SPORT Tuesday 188 April 20201717

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Bryan wins Lewandowski set to Qatari track and field maiden US PGA face Madrid's shaky stars get set for Doha Tour trophy defence Diamond League Qatar Cross-Country Rally begins today

Challenging route motorcycle and quad sections. QATAR4 CROSS-COUNTRY Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (pic- Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi A quality field of 32 tured) is still recovering from returns to Qatar to tackle RALLY cars, 13 motorcycles injury, but the Qatari has only the Qatar Cross-Country Leading starters and seven quads lies ever been beaten once on this Race for the first time in his Cars a daunting route of event – when he suffered an Peugeot 3008 DKR. 201 Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/ nearly 2,000km that engine failure on his Buggy in Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota will take competitors 2013 – and the two-time Dakar Hilux Overdrive through a champion will be hoping to 203 Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SAU)/Timo Gottschalk (DEU) Mini John Coop- demanding, dusty bounce back into title conten- er Works Rally and sandy trail. tion over the four desert selective sections of his home 204 Khalid Al-Qassimi (ARE)/Khaled round of the FIA World Cup. Al-Kendi (ARE) Peugeot 3008 Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi DKR The Peninsula took advantage of Al Attiyah’s 205 Aron Domzala (POL)/Szymon accident in the recent Abu Dhabi Gospodarczyk (POL) Toyota Hilux he Qatar Cross-Coun- Desert Challenge and now has Overdrive try Rally gets a commanding lead in the series’ 206 Mohammed Abu Issa (QAT)/Xavi- underway with a standings after three rounds. er Panseri (FRA) Mini All4 Racing 4.85km super special The Abu Dhabi Racing driv- 207 Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora (SVK) Hummer H3 Evo VII stage at the Losail er’s Peugeot 3008 DKR arrived 208 Erik Van Loon (NLD)/Wouter Tmotocross facility within the at Losail on Monday morning Rosegaar (NLD) Toyota Hilux confines of the race circuit today. and the 2004 FIA Middle East Overdrive Ahead of a quality field of 32 rally champion will be hoping to 209 Martin Prokop (CZE)/Jan Tomanek cars, 13 motorcycles and seven collect as many points as possi- Austrian rider Matthias (CZE) Ford F-150 Evo quads lies a daunting route of ble on his first visit to this event, Walkner will be pushing for 214 Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Tom Col- nearly 2,000 kilometres that will although he has competed in the win in Qatar this week soul (BEL) Mini All4 Racing take competitors to the outer- Qatar’s round of the MERC on the Mobilex Racing’s Team’s on his KTM. most reaches of Qatar in a many occasions. Yuriy Sazonov and Yerden Bikes demanding, dusty and sandy trail “This is going to be an Shagirov, South Racing’s Jürgen 1 Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) Husqvarna laid on by officials at the Qatar entirely new experience for me Schröder and Fernando Alvarez, 450 Rally Motor and Motorcycle Federa- and I am looking forward to it,” Saudi Arabia’s Khalid Al Feraihi 2 Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 tion (QMMF). said Sheikh Khalid. and Abu Dhabi’s Yayha Al-Helai Rally The fourth round of the FIA “The terrain is different to add weight to the top of the for- 5 Pierre Alexander Renet (FRA) Husq- World Cup for Cross-Country Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but I am midable T1 field. varna 450 Rally Rallies and round two of the FIM here to gain experience in this Thomas Bell, France’s Yannick 6 Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 Cross-Country Rallies World format of racing and I hope it will Commagnac, Ahmed Al Malki and Rally Championship has attracted the be a successful experience.” the Qatar duo of Abdullah Al Rab- 7 Mohammed Al-Balooshi (ARE) KTM leading contenders in all the rel- The car category has strength ban and Mohammed Al Mannai 450 Rally Replica evant categories and the scene in depth: Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed round off the T1 entry. 8 Antoine Meo (FRA) KTM 450 Rally is set for a fascinating tussle for Al Rajhi drives the first of three Adel Abdulla is the defend- 9 Paolo Gonçalves (PRT) Honda 450 supremacy in the FIA T1 and T2 X-raid built Minis and Al Attiyah’s ing FIA T2 World Champion in CRF Rally car categories and both the FIM team at Overdrive Racing fields his Nissan Patrol, but the Qatari 11 David McBride (GBR) KTM 450 Rally additional Toyota Hiluxes for has endured a difficult start to Replica Aron Domzala, Erik van Loon the defence of his title. Saudi 12 Kevin Benavides (ARG) Honda 450 and Leeroy Poulter. Arabia’s Yasir Saeidan and Abu CRF Rally Qatar’s Mohammed Abu Issa Dhabi Racing’s Mansour Al Helai drives one of the Minis and the have stolen a march on the Doha Quads former quad category winner lies driver through the first three 101 Camelia Liparoti (ITA) Yamaha Rap- second in the Drivers’ Champi- rounds and the likes of Ahmed tor 700R onship after three rounds. Al-Shegawi, Mohammed Al Har- 111 Rafal Sonik (POL) Honda TRX 700 “This is exciting and a chal- qan, Rashid Al Mohannadi, Jamal 2004 and 2008 and is