FORMULA 1 | Page 7 Bottas edges Vettel to set the pace in Shanghai

Saturday, April 13, 2019 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 8, 1440 AH Valverde considers GULF TIMES resting Messi ahead of United return SPORT Page 2

SPOTLIGHT Former India captain Ancheri lauds Qatar ormer India skipper Jo visit to the SC Legacy Pavilion in turned for the successful organi- has a good opportunity to give a steps in grassroots football by Paul Ancheri has lauded Doha, Ancheri said, “It is a won- sation for the 2022 World Cup good account of themselves at the starting baby leagues. It will take Qatar’s organisation and derful experience to be back in and their progress has not only 2022 World Cup thereby realising time to build upwards, the former operational structure as Qatar. I made my international refl ected on the ground with re- the Federation’s long-term ob- skipper remarked. theF country prepares to host the debut here at the Khalifa Stadium spect to the stadia, but also on jectives. I hope the national team “Our kids are not able to play 2022 FIFA World Cup. (Doha) in 1994, and I have been the fi eld with the senior national can give fans some good results,” matches even inside India. Only The Kerala-born former foot- able to come back to Qatar a cou- team. he added. if they play in as many league baller was highly impressed by ple of times after that. Qatar surprised one and all While Qatar’s development matches as possible will they get the facilities on off er during his “I am happy to see that Qatar when their fairly young squad across all age groups has been the confi dence. recent visit to Qatar’s Supreme has made a good beginning to captured the country’s maiden rapid, Ancheri feels India still has “Practice alone counts for Committee’s Legacy Pavilion in fi nding the best approach towards AFC (Asian Football Confedera- a long way to go to reach the same nothing if it is devoid of actual Doha, football portal goal.com football whether it be in opera- tion) Asian Cup title in the 2019 level. match experience. Kids need to reported. tional matters such as the hosting edition held in the UAE. The 43-year-old pointed to In- play a lot of games in the grass- Qatar holds a special place in of the 2022 World Cup or in tech- “The Qatar Football Associa- dia’s performance in the FIFA U17 roots leagues. Ancheri’s heart given that the nical elements, as seen from the tion have planned well and they World Cup held at home in 2017 “Our national team played in versatile player made his senior emergence of the country as an worked hard for more than 12 where the team crashed out with- the 2017 FIFA U17 WC, but it was debut for India there during the Asian football power by winning years towards this success,” said out a single point in the group evident that our boys lacked the 1994 Doha Independence Cup. the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.” Ancheri. stage. match exposure from their form- Looking back on his recent Qatar has left no stone un- “The Qatar national team now “India has just taken the fi rst ative years.” (www.goal.com)

FOOTBALL/ QNB STARS LEAGUE FOCUS Al Sadd chase more Liverpool boss Klopp records, Al Rayyan condemns ‘disgusting’ fi ght to stay in top-4 Salah abuse Ferreira has earned respect with his shrewdness and his penchant for speaking his mind AFP London By Sports Reporter Raul Caneda said his team will Doha give their best, hoping to jump one spot from their ninth posi- urgen Klopp has con- tion. demned “disgusting” rac- ll 12 teams will be in “We are facing the new cham- ist abuse aimed at Mo- action today as the pions, so we will play with all hamed Salah and called curtain falls on the our strength and abilities to get a forJ lifetime bans for the Chelsea AQNB Stars League positive result,” said Caneda. fans accused of taunting the Liv- which kicked off in August last “We are not focusing on the Al erpool star. year and produced some top Sadd team and my focus will be A video circulated on social quality football over a period on my team. Our goal is to play media ahead of Chelsea’s Europa suspended by the club for alleg- spanning nine months. for victory. We suff ered a big loss League match at Slavia Prague edly abusing Raheem Sterling Al Sadd, who won the title against Al Shahania last week. this week showed a group of six during Manchester City’s defeat with a match to spare last week, The result of the previous game supporters chanting “Salah is a at Stamford Bridge on December will take on Umm Salal today must have a positive impact on bomber” repeatedly. 8. hoping to fi nish the tournament the players and we expect a posi- Egypt forward Salah, who Chelsea also criticised anti- with a fl ourish, while Al Sailiya, tive reaction from them.” played for Chelsea before join- Semitic chanting by Blues fans Al Rayyan and Al Ahli will be Al Rayyan, meanwhile are ing Roma in 2016, is a practising during the club’s 2-2 Europa hoping to salvage at least a top- wary of dropping out of the top- Muslim and has previously faced League draw at Hungarian side four fi nish which will give them 4. They have 34 points but Al abuse about his religion. MOL Vidi on December 13. a shot at the AFC Champions Sailiya and Al Ahli, who have 35 Chelsea’s security staff iden- Klopp believes life bans from League next year. and 33 respectively, can still beat tifi ed three people in the widely stadiums are the only appropri- Al Duhail, who were de- them to it. shared video and denied that ate punishment for anyone found throned by Al Sadd this season, Under-23 coach Gilson Souza trio entry to Thursday’s clash in guilty of racism. have already secured the second spoke to the media ahead of Prague. “The stronger the reaction spot, and should have no prob- their QNB Stars League Week 22 It is understood that the re- from all of us, the more it will lems seeing off Al Arabi in their match against Qatar SC. maining three people in the video help to avoid things like this in fi nal match. “We are through with our did not attempt to enter Slavia’s the future,” he said. Al Sadd have 54 points to their AFC Champions League third- Sinobo Stadium for Chelsea’s 1-0 The German manager believes credit, having lost only once, to round engagement and now we quarter-fi nal fi rst-leg victory. football authorities, clubs and Al Ahli in the fi rst leg. They also are fully focused on our QNB Liverpool said the video players must unite with one voice have the most number of victo- Stars League game against Qa- showed “vile discriminatory to condemn such actions and ries (17) and are also comfortably tar SC. We will try hard to win. chants” and was “dangerous and make a stand together. ahead in goals scored and goal Otherwise, we will make things disturbing”, while Chelsea is- “It is a complete misunder- diff erence as well. diffi cult for ourselves as far as sued a statement pledging to use standing of how life should be Their coach, Jesualdo Ferreira, top-four fi nish is concerned,” all available punishments against — all parts of racism are that gave his players the licence to go Al Sadd coach Jesualdo said Al Rayyan U23 coach Gilson those involved. The incident is some people think they are more ahead and create more records Ferreira reacts after his side’s Souza, who is also handling the especially sensitive as Liver- worthy or valuable than others for themselves and the team match against Al Ahli last senior side.” pool host Chelsea tomorrow in a and that’s the biggest misunder- when they take the fi eld today. week. “We have some injury con- match with huge implications in standing in the world out there,” “This is our fi nal match in this cerns, but we will prepare the the Premier League title race and he said. season’s league competition. players to face Qatar SC, who are the battle to fi nish in the top four. “Football is the best example of We are so happy to have already going through a diffi cult situa- Asked about the latest incident how people from diff erent races won the title, which was our goal tion. But that does not concern of racism in football this season, can work together brilliantly. from the start of the season,” me. We will focus on achieving Klopp made it clear the behaviour “Go into any dressing room in said Ferreira. our target of fi nishing among should not be tolerated. the world and you see players sit- “We will enjoy the match ing his mind. Normally a serious I spent a lot of time preparing a Amir Cup. the top four. “It’s disgusting. Another ex- ting next to each other, and no- against Umm Salal. It will not be person, he was smiling broadly strong team. I am happy with “We, at Al Sadd, love to break “Losing Tuesday’s AFC ample of something which should body cares where you come from a very important match from our throughout his press confer- this team,” he said. records. We just returned from Champions League game not happen. We should not see it or who your parents are. point of view, but we want to win ence. Ferreira said he will forever Uzbekistan after playing in the against the UAE’s Al Wahda as a Chelsea or Liverpool thing,” “Because football is very pub- and move up in terms of points. “This is my fi fth league title cherish his stint with Al Sadd. AFC Champions League against will have a negative impact on Klopp told reporters yesterday. lic we talk a lot about this so I Our players will also seek more in three countries and on three “My contract with the team Pakhtakor. I will see the fi tness our players. But as profession- “If you do something like that think we pretty much have a records,” he added. continents, and I am happy to will end at the end of the season. of our players and decide the als, they have to think high and you should not be able to enter a strong voice and we have to use Ferreira has earned a lot of re- have done so. It is very diffi cult Al Sadd will stay in my heart. My team to play against Umm Salal,” bring out their best so that we stadium again, from my point of that strong voice and say alto- spect in Qatar with his shrewd- to win the Falcon Shield. The family is happy to live in Qatar. he concluded. stay in the top four with a good view, for life,” he added. gether things like this are not al- ness and his penchant for speak- Qatar league is very diffi cult and We would also like to win the Meanwhile, Umm Salal coach result,” said Souza. Four Chelsea supporters were lowed to happen again.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, April 13, 2019 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Valverde considers resting Messi ahead Danger looms for of United return

