Mourinho aims for summer return to coaching with UCL a target PAGE 18

SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2019

Qatar coach calls for calm ahead AFC U23 qualifier against NepalPAGE 19 MUMBAI INDIANS VS DELHI CAPITALS Carey claims golden double Zonderland suffers a fall; Maiden World Cup win for ’s Li Qi as Doha meet concludes VINAY NAYUDU DOHA

A maiden gold by 16-year-old Li Qi of China on the , an electrifying show on the floor by American for a golden double, and American Jade Carey poses on the podium with Lara Mori and both of Italy. three-time world champion Dutchman Epke Zonderland’s unfortunate fall in the high bar Results made for a fascinating finale of Men the 12th FIG Artistic Gymnas- : 1. Hakseon Yang (KOR) 15.266; 2. tics World Cup which came to Igor Radivilov (UKR) 14.916; 3. Artur a close at the Aspire Dome on Davityan (ARM) 14.695. Saturday. Watched by a large and ap- Parellel Bars: 1. Jingyuan Zou (CHN) preciate audience once again, 15.700; 2. Vladislav Poliashov (RUS) 15.066; the final day of the four-day 3. Mitchell Morgans (AUS) 14.566. event was pulsating with all Horizontal Bar: 1. Tin Srbic (CRO) 14.400; the five individual apparatus 2. Hidetaka Miyachi (JPN) 14.300; 3. Randy competitions (three for men Leru (CUB) 14.000. and two for women) produced Women absorbing contests and enthral- Balance Beam: 1. Li Qi (CHN) 14.333; 2. ling performances from some of Nina Derwael (BEL) 13.633; 3. Marine Boyer the world’s very best. (FRA) 13.333. While there was big delight Exercise: 1. Jade Carey (USA) for some, there was also huge disappointment for a few who 14.466; Lara Mori (ITA) 13.433; 3. Vanessa were expected to emerge on top Ferrari (ITA) 13.300. given their status and form. Ensuring her second gold medal at the meet, 18-year- Jade Carey in action during the floor exercise on the final day of the 12th FIG World old Carey lit up the arena with Cup at the Aspire Dome on Saturday. China’s Li Qi (centre) Nina Derwael (left) of and Marine Boyer of . a sizzling floor exercise being the last to hit the stage and up cepted to her being weak com- tive atmosphere. At this level The Korean was awarded against strong shows of Italians paratively on this apparatus, you can’t win with your rou- with 15.266 points, includ- Lara Mori and Vanessa Ferrari. was edged by quite a confident tine exercise, you have to be at ing a 15.466 score for his first The nimble-footed and Qi Li. your best,” he added. vault. The winner of the first short-statured gymnast, how- The Chinese logged 14.333 Eventually, it was ’s World Cup in Melbourne, Igor ever, stood tall with an impos- points to Derwael’s 13.633 Tin Srbic who managed to beat Radilov (Ukraine) with 14.916 ing routine which had clean for her first World Cup gold. his nerves by competing last, points was second again to backflip landings. Backed by a Frenchwoman Marine Boyer after waiting patiently for the Yang after the 1-2 at the previ- technically sharp finish, Carey finished third. other seven gymnasts to finish. ous World Cup in Baku. flew up the scoreboard with a Elated and flashing the vic- The 2017 Horizonal Bar “It is a long season, I am tally 14.466, much ahead of the tory sign while receiving the world champion raised the happy with my results so far. second-placed Mori (13.433) medal, Li Qi couldn’t hide her highest score (14.400) to de- Next year everything will be and Ferrari (13.300). emotion. feat by small margin, Japan’s clearer, regarding the Olympic “It feels pretty good. I think “I was very nervous before Hidetaka Miyachi (14.300). qualification”, said Radilov. this week went pretty well,” said the final, competing against the “It was a tough final in Armenian Artur Davtyan the American, who had also best gymnasts,” she said. Doha, because it was like it was was third with 14.695, hav- claimed gold in Vault on Friday. “It’s my first gold in World like a World Championships ing suffered a fall in his sec- “There definitely was some Cup and I am very happy to final with all these great com- ond effort. pressure (in the floor final) achieve that. We have a tough petitors. It is always hard for China’s Jingyan Zou put since we all competed together competition in China and this me to go last. The scores were up an impressive performance last week so I knew it was going win will give me a lot of confi- lower than I expected. I needed on the Parallel Bars and to be a good competition here in dence,” she added. over 14.3 to get the gold. I did took victory with a great Doha as well. I was just focused Derwael was gracious say- the best. For now I am satisfied margin (15.700). Finishing on not getting nervous,” she ing, “Li Qi was better and I am Croatia’s Tin Srbic, Russia’s Vladislav Poliashov and Mitchell Morgans of on the podium after the with what I did”, he said. second was Russia’s added. not surprised with her victory. Horizontal Bar final. Miyachi was challeng- Vladislav Polyasov (15.066) Earlier, in the women’s Overall, I am happy. Coming to ing but came just short. Cu- while Australian Mitchell Mor- Balance Beam, Belgium’s Nina Doha always gives excites me as stunning the crowd into silence. again I was too close thereby “I expected to do better ba’s Randy Leru was third gans was third (14.566). Derwael, who swept the Un- I have achieved a lot here.” “My first release was itself I couldn’t hold on to the bar because the whole week I was (14.000). A total of 128 male and even Bars competition, couldn’t Among the men’s, the high- a mistake because I was too properly and I fell down. I tired but today I felt strong On the Vault, the 2012 60 female gymnasts from complete the dream of a golden ly anticipated Horizontal Bar close to the bar and then the made a technical mistake and and I thought let’s go for it but Olympics gold medalist Hak- 57 countries took part in the double. saw favourite Zonderland suf- second was that you have to it’s highly disappointing,” ex- sadly this happened. I really seon Yang earned his second- World Cup, hosted for the 12th Derwael, who has often ac- fer a fall early into his routine throw yourself over the bar and plained the Dutch later. wanted to excel, it was a fes- World Cup win of the season. consecutive year by Qatar.