compet- Mannai, President of the QMMF. 115 Lucas Innocente (ARG) Yamaha lenge. It’s good to be in Fakhroo and Mohammed Al ing alongside Mansour Al-Helai Today, competitors will tackle Raptor 700R something faster, but this is not Meer have made the battle for in a T2 Toyota Land Cruiser. the 4.85km super special stage 116 Alexis Hernandez Ponce (PER) Yamaha Raptor 700R an easy rally and the conserva- top spot in the section for series \“We are delighted to welcome at the Losail motocross track 117 Rodolfo Schippers (GUA) Yamaha tion of the tyres will not be easy production cross-country vehi- so many international visitors to from 15.40hrs onwards. Cars Raptor 700R at all. It’s one more rally to add cles an intriguing prospect. Losail for the start of the Qatar entered in the National Baja fol- 119 Kees Koolen (NLD) Barren Racer One

to my books.” Co-driver Chris Patterson Cross-Country Rally and wish low from 16.25hrs and the FIA 690 The Czech duo of Martin won five Qatar International ral- everyone a safe and successful cars will be last on to the course Prokop and Miroslav Zapletal, lies with Al-Attiyah between rally,” said Abdulrahman Al from 16.55hrs. Qatar Cup set for Al Rayyan eye revenge against Al Sadd promotional tour The Peninsula into the game against Al Sadd” added the 30 year old l Rayyan will be look- defender. The Peninsula host of visitors took photos with ing for revenge when Moussa also stressed that the trophy along with an oppor- Athey take on Al Sadd in his Al Rayyan side have a good he 2017 Qatar Cup is set tunity to get up and close with the Qatar Cup semi-final at Al chance to overcoming the to kick-off on Thursday the Qatar Cup. Sadd Stadium on Thursday, odds against Al Sadd. Tevening with Al Sadd tak- The tour is also set to take says defender Moussa Haroon “We have every chance to ing on rivals Al Rayyan in the in a number of different loca- (pictured). beat Al Sadd we can do it. first semi-final, followed on Fri- tions across Qatar including “The Qatar Cup is highly Despite losing to Al Sadd in the day evening when reigning local schools, malls, key spon- sought after and all four sides league we can defeat them; Qatar Stars League (QSL) sors and tourist attractions. have a chance of winning. The anything can happen in cup Champions Lekhwiya will face Players from the Qatar Cup knock-out format means you football.” off against El Jaish in the sec- teams will also be present at have no room for error, and I “All four sides have a ond semi-final. selected locations on the tour, expect the match against Al chance to lift the Qatar Cup In the first semi-final, Al which has an overall aim of cel- Sadd to be an exciting affair. this season. Form in the league Rayyan which finished third in ebrating the tournament whilst We have lost twice in the does not count in the Qatar the league will be looking for also encouraging fans to come league to Al Sadd and we will Cup and any side can beat revenge against Al Sadd. along to the two semi-finals and be hoping to make up for this anyone on the day. This is part Michael Laudrup side lost showpiece final which is set to in the Qatar Cup," said Haroon of the reason why the Qatar both the matches of this years take place on April 29 at Al Sadd ahead of Lions' crunch match. Cup is such an exciting tour- QSL to Al Sadd. Stadium. Last year's Qatar Stars nament as a player” added Ahead of the tournament, Speaking at the launch of League winners lost both the Moussa when asked about the the Qatar Cup trophy is the trophy tour, Nasser Al matches, going down by 5-0 other top four sides in the embarking on a promotional Kuwari Community relations in the first and in the return competition. tour across the state of Qatar to officer at the QSL said; “The match again succumbed by “You all have a vital role build excitement for the end of promotional tour will offer the 4-1 scoreline. with us in Al Sadd game. We season tournament. perfect opportunity for the gen- “Al Rayyan has never are hoping that you can join The first stop of the promo- eral public to find out more lifted the Qatar Cup before, us at the stadium and cheer tional tour was Al Bidda tower, about the Qatar Cup and the and it’s certainly a big moti- us on to the final of the Qatar the home of Qatari football. A competition.” vation for our side heading Cup," he added. SPORT TUESDAY 18 APRIL 2017 25 Bryan wins maiden US PGA Tour trophy

Miami AFP

ookie Wesley Bryan carded a four-under par R67 on Sunday to claim his first US PGA Tour title, edging former world number one Luke Donald by one stroke at the Heritage. Bryan's four-under effort at Harbour Town in Hilton Head, South Carolina, gave him a 13-under par total of 271. He became the first South Houston Rockets guard James Harden (right) dribbles the ball around Oklahoma City Thunder Carolina-born player to win the event since it was launched in center Enes Kanter during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA 1969. Play-offs at Toyota Centre on Sunday. Bryan also booked his invi- tation to next year's Masters. After a dominant season on Wesley Bryan Harden crafts Rockets victory the developmental Web.com Tour last year, Bryan admitted celebrates with the he had hoped to win on the main trophy after winning Washington NBA: PLAY-OFF RESULTS postseason career high 21 points tour in time to book a berth in the 2017 RBC AFP while Nene chipped in 15 points this year's Masters -- which was Heritage in Hilton Eastern Conference off the bench for Houston. Bev- won by Sergio Garcia last week. Head Island, South ames Harden scored 37 points In Washington erley also shut down Westbrook "But I guess the week after Carolina on Sunday. as the Houston Rockets Washington Wizards 114 Atlanta Hawks 107 defensively when it mattered Augusta's not too bad," he said. Jrouted Russell Westbrook and (Wizards lead series 1-0) the most. Houston shot 49.5 per- After a bogey at the third, the Oklahoma City Thunder 118- In Boston cent from the floor while Bryan strung together four 87 in the opening game of their Chicago Bulls 106 Boston Celtics 102 Oklahoma City shot 37 percent straight birdies before another NBA Play-off series on (Bulls lead series 1-0) from the field. bogey at the eighth. Sunday. Western Conference "When you are dealing with Harden outclassed fellow In Oakland, California a team like that it is pick your GOLF: WORLD RANKINGS MVP candidate Westbrook also Golden State Warriors 121 Portland Trail poison," said Thunder coach After birdies at 13 and 15 he He got off to a rocky start delivering nine assists and seven Blazers 109 Billy Donovan. 1. (1) Dustin Johnson (US) 12.91 arrived at 17 to realise he was with a double-bogey seven at rebounds for the Rockets who Elsewhere, the Golden State (Warriors lead series 1-0) 2. (2) Rory McIlroy (Britain) 8.89 within sight of victory. the par-five second but had five take a 1-0 lead into game two Warriors clamped down in the 3. (3) Jason Day (Australia) 8.39 "Honestly I wasn't nervous birdies the rest of the way in his on Wednesday. In Houston, Texas fourth quarter to pull away to a 4. (4) Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) 8.08 at all all day," he said. "Then at 68 for 272. Westbrook tallied 22 points, Houston Rockets 118 Oklahoma City Thunder 87 121-109 victory over the Port- 5. (5) Jordan Spieth (US) 7.57 (Rockets lead series 1-0) 6. (6) Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 7.47 number 17 I got up and I just It was a further stroke back 11 rebounds and seven assists but land Trail Blazers in game one 7. (7) Sergio Garcia (Spain) 7.32 threw up a little bit in my mouth, to Americans Patrick Cantlay, he also made nine turnovers and of their series. 8. (8) Justin Rose (Britain) 5.62 and I was like, 'Well, shoot, I Ollie Schniederjans and William missed 17 of 23 shot attempts. Golden State, aiming to get 9. (9) Rickie Fowler (US) 5.54 guess this is what nervous feels McGirt. Harden and Westbrook are to just seven points in the sec- back to the NBA finals for a third 10. (11) Adam Scott (Australia) 5.47 like.' Overnight leader Jason Duf- considered the frontrunners in ond half as they stretched a five straight year and regain the 11. (10) Justin Thomas (US) 5.45 "But I was able to get it back ner slid down the leaderboard the league MVP race. But West- point halftime lead to 33 points. crown they surrendered last 12. (12) Alexander Noren (Sweden) 4.94 13. (13) Jon Rahm (Spain) 4.78 together," he added. with a five-over 76 that included brook's individual brilliance As good as Harden was Sun- season to the Cleveland Cava-

14. (15) Paul Casey (Britain) 4.45 For England's Donald it was a double bogey and four bogeys doesn't always translate into day he also got plenty of help liers, had 32 points from Kevin 15. (14) Patrick Reed (US) 4.41 a fifth runner-up finish at Har- after his only birdie of the day, Thunder victories. from a strong supporting cast. Durant in his first play-off game bour Town. at the second hole. The Rockets held Westbrook Patrick Beverley scored a as a Warrior. Amarasinghe and Joshi claim main honours as Mercedes mull team orders Stallions tourney ends to foil Ferrari in F1 title race The Peninsula coordinating efforts of Mr. Ten- nison De Silva Manama taken a different decision if he third Intra Academy Commenting on the tour- AFP Valtteri had at the front, Cricket Tournament of nament, Sidath Tennakoon, the with the problem on the tyres, TStallions Cricket Academy Head Coach of Stallions said, ercedes team chief Toto and Lewis would have been concluded with Kalith Amar- “We are thrilled at the level of Wolff says he is consid- Mercedes second, but with Vettel, asinghe and Uday Joshi performance shown by the Mering introducing team AMG Petronas between them, there was noth- claiming the most coveted young players. Our aim in orders in a bid to halt Ferrari's Formula ing we could have done. awards of the tournament in organising such tournaments momentum in this year's world One team "That's why it was the per- Doha recently. is to provide much needed championship. executive fect storm.... While the tournament was playing experience to our In the wake of Sebastian director Toto "It is our mind-set and our conducted for Under 15 and youngsters. We believe that Vettel's second win of the sea- Wolff arrives racing philosophy, until now, Under 13 players of the acad- through such tournaments the son in Bahrain on Sunday Wolff at the paddock that we have given them both emy, the Qatar national players are able to perform to admitted that it may be