SPORT Friday 5 April 2019 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 La Liga: Pandya on Barcelona focus ahead of target decisive World Cup after title push tough season

Al Sadd’s players and officials celebrate with the Falcon Shield after winning the QNB Stars League (QSL) title at the Al Sadd diumSta yesterday. ‘The Wolves’ yesterday recorded a dominant 7-2 win over Al Ahli to top the standings with 54 points to win the QSL crown with a round to spare. Classy Al Sadd seal QSL crown THE PENINSULA DOHA Bounedjah Al Rayyan, nets 39th goal Football giants Al Sadd Al Sailiyah yesterday crushed Al Ahli 7-2 to of the season win the QNB Stars League (QSL) share points crown with a round to spare. WolvesWoW llves ccrushrushh AAll Feared Algerian striker Ahli 7-2 to win the THE PENINSULA Baghdad Bounedjah produced DOHA a hat-trick while Qatar national Falcon Shield with Al Sadd’s team skipper Hassan Al Haydos a round to ssparepap Al Rayyan yesterday produced Algerian striker scored two to add sparkle to Al an injury-time goal as the Sadd’s comprehensive win over Baghdad former champions earned a Al Ahli on home soil at Jassim Bounedjah fighting 2-2 draw against Al Bin Hamad Stadium. celebrates Sailiyah at Al Ahli Stadium Akram Afif and Woo-Young after scoring yesterday. Jung also scored as Al Sadd fans Qatar Stars League (QSL) QSL ROUND 21 RESULTS his 39th goal Al Sailiyah have 35 points celebrated the title win in CEO, Hani Taleb Ballan Al Sadd 7-2 Al Ahli in the QSL this after 21 rounds while Al pouring rain. Al Kharaitiyat 1-0 Al Duhail season. Rayyan have 34 with just one (left) presents an award to Al Khor 0-0 Al Gharafa For Al Ahli, Abdulrasheed Al Sadd’s coach Jesualdo Al Arabi 2-1 Qatar SC more round of action Umaru and Jhon Chancellor Ferreira. Al Sailiyah 2-2 Al Rayyan remaining in the regular scored the two goals. Al Shahania 5-2 Umm Salal season. Gelmin Rivas scored After 21 rounds, Al Sadd - the injury-time goal for Al coached by Jesualdo Ferreira - Rayyan. have an unassailable tally of 54 Al Sailiyah produced the points while second-placed Al opening goal in the 21st Duhail - who yesterday lost to Al Kharaitiyat stun Al Duhail 1-0 minute and four minutes later, Al Kharaitiyat 1-0 - have 47 Rodrigo Tabata pro- points. THE PENINSULA shot was blocked by a defender At the half-hour mark, Al In the 77th minute, Al duced the equaliser with a Third-placed Al Sailiya take DOHA following a cross by Hazem Duhail’s Ahmed Yasser headed Kharaitiyat stunned Al Duhail. penalty. on Al Rayyan in another match- Ahmed. Five minutes later, the ball on a loopy cross from Valentin Lazar clipped a long- In the 50th minute, Al up yesterday. It is the 14th time Bottom-placed Al Kharaitiyat Ahmed also managed to get into close but the deflected of the ball range loopy cross towards Salam, Sailiyah took the lead for the that Al Sadd have won the yesterday stunned former cham- the Al Kharaitiyat box but his shot missed the target narrowly. Four the skipper in blue jersey. Salam, second time when Adel Bader national football crown. pions Al Duhail 1-0 in their hotly- from close range was also minutes later, Al Duhail’s with his back facing the net, Ahmed found the net from Qatar Stars League chief contested clash at Al Ahli blocked. Nakajima Shoya was booked for headed the ball into the top left close range to put pressure on Hani Ballan handed over the Stadium. It was only the fifth win Al Duhail’s feared striker ‘diving’ inside the Al Kharaitiyat of the net with a spectacular former champions Al Rayyan. Falcon Shield and medals to the for Al Kharaitiyat in 21 rounds. Youssef El Arabi – within a space box. Seven minutes later, Al finish to score his only goal of the Abdulqader Elias, standing winners. Barcelona legend Xavi The goal hero was captain of six minutes – attacked the Al Duhail’s Ahmed Yasser was also season. close to the Al Rayyan goal- received the Falcon Shield as Mohammed Salam who produced Kharaitiyat box twice (9th minute shown a yellow card by referee Four minutes later, Qatar mouth, failed to deflect the players and fans erupted in joy a spectacular header for the only and 15th minute) but on each Khamis Al Marri. national team hero and Al Duhail ball into the net following a at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. goal of the match. occasion he was denied from In the 68th minute, Al striker Almoez Ali nearly found cross