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Home , Dominic Thiem

TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2019 SPORT 07 Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play in Miami this year. Argentine Juan Martin Del FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Looking forward to coming Potro on his withdrawal from Scottish Championship: National League: Barnet back in 2020. . Dundee United vs Ross County vs Harrogate Town ACTION TODAY’S Thiem downs Federer in Indian Wells final

AFP Thiem leapfrogs INDIAN WELLS Swiss superstar Dominic Thiem denied a record sixth Indian in ATP rankings Wells title, beating the Swiss It feels just unreal what great 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 on Sunday to happened in these 10 AFP claim his first ATP Masters 1000 days. I came from a really PARIS crown. bad form in all categories, The 25-year-old Austrian, Dominic Thiem climbed to a ranked eighth in the world, had and now I’m the champion career-best ranking of fourth fallen in two prior Masters finals, of Indian Wells: Thiem yesterday after clinching his both in Madrid. maiden ATP Masters title with But he rallied for a third his defeat of Roger Federer at career win over Federer in five Indian Wells. meetings, his first over the Swiss Austrian Thiem, who was on hard courts. also briefly ranked fourth in the “It feels just unreal what world in late 2017, rose four happened in these 10 days,” places after beating Federer Thiem said. 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 on Sunday to deny “I came from a really bad the Swiss star a record sixth form in all categories, and now Indian Wells crown. Federer, 37, I’m the champion of Indian dropped one spot to fifth as the Wells. top three remained unchanged “It feels not real at all,” added with ahead of Thiem, the first Austrian to win and Alexander a masters 1000 title since Zverev despite the Serb’s third- at Miami in round exit in California. 1997. Thiem earned the crucial ATP RANKINGS break in the 11th game of the final set, connecting on two sharply 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10,990 pts angled passing winners off of 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,725 Federer drop shots to give 3. (GER) 6,630 4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,755 (+4) himself a break point which he Dominic Thiem poses with his 5. Roger Federer (SUI) 4,600 (-1) converted with a stinging trophy. Inset: Roger Federer 6. (JPN) 4,235 (+1) forehand winner. reacts after losing the final. “He stayed cool under 7. (RSA) 4,115 (-1) pressure there,” Federer said. 8. Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) “When he got up to the ball, Federer, fresh off a “It’s tough against Roger, Thiem clawed a break back, but important five minutes in the 3,585 (-3) stayed calm, made the shot.” remarkable 100th career title in Rafa (Nadal), Novak (Djokovic),” Federer responded with another match,” Federer said. “It was 9. (USA) 3,485 Thiem sealed the match after Dubai, remains tied with Novak Thiem said. hard-won break for a 5-3 lead crucial.” 10. (GRE) 3,160 two hours and two minutes Djokovic for the most Indian “Because you have to beat and captured the set with a A hold at love put Thiem up 11. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,095 when Federer’s found Wells victories with five. not only the player but somehow service winner. 4-1 and on the way to forcing the 12. (RUS) 2,845 the net and will now return to a Thiem claimed his 12th also the great aura they all have, Coming into the contest third set. (+1) career-high ranking of fourth in career title -- as he noted at the all these titles they have won. Federer had won 20 straight Federer said it wasn’t a 13. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,345 (-1) the world, bumping Federer trophy ceremony when he “So you have to play finals when claiming the opening defeat that would fester. down to fifth. acknowledged Federer. somehow double-good to beat set. “I had my chances. I was in 14. (CAN) 2,275 It was the second year in a “I think it’s not my right to them.” But Thiem was not about to the points,” he said. 15. (RUS) 2,230 row that Federer was denied in congratulate you, you have 88 Thiem was under attack go quietly, saving break points “That’s why I’m not too dis- 16. (ITA) 2,021 the Indian Wells final. In 2018 he more titles than me,” Thiem told early, saving three break points for a 2-1 lead in the second and appointed. I feel like he had to 17. (ITA) 1,885 missed out on three champi- Federer as he accepted the before succumbing on a fourth breaking for a 3-1 lead as the come up with the goods ... (I) just 18. Gael Monfils (FRA) 1,875 (+1)

onship points as he fell to Argen- trophy, calling it a privilege to in the second game as Federer Swiss suddenly couldn’t put a came up against somebody who 19. (GEO) 1,865 tina’s Juan Martin del Potro in the play against the 37-year-old raced to a 3-0 lead. first serve in. was on the day a bit better when 20. (BEL) 1,685 (+1) title match. superstar. Federer led 4-1 before “I think that was a really it really mattered.” Del Potro to miss Andreescu soars after Miami Open, may need surgery on historic win over Kerber knee: Source

AFP WTA RANKINGS of injuries and a slump in form REUTERS PARIS threatened to derail her career. BUENOS AIRES 1. (JPN) 5,991 pts On Sunday, Andreescu Canadian teenager Bianca 2. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 5,550 (+1) overcame nerves, arm and leg Argentine Juan Martin Del Andreescu rocketed up 36 places 3. (ROU) 5,457 (-1) issues in the final set to earn the Potro (pictured) will miss to a new best of 24th in the WTA 4. Angelique Kerber (GER) 5,315 first title of her fledgling career the upcoming Miami Open rankings a day after her historic 5. (UKR) 5,225 (+1) with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over because of a knee injury, triumph at Indian Wells. 6. Sloane Stephens (USA) 5,222 Kerber. with a source close to the The 18-year-old Andreescu 7. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,145 Andreescu won on her player telling he may have beat Germany’s Angelique 8. (NED) 4,995 (-1) fourth match point when Kerber to undergo surgery. Kerber in Sunday’s final to 9. (BLR) 3,620 netted a backhand. She broke Del Potro, ranked fifth become the first women’s 10. (USA) 3,406 Kerber three times in the third in the world, was unable wildcard to win the Indian 11. (AUS) 3,395 set, rallying from a 3-2 deficit to to defend his BNP Paribas Open title in Indian Wells title. (+1) take four of the final five games. Wells this week as he underwent treatment on Andreescu, with just Andreescu dropped her 12. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) the injured right knee. one main draw racket near the baseline and fell 13. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) It has not recovered sufficiently to allow him victory to date, con- on her back, her legs in the air to play in Miami, which begins next week. 14. (BEL) 2,800 tinued her meteoric as she covered her face in dis- “Unfortunately I won’t be able to play in 15. Julia Goerges (GER) 2,780 rise having been belief. After getting up and Miami this year,” Del Potro said on Twitter. 16. Madison Keys (USA) 2,726 ranked 243rd as exchanging kisses with Kerber, “Looking forward to coming back in 2020!” recently as last 17. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) the teen bent down and kissed A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, October. 18. Wang Qiang (CHN) 2,607 the sunbaked hard court and said the 30-year-old might have to have surgery