diffi- equal opportunity. Like here, if ahead of woman’s team also took part in the best of their abilities and cult for Mercedes to continue you have two cars starting on the Formula the event. improve their skills” to allow their drivers total free- the front row - if they run sec- The awards ceremony was Stallions Sports Services is dom - and may ask new boy One Bahrain ond and first, you just have to held with a host of dignitaries the leading sports academy in Valtteri Bottas to take the role Grand Prix in let them race. from Qatar Cricket Association Doha, affiliated to the Qatar of a 'number two' driver. Manama, on "When you have a problem and the sponsors. Cricket Association. The Finn was asked to Saturday. on the car, as we had (with Bot- As many as 8 teams con- The academy currently pro- allow three-time champion tas' rear tyres), then it is a tested in the tournament which vides coaching in cricket, Lewis Hamilton to pass him in situation to consider -- to swap was played from March 18 to basketball and badminton for Manama as he laboured in pur- them - but with a Ferrari in April 8 at Qatar Cricket Associ- juniors from the age of 6 years suit of Vettel in a scenario that in the this race – we made the driver any advantage over the between, we couldn't. Three ation Grounds. and above through a well-qual- may be repeated regularly, if call, we made the call twice, other, Mercedes were unable to races into the season, you don't Kalith Amarasinghe was ified and experienced team of reluctantly. because we felt it was the only respond immediately and want to go there yet." adjudged the best player of the coaches. "We don't like it at all," said possibility of winning the delayed their decision-making Bottas' problems with his tournament in the Under 16 The academy has already Wolff, mindful of the team's race..." after Ferrari's early move to rear tyres were caused by a tournament while Uday Joshi completed several Cricket tours tradition for open 'terms of For the first time in four make an 'under-cut' pit stop. generator failure on the grid won the honour of best bats- to England, Sri Lanka and UAE engagement' that allowed years, Mercedes have lost their Wolff said he did not favour that meant the team could not man in the Under 1 event. during the past three years. The intense competition between supreme dominance and face abandoning the team policy of bleed the air pressures for the Azam Zaheed was named as tour to Australia is already Hamilton and retired 2016 a serious battle to hang on to giving the drivers' equality and race. best fielder while Yasmin scheduled to be in July 2017. world champion Nico Rosberg their drivers' and constructors' rejected the idea of backing the Vettel's win lifted him top Gulkhan took the trophy for The academy was launched in the last three years. titles as a revived Ferrari have driver who took pole position, of the drivers' championship being the best batsman. with the purpose of developing "It's not what we have done gained the initiative. or was most advanced on the with 68 points ahead of Ham- In Under 13, the player of the game of cricket in Qatar, in the last couple of years, but In Bahrain, Ferrari's grid. ilton on 61 and Bottas on 38. the tournament was Daniyal and to provide opportunities to the situation is different now... aggressive strategy and tactics "That would be too harsh," It triggered celebrations in Bengali. aspiring young cricketers to So, it needs a proper analysis made the champions look rat- he said. Italy where confidence in Fer- The main guest of honour have the opportunity to learn of what it means and where we tled and ponderous as Vettel "It would be the opposite of rari has soared, but has left for the finals was former Sri from ICC and ACC qualified are... followed up his win in the sea- what we have done through the Mercedes with a problem to Lankan test player Tharanga coaches. More details of the "We'd like to give equal son-opening Australian Grand years. It's important, as we start solve just three races into the Paranavitana who awarded the academy programmes can be opportunity at the start of the Prix to take a clear lead in the the race, to give them equal 2017 season. Sochi stages the champions trophy to the obtained by visiting www.stal- race. I think we owe it to them. championship. opportunity. Russian Grand Prix on winners. lionsqatar.com or calling admin "Then you see what we did By seeking not to give either "We would probably have Sunday. This was possible due to the number 70030491. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 18 APRIL 2017 Lewandowski set to face Chelsea's title chances 50 percent, says Conte