‘Gymnastics now very much a part of sporting culture in the region’

VINAY NAYUDU gymmasts, he said, “If you see the success of the sport in the DOHA Kuwaiti official Behbehani says more at this World Cup, gymnasts region has been due to the con- from the Middle East and Ali sistent successful hosting of GYMNASTICS has now be- Arab athletes will hit world stage soon Zahran of Egypt were impres- world events in the last decade. come a part of Arab sporting sive in the finals against some “There has also been a culture with many athletes urday, Behbehani of Kuwait par and aim to take one of the of the best of the world. Ibra- great acceptance of the sport from the Middle East per- said he was delighted to see three places on the podium. him Colak of Turkey on Still of gymnastics and the crowds forming consistently well at the performance of Arab “Considering that this was Rings, and Saeedreza Keikha during the World Cup at the the world level and the sport gymnasts and the large turn- the World Cup series and also of Iran on Pommel Horse, I Aspire Dome have been a tes- being followed widely, feels out of spectators. at the world championships, thought, were exceptional. timony of that. It’s a great sign. Mohamad Behbehani, the “The level of performance the effort is highly appreci- “I also hope that we will It also shows that people in the Secretary-General of Arab of athletes from the Arab re- able of these athletes and be seeing more gymnasts Middle East like and follow Gymnastics Federation. gion in artistic gymnastics has hopefully we shall find them from the Middle East at the gymnastics. It has also become In Doha to witness the gone up. It’s not like earlier on the podium more often world championships next a part of people’s culture in 12th Artistic Gymnastics when it was about just par- than not,” said Behbehani. March and at the Tokyo this region with many young World Cup which concluded ticipating. Now the gymnasts Highlighting the good Olympics in 2020.” kids wanting to take up gym- Arab Gymnastics Federation Secretary-General Mohamed Behbehani. at the Aspire Dome on Sat- from this region are quite on show of some of Middle East Behbehani stressed that nastics,” he said. Sports Sunday, March 24, 2019 17 Serena survives scare to advance in Miami

AFP and managed to break down MIAMI Williams’s serve to take the match into a deciding set. survived As the South Florida sun an “irresponsible” second set began to lower, Williams ap- lapse on Friday to see off Swe- peared to struggle with her den’s Rebecca Peterson 6-3, ball toss. 1-6, 6-1 in her second-round “It was interesting, be- opener of the WTA and ATP cause first of all it was dark . out there, which was really “I wasn’t really happy with odd,” Williams said. “I wasn’t my performance,” admit- sure if there should be lights. ted the 23-time The shadow was so intense it champion, who is playing in was actually dark. just her third tournament of “Then there was light, France’s Julian Alaphilippe (centre) celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win, ahead of Belgium’s 2019 having lost in the Aus- but only on my side. That Oliver Naesen (2nd left) and ’s Michal Kwiatkowski (left), the one-day classic cycling race Milan - San tralian Open quarter-finals was weird because I literally Remo on Saturday. (AFP) before retiring in the second couldn’t see. set of her third-round match “But I need to just move against Garbine Muguruza on and really focus on playing with a viral illness at Indian better or not being in the tour- Alaphilippe claims first Wells last week. nament much longer.” “Had to take a lot of time Williams, 37, is still seek- off the last week,” she said. ing a first title since the birth ‘Monument’ victory in “It’s definitely not easy at all. of daughter Alexis Olympia. But I’m through it. That’s that. She admitted it was some- I’ve just got to get my game times hard to stay patient, al- back to where I know it can be. though she believes returning Milan-San Remo “I told myself at the end of to the top 10 after her extend- the second set that I could not ed maternity leave qualifies as AFP stages of the Tirreno-Adriatico had total confidence in me,” lose this match. “extremely successful”. SAN REMO, ITALY in recent weeks. said the French rider. “In the “I knew that I could play a Serena Williams returns a shot to Rebecca Peterson during Day 5 of “It’s just a step at a time,” The rider from the moun- sprint all I was thinking about lot, lot, lot better. I just had to the Miami Open at in Miami on Friday. (AFP) she said. “Just because my FRANCE’S Julian Alaphilippe tainous Auvergne region in was not to make a mistake.” be better. At this point it was level of success is so much won a sprint finish to the Mi- central France had missed out In the sprint, Alaphilippe irresponsible to be playing the will meet China’s 63rd-ranked Swede, despite higher than what’s natural, I lan-San Remo on Saturday, in the 2017 race in San Remo emerged from behind Slove- way I was playing in the sec- who thrashed Britain’s Jo starting strongly and easing have to take these moments claiming his first victory in behind Kwiatkowski and Sagan. nian Matej Mohoric, before the ond set.” Konta, the 2017 Miami Open into a first set lead. and say, ‘You’re doing great,’ one of cycling’s ‘Monument’ But since he has pow- last 200 metres. Williams, an eight time champion, 6-4 6-0. Peterson, however, who encourage myself in a positive classic races. ered to two stage wins in last “I will need some time to winner in Miami, was just The former world number lost in the first round in In- way so I can get that success The Deceuninck Quick- year’s Tour de France, where realise what I have achieved to- relieved to make it through one was certainly rusty in her dian Wells, produced some that I want to have since com- Step rider finished ahead of a day,” he continued. to the third round where she first ever match against the excellent in the second ing back from the baby.” small group of riders, who had “We made the race hard broken away near the end of and I stayed focused. I followed the 291km race under the sun- Mohoric at 600 metres. I