SPORT

Sunday 9 April 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Younis Khan Garcia grabs Hamilton romps decides to quit share of Masters lead,d, toto pole position for Test cricket Couples 3 back Chinese GP Exciting battle on the cards as first round of Emir Cup kicks off

The Peninsula won the Emir Cup in 1974 and Qatar have a tally of 369 points 1976. following two 2018 FIFA World he 45th edition of the Emir The tournament will con- Cup qualifying matches in Cup - the most popular clude in May signalling the end March. T football tournament in the of the football season in Qatar. In Asia, Qatar are ranked at country - will kick off with two Meanwhile, Qatar are number 10. first-round matches involving ranked 89 on the FIFA compu- Iran (world rank 28) are the Al Markhiya, Qatar SC, teter,r,, detailsdetails showedshowed yesterday.yey sterday.y top side in Asia followed by Mesaimeer and Al Shamal today. CoachedCoached bbyy JJorgeorge FFossati,ossati, Korea Republic (43), Japan (44), The winners of the two Australia (50), Saudi Arabia (52), matches will advance to the sec- Uzbekistan (60), the United Arab ond phase of the tournament Emirates (74), Syria (80) and which will be joined by Qatar China (81). Stars League (QSL) sides. Meanwhile, Brazil have The second round will be capped off a fine fortnight of played with the participation of football as they moved to the top 16 teams. of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium Ranking, reclaiming their seat will host Qatar SC and at the top of the podium after a Al Arabi players receiving the Qatar Cup trophy during the presentation ceremony. Al Arabi Mesaimeer match at 5.15 pm fol- long wait. notched an impressive three sets to one win over Al Rayyan to win the Qatar Cup at the lowed by the second game Brazil surpassed Argentina Women’s Sports Committee Hall at Aspire Dome yesterday. between Al Markhiya and Al- to take top spot in the latest FIFA Shamal. The second game will world rankings, the first time kick off at 7.45pm. they have reached the summit A clear winner is required in seven years, FIFA.com said. in both matches. However, if Brazil have not been in top Impressive Al Arabi there are no clear winners in spot since the 2010 World Cup, regulation time, then no extra when they were knocked out by time will be used as teams will the Netherlands in the take penalties to finalise the out- quarter-finals. come of the matches, organisers They are now on 1,661 win Qatar Cup title said yesterday. points, 58 above their rivals A keen tussle is expected in Argentina. game one in which Qatar SC The next set of rankings will Armstrong Vas An Al Arabi player take on Mesaimeer. Qatar SC be released in early May. The Peninsula (centre)prepares for a smash during the l Arabi notched an impressive three final of the Qatar Cup sets to one win over yesterday. Al Rayyan to win the Qatar Cup at the Women’sA Sports Committee Hall at Aspire Dome yesterday. Al Arabi came on top in the two hour battle for supremacy winning 25-21, 21- 25, 25-17, 25-22 to pick their third tile of the season, having earlier won the Federation Cup and Super Cup. Al Arabi took the keenly contested first set at 25-21, while the second set again turned out to be a see saw bat- tle which Al Rayyan won by an identical score. However, Al Arabi bounced back to win the third and fourth to pocket the title. “It is a big victory for us, although we did not play that well. The second set was a strange one, nothing was going our way, but we bounced back in the subsequent ones to win the title,” said Al Arabi player Sander Taylor. In the first set, the initial Al Arabi continued where proceedings saw both teams QATAR CUP FINAL from they left off in the fourth fighting neck to neck until Al set, taking an early 5-3 lead. Arabi broke free to take a two AL ARABI 3 - 1 AL RAYYAN The defending champions point lead at 9-7. 25 - 21 had other thoughts as they But, Al Rayyan fought back 21 - 25 came back strongly to tie the to tie the score at 11-all. 25 - 17 score at eight-all. Al Arabi however, once took 25 - 22 From that stage, both the the upper hand to take a 14-11 teams fought hard for each lead. point with score tied at 11-all Thereafter, coach Patrick initiative to their rivals. In the and 14-all, until Al Arabi broke Duflos' side held the grip over end Al Rayyan pocked the sec- free to make it 15-13 and went the rallies and maintained a ond at 25-21. on to extend the lead to three consistent two-point lead In the third set, Al Arabi points at 17-14. which they carried to where determined to finish off the Coach Carlos Schwanke's end to win the first set. proceedings, took a five point side tried to make a fight and In the second set, Al Rayyan lead at 8-3. took a timeout with score read- were determined to bounce Al Rayyan clawed back to ing 20-18 to stop their rivals in back and took a runaway lead narrow the lead at 12-9. their tracks. at 8-3. Al Arabi put up an all round Al Arabi were in no mood But later, Al Arabi made a display to maintain a grip over to allow any room for their splendid recovery to tie the the show in the middle, increas- rivals, Schwanke's boys took a score at 11-all. ing the lead to seven points at decisive 23-21 lead to take the From thereon, fortunes 23-16. upper hand. fluctuated with Al Rayyan hav- Al Arabi then took the next In the end, Al Arabi won ing an upper hand for a brief two points to wrap the third at 25-22 to set about wild celebra- period only to surrender the 25-17. tions in the Al Arabi camp. SPORT SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 25

