NNBABA | Page 5 Curry-less Warriors lose to Mavericks by huge margin

Monday, March 25, 2019 TENNIS Rajab 18, 1440 AH World number one GULF TIMES Osaka stunned by Hsieh in Miami SPORT Page 2

FOCUS Wenger praises Qatar’s preparations for 2022 WC QNA Qatar’s starting 11 for the fi nal included Doha seven Aspire Academy graduates. Aspire Academy was founded in 2004 with the goal to fi nd and develop the best Qa- egendary coach Arsene Wenger tari athletes, while providing them with praised Qatar’s FIFA World Cup high-quality secondary school educa- preparations, along with the tion. In recent years, youth football has country’s commitment to foot- fl ourished in Qatar, with the country ballL development. winning the 2014 AFC U-19 Champion- The former Arsenal manager, who ship, before tasting success in the senior won ten major honours during 22 years version of the tournament in the United with the Gunners, spoke positively Arab Emirates. The ultimate goal is to de- about Qatar’s World Cup plans, saying velop players who will represent Qatar at the 2022 edition would off er a new ex- the FIFA World Cup. perience to players, fans and offi cials. “It’s a good lesson for every coun- The Frenchman, who won a record try. If you start with quality education, seven FA Cups with Arsenal, also hailed quality planning and quality coaching, Qatar’s recent AFC Asian Cup victory you get results,” said Wenger. which he said was testament to quality “The most important thing is that education, planning and coaching. Qatar has won the Asian Cup. Nobody, “I’m impressed with the quality of even in Qatar, could have planned that the planning for the World Cup, includ- when Aspire was opened. The most ing the thinking that is behind it,” said Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Secretary-General Hassan positive aspect, apart from the pride of Wenger. “This World Cup is integrated al-Thawadi (right) with former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Wenger (left) and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser al-Khater. everyone in the country after winning in the community and there are a lot of such a huge competition, is the fact plans to make sure it is not wasted af- which is a great idea. rience for supporters here once you’re too the national teams can stay at one Wenger, who spent a season coach- it’s encouragement for education and ter the tournament. The project for the “When I think back to the many in Qatar you just have to move from place during the whole World Cup and ing Japanese side Nagoya Grampus in coaching young players. It’s a remark- event is fantastic but the community will World Cups I’ve been to, you always one stadium to another without taking that will be a much more comfortable the mid-1990s, also spoke about Qatar’s able lesson for all the countries that take advantage of it after the World Cup, plan your fl ights. It will be a new expe- a fl ight. For the players and delegations experience than before.” stunning victory in the AFC Asian Cup. love football.”

AFC U23 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS Saoud al-Mohannadi’s campaign visits Uzbekistan, Al-Rawi, al-Ahrak fi re Kyrgyzstan Qatar to win over Nepal Hosts will next face Oman, who beat Afghanistan 2-1, tomorrow to decide the group topper