made shine through north-western I was protected, the team no mistake. It’s unbelievable.” Italy, for his seventh win of had total confidence in me. A breakaway group of ten the season. In the sprint all I was riders, representing second-di- Pacquiao polls Twitter on next opponent The 26-year-old thinking about was not to vision teams invited by the or- Alaphilippe went for the line make a mistake. I will need ganisers, had opened the road AFP the choices. to that route. But the unbeaten with 600m remaining, before some time to realise what I right out of Milan. MANILA The poll, also linked to Mayweather, officially retired, raising his arms in triumph They held firm until after Pacquiao’s Facebook wall, has has been non-committal. after a narrow victory on the have achieved today. the area of the “Capi” -- small PHILIPPINE boxing legend 18 more hours to run. It did Many Facebook users Via Roma in the Italian Rivi- Julian Alaphilippe hills going into the final hour Manny Pacquiao took to so- not indicate how the voting urged Pacquiao, who has 61 era resort, with Belgian Oliver of racing. cial media to poll millions of had gone so far. wins including 39 knockouts Naesen (AG2R) second and Italian Fausto Masnada fans on who they think should Pacquiao, who has 2.51 against seven losses and two Poland’s Michal Kwiatkowski he claimed the top climber’s had led for almost 260km, be his next opponent, having million followers on Twitter draws in a 24-year career, to (Sky) in third. jersey, and won the Fleche before being caught on the brushed off calls to hang up and 11.76 million on Face- fight Mayweather. Three-time world cham- Wallonne and Clasica San Se- Cipressa, the penultimate ob- his gloves after turning 40. book, is known to have been “Floyd of course then re- pion Peter Sagan of Slovakia bastian. stacle heading down towards “Who should I fight angling for a rematch with tire,” Carlos De Luna Lagun- finished fourth with last year’s All that was missing was the coast. next?” the world’s only eight- Mayweather, who beat the Fil- sad added. Manny Pacquiao winner Vincenzo Nibali of Italy a win in one of cycling’s five “In the group, there were division champion asked in ipino on points in the world’s But another fan urged crossing in eighth place, after ‘Monument’ one-day classics, very strong riders, Trentin a Twitter survey that drew richest prize fight in 2015. the 40-year-old to face Inter- between two previously unde- over seven hours in the saddle. and he lived up to his status was to watch but finally eve- 27,380 votes after five hours Pacquiao’s decisive victory national Boxing Federation feated boxers on Saturday. Alaphilippe has been the as pre-race favourite in a race rything is back in order,” said and listed Floyd Mayweath- over American fighter Adrien welterweight champion Er- “Show this young guys in-form rider at the start of which his Deceuninck team Alaphilippe, after his 25th vic- er, Keith Thurman, Danny Broner in January was sup- rol Spence, who easily beat why u r a living legend,” Meg the season, winning the Strade perfectly controlled. tory, and the most important of Garcia and Shawn Porter as posed to have opened the door challenger Garcia in a match Osh Tin Oniuqa said. Bianche in Tuscany, and two “I was protected, the team his career.

Quick read Silver and bronze medals for Qatar Elvira takes two-shot lead into final round in Malaysia at Arab Boxing Championship AFP Elvira had been in con- about it too much. I like the ing a six-year title drought af- Nacho Elvira of KUALA LUMPUR tention after he joint-led with way things are right now ter another consistent plays a shot during the KHARTOUM: Qatar’s boxing team won a silver medal and Marcus Fraser on Thursday. with my swing.” showing for a 69. The third round of the 2019 a bronze medal in the second Arab boxing championship, NACHO Elvira edged closer Coming into the third Two-time European Tour South African sits Maybank Malaysia which took place in Khartoum, Sudan. to a maiden European Tour round, Elvira of Spain winner Lipsky will be hoping only four strokes Golf Championship on Coach of the national team Juan Carlos praised the trophy after he posted a trailed Thomas Pieters by a to add a third after he fin- away from Saturday. (AFP) achievement, and said it was a great result given the lack six-under-par 66 to gain a single shot in stiflingly hot ished the day with a 67 de- Elvira at of experience of the boxers. He noted that some of the two-shot advantage over Da- conditions, but gained the spite two bogey flaws. nine-under- athletes were participating for the first time in an Arab vid Lipsky at the Maybank advantage courtesy of his “It’s a tricky course so par 207. championship. He expressed his hope that the team can Championship penultimate seven birdies. you are going to make bo- The local crowd carry out more training camps in the future ahead of future round on Saturday. “I’m very happy with a geys out there, you have just will also pay at- competitions. The title, however, re- 66. It was tough with the got to make your share of tention to Nich- Meanwhile, Mohammed Abdullah al Banai who won the mains up for grabs with Aus- heat and humidity today. I birdies. If I can keep mak- olas Fung on the bronze medal said he was pleased with his result, espe- tralian Scott Hend, Germa- stayed patient and it paid ing birdies like I am, I think final day on Sun- cially given that his weight category has some of the best ny’s Maximilian Kieffer and off in the end,” he said. “It I’ll be alright,” the American, day after the Ma- boxers in the Arab world and even internationally. Thai stalwart Jazz Janewat- would be great to start here who shot seven birdies, said. laysian ended the tananond only three shots (winning on the European Crowd favourite Ernie Els day tied-13th, seven off Elvira. Tour but I really don’t think will also be confident of end- shots off the pace. Lakers’ James eliminated from NBA postseason picture