from the wing. In 21 matches, Bounedjah In the second minute, Al close range. In the 20th minute, Kharaitiyat captain Salam and Al the net with a close-range flick Just two minutes into has scored 39 goals, the most by Duhail’s Murad Naji Hussain Mohammed Musa Ali – after an Duhai’s Bassam Al Rawi both but the ball was palmed away by injury time and Rivas found a player in a single season in the aimed at the Al Kharaitiyat goal assist by Murad Naji – missed the were booked for rough football Al Kharaitiyat goalkeeper the net with slick close-range history of QSL. from the edge of the box but his target narrowly. and constant arguments. Mustafa Abdul. shot. IPL: In-form Hyderabad beat Delhi by 5 to go top of the table

IANS Chasing 129, SRH won by 5 However, Pandey (10) and batsmen failed to read the two Deepak Hooda picked up a smart Patel finishing with a six off the NEW DELHI wickets with nine balls to spare. Shankar (16) too fell in quick suc- Afghanistan spinners. catch at long-off off Nabi with the final . The start from the opening cession to once again raise the Nabi (opening the bowling scoreboard reading 52/3. Skipper Brief scores Jonny Bairstow started from pair of Bairstow and David hopes of the Delhi players. It was with Bhuvneshwar) sent back Shreyas Iyer did try to wage a Delhi Capitals: 129/8 in 20 where had he left against Royal Warner set the platform for the too late in the day as Mohammad Shikhar Dhawan (12). The battle, but he didn’t find much overs (Shreyas Iyer 43, Axar Patel Challengers Bangalore as he hit a rest of the batting. Nabi (17n.o.) and Yusuf Pathan struggle of the Delhi batsmen was support from the other end. 23 not out; Mohammad Nabi 2/21, whirlwind 28-ball 48 to set the Even though SRH lost (9n.o.) took SRH home. Nabi fin- reflected on the scoreboard as Iyer (43 off 41 balls) was finally Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/27) lost to runchase for Sunrisers Hyderabad Bairstow and Warner (10) in quick ished things off in style with a six they managed just 36 runs for the cleaned up by Rashid. All-rounder Sunrisers Hyderabad: 131/5 in (SRH) in their Indian Premier succession, Vijay Shankar and over third man. loss of two wickets in the Chris Morris tried to wield the long 18.3 overs (Jonny Bairstow 48, League clash against Delhi Manish Pandey settled down to Earlier, Mohammad Nabi Powerplay. handle, but could only manage 17 Mohammad Nabi 17 not out; Rahul Capitals (DC) at the Feroz Shah ensure that the scoreboard kept (2/21) and Rashid Khan (1/18) made Star batsman Rishabh Pant (5) off 15 balls as DC scored 24 runs Tewatia 1/10, Axar Patel 1/18) by Kotla yesterday. ticking. full use of the conditions as the DC fell while trying to up the ante as off the last two overs with Axar 5 wickets. FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 SPORT 21 Stage set for AEF U-21 Dressage Championship Finals

THE PENINSULA Rosad, his compatriot Ivana Putri 9:00am to 4:00pm. The second DOHA Santosa will also take to the field round competitions will be held today. tomorrow. Top riders of the continent are Among the other competitors Meanwhile, the QEF will also set to compete in the inaugural will be, Tan Zhi xuan, Tara Yen host an official gala dinner for the Asian Equestrian Federation Wee (Singapore), Ekaterina visiting riders, officials of the (AEF) U-21 Dressage Champi- Akhtimirova, Viktoriia Terina International and Asian Federa- onship Finals, which will take (Kyrgyzstan), Raunaq Anand, tions as well as the referees and place at the Qatar Equestrian Sudipti Hajela (India), Nur Sabrina the technical support staff. The Federation (QEF) Arena from Dato’ Azman (Malaysia), Mina secretary-general of Qatar and today. Hang, Yu-Chen, Lin (Chinese Asian Equestrian Federations The two-day U-21 Dressage Taipei) and Pawarisa Thong- Bader Al Darwish yesterday con- finals will see riders from seven pradup (Thailand). firmed that the QEF has com- countries in action at the pictur- In the final, each competitor pleted all arrangements for esque venue in Al Rayyan. will appear on a loaned horse, hosting the event, which is being The young riders gained entry provided by the organising com- held for the first time in Qatar to the Doha Finals following out- mittee.The vet check and the under the auspices of the AEF. standing performances at the horse inspection took place yes- Qatar is a popular destination in zonal