AFC Doha

atar and Oman are set for a Matchday Three showdown to decide the winners of AFCQ U23 Championship Thai- land 2020 qualifying Group QFA and AFC vice-president Saoud A, after both sides continued al-Mohannadi. their winning momentum in the competition yesterday. QNA Qatar continued their trou- Doha ble-free start to their cam- paign, producing a command- ing second-half performance Qatari delegation, headed to overpower Nepal and secure by HE President of Qa- a 5-0 win. tar Football Association While the hosts delivered an (QFA) Sheikh Hamad bin impressive team performance, AKhalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, con- the match will be best remem- cluded the last phase of the sup- bered for the two sensational port tour for the Asian election second-half goals scored by campaign of Saoud al-Mohannadi, Bassam al-Rawi, who added to by visiting Uzbekistan and Kyr- his rapidly-growing reputation gyzstan. with a superb individual per- QFA and Asian Football Confed- formance. eration (AFC) vice-president al- Qatar spent almost all of the Oman’s Muhsen al-Ghassani (left) vies for the ball with Atiqullah Mohannadi is running for the posts fi rst half on the front foot, but Sultani of Afghanistan during the match at Aspire Zone yesterday. of AFC President, the FIFA Vice- their attacking forays often President, FIFA Council, and the came unstuck on the fi nal pass, pride against Afghanistan. keeper Faisal Hamidi making AFC Vice President for West Asia. and they only managed two Oman kept their campaign an excellent stop to deny Sa- In Tashkent, the delegation held shots at goal in the opening 45 on track, recording their second laah al-Yahyaei in one of the a positive meeting with President minutes, with Nepal unable to successive narrow win with a 2-1 standout moments of the fi rst of the National Olympic Commit- test their aim at all. victory over Afghanistan. half. tee of Uzbekistan Umid Ahmad- Despite the lack of goal- Second-half goals from Oman’s breakthrough came janov. The meeting dealt with the mouth action, the hosts did Ahmed al-Matroushi and in the 56th minute, when al- future of Asian football, where both go to the break with a 1-0 lead Muhsen al-Ghassani took the Matroushi got on the end of a sides agreed on many points that after Abdullah al-Ahrak sent a Omanis to six points from two clever and well-rehearsed cor- serve the Asian march on the way to penalty into the top corner in matches, setting up tomor- ner kick routine to score with reach the best administrative level. the 25th minute. row’s match against group a low drive, and they doubled In the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, the Al-Rawi, captaining the side hosts Qatar. their lead through an al-Ghas- delegation met with representa- after his starring role in Qatar’s Qatar captain Bassam al-Rawi in action Afghanistan’s defeat leaves sani penalty kick after Hamidi tives of ten local Asian associations AFC Asian Cup triumph two during the AFC U23 Championship them without a point after committed a foul just three during the meeting of the Central months ago, provided a mo- Thailand 2020 qualifying Group A two matches, meaning their minutes later. Asian Football Association, which ment of outstanding quality match against Nepal at Aspire Zone qualifi cation hopes have been Afghanistan found a glim- includes the following federations in the 54th minute, letting fl y yesterday. PICTURES: Othman Khalid dashed. mer of hope when they were Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, with an extraordinary 35-yard As in Friday’s opening awarded a penalty of their own, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyr- half volley which sailed beyond liant al-Rawi produced anoth- prefer to forget, al-Ahrak add- Superior goal diff erence 1-0 win over Nepal, Hamed with captain Ahmad Haydary gyzstan. Al-Mohannadi delivered Nepali goalkeeper Arpan Karki er stunner in the 80th minute, ed the fi nal coat of gloss, scor- means Albert Caballeria’s side al-Azani’s side were largely fi nding the back of the net with a speech to the audience, where he and into the back of the net. this time sending a wonderful ing on the bounce with a spec- will need only a draw against in control early, but several 13 minutes remaining, but an presented his huge administrative An unfortunate Dinesh Ra- 30-yard free-kick into the top ulative long-range eff ort in the Oman to secure direct qualifi - missed opportunities meant equaliser wasn’t forthcoming, expertise at the local, regional and jbanshi own goal extended the corner. dying minutes, as Qatar sealed cation tomorrow, while Nepal, Oman were unable to capital- leaving Oman to celebrate a continental levels. lead further, before the bril- In a moment Karki would a thumping win. now eliminated, will play for ise, with Afghanistan goal- hard-fought win. Gulf Times 2 Monday, March 25, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF Hend pips Elvira in playoff aft er lightning World number one strikes at Maybank Reuters Final-round scores Kuala Lumpur 273-Scott Hend (AUS) 69- 70-67-67, Nacho Elvira (ESP) ustralian Scott Hend 65-72-66-70 Osaka stunned by beat Spanish over- 275-Jazz Janewattananond night leader Nacho (THA) 66-72-68-69 Elvira with a birdie on 276-Johannes Veerman (USA) theA fi rst playoff hole to win the 72-69-69-66 co-sanctioned $3 million May- 277-Oliver Fisher (ENG) 70- bank Championship after wild 70-68-69, Maximilian Kieff er weather triggered a dramatic (GER) 71-67-68-71 fi nish yesterday. 278-Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR) Hsieh in Miami Hend was leading Elvira by a 72-72-66-68, Darren Fichardt single stroke with the leading (RSA) 76-65-71-66, Ernie Els Ferrer beat Zverev to reach the third round; Federer fights back to beat Albot pair on the fi nal fairway when (RSA) 68-70-69-71, Andy torrential rain started falling Sullivan (ENG) 72-70-67-69, on the Saujana Golf and Coun- Jordan Smith (ENG) 74-68-71- try Club. 65, Benjamin Hebert (FRA) The fi rst crack of thunder 69-73-65-71 came as Elvira hit his approach 279-Ross Fisher (ENG) 72-71- shot to the 18th green and, 66-70, David Lipsky (USA) with lightning fl ashing around 72-66-67-74 them, the players were forced 280-Dean Burmester (RSA) off the course before either 68-70-73-69, Nicholas Fung could attempt a putt. (MAS) 68-73-69-70, Masahiro They returned after a de- Kawamura (JPN) 69-70-73- lay of 100 minutes and Elvira 68, Siddikur Rahman (BAN) nailed his birdie putt from 30 70-71-68-71, Erik Van Rooyen feet for a two-under-par 70 to (RSA) 71-69-72-68 tie the scores at 15-under 273 281-Julian Suri (USA) 69-71-73- and force the playoff . “What a 68, Louis De Jager (RSA) 71- putt by Nacho... it was fantas- 69-69-72, S.Chikkarangappa tic,” Hend told reporters. “If I (IND) 75-69-68-69, Jorge was to go out there and hit that Campillo (ESP) 70-73-70-68, putt you would say you would Matthew Southgate (ENG) hole it one in 10 times. It was 74-69-68-70. an amazing putt, and in the situation he holed it.” Hend looked in trouble when An accurate drive and an he landed in a greenside bun- aggressive approach shot to ker on the fi rst playoff hole within six feet at the ninth but it was his turn to celebrate earned the Queenslander an- minutes later when he landed other birdie and the sole lead. a four-footer after his oppo- He bogeyed the 10th but El- nent’s birdie putt had stopped vira did too and when Hend just short of the hole. extended his lead to two shots It was a third European Tour with his fi nal shot at the 13th, it and 10th Asian Tour title for looked like the title was his. the big hitting 45-year-old, “I felt like I played fantastic who spent two years on the on the back nine. I nearly holed PGA Tour from 2004. a lot of putts, just missing,” “Obviously I had a bit of Hend said. “I just had to keep luck on the playoff hole. If you my head on and stay patient. don’t have any luck you won’t The worst case scenario was a win,” Hend added. “I had the playoff .” luck today, unfortunately for Elvira, who led by two shots Nacho. His time will come, coming into the fi nal round, he’s going to win. He’s a great had never really got going but player.” a birdie at the 16th fi nally put Earlier Hend, who started him under par for the day, and the round three shots behind a shot behind Hend overall, to the Spaniard, had made all set up the late drama. the running on another day of Thailand’s Jazz Janewat- stifl ing heat in the Malaysian tananond threatened to chal- capital with six birdies and a lenge when he bagged three single bogey as he hit a 67 for birdies in his fi rst seven holes the second day in a row. but failed to kick on and he fi n- His drives, although typi- ished third two shots behind Su-Wei Hsieh of Taipei (left) celebrates defeating Naomi Osaka (right) of Japan during their Miami Open match in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) cally long, were not always the leaders and a shot in front accurate and he had to scrap of fourth-placed American Jo- AFP It wasn’t the only shocker boyfriend, told AFP. “Yes it’s play Caroline Wozniacki in the Albot 4-6 7-5 6-3. Albot posed for some of his birdies on the hannes Veerman. Miami of the day, as Spanish veteran huge, but for her it’s not a big fourth round of the women’s plenty of problems for the 20- green, not least at the sixth and South Africa’s former world David Ferrer rallied to beat world surprise.” draw which now looks wide open time Grand Slam winning leg- seventh holes when he drained number one Ernie Els fi nished number three Alexander Zverev Osaka’s second-round win following Osaka’s defeat and end, who took a while to get ad- lengthy putts to join Elvira at in share of seventh on 10-un- aomi Osaka crashed 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 to reach the third over Belgian Yanina Wickmayer former world number one Ser- justed to the tournament’s new the top of the leaderboard. der after a 71. out of the third round round. on Friday saw a second set wob- ena Williams’s surprise exit with Hard Rock Stadium venue. of the WTA and ATP Ferrer, 36 and ranked 155th in ble from the two time Grand a left knee injury. The Ameri- But the Swiss star’s class and Miami Open on Sat- the world, received a wild card Slam winning star and it was can has completed just seven experience eventually shone Nurday as Hsieh Su-Wei exacted into the tournament as he con- more of the same against Hsieh, matches this year, withdrawing through, even though he was revenge for a painful Austral- tinues a limited schedule in a who simply refused to give up in Indian Wells with illness mid- severely tested in his fi rst ever ian Open defeat with a 4-6, 7-6 2019 billed as his farewell tour. the fi ght. “I was kind of imma- way through a round of 32 match meeting with the in-form (7/4), 6-3 victory. Zverev, runner-up to John Is- ture because I was thinking too with Garbine Muguruza. Moldovan. World number one Osaka had ner here last year, coughed up much, like everything was on my There are surely doubts now “I’ve never really seen him play looked in little danger after win- 12 double faults as he suff ered racquet,” admitted Osaka. “I got that the 37 year-old can add live matches so I watched some ning the fi rst set and moving a his second straight early exit in ahead of myself. to her tally of 23 Grand Slams, video to get an idea about him,” break ahead in the second. succession after a third-round “Of course I want to win every something which has so far Federer said. “I see where he can But Taiwan’s Hsieh, who was a departure at Indian Wells. Osaka match and I think I have dealt proved beyond her since return- cause problems. I have a lot of set and 4-1 up in Melbourne ear- was coming off a fourth-round with people always asking me if ing last year after taking time out respect for those types of players lier this year before losing to the exit at Indian Wells, but Hsieh’s I am going to win because I have following the birth of her fi rst who don’t have the size, so have Japanese star in the third round, coach said her victory wasn’t all number one next to my name,” child. With Williams out, Wang to fi nd a diff erent way to win. “I’m battled superbly. that surprising. added the Japanese star. Qiang the 18th seed from China, happy I was able to fi nd a way.” “This was a very emotional win “She has enough experience “I thought I was doing fi ne advances to the fourth round on Federer next faces 103rd- for me,” said Hsieh whose 39 win- to stay strong and you saw that,” with that but I guess I am not.” a walkover. ranked Serbian Filip Krajinovic, ners were one less than her oppo- French coach Frederic Aniere, Elsewhere Roger Federer sur- who beat three-time Grand Slam Scott Hend of Australia poses with his trophy after winning the nent. “Any time you beat one of who has worked with Hsieh for SERENA WITHDRAWS vived a scare but battled back winner Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 2-6, 2019 Maybank Malaysia Golf Championship at the Saujana Golf the top players it is amazing.” the last two years and is also her The 33-year-old Hsieh will from a set down to beat Radu 7-6 (7/5). and Country Club in Shah Alam yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Defending champion Casey leads Johnson by one Reuters Leading scores aft er third round Liu storms to 1-shot lead Miami China’s Liu Yu had seven birdies 204-Paul Casey (ENG) 70-66-68 Brian Stuard 68-72-69 and an eagle in a seven-under efending champion 205-Dustin Johnson 69-69-67 210-Sam Burns 69-74-67, Russell par 65 on Saturday to seize a Paul Casey held on for 206-Jason Kokrak 69-71-66 Knox (SCO) 67-76-67, Dylan Frit- one-shot lead over Carlota a one-stroke third- 207-Luke Donald 67-70-70, telli (RSA) 72-71-67, Harris English Ciganda in the LPGA Founders round lead over world Scott Stallings 69-68-70 75-68-67, Ryan Armour 70-72-68, Cup. numberD one Dustin Johnson at 208-Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) 70-72- Liu, who shared the overnight the Valspar Championship in 70-72-66, Nick Taylor (CAN) 68, Bubba Watson 69-71-70 lead with world number one Florida on Saturday. 71-70-67, Jim Furyk 69-71-68, 211-Sepp Straka (AUT) 66-76-69, Park Sung-hyun, was four-under England’s Casey shot 68 to top Curtis Luck (AUS) 70-68-70, Im Denny McCarthy 68-74-69, Bill over her last four holes - with the leaderboard at nine-under Sung-jae (KOR) 70-67-71, Austin Haas 72-70-69, Brian Gay 73-69- an eagle at the par-five 15th and 204 but what had been a three- Cook 69-67-72 69, Jon Rahm (ESP) 71-68-72, back-to-back birdies to finish - to stroke lead had dwindled to one 209-Matt Jones (AUS) 73-68-68, Lucas Glover 72-67-72. overtake Spain’s Ciganda with a at the end of the round. 54-hole total of 19-under 197 at “I was patient for the most the Wildfire Golf Club in Phoe- part and aggressive... when I against world number one I’m also in contention after both nix, Arizona. had opportunities and game felt excited about that.” shot rounds of 70 to fi nish on Ciganda had roared up the really, really good,” said Casey, Johnson applied the pressure 207. Casey gave himself some leaderboard with a blemish-free who is seeking to become the with a 67, including a birdie at breathing room after picking up nine-under par 63 - playing her fi rst back-to-back winner in the the last, and fellow American three shots on the back nine but last five holes in five-under with 19 years of the event. Jason Kokrak (66) was close be- ended the round on a downer a birdie at 14 followed by an ea- “Looking forward to tomor- hind on 206, thanks in part to with a bogey at the last. Johnson gle at 15 and birdies at 16 and 18 row, playing with Dustin is going a hole-in-one at the par-three also had fi ve birdies but only one - where she rolled in a 15-footer to be very exciting,” said Casey. 15th. England’s Luke Donald and bogey and he put on a show with Paul Casey plays his shot from the 18th tee during the third round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament to take the lead. “Any time I got a chance to go up American Scott Stallings were his birdie at the 18th. at Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead Course in Florida. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Monday, March 25, 2019 3 CRICKET

REPORT FOCUS Shift in emphasis to ODIs has helped Russell blitzkrieg England: Morgan

Reuters shows there has been a shift in London emphasis to one-day cricket in this country. “Our potential as a team ngland’s limited-overs over the last four years has spoils Warner’s captain Eoin Morgan certainly moved forward, with said switching focus to the desire to make 50-over one-day international cricket a priority, as opposed ‘Russell played a great (ODI)E cricket had helped to to an afterthought. That has raise the bar of the sport in the benefi ted not just our team, knock. He took the game country with the team looking but the game too, and helped at the Ashes and World Cup on to raise the bar.” away from us’ home soil as equally important. Five English players, in- return to IPL England are the number- cluding Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes one ranked team in ODIs and and Jonny Bairstow, are cur- are hosts for the 2019 World rently playing in the Indian Cup, a tournament they have Premier League, which Mor- never won, which begins on gan said was ideal preparation May 30. The fi rst of fi ve Ashes for the World Cup. tests against Australia starts “The preparation they will on Aug. 1. have out there by compet- “The two (test and ODI) ing against some of the best teams are building up to a big players in the world in a high- summer and you have guys pressure environment is abso- who are in both squads that lutely outstanding,” Morgan equally feel the importance of added. the Ashes and the World Cup,” “The conditions, the build- Morgan was quoted as saying up and putting yourself under by Sky Sports. more pressure leading into the “The recognition from World Cup is obviously going those players to say there is to help in the long run.” not a lot of diff erence be- England begin their World tween the two, and that it is Cup campaign on May 30 a massive year and a once- against South Africa at The in-a-generation opportunity, Oval in London.