AFP “For me personally, you do the coaching staff. Hopefully the front office under fire. LOS ANGELES the work and see what you can I can be in as many games as “I played a lot basketball do to help.” possible down the stretch.” over the last 16 years. So for LEGENDARY superstar LeB- James had 25 points, 14 Joe Harris scored 26 me to go into an offseason as ron James will miss the NBA assists and nine rebounds, but points and former Laker healthy as possible will give playoffs for the first time since it wasn’t enough to get the vic- D’Angelo Russell tallied 21 me time to recalibrate my 2005 as the Los Angeles Lak- tory in a tight contest that fea- points and 13 assists for the body and recalibrate my mind ers were officially eliminated tured 23 lead changes. Nets, who boosted their play- and get ready for next sea- with a 111-106 loss to the The last time the NBA’s off hopes with their second- son,” James said. Brooklyn Nets. best player wasn’t in the post- straight win during a seven With the struggling Lakers The four-time league MVP season was in 2004-05, his game road trip. limiting James’ minutes down also had his eight-year run to second season with the Cleve- JaVale McGee had career the stretch, the forward had the NBA finals snapped on land Cavaliers. James shot highs of 33 points and 20 re- sat out two of the past three Friday night as the loss takes eight-of-25 from the floor in bounds along with six blocked games heading into the Nets’ the lowly Lakers out of the 35 minutes of action as the shots to lead the Lakers. game. playoff picture for a franchise- Lakers are now 2-11 in their When James signed with Three-time champion record sixth straight season. last 13 games. the storied franchise, few James was doing his part by “It is a tough season for “I took a pretty nasty fall expected him to extend his averaging 27.5 points, 8.5 re- all of us,” James said. “It is when I slipped. Hopefully I streak of finals appearances bounds, and eight assists this not what we signed up for. will feel better tomorrow,” to nine straight, but not many season, but he hasn’t gotten Throughout the year things said James, who missed a thought it would be due to a consistent help from an inex- happen, suspensions, injuries. three pointer and committed a failure to get into the playoffs. perienced supporting cast. “You don’t even try to wrap turnover in the final seconds. It has been a season of “One thing you can’t con- your head around it. Just keep Asked how much more blown opportunities, broken trol is injuries. Throughout pushing see how you can get he wants to play this season, promises and with the Lak- the whole season we just had better. The playoffs is never a James said, “With us being of- ers now officially out of con- bodies, bodies, bodies be LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a pass during an NBA game against the Boston Celtics at promise. You got to come out ficially eliminated, I will prob- tention late in the season, it down. It is hard to get chemis- TD Garden in Boston, recently. James fails to make NBA playoffs for first time since 2005.(AFP) and do the work. ably have a conversation with leaves the coaching staff and try on the floor,” he said. 18 Sunday, March 24, 2019 Sports EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS Germany under Sterling downs Czechs pressure ahead of Dutch derby as France win at Moldova Fans booed the national team during

AFP their 1-1 friendly draw against Serbia PARIS AFP dam. RAHEEM Sterling showed that BERLIN “Toni is indispensable for he is coming of age on the inter- us,” said coach Joachim Loew national stage as his hat-trick MARCO Reus has called on on Saturday, and confirmed that saw England start their Euro Germany to win back the trust both Leroy Sane and Serge Gna- 2020 qualifying campaign by of their fans when they launch bry would also be fit to face the hammering the their Euro 2020 qualifying Netherlands. 5-0, while Antoine Griezmann campaign against old rivals the Loew said his team were not inspired France to a battering of Netherlands on Sunday. thinking about defeat, despite Moldova. Germany were booed by the fact that the Dutch are in Manchester City attacker fans in Wolfsburg during their good form, and have not lost to Sterling had scored just two 1-1 friendly draw against Serbia Germany since 2012. goals in his first 45 caps, but last Wednesday, and Reus has “They are playing very well, he now has five in his last three said that it is up to the players to they are highly motivated and international appearances fol- change the mood. the atmosphere here is extreme- lowing Friday’s treble, which “We need patience from the ly good,” said Loew. helped England storm to the fans, but it is our job to make The Dutch cruised to a 4-0 top of Group A ahead of Mon- sure the atmosphere improves,” win over Belarus in their open- day’s trip to Montenegro, who he said on Friday. ing qualifier on Thursday. drew 1-1 at Bulgaria. Germany have not won a Oranje captain Virgil van Sterling opened the scor- competitive game since they Dijk was on the scoresheet with ing in the 24th minute when he beat Sweden at the World Cup a header, and both Loew and tapped home Jadon Sancho’s last summer. But they still defender Niklas Suele identi- cross, and struck twice more in crashed out of the World Cup fied the Liverpool defender as a the second half to put the result in the group stage, and were rel- threat. “He is a fantastic in the beyond doubt after Harry Kane egated from the top tier of the air, not just because he is big, fired home his 21st England UEFA Nations League in the but because he gets so much goal from the penalty spot. autumn. power behind his headers,” said “It was a beautiful team Coach Joachim Loew de- Loew of van Dijk. “We can’t al- performance and I was happy clared the beginning of a “new low him space to run onto head- to help the team get the win,” era” last week, having brought ers,” said Suele, who watched Sterling said. in several young players and van Dijk do just that when Liv- Sterling has 24 goals for made the controversial call to erpool knocked Bayern out of club and country this term and drop three experienced stars in the Champions League earlier his impressive form is a fry cry Thomas Mueller, Mats Hum- this month. from the dark days when he was mels and