Wimbledon 19. Anett Kontaveit (EST) 2,465 dropped to her back again, her on the fractured kneecap that has kept his appear- champion Kerber 20. (SUI) 2,420 arms and legs splayed, before ances to a bare minimum since October when he moved up four places grabbing her head. withdrew from the Shanghai Masters. to fourth as Naomi defence. Simona Halep, who also “This moment has become The injury came at the tail-end of Del Potro’s Osaka stayed top lost in the fourth round, slipped a reality so it’s really, really best season in years. of the pile from second to third as the crazy,” Andreescu told the crowd He won titles in Indian Wells and Acapulco despite Romanian was replaced by Petra before speaking a bit of and reached the final of the US Open to climb to crashing out Kvitova. Romanian. a career high No. 3 in the world. in the last 16 Belinda Bencic continued Born in Canada, she later in a failed her resurgence as she broke back moved with her parents to A source, speaking on condition of title into the top 20 after reaching Romania, where she first started anonymity, said the 30-year-old might the Indian Wells semi-finals, a playing tennis. have to have surgery on the fractured run that included a victory over Kerber was the last of five of Canada poses with the kneecap that has kept his appearances Osaka. The 21-year-old Swiss seeded players that Andreescu to a bare minimum since October winner’s trophy after defeating Angelique won her first title in four years knocked off in her seven when he withdrew from the Shanghai Kerber of Germany in the women’s singles at Dubai last month after a string matches. final on Sunday. Masters. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2019 McIlroy holds off Furyk to win Players Championship

AFP Rory McIlroy PGA PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIPS FLORIDA shows how SCORES the sole of Rory McIlroy celebrated Saint his shoes 272 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 67-65-70-70 Patrick’s Day with a one-shot matches the 273 - Jim Furyk 71-64-71-67 victory at The Players Champi- winner’s trophy 274 - Eddie Pepperell (ENG) 72-68-68- onship on Sunday, firing a after winning 66, Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) 72-69-67-66 two-under-par final round 70 to The Players 275 - Dustin Johnson 69-68-69-69, claim his first title of 2019. Championship The 29-year-old Northern at TPC Brandt Snedeker 69-72-65-69, Tommy Irishman overcame a shaky start Sawgrass in Fleetwood (ENG) 65-67-70-73 at TPC Sawgrass to card six birdies Ponte Vedra 276 - Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 71-72- against two bogeys and a double- Beach, Florida, 66-67, Justin Rose (ENG) 74-66- 68-68, bogey to finish one clear of US on Sunday. veteran Jim Furyk on 16 under. Brian Harman 66-69-71-70, Jason Day Furyk had surged into con- (AUS) 70-66-68-72 tention with a closing 67, a round 277 - Adam Scott (AUS) 70-69-68-70, which included an eagle, five Joel Dahmen 69-71-67-70, Abraham birdies and two bogeys on the chal- Ancer (MEX) 69-66-70-72, Jon Rahm lenging Stadium Course layout. (ESP) 69-68-64-76 The win earned McIlroy a $2.2m winner’s cheque and could not have been better timed as he prepares for The Masters at Augusta But it was a disappointing final next month where he is aiming to round for Spain’s Jon Rahm, who had complete a career grand slam. taken a one-shot lead into fourth It was another battling per- round. Rahm closed with a four-over- formance by McIlroy, who was able par 76 to finish in a tie for 12th place to regain his composure at several on 11 under, five adrift of McIlroy. key moments on Sunday to stay in Meanwhile former world the hunt. number Tiger Woods rounded out A bogey on the 14th had his week with a solid three-under- dropped McIlroy adrift of the lead, par 69 which left him six under for but he fought back with birdies on the tournament. the 15th and 16th to regain a one- “I hoped that if I just stayed England’s Eddie Pepperell and Woods’ challenge at the Players shot lead with two to play. patient enough and waited my turn Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas fin- unravelled during Friday’s second The 29-year-old four-time things would work out and I’m glad ished tied for third on 14 under after round, when a quadruple bogey major winner then finished with they have.” both closing with 66s. seven at the 17th checked his two pars to close out and seal his Furyk meanwhile had faced an Pepperell’s round included a momentum. 15th US PGA Tour title. agonising wait to see if he had done sensational, curling 50-foot birdie “I was close to getting over McIlroy said his experience on enough for victory after completing putt on the island green on the 17th the hurdle and getting things the tour this year -- where he has his five-under-par round. which had given him a fleeting rolling, and unfortunately I posted five top-10 finishes but has The 48-year-old US Ryder Cup share of the lead. made a seven over been unable to get over the line -- captain produced two birdies in his Vegas managed to outshine at 17 (on Friday),” had helped him seal victory. final three holes to close on 15 Pepperell’s stunning effort on the said Woods. “I think all those experiences I under. 17th, rolling in a gargantuan 70-foot “I’m excited the way I drove it. had starting the year helped,” The highlight was a magnificent putt for birdie. I drove the ball well this week,” McIlroy said after his win. birdie on the 18th, when he drilled Vegas and Pepperell finished added Woods, whose next outing “I felt more and more confident his second from the fairway 172 one clear of Dustin Johnson, Tommy will come at the WGC-Dell Tech- each time. I just stayed as patient yards to within three feet of the pin Fleetwood and Brandt Snedeker, nologies Match Play from March as I possibly could. for a simple tap-in. who shared fifth on 13 under. 27-31 at Austin, Texas.

