. who also featured in the sec- -6 Scott Piercy (US) 68 66 72 68 Steve Stricker (US) 72 71 68 63 in the nets and with the few cen- Australia's preparations for social media earlier this month, "I have played cricket ond edition of the Twenty20 Brian Harman (US) 69 69 71 65 tre wickets we've had. the tournament, which they start said the Australian Cricketers myself and on that experi- tournament, have so far been -4 Stewart Cink (US) 68 70 66 72 "But it'll be nice to get out in against New Zealand at Edgbas- Association had players' full ence I can say that no one can suspended for failing to Paul Casey (Britain) 69 66 68 73 the middle and bowl some overs ton on Friday, have been support. play dot balls on purpose like report offers to fix. -3 D'Lingmerth (Sweden) 71 72 67 67 in match-like conditions." overshadowed by a pay dispute "They have four weeks to go this," Yousuf, who played 90 The fate of batsmen Kha- Sergio Garcia (Spain) 69 66 71 71 Starc will lead a young but between the players union and on the MoU (memorandum of Tests and 288 one-day inter- lid Latif, Nasir Jamshed and Bill Haas (US) 69 69 68 71

formidable pace battery includ- board, Cricket Australia (CA). understanding) and the players nationals, told the media, Shahzaib Hasan has yet to be Morgan Hoffmann (US) 71 69 70 67