Manchester said his team's quest for the Madrid's shaky defence AFP title deserved to be consid- ered a "miracle". Madrid ix finals await Chel- "I prefer to fight for the Reuters sea in the Premier title instead of don't fight for League run-in after the title and stay calm. The eal Madrid's struggling a 2-0 loss at Man- pressure is normal and we defence will probably chester United that are lucky to have the pres- have to keep Bayern Sleaves their title chances at sure," said Conte. Munich's deadly only "50 percent", manager "Last season Chelsea had striker Robert Antonio Conte said. no pressure; 10th place and R Lewandowski at bay in the Bern- Having hoped to re- you play calm, you are happy. abeu to reach the Champions establish a seven-point lead "We must understand League semi-finals. over second-place Totten- this, that (something) really Real will be defending a 2-1 ham Hotspur, Chelsea's important is happening this lead from the first leg of the advantage remains four season because we are doing quarter-final, which the Polish points following Sunday's a great job and a miracle if hitman missed with the shoul- defeat at Old Trafford. you consider last season and der injury that also kept him out They remain in the driv- the problems we had. of the German side's 0-0 draw ing seat and will face only "For this reason we must at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bun- one top-seven side -- Ever- have great enthusiasm to desliga on Saturday. ton -- in their last six games, play these last six games. If However, Lewandowski but Conte suggested his team we win, we must be proud. trained on Sunday and is poised can no longer be considered Otherwise we must clap to return as Bayern look for goals outright favourites. another team." on Tuesday against a Real side "We have to think that Mourinho's decision to that have kept only one clean there are six finals from now man-mark Eden Hazard and sheet in their last 12 games. until the end," said the Ital- Pedro effectively muzzled "I’m fine. I'm very pleased I ian, who was without Chelsea, who failed to regis- was able to take part in training goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ter a shot on target in a today. Everything's OK," said the due to injury and wing-back league game for the first time Pole, who is Bayern’s top scorer Marcos Alonso due to a virus. since 2007. with 38 goals in 40 games in all "The league is open and Ander Herrera, who This combination of file pictures shows Bayern Munich's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski competitions. we have a 50 percent prob- shadowed Hazard, set up Javi Martinez is banned after (left) running with the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen match against ability to win the league." Marcus Rashford for United's his first-leg red card, while Bay- Arsenal in Munich, on February 15, 2017 and Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Conte accepted that his seventh-minute opener and ern may also be without the Ronaldo controlling the ball during the UEFA Champions League 1st leg quarter-final match team "deserved" to lose and netted the hosts' second goal injured Mats Hummels and Jer- against Bayern Munich in Munich, on April 12, 2017. said the outcome of the with a deflected strike early ome Boateng, who both missed match was his fault for fail- in the second half. the Leverkusen clash. best." Lewandowski has seven Aubameyang on 26 goals this to his calf injury. Madrid last kept ing to sufficiently motivate Victory lifted United to "Of the three (injured), Champions League goals, level season. a clean sheet against minnows his players. fifth place, four points below Lewandowski has the better with Borussia Dortmund for- Lewandowski joined Bayern Alaves on April 2 and have not But in a pointed reference Manchester City, who occupy chance of being fit to play," said ward Pierre-Emerick from Dortmund in 2014, a few looked solid at the back all to Chelsea's struggles last the fourth and final Champi- Bayern manager Carlo Aubameyang and only behind months after Real Madrid season. season under Jose Mourinho, ons League place, with a Ancelotti. Barcelona's Lionel Messi (11) and knocked the Bavarians out of the They beat Sporting Gijon 3-2 now the United manager, he game in hand. “It will be very difficult in Paris St Germain's Edinson Cav- Champions League at the semi- on Saturday but conceded two Madrid but we still have confi- ani (8). final stage. sloppy goals, needing a 90th- Chelsea's dence. We still have an He is also joint top of the Bayern were thrashed 5-0 minute winner from Isco to help manager opportunity and we'll do our Bundesliga scoring charts with on aggregate three years ago but them keep title rivals Barcelona Antonio Conte Madrid's defence is weaker now at arm’s length. during the than it was then. "They had two chances and CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Premier League Pepe broke two ribs in this scored two goals," Real coach match against Quarterfinal, Second leg month's Madrid derby with Zinedine Zidane said after the All matches start at 1845 (GMT) Atletico and misses the Bayern game. Manchester Today game along with French centre- "(The players) all lost con- United in back Raphael Varane who still centration, we weren't switched Manchester on Leicester City (England) vs Atletico Madrid (Spain) has a hamstring problem. on for the free-kick (that led to Sunday. Real Madrid (Spain) vs Bayern Munich (Germany) That leaves Sergio Ramos Sporting’s second goal)." Tomorrow and Nacho Fernandez as the The Madrid side could pay a

Monaco (France) vs Borussia Dortmund (Germany) pairing at the heart of the high price for any similar slip- Barcelona (Spain) vs Juventus (Italy) defence for Real, who are also ups against Bayern, particularly without forward Gareth Bale due with Lewandowski lurking.