Williams lifts Clippers to 119-116 win over Nets Westbrook handed one-game ban AP LA Clippers guard Lou Williams shoots against LOS ANGELES Brooklyn Nets during their NBA game played at Staples Center in Los Angeles, on Sunday. AFP Lou Williams hit the game-winning LOS ANGELES 3-pointer from the top of the key at the final buzzer to give the Los Angeles Oklahoma City Thunder all-star Russell West- Clippers a 119-116 victory over the brook was slapped with a one-game ban Sunday Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night. for taking out his frustrations on an opponent in Los Angeles led 116-106 with 1:02 a 110-88 NBA loss to the Golden State Warriors. remaining, only to see Brooklyn score The league’s disciplinary officials suspended 10 straight points and tie it with 5.3 Westbrook after he picked up his 16th technical seconds remaining on DeMarre Car- foul of the season on Saturday night. roll’s dunk. The Clippers called a Under NBA rules, players are automatically timeout to set up the winning shot for suspended when they hit 16 technicals in a season Williams, who finished with 25 points. and if Westbrook collects two more then his coach Montrezl Harrell and Danilo Gall- could also be banned for a game. inari each scored 20 for the Clippers, A frustrated Westbrook received the technical who have won seven of their last eight. with 3:29 remaining in the one-sided home contest The victory was Doc Rivers’ 300th as when he was blocked by Klay Thompson. Westbrook Clippers coach, making him the got upset because no foul was called and immedi- seventh coach in NBA history with 300 ately charged at Thompson, fouling him instead. or more regular-season wins with two Westbrook missed all seven of his three-point or more teams. attempts and shot a dismal two-for-16 from the D’Angelo Russell led the Nets with floor against Golden State. 32 points, and Carroll added 22. He will serve his suspension Monday, when The game was tied at 87 at the the Thunder host the Miami Heat. end of the third quarter when the The suspension came five days after West- Clippers went on an 18-4 run the first brook received a $25,000 fine for an altercation five minutes of the fourth, shooting with a Utah Jazz fan. 7 of 9 from the field. Brooklyn scored The 2017 NBA MVP later said he had been sub- 10 straight to draw within 105-101 Sixers beat Bucks to clinch post-season spot jected to racist abuse. with 5:23 remaining before the The Jazz said the fan Clippers answered with six consec- AFP Jimmy Butler had 27 points and quarter as the Knicks ended a run of involvedvolved in the incidentincident utive points. LOS ANGELES JJ Redick 19 for the Sixers, who won eight consecutive defeats with an hadad beenbeen bannedbanned for The Nets dominated the early part their fourth in a row. upset win at Madison Square Garden. lifee ffromrom thethe venue.venue. of the game and led 46-27 with 8:07 Joe Embiid scored 40 points and 15 Antetokounmpo carried the It marked another grim mile- TheThe Jazz followefollowedd left in the second quarter before the rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers Bucks on his back with one of the stone in the Lakers’ rocky season, upp byby banningbanning a Clippers took over, going on a 33-9 run overcame Giannis Antetokounmpo’s best games of his career. He also 16 which has nosedived dramatically secondecond ffanan forfor over the final eight minutes to take a career-high 52 points with a playoff rebounds and seven assists and Khris since the turn of the year. “degradingdegrading and 60-55 lead at halftime. Gallinari scored berth clinching 130-125 win over the Middleton added 19 points. The Knicks are rooted to the offensive”fensive” languagelanguage 13 and Harrell added 12 during the run Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. The Bucks played without guard bottom of the Eastern Conference aimedmed at WestbrookWestbrook as Los Angeles went 11 of 14 from the It was Embiid’s 52nd double- Malcolm Brogdon, who will be side- with the worst record in the NBA, beforeefore a 2018 playoffplayoff field and was 3 of 4 on 3-pointers. double and the 25th time he has lined for at least six weeks with a with Sunday’s win seeing them gameame in Salt Lake CityCity Brooklyn started the game making scored at least 30 points and seized plantar fascia tear in right foot. improve to 14 wins against 56 TheThe NBA hhasas calledcalled nearly half its shots from the field, but 10 rebounds in a NBA game. Embiid made two free throws in defeats. onn allall 3030 teamsteams to sendsend was 3 of 17 during the Clippers’ run. Embiid’s best quarter was the the final seconds of the fourth to help The Lakers meanwhile are stuck outut a memo to their fans,fans, A 3-pointer by Landry Shamet gave fourth when he tallied 18 points as seal the win. in 11th spot in the Western Con- askingking to respect the Clippers an 11-point lead four the Sixers earned a spot in the Elsewhere, LeBron James scored ference with 31 wins and 39 defeats, thee players.players. minutes into the third quarter before Eastern Conference playoffs by 33 points but it was not enough to nine wins fewer than the Los Angeles the Nets fought back. Harris and beating the top-ranked team. prevent the Los Angeles Lakers sliding Clippers, who occupy the last Russell each had six points during a “They are the best team in the to an embarrassing 124-123 defeat to remaining playoff berth. 19-4 run that saw them hold an 82-77 NBA right now, as far as record goes,” the league-worst New York Knicks. Dejected Lakers coach Luke advantage with 3:23 remaining in the Embiid said. “No. 1 in our conference. The Lakers, who are all but out Walton, whose job is reportedly in quarter. Los Angeles rallied though to I felt like we had to make a of contention for the play-offs, blew peril, praised the Knicks for digging knot it up going into the fourth. statement. We had to get this win.” a 122-111 lead late in the fourth out an improbable win. Russell Westbrook TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2019 SPORT 09

Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas (right) and second-placed Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton attend a press conference Five things we after the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. learned from the Australian “It was really about bringing Grand Prix the car home in one piece and making sure we had the one- AFP two. Pretty straightforward to MELBOURNE be honest. I’ve been here a long, long time and I’ve never known Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes after the first race. You usually won the Australian Grand Prix take from the first four races a bit at the weekend. Here are five of an idea of where we all stand. things we learned from Formula It could be like this for four races One’s season opener: or it could be scattered. I don’t have a crystal ball so I can’t tell MERCEDES ARE TEAM TO you but I can assure you we’ll be BEAT pushing onwards and upwards Pre-season testing pointed from here.” to Ferrari having the upper Lewis Hamilton hand but Mercedes proved con- sistently faster throughout the “I think we should be a top weekend as Lewis Hamilton eight car all the first part of the dominated the free practice season and then hopefully even sessions and qualifying while better. I think Bahrain will be a his flying Finnish team-mate bit easier. That’s like a holiday Valtteri Bottas got off to a week – there’s really nothing stunning start by winning Sun- going on, so I can actually day’s race by almost 21 seconds prepare properly. For sure I’m from the Briton. frustrated because everyone Ferrari blamed balance expects so much, but the reality issues around the bumpy track is I’ve got to show up on Sunday. and they clearly have work to And when the race is over in five do before the next race in Revitalised Bottas lets seconds, whether it’s bad luck Bahrain, with Sebastian Vettel or not, I feel like the preparation finishing a distant fourth, 57.1 seconds behind Bottas. His wasn’t where it should be.” partner Charles Leclerc was Daniel Ricciardo fifth. rip at critics after win “This weekend is not the real potential of our car,” AFP support you, and honestly I appreciate that ahead with another 20 races to go before the A QUICK RECAP insisted Ferrari chief Mattia MELBOURNE a lot. There are many people around me, sup- world champion is crowded. 1. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 58 Binotto. porting me. Hamilton, who was left mystified by his laps, 1:25:27.325, 26 points Valtteri Bottas says something changed “There are always ups and downs, and lack of speed after dominating the free 2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 58, RED BULL WARM TO “inside his head” after being overshadowed you can really see the true support quite practice sessions and qualifying, was left +20.886s, 18 HONDA by team-mate Lewis Hamilton last year, with easily. And then through the difficult times ruing a wheelspin at the start that let Bottas 3. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Red Bull proved they have the fired-up Finn unloading on his critics there’s the other part, which is a lot more take the lead at the first corner. Honda, 58, +22.520s, 15 enough power in their new after winning the Australian Grand Prix. negative.” “Ultimately I didn’t do a good enough 4. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 58, Honda engines to be a genuine The 29-year-old Mercedes ace, ham- Bottas, conscious that he needs to deliver job,” he said. +57.109s, 12 contender this year, with the pered by mechanical problems and bad luck, this year with promising Frenchman Esteban Reports suggested Mercedes had dis- 5. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 58, aggressive Max Verstappen failed to win a single race in 2018 as the Ocon waiting in the wings as the team’s covered damage to the floor of his car, pos- +58.230s, 10 charging to third and overtaking Briton stormed to 11 victories and secured a reserve driver, said he learned a lot from sibly caused by hitting debris or running 6. Kevin Magnussen, Haas Ferrari, Vettel along the way. fifth world title. 2018 and had taken it on board. across a kerb, which would explain why he 58, +87.156s, 8 “The car was working really It sparked criticism of his abilities, which “For sure every year you learn as a couldn’t keep pace with the Finn. 7. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault, 57, well and we also look strong on clearly irked Bottas who let rip on the team person, you learn about yourself, what works Despite his disappointment, Hamilton +1 lap, 6 the straights which is hopefully radio after crossing the finish line in Mel- for you, what doesn’t work for you in terms said he was happy for Bottas and would 8. Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo a good sign for the rest of the bourne for his first chequered flag since Abu of preparation,” he said. bounce back at the next race in Bahrain. Racing Ferrari, 57, +1 lap, 4 season,” said the Dutchman. Dhabi in 2017. “How you rest, how you spend your free “Valtteri drove an incredible race so he 9. Lance Stroll, Racing Point BWT His new team-mate Pierre “To whom it may concern, **** you,” he time, how you do the training, how much truly deserved it and we just have some work Mercedes, 57, +1 lap, 2 Gasly suffered in qualifying said after beating Hamilton by almost 21 training, what kind, all those kind of things, to do,” he said. 10. Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro from a team strategy error seconds, with the nearest Ferrari of Sebastian travel plans, all sorts. “But it’s still a great start to the year and Rosso Honda, 57, +1 lap, 1 and didn’t get further than the Vettel 57 seconds adrift. “So (I’m) just trying to optimise every- more than we could have hoped as a team.” first session. The Frenchman He explained later that the comment was thing for this year, try to maximise every For pre-season favourites Ferrari it was 1. Mercedes - 44 started 17th on the grid but inspired by the non-believers, who he single thing that is possible. a rude wake-up call, with the Italian team 2. Ferrari - 22 reaffirmed his potential by wouldn’t identity but that “it would be quite “I don’t know, it’s quite difficult to blaming balance setup issues for their lack 3. Red Bull Racing Honda - 15 weaving through the field to a long list”. explain what’s been going on here last winter, of a competitive edge. 4. Haas Ferrari - 8 finish 11th. “It just came, I just wanted to send my inside of my head, and definitely something “We were just slow,” said Vettel. “We 5. Renault - 6 best regards,” he told reporters. “That’s it. changed in terms of the way I feel about need to get back, have a good look and I’m 6. Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari - 4 RICCIARDO HAS HORROR Honestly, I didn’t think about it or plan it, it things in life in general and in racing.” sure we’ll find something because we know 7. Racing Point BWT Mercedes - 2 SHOW just came. While Bottas drew first blood against that the car is better than what we have seen 8. Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda - 1 Daniel Ricciardo’s off-season “Obviously there are many people who Hamilton and Ferrari, there is a long season today.” move from Red Bull to Renault raised more than a few eye- brows and his 2019 campaign with his new team couldn’t Fastest lap point helps have got off to a worse start. The Australian smashed his Bottas make F1 history front wing just metres after the race start and was forced to retire on lap 31, ending a for- REUTERS deny Red Bull’s Max gettable home Grand Prix. LONDON Verstappen. His team-mate Nico With 21 races, and therefore Hulkenberg came home an Valtteri Bottas won the season- an extra 21 points available so Mercedes’ encouraging seventh, showing opening Australian Grand Prix long as the fastest lap is set by a Finnish driver that Renault might be able to for Mercedes with the fastest lap driver finishing in the top 10, the compete with Haas and Red on Sunday and in the process tweak to the scoring system has Valtteri Bottas Bull this year. achieved a Formula One first, become an important gets ready while also ignoring team consideration. for a practice NORRIS TAKES ROOKIE instructions to play safe. Team bosses agreed it had session in HONOURS The Finn was the first driver added something to the show. Melbourne Of the four drivers embarking since the 1950s to win a point “It’s exciting,” said Red Bull on Saturday on a first full season, British for the fastest lap, under a new team boss Christian Horner. “We ahead of the teenager Lando Norris was the rule introduced this year, and were even debating do we take Australian standout. also the only one ever to score it with Pierre (Gasly), because Grand Prix. The talented McLaren more than 25 points in a race on he’s not in the top 10, to try and driver outshone his more expe- more than one occasion. take it off Mercedes. So you’ve rienced teammate Carlos Sainz The only other race in which got all kinds of dynamics. by finishing qualifying a highly drivers have been able to score “Max had a go at it, he had it Australian Grand Prix: credible eighth and finishing more than the maximum allo- in the bag for a couple of laps 12th in the race. “It’s cool to cated for a victory was the 2014 and then Valtteri does a 1.25 finish my first race and get it Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when (1:25.580) or something and OK The race facts and stats out of the way,” he said. double points were handed out we can’t do that. for the first and only time. “I thought it added an extra WWW.F1.COM of 2019, his last race win having ** It’s the first time Max Ver- WILLIAMS PLAY Bottas finished third in that strategic dynamic which was MELBOURNE come at the final race of 2017 stappen has ever secured a CATCH-UP, AGAIN race at Yas Marina for Williams, really quite interesting,” he – and with no victories in the podium at Albert Park, and the Williams appear to have made behind winner Lewis Hamilton added. After Valtteri Bottas dominated middle. first time a non-Mercedes or little progress from last year and now-retired Brazilian Felipe Mercedes team boss Toto proceedings at Melbourne’s ** Bottas also celebrates his Ferrari driver has appeared on when they propped up the con- Massa, and banked 30 points. On Wolff agreed the novelty pro- Albert Park, here are the key win six years to the day that he the podium since 2015. It’s also structors’ championship. Sunday he scored 26. vided another element, even if stat take-aways from the 2019 made his Grand Prix debut with the first time Vettel, and Ferrari, Robert Kubica, in his first A point for fastest lap was he had some reservations. Australian Grand Prix. Williams in 2013. have failed to be on the Mel- race since a horror rallying awarded between 1950 and 1959 “In the morning meeting ** Bottas’ winning margin bourne podium since 2015. accident in 2011, and rookie but in those days a win was when we talked about strategy, ** Every time a team has of 20.8 seconds was bigger than ** Verstappen’s third place George Russell were bottom of worth only eight points. I forbade them to go for the finished one-two in Melbourne any we saw in 2018. also gave Honda their first the timesheets, by some dis- The Finn said he had been fastest lap if we were running – as Mercedes did in 2019 – the ** It was the fourth time in podium finish since the 2008 tance, all weekend with the determined to get the maximum first, second or third,” he added. winning driver has claimed the as many years that Lewis Ham- Canadian Grand Prix, when team admitting it was an score, despite the risk of trying “They ignored me,” Wolff championship and the team has ilton has taken pole position in they were a fully fledged man- achievement to simply get both to set a fastest lap on worn tyres said. won the constructors’. And Australia only to finish second. ufacturer as well as an engine cars to the finish line. and being told before the race “All of them. At the end I’m that’s not happened once or ** Hamilton has now failed maker. Russell said afterwards that not to try and get it if in a very happy. Collecting that extra twice – it’s happened a full to win in Australia for the last ** Kevin Magnussen was a Williams had found a “funda- podium position. point I think is good. seven times! six years despite having con- strong P6 for Haas, giving the team mental” fault with the car. Bottas pulled it off on the “It’s entertaining. It’s a great ** Bottas wins the first race secutive pole positions! their first finish here since 2016. penultimate lap of the race to new part of the spectacle.” 10 SPORT TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2019 Afghanistan clinch maiden Test win