Maxwell's Pakistan's Younis Khan Record-setting Windies bats against fireworks Australia during People are calling their third me and asking me beat Pakistan in 1st ODI cricket Test lift Punjab not to make any Providence, Guyana Nurse, another player match at the announcement to AP sparingly used over the last SCG in Sydney in Indore five years, took a career-best this January 4, leave but now is the Agencies time: Younis Khan. he West Indies pulled off 4-62 with his offspin. Captain 2017 file photo. its biggest successful Jason Holder got the only kipper 's Tchase in one-day cricket other Pakistan as the belligerent 20-ball internationals when it beat visitors compiled a solid total. Sunbeaten 44 helped Pakistan by four with Mohammad Hafeez top- Kings XI Punjab start their an over to spare at Providence scored with 88, his 30th 2017 Stadium on Friday. half-century, Ahmed Shehzad (IPL) campaign with a six- Pakistan, heavily favoured scored 67 in a good opening wicket win over Rising Pune after winning the Twenty20 stand of 85 with Kamran Supergiant a Holkar Stadium series 3-1, was made to bat Akmal, and Shoaib Malik pro- in Indore yesterday. first by the heavily depleted vided the late surge with 53 Maxwell, along with West Indies and put up a com- off 38 balls. South African David Miller Khan decides to fortable 308-5. It should have been (30 from 27 balls), raised an The home side made a enough, but the result set up unbeaten 79-run fifth wicket steady and safe start, but the an intriguing three-match stand to guide Punjab to required run rate climbed to series. The second ODI will be safety with six balls to spare. nearly 10 an over entering the played today. Brief Scores: last 10 overs. Rising Pune Supergiant: quit Test cricket But despite losing three SCOREBOARD 163 for 6 (Steve Smith 26, Ben partners, Jason Mohammed Stokes 50, Manoj Tiwary 40 took on the Pakistan attack PAKISTAN ; Sandeep Sharma 2 Karachi PAKISTAN'S TOP RUN-GETTERS IN TESTS and smashed it for a career- A Shehzad b Nurse ...... 67 for 33) Reuters best 91 not out off 58 balls to K Akmal c Walton b Holder ...... 47 M Hafeez c Walton b Nurse ...... 88 Kings XI Punjab: 164 for Player Span Tests Runs HS Ave 100s 50s lead the side to 309-6 in 49 B Azam c Joseph b Nurse ...... 13 4 (Hashim Amla 28, Axar akistan's most pro- Younis Khan 2000-2017 115 9977 313 53.06 34 32 overs and an unexpected tri- Javed Miandad 1976-1993 124 8832 280* 52.57 23 43 S Malik c Holder b Nurse ...... 53 Patel 24, Glenn Maxwell lific Test batsman umph. This was the S Ahmed (not out) ...... 20 Inzamam-ul-Haq 1992-2007 120 8830 329 49.60 25 46 44 not out, David Miller 30 Younis Khan will quit 30-year-old Mohammed's I Wasim (not out) ...... 6 not out; Imran Tahir 2 for29) international cricket Mohammad Yousuf 1998-2010 90 7530 223 52.29 24 33 sixth ODI since his debut in Extras (B-3, LB-3, W-7, NB-1) ...... 14 after the three-Test Saleem Malik 1982-1999 103 5768 237 43.69 15 29 2011. Total (for 5 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 308 Pseries in West Indies starting Zaheer Abbas 1969-1985 78 5062 274 44.79 12 20 Kieran Powell, 61, and Fall of wickets: 1-85, 2-149, 3-177, 4-266, later this month, the 39-year- opener Evin Lewis, 47, steered 5-284. RCB fight old said yesterday. the West Indies cautiously Bowling: A Joseph 10-1-49-0; S Gabriel 10-0- Younis' announcement tour needing 23 runs to become Lanka to lift the trophy. Younis through the early and middle 69-0 (1nb, 1w); J Mohammed 4-1-28-0; J Holder comes after captain Misbah-ul- his country's first batsman to played 265 one day interna- innings. The run rate was high 10-0-58-1 (4w); A Nurse 10-0-62-4 (1w); D Bi- back to win Haq said on Thursday that the score 10,000 Test runs. tional and bagged 7249 runs but wickets were in hand, and shoo 6-0-36-0 (1w). Caribbean tour will be his last. "I always tried to be a good before he retired in 2015. He Mohammed, who came to the WEST INDIES ishabh Pant’s brave "People are calling me and ambassador and serve my also played 25 Twenty20 crease in the 33rd over, sud- E Lewis b Hafeez ...... 47 innings of 57 went in asking me not to make any country to take it one step for- matches for his country. denly exploded from the 38th, C Walton c Riaz b Amir ...... 7 vain as Delhi Daredevils announcement to leave but ward," Younis added. The batsman was named just as the West Indies reached K Powell c Akmal b Riaz ...... 61 R S Hope st Ahmed b Khan ...... 24 slumped to a 15–run defeat now is the time," the former "I hope I will be supported one of the five Wisden Crick- 200. J Mohammed (not out) ...... 91 against Royal Challengers Ban- captain said in Karachi. so I can complete 10,000 runs eters of the Year along side He was careful against J Carter c Riaz b Amir ...... 14 galore (RCB) at the M "No player always remains before I retire." Misbah earlier this week, after teenage Pakistan debutant and J Holder c Azam b Khan ...... 11 Chinnaswamy Stadium in Ben- fit, the motivation never In 2009, Younis hit his best bagging a double-century dur- spinner Shadab Khan, but A Nurse (not out) ...... 34 galuru yesterday. remains the same, so this is the Test score of 313 against Sri ing Pakistan 2-2 drawn Test merciless against Mohammad Extras (LB-6, W-13, NB-1) ...... 20 Royal Challengers Ban- time when Younis should leave Lanka in Karachi, which is the series in England last year. Amir, Wahab Riaz, and Hasan Total (for 6 wkts in 49 overs) ...... 309 galore: 157 for 8 (Shane the field after the upcoming third-highest from a Pakistan Earlier this year, Younis Ali. Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-91, 3-156, 4-158, Watson 24, Kedar jadhav 69; series in West Indies." batsman in the longest became the first batsman ever He would hit 11 bounda- 5-228, 6-259. Chris Morris 3 for 21) Younis has played 115 Tests format. to score centuries in all 11 coun- ries and three sixes, and profit Bowling: M Amir 9-0-59-2 (4w); H Ali 5-0-43- Delhi Daredevils: 142 for and is Pakistan's most success- Later that year, he led bhis tries that have hosted Tests in an unbeaten 50-run part- 0; M Hafeez 8-0-35-1(1w); S Malik 6-0-24-0