Jerome Boateng. Van Dijk has made a habit vilified as England crashed out Yet Reus warned that the of scoring against German sides. of Euro 2016. new-look Germany would take He hit a late equaliser for the “I’m just being confident in time to reach their full potential. Netherlands against Germa- myself, I’m trying to get in ar- “We are all ambitious ny when the two sides met in eas and take shots, not to worry England’s Raheem Sterling (right) celebrates his third goal against Czech Republic during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier match atWembley enough to want to win every Gelsenkirchen last November. about anything,” he added. Stadium in London on Friday. (EPA) game, but it won’t just start He also scored in a 3-0 win England carried the mo- working from one day to the over Germany a month earlier. mentum from a run to the “We’ve opened our cam- next,” he said. Those results have rekin- World Cup semi-finals and paign well and the second game The change of personnel dled the old rivalry between the qualification for the last four comes around quickly. In three means that Reus, 29, is among Dutch and the Germans. On of the Nations League into the days we have do it again.” the most senior players in the Sunday, Germany will be hoping Euro qualifiers and blooded Cristiano Ronaldo drew a team. “I am at an age where I to get the fans back on side with young hopeful Sancho, who blank on his return to interna- have to take on leadership roles, a win over their neighbours. impressed on his full England tional football after nine months both here and at my club,” said “It is always a special game, debut. away, as Ukraine battled to a the Borussia Dortmund star. partly because of how close we The 18-year-old who has goalless draw in Lisbon. “Everything will take time, are geographically,” said Ger- shone in the Bundesliga for The draw was the first time we have a lot of young players many and Bayern Munich mid- Borussia Dortmund, gave Eng- Santos’ side have failed to score who need to find their feet.” fielder Leon Goretzka on Friday. land fans further cause for ex- at home in 19 matches and Reus is expected to return to “As a boy, I used to go on citement, with his potential leaves them second in the group the starting lineup, along with holiday with my family in Hol- adding to that of Sterling and behind Luxembourg, who beat Real Madrid midfielder Toni land, and I grew up with the ri- Kane coming into their prime. Lithuania 2-1. Kroos on Sunday in Amster- valry.” “I thought Raheem was William Carvalho had a fine electric. He has looked like that header ruled out for offside in all week in training. I’m pleased the 16th minute and Ronaldo, for him, it is a special night for Pepe and Andre Silva all went him,” coach Gareth Southgate close to opening the scoring, but said. Ukraine stopper Andriy Pyatov “I think he’s really matured was on fine form to deny them. as a person and a footballer. In the end the away side He’s hungry for goals and hit- could have snatched the three ting things instinctively without points through Junior Moraes, thinking too much.” only for the debutant to fluff a France also got off to a per- France’s midfielder Paul Pogba (left) and Olivier Giroud vie with Moldova’s defender Ion Jardan (right) dur- golden chance to grab a shock fect start after an older head in ing their Euro 2020 qualifying match at Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau on Friday. (AFP) win. Antoine Griezmann spurred the “We didn’t play as we want- world champions on to a com- Olivier Giroud equalled Da- a late consolation for Moldova. Turkey, 2-0 winners against Al- ed to. We started slowly, not fortable 4-1 victory at Moldova. vid Trezeguet as Les Bleus’ third Griezmann would have had bania and Andorra respectively. pressing the way we wanted,” Griezmann opened the scor- highest scorer of all time with two more assists had Giroud “We played a very consum- said Manchester City midfielder ing with his 27th France goal in his 34th international goal nine and Paul Pogba been more clin- mate first half in terms of con- Bernardo Silva. the 24th minute of their Group minutes before the break and ical in front of goal, but France’s trol and attacking organisation. “The second half we tried H encounter before crossing for Kylian Mbappe completed the display was easily enough for The second half was less fulfill- to create chances to go after Raphael Varane to double the rout with three minutes left, be- the three points and top spot in ing due to substitutions,” said the game but unfortunately we German national team players at a training session in Wolfsburg scores three minutes later. fore Vladimir Ambros claimed the group ahead of Iceland and coach Didier Deschamps. didn’t score.” before their Serbia friendly. (EPA) Mourinho aims for summer return to coaching Messi to miss Morocco tie after injury in int’l return praised the World Cup-winning The Portuguese coach relishes a third teenager, who he says has the ability take over from Lionel AFP Argentina forward Lau- Champions League title Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo MADRID taro Martinez halved the deficit when they eventually hang up before Josef Martinez scored AFP “I want to be (in the race their boots. LIONEL Messi will miss Argen- from the spot to claim the spoils BASEL, to win the Champions League “He is there, he is ready for tina’s friendly against Morocco in the friendly. next year). Sometimes, you are next week after picking up a Messi’s 129th cap started JOSE Mourinho is gunning for not in the race, but you have to groin injury in the shock 3-1 de- poorly as Newcastle forward a return to top level manage- win other races.” Champions feat to Venezuela on Friday as Rondon controlled a long ball ment and a third Champions Mourinho, who has he made his first international before hammering home a half- League title, the former Real coached in his native Portugal League is key appearance since the 2018 volley past Argentine goalkeep- Madrid and Manchester United as well as in England, Italy and World Cup. er Franco Armani. manager revealed on Friday in Spain left the door