AFP DEHRADUN, INDIA

Afghanistan claimed their first ever victory in Test cricket yesterday, beating fellow newcomers Ireland in what ICC’s Chief captain Asghar Afghan hailed as Executive David a historic day for the war-torn country. Richardson Afghanistan and Ireland both achieved full member status of No complacency the International Cricket Council in 2017, becoming only the 11th on World Cup and 12th teams to play the long format of the sport beloved of security, says purists. Rahmat Shah and Ihsanullah Richardson Janat scored fifties as Afghan- istan chased down 147 to beat AFP Ireland by seven wickets on day KARACHI four of the one-off game in the north Indian city of Dehradun. “It’s a historic day for The deadly New Zealand Afghanistan, for our team and shootings which Bangladesh our people,” Afghan said. cricketers narrowly avoided “We have been playing for a means security will remain while, we have been playing an “absolute priority” going first-class cricket, so we have Afghan team members pose with the trophy after beating Ireland in their one-off Test, played into the World Cup, the head that composure. The bowlers of cricket’s governing body at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, India on Monday. were very good, Rashid (Khan), said Sunday. Yamin (Ahmadzai),” he added. Fifty people died in Afghanistan were steered to before the World Cup and we leap to Test cricket, taking on Murtagh set up the potentially SCOREBOARD attacks on two mosques in their target by a 139-run part- want to make every opportunity India in Bangalore, but were tricky chase for the Afghans. IRELAND, first innings ...... 172 Christchurch on Friday, in nership between Shah, who count,” the captain added. thrashed inside two days. It was Ireland’s second Test AFGHANISTAN, first innings ...... 314 what is believed to be the made 76, and debutant Janat, Cricket has become the Khan, the Indian Premier too. They played their debut Test IRELAND, second innings ...... 288 worst assault on Muslims in who hit an unbeaten 65. national sport of Afghanistan, torn League (IPL) sensation who is against Pakistan in Dublin last AFGHANISTAN, second innings a Western country. Shah, a top-order batsman, apart by decades of war, with second in the ICC one-day inter- year, losing by five wickets. (target 147; overnight 29-1) Bangladesh’s Test crick- registered his second fifty of the many of the Afghan players national rankings, played a key For Ireland, Tim Murtagh M. Shahzad c Poynter b McBrine ...... 2 eters were just a few match after making 98 in cutting their cricketing teeth in role in the Ireland game, taking stood out with scores of 54 not I. Janat not out ...... 65 minutes from being caught Afghanistan’s first innings score refugee camps in Pakistan. five wickets on Sunday as Ireland out and 27 batting at number 11. R. Shah st Poynter b Cameron-Dow ...... 76 up in the massacre, arriving of 314. The country gained one-day were dismissed for 288. “It’s been a long tour, but the M. Nabi run out (Murtagh/Poynter) ...... 1 in a bus at one of the With three needed to win, international status in 2009 and Khan returned career-best lads have been very good. You are H. Shahidi not out ...... 4 mosques as shooting began. Extras (w1) ...... 1 Afghanistan lost Shah and then have qualified for their second figures of five for 82 with his leg- never tired to play Test cricket, The third Test between Total (3 wickets, 47.5 overs) ...... 149 Mohammad Nabi in successive 50-over World Cup in England spin to stall Ireland’s resurgence it’s always a special feeling,” said Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Shahzad), 2-144 (Shah), Bangladesh and New deliveries before Hashmatullah and Wales, due to begin on May after Andy Balbirnie and Kevin Ireland captain William 3-145 (Nabi) Zealand which was due to Shahidi came to the crease and 30. They have also been part of O’Brien had hit gritty half-cen- Porterfield. Did not bat: A. Afghan, I.A. Khil, R. Khan, Y. start in Wellington on Sat- hit the winning boundary. four Twenty20 World Cups. turies in their second innings. Ireland lost the two Twenty20 Ahmadzai, W. Momand, W. Salamkheil urday was cancelled and the “I want to congratulate all the They have made India their Balbirnie made 82 and matches at the start of the series Bowling: Dockrell 22-7-58-0 (w1), McBrine 13- team returned home. lads in the team, they have been base since 2015, far away from O’Brien 56 before a 10th-wicket between the two minnows and 5-35-1, Cameron-Dow 5.5-0-24-1, Murtagh 5-3- Speaking on the side- absolutely brilliant,” said Afghan. the guns and bombs of their home 58-run partnership between then levelled the one-day inter- 15-0, Thompson 1-0-9-0, Balbirnie 1-0-8-0 lines of Pakistan Super “We have got a few games country. Last year they made the James Cameron-Dow and Tim nationals at 2-2. League (PSL) final in Karachi, the International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson Can beat any said security had to remain See you next year: PSL success “an absolute priority”. Test side if we “I don’t think security is anything new, obviously bat well: Nabi something happening in boosts Pakistan’s cricket revival New Zealand probably took AFP a lot of people by surprise DEHRADUN, INDIA AFP Cricket-starved fans and it emphasised the need KARACHI thronged the National Stadium not to be complacent, espe- Veteran all-rounder Mohammad for all eight matches, putting up cially going into the World Nabi yesterday said Afghanistan All future Pakistan Super with tight security checks and Cup,” Richardson said. has world-class spinners and is League matches could be long walks after shuttles The England and Wales capable of beating any Test side played on home soil after the dropped them a mile (1.6 kilo- Cricket Board will host the in the world if their batting last eight games of the 2019 metres) away from the stadium World Cup from May 30 to clicks. tournament went off without a with 13,000 policemen and July 14. Nabi’s comments come after hitch in Karachi, boosting hopes 2,500 military personnel “I know the work has Afghanistan registered their first of attracting more international deployed already been done by the ever Test triumph following teams, said the country’s cricket “Pakistan is a peaceful security director together their seven-wicket win over chief at Sunday’s final. country,” said one banner in the with all the security agencies Ireland in Dehradun. Quetta Gladiators beat Imran Khan stand, named after in the UK and they are Afghanistan, who lost the former champions Peshawar “I thank all the foreign Pakistan hosted Zimbabwe the former World Cup winning leaving no stone unturned,” debut Test to India in just two Zalmi by eight wickets on players who came here and I for five limited-over matches skipper and current Pakistan he added. days last year, joined an elite list Sunday to lift their maiden PSL hope to see them here for all in 2015 which was followed by prime minister who last week Richardson said of cricketing nations after winning title in a pulsating atmosphere the PSL matches next year,” the PSL final, three Twenty20 pledged to hold all PSL matches Pakistan had taken “a great their second five-day game. created by a capacity crowd of said Mani. internationals against a World on home grounds next year. step forward” in safely Australia won their debut 32,000 fans at the National Peshawar were restricted XI and a single Twenty20 inter- Watson said he had enjoyed hosting the PSL matches, a Test in 1877 and England and Stadium. to 138 for eight in their 20 overs. national all in Lahore in 2017. playing for the first time in decade on from an attack on Pakistan won in their second “Today is a historic day,” Umar Amin top scored with 38, Last year Pakistan hosted Pakistan, a country where Aus- the Sri Lankan team bus in Test outing. said Pakistan Cricket Board while rookie 18-year-old quick three PSL matches and the West tralia have not toured since Lahore which has seen “It’s a very historic day for (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani at bowler Mohammad Husnain Indies for a Twenty20 series. 1998 over security fears. foreign teams refuse to play whole of Afghanistan. Especially the closing ceremony on finished with three for 30. This year 43 foreign players, “It’s incredibly special to be in the country over security for those guys who bring cricket Sunday. Quetta raced to victory with including former Australia all- able to play in front of fears. from zero to the Test cricket. We “Around 230,000 people eight wickets and 13 balls to rounder Shane Watson and incredible atmosphere and Pakistan has gradually played two games and we won have watched matches in spare as former Pakistan opener current New Zealand opener fans,” said Watson. tried to revive international one,” Nabi told reporters. Karachi which indicates that Ahmed Shehzad (57) and Rilee Colin Munro, took part in the Losing skipper and former cricket at home, having “When you win then teams Pakistan is a safe country and (38) put on an unbroken 73-run PSL latter stages in Karachi. West Indies captain Darren hosted the finals of Pakistan will tell you to come and play we are gradually returning to stand to see the Gladiators home “I thank the people for Sammy described the atmos- Super League for the last two with them. Nobody plays a weak normal as far as hosting cricket at 139 for two. coming in big numbers,” phere as “electric.” years and played matches team. They might think that is concerned.” The first 26 round-robin Pakistan and Quetta captain “I have never played in such against a World XI, Sri Lanka Afghanistan is weak but not so Sri Lanka are in discussions matches were held in the Sarfraz Ahmed told the crowds an atmosphere,” said Sammy, and the West Indies. much that we can’t fight them. about playing two Tests in United Arab Emirates, which at the pre-match toss. who led West Indies to two This year eight PSL “We have the world’s best Pakistan in October and talks has been Pakistan’s neutral “We have sent a clear World Twenty20 titles in 2012 matches were hosted in spinners and we try to concen- are also taking place with Bang- venue since a deadly attack on message that Pakistan is pas- and 2016. “This proves that Karachi without incident trate on our batting line-up. If ladesh about a tour in early the Sri Lankan team bus in sionate about cricket and we Pakistan is ready for more and Richardson, a former we can put up a good score on 2020. Lahore 10 years ago. are ready to host more cricket.” cricket.” South African player, said it board then we are confident of was helping to change the beating any team in the world,” image of Pakistan. he added with a smile. “The perception outside Since overcoming the odds of Pakistan was that it was to compete in the 2010 World quite a dangerous place to T20 in England, the Afghan team visit in the past and that per- has managed to qualify for all ception slowly but surely has the major international tourna- been changed,” he said. ments and they now await their He said a recent tour by second appearance in the 43 foreign players, including upcoming 50-over World Cup. former Australia all-rounder But Nabi insisted a Test win Shane Watson and current is always special. New Zealand opener Colin “Every format is different. An aerial view of the Munro, reflected the changes Test has a different flavour to it. National Stadium in Pakistan has made. We played a lot of T20 and Karachi during the Trust over security has one-day matches and won but Pakistan super League “increased tremendously,” Test win was first,” said the final on Sonday. he added. 34-year-old Nabi. TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2019 SPORT 11