9 (Rishabh Pant 57; Billy Stan- ful runs scorer in Test cricket. country to a World T20 win at after completing his set with a nership with Ashley Nurse, (1w); W Riaz 9-0-69-1 (1nb; 3w); S Khan 9-0-52- lake 2 for 29, Iqbal Abdulla 2 He heads into the West Indies Lord's where they defeated Sri maiden ton in Australia. who finished 34 not out off 15 2; I Wasim 3-0-21-0. for 36, Pawan Negi 2 for 3) balls.

Sock gamble keeps US DAVIS CUP RESULTS Kerber defeats In Brisbane, Australia. Australia 2 - USA 1 Watson to reach alive in Davis Cup tie Steve Johnson/Jack Sock (USA) bt Sam Groth/John Peers (AUS) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 Sydney semis in Monterrey Reuters Jordan Thompson (AUS) bt Jack Sock (USA) Mexico City 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 he United States kept alive AFP WTA MONTERREY RESULTS their hopes of reaching the Quarter-finals Davis Cup semi-finals Nick Kyrgios (AUS) bt John Isner (USA) 7-5, orld number one T Angelique Kerber (GER x1) bt when doubles pairing Jack Sock 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) Angelique Ker- Heather Watson (GBR) 6-4, 6-4. and Steve Johnson came from Wber defeated behind to beat Australia's Sam In Auckland, New Zealand. defending champion Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP x4) bt Groth and John Peers 3-6, 6-3 New Zealand 2 - South Korea 1 Heather Watson 6-4, 6-4 Alize Cornet (FRA x7) 6-1, 6-1. 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 in Brisbane Marcus Daniell/Artem Sitak (NZL) bt Chung on Friday to reach the yesterday. Hong/Lee Jea Moon (KOR) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 semi-finals of the WTA Caroline Garcia (FRA x3) bt Julia The Americans had needed (7/4) tournament in Monterrey, the victory to remain in the Mexico. Boserup (USA) 6-3, 6-2. quarter-final tie after Jordan Germany's Kerber Jose Statham (NZL) bt Hong Seong-Chan Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS Thompson stunned Sock 6-3 3-6 (KOR) 3-6, 5-7, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (8/6), 2-0 (ret) saved all eight break