Durham defend making ball-tamperer Bancroft their captain Durham insisted shamed England. But Durham chief Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner plays a shot as Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik looks on during the Indian Premier League match at the Eden Gardens Australia batsman Cameron executive Tim Bostock in- Stadium in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP) Bancroft is “the best avail- sisted the club were left with able option” to captain the few other options. Agencies hit 18 runs including the winning his aggressive intent. Bairstow whose nine-month ban has al- would fail to describe in words northeast English county. “He is the best available op- Kolkata six. Russell struck four fours and was bowled by leg-spinner Piy- ready fi nished. how brilliant Russell was. “I Bancroft was banned for nine tion,” Bostock told BBC Radio four sixes. ush Chawla but Warner took the “We just couldn’t fi nish well cannot describe his batting in months for ball-tampering in Five yesterday. Earlier Warner stood out dur- attack to the opposition, hitting in the last three overs. That words. It was unbelievable”. a Test against South Africa in “We certainly considered two ustralia’s David Warner ing a 118-run opening stand with nine fours and three sixes during happens in T20 cricket. Russell “In 18 balls we needed 53 runs Cape Town last March while of our existing Durham play- smashed 85 from 53 England’s Jonny Bairstow, who his blitz. Warner, who recently played a great knock. He took the and we won the match with two Australia captain Steve Smith ers for the role but they didn’t balls on his Indian Pre- made 39, to lay the platform recovered from an elbow injury game away from us. He played balls to spare. That’s how ca- and deputy David Warner want to do it, they wanted to mier League comeback for their big total. “It is good to he picked in the Bangladesh Pre- all the shots, the bowlers did not pable he is. The game plan was received year-long suspen- focus on their own perform- yesterdayA but his knock went in get out there and contribute. It mier League, fi nally fell to Rus- bowl bad deliveries, but he just whatever we needed, we would sions. Bancroft’s ban ended in ance, we looked vain as Sunrisers Hyderabad lost looked a nice wicket to bat on sell after driving the ball to cover. smashed all of them,” said Rash- leave it to Russell and that December. at Alex Lees and Ben Raine.” to Kolkata Knight Riders. but it slowed down a bit which Warner said his elbow “wasn’t id, who took the wicket of Rana worked.” The 26-year-old, acting under Bostock added: “Cameron, Warner, who along with com- made us reassess after six overs,” all too bad” after doing a lot of after a 12-minute power failure to Rana chose not to review after what he later said was pres- most importantly, wants to patriot Steve Smith returns to Warner said after his knock. The work with his trainer back home. push Sunrisers closer to victory. being trapped by Rashid and he sure from Warner, applied do it. He doesn’t (have a lot of the Twenty20 tournament after Australian admitted some anxi- Year-long bans from state and Rashid, who hit a 10-ball 34 said he did not go for it as Rus- sandpaper to the ball and experience) but neither had missing the previous edition due ety before his big return to IPL - international cricket for Warner last year to help Sunrisers beat sell was batting in full fl ow at then hid the sandpaper down Joe Root when he became to a ball-tampering controversy, and an unusual solution. and Smith end on March 28 but KKR in the second qualifi er and the other end. “I decided not to his trousers. England captain.” steered Sunrisers to 181 for three “I was a bit nervous in the the duo are keen to get among qualify for the fi nal, added they take the DRS because I wanted to Thursday’s announcement “I think he’ll be a breath of after being put into bat. dressing room and kept drinking the runs in the IPL, ahead of the would also look to such a player keep the review for Russell. This that Bancroft was to succeed fresh air, he’ll bring a diff erent His eff orts though were not pickle juice,” he said. 50-over World Cup starting in lower down the order. win was important for us espe- retired former England all- perspective to leadership.” enough, with Andre Russell hit- Opener Warner survived a May. The suspension did not in- “Russell, the way he played, cially at the start,” he said. rounder Paul Collingwood as Bostock, who was living in ting an unbeaten 49 off 19 balls reprieve on 38 after Knight Rid- clude club games but IPL’s gov- changed the game. It’s crucial Durham captain provoked Australia when South African as the Knight Riders won by six ers captain and wicketkeeper erning council decided not to al- when the lower order gives you BRIEF SCORES widespread surprise - par- television cameras caught wickets with two balls to spare at Dinesh Karthik dropped him off low the disgraced duo in the 11th 30-35 runs in 10-11 balls that Kolkata Knight Riders 183/4 in ticularly as he will miss their Bancroft ball-tampering, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep edition of the T20 league last takes the score from 150 to 180 19.4 overs (Nitish Rana 68, Andre Championship opener to was sure the opening A pause for a fl oodlight fail- Yadav. Warner, who captained year in a bid to avoid controversy. and from 180 to 210. That is re- Russell 49 not out; Rashid Khan attend Western Australia’s batsman was genuinely ure in the 16th over re-charged Sunrisers to their only IPL title The pair were banned for ally important. We will have that 1/26) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad end-of-season awards dinner remorseful for his role in the Knight Riders’ chase as Russell in 2016, made the most of the cheating in a Cape Town Test in mind. To have someone who 181/3 in 20 overs (David Warner and could later be selected controversial incident,” said put together an unbeaten 65-run spill and raced to his 37th IPL fi f- in March last year along with can do that for us,” he said. 85, Vijay Shankar 40; Andre Rus- for Australia’s Ashes series in Bostock. stand with Shubman Gill, who ty with a six off Russell to signal teammate Cameron Bancroft, Rana, meanwhile, said he sell 2/32) by 6 wickets.

SPOTLIGHT All-round eff ort helps Delhi beat Mumbai IANS mark. However, Keemo Paul removed start as they lost opener Prithvi Shaw Mumbai Pollard to land the hosts in deep trou- (7) and skipper Shreyas Iyer (16) with ble as their scorecard read 95/4 in the just 29 runs on board. Mumbai pacer 11th over. Mitchell McClenaghan accounted for eteran Yuvraj Singh (53 off Hardik Pandya added more worries both the wickets. 35) and Krunal Pandya’s to the Mumbai camp as he departed Dhawan and Ingram then stabilised quickfi re cameo went in vain without scoring off a Axar Patel de- Delhi’s innings with a crucial 83-run as Delhi Capitals outclassed livery. Krunal (32 off 15) then played partnership for the third wicket before VMumbai Indians by 37 runs in their some good shots along with Yuvraj but Ben Cutting sent the latter to the hut campaign opener at the Wankhede couldn’t stay in the middle for long as in the 13th over. Stadium yesterday. Trent Boult applied the breaks on his With Delhi’s scorecard reading A rebranded Delhi team showed its innings with the Mumbai scorecard 112/3, it seemed the visitors will hard- eff ort in every department of the game reading 134/6. Yuvraj tried his best to ly cross the 150-run mark. But Pant’s as fi rstly it rode Rishabh Pant’s blis- overhaul the target with some lusty arrival changed the whole scenario as tering knock to post a massive total of blows but wickets falling at the other he started smashing every Mumbai 213 runs before their bowlers also rose end hurt Mumbai’s chances. bowler. to the occasion to bowl out the three- For Delhi, Kagiso Rabada and Ishant Delhi lost Dhawan, Paul (3) and time champions for 176 in 19.2 overs. picked up two wickets each while Ra- Axar (4) in quick intervals, but Pant Chasing the huge 214-run target, hul Tewatia, Paul and Axar bagged one kept one end intact and guided his Mumbai had a slow but steady start wicket apiece. team to a huge total. as they put up 28 runs in three overs Earlier, Rishabh Pant’s blistering For Mumbai, McClenaghan was the without losing a wicket. However, knock helped Delhi Capitals post a pick of bowlers with fi gures of 3/40, Delhi’s Ishant Sharma dealt the fi rst massive 213/6. As soon as Pant arrived while Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya blow as he dismissed Mumbai skipper in the middle, the young stumper took and Ben Cutting picked up a wicket Rohit Sharma (14) in the fourth over. every bowler to the cleaners to blast an each. Incoming batsman Suryakumar unbeaten 78 off just 27 deliveries with Yadav (2) also departed soon while the help of seven boundaries and as BRIEF SCORES Ishant struck again to send back the many hits into the stands. Delhi Capitals 213/6 in 20 overs dangerous Quinton de Kock (27). Apart from Pant, opener Shikhar (Rishabh Pant 78 not out, Colin In- Yuvraj and Keiron Pollard (21 off Dhawan (43 off 36) and Colin Ingram gram 47; Mitchell McClenaghan 3/40) 13) then showed some fi ght as they (47 off 32) also made valuable contri- beat Mumbai Indians 176 all out added 50 runs for the fourth wicket to butions. (Yuvraj SIngh 53, Krunal Pandya 32; Delhi Capitals batsman Rishabh Pant plays a shot during the 2019 Indian Premier League match against Mumbai Indians at the help Mumbai approach the three digit Put into bat, Delhi were off to a poor Kagiso Rabada 2/23) by 37 runs. Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Monday, March 25, 2019 SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS Sri Lanka’s tour ends in second whitewash Finch, Khawaja steer in South Africa