Scott Brown (US) 66 72 71 68 ing Josh Hazlewood, Pat Over the weekend, The Aus- are leaving it to the ACA to sort summarising the evidence he decided. Matt Kuchar (US) 70 72 68 67 Cummins and James Pattinson. tralian newspaper reported CA it out for our side of things." 26 SPORT TUESDAY 30 MAY 2017 Perotti rescues Roma at Totti's farewell party Milan But by the end of a valuable One-club man of Santiago Gentiletti, Perotti AFP win that secured Roma's place fired the hosts into a 3-2 lead in next season's Champions AS Roma talisman when he got on the end of Dze- iego Perotti struck League, the evergreen play- midfielder brought ko's knock-down to beat at the death as maker experienced a send-off down the curtain on a Eugenio Lamanna from close Roma handed club that saw almost the entire sta- remarkable 25 years at range on 90 minutes. icon Francesco Totti dium shed tears. Roma's 28th win of the cam- his only professional Arsenal's German defender Per Mertesacker holds the trophy a farewell to One teary-eyed fan broke paign left Luciano Spalletti's men club on Sunday. Dremember with a thrilling 3-2 the barriers to run and hug his in second place, one point ahead as he celebrates on the pitch after their win over Chelsea win at home to Genoa in a hero as they waved off arguably of Napoli and four behind cham- in the English FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley packed Stadio Olimpico on the most symbolic player in Italy Totti played a pivotal role in pions Juventus, who sealed a Stadium in London on Saturday. Sunday. over the past 20 years. Roma ending an 18-year wait for record sixth consecutive Serie A Totti, playing his final game "The moment has arrived. the scudetto in 2001, and -- bar- title last week. with the capital side after a sto- I've cried the whole day. This ring any last-minute decision to De Rossi paid tribute to his Critics made me ried 25-year career that was my only jersey," said Totti. continue his playing career else- close friend Totti and his status garnered only one league title, "I took this decision with my where -- is now set to start as a symbol of Rome, as well as was handed a final-day gift wife and my family. I'd like to working alongside Roma's sport- Roma, over the years: "He won when he was called upon to stay for another 25 years. Thank ing director Monchi. the scudetto, and he united a city stronger, says replace Egyptian Mohamed you Roma, thanks to my family, He added: "Damn it. I get that falls apart at the least Salah on 54 minutes. my Mum, Dad and brother. goosebumps when I think about problem. Totti failed to score on what "I'd love to write a poem, a June 17, 2001. From tomorrow, "But Totti is now a friend that was his 619th and final Serie A song, but all I can do is try to use I'll be a grown up." I won't get to see every day." Mertesacker appearance of 785 in total. my feet to express myself." Yet for Totti, and the thou- Napoli finished third as Dries sands of fans who showed up Mertens missed out on Serie A's sporting special T-shirts and 'Capocannoniere' top scorer's London but I've done it for 15 years. The banners to pay tribute to 'Il Re award. AFP more people that write me off, di Roma' (The King of Rome), it He got the opener away to the stronger I get. That's my was a nervy final game of the Sampdoria, with Lorenzo er Mertesacker says his feeling." season. Insigne, Marek Hamsik and Jose key role in Arsenal's FA Despite playing in a three- Genoa travelled to the cap- Callejon also scoring. PCup final triumph was man defence for the first time ital intent on ruining Totti's The Belgian finished on 28 fuelled by the critics who in his career, Mertesacker's farewell party and stunned the goals, one shy of Dzeko's tally of claimed he was past his best. composure and leadership stadium into silence when Pie- 29. Meanwhile, Crotone avoided With Arsenal's defence rav- were crucial to subduing Chel- tro Pellegri hit their opener after relegation in remarkable fash- aged by injury and suspension, sea striker Diego Costa and just three minutes. ion thanks to a 3-1 win at home Gunners boss Arsene Wenger playmaker Eden Hazard. Roma hit back with goals to Lazio. handed Mertesacker his first The former Werder Bremen from Edin Dzeko and Daniele De Meanwhile, Crotone avoided appearance in the starting line- defender was delighted to help Rossi having them 2-1 ahead relegation in remarkable fash- up for 392 days in Saturday's Arsenal finish a troubled sea- only for Darko Lazovic to level ion thanks to a 3-1 win at home Wembley showpiece against son on a high note as they 11 minutes from time. to Lazio. Andrea Nalini scored Chelsea. rebounded from the misery of With Napoli romping to a twice either side of a Diego Fal- A serious knee injury suf- failing to qualify for the Cham- comfortable 4-2 win away to cinelli goal for Crotone against fered last year led to a lengthy pions League by winning the Sampdoria, Roma were in trou- a Lazio side who had Bastos sent spell on the sidelines for Merte- Cup for the third time in four ble, on their way to a third-place off in the first half. sacker and when the German year. finish and without an automatic That allowed the small side returned to fitness he was una- "I'm just blessed for this AS Roma's captain Francesco Totti waves out to fans during place in the group stages of next from the heel of the Italian ble to regain his place. opportunity," Mertesacker said. a ceremony following his last match with the club after the season's Champions League. peninsula to leapfrog Empoli, The 32-year-old had played "For the trust from my match against Genoa at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on But moments after Totti saw who are relegated after a 2-1 only 37 minutes all season after team-mates and my manager Sunday. a chance thwarted by the boot defeat away to Palermo. coming off the bench in last because being sidelined for weekend's win against such a long time, I suffered a Everton. lot this season because you But the absence of Laurent want to contribute on the Koscielny, Gabriel and Shko- pitch. Time for Juve to bring trophy: Allegri dran Mustafi gave Wenger no "To be able to do that today option but to end Mertesack- was a very proud moment for er's exile. myself and to lead the team out Turin, Italy looking to complete a treble this "We're optimistic, but it conviction. Since Berlin, we've Against all expectations, the for the first time officially as AFP season when they face Real in doesn't seem right to me that grown a lot. Everyone, and that's centre-back emerged as the captain is a great moment for the Welsh capital. Juventus have been branded reassuring. towering foundation of Arse- myself. uventus coach Massimiliano The June 3 final comes two favourites because Real have "We're in the eye of the nal's 2-1 triumph. "At the end of the day eve- Allegri has labelled 11-time years after a 3-1 defeat to Bar- won two Champions League storm now, and we're happy to And Mertesacker, who lifted ryone trusted me and supported Jwinners Real Madrid favour- celona in Berlin in Allegri's titles in the past years," Allegri be here. For me personally, get- the trophy as Arsenal captain, me throughout the season and ites for the Champions League opening season at the club -- said yesterday. ting to the final is a great joy. I claimed the chance to silence the manager gave me the final, but said the "optimistic" that was Juve's sixth defeat in the "They're used to playing the will feel lucky when I sit in the the pundits who had written opportunity." Italians intend on bringing the final of the competition, a record. final, as we are. We have to dugout on Saturday." him off helped inspire his dom- While Mertesacker left trophy home from Cardiff on Real, meanwhile, won the accept that they are the Asked if this would be the inant display. Wembley on a high, it was a Saturday. trophy in 2014 and again last favourites." most important game of his "I expect myself to perform downbeat departure for John Fresh from securing a record season, beating city rivals Asked how this Juventus career, Allegri said: "It's the at that level every single week," Terry, who was an unused sub- third consecutive league and Atletico in the final on each compares to his side two years second, the first we lost in he said. stitute in his final Chelsea Cup double, Juventus are occasion. ago, he added: "There's more Berlin. "I don't know if I'm capable match. No win but no regrets as Alonso returns to Formula One