AFP Jeison Murillo, who have hardly Barcelona featured since joining in Janu- ary, could be given rare outings while Ousmane Dembele is likely ionel Messi could be to make his fi rst appearance in a City, Liverpool in among a number of play- month after recovering from a ers rested by Barcelona hamstring injury. today as Ernesto Valverde “There will be changes tomor- Lkeeps one eye on their Champi- row because the calendar is very ons League second leg against congested,” Valverde said. Manchester United. “Another intense match is Valverde said yesterday that waiting for us tomorrow and titanic title race Messi may be spared the trip to then again on Tuesday, so we will Huesca, who sit bottom of La make changes.” Liga, after a collision with Unit- If Dembele comes through the Guardiola’s men travel to Crystal Palace, but with Spurs, United and Burnley in sight ed’s Chris Smalling on Wednes- game against Huesca unscathed, AFP four but defeats to Arsenal and day left the Argentinian with a the Frenchman could be in line London Wolves during a run of four bruised nose and cheek. to start against United at Camp losses in fi ve games in all com- “It’s possible,” said Valverde, Nou. petitions have seen Ole Gunnar when asked about the chance of “Tomorrow’s game is impor- anchester City and Solskjaer’s men slip back down Messi sitting out this weekend. tant for Dembele but not because Liverpool resume to sixth. “He’s fi ne but it was a big hit. of United, because of tomorrow,” their epic battle for They have also been knocked He was aff ected the day after and Valverde said. the Premier League out of the FA Cup and are on during the match, it was like be- “We must make an eff ort to fo- Mtitle tomorrow after a mid- the brink of Champions League ing hit by a truck. We will analyse cus on the three points because we week of contrasting Champions elimination after losing 1-0 to him later but it is a possibility.” need them. We can’t forget that we League fortunes, with both sides Barcelona at Old Traff ord on Luke Shaw’s own-goal meant need ten points to be champions, facing perilous fi xtures. Wednesday. Barca took a 1-0 victory away no matter how much we think that City travel to Crystal Palace A reaction at home to mid- from Old Traff ord and they can we might be there already. trailing Jurgen Klopp’s men by table West Ham on Saturday is aff ord to rotate ahead of the re- “We are not far away. We have two points, but still with the an absolute must if they are to turn, given they sit 11 points clear to win three games and draw title in their hands thanks to a remain in contention for the top at the top of La Liga. another and that has to start to- game in hand. four, with a tough run of Ever- Kevin Prince-Boateng and morrow.” However, the visit to Selhurst ton, City and Chelsea to come Park kicks off a tough run of x-fi in their following three Premier tures in which Pep Guardiola’s League games. men host Tottenham twice, play Manchester United at Old CARDIFF ON THE BRINK Traff ord and face a tricky trip to Cardiff ’s trip to Burnley could Burnley. have huge implications. The The 1-0 defeat at Spurs in Welsh side seem set to join Fulham Tuesday’s fi rst leg of their and Huddersfi eld in the Champi- Champions League quarter-fi - onship next season as they are fi ve nal snapped a 14-game winning Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (right) shakes hands with manager Pep Guardiola as he comes off the points adrift of safety and have streak and means Guardiola has field during the UEFA Champions League first leg quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur in Liverpool and United to come in huge calls to make with his team London on Tuesday. (Reuters) their remaining six games. selection this weekend. A third straight victory for If he has one eye on Wednes- wards the Champions League Monday, scoring both goals — The England captain is ex- Burnley would realistically seal day’s second leg on home soil, semi-fi nals by beating Porto 2-0 including another incredible pected to miss the rest of the their survival and give South- Palace could hurt City and hand at home in midweek, went close individual eff ort — in a 2-0 win season after injuring the same ampton, Brighton and Newcas- Liverpool a title boost. to ending their long wait for a over West Ham that lifted Chel- left ankle that forced him to miss tle extra breathing space. Roy Hodgson’s men infl icted league title. sea into third. seven matches earlier this year City’s only home defeat of the Then under Brendan Rodgers, in the win over City on Tuesday. FIXTURES campaign in December and also the Reds were three games away SPURS LOOK TO SON Son Heung-min helped fi ll Today ended the champions’ record from glory in 2014 until captain Chelsea are likely to be back the void left by Kane back then Tottenham v Huddersfield 18-game winning run in the Pre- Steven Gerrard’s now infamous down in fourth spot by the time and scored the winner against Brighton v Bournemouth Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (left) is checked by medical staff during the mier League last season. slip allowed Demba Ba to score they kick off , as Tottenham host City in midweek. Burnley v Cardiff UEFA Champions League first leg quarter-final match against the opening goal in a gutting 2-0 already relegated Huddersfi eld Four of Tottenham’s remain- Fulham v Everton Manchester United in Manchester, England, on Wednesday. (AFP) GERRARD’S SLIP Chelsea victory. on Saturday. ing six games are at their new Southampton v Wolves Victory for City to go back on Chelsea are the only visit- Mauricio Pochettino’s men stadium, but much will depend Manchester United v West top would fl ip the pressure onto ing side to have won at Anfi eld have to be wary of a Champi- on the South Korean as the club Ham SPOTLIGHT Liverpool’s shoulders just min- this season thanks to a wonder- ons League hangover and need attempt to ensure Champions Tomorrow utes before they kick off against ful Eden Hazard solo goal that to prepare for another period League football next season. Crystal Palace v Manchester Chelsea at Anfi eld. sealed a 2-1 victory in the League without striker Harry Kane as City The Londoners’ visit evokes Cup back in September. they aim to qualify for next sea- MAN UTD SEARCH FOR FORM Liverpool v Chelsea Spurs’ Alli should memories of the last time Liv- Ominously for Liverpool, the son’s edition of Europe’s top Manchester United are just Monday erpool, who took a big step to- Belgian was back to his best on competition. as desperate to be in the top Watford v Arsenal face City, doubt for Man United can fi nish in top three with 15 more points: Solskjaer Huddersfi eld

Reuters — which by Solskjaer’s calculation would After losing only once in Solskjaer’s first been practising out here and, as a striker, Reuters senal, with Manchester United a London mean beating at least one out of second- 17 games in charge, United have lost four I know how important that little bit of London further two points back in sixth placed Manchester City and Chelsea, of their last five in all competitions. belief and trust in yourself is.” and only six games left in the who they host in consecutive games at The Norwegian pinned that decline on a Solskjaer said forward Alexis Sanchez was season. anchester United can secure a Old Traff ord this month. lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, and fit but unlikely to play against West Ham. ottenham Hotspur mid- “Tomorrow is not a game to top-three finish in the Premier “We need as many points as possible United failed to register a single shot on “I’m not sure if he’s going to be available. fi elder Dele Alli is a big rest players but we have a lot of MLeague if they get 15 points and I think if we get 15 we’ll be (in the) target in their 1-0 Champions League He’s injury free but not 100 percent sure doubt for their Premier players who played 90 minutes from their remaining six games, manag- top three because in those games quarter-final first leg defeat at home to for tomorrow, maybe more likely for the League game at home to (against City) who maybe aren’t Trelegated Huddersfi eld Town to- in condition to play for diff erent er Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said yesterday. hopefully we’ll beat Chelsea,” Solskjaer Barcelona on Wednesday. Barcelona game (next week).” United, lying sixth with 61 points after a told reporters ahead of West Ham’s visit “We’ve been fantastic but lately we With midfielders Ander Herrera and day after breaking his hand but reasons. poor run of results, are locked in a battle today. haven’t been ruthless or clinical enough Nemanja Matic sidelined with injury and should be available to face Man- “We have to make sure the for third with Chelsea (66 points), Totten- “We want top three. Top four is also an in front of goal,” Solskjaer said. full backs Luke Shaw and Ashley Young chester City in the Champions players on the pitch have full en- ham Hotspur (64) and Arsenal (63). aim...but we should aim for 15 points. But “...We should have won the league both suspended, Solskjaer said Matteo League next week. ergy. We need to provide fresh Third place would guarantee United now it’s about West Ham and focusing games against Wolves and Arsenal with Darmian and Marcos Rojo could play a Manager Mauricio Pochettino legs and make sure we get the qualification for the Champions League on (that).” the amount of chances we had. We’ve part today. told reporters yesterday that the three points. It’s not about rest- England international saw a spe- ing player for Manchester City,” cialist on Thursday after damag- he added ahead of the return leg ing his hand when he fell heavily on Wednesday. BUNDESLIGA in their 1-0 win over City in the As well as the injury to Alli, fi rst leg of their quarter-fi nal Tottenham have lost their Eng- clash on Tuesday. land talisman Harry Kane, who “We need to assess him this suff ered what the club described East Berlin club eyes promotion with suspicion afternoon and I’m not too op- as signifi cant ligament damage timistic about him playing to- to his left ankle against City in a AFP There is minimal advertising little by little, they would then morrow. He broke his hand in challenge with Fabian Delph. Berlin and the club has ruled out selling have to sacrifi ce their values,” he two parts and it’s so painful. I’m “He was so upset after the the stadium’s name to a sponsor. tells AFP. more optimistic about him being match,” said Pochettino. “It was “The match is not a circus He is not alone. In 2017, when available for Manchester City in a diffi cult moment for him. We efore every home game, event or a television show,” ex- Union came within a few games the second leg,” he said. feel so disappointed and it was fans of Union Berlin belt plains Union’s head of com- of promotion, fans held up a Pochettino added that he diffi cult to accept the situation. out their team’s an- munications and stadium an- banner reading: “Shit! We’re would rotate his squad against He had a scan yesterday. He will them, by East German nouncer Christian Arbeit. going up!” Huddersfi eld due to injury and see the specialist this week and punkB rock legend Nina Hagen. The club works to keep its fans fatigue but stressed the impor- we will see.” One line at the end of the fi rst and members on side, partly in SCANDAL tance of picking up three points Asked if Kane, who has a his- verse is sung with particular gus- recognition of all they have done More recently, Union fans have as Spurs battle to fi nish in the tory of ankle problems, would to: “Who will never be bought by for it in the past. made national headlines for the top four and secure a Champions play again this term, he replied: the West?!”, scream the “Union- In 2004, with Union on the wrong reasons. League spot. “There’s only four weeks until ers”. Berlin’s second biggest club, brink of bankruptcy, many fans During last month’s 2-0 home They are two points behind the end of the season. We’ll see. behind top-tier Hertha Berlin, gave blood at their local medical win over Ingolstadt, an appar- third-placed Chelsea, who have It was an accident. It’s a lot of has a rebellious streak dating back FC Union Berlin players wave as supporters display their scarves centre and donated their donor’s ent Union supporter launched played a game more, and a point coincidence. Nothing to do with to the days of communist rule in prior to a second division match in Berlin last month. (AFP) fees to the club. an anti-Semitic Twitter tirade above fellow London rivals Ar- what he’s (had) in the past.” East Germany. Four years later, more than against Ingolstadt’s Israeli cap- With the club third in the sec- his neck, Christoph remembers He remembers how fans 2,500 fans volunteered to help tain Almog Cohen. The tweet ond division, bidding for a fi rst the “slightly anarchic” atmos- would shout “down with the renovate the stadium so it would was immediately condemned by promotion to the Bundesliga, phere around the club when he wall!” when players formed a meet second-division require- the club, and was the subject of a Unioners rail against the com- fi rst became a fan as an 11-year- wall to defend a free-kick. ments. The club later erected a police investigation. mercialism of modern football. old in the 1970s. “Everyone in the stadium monument to the volunteers. For Florian Schubert, author Nestled in the woods of the Founded in 1966, Union were knew which wall they were talk- Union can now look back on a of a book called Antisemitism in East Berlin suburb of Koepenick, conceived as a “civilians’ club”, as ing about,” he smiles. decade of stability in the second Football, this was an “isolated Union’s fi ercely local fanbase is opposed to the offi cial army club While the once mighty Dy- tier. case”. growing, as young newcomers to Vorwaerts Berlin, and the club of namo have sunk to Germany’s Plans to add around 15,000 Andre Rolle, meanwhile, be- the city fall in love with the club’s the secret police Dynamo Berlin. fourth tier, Union are one of the places to the 22,000-capac- lieves that “a good number” of identity. “Union is a mixture of They came to be seen as a few clubs from the former com- ity stadium were announced in Union supporters vote for the far- extremely diff erent people who plucky, likeable alternative to munist East who have enjoyed 2017, and the team are regular right AfD party, but points out have chosen the same club,” Un- Dynamo, who dominated East success in reunifi ed Germany. promotion candidates. that the leading ultra fan groups ion fan Christoph Arend, 53, tells German football. Yet former stadium announc- tend to be more left-wing. AFP in the stadium’s local pub — “There was a saying back A STADIUM BUILT BY FANS er Andre Rolle worries that pro- “Unlike other places, like ‘Abseitsfalle’ (Off side trap). then: ‘Not all Union fans are in Union’s “Alte Forsterei” stadium motion may harm the club’s Chemnitz or Cottbus, the ex- the opposition, but everyone in remains refuge from the hyper- unique identity. tremists don’t get to decide which ‘DOWN WITH THE WALL’ the opposition supports Union’,” commercialism of modern foot- “I don’t want the club to go fl ags are displayed or which songs A red-and-white scarf around laughs Christoph. ball. up because I am convinced that, are sung,” insists Rolle. Gulf Times Saturday, April 13, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS COMMENT Neymar wants to stay at PSG, says father Europa triumph Arsenal, Chelsea would be best way to end career, put one foot in says Cech