7-6(4) 6-4 and Nick Kyrgios points she faced in a gritty x2) bt Tímea Babos (HUN x5) 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. eased past John Isner 7-5, 7-6(5), Kwon Soon Woo (KOR) bt Michael Venus display against Britain's 7-6(5) in the opening singles on (NZL) 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) Watson, setting up a semi- Friday. final clash with But Babos grabbed a Steve Johnson Visiting captain Jim Cou- fourth-seeded Spaniard late break in the second In Charleroi, Belgium. rier gambled on bringing Sock (top) and Jack Sock Carla Suarez Navarro, who set to force the third. in for Sam Querrey even (bottom) of the US Belgium 2 - Italy 0 was a 6-1, 6-1 winner over Babos earned the first though the US number one had play a shot against Steve Darcis (BEL) bt Paolo Lorenzi 6-7 (3/7), French seventh seed Alize break of the decisive set, racked up 66 unforced errors Sam Groth and John 6-1, 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) Cornet. and missed three chances in his loss to world number 79 Peers of Australia in "I think it was a good to make it a double break Thompson. their doubles match David Goffin (BEL) bt Andreas Seppi (ITA) match, especially at the before Pavlyuchenkova Despite a rocky start, the of their world group 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 end," said Kerber, who broke back to knot the set gamble paid off when Sock and quarter-final Davis made early breaks in each at 3-3, finally seizing her Johnson prevailed in a roller- Cup clash at the In Rouen, France set stand up despite the chance to close out the coaster ride of a match played Pat Rafter Arena in France 2 - Great Britain 0 pressure applied by match on Babos's serve. out on a packed and partisan Pat Brisbane yesterday. Lucas Pouille (FRA) bt Kyle Edmund (GBR) Watson. "I started to feel the Rafter Arena. 7-5, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 Three-time champion tiredness a little bit - it's Johnson sealed the deal Anastasia Pavlyuchenk- been a long and tough trip when he lashed a huge forehand down an ace to seal it in 27 denied and muscled up to claim Jeremy Chardy (FRA) bt Daniel Evans (GBR) ova, the second seed, for me - but I just stayed into the back of the court after minutes. the decider. 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 battled through three sets calm anyhow," said Pav- two and a half hours of action to The Americans stormed The two countries have 60 to defeat fifth-seeded lyuchenkova, who lifted bring the Americans back into back to claim a mirror-image Davis Cup titles between them Hungarian Timea Babos the trophy in Monterrey in In Belgrade, Serbia the tie at 2-1. second set, however, and broke but Australia have not won since 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. 2010, 2011 and 2013. Serbia 2 - Spain 0 The world number 15, Sock the Australians twice to take a they bagged their 28th crown in Russia's Pavlyuchenk- "I just stayed calm and will face the in-form Kyrgios in 3-0 lead and run away with the 2003, while the United States ova needed almost two played every point and the opening reverse singles third. The hosts got the crowd snared their 32nd a decade ago. Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Albert Ramos- hours to turn back a late fought til the end," added match today. back into the game when a rasp- The prize for victory in Bris- Vinolas (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 charge from Babos. Pavlyuchenkova, who next It looked like Sock was still ing Groth forehand return down bane is a semi-final against She had appeared to faces third seeded Caro-

deflated by Friday's defeat when the line gave Australia a decisive Belgium or Italy. The Belgians Viktor Troicki (SRB) bt Pablo Carreno-Busta be cruising when she took line Garcia of France. Australia raced to a 4-1 lead in break for 4-2 in the fourth but led the Italians 2-0 after the (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 the opening set in less than Garcia defeated American the first set and Peers slammed the Americans would not be opening singles in Charleroi. 20 minutes. Julia Boserup 6-3, 6-2. 26 SPORT SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 Leaders Chelsea maintain Griezmann halts Real Madrid's title charge