Ghiraldini QGF determined to host another ruptures knee ligaments blockbuster, says Al Buainain AFP MILAN

FAWAD HUSSAIN Italy hooker Leonardo Ghir- THE PENINSULA Promotional event for the 12th FIG World Cup in Doha aldini suffered ruptured cruciate knee ligaments in the Competition Manager for the team’s final Six Nations game, 12th FIG ART Individual Appa- the Italian rugby federation ratus World Cup, Abeer Al (FIR) confirmed yesterday. Buainain has said, the Qatar Toulouse hooker Ghiraldini, Gymnastics Federation (QGF) 34, was carried off to thun- was committed to delivering dering applause for his final another successful edition of the home game in Rome after 104 event, which will see top caps in a 25-14 defeat to France gymnasts in action from on Saturday. tomorrow at Aspire Dome. “Tests showed the rupture Al Buainain was speaking on of the cruciate ligament of the the sidelines of a promotional right knee, involving the medial event for the FIG World Cup, ligament and the meniscus,” held at Mall of Qatar. Several FIR said in a statement. gymnasts from various age “In the next few days the groups, representing QGF athlete will evaluate, together wowed the spectators who with the medical staff of the turned out in numbers. national team and the club he “The hosting of this 12th belongs to, the methods and edition of the World Gymnastics timing of the operation and the Championships is a challenge functional recovery and we are looking forward to programme.” staging another successful His absence will also be a event,” Al Buainain said. blow for Top 14 leaders Tou- “Interest shown by the louse, as well as Italy as they people here is a prove that gym- prepare for the World Cup in nastics is becoming popular in Japan from September 20 to the country and we hope to con- November 2. tinue delivering such big events,” Ruptured knee ligaments she added. typically take a minimum of six “Gymnastics is no less months to heal, making him important than other sports so Gymnasts perform during the promotional event for the 12th FIG ART Individual Apparatus World Cup at the Mall of Qatar. Inset: doubtful for the global Qatar is keen to develop it among Competition Manager for the 12th FIG ART Individual Apparatus World Cup, Abeer Al Buainain. Below: QGF President Ali Al Hitmi (right) showpiece. athletes from an early age. It is a along with other officials during the promotional event. “I want to thank (coach) basic sport to build a sporty body Conor (O’Shea), (captain) Sergio that is fit, flexible, dynamic and Qatar also hosted the 48th for berths that are on offer for (Parisse) and all the team-mates focused,” said Al Buainain. FIG ART World Championships the 2020 Tokyo Games. of the national team and the The promotional event was last October, which was dubbed Top star featuring in the club for being close to me attended by several officials as the ‘best-ever’ edition. event includes world champions immediately after the injury including QGF President Ali Al “I am confident that we will Xiao Ruoteng (CHN), Zou Jin- and all the people who continue Hitmi. live up to expectation and host gyuan (CHN) and Epke to support me with their Meanwhile, gymnasts from another successful competition,” Zonderland (NED). enormous affection,” said various countries underwent Al Hitmi said. World’s oldest Olympian Ghiraldini. training sessions at the Aspire “The World Championships Oksana Chusovitina, 43, (UZB), “For me a new challenge Dome, yesterday. last year was a huge success and who is targeting her record has already begun and I will Several Olympic and world hailed as the best-ever event by eighth appearance at the face it with all the determi- champions are among the stars top FIG officials. It motivates us Games, will also be competing nation possible to reach the who are taking part in the four- to continue hosting events on in Doha along with Belgium’s next goal, to be able to return day event in Doha. that scale. Though it is difficult reigning world champion Nina to the highest levels and be A total of 128 male and 60 task to maintain top standards, Derwael. selected for the upcoming female gymnasts from 57 coun- I am confident of our team will Hosts, Qatar will be repre- Rugby World Cup.” tries will be seen in action in the be able to that successfully,” he sented by three gymnasts - Italy lost their 22nd consec- highly-anticipated event, which added. Ahmed Al Dayani, Ahmed Mosa utive game in the Six Nations to QGF is organising for the 12th Apart from targeting the and Raslan Saoud - in the earn a fourth consecutive consecutive year. medals, gymnasts will also vie event. wooden spoon. TALKING POINTS FROM WEEKEND Guardiola praying his players return MANE IS LIVERPOOL’S MAIN MAN Team Sky can extend It has been over 11 hours since Liverpool for- ward Mohamed Salah found the back of the injury-free from international break net, last scoring in early February. dominance under However, with teams focused on closing Salah REUTERS crazy,” said the City manager. down, Sadio Mane has thrived on the oppo- MANCHESTER Guardiola confirmed those site flank with 11 goals in his last 11 games in not involved with their national new owners: Wiggins all competitions. Manchester City manager Pep We need everybody teams would have a week’s rest Mane overtook compatriot Demba Ba as the Guardiola hopes his players before returning to training but AFP Widespread reports Senegalese player with the most Premier return injury-free from the because we have counted on his injured players LONDON have suggested League goals in a single season with his 17th international break this month got to this stage to make a comeback and con- Britain’s richest man of the campaign, equalling Salah’s tally for for a hectic run of fixtures that where we are still tribute in any way possible. Former Tour de France Jim Ratcliffe, with an could define the Premier League “Everybody is going to play winner Bradley Wiggins says the season too. in with a chance of estimated fortune of SELECTIVE USE OF VAR IN CUP QUESTIONED champions’ season. and Kevin (De Bruyne), Fern- Team Sky can maintain their City play eight fixtures in 29 winning three more andinho, John (Stones), Benjamin dominance of cycling’s Grand £21bn ($28bn), will The absence of Video Assistant Referees days after the international trophies because of (Mendy) -- they are all going to Tour events under prospective step in and create (VARs) at two of the four FA Cup quarter-final break with the club fighting on everybody. Not just 11 be back soon and we need them. new owners, with general Team Ineos, after the games raised questions about why the sys- three fronts -- the league, FA Even if some play 10 or 15 manager Dave Brailsford in tem was not being used competition wide players, but everyone: chemicals giant that he Cup and Champions League -- minutes here and there,” Guar- an “ideal situation”. founded, and Wiggins after Manchester City benefited from mar- as they seek a quadruple having Pep Guardiola diola added. The media giant ginal decisions at Swansea City. already won the League Cup last “We need everybody announced in December it believes they will Pep Guardiola’s side came back from two month. fit,” Guardiola told City’s website. because we have got to this stage would be ending its decade- continue to thrive under goals down at the Liberty Stadium to win 3-2 They are currently second in “They have to go to their where we are still in with a long association with the team Brailsford. but the foul on Raheem Sterling that led to the league with a game in hand, national teams... enjoy and play chance of winning three more at the end of 2019, with 8 Grand the penalty was debatable while Sergio two points behind leaders Liv- for their country, but I hope they trophies because of everybody. Tour victories secured so far. Aguero scored an 88th-minute winner from erpool, while Guardiola’s side can come back fit like they are Not just 11 players, but Widespread reports have of how we advertise our an offside position. The system was in place also advanced to the FA Cup now,” he added. everyone.” suggested Britain’s richest company’. only at Premier League club stadiums hosting semi-finals and the Champions “I just want them fit and City’s next game is a league man Jim Ratcliffe, with an “Dave can continue quarter-final fixtures, namely Watford and League quarter-finals. here... With the fixtures we have trip to relegation strugglers estimated fortune of £21bn running out this team with all “I pray that they come back in April we need everybody, it’s Fulham on March 30. ($28bn), will step in and his plans and philosophies, so Wolverhampton Wanderers, while games at create Team Ineos, after the it’s an ideal situation for him Swansea and Millwall did not use VAR. chemicals giant that he and he is answerable you’d “I’m sorry it was offside, I don’t understand Manchester City manager Pep founded, and Wiggins believes imagine to one man -- it’s his why VAR is not used in this competition at this Guardiola during the FA Cup they will continue to thrive money. It will certainly help stage,” Guardiola said after the game. quarter-final against Swansea under Brailsford. .”Team Sky’s partnership with CHELSEA SUFFER THE BLUES City on Sunday. “Dave will want to retain British media company Sky has Just when it seemed like Maurizio Sarri had control and it is Dave’s way in delivered six Tour de France managed to get Chelsea’s season back on terms of the way he manages titles in the past 7 years. track following their League Cup final defeat the team, the way he sets the Wiggins became Britain’s by Manchester City, Sunday’s 2-0 loss at team up,” the Olympic gold first Tour de France champion Everton dented their top four hopes. Chel- medallist told The Bradley in 2012 before Chris Froome sea’s fourth away defeat in 2019 left Sarri’s Wiggins Show on Eurosport. won four Tour de France titles side in sixth, three points behind fourth- “I think he would have and Geraint Thomas became placed Arsenal. been reluctant to have Sky’s third winner of cycling’s WOLVES POUNCE ON MAN UNITED another multinational landmark event in 2018. company that came in that But amid Sky’s success, Newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wander- wanted it for the adver- there has been controversy ers’ dream season got better as they dumped tisement and to get their name over the team’s use of special Manchester United out of the FA Cup to seal a out there, but would want the exemptions to administer

semi-final date at Wembley for the first time control in terms of ‘This is drugs that can enhance in 21 years. how we want to do it in terms performance. SPORT Tuesday 19 March 2019 PAGE | 08 PAGE | 09 McIlroy holds Revitalised off Furyk to Bottas lets rip at win Players critics after win Championship in Australia