Reuters London

rsenal goalkeeper Petr Europa semis Cech hopes to fi nish his silverware-laden Brazilian star Neymar wants to stay at career in the best pos- Paris Saint-Germain, where he is under Arsenal saw off Napoli 2-0, Alonso’s late winner gives Blues 1-0 win at Prague sibleA way by adding a fi nal Eu- contract until 2022, according to his ropa League trophy before he father and agent, Neymar senior. “We AFP hangs up his boots at the end of have a contract, we’re not even halfway Paris the season but may have to beat through that contract,” Neymar senior his old side Chelsea to do it. told RMC Sport. Neymar arrived at PSG Some key Cech saves helped from Barcelona in 2017, but has been at rsenal and Chel- Arsenal secure a 2-0 fi rst leg the centre of rumours linking him with sea closed in on the home win in their quarter-fi nal a move to Real Madrid. “These rumours Europa League last tie against Napoli on Thursday. of leaving will always exist, you can’t four on Thursday They will travel to southern Italy have a player like Neymar without afterA the Gunners saw off next week knowing they face a people or clubs dreaming of having highly-fancied Napoli 2-0 tougher test but Cech is hoping him,” said Neymar senior. PSG fans, he at the Emirates, while Marco they can progress. continued, “can rest easy: Neymar today Alonso’s late header earned “I would love to retire with a doesn’t want to leave PSG, he wants to Maurizio Sarri’s side a hard- trophy in my hands,” he told re- continue at PSG, get back on the pitch fought win at Slavia Prague. porters after Arsenal’s victory at first up, to be able to help the club claim Unai Emery’s Arsenal hold The Emirates Stadium. “It would titles and win”. Neymar has been out a healthy advantage going be the best possible ending for with an injured right foot sustained on into next week’s second leg me and be a fantastic achieve- January 23, but the 27-year-old was thanks to a fi ne early strike ment for the club.” back in training on Thursday and PSG from Juventus-bound Aaron Cech won the trophy in 2013 will be hoping he is fully fit for the April Ramsey and an unfortunate with Chelsea, who are on the 27 French cup final against Rennes. Kalidou Koulibaly own goal other side of the draw and beat midway through the fi rst half, Czech side Slavia Prague 1-0 Arsenal to investigate and can rue missed chances away on Thursday meaning Ar- that would have put the tie senal could face them in the fi - racist abuse of Napoli’s completely beyond the Ital- nal. Koulibaly ians’ reach. “To keep a clean sheet and score a couple of goals is a lovely way to start the fi rst leg. We’re delighted with that,” said Ramsey, who should have added the third when he blazed over with nine minutes left, to BT Sport. “We can go into the second leg with a little bit of a cush- ion, but we know it will be a diffi cult place to go... They are a quality team.” Chelsea meanwhile escaped from Eden Arena after a bitty display that saw Kepa Arriza- Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso (left) celebrates with teammates Olivier Giroud (centre) and Antonio Rudiger after scoring the winner balaga have to make some fi ne against SK Slavia Prague in their Europa League first leg quarter-final match in Prague, Czech Republic, on Thursday. (Reuters) saves to keep the Czechs out before Alonso nodded home a beautiful passing move to who through Piotr Zielinski Goncalo Guedes scored fi rst season in the Benfi ca fi rst Willian’s pinpoint cross four calmly stroke home Ainsley should have bagged an away twice, including what could team, got the ball rolling from The Gunners have not won minutes from time to seal a Maitland-Niles’s neat lay-off . goal to take back to Naples in be the decisive third three the spot in the 21st minute af- a European trophy since they 1-0 win. Napoli were completely out the second half. minutes into added time, as ter Evan N’Dicka was sent off lifted the old Cup Winners’ Cup The Blues remain unbeaten of sorts, barely able to get the “I was surprised by the Marcelino’s side struck with for shoving over goal-bound back in 1994 and Cech said the a in the Europa League, keep- ball out of their own half at lack of courage and person- two clinical breakaway goals Gedson Fernandes. Europa League triumph would be ing eight clean sheets in the times, and 10 minutes later ality from my players at the to give them a great chance of He put the hosts back in the ideal way to end the drought. competition this season, and the Gunners doubled their start,” Carlo Ancelotti told making the semis. front just before the break af- “The Europa league is improv- it was that solidity that saw lead. Sky Sport. Chelsea meanwhile will ter Luka Jovic — on loan from ing every year... and everybody them through on a tricky Former Sampdoria mid- “Turning this around will likely play Benfi ca should they Benfi ca — scored a shock lev- wants to win it now because you evening in Prague. fi elder Lucas Torreira won be diffi cult now, but we’ll be go through after 19-year-old eller against his parent club in book a spot for the Champions The Premier League pair possession in midfi eld and home at the San Paolo, and Joao Felix became the young- the 40th minute. League the next year and as well remain on a collision course charged towards goal before our supporters will help us.” est ever player to score a Eu- Ruben Dias made it three you have a trophy in your hands.” for the fi nal in Baku, with both letting off a weak shot that ropa League hat-trick and set when he headed in Felix’s However, he remains wary of sides set to avoid each other fl icked off Koulibaly and fl ew RECORD-BREAKING FELIX up the other goal in 4-2 win fl ick-on a from a corner, and Napoli’s potential to spoil his if they make it through next past a bamboozled Alex Meret Arsenal will almost certainly over Eintracht Frankfurt that the 19-year-old side-footed send off . Arsenal have launched an investigation week’s second legs. in the Napoli goal. take on Valencia should they leaves the Bundesliga side, home Alex Grimaldo’s cross to “We take the 2-0, but we are into the racist abuse suff ered by Napoli Arsenal were all over Na- Arsenal should have made hold on at what will be an in- who had to play with 10 men complete his treble nine min- still aware it is going to be dif- defender Kalidou Koulibaly during poli from the kick-off and got more of their fi rst-half domi- timidating Stadio San Paolo af- for 70 minutes, with an uphill utes into the second half, be- fi cult there. They are a diffi cult their 2-0 Europa League quarter-final their deserved opener with 14 nance over Carlo Ancelotti’s ter the La Liga side scored twice task to make the last four in fore Goncalo Paciencia pulled team to play away from home first leg victory on Thursday. A Snap- minutes on the clock, Ram- slipshod side, but were not in stoppage time to win 3-1 at Germany next week. one back with his head from a and they have been playing really chat video emerged on social media say waltzing in at the end of punished by the Serie A outfi t, fellow Spaniards Villarreal. Felix, a revelation in his corner to keep the tie alive. well so far this season.” after the match where a fan at the Emirates Stadium can be heard using a racist term towards the Senegalese. SPOTLIGHT “We utterly condemn the use of any racist language and have launched an investigation to identify the culprit,” an Arsenal spokesman said. “We operate a zero tolerance approach and anyone Ronaldo’s Juve ready to seal Serie A before Ajax decider behaving like this is not welcome at Ar- senal and will be banned from matches. AFP had eased their relegation fears “Obviously the Sampdoria We have an extremely diverse com- Milan with three consecutive wins game was a confi dence boost munity of fans who are all part of the that included victories over for us all, but for now we need Arsenal family and such incidents are Champions League-chasing to keep doing what we’re do- rare at Emirates Stadium.” Koulibaly has ristiano Ronaldo’s Ju- Lazio and Roma, but lost last ing,” said Ranieri. become a symbol of the battle against ventus head to SPAL weekend at Cagliari. “We need the fans to get be- racism in Italian soccer since being today needing just a Leonardo Semplici dogged hind us and realise that this is a subjected to racist insults from some point to wrap up an side also have history against key game for us. Inter Milan fans during a Serie A match eighthC consecutive Serie A ti- them, as they have beaten Ju- “We’re in the hunt for the in December. tle in record time before their ventus just once in their his- Champions League places — crucial Champions League de- tory, way back in 1957. that’s where we want to fi nish Kovac confi rms cider against Ajax in Turin next Given the relative weakness and the fans share that.” week. of the weekend’s opposition, Vincenzo Montella will be- Lewandowski, Coman Ronaldo returned from inju- coach Massimiliano Allegri gin his second stint as coach of bust-up in Bayern training ry to score a precious away goal may not want to risk Ronaldo mid-table Fiorentina at home for Juventus in their 1-1 Cham- ahead of Tuesday’s Champions against Bologna on Sunday. Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac pions League quarter-fi nal, League decider and could ro- His team’s hopes of qualify- yesterday confirmed reports Robert fi rst leg draw in Amsterdam on tate his side. ing for next season’s Europa Lewandowski and Kingsley Coman were Wednesday, and the 34-year- Forwards Paulo Dybala and League have plummeted after a involved in a fist-fight during training, old can claim his fi rst Italian Douglas Costa came off the terrible run of form that has left but ruled out any sanctions. Kovac league title to add to his two bench at Ajax ahead of highly- them 12 points off the second- admitted the forwards traded blows in Spain with Real Madrid and rated teenager Moise Kean, who tier European competition. following an argument at a training ses- three with Manchester United. had scored fi ve goals in as many The Tuscan side have just sion behind closed doors on Thursday It would be a 28th trophy games for Juventus. one win from their last 10 Serie while preparing for tomorrow’s league in four countries for the fi ve- All three could start against A games. game away to Fortuna Duesseldorf. time Ballon d’Or winner, a haul SPAL. “The three of us talked about it, the which includes fi ve Champions Leonardo Bonucci looks set Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA FIXTURES players are sorry and have apologised League, and the Euro 2016 title to work overtime with defend- Champions League first leg quarter-final match against Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday. (AFP) Today for their behaviour, there will be no with Portugal. ers Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea SPAL v Juventus financial penalties and the matter has Juventus have a 20-point Barzagli and Martin Caceres all without a win in three games weekend’s draw against fellow Lazio within three points of Roma v Udinese been resolved,” said Kovac in a press advantage on second-placed out injured. “Let’s close down and next week host Arsenal in Europe-chasers Atalanta. them as they host Simone In- AC Milan v Lazio conference. Lewandowski, 30, report- Napoli and a draw would seal the championship on Satur- their Stadio San Paulo hoping Inter are fi ve points ahead zaghi’s capital club at the San Tomorrow edly chastised Coman, 22, during a their 35th ‘Scudetto’ with six day,” urged Bonucci. for a miracle. of both Atalanta and fourth- Siro days after UEFA ordered Torino v Cagliari training exercise, and the exchange games to spare — the earliest Second-placed Napoli travel placed city rivals AC Milan who another probe into the club Fiorentina v Bologna of words quickly escalated. The two any team has ever sealed Serie to bottom club Chievo look- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HUNT occupy the fi nal Champions for Financial Fair Play (FFP) Sampdoria v Genoa players were reportedly separated by A — thanks to their superior ing for a boost after their de- HEATS UP League berth but have taken breaches. Sassuolo v Parma defenders Niklas Suele and Jerome head-to-head record over Car- moralising 2-0 Europa League Inter Milan, seven points be- just one point from their last Claudio Ranieri’s Roma play Chievo v Napoli Boateng, but Kovac was evasive about lo Ancelotti’s side. quarter-fi nal, fi rst leg defeat at hind Napoli, can consolidate four games. Udinese looking to build on last Frosinone v Inter Milan the cause of the strife, saying simply SPAL, 16th and just four Arsenal. third place at second-from- Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan weekend’s gutsy win at Samp- Monday “emotions” had run high in a heated points above the drop zone, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are bottom Frosinone after last also have Roma, Torino and doria. Atalanta v Empoli training session. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, April 13, 2019 CRICKET