Madrid clearance from under his own 7-point gap over Spurs AFP crossbar. Real started the second half ntoine Griezmann's with intent as Ronaldo headed London Tottenham's classy finish five minutes just wide before Oblak had to AFP Son Heung-Min Afrom time dealt Real rush from his goal to block Ben- celebrates after Madrid's La Liga title chances zema's volley from point-blank helsea re-established scoring a goal a huge blow as Atletico Madrid range. The European champi- their seven-point lead against Watford rescued a 1-1 draw at the San- ons finally made the at the top of the Pre- during their Premier tiago Bernabeu. breakthrough just seven min- mier League with a Pepe's towering header utes into the second period League match at comfortable 3-1 win early in the second half looked when Pepe rose highest in a Cat Bournemouth yesterday. White Hart Lane in to have Madrid heading five crowded penalty area from Chelsea blitzed the hosts in London yesterday. points clear at the top. Toni Kroos's free-kick to power the opening exchanges and led However, Barcelona now a header into the far corner. when Diego Costa's sliced 17th- have a third straight title back However, Atletico minute effort deflected in off in their own hands after Griez- responded to falling behind and Bournemouth defender Adam mann rounded Keylor Navas to should have been level on the Smith before Eden Hazard slot home at the near post. hour mark when Yannick Car- ghosted through to add a sub- Real lead Barcelona by rasco played in Fernando lime second in the 20th minute. three points with eight games Torres clear on goal. In the 42nd minute, Josh left, but the two face each other The former Spanish inter- King pulled a goal back, his 10th at the Bernabeu on April 23. national failed to finish, though, in 11 games, via a deflection for Real took control of the as he fired straight at the the plucky hosts, who had game as the first half wore on onrushing Navas. chances to equalise after the and only two stunning stops Navas has faced a barrage break until Marcos Alonso curled prevented Zinedine Zidane's of criticsm this season, but he home a perfect 68th minute men from taking a half-time made another smart stop to freekick to seal the Blues' win. lead. deny Griezmann levelling with With seven games remain- and Roberto Firmino inspired a England team-mate Dier bat- and Ben Woodburn, and it Firstly, Oblak tipped over an outrageous overhead kick ing, Chelsea have 75 points, 2-1 comeback win at Stoke City, tered in Spurs' second. proved a winning move. Karim Benzema's effort after a attempt. seven clear of Tottenham Hot- while fourth-place Manchester Son struck either side of half Coutinho levelled in the 70th neat one-two with Ronaldo had The French international spur, who beat Watford 4-0 City beat Hull City 3-1. time – a left-foot curler followed minute and two minutes later freed the Frenchman inside the wasn't to be denied from earlier on Saturday, in second. Spurs overwhelmed Watford by an adroit right-foot volley – Georginio Wijnaldum freed box. another excellent through ball Earlier, South Korean for- at a sun-soaked White Hart Lane and spurned two chances to Firmino to thump in a glorious, Moments later Ronaldo from Carrasco with five min- ward Son Heung-Min scored to register their 11th successive complete his hat-trick. "The dipping shot from 20 yards. couldn't believe his eyes when utes remaining, however, as he twice as Tottenham Hotspur home win in the league. Alli team deserve full credit because Manchester City trail Liver- his fierce goal-bound effort was coolly fired past the advancing overpowered Watford 4-0 yes- opened the deadlock with a sub- the energy and the way they pool by two points, but have a turned to safety by Stefan Navas at the near post for his terday to put pressure on lime effort in the 33rd minute, played was fantastic," added game in hand, after seeing off Savic's incredible headed 23rd goal of the season. Premier League leaders arcing a shot into the top-right Pochettino, who also welcomed Hull at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea. corner from 25 yards, before his back top scorer Harry Kane after City manager Pep Guardiola, Dele Alli and Eric Dier were an ankle injury. who recalled goalkeeper Clau- also on target as Spurs closed to PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS The Reds sit five points dio Bravo, saw his side take a within four points of Chelsea, below Spurs, having played a 31st-minute lead when Ahmed Manchester City 3 (Elmohamady 31-og, Ague- who visit Bournemouth later in game more, after Firmino's stun- Elmohamady turned in Jesus ro 48, Delph 64) Hull 1 (Ranocchia 85) the day. ning strike secured victory at Navas's cross for an own goal. Middlesbrough 0 Burnley 0 "The message for us is to Stoke. Jonathan Walters' header Sergio Aguero made it 2-0 Stoke 1 (Walters 44) Liverpool 2 (Coutinho 70, keep pushing, winning games," – his seventh league goal against early in the second half, polish- Atletico Firmino 72) Madrid's said Spurs manager Mauricio Tottenham 4 (Alli 33, Dier 39, Son 44, 55) Liverpool – put Stoke ahead ing off Raheem Sterling's cross Antoine Pochettino. Watford 0 shortly before half time. after a sweeping team move, and "That's our job and then West Brom 0 Southampton 1 (Clasie 25) Liverpool manager Jurgen Fabian Delph lashed in the hosts' Griezmann what happens this afternoon West Ham 1 (Kouyate 44) Swansea 0 Klopp made a double change at third. Andrea Ranocchia replied

with Chelsea is their problem." Chelsea 3 (Smith 17 (og), Hazard 20, Alonso the break, sending on Brazilians for Hull, who remain two points Liverpool remain third after 68) Bournemouth 1 (King 42) Coutinho and Firmino for teen- above the bottom three in 17th substitutes Philippe Coutinho agers Trent Alexander-Arnold place. Poulsen's late strike trims Bayern's lead