open to re- O “I want to be (in the race Barcelona star Messi start- The pick of the goals came an interview with AFP. turning to those leagues or tak- to win the Champions ed the fixture following a self- as 23-year-old Murillo scored Mourinho has been out ing over at a club elsewhere. League next year). imposed eight-month exile in for only a third time in 17 inter- of work since being sacked by “I can go back to a country Sometimes, you are not in which he missed six friendlies nationals. United in December and said I’ve been before and to be hon- the race, but you have to since the tournament in Russia, He received the ball on the he would like to be appointed est, I have enjoyed working in win other races.” which they exited in the last 16 corner of the box, was given as a boss at a club where he can every country I did,” he said. Former Manchester United’s Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho at the at the hands of eventual cham- plenty of space by the Albice- add to his European triumphs “(Or) I can try something Baselworld watch and jewellery fair in Basel on Friday. (AFP) pions France. leste defence and the winger with Porto in 2003 and Inter very important, which is to next step. When the big mon- The Argentine Football fired home powerfully past Milan seven years later, and work in a fifth country and try four teams in the quarter-finals situations in the calendar,” he sters decide to stop, he will be Federation tweeted the injury Armani with a minute left of the draw level with Zinedine Zi- to win everything in the fifth of Europe’s top competition. said. there, just waiting,” Mourinho update following the loss at first half Argentina’s Martinez dane, Carlo Ancelotti and Bob country like I did in the previ- United, Manchester City, “The teams are good and said. Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Met- gave his side some hope on the Paisley. ous ones.” Tottenham and Liverpool have strong, and you look at Man “Sometimes, you can be ropolitano stadium. hour mark as Messi found Gio- “If I can win a third Cham- Mourinho’s time with Unit- all made it to the last eight. City, the level of investment. part of the team that reaches Gonzalo Martinez has also vanni Lo Celso who played in pions League, great,” the ed was his third with a Premier “English teams are power- Top players, experienced play- something, and you are just been ruled out of the fixture in the Inter forward to finish. 56-year-old told AFP. League club after two spells ful, they have a very competi- ers, top manager, experienced lucky to be at the right moment Tangier with a thigh problem. Rafael Dudamel’s side, “I would like to play in the with Chelsea, where he won the tive league. Sometimes, it goes manager.” at the right time. That’s not the Salomon Rondon and Jhon ranked 32nd in the world, best level, which is the Cham- title three times, and he isn’t against them because many Asked about France attack- case. He was very important for Murillo gave Venezuela a two- claimed a third after Martinez pions League. surprised that England has times, you have very difficult er Kylian Mbappe, Mourinho France being champion.” goal advantage at the break. was tripped in the box. Sports Sunday, March 24, 2019 19

News in brief Qatar coach urges calm Rohit Sharma to lead MI’s charge against DC today

MUMBAI: Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians will play their ahead of Nepal clash first match of the 12th season of the Indian Premier League against the Delhi Capitals at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Afghanistan have no room for error against Oman AFC U23 qualifiers today Mumbai are known to be slow- starters as they fare much IKOLI VICTOR depends if he’s cleared by the better in the second stage of DOHA medical staff. the IPL than the first stage. Qatar will rely on the de- However, the Mukesh QATAR coach Albert Fernan- fensive duo of Tarek Salman Ambani-owned team will love dez has urged his players to be and Bassam al Rawi, while to improve their record in the Mumbai Indians’ Rohit Sharma calm and play without pres- expecting the attacking trio of initial matches of the league during a press conference. sure ahead of their second Abdelrahman Moustafa, Has- when they play their first match group match against Nepal in san Ahmad Alahrak to find the of IPL 2019 against the S Iyer-led Delhi Capitals. their AFC U23 Qualifier at the back of the net. Both the teams failed to qualify for the playoffs last year Aspire Pitch 5 on Sunday. Oman will look to continue but look strong on paper this year. Here are the reasons why Qatar had defeated Af- their winning form in Sunday’s Mumbai Indians will achieve their first victory of the season ghanistan 2-0 in a nervous encounter with Afghanistan, against Delhi. first-half performance, while while the latter have no room Rohit Sharma, Mumbai’s homeboy and ’s top limited- Nepal, against the odds, held for error in their clash against overs opener, will finally open the innings for his IPL franchise their own to restrict Oman to attacking-minded Oman. in the 12th season of IPL. Sharma has three T20I centuries to just a goal in their loss. The Omanis will hope his name playing as an opening batsman for India and it has The match is important for strikers Muhsen Saleh and Ar- been a long time since he smashed a hundred in the IPL. The both the teams as victory for shad Said find their rhythm af- ‘Hitman’ will love to exploit the batsman-friendly conditions in Qatar depending on the score- ter their profligacy in front of Mumbai. line may put them in the driv- goal against Nepal. Mumbai Indians have Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, and er’s seat for automatic qualifi- Meanwhile, coach Mo- Kieron Pollard in their side. This year, they also opted for the cation. While Nepal still stand hammad Mujtaba of Afghani- services of Yuvraj Singh, the Indian legend, which has only a chance of qualifying, if they stan is confident his players bolstered their strength. The Mumbai Indians also have Ben get an unexpected win against will get the required result Cutting in the mix and thus, they have a