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE DEVELOPMENT West Indies name Reifer as interim Dhawan masterclass coach ahead of WC

Reuters ritt overhauled the selection Antigua, Guatemala panel, with Robert Haynes replacing Courtney Browne as interim head of selectors. est Indies ap- “We have found it necessary helps Delhi Capitals pointed Floyd to immediately adjust our se- Reifer as their lection policy to become more new interim head open, inclusive, and player- Wcoach on Thursday, replacing centric,” he said. Richard Pybus as part of a se- “I am therefore pleased to ries of administrative changes confi rm that we have termi- less than two months before nated the old embedded se- the World Cup. lection policy which secretly, beat Knight Riders Pybus’s contract ran beyond but actively, victimised some the World Cup in England and players and banished them ‘We were just talking about taking the match deep and that both of us should remain till the end’ Wales, but new Cricket West from selection consideration.” Indies (CWI) president Ricky As part of the old selection Skerritt said changes were nec- policy, availability for domes- essary and a “calculated strate- tic tournaments was a require- gic move” to reignite the pas- ment to be picked for West In- sion for cricket in the region. dies squads, but Skerritt said Barbados-born Reifer selectors would be allowed played six tests, eight one-day to pick all players who make internationals and one Twen- themselves available. ty20 for West Indies between Contractual disputes be- 1997 and 2009 before moving tween players and CWI have into coaching. weakened the team for sev- “Up to the end of 2018 Floyd eral years, but Thursday’s an- Reifer had been identifi ed as nouncement could pave the the outstanding emerging lo- way for players such as Keiron cal coach,” Skerritt told a news Pollard to return to the ODI conference in Antigua. fold for the fi rst time since “He displayed this by lead- 2016. “Participating in a World ing the West Indies A team Cup is a career defi ning expe- successfully, including victo- rience for West Indian players ries against the England Li- and coaching staff ,” Skerritt ons, and ended the past year said. by coaching the Senior men’s “We therefore believe it is team to a T20 series win in strategically more benefi cial Bangladesh.” for a West Indian coach with England’s Pybus replaced the proven skill sets to have this Australian Stuart Law in Janu- exposure at CWI’s expense - ary. He guided the team to a rather than a foreign coach.” test series win over England, Twice winners West Indies while the ODI series against open their World Cup cam- the top-ranked side ended 2-2. paign against Pakistan in Not- Among other changes, Sker- tingham on May 31.

Delhi Capitals’ Shikhar Dhawan plays a shot as Kolkata Knight Riders’ Dinesh Karthik (right) looks on during their Indian Premier League match at the Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP)

IANS dugout as the southpaw (97*; 63 taking another catch behind the compatriot Carlos Brathwaite (6) (0), Nitish Rana (11) and skipper Kolkata balls, 4x11, 6x2) roared back to stumps off Russell in the 6th joined him at the crease, and the Dinesh Karthik (2) failed with form just three days ahead of In- over. big-hitting pair combined for a the bat. Gill was dismissed giv- dia’s World Cup team selection. From then on, it was a Dhawan 19-ball 39-run stand for the sixth ing a catch to Axar Patel at short hikhar Dhawan made Rishabh Pant too showed and Pant show as the former re- wicket in which Brathwaite’s fi ne-leg while trying to fl ick Paul sure that Sourav Ganguly maturity at the other end with turned to form with some crisp contribution was just 6. through that area in the 15th over. A file photo of Floyd Reifer. (Reuters) had the last laugh in his a 31-ball 46 (4x4, 6x2) as the cover drives while his junior Russell took sweet revenge In the end, some lusty blows own backyard with an capital side won with seven balls partner showed composure be- on Rabada by taking him apart from Russell helped the team unbeatenS 97 as Delhi Capitals to spare. Delhi posted 180/3 in fore holing out to Kuldeep Yadav in the 18th over, smashing two post a competitive total. (DC) did a double on Kolkata 18.5 overs with Colin Ingram (14 at long on off Nitish Rana. maximums as the South Africa “I just try to keep my head Bangalore rope in Steyn for injured Knight Riders (KKR) by scripting not out) hitting a six off Piyush Earlier, Gill struck his maiden pace ace leaked 16 runs. clear. The plan was to take the Coulter-Nile in IPL a seven-wicket victory in their Chawla to seal the issue. half-century of the season to Morris got the better of Rus- game deep. When you’re chasing reverse Indian Premier League Pant and Dhawan combined set the platform before Russell sell in the penultimate over 180, you need to pace the innings South Africa paceman Dale and is set bolster the flagging (IPL) fi xture at the Eden Gardens for a 105-run third wicket stand hit Kagiso Rabada, who had dis- with a full toss outside off which in a way that you complete the Steyn will replace injured fortunes of the Virat Kohli-led yesterday. off 69 balls after DC were 57/2 missed him in the fi rst leg with a the Caribbean all-rounder hit match in 18-19 overs. We were Nathan Coulter-Nile of Austral- side which has lost all their six DC had won the one-over chasing 179 for victory. toe-crushing yorker in the Super straight down Rabada’s throat at just talking about taking the ia at Royal Challengers Banga- games so far. eliminator against KKR in the KKR had posted a competitive Over, for three sixes and a four. third-man. match deep and that both of us lore for the rest of the Indian Steyn is expected to be avail- fi rst leg played in Delhi on March 178/7 riding on Shubman Gill The hosts scored 106 runs Paul was given the last over should remain there till the end,” Premier League season, the able for selection from Ban- 30. With Friday’s win, DC moved (65; 39 balls, 4x7, 6x2) and Andre in the last 10 overs after being in which he got the wicket of Rishabh Pant said. franchise announced Friday. galore’s ninth league match to the fourth position in the Russell’s (45; 21 balls, 4x3, 6x4) asked to bat by DC skipper Iyer. Brathwaite, giving away 10 runs. The 35-year-old Steyn, who against Kolkata Knight Riders points tally with 8 points from knocks on a wicket which had a KKR were 72/2 at the halfway Opener Gill, who never got to BRIEF SCORES went unsold in the 2018 and on April 19. 7 matches, while KKR remained greenish tinge on it. stage. For DC, Rabada (2/42) bat up the order for KKR earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders 178/7 2019 auctions of the Twen- Coulter-Nile, who is suff er- at the second spot with equal In reply, Delhi lost Prithvi was expensive but picked up made the most of the opportu- in 20 overs (Shubman Gill ty20 tournament, last played ing from a stiff back, had not number of points but a superior Shaw (14) early with Dinesh two wickets while Chris Morris nity by playing some delectable 65, Andre Russell 45; Kagiso for the now defunct franchise joined the Bangalore team. net run-rate. Karthik snaffl ing a stunning (2/38) and Keemo Paul (2/46) shots to give KKR a solid start. Rabada 2/42, Chris Morris 2/38, Gujarat Lions in 2016. Bangalore - placed bottom A ‘visitor’ at the Eden Gar- catch fl ying to his right off also chipped in. Gill and Robin Uthappa (28) Keemo Paul (2/46) lost to Delhi He had played 28 IPL matches of the eight-team table - will dens, DC advisor Ganguly Prasidh Krishna. Russell came in to bat when joined hands to stitch together Capitals 180/3 (Shikhar Dhawan for Bangalore between 2008 take on Kings XI Punjab on watched Dhawan miss out on a Skipper Shreyas Iyer (6) too KKR were 93/3 after 12.4 overs, a 63-run stand for the second 97, Rishabh Pant 46) by seven and 2010, claiming 27 wickets, Saturday. maiden T20 hundred from the did not last long with Karthik needing to up the ante. Soon wicket after debutant Joe Denly wickets.