AFP Opening batsman Niroshan Johannesburg Dickwella raced to 38 off 22 balls and Isuru Udana played another hard-hitting lower- tour that started with order innings, hitting four Australia to easy win an unexpected Test sixes and making 36 before Sri series triumph ended Lanka lost their last four wick- with a second suc- ets for no runs. South African Wicketkeeper-batsman cessiveA limited overs series captain JP Duminy said Pre- humiliation for Sri Lanka when torius and opening batsman Mohamed Rizwan’s maiden South Africa won the third and Reeza Hendricks made pos- fi nal Twenty20 international sible an all-out assault in the century goes in vain yesterday. closing overs with their batting over Pakistan South Africa made a daunt- in the fi rst ten overs. ing 198 for two and Sri Lanka Pretorius and Hendricks were beaten by 45 runs accord- (66) put on 90 for the second ing to the Duckworth/Lewis/ wicket before Duminy joined Stern method when they were Pretorius in an unbeaten third- bowled out for 137 as they wicket stand of 71 off the last chased a reduced target of 183 fi ve overs. Duminy made 34 not in 17 overs following a rain de- out off 14 balls. lay at the Wanderers Stadium. Sri Lanka suff ered another It completed a 3-0 series top-order collapse, going from sweep for South Africa, who 42 for no wicket to 79 for fi ve also won a one-day series 5-0. and 96 for six before Udana’s South Africa’s match-win- late aggression. Andile Pheh- ner yesterday was all-rounder lukwayo took four for 24. Hen- Dwaine Pretorius, who took dricks was named man of the advantage of a promotion in series after making a second the batting order with a pow- successive half-century. er-packed innings of 77 not out off 42 balls. BRIEF SCORES He followed up by breaking South Africa 198 for 2 (Preto- a rapid Sri Lankan fi rst-wick- rius 77*, Hendricks 66) beat et partnership of 42 when he Sri Lanka 137 (Dickwella 38, trapped Dhananjaya de Silva Pehlukwayo 4-24) by 45 runs with his fi rst ball. (DLS method)

Australian captain Aaron Finch plays a shot during the second one-day international match against Pakistan in Sharjah yesterday. (AFP) South Africa’s captain JP Duminy (right) receives the winners’ trophy after defeating Sri Lanka in the third Twenty20 match at AFP memorable as it was 100th one- Scorecard Shan Masood (19) and Sohail the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday. (AFP) Sharjah, United Arab Emirates day international match be- - who scored his maiden hun- tween the two countries. PAKISTAN Bowlers: Richardson 5-2-16-2, dred in the first game on Friday Pakistan had replaced fast - took the total to 35 when Ri- Imam-ul-Haq b Richardson 0 Coulter-Nile 7-0-52-2 (2w), Stoinis aron Finch struck back- bowler Mohamed Amir with 6-0-40-0 (1w), Lyon 10-0-64-1, chardson struck again, getting Surgery forces Aru out of Giro to-back centuries to Mohamed Hasnain for rookie S. Masood c Marsh b Richardson 19 Zampa 10-0-57-1, Finch 10-0-41-1, Masood caught at short mid- lead Australia to an- 18-year-old’s fi rst one-day H. Sohail c Carey b Finch 34 Maxwell 2-0-11-0. wicket. Italy’s Fabio Aru will miss the hospital, Aru will undergo But Richardson took 2-16 in other thumping eight and that left them more deeply M. Rizwan c Maxwell b Coulter-Nile Giro d’Italia to undergo an angioplasty surgery at the wicketA victory over a hapless Pa- inexperienced, having already his fi ve overs and fell awkwardly 115 operation that will see him Nuovo Ospedale di Prato, kistan in the second one-day in- rested six main players from the AUSTRALIA in the outfi eld and left the fi eld in out for at least three to four after which he will have to ob- ternational in Sharjah yesterday. series. U. Akmal c Handscomb b Lyon 16 A. Finch not out 153 the 11th over. Initial reports sug- months, his UAE Team Emir- serve an absolute rest period gests he dislocated his shoulder The Australian skipper Finch and Khawaja thrived S. Malik c Maxwell b Zampa 60 U. Khawaja c Imam b Yasir 88 ates employers said yester- of one month. For something smashed 143-ball 153 not out for against the novice attack, with and is doubtful for the remaining day. Tests on the 28-year-old, like this, the return time is F. Ashraf c Handscomb b Coulter- G. Maxwell run out 19 his 13th ODI hundred - also his Finch striking two sixs in the fi - Nile 14 three matches. winner of the 2015 Vuelta and estimated at three or four highest score in ODIs - to anchor nal overs while Khawaja’s knock S. Marsh not out 11 Rizwan, though, lifted Paki- twice a Giro podium finisher months.” I. Wasim not out 19 Australia’s comfortable chase had eight boundaries. Extras: (b3, lb7, w4) 14 stan after Umar Akaml fell for 16, (2nd in 2015, 3rd in 2014), That means Aru will miss the of a 285-run target in 47.5 overs Finch completed his hundred Y. Shah not out 1 caught off spinner Nathan Lyon. showed a “constriction of the Giro, which begins on May 11 Total: (for 2 wkts; 47.5 overs) 285 which gave them a 2-0 lead in with a couple off Hasnain on Extras (b 1, lb2, w 3) 6 Rizwan improved on his pre- iliac artery in his left leg”. and also the March 25-31 Tour the fi ve-match series. his 97th ball, making successive Fall of wicket: 1-209 (Khawaja), vious best of 75 not out, against “This relatively rare condi- of Catalunya. Total (for 7 wkts; 50 overs) 284 Finch, who scored 116 in Aus- hundreds for a second time in 2-241 (Maxwell) Zimbabwe at Harare four years tion is found in professional “From a certain point of view, tralia’s eight wicket win in the fi rst his career. He scored consecu- Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Imam), 2-35 Bowling: Imad 8-1-60-0 (2w), ago and completed his hundred cyclists given the position I can only be relieved to have game at the same venue on Friday, tive hundreds against England in (Masood), 3-87 (Sohail), 4-112 Abbas 7-0-38-0 (1w), Ashraf 9.5- with a single off 114 balls. He adopted on their bikes found the problem,” Aru said. put on a solid 209-run opening Australia last year. (Umar), 5-239 (Malik), 6-254 0-45-0, Hasnain 9-0-54-0, Yasir fell to Nathan Coulter-Nile to a and can develop progres- “On the other hand, I am wicket stand with Usman Kha- Khawaja fell to leg-spinner (Rizwan), 7-266 (Ashraf) 10-1-60-1, Sohail 4-0-18-0. boundary catch. sively over a period of several angry about the bad luck waja who made 109-ball 88. Yasir Shah with 76 needed while Coulter-Nile fi nished with years,” said Dr Jeroen Swart, that has fallen on me for the Finch struck six sixes and 11 Glenn Maxwell cracked two sixes Rizwan, only playing because fi fth wicket with stand-in cap- 2-52. Malik also smashed three head of the medical staff of umpteenth time and that boundaries in a dominating in- in his 19 before he was run out. regular keeper and skipper Sar- tain Shoaib Malik. boundaries and a six before fall- UAE Team Emirates. will force me to miss the Giro nings, improving on his previ- Pakistan owed their total of fraz Ahmed has been rested for Pakistan lost opener Imam- ing in the 45th over. “In the coming days, with a d’Italia again. I will work to ous highest one-day score of 148 280-7 - after winning the toss the series - added 52 for the ul-Haq without scoring off the The remaining matches are in date to be determined based try to put an end to this dark against Scotland at Edinburgh in -to Mohamed Rizwan’s maiden third wicket with Haris Sohail fi fth ball of the innings from fast Abu Dhabi (March 27) and Dubai on the availability of the period as soon as possible.” 2013. The victory becomes more century. (34) and an invaluable 127 for the bowler Jhye Richardson. (March 29 and 31).