Injured Bale out of today's Leicester plot Atletico Madrid downfall

second leg Leicester goal and one of Atletico's plusses Leicester wait Reuters is their ability on the counter- attack," Shakespeare told on injury doubt Madrid eicester City remain a reporters after the defeat in AFP surprise guest at the Madrid. Morgan top table of European "But we are still alive and we eal Madrid will be with- football but a place in want to stay in the competition. Leicester out Gareth Bale as they the Champions League I have seen enough throughout AFP Rlook to book their place Lsemi-finals beckons if they can the squad. We know what we are in a record seventh straight overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit about at the King Power and decision on whether Champions League semi-final against Spanish heavyweights know what we need to do. captain Wes Morgan against Bayern Munich today. Atletico Madrid. "Atletico are a very good Awill face Atletico Bale is sidelined by the The Premier League outfit team, their work ethic is excep- Madrid in Leicester City's recurrence of an ankle prob- have made a remarkable pro- tional. We are aware of that, but Champions League quarter- lem picked up in Madrid's 2-1 gression to the last eight and we are still in this tie. final second leg will be taken first-leg win last week and is today face a side who have "We know it is a going to be today, manager Craig Shake- also a doubt for Real's crunch thrived on adversity to compete a very difficult return match, but speare said yesterday. La Liga clash with Barcelona in two Champions League finals we have very good record at the Morgan has missed on Sunday. in the last three years, having King Power." Leicester's last six games with The Welshman was side- made it to four successive Atletico welcome back a nerve problem in his back, lined for three months earlier quarter-finals. striker Kevin Gameiro, who but trained with the rest of the in the season after suffering Leicester were outclassed for missed the first leg with ham- squad in Monday's pre-match ligament damage in his right large parts of the first leg at a fer- string problems, to the squad but session at Belvoir Drive. ankle. vent Vicente Calderon Stadium are without midfielder Tiago, "The final decision will be "Gareth worked very hard but, crucially, return to the King who returned from injury as a made tomorrow," Shake- to get back into the team after Power Stadium on Tuesday with late substitute in Saturday's 3-0 speare told journalists at the his injury," said Madrid coach their storied opponents well in Liga win over Osasuna but has King Power Stadium. Leicester City's English Zinedine Zidane on their sights after Antoine Griez- been left out. "We need to know there's Monday. mann's solitary goal. striker Jamie Vardy Atletico's Croatia defender no reaction to today. He's "When he came back he "I think they are betting eve- attends a training Sime Vrsaljko and Argentina trained in the last three ses- was desperate to be involved rything on the second leg," session at Leicester midfielder Augusto Fernandez sions and there's been greater and now he has a small nig- Atletico's charismatic manager City's training complex are also missing through injury. intensity in each one. gle that is preventing him Diego Simeone told reporters in Leicester, central English champions Leices- "We're really pleased with from being fully fit. after a tough first encounter with England, on Sunday. ter, meanwhile, could be without the way he's progressed, but "I hope it is nothing and the Midlands side. several key defenders through the final decision will be in a few days he can be with "It was a hard-fought match. semi-final," added the Once relative Champions injury and suspension. made tomorrow morning." us again. It's a good win for us but the sec- manager. League unknowns, however, Captain Wes Morgan has not Leicester trail 1-0 after "He won't be fit for Bay- ond leg will be difficult. It's all In the last round, Craig Atletico are now true European played since the return leg with last week's first leg in Madrid. ern because we don't want to still to play for. Shakespeare's Leicester side giants and will provide the ster- Sevilla and is doubtful, Robert Morgan's availability is take any risks." "As for the second leg, we overcame a similar 2-1 deficit nest test yet of Leicester's fairytale Huth is suspended while Yohan particularly crucial as Leices- Bale missed Real's 3-2 anticipate a fantastic English against Sevilla, winning 2-0 at continental adventure. Benalouane limped out of Sat- ter are guaranteed to be win at Sporting Gijon on atmosphere. The tie is still 50/50. home in the return to set up the "We know we have to be urday's 2-2 draw at Crystal without his partner Robert Saturday. Nobody sees us already in the Atletico showdown. more open because we need a Palace. Huth through suspension. TUESDAY 18 APRIL 2017 SPORT 27

Pandey and Qatari track and field stars get Pathan guide Kolkata to four- win set for Doha Diamond League New Delhi IANS