qualifiers, which took place terday at the QEF Arena, followed the region for hosting quine in several countries last year. by the Chef’s d’Equipe Meeting. events and the QEF has organised Among the prominent riders The draws of horses were also similar events with a huge who will compete in Doha are conducted by the organisers in success, attracting top riders over Rosad Febrisamina, who also the presence of AEF officials. Sep- the years. goes by the name of Rosad Natsir. arate draws were held to decide Darwish said that the tournament, Asian Equestrian Federation U-21 Dressage Championship Rosad emerged victorious at the athletes’ starting order in each which saw its initial stages being Finals will start in Al Rayyan today. Indonesia’s special qualifying round. hosted in 12 major cities in Asia, round, held in Gunung Putri, Today, Test Ride and Round will see the participation of three Sentul, last October. Along with 1 Competition will be held from Qatari riders. Qatar Barcelona target maintain spot in FIFA decisive title push rankings

REUTERS Barca can practically seal the title when they host THE PENINSULA/AFP BARCELONA nearest challengers Atletico Madrid tomorrow. PARIS Barca snatched a 4-4 draw at Villarreal last week. After somehow snatching a 4-4 Asian Cup champions Qatar draw at Villarreal in one of the maintained their 55th place in most memorable games in Since their last league defeat by Real Betis in the FIFA world football recent La Liga history, Barcelona November, Barca have been on a relentless run of rankings, remaining the top- can practically seal the title 14 wins and four draws. ranked side in the Gulf region. when they host nearest chal- The FIFA World Cup 2022 lengers Atletico Madrid hosts jumped 38 spots to 55 in tomorrow. Atletico have been Barca’s only genuine February after their stunning Tuesday’s eight-goal thriller, challengers for top spot but after their hopes victory at Asian Cup. in which Lionel Messi and Luis faded with three defeats in their last nine Meanwhile, Belgium hold Suarez scored in stoppage-time, games, victory tomorrow is their last chance of on to top spot in the latest FIFA may have trimmed their overhauling the Catalans. world football rankings while advantage over Atletico to eight in-form England are on the points but it underlined the rise, snatching fourth place Catalan side’s single-mind- Spain apart from Real Madrid, “As long as we have a chance from World Cup finalists edness about winning the league. who have 53. we’re going to set the bar high Croatia. “The spirit which we showed If Barca can beat Atletico, and we’re going to try and make The top three positions are to never give up demonstrates who have not won at the Nou things as hard as possible for unchanged with World Cup how much we want to lift this Camp since 2006, they will take them.” winners France in second spot England’s manager Gareth Southgate poses with the OBE that league title,” Suarez said after an 11-point lead at the top of the Atletico’s record of only six ahead of Brazil, in third in the he received at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace the Villarreal game, in which his standings with seven games left, away wins this season does not latest rankings. in London, yesterday. side trailed 424-2 in the 90th all but guarguaranteeinganteeing thetheyy wiwinn an makea e for o eencouraging cou aging reading,eading, England move up one place minute.minute. eightheighth title in 11 yearsyears.. nnoror does the fact they are set to on the strength of convincing SinceSince ttheirheir llastast lleagueeague ddefeatefeat AtleticoAtletico havehave beenbeen Barca’sBarca’s be withoutwithout strikersstrikers AlvaroAlvaro Euro 2020 qualifier wins England’s manager byby Real Betis in November, Barca only gengenuineuine challenchallengersgers for top Morata and DiegoDiego Costa through against the Czech Republic and have been on a relentless run of spotspot for some time injuryinjury as well as record signing Montenegro last month while 14 wins and four drawsdraws,, led butbut after their Thomas LemarLemar.. Croatia, who reached the 2018 Southgate honoured byby strikers Messi and hopes faded with BarcaBarca havehave anan almostalmost cleanclean World Cup final before losing Suarez, the leadinleadingg scorers threethree dedefeatsfeats in billbill of health for the gamegame and to France, retreat one place to at Buckingham