4th Qatar Arabian Peninsula Horse Show for Individual Owners

Connections pose with the trophy after Al Sraiya Stud’s Rayana Al Sraiya topped Class 1A for Yearling Fillies in the 4th Qatar Connections pose with the trophy after Mohamed Mohsen al-Sowaidi’s Tbasheer Al Shaqab won Class 2B for two- Arabian Peninsula Horse Show for Individual Owners at Al Shaqab Indoor Arena yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim year-old fillies yesterday. Gulf Times Monday, March 25, 2019 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar has become a benchmark for gymnastics events: al-Hitmi

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) president Ali al-Hitmi was eff usive in his praise of the Artistic Individual Appa- ratusQ World Cup, saying the Doha meet has become a benchmark for other events in terms of organisation. As many as 128 male and 60 female gymnasts from 57 countries participat- ed in the 12th leg, which is part of the World Cup series, which concluded on Saturday at the Aspire Dome. The QGF also hosted the World Championships last October, which was hailed as the ‘best-ever’ by the Federation Interna- tionale de Gymnastique (FIG). The four-day event was a huge suc- cess with Aspire Dome packed for competition and al-Hitimi praised the Qatar Gymnastics Federation Organising Committee for successfully president Ali al-Hitmi. hosting the World Cup event. Several top offi cials of diff erent gymnastics without teamwork. All the members of bodies, who were visiting Doha during our team worked hard and played their the event earlier this week, were im- role,” he added. pressed with the hosting and facilities The QGF chief said the aim was of at Aspire Dome. the hosting of the events in Qatar was “We have reached a stage when FIG to promote gymnastics in the whole re- and other gymnastics bodies com- gion. “The gymnasts of our region are Qatar’s gymnasts Ahmed al-Dayani, Ahmed Mosa and debutant Saoud Raslen put on a creditable show at the Artistic Individual Apparatus World Cup at Aspire Dome. pare organisation of other events with doing well now. The Arab gymnasts are our competitions. Doha has become progressing well and top-notch events Ahmed Mosa were joined by 17-year “The problem we face is that these young talent,” he added. worthy-winners. On the organisation a benchmark for venues around the hosted by the QGF is playing an impor- old debutant Saoud Raslen to represent gymnasts start well and at one stage Al-Hitmi also thanked the Qatar Ol- of the event, she highlighted that the world,” al-Hitmi said after the conclu- tant role in their development. Gym- Qatar. The trio failed to qualify for any they have to chose between the sport ympic Committee (QOC) for its sup- organizing committee did not receive sion of World Cup on Saturday. nastics is becoming a culture in Arab of the fi nals but they earned creditable and their studies, because of which port, and extended his thanks to Aspire any complaints from the participating “We have already set high standards world because of such events,” he said. scores during qualifi cations. we have to lose good talent. That’s not Zone as well for hosting the competi- delegations. Rather, they were full of and bringing improvement was a chal- Al-Hitmi also expressed satisfaction “It was a debut for Raslen and he did a problem for gymnastics only, other tion. Tournament Director Abeer al- praise for it. She also said that the or- lenge for us but I am glad that we have on the performance of Qatari gymnasts well. Our gymnasts have the talent to federations also face the same chal- Bouainain praised the performances of ganising committee gained a lot of ex- made it happen. This was not possible in the event. Ahmed al-Dayani and compete in big events,” said al-Hitmi. lenge. But we will continue to back our the fi nalists and adding that they were perience from hosting the event.

NBA NHL Connor bags fi rst Curry-less Warriors hat-trick, Jets clinch playoff spot Reuters game winning streak came to an Winnipeg, Canada end. Tampa Bay remained four wins shy of Detroit’s NHL record of 62 victories in 1995-96. lose to Mavericks yle Connor recorded his fi rst career hat-trick, AVALANCHE 4, Kevin Hayes tallied BLACKHAWKS 2 four points, Connor Colin Wilson scored the go- HellebuyckK made 33 saves and ahead goal on a 5-on-3 advan- the Winnipeg Jets notched a 5-0 tage in the second period as host shutout over the visiting Nash- Colorado beat Chicago in Denver ville Predators on Saturday. The in the opener of a home-and- by huge margin victory clinched a postseason home series. Wilson added an berth for Winnipeg, which is in assist on Sven Andrighetto’s goal the Stanley Cup playoff s for just in the third period, and JT Com- the fourth time in the 19-season pher and Derick Brassard also Doncic finishes with a game-high 23 points while Nowitzki scores 21 history of the Thrashers/Jets tallied for the Avalanche, who franchise. have won four in a row heading AFP Winnipeg (45-26-4, 94 into Sunday’s rematch in Chi- Los Angeles points) also extended its Cen- cago. Philipp Grubauer fi nished tral Division lead over Nashville with 29 saves on Saturday and to four points as the Jets chase has turned aside 131 of 135 shots uka Doncic had a triple double their fi rst-ever division title. in his last four starts. Colorado and Dirk Nowitzki underlined his Nashville (42-28-6, 90 points) (34-29-12, 80 points) moved fi nal game at Oracle Arena with has lost two in a row and missed into sole possession of the West- a throwback performance as the a chance to clinch its own playoff ern Conference’s fi nal wild-card LDallas Mavericks handed the Golden spot. Hellebuyck now has shut- spot, with Arizona and Minne- State Warriors their worst loss of the sea- outs in consecutive starts. He sota each a point behind. son on Saturday. improved to 4-0-0 with a.959 Doncic fi nished with a game high 23 save percentage over his last fi ve HURRICANES 5, WILD 1 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists and appearances. Teuvo Teravainen had a goal with Nowitzki, who is likely in his fi nal NBA two assists, and Jordan Staal re- season, scored a season high 21 points in BRUINS 7, PANTHERS 3 corded one of each as Carolina a 126-91 blowout victory by the visit- Visiting Boston scored fi ve times beat Minnesota in Raleigh. Brett ing Mavs. “The last few games I didn’t in the second period en route to Pesce, Andrei Svechnikov and have a good shooting rhythm,” said the defeating Florida. With the win, Lucas Wallmark also scored for 40-year-old Nowitzki, who started after the Bruins surpassed 100 points the Hurricanes, who bounced coming off the bench for most of the sea- for the second straight season back from Thursday’s 6-3 home son. “Today, I had it early and often.” and clinched a playoff spot for loss to Tampa Bay. Germany’s Nowitzki scored 10 of the the third straight year. Boston, A winner in fi ve of seven, game’s fi rst 16 points, helping Dallas seize which has won four straight Carolina (41-26-7, 89 points) a 14-2 early lead. He was cheered loudly games, got goals from Noel Ac- owns the fi rst wild-card spot in in the introductions by the crowd at Ora- ciari, Brad Marchand, Zdeno the Eastern Conference. Min- cle, which is scheduled to close at the end Chara, Karson Kuhlman, Steven nesota (35-32-9, 79), meanwhile, of the season. Kampfer, David Pastrnak and fell to 2-5-1 over its last eight. “I really enjoyed my time here. I played Patrice Bergeron (empty-netter). against some great players,” said Nowitzki, Bruins goalie Jaroslav Halak, who DEVILS 2, COYOTES 1 (SO) adding he scored his fi rst NBA basket at took a 5-0 beating from the Pan- Pavel Zacha scored the decisive the venue. Nowitzki had fi ve three pointers thers on Dec 4, made 31 saves to goal in the sixth round of the and Doncic and Maxi Kleber each drained earn the win. shootout for New Jersey, which four as Dallas outscored the Warriors 63- edged Arizona in Newark, NJ. 12 from beyond the arc to earn their fi rst BLUES 4, LIGHTNING 3 After neither team scored in the win in Golden State since 2012. The loss on Vladimir Tarasenko capped a fi rst four rounds of the shoot- their home fl oor came on a night when the three-goal surge in 75 seconds as out, the Devils’ Blake Coleman Warriors chose to sit out Stephen Curry. host St. Louis completed a sea- and the Coyotes’ Conor Garland The 35-point margin of defeat was the son sweep of Tampa Bay. Robert traded goals in the fi fth round. largest of the season for Golden State, Thomas and Alexander Steen Zacha then fi red a shot be- eclipsing a 33-point rout by the Boston also scored in the fi rst period, tween Darcy Kuemper’s legs for Celtics. “We just couldn’t pull together and Brayden Schenn tallied in the his fi rst career shootout goal, and after that slow start and we never could second for the Blues, who im- New Jersey locked up the vic- get any traction in the game,” Warriors proved to 4-0-1 in their last fi ve tory when Richard Panik’s shot coach Steve Kerr said. “So we just kind of games. Rookie Jordan Binnington rang off the post. Drew Staff ord fl ush this one down the toilet and move fi nished with 39 saves. Brayden scored in the fi rst period for the on to tomorrow, not much else to do.” Point scored his team-leading Devils, who snapped a three- The Mavericks had a 50-point win 40th goal and Alex Killorn and game losing streak. Goalie Mac- over Utah and a 38-pointer over Char- Steven Stamkos also tallied for kenzie Blackwood recorded 24 lotte earlier in the season. Kevin Durant the Lightning, whose seven- saves. had 25 points in 29 minutes for the War- riors, who had won four of their previous fi ve games. Durant missed all eight of his three point attempts. Draymond Green said the Warriors have trouble getting motivated to play the Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Broekhoff (left) shoots as Golden State Warriors guard Jacob Evans defends. (USA TODAY Sports) Mavericks. “Sometimes playing against that team doesn’t get you up so we had quarter and the Charlotte Hornets kept won its second straight, improved to 33- RESULTS to fi nd energy from somewhere else and their slim playoff hopes alive by rallying 39 on the season. Kyrie Irving led Boston Atlanta 129 bt Philadelphia 127; we didn’t,” Green said. Durant is looking to beat the Boston Celtics 124-117. Walker with 31 points. Jaylen Brown added 29 Washington 108 lost to Miami 113; to their next game against Detroit. “The added 11 rebounds and nine assists in his points and Marcus Morris 15. Also, Trae Portland 117 bt Detroit 112; Sacramento guys have been part of terrible games be- 23rd game this season scoring 30 or more Young scored 32 points, including a last- 112 bt Phoenix 103; Chicago 83 lost to fore and great ones. We play tomorrow points. Rookie Miles Bridges scored a second, go-ahead clutch basket, as the Utah 114; Memphis 99 lost to Minnesota night,” he said. career-high 20 points, Marvin Williams Atlanta Hawks snapped the Philadelphia 112; Charlotte 124, bt Boston 117; Golden Elsewhere, Kemba Walker scored 18 and Malik Monk added 13 points apiece 76ers six-game winning streak with a Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (left) scores past Nashville State 91 lost to Dallas 126 of his game-high 36 points in the fourth and Dwayne Bacon scored 11. Charlotte 129-127 win. Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Monday, March 25, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT German league boss slams Champions League Sancho pays tribute to reform plans Berlin: The vice-president of the German Football league (DFL) has spoken out against an alleged plan by Europe’s top clubs to dramatically reform the UEFA Champions teammate Sterling for League. DFL boss Peter Peters said that the Bundesliga would have to defend itself in the wake of reports that Europe’s top competition could be transformed by the introduc- tion of weekend fixtures and a tiered system with relegation mentoring youngsters and promotion. “So far, the UEFA competi- tions are a sensible supple- ment to our core product, which is, and will remain, the ‘He’s showing all the youngsters what it’s about. I’m just happy that I’m sharing a pitch with him’ Bundesliga,” Peters told Ger- man tabloid Bild. “Anything By Sean Ingle that could harm the status of The Guardian the Bundesliga is not some- thing I am going to agree to. We have to defend ourselves mid the smiles that followed against it.” England’s beautiful dissec- The Wall Street Journal tion of the Czech Republic on reported last week that UEFA Friday night, few were big- and the European Clubs Asso- gerA than Jadon Sancho’s when asked ciation (ECA) were to discuss whether Raheem Sterling was now one reforms that would radically of the daddies of the team. “Yeah,” the change the way European 18-year-old replied, his face lighting up club football is structured. as he began his eulogy. “His numbers According to a further are crazy this year, and he’s showing report in Bild this weekend, all the youngsters what it’s about. I’m Juventus president Andrea just happy that I’m sharing a pitch with Agnelli presented concrete him.” proposals at a meeting of Not so long ago it would have been UEFA and the ECA in Nyon, unusual for a 24-year-old such as Ster- Switzerland last Tuesday. ling to be regarded as an elder states- Agnelli, who is also the man. Then again, in Gareth Southgate’s current president of the ECA, new England all sorts of staid conven- is said to have outlined an ‘ex- tions are being joyously ripped up. plosive’ plan to bring all UEFA The Manchester City forward has the competitions into a coherent second-highest number of caps in the league system when the next squad with 48 – just one behind Jor- Champions League cycle dan Henderson – and nine players have comes to an end in 2024. fewer than 10 appearances. Increas- The plan would reportedly ingly, the emphasis is on youthful dash see the Champions League and dare. reorganised into four groups “We’ve seen really young players of eight teams, with the top from other countries in the world get four of each group qualifying their chance, maybe because they’ve for a knockout round. Teams got limited resources and numbers, and who finished bottom of their we’re a little bit in that situation now,” group would be relegated into Southgate said during preparations for a second tier, formed out of England’s next Euro 2020 qualifi er in what is currently the Europa Montenegro today. “We have a smaller League. The format would pool to pick from, so you’ve got to think eff ectively end the traditional a bit more creatively. You can’t wait for arrangement by which clubs 40, 50 league matches, but that doesn’t qualify for European com- mean that the players aren’t of the qual- petition via their domestic ity to go in and do well.” leagues. Bild described the That much was evident during the plans as “the introduction of 5-0 thrashing of the Czech Republic. a European Super League via Sancho, who became England’s third- the back door”. youngest debutant in a competitive There was further criticism fi xture, set up Sterling’s fi rst goal, be- from Georg Pangl, general fore Callum Hudson-Odoi, who came secretary of the Association off the bench to break the 64-year-old of European Professional record set by Duncan Edwards by be- England’s Jadon Sancho (right) and Raheem Sterling train yesterday on the eve of their Euro 2020 qualifying match against Montenegro. (Reuters) Football Leagues. “If these coming the youngest at 18 years and reports are true, and I have 135 days, made a sparkling 20-minute carried away, you’ve got to earn your sibility to make sure we get the balance Sancho, who is hoping to keep his place and Sterling to have a vital impact on the no doubt they are, then the cameo that hinted at a dazzling future. right to play, you’ve got to earn your right for the club, but most importantly against Montenegro on what will be his pitch – as well as off it. “To have such a Champions League would Southgate has always been one of the right to do this,’” he said. “Did that get for the player.” 19th birthday. top striker, like Harry, who has such become a closed circle from game’s deepest thinkers and he believes the most out of us? Probably not. There Yet the England manager clearly be- Not that the Dortmund winger was humility and such a low ego, has a huge 2024,” Pangl told Bild. the makeup of his squad refl ects wider were some great qualities that gave us, lieves he has another star on his hands entirely satisfi ed with his perform- impression on the whole group, because “It would be more or less cultural changes. “I think young people and we’ve got to make sure we don’t in Hudson-Odoi, who was promoted ance against the Czech Republic, de- at the moment he is the star player,” he the same 32 top clubs each in all walks of society have a little bit lose that, because respect is important, from the under-21s because of an injury spite providing the assist for Sterling added. “You wouldn’t know it from the year, without the champions more belief,” he said. as is appreciation of what you’ve got, to Marcus Rashford. “We’ve found an- for England’s fi rst goal and exciting the way he conducts himself, you wouldn’t of the national leagues get- “I think bosses in all industries are but equally, we want to let talent have other player that we really like,” he said. crowd with a nutmeg and drag-backs. know it from his application to training ting a chance to qualify. That less draconian in the way they work, and its head.” “We weren’t certain that he’d be able “I think it could have worked better,” he and the way he is disciplined with his would be absolutely unaccept- I think that helps youngsters to come Part of the challenge now, as South- to adapt to this level, and probably we’d admitted. “My one-v-ones weren’t as preparation and his focus. able.” in and be more creative and believe gate recognises, is making sure such have given him a bit longer in the under- sharp. But I was just happy that I played “Equally, that’s the same for Raheem. Earlier this week, Spanish they can make a diff erence. They don’t players keep their feet on the ground 21s, but already he’s proved in this en- in my fi rst competitive game, and to as- You see his focus in training, his prepa- league (LFP) president Javier baulk at anything. I just think, generally while their careers soar, and getting vironment that he can more than cope. sist the fi rst goal.” ration for those things, so for young Tebas also distanced himself speaking, given an opportunity, they’ll the balance right between playing and He’s a very confi dent boy, he has the England are expected to name a simi- players coming on it’s an easy equation: from the proposals, and go and surprise people.” commercial opportunities while with maturity and this is going to be a fantas- lar side to the one that beat the Czech if I do the things those two do, there’s a insisted that La Liga would not As Southgate conceded, it was diff er- England. Citing Sir Alex Ferguson’s tic week for him. I’m really pleased that Republic with only Eric Dier, who has good chance that I’ll get the perform- change its schedule to accom- ent back in his day, when young players handling of Ryan Giggs, he added: “Al- he’s shown people what he’s showed us gone back to Tottenham after sustain- ances that they are putting in.” And if modate weekend Champions had to know their place and slowly earn though they’re not our players on a day- all week in training.” ing a hip injury, absent. Unsurprisingly, that happens, Sancho and Southgate League fixtures. their stripes. “You were told: ‘Don’t get to-day basis, I think we’ve got a respon- Southgate also had warm words for Southgate again expects Harry Kane won’t be the only ones smiling.

EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS ROUND-UP Valiant Hungary fi ght back to stun Croatia El Shaarawy, Piccini Reuters vakia with his fi rst international goal on Budapest his competitive debut for the Welsh, who join Italy’s injury list visit Croatia in their next qualifi er on June 8 when Hungary travel to Azerbaijan. AFP stein bottom after losing 2-0 to ungary midfi elder Mate Patkai Milan Greece. The group also includes scored his fi rst international SCOTLAND SEE OFF SAN MARINO Bosnia and Armenia. goal to secure a come-from-be- AFTER KAZAKH HUMILIATION hind 2-1 victory over World Cup Scotland returned to winning ways with tephan El Shaarawy and COMAN RULED OUT OF Hrunners-up Croatia in a Euro 2020 Group a 2-0 win away to perennial makeweights Cristiano Piccini have ICELAND QUALIFIER E qualifi er yesterday. The result in a pul- San Marino that followed a humiliating been ruled out of Italy’s France winger Kinglsey Coman sating match threw the group wide open defeat by Kazakhstan in their opening second Euro 2020 quali- will miss the Euro 2020 qualify- after Wales beat Slovakia 1-0 in Cardiff Euro 2020 qualifi er. fiS er against Liechtenstein next ing match against Iceland with a earlier. Thursday’s 3-0 loss in Astana was week, the Italian Football Fed- back problem, the French Foot- Slovakia, Wales, Hungary and Croatia widely labelled as Scotland’s worst re- eration (FIGC) said yesterday. ball Federation (FFF) announced have three points each while Azerbaijan sult in their football history and this vic- Valencia defender Piccini, yesterday. have none, although like the Welsh the tory over San Marino, the world’s low- 26, got his fi rst start for the Az- “After dialogue with the medi- Azeris have only played one game while est-ranked side — who kicked off having zurri in Saturday’s 2-0 European cal staff and the player, Didier the rest have played two. The Croatians, lost 89 of their previous 90 matches — is qualifying win over Finland in Deschamps decided the player who laboured to a 2-1 home win over Az- unlikely to ease the pressure on manager Udine, but has returned to the would return to his club. erbaijan on Thursday, appeared set for Alex McLeish. Spanish club for tests on a mus- Kingsley Coman will not be plain sailing when Ante Rebic gave them a It took the Scots under four minutes cular problem. replaced,” the FFF said in a tweet sixth-minute lead from close range after to score against San Marino when Nor- Roma forward El Shaarawy, 26, ahead of the fi xture today in Andrej Kramaric poked a low cross into wich midfi elder Kenny McLean, one of did not play against Finland be- Paris. his path. Hungary’s Mate Patkai (left) celebrates after scoring against Croatia in the Euro 2020 six changes made by McLeish, headed in cause of a calf problem, but had The 22-year-old Coman who But Hungary, roared on by a fervent Group E qualifying match at Groupama Arena in Budapest yesterday. (Reuters) a cross from Ryan Fraser. been expected to play the second plays his club football for Bay- home crowd in the Groupama Arena, lev- But Scotland then had to wait until qualifi er against Liechtenstein in ern Munich, was set to start elled in the 34th through striker Adam was rewarded by Patkai’s 76th-minute Hungary, who lost 2-0 away to Slova- 16 minutes from from time for a second Parma tomorrow. the opening game of les Bleus’ Szalai who took a clever Balazs Dzsudzsak winner after Croatia failed to clear a kia in their opener, nearly scored again goal that sealed victory in this Group I Roberto Mancini’s side are al- campaign in Friday’s victory in pass into his stride and powered his shot corner. Croatia substitute Marin Leovac several minutes later as Croatia cleared tie. Johnny Russell eased Scottish nerves ready without forwards Federico Moldova but pulled out during past keeper Lovre Kalinic from a tight an- failed to head away the inswinging set the ball of the line three times in a frantic with a shot high into the roof of the net Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne and the pre-match warm up. gle. Captain Dzsudzsak, who celebrated piece and Patkai steered the ball past Ka- goalmouth scramble and failed to threat- following a counter-attack inspired by defender Alessandro Florenzi. He missed the World Cup in a milestone 100th international appear- linic from two metres to delight the home en at the other end in the closing stages. Celtic forward James Forrest, who’d only Italy are top of their six-team Russia with an ankle injury and ance with a fi ne display, was at the heart faithful while silencing a large contingent Earlier, Wales midfi elder Daniel James been on the fi eld for three minutes after Group J after their opening win he made his last international of Hungary’s spirited performance which of vocal away fans. netted a fi fth-minute winner against Slo- coming off the bench. over Finland, with Liechten- appearance in November 2017. Gulf Times Monday, March 25, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS Ramos helps Spain edge Norway, Kean stars for Italy 'The team responded well to their equaliser. You always have the dream and aim of achieving something important'