Berlin Hosts Leipzig were reduced disadvantage, Leipzig claimed defeat at Hamburg. Elsewhere, AFP to 10 men when captain Willi the three points through their ex-Germany midfielder Aaron Orban was sent off for a second Scandinavian combination. Hunt stole the show for Ham- ussuf Poulsen's late goal yellow card on 88 minutes for Swedish playmaker Emil burg – who are unbeaten at sealed ten-man RB Leip- a marginal foul on Leverkusen's Forsberg put in the cross -- his home in their last nine league Yzig's 1-0 victory over Germany forward Kevin 16th assistant of the season -- games -- with both goals as Bayer Leverkusen yesterday to Volland. for Denmark's Poulsen to slot Hoffenheim suffered only their trim Bayern Munich's runaway With a large hint of sarcasm, home for the dramatic third defeat this season. lead to seven points with seven Leipzig's 24-year-old captain winner. Wolfsburg, the 2009 Ger- Bundesliga games left. shook hands with the referee Leipzig's victory was a big man champions, remain on the Second-placed Leipzig took before going off having also step towards direct Champions brink of the relegation battle in their chance to reduce the been booked in the opening League qualification next sea- 14th -- just one point from the 10-point gap and sealed the win exchanges for a challenge on son and they are seven points bottom three -- after their 4-1 Leipzig's Yussuf Poulsen (centre) celebrates after scoring a goal in a dramatic final five Volland. ahead of third-placed Hoffen- hammering away to Schalke, against Leverkusen during their Bundesliga game, yesterday. minutes. But despite the numerical heim, who crashed to a 2-1 who are in mid-table. Garcia grabs share of Masters lead, Couples 3 back

Augusta MASTERS SCORES three shots off the pace. Three- instead of incurring a two-stroke Reuters times Masters winner Phil penalty. -4 Thomas Pieters (Belgium) 72 68 Mickelson (73) had two late "Shane (Lowry) hit two balls ergio Garcia charged into a Rickie Fowler (US) 73 67 bogeys and was a further shot to the left and we were looking for four-way share of the sec- Charley Hoffman (US) 65 75 back along with former cham- one, we couldn't find it, we found Sond round US Masters lead Sergio Garcia (Spain) 71 69 pions Jordan Spieth and the second one," said Garcia. on Friday at Augusta National -2 William McGirt (US) 69 73 Australian Adam Scott, who both World number two Rory where a number of major cham- -1 Justin Rose (Britain) 71 72 shot 69. McIlroy (73), the highest-ranked pions were in striking distance Ryan Moore (US) 74 69 Defending champion Danny player in the field after Dustin ready to pounce. Fred Couples (US) 73 70 Willett got off to a miserable start Johnson withdrew on Thursday, Garcia, one of the best cur- Jon Rahm (Spain) 73 70 with a quadruple-bogey eight at struggled to make a move as he rent players without a major win, 0 Adam Scott (Australia) 75 69 the first and along with Swedish mixed five bogeys with four bird- shot a three-under-par 69 to Jordan Spieth (US) 75 69 world number five Henrik Sten- ies to sit five shots off the pace. reach four under for the tourna- son were among those who The Northern Irishman had Phil Mickelson (US) 71 73 ment along with overnight leader missed the cut, set at six over par an unfortunate end to his round 1 Matt Kuchar (US) 72 73 Charley Hoffman (75), Rickie in the year's first major. when he looked to have hit a Fowler (67) and Masters rookie Soren Kjeldsen (Denmark) 72 73 It appeared for a short time perfect approach into the par-

Thomas Pieters (68) of Rory McIlroy (Britain) 72 73 that Garcia's charge had gone off four 18th, only to see his ball hit Belgium. 2 Charl Schwartzel (SA) 74 72 track, when his score of bogey the flag and bounce back off the "I feel so fortunate that I've at the par-four 10th was changed green. He went on to make been able to be healthy; that I've The leaders had a two-shot to a triple-bogey on the bogey. been able to play so many majors lead over 37-year-old Masters leaderboard. "Disappointed to finish like in a row ... and giving myself a rookie William McGirt (73), who A few holes later tournament that, but I'm still within five of lot of chances to win them," said missed the cut in three of his pre- officials acknowledged the error. the lead going into the weekend Spain's Garcia, who has played vious four majors. The 37-year-old Garcia had with better conditions on the in each of the last 71 majors. Fred Couples (70), a 57-year- hit a provisional ball following a way," said McIlroy, who needs a "That for me is already a win, old former Masters champion, poor tee shot but found his orig- win this week to complete a col- Sergio Garcia of Spain reacts to a birdie putt on the ninth hole and then, you know, if we can 2013 US Open winner Justin Rose inal ball, which had ricocheted lection of golf's four major titles. put the cherry on top, that would (72), red-hot Spaniard Jon Rahm off a tree and into the fairway, "I still feel like I'm right in during the second round of the 2017 Masters Tournament at be even better." (70) and Ryan Moore (69) stood and went on to make a bogey five this tournament." Augusta National Golf Club on Friday in Augusta, Georgia. SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 SPORT 27 Al Sulaiti and Al Malki secure victories at Losail