variety of options to hosts Qatar. against Oman and possibly choose from. Fernandez said after the finish second in the group with Apart from Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, and the Pandya match on Friday that his play- the hope of finishing among brothers, the Mumbai franchise have a lot of talented Indian ers achieved the most im- the best four teams to join the players in Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, portant result which is a win, eleven group winners. Mayank Markande, Rahul Chahar and Barinder Sran. knowing how difficult open- “Hopefully in the next two All of them have the potential to win the match for their ing matches are. The Span- Qatar’s Abdelrahman Moustafa is challenged by Amanullah Sardari of Afghanistan during their AFC U23 games we will do better and team on any day. The Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, will ish coach promised that, “We qualifiers at Aspire in Doha on Friday. prepare ourselves well to qual- have to find a way to tackle the Indian players of the Mumbai would have an improved per- ify for the next round as the team to stand a chance of winning the match. formance in the next game. and we are keen to correct the match between Oman and Ne- ident of the equality between second team.” Looking at the recent form of the players of both the Our ambition is to play better mistakes. There were some er- pal, “I would analyse and look the teams and that they are no “Oman are tough but I be- teams, the Mumbai Indians definitely have an upper hand against Nepal and overcome rors that haven’t happened to on their strengths and weak- pushovers. lieve my players can match heading into this match. (IANS) the pressure barrier and be in us before and we are not used nesses so we can capitalise on Fernandez is hopeful his them and get the desired result. a good state of mind. to it because of pressure.” to collect full points.” striker Abdullah Alahrak who We still have a chance of quali- “After each game we study Fernandez said having He added that the slim 1-0 suffered a knock in the game fying and we’ll play with that KKR have task cut out against Sunrisers the negatives and the positives watched the first half of the defeat of Nepal by Oman is ev- is fit and ready for the match confidence,” Mujtaba added. Hyderbad today

KOLKATA: Eyeing a third elusive title, (KKR) will have their task cut out when they take on formidable (SRH) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. Harbhajan leads RCB collapse in IPL opener Two-time champions KKR last won the IPL in 2014 under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir. Since then, they have made man to cross double figures in what it to the playoffs thrice in four years showing great consistency, Raina first to was the IPL’s sixth lowest total. but the team will want to finish off equally well this time round. Chasing 71 for victory, Super Kings Last season, under the new leadership of seasoned cam- get 5,000 lost opener Shane Watson for nought paigner , KKR incidentally lost to Sunrisers Hy- after Yuzvendra Chahal got the Aus- derabad by 14 runs in Qualifier-2. Stumper-batsman Karthik led runs in IPL tralian bowled with his leg-spin. from the front, amassing 498 runs and finishing as the team’s Ambati Rayudu, who made 28, and highest scorer. Suresh Raina, who scored 19, then put KKR have traditionally boasted of having a superb spin line-up AFP on 32 runs for the second to get and it won’t be different this year. With India’s leading tweaker CHENNAI (INDIA) the chase on track. leading the department, veteran and The left-handed Raina became the experienced Piyush Chawla will look to make an impact along with INDIA’S led an in- first batsman in IPL history to cross young KC Cariappa who was brought in as replacement to the spired spin attack to help Chennai the 5000-run barrier during his 21-ball injured . Super Kings open the 2019 Indian Pre- stay. Raina (5004) is ahead of Kohli Last year, KKR’s weak link was their pace attack. But accord- mier League season with a comprehen- (4954) in the IPL batting chart. ing to head coach , the purple brigade have more sive seven-wicket win over Royal Chal- Ali dismissed Raina and Rayudu options this time in the fast department. lengers Bangalore on Saturday. was cleaned up by paceman Moham- KKR will miss the services of Mavi and fellow U-19 World Cup Singh and South African leg-spin- med Siraj. Kedar Jadhav, on 13, and winner who is also ruled out due to injury. But ner Imran Tahir claimed three Ravindra Jadeja, on six, took the Super acquisitions such as New Zealand fast bowler , each to dismiss Royal Challengers for a Kings home. left-arm Englishman and West Indies all-rounder paltry 70, a total the defending cham- “No one wants to start like this, Carlos Brathwaite will add to their arsenal. pions achieved with 14 balls to spare in Chennai Super Kings’ Harbhajan Singh celebrates the wicket of Royal Challengers but it’s good to get a game like this out Coming to the visitors, SRH emerged runners-up in the previ- Chennai. Bangalore’s Moeen Ali during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match of the way -- this early in the tourna- ous edition after losing to Chennai Super Kings in the final by Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, at the MA Chidhambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. (AFP) ment,” said Kohli, who is yet win an eight wickets. who led the Super Kings to their third IPL title. The Kane Williamson-led side has been in cracking form for IPL title after returning from an illegal land’s Moeen Ali for nine and South the win. “I thought CSK played really well, the past few seasons since winning the trophy in 2016 under the gambling ban last year, elected to field African AB de Villiers, also for nine. “The wicket definitely needs to they deserved to win, but I loved to see leadership of David Warner. first in the 12th edition of the world’s West Indies batsman Shimron Het- be much better, even with dew it was our team fighting all the way.” All eyes will be on Warner this Sunday, as the southpaw con- most popular Twenty20 league. myer