AFP Barella gave them a seventh-minute Paris lead with his maiden international goal. The 22-year-old Cagliari midfi elder hammered home a low volley after a ergio Ramos scored a second- free-kick was only half-cleared by the half penalty to help Spain beat Finnish defence. The day belonged to a spirited Norway 2-1 on Satur- Kean, though, as he slotted in the sec- day in their opening Euro 2020 ond with 16 minutes to play to mark his qualifiS er, while teenage striker Moise full debut in style. Kean netted in Italy’s win over Finland. “To become part of Azzurri history Spain were not at their clinical best in is an added incentive to keep working,” Valencia, but got their Group F cam- said Kean. “There are many goals ahead paign off to a solid start despite Norway of me and my aim is to achieve them. threatening an upset. I wanted to show that I deserved this The 2010 World Cup winners have chance from Mancini.” been unpredictable of late, having been Italy are top of the early Group J dumped out by Russia in the last 16 of standings ahead of Bosnia and Herze- the World Cup and then missing out on govina, who edged out Armenia 2-1 as the Nations League fi nals after a home captain Edin Dzeko became the fi rst loss to England. “The team responded player in their history to be capped 100 well to their equaliser. You always have times. The other game in the group saw the dream and aim of achieving some- Greece win 2-0 against Liechtenstein in thing important,” Ramos said. “We’re Vaduz. in a new stage with a coach who has a Earlier on Saturday, Mick McCarthy fantastic style of play. We’ll take things made an inauspicious start to his sec- game by game. We’ll pick up more con- ond stint in charge of the Republic of fi dence from winning.” Ireland as his team laboured to a 1-0 Coach Luis Enrique named an at- victory over Gibraltar. The 60-year-old tacking line-up, with Marco Asensio, McCarthy, who led Ireland to the 2002 Alvaro Morata and Rodrigo all starting, World Cup last 16 before resigning later and it was the latter who volleyed home that year, was reappointed manager last the opener from Jordi Alba’s cross in the November, replacing Martin O’Neill. 16th minute. Winger Jesus Navas cre- The result leaves Ireland second in ated several other early chances for his the early Group D table behind Swit- teammates on his fi rst Spain appear- zerland, who beat Georgia 2-0, but ance since March 2014, but Rodrigo McCarthy will know he has plenty of headed over and Morata was denied by work to do after seeing his men strug- away goalkeeper Rune Jarstein. gle to claim just their second win in 12 Norway started to grow into the game matches. and were handed a chance to draw level Gibraltar almost took a shock lead in the 65th minute when Inigo Martinez early in the second half, but captain Roy grabbed Bjorn Johnsen, and Bourne- Chipolina saw his header brilliantly mouth striker Joshua King stepped up saved by Darren Randolph. Ireland took to slot past David de Gea. the lead less than two minutes later, Spain wasted little time in getting though, as Burnley midfi elder Jeff Hen- their noses back in front, though, as drick slotted home his second interna- Jarstein felled Morata to concede a 71st- tional goal from David McGoldrick’s minute penalty. Centre-back Ramos cutback. But the 194th-ranked team stepped up and confi dently dispatched in the world did not give up and almost a ‘Panenka’ spot-kick down the middle found an equaliser when 37-year-old to score his 16th goal of the season for forward Lee Casciaro curled wide after club and country. a fi ne team move. Gibraltar: Gibraltar 0 Republic of Ireland 2 (Quaison 33, Claesson 40) Romania govina 2 (Krunic 33, Milosevic 80) Arme- Elsewhere, World Cup quarter-fi - Juventus youngster Kean, 19, became 2-1 success over Romania. 1 (Hendrick 49) 1 (Keseru 58); At Valencia, Spain: Spain nia 1 (Mkhitaryan 90+3-pen); At Udine, the youngest striker to start for Italy in nalists Sweden made a winning start in RESULTS 2 (Rodrigo 16, ramos 71-pen) Norway 1 Italy: Italy 2 (Barella 7, Kean 74) Finland more than a century as Roberto Man- Group F as midfi elders Robin Quaison Group F: At Ta’ Qali, Malta: Malta 2 (King 65-pen) 0; At Vaduz: Liechtenstein 0 Greece 2 cini’s men saw off Finland 2-0. Italy got and Viktor Claesson both scored in the Group D: At Tbilisi: Georgia 0 Swit- (Nwoko 13, Borg 77-pen) Faroe Islands 1 off to a fl ying start in Udine, as Nicolo space of seven fi rst-half minutes in a zerland 2 (Zuber 57, Zakaria 80); At (Thomsen 90+8); At Stockholm: Sweden Group J: At Sarajevo: Bosnia and Herze- (Fortounis 45+1, Donis 80)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Pochettino pleased as Spurs’ James the hero as Wales start new stadium stages fi rst match