The Peninsula Naimi’s bike was so damage that he couldn’t continue. atari riders Saeed Al Sulaiti and Al Malki, who was third before the Nasser Al Malki emerged as vic- crash grabbed the victory. Al Qubaisi Qtorious at the eventful Qatar finished second in the podium and Ali Superstock 600 Round 4 at the Losail Al Shammari third. International Circuit yesterday. The 17-year’s old Al Qubaisi was Al Sulaiti was the winner in the first very happy with his podium. race which saw a stiff competition “I am very happy with my first between him and compatriot Mashel Al podium of this season as I didn’t expect Naimi. to have such a good result as I had gear Al Naimi, who got the pole posi- problems in the last five laps. I managed tion on Friday, led the race in the first to step into the podium due to the crash two laps before Al Sulaiti managed to of Saeed and Mishal, but this is racing. surpass his rival. Al Naimi regained the Many thanks to QMMF, LCSC and Saeed lead in the middle of the race with a bril- for their continuous support,” he said liant move. after the second race. However, he was unfortunate to Al Shammari was also delighted to retain the lead after a problem with his be back on the podium. brake pads as Al Sulaiti who was keep- “I am very happy to be back on the ing a close pursuit crossed him to bag podium. My start of the race was good victory. Al Naimi had to be content with Nasser Al Malki (centre), Abdulla Al Qubaisi (left) and Ali Al Shammari pose but after some laps, I had engine prob- the second position. after the second race at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. lem and I never thought to get this good Al Malki secured third position while results. Bad luck for Mishal and Saeed Abdulla Al Qubaisi and Fahad Al Sow- Like the first race, Al Naimi, took the turn twelve of the track breaking too and hope that in the next round I can aidi finished in fourth and fifth positions lead for the first two laps while Al Sulaiti late and losing the front, resulting in the improve my rhythm and be faster,” he respectively. overtook him and managed to stay in crash. During the crash, Al Sulaiti’s bike said. Al Maliki was the winner of the sec- front only until the last lap before the touched Al Naimi ending his chances of Sultan Zaher Al Morraikhi, QMMF The 17-year-old Abdulla Al Qubaisi ond race which saw a dramatic ending crash took place. winning the race. Executive Director presented the tro- with Al Sulaiti and Al Naimi crashing out As Al Naimi was leading in the final While Al Sulaiti managed to rejoin phies to winner. The next round of the celebrates his podium finish after in the final lap. lap, Al Sulaiti entered a bit fast but in the the race finishing in sixth position, Al event will take place on May 5 and 6. second race yesterday. Hamilton romps to pole Ooredoo signs new deal with Qatar's top position for Chinese GP rally drivers, rider