Indianapolis failure, running up front and even leading Reuters for 27 laps of the race won by Japan's Takuma Sato. Mercedes now the ernando Alonso left the Brickyard on Having never raced on an oval track or Sunday without a fairytale victory to even driven an IndyCar until this month, the Fcap his Indy 500 adventure but had no 34-year-old's bravery and skill won the underdogs: Wolff regrets as he prepared to return to his For- respect of the nearly 300,000 spectators who mula One day job with McLaren. gave him a rousing standing ovation as his Monaco Alonso's race finished in much the same McLaren Andretti Autosport Honda slowed Reuters way as many of his F1 efforts this year, in to a stop on the home straight-away. frustration and a blown engine with 21 laps "It was a great experience, the last two nce-dominant Mercedes are now the underdogs in the remaining of the 200. weeks. I came here basically to prove myself, Formula One title race, team boss Toto Wolff said after Criticised in some corners for chasing to challenge myself," said Alonso. "I know Orivals Ferrari took a resounding one-two in Monaco Indy 500 glory rather than competing in the that I can be as quick as anyone in an F1 car. on Sunday. F1 glamour race at Monaco, Alonso said he I didn't know if I can be as quick as anyone Sebastian Vettel registered his third win from six races would not have traded his experience for in an IndyCar. this season and with Kimi Raikkonen finishing runner-up the another drive around the glitzy Mediterra- "It was nice to have this competitive feel- Italian team celebrated their first one-two since 2010. The nean principality. ing, even leading the Indy 500." result catapulted Ferrari back to the top of the constructors' "It's true that before coming here some Although Alonso treated his foray into standings and also sent German Vettel 25 points clear of Mer- of the questions were how you can trade IndyCar with the seriousness it deserved, it cedes' Lewis Hamilton. Monaco race for Indy 500," Alonso told almost seemed a holiday for the Spaniard "They deserved to win, they had the quickest car out there," reporters after playfully chugging on a car- away from the pressures of his struggling F1 Wolff said. "I like the notion of underdog," added the Austrian. ton of milk, the traditional drink of the Indy team. "Because the underdog is the one that people want to see win. 500 winner. But it is back to reality on Monday ahead As a matter of fact, I think we have been that since the begin- "I won two times there (Monaco), I won of the next stop on the F1 calendar in Mon- ning of the season. two world championships. treal on June 11. "We have been dropping in and out of the tyre window, "To drive around Monaco for a sixth "So for the future, Canada, obviously we never had two drivers or two cars over the whole course of a Fernando Alonso of Spain, driver of the place, seventh place, even a fifth place ... To will try to keep improving," said Alonso. "I weekend within that window." be here is not possible to compare that thing. think the car seems to be performing better McLaren-Honda-Andretti Honda, waves Mercedes, winners of the last three drivers' and construc- "I didn't miss Monaco in terms of result." and better. during driver introductions ahead of the tors' titles and 54 of 64 races before the Monaco weekend, It was a giddy day for Alonso, who deliv- "I think the second half of the season will 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 at have also won half of this season's races but with both of their ered the polished performance expected of be much more competitive and we will enjoy Indianapolis Motorspeedway in Indianapolis, drivers tasting victory rather than just one. a former F1 world champion until his car's much more." Indiana on Sunday. TUESDAY 30 MAY 2017 SPORT 27 Nadal batters Paire to begin title bid