The Peninsula olkata Knight Riders (KKR) rode on a bril- atar’s Olympians and Kliant effort rising stars are set to from Manish Pandey and compete amongst Yusuf Pathan to beat Delhi some of the best ath- Daredevils by four in Qletes in the world in a thrilling Indian Premier the first meeting of the 2017 IAAF League (IPL) 2017 match at Diamond League season in Doha. the Feroz Shah Kotla here Qatar’s athletics team will yesterday. join an already outstanding list Pandey, who remained of athletics superstars who will unbeaten on 69 off 49 balls compete on May 5 at Qatar SC rescued the visitors with a Stadium. brilliant 110-run fourth Lead by Olympic silver med- wicket stand with Pathan (59) allist, Mutaz Barshim, 13 Qatari to turn the tide in favour of athletes will compete, including the visitors after a dreadful fellow Olympians Ahmed Bedeer start in pursuit of Delhi's 168/7 competing in the javelin and the in 20 overs. fastest man in Asia, Femi Ogun- Needing nine from the ode in the 100m. last over, Mishra got Chris The javelin competition is set Woakes off his sec- to be a thriller, with Qatar’s ond delivery but couldn't young Olympian and Aspire prevent Pandey from hitting Academy graduate, 21-year-old him for a six off the fourth ball Ahmed Bedeer looking to con- and then leaked two runs off tinue his solid progress in the the next to lose the tie. sport in a competition that fea- Earlier, skipper Zaheer tures the Rio 2016 Olympic gold Khan gave Delhi a perfect and silver medallists, start with the wickets of his Thomas Röhler and current Qatar's Ahmed Bedeer competing in the javelin in this file picture. Femi Ogunode (right) and Mutaz Barshim (left), the Rio opposite number Gautam World Champion Julius Yego. Games silver medallist are some of the big names from Qatar who will take part in the May 5 event. Gambhir (14) and Colin de Bedeer set a personal best of Grandhomme (1) while Pat 84.74 to qualify for Rio 2016 and Cummins sent back one down will be aiming to use the Doha will also be competing in the world-record in 2014 and will looking forward to my first com- compete against some of the Robin Uthappa (4) to reduce Diamond League to gain further Diamond League for the first no doubt have his sights firmly petition, to get that feeling again, fastest athletes in the world. the visitors to 21/3. experience on his road to the time. set on Javier Sotomayer’s come out there in the stadium, and Twenty-two year-old Yusuf Pathan (59) and London 2017 World Champion- Germany’s Röhler, who nar- 24-year-old world-record in the feel that pumping and do my best. Samba, another Aspire Academy Manish Pandey batted sensi- ships in August. rowly missed the Olympic record 2017 season, as well as the World I want to give the crowd a show, graduate, cruised to victory in bly to resurrect the visitors' Also joining Magour is in Rio after throwing an Championship gold medal in I want to give my country a show, the Sasol-NWU International innings with a 110-run fourth Qatar’s Mohamed Kaida, who untouchable 90.30m – just August. my family and everybody else.” athletics meeting earlier in wicket stand. 0.27m shy of the record - will be The Doha Diamond League In the men’s 100m, two-time March in South Africa with 48.31 The 34-year-old Pathan the one to watch in Doha but he will provide an opportunity to Asian Champion Femi Ogunode seconds. brought up his first half cen- Date with Superstars will no doubt face a strong chal- see his form coming out of win- will be joined by his younger Samba improved nearly a tury of this year's IPL in style lenge from Kenya’s reigning ter training, as well as have some brother Tosin Ogunode, who full second from his 49.24 effort by dispatching Zaheer for a Qatar athletics team World Champion and “Mr. fun in front of the home-crowd. made his debut in the 2014 sea- on March 11 in Pretoria, South flat six over long on while lead by Rio Olympic YouTube Man” Julius Yego – who Commenting on competing in son and immediately made his Africa, and is closing in on the completing the 100-run stand Games silver gained his nickname after learn- Doha, Barshim said: “For me, mark by setting a blistering Asian 1998 Qatar national record of off 66 deliveries. medallist Mutaz ing to throw by watching Doha is very challenging because indoor record of 6.50 seconds – 48.17 set by Mubarak Faraj Pandey, at the other end, Barshim will join an YouTube videos. it is just in May, and normally in shattering a 20-year-old record Al-Nubi. played the perfect second fid- outstanding list of A total of six of the top-ten May I’m still in hard preparation set by fellow Qatari Talal This will be the first time dle, by hitting the occasional athletics superstars finalists from Rio 2016 will be and training. So I really don’t Mansour. Shaib, 19, competes in the Dia- boundaries to get to his half on May 5 at Qatar SC competing in Doha, including know what shape I’m in and I Older brother Femi, 25, who mond League meeting and brings century off 37 balls. Stadium. last year’s Diamond Race win- don’t know how my body is also won the bronze medal in the with him a promising season’s best Just when the match ner Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech going to react. Doha for me is World Indoor Championships of 49.85, which he set earlier this seemed to be slipping out of Javelin thrower Republic. very important because accord- and will be looking to start his year also in South Africa. Delhi's hands, South African Ahmed Bedeer and Qatar’s two-time Olympic ing to how I perform, I will know 2017 season with a competitive In the 400m, former Asian all-rounder Chris Morris pro- medallist Mutaz Barshim is hop- what to do for the next couple