Shanghai shaking his head in disbelief. The Peninsula brand ambassador Nasser Al AFP "I don't believe that, it was Attiyah,” he said. the perfect lap," said the four- “We hope supporting and ewis Hamilton roared time world champion, who oredoo, yesterday promoting such talented to pole position in looked unstoppable in Satur- announced a sponsor- national sportsmen will yesterday's qualifying day's practice run. Oship agreement to inspire the next generation for the Chinese Grand "I think we can still support rally drivers Adel to get involved in sports, as Prix as Mercedes look improve, so let's see what the Abdulla and Mohammed Al well as connect and engag- Lto avenge a stunning defeat by race looks like tomorrow. Con- Harqan, and motorcycle rider ing with motorsport fans in Ferrari in the Formula One sea- ditions will be different." Saeed Al Sulaiti throughout the region,” added Al son opener. The signs point to another the 2017 racing season, which Muraikhi. The Briton, stung by Sebas- furious battle between Mer- will include several impor- Adel Abdulla has won a tian Vettel in Melbourne two cedes and Ferrari but with tant races. number of titles and is the weeks ago, pipped his German rain forecast for race day, Red The competitors will current T2 FIA World Cup for rival by two tenths of a second Bull's Daniel Ricciardo could receive Ooredoo branding on Cross-Country Rallies in Shanghai with Mercedes fancy his chances after qual- their vehicles, helmets and champion. team-mate Valtteri Bottas and ifying fifth. jumpsuits as part of the Saeed Al Sulaiti partici- Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen fill- Team-mate Max Verstap- sponsorship. pated in the 2016 Superbike ing row two for Sunday's race. pen gets an unwanted Speaking about the spon- World Championship and Hamilton jumped onto the opportunity to test the theory sorship, Manar Khalifa Al recently won the third round pit wall to soak in the adulation that overtaking has become Muraikhi, Community and of the Qatar Superstock 600. of the crowd after clocking the harder in the new wider For- Public Relations Director, Mohammed Al Harqan fastest lap of one minute, 31.678 mula One cars after only Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Off- placed third in the 2016 FIA seconds to capture his fourth qualifying in 19th. Ricciardo will roading has been a part of T2 World Championship and Chinese pole in five years. start alongside Felipe Massa on Qatar’s culture for many as a deaf rider, Ooredoo and "We knew it was going to the third row after the Brazil- years." Mohammed aim to inspire be close," said Hamilton, forced ian clocked the sixth fastest "We’re delighted to add people with special needs. to play second fiddle to Vettel time for Williams. Adel Abdulla, Mohammed Al Ooredoo’s sponsorship is in the third practice session ear- Behind them, Renault's Nico Harqan and Saeed Al Sulaity a part of several initiatives lier in the day. Hulkenberg edged out Sergio to the growing #Oore- the company has undertaken "I managed to just chip Perez's Force India for seventh dooSpeedTeam which to encourage sports educa- away at it from session to ses- with Daniil Kvyat's Toro Rosso already supports superstars tion and inspire more young sion. It's exciting for me because and Lance Stroll's Williams such as Mohammed Al Man- people to take-up sport. Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton drives out of the pits we really fight with these guys," rounding out the top 10 places nai, Abdulrahman Ahmed The company is a major added Hamilton, a four-time on the grid. during the qualifying session for the Formula One Chinese Grand Fakhroo, Ahmad Shaheen Al supporter of sport across all winner in Shanghai. Very much in the shop win- Prix in Shanghai yesterday. Muhannadi, Mashel Al Naimi, levels, grass-root, national "That's what racing is all dow for 2018, former world Fahid Al Sowaidi and our and international. about. It really pushes you to champion Fernando Alonso over the team radio: "I pushed like Giovinazzi smashed his Sauber raise the bar each time you go appeared pleased enough after an animal!" There was a hairy into a wall on the pit straight, Adel Abdulla in action in out there." steering his under performing moment at the end of the first ses- although the Italian walked away his Nissan Patrol in this Vettel, meanwhile, was left McLaren to 13th as he boasted sion of qualifying when Antonio unhurt. file photo. Adel is one of CHINESE GRAND PRIX: STARTING GRIDS the three stars signed by Ooredoo for 2017 season 1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes Lauda loses bet against yesterday. 2. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 3. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes 4. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari his own Mercedes team 5. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull - TAG Heuer Shanghai money overall," Wolff said. 6. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams-Mercedes AFP "I think he thought, either I 7. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Renault win money or I am happy about 8. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India - Mercedes ercedes chairman Nikki being on pole. So it was a win- Lauda bet against his win situation for him." 9. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro Rosso - Renault Mteam grabbing the pole "I said 'give me the 10 Euros. 10. Lance Stroll (Canada) Williams-Mercedes position yesterday for the Chinese I will spend it all tonight.'" 11. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso - Renault Grand Prix, but it was a 10-euro Mercedes, the defending con- wager he was happy to lose. structors' champions, hope to 12. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Haas - Ferrari Speaking to reporters, team avenge the surprise defeat 13. Fernando Alonso (Spain) McLaren boss Toto Wolff pulled out a handed to Hamilton by Sebastian 14. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber - Ferrari 10-euro note that he won from Vettel and Ferrari in the Formula 15. Antonio Giovinazzi (Italy) Sauber - Ferrari the Austrian racing legend Lauda One season opener in – now a Mercedes part-owner Melbourne. 16. Stoffel Vandoorne (Belgium) McLaren and non-executive chairman – Lauda earlier said that he bet 17. Romain Grosjean (France) Haas - Ferrari after their star driver Lewis on Vettel for the pole because "he 18. Jolyon Palmer (Britain) Renault Hamilton seized the pole in really looked quick in the car, 19. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull - TAG Heuer Shanghai. everything was right."

20. Esteban Ocon (France) Force India - Mercedes "I think he was happy about "But Lewis, thank God, pulled losing the bet. But generally Nikki out one of his special laps," he was Lauda is not happy about losing quoted as saying.