Paris wobble when he dropped Djokovic makes AFP serve twice in a row to surge into a round two afael Nadal meeting with Dutchman launched his . winning start on quest for a The Spaniard, whose record 10th last triumph came at Roland Garros in Rtitle with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 win 2014, improved his incred- Agassi's watch over Frenchman Benoit ible French Open record to Paire yesterday. 73 wins and just two losses. Paris Nadal, who was forced Nadal lost this year's Reuters to withdraw before last final in a year's third round with a five-set epic to Roger Fed- efending champion wrist injury, broke Paire erer, but the 30-year-old enjoyed eight times to brush aside has marked himself out as Da winning French Open the world number 45 in less the favourite on his pre- start under new coach Andre than two hours. ferred surface. Agassi yesterday, cruising past "I'm very happy to be The fourth seed arrives Spain's 6-3, back here after what hap- in Paris with three clay- 6-4, 6-2 in the first round. pened last year. It's great to court titles to his name this The 12-times grand slam feel the support," said the season -- winning both champion parted company with 14-time major champion. Monte Carlo and Barcelona his entire coaching team ear- Nadal dominated the for a 10th time, while secur- lier this month after a string of opening set, then recovered ing a fifth Madrid Masters disappointing results before from a slight second-set crown. inviting American great Agassi to work with him during the FRENCH OPEN MEN'S SINGLES RESULTS French Open. The 30-year-old Serbian, Serbia's Novak Djokovic in Forst r ound: without a tour title since Janu- (Italy) beat (Colombia) 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 ary, found little resistance from action during his first round 7-Marin Cilic (Croatia) beat (Latvia) 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 Granollers, grabbing two breaks match against Spain's Marcel (Italy) beat 32- (Germany) 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 early on in the first set as he Granollers yesterday. Joao Sousa (Portugal) beat Janko Tipsarevic (Serbia) 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-2, 6-2 chased the 77th-ranked Span- (Italy) beat (France) 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 iard around the court. pounced on the Spaniard's 4-Rafa Nadal (Spain) beat Benoit Paire (France) 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 With Agassi, sporting a accumulating mistakes in the black t-shirt and sunglasses, third set to seal victory on his 10- (Belgium) beat Paul-Henri Mathieu (France) 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 Spain's in quietly sitting in the stands first match point. 2-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat Marcel Granollers (Spain) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 action during his first (Argentina) beat (Russia) 0-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(3), 9-7 along with the Serb's entourage, With Agassi making a fast round match against it was a similar story early in exit from the stands at the con- Jiri Vesely (Czech Republic) beat 14- (US) 7-5, 7-5, 6-3 France's Benoit Paire 25- (US) beat Yuichi Sugita (Japan) 6-3, 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-7(3), 6-3 the second set with the world clusion of the match, Djokovic during the Roland Garros number two returning every- heaped praise on his new (Georgia) beat 31- (France) 1-6 6-2 6-4 6-1 in thing Granollers tried to throw coach. 17-Roberto Bautista (Spain) beat (Australia) 6-2, 6-2, 0-6, 6-1 Paris yesterday. Nadal at him. "It is an incredible honour (Serbia) beat (Russia) 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-0 launched his quest for a He again went 4-1 up before and good luck to have him with

Sergiy Stakhovsky (Ukraine) beat Lu Yen-Hsun (Taiwan) 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) record 10th French Open a wobble saw him fail to con- me on the team," Djokovic said.

Aljaz Bedene (Britain) beat (US) 6-4, 6-0, 3-6, 6-1 vert eight set points at 5-3. "Every day is special with him. title with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 5- (Canada) beat (Belgium) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win. Djokovic kept his cool to I am learning something every earn the second set and day." Muguruza downs Schiavone to advance at Roland Garros