AFP Euro qualifi ers with Slovakia win London AFP Cardiff , United Kingdom anager Mauricio Pochettino said everyone connected aniel James was Wales’ goal-scor- with Tottenham ing hero as they launched their MHotspur “needed to cry” after Euro 2020 qualifying campaign the club’s new stadium fi nally with a 1-0 win over Slovakia in staged its fi rst football match. CardiffD yesterday. Swansea winger James, The 62,000-seat arena, close making his fi rst competitive start for Wales, to the north London club’s old struck in just the fi fth minute with a goal home of White Hart Lane, has that ultimately saw the hosts to victory. been beset by delays and reports “It was a good start after we got that early of spiralling costs which, ac- goal,” James said. “From then on, we had to cording to some estimates, have dig in. The only thing I had in my head was reached £1bn ($1.32bn). to shoot and luckily it went in.” But yesterday saw it play host Wales star Gareth Bale, captaining the to a maiden test event, with Tot- side in place of benched regular skipper tenham’s Under-18 side beat- Ashley Williams, added: “Everyone put in a ing their Southampton coun- shift today. We built our success off a good terparts 3-1. Club offi cials hope solid defence. We work hard in units. We al- Spurs’ senior team will play their ways knew we could nick a goal. fi rst match at the new ground, a “In the second half we came under a lot Premier League fi xture against of pressure but we started the game well, Crystal Palace, on April 3. got the early goal then shut up shop and we Spurs’ J’Neil Bennett wrote his know how to do that,” the Real Madrid for- name into the history books by ward insisted. scoring the fi rst ever goal at the Slovakia were unchanged after beating Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a Hungary 2-0 in their opening qualifi er on wonderful curling strike from the Thursday and Wales manager Ryan Giggs, edge of the box that fl ew into the who made 11 changes from Wednesday’s 1-0 bottom corner. in the fi rst day in the new stadi- can make it possible our dream friendly victory over Trinidad and Tobago, Sunday’s match was the fi rst of um we feel the same emotion. We to be in the semi-fi nal,” said was delighted by the way his side had coped two test events required in order need to cry because our dream Pochettino.”Why not?” after their Group E rivals had played earlier Wales’ midfielder Daniel James (right) celebrates with teammate after scoring against to receive relevant safety cer- became true.” Meanwhile Pochettino saluted in the week. “It’s not easy. I tried to play it Slovakia during the UEFA Euro 2020 Group E qualification match in Cardiff . (AFP) tifi cates from Haringey council, Should everything follow the Tottenham supporters for their down because I knew other teams played with the second of these coming revised plan, and the Palace patience during the 679 days fi rst but you do feel the pressure,” he said. front. Shortly before half-time Brooks came sey into the six-yard box rather than clear of when a ‘legends’ team plays Inter match take place as scheduled since the last game at White Hart “In the fi rst half we showed real composure. close to making it 2-0 with a superb solo ef- danger. Milan on Saturday. Pochettino on April 3, Tottenham will play Lane, with the new ground’s Manchester United great Giggs added: fort that saw him beat two defenders. David Hancko, following up, had a superb has been linked with vacancies the home leg of their Champi- planned opening at the start “We rode our luck a little bit in the second His swerving shot evaded Dubravka only chance to level from close range but instead at Real Madrid and Manchester ons League quarter-fi nal against of this season delayed before a half and I thought we could have scored a to curl just past the far post. Wales, however, miscued his shot completely and that al- United but the Argentinian has Manchester City at their new new date in September was also few more in the fi rst but some of the play was were only 1-0 up at the break and Slovakia lowed Wales to clear the ball. The fi fth and repeatedly made clear his wish ground rather than at Wembley, shelved following the failure of fantastic, paired with great determination.” created their best chance of the match soon fi nal minute of stoppage time saw Slovakia to still be in charge when the which has been a temporary base “critical alarm systems”. The Cardiff City Stadium was bathed in afterwards. Albert Rusnak was one-on-one awarded a corner following Miroslav Stoch’s senior Spurs side play at the new while the building work has been “Thank you so much to the sunshine and Wales made an equally bright with Wayne Hennessey only for the Wales defl ected eff ort. ground. “I think it is unbeliev- in progress. fans for being so patient because start. Harry Wilson and David Brooks com- goalkeeper to block his shot, with the ball But the referee then blew for the end of able, it is so diffi cult to explain in “We are in a very good place in in the last two years we moved bined well down the right but any threat rebounding off the Slovakian before it went the match, a decision that saw him sur- only a few words,” he said as he the Premier League and of course to Wembley and (had) all the seemed to end when Brooks’ pass went wide. rounded by angry Slovakia players, with surveyed the scene yesterday. we have a massive challenge in problems it means to move from straight to Slovakia defender Peter Pekarik. Wales found themselves pinned in their Juraj Kucka then booked — one of seven yel- “We all feel the same, so ex- the quarter-fi nal of the Cham- your home to Wembley,” Pochet- But Pekarik was then dispossessed on the own half late on and Slovakia should have low cards collected by the visitors — for dis- cited, I got the same feeling when pions League and I think with tino said. “But now all the eff ort edge of the box by the 21-year-old James, equalised with seven minutes left. Rusnak’s sent. Wales’ next two qualifi ers are away fi x- we left White Hart Lane on the all of our fans, 62,000, it is go- has paid off and it is going to be who then shot powerfully past Newcastle cross found Michal Duris, but the substi- tures against Croatia and Hungary on June 8 last day, we were crying and now ing to be fantastic to play and we amazing.” goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to fi re Wales in tute’s header was tipped away by Hennes- and 11 respectively.

Monday, March 25, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Defender Benedito Team Qatar athletes hopes to propel promote volleyball to Umm Salal forward high school students Qatar Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and national federations, are arranging for 40 school visits

By Sports Reporter Doha

n an eff ort to promote Sport for Life and provide stu- dents across Qatar the op- portunity to connect with Iprofessionals in sport – Team Qatar’s volleyball team wel- NB Stars League side Umm Salal have lost three comed 50 high-school students Umm Salal tightened matches in a row (to lowly from the American Academy up their defence by teams Al Kharaitiyat and Al School to their training facility roping in Anderson Khor, and also to reigning at Al Arabi Sports Club where ConceicaoQ Benedito (left) in champions Al Duhail in Week they delivered an interactive the winter transfer window this 19). masterclass. season. We lost the last three games. During the visit, six-member The 29-year-old Brazilian We’ve to review our mistakes and Team Qatar volleyball athletes brought with him a wealth of work hard to get better results. exhibited great team spirit in experience having donned the taking turns to explain the sport jerseys of a host of clubs dur- Is anything wrong with the and its rules. Students from the ing his senior career that spans a team composition? 10th, 11th and 12th grades ob- decade. I don’t believe so. Maybe, we served as the team illustrated Excerpts: do need a little bit of luck. diff erent positions held by each volleyball team member. Over a How do you fi nd your stint in Umm Salal have scored only brief presentation, the team also Qatar? 20 goals from 19 matches. demonstrated the basic scor- My main mission in Qatar is to Doesn’t it refl ect on the lack ing guidelines when playing a do a great job at Umm Salal along of teeth for the team’s attack? game and laid down the health with my teammates within this We’re working hard to improve benefi ts and acquired skills from short period of my contract. I re- our performance and strength in practising team sports in gen- ally want to help Umm Salal go all positions because we’ve high- eral. forward. ly-skilled players in our team. Team Qatar’s volleyball team setter Khalid Shamiyeh said, How’s the level of competi- Umm Salal narrowly lost out “Having school students visit tion in the QNB Stars League? to Al Gharafa for the fourth our training today was an im- The level of competition in position last season. This pactful experience not only for the QNB Stars League is getting time, you’re in the bottom the students but for us as a team. stronger. All teams are competi- half. This reminded us of how im- tive. Top sides are vying for hon- The onus is on us, the players, portant it is to always connect ours and the bottom-rung ones to work hard in order to improve with younger aspiring people in Team Qatar volleyball athletes held a demonstration and practice sessions with 50 students from American Academy School. are fi ghting to stay in the First our position in the league. Qatar; it defi nitely brought the Division. best in us. I hope we were able In which position do you to present volleyball in its entic- What diff erence do you feel expect Umm Salal to fi nish ing form making it an appeal and playing for Umm Salal? in this season’s QNB Stars a choice of sport to the school I don’t feel any diff erence. In- League? boys.” stead, I feel so well adapted to the We’ll work hard in order to Before the practice session, club in such a short time. end up the season in a good and students were encouraged to ask comfortable position. Umm Salal questions – some highlighted Having joined Umm Salal in fans deserve it. the reasons behind the team’s the January transfer window, choice to take up volleyball. how do you expect to contrib- Which team has the chance to Other questions focused on the ute to the side? become champions this sea- type of training and the diff erent Yes, I arrived in Doha in the son? diet routines the team follows. January transfer window with There are two great clubs (Al After the theory session, the many expectations, mainly to Sadd and Al Duhail) fi ghting for athletes ran the volleyball mas- help my team Umm Salal. the league title. I wish them good terclass that demonstrated what luck. a regular training session looked Do you believe you can make a like for the team. The students turnaround in the team’s for- Who’re the players who’ve were divided into groups and tunes? caught your attention in Qa- each Team Qatar athlete took lead Yes, we do have a team with a lot tar and at the world level? in starting a warm up and div- of qualities. I strongly believe that There’re many players with ing into practice with his group Asian Volleyball Championships Asian Men’s Volleyball Cup 2018 HE Jassim al-Buenain stressed the Ministry of Education and we’ll achieve our goals in the end. high level in the QSL. They can of students. To give students the in South Korea in 1989. Qatar’s gold medal. on the organisation’s refreshed Higher Education and national play in any league in the world. full volleyball experience, Team Asian achievements continued Qatar Olympic Committee image and strategy. The new ap- federations, are arranging for 40 How do you assess Umm Qatar’s athletes joined them for a to be signifi cant when the na- (QOC) celebrated its 40th an- proach involves QOC to focus on school visits this year. Team Qa- Salal’s performance? You’re What’re your ambitions and quick and competitive match that tional volleyball team fi nished niversary on March 14, marking uniting, inspiring and engaging tar’s school visits will help QOC ninth in the standings with future plans? then brought the school visit to an 4th during the Doha 2006 Asian tremendous successes in the the community through Team accomplish its mission to pro- 20 points… To wind up the season after end. Games. The latest Team Qa- diff erent sports fi elds at all levels Qatar athletes. mote sport participation to the We know that we’ve to achieve doing a good job for Umm Salal Qatar’s fi rst participation tar volleyball team victory was over the years. During the cer- Keeping that in mind, the next generation and the whole victories. We dropped points on and then renew my contract. in volleyball took place at the when they brought home the emony, QOC secretary-general QOC, in collaboration with community. too many occasions. (QSL)

Al Sadd, Al Arabi post thrilling wins in HH The Amir Cup basketball

Al Sadd’s Miroslav Todic (right) and Al Rayyan’s Akeem Wright in action during the HH The Amir Cup basketball tournament at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Todic scored 23 points, while teammate Dominic James dunked 27 points as Al Sadd beat Al Rayyan 83-78 in the match. Xavier Charles Cannefax was the top-scorer for Al Rayyan with 27 points, while Wright scored 21. PICTURES: Anas Khalid

Al Arabi’s Khalid Suliman Abdi (centre) in action during HH The Amir Cup basketball match yesterday. Abdi scored 23 points in Arabi’s 92-90 victory, with teammate Laron Marquise Dendy adding 20 points to the tally. Franklin Session Jr III was the top-scorer in the match with 32 points, but it wasn’t enough to see Gharafa to a victory. Teammates Qiydar Akil Davis and Abdulrahman Saad scored 24 and 22 points respectively.