World marathon Kipchoge donates Olympic marathon record holder’s shoe in which he sped to victory in the Rio 2016 shoe for Doha’s IAAF Heritage Exhibition Olympics, will be one of the THE PENINSULA feafeaturedaturtu ed ititemstems DOHA in ththehe sissix-monthx-mononth Reigning Olympic champion and ddisdisplayplaay wwhichhich wwillill world marathon record holder opeopenn iinn DDohaoha on Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya has ApAprilriil 18. donated one of the shoes in which he sped to victory in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games marathon. IAIAAIAAFAAAF PresidentPresiddent The winning left shoe of the SeSebastianebaasastian CCoCoee 2018 IAAF World Athlete of the totogetherogetether wwitwithh Year will be one of the featured DDaDahlanahhlaan AAl HHamad,ammad, items in the “IAAF Heritage World Athletics Championships Exhi- IIAAFAAAF Vice-PresidentVicce-PPresiddent bition”, a six-month display which anda d DirectorDireector will open in Doha on April 18. GGenGeneraleeraral ooff tthehe IIAAIAAFF “I’m really pleased that my WWoWorWorldrldd AAthAthleticslleetics career will be permanently rep- resented in the IAAF Heritage Col- ChChampionshipshhaampmpiionsships Eliud Kipchoge with his shoe which he wore during his goldold medalmeedaldala winningwinnwinnniinnng lection,” said Eliud Kipchoge, who DohDohaohha 201920119 LocalLLocal run at the Rio Olympics. PICTURE COURTESY: GIANCARLOLO CCOLOMBO/IAAFOLOMBMBO/IA/IAA/ AAFAF has also given a signed copy of the OOrgOrganisinggananinising book detailing his world record run in Berlin. display of athletics artefacts and six continental AreAreas,eaas,, QQatariatarataatatatarariiatia ataath-th- CComCommittee,mmmimittttee,e , wi willll “My running career has still far memorabilia, dating from second letics and the dedevelopmentevvelellopmopopmememenntt o off offiofficiallyffifficciaially oope openn to go but I’m proud to donate one Century BC to the present day. ASICS spikes. ThereTThheree issas aalsolsollsssoo a thethhee IAIAAFAAAFF HHeritageerittage of my shoes from my Rio victory In text, photographic and video preview of the IAAFAF WorWorlWorldoorlorlddAtdA AAtAthleticsthlethhlhleletiicsiccscs EExExhExhibitionxhx ibbbittiion aatt tthehe to be preserved for future gener- displays, the exhibition will suc- Championships DohaDohhaa 201920199 accom-accoacccoccc om- ations of fans and publicly dis- cinctly tell the story of the sport’s panied by a SEIKOIKKO countdownccoouuntdntdoowownw CitCityty CenterCeenntter DDohDoha.a. played. I hope it helps to motivate 3000-year history. clock and QNB display.ispplay. more people to take up the won- Introductory displays cover Six video screens,eeens,, includingincluudingd ngg a derful sport of running.” athletics as it emerged from the small cinema roomomm wwhwhereherere lolonglongerongnggeerr In one month, in a special cer- ancient Olympic Games in 776 BC. championship highighlightsghligigghtss willilill bebe emony on the evening of April 18, The story is carried through to the screened, will offererr plentypplentyy of ccom-om- IAAF President Sebastian Coe first modern Olympic Games of petition footage fromroommw woworldrldd cham-chchamham- together with Dahlan Al Hamad, 1896, the foundation of the IAAF in pionships history.yy. IAAF Vice President and Director 1912 and to creation of the IAAF Along with interactiveterractive ffeatures,eeatures, General of the IAAF World Ath- World Championships in 1983. there will be plentyntyy of varietyvariety for letics Championships Doha 2019 At the heart of the exhibition all ages of visitorsorss to enjoyenjoenjnjoy anandd Local Organising Committee, will will be 10 huge display panels sum- explore in the exhibitionhibbition whwhichich willl officially open the IAAF Heritage marising the history of the 16 edi- run until the Octoberctoober7,r 7, the dayy Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya crosses Exhibition at the City Center Doha. tions of the World Athletics Cham- after the end of thetthhe IAAFIAAF WorldWoorldl the finish line to win the gold medal of the men’s marathon during The exhibition will feature the pionships. Additional specialised Athletics Championshipspiononshnshhipips DohDohaohaoha world’s largest ever displays include the histories of the 2019. the 2016 Rio Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in this file photo.

Thiem topples legend Federer European clubs and UEFA to begin discussions over post-2024 events

REUTERS ZURICH

UEFA will meet representatives from European clubs today to begin discussions over the future of the Champions League and other continental competitions from 2024 onwards, European soccer’s governing body said yesterday. Both sides have hinted at extensive changes to European club competitions when a new international calendar comes into force in 2024. UEFA said that today’s meeting would be a brain- storming session between itself and the European Club Associ- UEFA headquarters in ation (ECA), which represents 232 Nyon, Switzerland clubs from across the continent. “There is a meeting Ceferin promised “club com- groups of four with four groups The competition is domi- tomorrow,” UEFA said in a petitions that are in keeping with of eight, which would mean far nated by a handful of elite clubs statement. “There is nothing the times, full of excitement and more games. and the group stage has been secret about this brainstorming intensity and open.” European club competitions marked by increasingly one- session.” He said there would be no run in three-year cycles with the sided matches in the last few UEFA said it would then meet threat of a breakaway Super current one ending in 2021. years. Last week, English cham- other stakeholders, such as the League as long as he was UEFA The format for the following pions Manchester City thumped players and the leagues, in the president and Andrea Agnelli -- 2021-24 cycle was decided last Bundesliga side Schalke 7-0 in a following months to “exchange the president of Juventus -- was year with the addition of a new last 16 second leg to win 10-2 on ideas before concrete proposals chairman of the ECA. third-tier competition in addition aggregate. are developed and decisions are A report in the Wall Street to the Champions League and the Some critics say that UEFA’s made.” Journal on Sunday said that sug- Europa League. revenue distribution system After being re-elected in Feb- gestions which could be dis- The Champions League, creates a snowball effect as it is ’s Dominic Thiem celebrates while holding the BNP ruary, UEFA president Ale- cussed including staging Cham- meanwhile, will maintain the partly based on clubs’ historical Paribas Open trophy at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on ksander Ceferin said the pions League matches at same format introduced in 2018 records - something which Sunday. Thiem claimed his first Masters 1000 title after coming European body would work with weekends and a more closed which controversially saw a favours big clubs like Real the ECA to devise new tourna- qualifying system. reduction in the number of places Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern from a set down to defeat Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. ments which would bring a “new Agnelli has previously sug- open to teams from Europe’s Munich, Juventus, AC Milan and dimension” to European football. gested replacing the current eight smaller leagues. Inter Milan.