FOCUS ‘Captain Cool’ Dhoni fi ned for confronting umpires Reuters league said in a statement. Con- not sure if Dhoni did the right Jaipur fusion reigned in the last over thing in approaching the um- after umpire Ulhas Gandhe sig- pires. “Obviously tensions are nalled Ben Stokes’ waist-high running high in the IPL, every ahendra Singh Dho- delivery a no ball but the deci- run counts and it was a big mo- ni’s uncharacteristic sion was overruled by square- ment in the game,” the English- outburst against a leg umpire Bruce Oxenford, man said. “But whether stepping controversial umpir- prompting Dhoni to enter the on to the pitch is right, no, prob- Ming decision led to the Chennai fi eld and confront the umpires. ably not.” Super Kings captain being fi ned The no ball was eventu- Former England captain 50 percent of his match fee in ally deemed a legal delivery but Michael Vaughan was more out- Thursday night’s Indian Premier Chennai, needing four runs off spoken in his criticism of Dhoni. League (IPL) match in Jaipur. the last ball, managed to win “This is not a good look for the Hailed as ‘Captain Cool’ dur- with a last-ball six from Mitch- game,” Vaughan tweeted. “No ing his trophy-laden years as In- ell Santner. “MS was after some place at all for a captain to storm dia skipper, an unusually fi red- clarity and it didn’t seem to be onto the pitch from the dugout.” up Dhoni stepped onto the fi eld coming so he took the oppor- The result took league leaders to remonstrate with umpire over tunity to go out and discuss it Chennai to 12 points from seven a contentious no-ball call in a with the umpires. The rights games, extending their lead over dramatic fi nal over against Ra- and wrongs will be discussed by second-placed Kolkata Knight jasthan Royals. everybody,” Chennai head coach Riders to four points. “MS Dhoni, the Chennai Su- Stephen Fleming told reporters. The IPL has continued to gar- per Kings captain, was fi ned 50 “He was certainly fi red up ner a larger audience with 345 percent of his match fees for about the way the decision was million viewers in India tuning breaching the Indian Premier handled and why it was over- in over the fi rst two weeks, a 14 League’s Code of Conduct dur- turned... and he wanted to get it percent increase from last year ing his team’s match against clarifi ed at a key moment.” for the same period, broadcast- Chennai Super Kings cricketer and team captain MS Dhoni speaks with umpires during the IPL match against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Rajasthan Royals at Jaipur,” the Rajasthan’s Jos Buttler was ers STAR Network said. Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, April 13, 2019 5 SPORT

PREVIEW NHL Marner scores twice as Leafs surprise Bruins Mighty Warriors are shot. Toronto goaltender Fre- AFP Los Angeles derik Andersen made 37 saves, while Rask stopped 29 shots for Boston. itch Marner scored on a penalty shot in CAPITALS STRIKE EARLY, the second period as HOLD OFF CANES’ RALLY the Toronto Maple Nicklas Backstrom scored two of gunning for more MLeafs beat the mistake-prone Washington’s three fi rst-period Boston Bruins 4-1 in the opening goals, and the Capitals held off a game of their NHL playoff series late Carolina rally for a 4-2 vic- on Thursday. tory over the visiting Hurricanes Marner, who fi nished with in Game 1 of their fi rst-round two goals, helped get the visiting Eastern Conference playoff se- Leafs playoff run off to a roaring ries Thursday night. start in the best-of-seven East- The Capitals, who won the NBA playoff glory ern Conference series. “We know fi rst Stanley Cup in franchise we got a quick team,” said Marn- history last spring, took a 1-0 ‘It is a good matchup geographically, but it is a hell of an opponent’ er. “We got pucks in their zone lead in the series with the vic- and made it hard on them. We tory. Game 2 is set for today af- AFP tried to keep our game plan sim- ternoon in Washington. Los Angeles ple. We backchecked well made Backstrom had multiple goals it hard for them to get to our net. for the third time in his playoff They got a lot of fi repower so we career, coming just over three he top seeded Golden have to do it all game.” minutes apart in that opening State Warriors face the William Nylander and John period. fi rst challenge in their Tavares also scored for the Maple Alex Ovechkin also scored in quest for a NBA three- Leafs, who lost in the fi rst playoff the fi rst period, and John Carl- Tpeat, which begins today against round to Boston last season. son notched a hat trick of assists, the Los Angeles Clippers. Patrice Bergeron scored the getting helpers on all three fi rst- The back-to-back league only goal for the Bruins, who period goals. champions hope to use home couldn’t get much off ence from That tied the NHL record court to their advantage when their top line of Bergeron, Brad for most assists in a period of a they open their fi rst round Marchand and David Pastrnak. playoff game. Lars Eller added playoff series against Clippers Boston fi nished with the sec- an empty-net goal, and goalie at Oracle Arena. Game two is ond-best record overall in the Braden Holtby fi nished with 27 Monday. East but limped into the posts- saves. The Hurricanes outshot “This is what we have been eason by going 3-4 in their fi nal Washington 29-18. waiting for and we know what is seven games of the regular sea- The Capitals struggled on of- at stake,” forward Klay Thomp- son. On Thursday they played fense early, as Carolina slowed son said. sloppy defence, especially on them through the neutral zone, There is a sense among the off ence in the Toronto zone by but that eventually changed. Warriors they need to get the turning the puck over several Washington needed several min- job done before Kevin Durant times which led to a number of utes to get its fi rst shot on goal. and Thompson’s pending free breakaways and odd-man rushes Backstrom scored the fi rst agency this summer. for the Leafs. goal 9:58 into the period. He Golden State have a lot going The Bruins took only 36 sec- fi red a long shot over the glove of for them - including winning onds to capitalise on the fi rst goalie Petr Mrazek to give Wash- the season series over the Clip- power play of the game when ington a 1-0 lead. pers 3-1 and a 27-point blowout Bergeron scored at 9:31 of the Backstrom struck again on the in their most recent contest. opening period but it was down- power play just over three min- The Warriors hardly broke hill from there. utes later, thanks to a great pass a sweat in that game and it has Captain Zdeno Chara took his from Evgeny Kuznetsov near the been similar in the opening team’s fi rst penalty and allowed right boards. Backstrom took round where they have won 16 a puck to bounce off him for the pass, which made its way and lost just two games in the Marner’s fi rst goal. through traffi c, and buried it fi rst round in the coach Steve Marner scored his second goal from right in front. Kerr era. on a penalty shot at 2:47 of the Ovechkin then made it 3-0 “It is a good matchup geo- second when he deked Boston with 1:55 left in the period, also graphically, but it is a hell of an goaltender Tuukka Rask. Bos- on the power play. A loose puck opponent,” said Kerr. ton’s Jake DeBrusk mishandled got knocked around in front Golden State fi nished the the puck at the Toronto blue- of the Carolina goal, bounced regular season with the top seed line and Marner stole it for the over to him, and he shot it past in the Western Conference after breakaway. Mrazek. fi nishing with 57 wins and 25 But DeBrusk chased him down losses. and tripped Marner at the last RESULTS The Warriors are making Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant passes the ball in front of Memphis Grizzlies forward Julian Washburn (right) in the first quarter second which sent the Toronto Toronto 4-1 Boston their seventh-straight playoff of their NBA game at FedExForum on Wednsday. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports forward crashing into the Boston Washington 4-2 Carolina appearance, winning three NBA goal and resulted in the penalty Calgary 4-0 Colorado championships in the last four lost to the Clippers in the play- Nurse is looking better with a won 22 games and lost just nine proach to Memphis Grizzlies seasons (2015, 2017, 2018). off s in 2014, the last time they versatile and deeply talented since the beginning of February, basketball under new leader- They have earned four con- failed to reach the fi nals. team. which allowed them to vault ship, while retaining the iden- secutive NBA fi nals appear- Elsewhere, the Toronto Rap- “They are playing very well. past the Miami Heat and Detroit tity and values that have distin- ances since their return to the tors are itching to exorcise some They are well coached,” Casey Pistons. guished our team.” playoff s in 2013. of their playoff demons when said on Thursday of the Magic. Bickerstaff was promoted “I like where we are, I think their path to a new playoff fate “They don’t turn the ball GRIZZLIES FIRE COACH to interim head coach during everybody has their roles in begins with the Orlando Magic. over. They don’t give up re- BICKERSTAFF the 2017-18 season after David place,” said Durant. When you think of the Rap- bounds. It is a good squad we The Memphis Grizzlies fi red Fizdale was fi red and given the “We established those in the tors’ recent playoff history what are playing.” coach J B Bickerstaff and de- job permanently 11 months ago. last couple of weeks in the sea- stands out the most is teams Leonard should be well rested moted general manager Chris The team went 15-48 under son. that failed to live up to expecta- having sat out 22 games in the Wallace to a scouting position Bickerstaff in his fi rst season “The last month of the sea- tions. They have two fi rst round regular season. as part of a major management and 33-49 this season. son we really put our game into exits, two ousters in the league Forward Pascal Siakam has overhaul, the NBA team an- Long-time GM Wallace and playoff preparation. We were quarter-fi nals and one in the emerged as one of the league’s nounced on Thursday. vice president of basketball thinking about it every game. semis in the past fi ve seasons. most improved players and cen- “In order to put our team on operations John Hollinger were “We were trying to test the The disappointing fi nishes tre Marc Gasol was a key acqui- the path to sustainable success, demoted to scouting and senior limits mentally to see how far resulted in coach Dwane Casey sition for Toronto from Mem- it was necessary to change our advisory roles. we could take it in the regular getting fi red and led to the trade phis at the trade deadline. approach to basketball opera- Wallace had replaced Jerry season so we could get prepared of DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi The Magic head into the tions,” chairman Robert Pera West as Grizzlies general man- for the playoff s.” Leonard. playoff s with plenty of con- said in a statement. ager in 2007. Mitchell Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts after scoring a The Warriors are a much dif- Leonard has proven to be an fi dence after an 11-2 surge to “I look forward to a re-ener- The Grizzlies also promoted penalty against the Boston Bruins in the second period of their 2019 ferent team than the one that upgrade and new coach Nick fi nish the season. They have gized front offi ce and fresh ap- Jason Wexler to president. Stanley Cup playoff s game at TD Garden in Boston. (AFP)