of time in a strong field of Olympic Youth Champion, Mohamed vided some respite to the Femi Ogunode in the ing to get the crowd on their feet months, how to adjust, and how and World medallists. Nasir Abbas, 21, will aim to capacity crowd at the Kotla 100m, are the other as he returns to compete on I feel. The 400m hurdles event build on his impressive senior with the wicket of the dan- Qatari Olympians home soil after a winter of “Competing at home makes it meanwhile will see Qatar’s up- record after snatching the gold gerous Pathan. who will compete in focussed training. very special. It is such a great and-coming track sensation medal in the 4x400m event at Pathan, who had by now the one-day event. Barshim jumped just two thing, a great atmosphere, espe- Abdulrahman Samba, together the 2016 Asian Indoor Champi- faced 39 deliveries and struck centimetres short of the cially in Doha and I’m really with team-mate Mohamed Shaib onship in Doha. six boundaries and two max- imums, got a leading edge off a quick delivery from Morris, who took it on his own follow through. Qatar Stars The fall of Pathan, brought in Suryakumar Yadav League hosts Al Rayyan determined to end (7), who chipped in with a 21-run fifth wicket stand with workshop Pandey before Cummins dis- missed him on the penultimate ball of his fourth The Peninsula losing streak against Al Sadd over. In the end, Pandey kept he Qatar Stars League Armstrong Vas Cup final, otherwise we have more time to his cool, striking four (QSL) yesterday held a The Peninsula prepare for the AFC matches,” said the boundaries and three sixes Tworkshop highlighting 54-year old former Swansea City manager, to help the visitors get over the importance of reducing ast year’s Qatar Stars League (QSL) win- who took charge of Al Rayyan this season the line. time wasting incidents dur- ners Al Rayyan are determined to end having earlier coached Lekhwiya in the In the other match, Sun- ing game play for the Ltheir losing streak against Al Sadd when 2014-15 season. risers Hyderabad defeated upcoming 2017-18 QSL they meet in the semi-final of the Qatar Cup Laudrup is happy way things are shap- Kings XI Punjab by five runs season. on Thursday. ing up in the AFC Champions League where in Hyderabad. The event was held in the The Lions finished in third place in the they are on the threshold of reaching the last Losing the toss, the presence Mohammed Ahmed QSL with 51 points from 26 matches with 15 sixteen stage. home team scored 159/6 in Al Abdullah Director of Sports wins, six draws and six loses in the 14-team “In the AFC campaign we are doing their 20 overs, thanks to an affairs for the QSL, along with league played on a double leg basis. a fantastic job. We are in the group with unbeaten 70 by captain the players and coaches of Two of the six defeats came against Al Sadd the two best teams in the Gulf, Hilal David Warner. QSL sides. which proved decisive in the final standings number one in Saudi and Persepolis, In reply, Kings XI Punjab Also present at the event as Al Rayyan finished behind second placed number one in Iran. We are still there lost regular wickets but was Naji Al Juwaini, Execu- Wolves and champions Lekhwiya. and we have lot of possibilities to go in Manan Vohra tried to get tive Director of the Qatar Coach Michael Laudrup wants to put an to the last sixteen for the first time in the close to the target with a val- Football Federation's Arbitra- end to the reverses his team has suffered at history of Al Rayyan, so I think we are iant 95. In the end Kings tion Department, and Fahd the hands of The Wolves. doing a fantastic job in the AFC Cham- XI Punjab were dismissed for Thani, Director of the Devel- “Al Sadd is a very difficult team for Al pions League.” 154. opment Department at the Rayyan, Al Rayyan never wins. Last year we The QSL side are in the second place in Brief Scores QFA. lost, this year we lost, so we want to beat Al the four-team group behind Al Hilal, who Kolkata Knight Riders The lecture focused on Sadd in the Qatar Cup,” said the Dane while lead with eight points while Al Rayyan are 169 for 6 (Pandey 69*, Yusuf the reduction of time wasting speaking to The Peninsula. in second place, with seven and two matches 59, Zaheer 2-28) beat Delhi incidence in the new season, Besides the Qatar Cup and the Emir Cup, still matches to go. Daredevils 168 for 7 (Sam- in order to push up the over- Al Rayyan is playing in the continental AFC Laudrup is content with the third-place son 39, Pant 38, Coulter-Nile all playing time to a 60 Champions League. Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup finish in this year’s QSL. 3-22) by 4 wickets. minute average. “The problem is we play Al Wahda in speaking to journalists in Doha on “We had set a target to finish among the Sunrisers Hyderabad 159 This season the QSL Abu Dhabi in four days’ time. Very, very Sunday. top-four at the start of the competition and for 6 (Warner 70*, Ojha 34, registered an average of important game, but, we have good strong Pic: Baher Amin/The Peninsula we have been able to achieve our goal, so Mohit 2-25) beat Kings XI 54.7 minutes of playing team in both events, both very good teams we are happy with what we have achieved,” Punjab 154 (Vohra 95, Bhuv- time. then we see thereafter. What happens in Qatar Cup, if we win we play in the Qatar he added. neshwar 5-19) by five runs.