was run out for nought and soon spinning big... other teams have good The T20 extravaganza, tentatively tinues his return to cricket after being banned for a year after the The 38-year-old Singh got Super the Royal Challengers batting crum- spinners as well and this isn’t the pitch scheduled to end on May 12, runs close ball tampering incident. Kings their first breakthrough after bled with spinners Tahir and Ravindra we are looking forward to,” Dhoni said to the start of the 50-over World Cup in Besides the explosive Warner and dependable Williamson, sending back opposition skipper Virat Jadeja, who took two wickets, combin- of the pitch at Chennai’s MA Chidam- England and Wales on May 30. SRH have the likes of Martin Guptill, Manish Pandey and Yusuf Kohli for six in the fourth over of the ing to pack them off in 17.1 overs. baram Stadium. Pathan who are likely to be their batting mainstays but the team innings. “It was a very good bowling effort BRIEF SCORES: will miss Shikhar Dhawan who went to Delhi Capitals. Dhawan hit Singh ran through the Royal Chal- by him (Harbhajan) to give us a kind of Raina’s milestone Chennai Super Kings 71 for 3 (Rayudu 28, Chahal 1-6) beat 497 runs and was the team’s second highest run-scorer last year. lengers top-order with his wily off- start that was very well capitalised by Opener Parthiv Patel top-scored Royal Challengers Bangalore 70 (Parthiv 29, Tahir 3-9, spin, getting the big wickets of Eng- the other spinners,” Dhoni said after with 29 and remained the only bats- Harbhajan 3-20) by 7 wickets Hamad steers Shah XI into Div B final Malinga to retire the Hadico in just 11 balls and In high-scoring Division C left. For the losers, Sahan had a after T20 World Cup They will take on followed it up with an unbeaten matches, Zerone Technologies match-high 70 with two sixes 21 during the Shah XI’s chase and Challengers Club posted and nine boundaries in 47 balls. AFP Redco for to set up the title clash with thrilling victories. Faizal’s 54 with two sixes CENTURION () T20 crown Redco, who also crushed Khan Chasing a stiff 176-run tar- and four boundaries and 32 Youngsters by 10 wickets, rid- get against Lankan Knights, by Denzil, who cracked half a SRI Lankan limited overs cap- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ing Rasmi’s superb individual Farhan smashed three sixes and dozen fours, took QF to a fight- tain Lasith Malinga will retire DOHA performance. (Left) Hamad of Shah XI and three boundaries to essay 50, ing 166 for nine. Rafaqat (36 not from international cricket Rasmi of Redco while Raj Mohammed hit a six out), Rahman (33) and Faizan after next year’s Twenty20 HAMAD dished out a stellar and three fours in his 44 to lift (31) played main roles in their World Cup, he revealed on all-round showing and steered Hamad removed half the Zerone Technologies to a one- team’s five-wicket win with just Friday. Shah Eleven into the Division Hadico in just 11 balls wicket triumph with three balls one before the finish. Malinga said that he would B final of the Qatar Airways and followed it up with an quit one-day internationals af- Cricket Tournament with a unbeaten 21 during the BRIEF SCORES ter the World Cup in England dominant nine-wicket tri- Shah XI’s chase to set up and Wales this summer before umph against Hadico. the title clash with Redco Division B semi-finals - Lankan Knights: 175 for six in 20 overs (Sahan 70 in calling time on his career fol- Qatar Airways is proud to be (Left) Farhan of Zerone and Shah XI beat Hadico by nine wickets 47 balls, Nilantha 27 in 26 balls; Anil Thakuri 1/16, lowing the Twenty20 tourna- Hadico: 57 all out in 13.5 overs (Atique 16, Bilal 9; Sanjay 1/28) the official sponsor of the annu- Faizan of Challengers Club Hamad 5 wkts, Alam 3 wkts) Zerone Technologies: 176 for nine in 19.3 overs (Farhan ment, being played in Aus- al Qatar Cricket Tournament. Batting first after winning Shah XI: 58 for one in 8 overs (Javed 31 , 50 in 27 balls, Raj Mohammed 44 in 28 balls; Jeewaka tralia over October-November As the country’s national car- the toss, Hadico were shot (three for 8) and Faheem (two Hamad 21 not out; Saqlain 1 wkt) 2/15, Dimuthu 2/11) 2020. Lasith Malinga rier, Qatar Airways continues out for just 58 in 13.5 overs by for 16) caused them a serious Man of the match: Hamad (Shah XI) Man of the match: Farhan (Zerone Technologies) “After the World Cup, my to play a vital role in enhancing man-of-the-match Hamad and damage, despite Abrar’s fine Redco beat Khan Youngsters by 10 wickets Challengers Club beat Qatar Foundation by five cricketing career is ending,” career.” the already flourishing sports Alam, who bagged three scalps. 45 with a six and three fours. Khan Youngsters: 120 for nine in 20 overs (Abrar 45 in wickets the 35-year-old said after his Malinga dismissed South activities in Qatar and is a keen Then, Shah XI needed only Redco powered to the victory 37 balls, Israr 2 in 16 balls; Rasmi 3/8, Faheem 2/16) Qatar Foundation: 166 for nine in 20 overs (Faizal 54 his side were beaten by 16 runs African top-scorer Reeza Hen- Redco: 123 for no loss in 10.2 overs (Rasmi 77 not out in 41 balls, Denzil 32 in 17 balls; Faizan 3/20, Sami supporter for developing the eight overs to race to the target. as man-of-the-match Rasmi in 36 balls, Marso 31 not out in 26 balls) 2/19) by South Africa in the second dricks for 65 on Friday, his next generation of cricket play- Apart from Hamad, Javed hit slammed six sixes and five Man of the match: Rasmi (Redco) Challengers Club: 167 for five in 19.5 overs (Rafaqat Twenty20 international at Su- 97th T20 international wicket. ers in Qatar. 31 not out. boundaries to collect 77 not out 36 not out in 28 balls, Rahman 33 in 26 balls, Faizan perSport Park. He is one short of the world At the West Bay Ground on Khan Youngsters made a in 36 balls. Marso chipped in 31 Division C - Zerone Technologies beat Lankan 31 in 27 balls; Raju 2/35) “I want to play in the T20 record of 98 held by Pakistan’s Friday, Hamad removed half modest 120 for nine as Rasmi not out. Knights by one wicket Man of the match: Faizan (Challengers Club) World Cup and then end my Shahid Afridi.