MLB Cardinals crush Dodgers to complete sweep Reuters string contusion. Gallegos (1-0) recovered to RESULTS Los Angeles strike out three over 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. The Cardinals bullpen retired 14 Cardinals 11-7 Dodgers consecutive batters before Justin Turner sin- ose Martinez had four hits and Matt Red Sox 7-6 Blue Jays gled with two outs in the ninth inning. Wieters drove in three runs as the St. Mets 6-3 Braves Louis Cardinals completed a four- Cubs 2-0 Pirates FORMER MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHER game sweep of the visiting Los Angeles SANDERSON DIES AT 62 DodgersJ with an 11-7 victory Thursday after- Indians 4-0 Tigers Former major league pitcher Scott Sander- noon. It was the Cardinals’ fi rst four-game A’s 8-5 Orioles son, who won 163 games for seven diff erent sweep of the Dodgers in St. Louis since July Mariners 7-6 Royals teams over a 19-year career died Thursday. 15-18, 2010. He was 62. Sanderson’s death was confi rmed Harrison Bader was hit by a pitch with the Reds 5-0 Marlins through an offi cial at Conway Farms Golf bases loaded twice in the game as the Cardi- Giants 1-0 Rockies Club in suburban Chicago, according to mul- nals reached their season high in runs scored Padres 7-6 D’backs tiple reports. Sanderson was a member at the without hitting a home run. It was just the club. The cause of death was not known. fourth time since 1974 that a batter was hit by second when a Yimi Garcia pitch got past A native of the Chicago area, Sanderson a pitch twice in a game with the bases loaded. Dodgers catcher Rocky Gale, who then threw pitched for both the Chicago Cubs and Chi- Enrique Hernandez hit a home run for the the ball into left fi eld as Martinez was ad- cago White Sox in a career that began in 1978. Dodgers, as did former Cardinals veteran vancing to third. Not only did the Dodgers’ The right-hander helped the Cubs reach the David Freese and starting pitcher Walker Buehler struggle, but so did Cardinals starter playoff s in both 1984 and 1989. He also reached Buehler, but Los Angeles twice gave up three- Michael Wacha, as an anticipated pitchers’ the postseason with Montreal in 1981 and Oak- run leads. It was a far better day at the plate duel fi zzled. Wacha gave up seven runs on land in 1990. Sanderson posted a career 3.84 than on the mound for Buehler, who gave up eight hits over 3 2/3 innings with a walk and ERA over 472 appearances (407 starts). He fi ve runs on fi ve hits over four innings with three strikeouts. broke into the major leagues with the Expos two walks and fi ve strikeouts. Dodgers reliever Pedro Baez (0-1) allowed and made 136 starts with the club, fashioning a Bader’s two hit-by-pitch RBIs were not fi ve of the fi rst six batters he faced to reach 56-47 record over six seasons with a 3.33 ERA. the Cardinals’ only source of unconventional base as the Cardinals took the lead for good He moved on to the Cubs in 1984, going 42-42 runs. He also scored from second base on a with a four-run fi fth inning. with a 3.81 ERA in six seasons (160 games, 116 wild pitch in the second inning – following The Cardinals’ off ensive eruption came starts) on the North Side. His lone All-Star Jedd Gyorko, who was on the third and also without Marcell Ozuna, Yadier Molina and season came in 1991 as a member of the New scored on the play. Bader also scored a run in Matt Carpenter in the starting lineup. Dodg- York Yankees, when he went 16-10 with a 3.81 the fi fth when Dodgers second baseman Max ers shortstop Corey Seager left the game in ERA. He also spent time with the California Muncy booted a routine ground ball. the fourth inning after he was hit by a Gio- Angels (three seasons in two stints) and the St. Louis Cardinals’ Tyler O’Neill (left), Harrison Bader (centre) and Jose Martinez celebrate after their In the sixth inning, Martinez scored from vanny Gallegos pitch. Seager has a left ham- San Francisco Giants (one season). teams victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Saturday, April 13, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING/ PARIS-ROUBAIX SPOTLIGHT Buchmann snatches Basque lead with Slovak superstar stage fi ve victory

AFP “I thought everyone was Madrid tired and I tried hard with 20 kilometres to go, I held to the fi nish and now I am the leader. ermany’s Emanuel “It is nice to be in the lead Sagan leads trio Buchmann took the and I will try to defend it to- overall lead in the morrow. To win it would be Tour of the Basque incredible.” GCountry on Friday by winning The six-stage race con- the fi fth stage in Arrate. cludes on Saturday with a Bora-Hansgrohe’s Buch- 118km ride that takes the pelo- mann attacked on the penul- ton into the mountains around timate ascent and held on to Eibar. into cobbled ‘Hell’ see off the challenge of Ion Izagirre (Astana), Adam Yates OVERALL STANDINGS ‘I love Paris-Roubaix. It has a special place in my career as it is the only ‘Monument’ I have won’ (Mitchelton-Scott) and Jakob 1. Emanuel Buchmann (GER/ Fuglsang (Astana). Bora) 16hrs 23min 30sec, The victory means Buch- 2. Ion Izagirre (ESP/AST) at mann moves ahead of his 54sec, 3. Maximilian Sch- teammate Maximilian Sch- achmann (GER/BOR) 1:04, 4. achmann, who drops to third. Daniel Martin (IRL/UAE) 1:32, Izagirre sits in second place, 54 5. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) seconds off the lead. same time, 6. Patrick Konrad “Today was a really hard (AUT/BOR) 1:55, 7. Adam Yates race,” Buchmann said. “It was (GBR/MIT) 1:56, 8. Daniel Mar- really fast in the peloton all tinez (COL/EF1) 2:11, 9. Mikel day. There were three or four Landa (ESP/MOV) 2:25, 10. riders and I felt good. Tadej Pogacar (SLO/UAE) s.t.

FOCUS Wallabies star Folau fi ghts for career

Australia’s Israel Folau. (Reuters)

AFP code of conduct hearing fi rst, Sydney a route he will take in a bid to keep playing. Folau, who be- came Super Rugby’s record allabies star Is- try-scorer last week, is a dual rael Folau fought to international who began his Slovakia’s cyclist of Bora team Peter Sagan (centre) rides with his teammates on cobblestone in Haveluy, near Wallers, northern France, on Thursday, during a reconnaissance ride save his career yes- career in rugby league, and ahead of the Paris-Roubaix road race. (AFP) terday as he met there was speculation the Wwith Australian rugby chiefs sport could off er him a life- AFP “look like a pile of stones some- brother Juraj and a powerful duo time you enter one of the 29 sec- France ninth stage from Arras over a homophobia row that left line if he is kicked out of rugby Paris one threw off the back of a van”. of rollers in Marcus Burghardt tions,” he said of the old roads to Roubaix in 2018, outsprinting him facing the sack just months union. But Australian Rugby Despite illness and a heavy fall and Daniel Oss in their seven- which are given a star rating of Van Avermaet. before the World Cup. League Commission chairman in spring preparation, defend- man outfi t. one to fi ve depending on their “Everybody said I was done,” The deeply religious Peter Beattie said he had failed nown as the Hell of ing champion Sagan has been in As the race has been won by danger and diffi culty. he said at the fi nish line. 30-year-old held talks with the sport’s character test and the North, and widely the mix for several one-day races a Belgian 56 times in its 117 edi- Van Avermaet however is lack- “Well now you can see I’m not Rugby Australia boss Raelene would not get a contract. regarded as cycling’s this season. He remains capable tions, 2017 champion Greg Van ing the kind of back up a bevvy of done.” Castle, a day after she said she “Israel Folau fails the NRL’s toughest one-day race, of repeating the type of sensa- Avermaet cannot be counted riders in the Deceuninck-Quick Many pundits also tip Nor- intends to fi re him - barring inclusiveness culture, which Kthe Paris-Roubaix will be hotly tional long-distance attack that out as the classics specialist and Step team can count on. way’s Alexander Kristoff , who mitigating circumstances - is a policy strongly supported contested tomorrow with Slovak brought him glory in 2018. reigning Olympic champion is The Belgian outfi t have domi- claims to be in the form of his life for posting on Instagram that by the ARLC,” Beattie told re- superstar Peter Sagan heading a Some dislike his nonchalant also a man on full form. nated the classics these past two and in the past month won the “Hell awaits” homosexuals. porters. “The ARLC therefore trio of former champions in con- style, but Sagan is also just the “I love Paris-Roubaix,” Van seasons. Their strength in depth Gent-Wegelem and was third at But the meeting with the would not support his regis- tention. type of blood-and-guts ‘punch- Avermaet declared on Thursday. means they can generally place the Belgian cobbled Monument NSW Waratahs fullback, who tration to play National Rugby Mud, dust, treacherous patch- er’ who can remain calm on the “It has a special place in my riders in the decisive sections. the Tour of Flanders. was embroiled in a simi- League.” es of moss and 54 kilometres of body-battering cobbled sec- career as it is the only ‘Monu- This season the team send “A fall blew his chances last lar controversy last year, did Beattie acted swiftly as rugby roughly cobbled former mining tions, such as the storied Aren- ment’ I have won,” he said in ref- out Czech former cyclo-cross season,” Kristoff ’s boss at the nothing to alter the governing league works to rebuild its own roads mark out the ‘Queen of the berg Forest, and pounce when erence to the great one-day clas- champion Zdenek Stybar as the UAE Emirates Joxean Matxin body’s stance. “Our joint po- reputation after the new season classics’ as a treacherous day’s seeing rivals wither in the hand- sics which also include Strade main man after wins in the Om- said on Thursday. “But given sition regarding Israel Folau is was overshadowed by a string of riding meaning a quarter of the numbing conditions. Bianchi, Milan-San Remo, loop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 how strong our team is here we unchanged,” Rugby Australia sex and alcohol scandals. Folau, riders will never make it to the “He hasn’t been on top form Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Classic, but he is just part of a are very optimistic.” and the NSW Rugby Union who has played 73 Tests and was iconic Roubaix Velodrome fi n- yet, but its coming,” Sagan’s Tour of Flanders. quartet of potential contenders Homage will be given to fallen said in a statement, adding seen as crucial for the Wallabies ish line. sports director at Bora-Hans- “You cannot compare this Quick Step will mobilise as they rider Michael Goolaerts tomor- that the two bodies will now at this year’s World Cup in Ja- Tour de France champion Ge- grohe Jan Valach said after the race to any other race though,” follow their “best man on the row. The 23-year-old suff ered “consider the next steps”. pan, posted on Wednesday that raint Thomas, who declined an Tour of Flanders last weekend. the CCC team captain insisted, day” strategy. heart failure during the 2018 edi- The Sydney Daily Telegraph “Drunks, homosexuals, adul- invitation this year having fallen pointing out the cobbled sec- Germany’s John Degenkolb tion. A plinth has been erected said Folau was told his con- terers, liars, fornicators, thieves, early in 2018, told AFP some BELGIAN MENACE tions have a colossal impact. won the race in 2015 and also at the 88km point where he was tract would be terminated but atheists and idolators - Hell sections of the old mining roads Sagan will be backed by his “Anything can happen any emerged from the epic Tour de found stricken by the roadside. he is entitled to go through a awaits you.”