Palace inin Spain witwithh 32 anandd 19 ttheirheir llastast ninenine couldcould wewelcomelcome bbackack Ousmane fifth. goalsgoals respectiverespectively.ly. games,games, vvictoryictory DembeleDembele afterafter tthehe France Germany, rebuilding fol- REUTERS English manager and to TheThe SoutSouthh AmAmericanerican tomorrow is fforwardorward returnedreturned to lightlight lowing their humiliating exit LONDON receive an award from the strikersstrikers hhaveave nettenettedd a theirtheir last ttrainingraining followingfollowing a musclemuscle from the 2018 World Cup after royal family - as a proud royal combinedcombined 5511 chchanceance ofof over-over- injury.injury. the group phase, are also England’s manager Gareth fan, that was very special. It’s times,times, more hhaulingauling tthehe ElsewhereElsewhere in La Liga, third-third- moving up. They rise three Southgate received the OBE a moment that will live with thanthan everyevery Catalans.Catalans. placedplaced RealReal MadridMadrid hosthost EibarEibar places to 13th in the rankings award at Buckingham Palace me for ever.” otherother “Even“ Eve n afterafter ffallingalling to on the back of their victory over yesterday after steering the Last month, team captain team thoughthough it’s theitheirr the Netherlands in the Euro national team to the World Harry Kane received the MBE ini n ffirstirst qualifiers last month. Cup semi-finals in Russia last award. He was top scorer with dedefeatf eat Austria slid 11 places, the Summer. six goals in Russia but the sincesince ZiZin-n- biggest drop in the rankings, Southgate, 48, dressed in team was knocked out after a edineedine after Euro qualifier defeats by his trademark waistcoat, was 2-1 loss to Croatia in the Zidane’sZidane’s return by llosingosing Poland and Israel in March. presented the award for semi-finals. 2-12-1 at Valencia.Valencia. services to football by Prince Southgate’s OBE came as difficultdifficult wwe’lle’ll Fourth-placedFourth-placed GetaGetafefe hhostost FIFA RANKINGS Charles after he was included England climbed one place to alwaysalways keep fifightingghting resurgentresurgent Athletic Bilbao in a in Queen Elizabeth’s 2019 fourth in FIFA’s latest world andand on SaturSaturdayday vitalvital game forfor bbothoth sides’sides’ ambi-ambi- 1. Belgium; 2. France; 3. Brazil; 4. New Year’s honours list. rankings after Euro 2020 (tomorrow)(tomorrow) we face the tionstions of qualifyingqualifying for the Cham-Cham- England (+1); 5. Croatia (-1); 6. Uru- “It’s very special,” he said qualifying victories over the bestbest team in tthehe lleagueeague pionspions League, whilewhile VaValencialencia guay (+1); 7. Portugal (-1); 8. Switzer-

after the ceremony. Czech Republic and andand it wouwouldld bbee great to visitvisit struggstrugglingling Rayo Vallecano,Vallecano, land; 9. Spain; 10. Denmark.... “It’s a privilege to be the Montenegro. reduce the pointspoints gagap,”p,” readyready to seize fourth spot should 55. Qatar midfieldermidfielder RRodrigoodrigo said.said. GetafeGetafe failfail to win.win. Advantage Man City but fixtures favour Liverpooliverpool

REUTERS Liverpool’s home game Yet two of their fixtures stand the balance in favour of Juergen in thee quarter-quarter-finalsfinals anandd iiff one MANCHESTER with Chelsea on April out as absolutely crucial to Klopp’s side. weree to be eliminatedeliminated thetheirir 14 is their only meeting deciding the outcome of what Yet there have rarely been workloadkload wouldwould ease. Manchester City have a one- with a top-six team promises to be a thrilling battle. title run-ins without some WhateverWhatever hhappens,appens, ttherehere wiwillll point advantage over rivals during the run-in and City, who play four of their surprises. be no shortashortagege of drama between Liverpool going into the final six half of their games last six away from home, host There is an argument that now andand May 12. games of the Premier League Spurs at the Etihad on April 20 playing against teams scrapping season but a tougher set of are against sides in -- a game which comes after a desperately against relegation is fixtures means Pep Guardiola’s the bottom five of the two-legged Champions League tougher, at this stage of the cam- Pep Guardiola side will have to be at their very league, starting with quarter-final between the pair. paign, than taking on mid-table best to defend their title. a trip to 16th-placed Then