Paris Reuters

eturning to the stage of her greatest triumph inspired Rdefending champion Gar- bine Muguruza to down 2010 winner 6-2 6-4 in the first round of the French Open yesterday. The fourth seed, who had been woefully out of form in the run-up to Roland Garros, never looked in danger of joining Russian Anasta- sia Myskina as the only reigning women's champion to lose in the opening round of the claycourt French artist Joel Blanc uses water colours to paint the match between Serbia's grand slam. Novak Djokovic and Spain's Marcel Granollers at the Roland Garros 2017 French Open The Spaniard outclassed the in Paris yesterday. skilful Italian with her poise and Spain's Garbine Muguruza in action during her French Open first round power in muggy conditions. There were several top-notch match against Italy's Francesca Schiavone in Paris, France yesterday. rallies and Schiavone pulled a few Muguruza beat 2010 winner Francesca Schiavone 6-2, 6-4 to advance. tricks from her bag, threatening in FRENCH OPEN WOMEN'S SINGLES RESULTS Battling Kyrgios ready the second set. However, she made too many unforced errors to sus- Forst r ound: tain any form of challenge. (Russia) beat Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic) 6-4 2-6 6-2 "I was so excited to play here (Belgium) beat 24- (Australia) 7-6(4) 1-6 6-4 to play through pain against another champion. Franc- 29- (Croatia) beat Danka Kovinic (Montenegro) 7-5 7-6(4) esca is a legend," Muguruza said. Francoise Abanda (Canada) beat (France) 6-3 6-4 She credited her win to stay- Paris hard time at the moment, but I’m ready to 18- (Netherlands) beat Ajla Tomljanovic (Australia) 4-6 6-1 6-1 ing composed throughout. Reuters play,” Kyrgios told Australian media. Catherine Bellis (U.S.) beat (Netherlands) 6-3 3-6 6-1 "You need to be focused. You “It’s the same sort of stuff as the U.S. Open. need to be calm. Perhaps the pub- (Sweden) beat (Russia) 6-4 6-4 ick Kyrgios is having a "hard time" with A couple of things going on, but then nothing lic thinks that, okay, she won last 11- (Denmark) beat (Australia) 6-4 3-6 6-2 hip and shoulder injuries but the Aus- major that I have to instantly pull out or any- year (so this match should be easy), 32- (China) beat Donna Vekic (Croatia) 7-5 6-4 Ntralian said he has done all he can to be thing like that. but you need to avoid being (dis- 4-Garbine Muguruza Blanco (Spain) beat Francesca Schiavone (Italy) 6-2 6-4 ready for his French Open first round match “I can work through it." tracted) with these thoughts," she (Tunisia) beat (Romania) 6-3 6-4 against German veteran Kyrgios was also hampered by a knee told a news conference. (Estonia) beat (Romania) 7-5 6-1 today. problem in the leadup to the Australian Open

"I could have had anyone as an 27- (Kazakhstan) beat (France) 6-3 6-0 The 22-year-old firebrand, seeded 18th at and was receiving cortisone injections to try opponent today, but I need to win Richel Hogenkamp (Netherlands) beat Jelena Jankovic (Serbia) 6-2 7-5 Roland Garros, was forced to pull out of the to settle the injury before he crashed out of the my own battles, my own fights." ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome with second round to Andreas Seppi. Muguruza raced to a 3-0 lead a hip problem and was dumped out of the first He said he was being spared injections in in the opening set and just when fell into place. She broke back and beat the Spaniard in the second round in Lyon last week to a rank outsider. Paris but was getting "a lot of treatment" on Schiavone was starting to work had two break chances in the sixth round in Stuttgart. A separate injury to his serving shoulder the hip, an injury which he hoped would not around her opponent's power as game, which Muguruza saw off "It's a tough draw. It's going to has further complicated things for the moody trouble him throughout his career. she reduced the arrears to 3-2, the confidently. be a tough game. She's enjoying a talent, who has been receiving physiotherapy There was little prospect of it settling in the match was interrupted for 10 min- The champion then broke very good season on clay. She has every day in the leadup to the second grand short-term, however. utes as a spectator was attended decisively for 5-4. Schiavone saved an aggressive game too," the slam of the season. “I think you can get rid of it. It probably to by first-aiders. three match points but volleyed 23-year-old said. Kyrgios has long had problems with his needs some rest and then I can sort of build up The Spaniard won 19 of 20 wide on the fourth. "So I'm going to start by enjoy- right hip and said the latest injury was similar again. That’s how it’s going to get away,” he points after play resumed and led Muguruza next faces Estonian ing my win today, and then I'll to the one that forced him to retire during his said. 2-0 in the second set. Anett Kontaveit, one of the in-form wonder about the approach for the third round match at the U.S. Open last year. "But at this stage it's a tough period. Obvi- That is when Schiavone's game players on clay this season who next game, which will be tough." “Obviously my body’s giving me a bit of a ously I haven’t had much rest."