RUGBY French clubs vote against foreign coach for national team AFP to test the potential grassroots leading rugby union nations in coach ever to be fi red, in Decem- Paris support for a foreigner taking up never having employed a for- ber 2017, after a meagre seven the reins. eign head coach. In the southern wins from 22 matches alongside Laporte opened the debate in hemisphere, the All Blacks have 14 defeats and a humiliating home rench rugby clubs have the wake of France fi nishing a always had a Kiwi coach and the draw with Japan. Under Noves, opposed the idea of hav- disappointing fourth in this sea- Springboks always a South Af- France lost six consecutive games ing a foreign coach for the son’s Six Nations, saying at the rican, while Australia had ex-All between June and November 2017, national team, according time that he had not ruled out ap- Black centre Robbie Deans at the a string of results Laporte deemed toF the results of a referendum re- pointing a fi rst-ever foreign coach helm between 2008-13. unacceptable. leased yesterday to replace Brunel, with France to Argentina have had largely Noves, who had been appointed Just 900 of the 1,742 amateur host the next World Cup in 2023. home-based coaches apart from by Laporte’s predecessor Pierre clubs in France opted to take part Laporte did not name any brief separate spells when Jon Camou, was replaced by former in the vote, and 59 percent voted possible replacements for the Hart and Alex Wyllie, both New Italy coach Brunel in time for the against the proposal, the French 65-year-old Brunel, who has been Zealanders, shared coaching du- 2018 Six Nations. rugby federation (FFR) said, de- in charge since 2017, but said he ties with locals. Brunel, however, has failed to spite a disappointing 2019 Six had “gone to meet the fi ve best World Cup hosts Japan current- turn France’s fortunes around, Nations tournament and low ex- coaches in the world to off er them ly have ex-All Black Jamie Joseph with just fi ve victories from 16 pectations for this year’s World the job”. as head coach, having appointed games he has overseen. Cup in Japan. Among the names bandied Frenchman Jean-Pierre Elissalde French hopes for a good show- “I will respect this choice,” said around as potential candidates to as their fi rst foreign coach in 2005. ing at the World Cup - where they federation head Bernard Laporte, replace Brunel were New Zealand The result of the club’s referen- have been drawn with England, who has made handing power duo Warren Gatland - who led dum caps a traumatic week for the Argentina, the United States and back to the clubs the motif of his Wales to this season’s Six Nations FFR, which was on Monday or- Tonga in a tough-looking Pool C - bid for re-election as FFR chief in Grand Slam - and current Ireland dered by an industrial tribunal to rest on the likes of up-and-com- 2020. coach Joe Schmidt, as well as Aus- pay one million euros in compen- ing Romain Ntamack and Antoine Current France coach Jacques tralian Eddie Jones, presently at sation to sacked national coach Dupont, who have steered Tou- Brunel will step down after the the helm of England. Guy Noves. louse into the semi-fi nals of the World Cup and Laporte was keen France is alone among Europe’s Noves became the fi rst France European Champions Cup. French Rugby Federation (FFR) president Bernard Laporte. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, April 13, 2019 7 SPORT

FORMULA 1 BADMINTON ‘We made it to Axelsen survives the top of the Christie scare in Bottas edges timesheets but it’s always Singapore Open diff icult to find

a good AFP Ginting got off to a fast start Singapore and never looked back, punish- balance ing a lethargic Chen with a string Vettel to set the of brutal smashes to his forehand through an iktor Axelsen saved two side as the world number nine match points before raced through the opening game entire lap on winning 22-24 21-18 and survived a late fi ghtback to 24-22 against Jonatan secure victory. this track’ ChristieV in a classic Singapore Momota struggled before see- Open men’s singles quarter-fi nal ing off India’s Srikanth Kidambi yesterday, the Dane staying con- 21-18 19-21 21-9, while defend- pace in China sistent at key moments to edge ing champion Chou Tien-chen out his opponent. of Taiwan eked out a 21-10 15-21 The pair started the match 21-15 victory over Sameer Verma, with a 45-shot rally to set the also of India, to set up a meeting tone for a roller-coaster opener with Ginting. that Christie captured after both In women’s singles play, men had wasted game points. Nozomi Okuhara and Akane The great Dane then dug deep Yamaguchi ensured it was a per- to level the contest with a smash fect day for Japan as both pro- on his third game point. gressed with routine victories The athletic Christie appeared over former world number ones. to take control of the decider but Okuhara led a procession Axelsen refused to buckle and of the top four seeds into the twice staved off elimination. semi-fi nals by crushing India’s He sent a smash past the world Saina Nehwal 21-8 21-13, while number eight on a third match Yamaguchi used her resilient de- point of his own to set up a last fence to overwhelm Thailand’s four encounter against Japanese Ratchanok Intanon 21-13 21-17 to top seed Kento Momota. set up a showdown with Taiwan- While Christie came up short, ese top seed Tai Tzu-ying. his fellow Indonesian Anthony Tai recovered from a mid- Sinisuka Ginting caused a ma- match wobble to edge South jor upset earlier in the day when Korea’s Sung Ji-hyun 21-11 17-21 he manufactured a brilliant 21-8 21-16 as Indian fourth seed P.V. 21-19 victory over China’s Rio Sindhu outlasted China’s Cai Olympic and two-time world Yanyan 21-13 17-21 21-14 to book champion Chen Long. her match with Okuhara.

Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas looks out from the garage prior to a practice session in Shanghai yesterday.

Reuters timesheets but it is always very Circuit with fi ve wins to date, cooling checks. McLaren rookie Lando Norris, Shanghai diffi cult to fi nd a good balance ended the day fourth. “We had to stop for further fresh from having scored his fi rst through an entire lap on this Ferrari arrived in China as checks on something on the oil,” Formula One points in Bahrain, track,” said Bottas. favourites after looking domi- said Leclerc. “We will check it was eighth for McLaren ahead of altteri Bottas edged “Ferrari still seem to be nant in Bahrain, a race they but no big issues. Renault’s Ricciardo. out Ferrari’s Sebastian quicker than us on the straights, would have won but for a late “I think it will be very close, Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly round- Vettel at the Chinese whereas we were better in most engine problem that hit Charles Mercedes and also Red Bull are ed out the top 10. VGrand Prix yesterday corners in FP2 (the second ses- Leclerc’s car while leading, actually quite close, so it will be Yesterday’s two sessions were with the fastest lap in practice sion).” and with plenty of straight line an interesting battle.” relatively trouble free apart from for Formula One’s 1,000th world Red Bull’s Max Verstappen speed. Hamilton was second fastest a few spins as the drivers ex- Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen hits a return against Indonesia’s Jonatan championship race. was third fastest in the after- Vettel led the opening session, in the morning but struggled in plored the limits and got to grips Christie during their men’s singles match at the Singapore Open The championship leader, a noon, 0.221 seconds off Bottas’ and was hot on Bottas’ heels in the afternoon. with the track. badminton tournament yesterday. point clear of Mercedes team- best, but the 21-year-old strug- the afternoon, while Leclerc had “We’re going to work hard to- Hamilton and Bottas both mate Lewis Hamilton after two gled with shifting gears and a diffi cult day. night to fi nd some tweaks and spun during the second 90 races, set a benchmark time of clutch issues throughout the Both the 21-year-old Mon- hopefully come back stronger minutes while Canadian Lance MOTORCYCLING one minute 33.330 seconds in session. egasque and Vettel are running tomorrow,” said the fi ve-times Stroll lost control of his Racing the afternoon. His Honda-powered team a new electronic control package champion. “The car has the pace Point at the exit of the fi nal cor- The Finn was just 0.027 sec- won in China last year, when as a precaution against a repeat in it to compete at the front, we ner in the morning. onds clear of Vettel, who was they used Renault engines, with of Leclerc’s engine problem. just need to fi nd the right set- The brakes on Alex Albon’s Marquez targets fastest in the morning by a Australian Daniel Ricciardo. The youngster’s session end- up.” Toro Rosso also caught fi re at the 0.207-second margin ahead of Hamilton, the most suc- ed early as he parked up in the Nico Hulkenberg was fi fth end of the session with Ferrari Hamilton. cessful driver by far around the garage with some 20 minutes to fastest for Renault, ahead of mechanics standing close by and magnifi cent “We made it to the top of the 5.4-km Shanghai International go so that Ferrari could carry out Carlos Sainz in the McLaren. helping to douse it. seven in Texas OPINION SPOTLIGHT

AFP derstand and adapt to.” Austin Dovizioso has a best place Mick Schumacher Jubilee in Chinese: F1 runner-up fi nish to his name in 2015. “Our aim is to once again be arc Marquez returns on the podium which would be very like his celebrates the past to one of his favour- almost like a win,” said Ducati’s ite hunting grounds Italian rider who was victorious DPA China has had a Grand Prix since 2004 this weekend, the in Qatar, adding the circuit “is but appreciation of F1 in the lucrative MMotoGP world champion intent not the best for us”. father, says Binotto Shanghai new market remains potential rather on extending his perfect record Marquez’s new teammate, Reuters than fact. at the Grand Prix of the Americas three-time former world cham- Shanghai ilverstone and Shanghai are sep- There were plenty empty seats in to seven from seven. pion Jorge Lorenzo, has had a arated by over 9,000 kilometres the stands at the International Circuit The Spaniard has won at Aus- tricky time of it since switching as the crow fl ies — and several for Friday’s practice sessions and some tin from pole every year since its from Ducati. errari team boss Mattia Binotto decades of Formula One tradi- blocks were even used for advertising arrival on the calendar in 2013. Lorenzo fractured his rib in says be can see similarities be- Stion. space. Motorsport passion as in England, He turns up for tomorrow’s practice at the season-opening tween Mick Schumacher’s ap- More than a few people wished that Germany during Michael Schumacher’s race after a crushing 10-second race in Qatar, before trailing in proach to his recent Formula One the elite class of motorsport would cel- reign or even in Ferrari-crazy Italy, is success over arch-rival Valentino 12th in Argentina. testF and how seven times champion fa- ebrate its 1,000th race at the English hard to feel in the country. Rossi in Argentina. Despite his marriage to Hon- ther Michael used to go about racing. venue, where everything began nearly 70 Regardless, there are various one-off s That “perfect day” at Termas da getting off to a bumpy start, Schumacher, 20 and a member of Fer- accident in the French Alps. years ago on May 13, 1950. for the race. Champagne, never far from de Rio Hondo pushed Marquez Lorenzo predicts a rosier future rari’s driver academy after winning the Mick was second fastest in the test, al- “It is such an important part of For- an F1 track, comes in a jubilee edition, a up to the head of the champion- for the relationship. European F3 title last year, made his test beit on softer and quicker tyres than any- mula One history,” said Bernie Eccle- special coin has been minted and there ship standings with a four-point “After the disappointment in debut with the Italian team in Bahrain one else, and said he felt at home in the stone, the former long-term chief of the is an exclusive poster. A long red carpet lead over Andrea Dovizioso be- Argentina I am ready to get back this month. The outing came 15 years af- garage. Binotto said it was hard to assess sport. “It would have been nice to recog- carries the VIPs to the exclusive areas fore this third leg of the season. out on track and ride again. ter Michael won the fi rst Grand Prix in the the test because of the poor weather con- nise that.” but also takes them back on a journey Marquez, chasing a sixth “The result didn’t show it, but Middle East at the same circuit for then- ditions that day and because perform- The wish went unfulfi lled as Silver- through time, passing pictures of icons world title in the elite division, is we made good progress last time dominant Ferrari. ance had never been the aim. stone will host the British Grand Prix in such as Schumacher, Alain Prost, Niki relishing the chance of another and we are understanding the “I don’t think he’s looking very similar “It was his very fi rst day on an F1 car; July. The organisers there were unwilling Lauda and Ayrton Senna. Texas triumph. bike more and more. to Michael but the way he’s behaving is more important for him still in the learn- to move from the traditional date in July There are a couple of cars in miniature Austin “is one of my favourite “When the conditions of- very similar,” Binotto, who worked close- ing phase, day-by-day, is facing a com- to an earlier spot in the race calendar. form, a small collection of helmets, in- tracks”, he told his Honda team’s fer grip, I feel very strong on the ly with the champion during a golden era pletely new challenge in his F2 season,” “The weather there is also not good cluding some from Schumacher, a few website. “These counter-clock- Honda — the team and I just need at Ferrari that ended in 2006, told report- he said. right now,” conceded British world steering wheels in a show-case and three wise circuits always seem to suit more time riding to understand ers at the Chinese Grand Prix on Friday. “I think what was certainly positive champion Lewis Hamilton. older F1 cars. my style the best.” how to have this strong feeling “The way he approaches the exercise was the way he approached the exercise, Therefore Formula One will celebrate A championship winning car is miss- But he was wary of not allow- when the grip is less.” and the way he’s interested in the car, dis- the approach to the day of testing, never the 1,000th race jubilee not at its tra- ing. One which the current crop of driv- ing his accomplishments in Aus- Yamaha’s evergreen 40-year- cussing it with the technicians,” he add- pushing to the limit, trying to improve ditional English home but Shanghai, a ers could consider from earlier times. tin to lead to any complacency. old Rossi is basking from his po- ed. So even in Maranello, you are looking run-by-run, learning the car, learning mega-city with more than 20mn inhab- Hamilton would like to have driven in “Although we have achieved a dium in Argentina when he burst after him but he’s always in the workshop the team. itants. the 1980s while Kimi Raikkonen, at 39 lot of success here in the past, we past Dovizioso on the fi nal cir- looking at the car, speaking with the me- “I think in that respect he did a very “It is one of the most exciting places the oldest active driver, looks a little fur- will work as we always do from cuit to snatch second. chanics, and I think that’s very similar to good job: very well focused, concentrated for the future of Formula One,” said cur- ther back to the late 1960s and 1970s. free practice one and remain fo- “Tricky, diffi cult and techni- his father.” Schumacher senior, now 50, and tried to do the proper job and learn. I rent chief executive Chase Carey yester- The now 91-year-old Herrmann raced cused. cal” is how the heavily-deco- has not been seen in public since he suf- think that’s the most you may expect on day. The American replaced Ecclestone, in the middle of the 1950s — when China “Every year when you go to a rated motorcycling veteran de- fered severe head injuries in a 2013 skiing such a day.” who has since turned 88, in January 2017. seemed a diff erent world to the sport. track there are new things to un- scribes Austin.

Saturday, April 13, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

VOLLEYBALL Al Rayyan retain Qatar Cup for third title of the season ‘We knew that we needed to perform at a high level to beat Police. That’s exactly what we did’

By Sports Reporter in the second set to take an initial Doha lead and later thwarted Rayyan’s repeated attempts to equalize, before Mikko Oivanen set up the l Rayyan overcame Po- set-point with a power-packed lice resistance to retain smash. Willner Rivas went in Qatar Cup Volleyball with a kill to win the set. title yesterday. Al Rayyan broke away early in AAt the Qatar Volleyball Associ- the third set before Police again ation (QVA) Indoor Hall, Rayyan recovered, threatening many times took 105 minutes to clinch their to equalise. A fi ne show by Marcus third title of the season with a 3-1 put Rayyan in the lead again. (25-20, 23-25, 25-22, 25-17) win. In the fourth set, Rayyan were They had earlier won the season- 6-8 down, but they bounced opening Super Cup and the Arab back to make it 8-8 and then took Club Championships in Tunis. a commanding 13-8 advantage. “We knew that we needed to This set them on the course for perform at a high level to beat another title as they were leading Police. That’s exactly what we 18-10. Belal rose from the middle did. We pushed a bit through our to set up the match point (24- service and had a strong attack,” 15) and they did not have to wait Al Rayyan Club coach Carlos much as Rychlicki blasted the Schwanke said. winner to clinch the title. For Rayyan, Rychlicki scored We lost a bit of attack a match-high 22 points, while during the second set Marcus scored 14, Belal 12, Fawe that we lost but recov- Bairama 10 and Vukasinovic ered well to win the title. nine. For Police, Rivas led the ‘ scoring with 19 points. Nadir We’re strong and on the right path. The next target Abubakr secured 13 and Chigbo here is the Amir Cup contributed 10. — Carlos Schwanke, QVA president Ali Ghanim al- Al Rayyan coach Kuwari said Al Rayyan deserved the title, adding that they are the best team this season. He He added: “We tried to fi nd expressed his satisfaction about our own rhythm and upset Police the level of performance the two with good block and defence. We teams off ered in the final match, lost a bit of attack during the sec- noting that Al Rayyan had a great ond set that we lost but recovered season but the tournament was well to win the title. We’re strong generally of high level. and on the right path. The next Winners Al Rayyan pocketed target here is the Amir Cup.” QR300,000, while Police received This was Rayyan’s 10th title in QR200,000 for their second suc- Al Rayyan players lift the Qatar Cup trophy in the presence of Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) president Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari, QVA Board member Mohamed Salem al-Kuwari and 11 events. It started from 2016- cessive runners-up fi nish. other off icials yesterday. PICTURES: Othman Khalid 17 Amir Cup. The only title they missed during this period was the recently concluded QVA League that was bagged by Police. In the fi rst set, with the help of some solid defence, the defend- ing champions went six points clear (12-6). Police came back strong and reduced the gap to two points (16-18). However, Al Rayyan sealed the set with Be- lal’s winner. Police saved one set-point through John Chigbo’s spike but they could not prolong the opener when Marcus pushed the ball down with force to put Al Rayyan 1-0 up. A determined Police regrouped Police received QR200,000 for their runner-up eff ort. Action from the Qatar Cup final between Al Rayyan (in black and red) and Police (in blue and white).

GOLF Molinari and Poulter share lead at Augusta AFP with a win this week at age 48, Augusta, United States Johnson red-faced played the front nine in par in his aft er practice 100th career Masters round but a swing gaff e bogey at 10 dropped him back to eigning British Open four-under. champion Francesco American Zach Johnson acci- Mickelson birdied the second Molinari of Italy charged dentally struck his ball during and bogeyed the fi fth, then found into the lead yesterday a practice swing on the 13th trees left and right of the fairway atR the Masters as Tiger Woods on the way to a bogey at the par- tee during the second round and Rory McIlroy began their of the Masters yesterday, 5 eighth — only to respond by second rounds at Augusta Na- producing the kind of cringe- sinking a 13-foot birdie putt at tional. worthy moment every golfer the ninth. An afternoon drama was set dreads. Johnson, giving his Mickelson, a fi ve-time major to unfold with a fi stful of con- club a forceful swing through winner, is a few months older tenders within two shots on one the air, clunked the ball into than Julius Boros when he set of golf’s greatest stages, playing the marker, proving that the current mark by winning the receptive after early rain but still even major champions can 1968 PGA Championship. confounding many of the sport’s make silly mistakes. Luckily, top shotmakers. the 43-year-old emerged TIGER AND RORY START Sixth-ranked Bryson De- unscathed — pride not with- Woods, a 14-time major winner Chambeau shared the 18-hole standing — as no penalty was seeking his fi rst major title since lead with fourth-ranked US applied and he went on to the 2008 US Open, and four- countryman Brooks Koepka af- birdie the 13th hole. The 2007 time major champion McIlroy, ter opening 66s and stayed atop Masters champion was in seeking a green jacket to com- the fi eld through his front nine the middle of the pack as he plete a career Grand Slam, went thanks to birdies at the par-5 wound his way through the off in the fi nal two groups. second and eighth holes against back nine, after scoring a 74 Woods, a four-time Masters bogeys at the seventh and ninth, in the opening round. champion, returned from spi- when his approaches went over nal fusion surgery last year and the greens. contended in the British Open But DeChambeau, whose best Day had been a question mark and PGA Championship as well major fi nish in 10 starts was after aggravating a back injury on as snapping a fi ve-year US PGA a share of 15th at the 2016 US Thursday. title drought by taking the Tour Open, was undone at the par- Fourth-ranked Koepka, last Championship title. 4 10th, when he chipped over year’s US Open and PGA Cham- At 12th in the world, Woods is the green, pitched to 19 feet and pionship winner who missed the the highest-ranked player this missed his bogey putt, stumbling 2018 Masters with a left wrist week to have won a green jacket, back to four-under. injury, slid from the lead with this marking the fi rst Masters That turned the lead over to a roller coaster start — birdies since rankings began in 1986 European stars Molinari, who sandwiched around a double bo- where no one in the top 10 has birdied the par-3 12th, and Eng- gey at the second when he found won at Augusta National. land’s Ian Poulter, who birdied 12 left trees off the tee and needed McIlroy struggled with a 73 and the par-5 13th. But Poulter three strokes to escape the pines. to start while Woods opened on stumbled to a bogey at the 14th Bogeys at the par-3 fourth 70, just as he did in his fi rst three and that left Molinari alone at the Italy’s Francesco Molinari hits off the bunker during the second round of the Masters in Augusta, United States, yesterday. (Reuters) and sixth followed but a birdie at Masters triumphs. top. eight kept him only one adrift. A McIlroy victory would put Molinari, who opened Thurs- won his fi rst major title at last Seventh-ranked Molinari, Poulter, a long-time European his back-to-back birdies and bo- the Northern Ireland star in elite day on 70, birdied the par-4 third year’s British Open and went on never better than 19th at the Ryder Cup star seeking his fi rst gey leaving “Amen Corner.” MICKELSON’S 100TH company with a win in every ma- and left the front nine with back- to be Europe’s hero at last year’s Masters, won last month’s Ar- major title in his 60th career ma- That left him in a share of third US left-hander Phil Mickelson, jor, joining Woods, Jack Nicklaus, to-back birdies. Ryder Cup, going 5-0 in a victory nold Palmer Invitational and was jor start, had a bogey-birdie start on fi ve-under with Australian Ja- who would become the oldest Gary Player, Gene Sarazen and The 36-year-old from Turin over the United States in France. third in the WGC Match Play. then reeled off nine pars before son Day and Koepka. major champion in golf history Ben Hogan.