the Manchester derby sides with little to motivate them. Liverpool’s home game with Southampton today. at Old Trafford on April 24 offers Teams such as Leicester, who Chelsea on April 14 is their only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United City host in the penultimate meeting with a top-six team side the chance to ruin the ambi- game and Wolverhampton Wan- during the run-in and half of Should City, who have won tions of their local rivals. derers, who are at Anfield on the their games are against sides in their last eight games in the It is such a tight race that final day, have shown they are the bottom five of the league, league, extend that run until the even a normally acceptable capable of upsetting the big boys. starting with a trip to 16th-placed end of the season they will win result -- a draw at Manchester Another factor is the Cham- Southampton today. the title again. United -- could be enough to tip pions League -- both clubs are 22 SPORT FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019

ITF World Proteas close to knowing World Junior Tennis Qualifications: Cup squad but doubts remain Qatar through REUTERS In ODI cricket he has to quarters CAPE TOWN managed a single century in his previous 16 innings, dating back QNA South Africa coach Ottis Gibson to the start of 2018, at an KUALA LUMPUR knows the players he wants to average of 35.26. travel to England for the Cricket Counting in his favour The Qatari U14 tennis team qualified World Cup, but injuries and loss though is an impressive to the quarter-finals of the Asia- of form have complicated his average of 63.44 in England. Oceania Final Qualifying event for 15-man selection. Those who have been given ITF World Junior Tennis Competition South Africa, who are due a run of games to contest his being held in Kuala Lumpur, to name their squad on April 18, opening spot, Reeza Hendricks Malaysia. have not lost a 50-over series and Aiden Markram, have not Qatar reached the quarter-finals in the last 12 months, winning grasped their opportunities after beating China 2-1 in their third home and away against Sri despite hugely impressive group match on Wednesday. Lanka, in Australia, and at domestic form. In the quarters, the Qatari team home to Pakistan and There are also questions will take on their Japanese counter- Zimbabwe. over the number three position, parts who led the other group. Captain Faf du Plessis has with the same duo also in con- The State of Qatar is represented previously described what they tention for that along with the by Nasser Al Yafei, Rashed Nawaf see as their blueprint for inexperienced, but in-form, and Meshari Nawaf. success -- six specialist Rassie van der Dussen. Qatar began their campaign in batsmen, an all-rounder at Dussen made his debut less the event with a 1-2 defeat against number seven, three fast than three months ago but New Zealand in the first match, then South Africa’s captain Faf du Plessis (right) reacts next to the team’s coach Ottis Gibson in this file photo. bowlers and a spinner. could be asked to play a pivotal they edged out Chinese Taipei in their The bowling lineup picks role in one of the key batting second match. itself with Imran Tahir pro- , and have gone off (to the IPL) to taking injuries into a World positions in the lineup. The event features teams from viding his controlled leg-spin, both have a history of breaking make sure that they still Cup, so hopefully that will take JP Duminy, who provides a China, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and a seam attack of Kagiso down in the recent past. remember what the biggest care of itself.” second spin option as well as Korea, Chinese Taipei, Qatar, India, Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and one “I’ve had 15 (players in picture is with regards to the Opening batsman Hashim being a frontline batsman, is Hong Kong, Indonesia, Syria, New of veteran Dale Steyn or new- mind) for a while now, but Proteas setup. Amla has been a stalwart at the undergoing strength training on Zealand, Uzbekistan and . comer Anrich Nortje. we’ve got to sit with fingers “We have a camp on May top of the order for the last a troublesome shoulder. The four top teams will qualify Ngidi (side strain) and Nortje crossed,” Gibson recently told 12, and we want to make sure decade, but his form in all The Proteas open their to the ITF World Junior Tennis Com- (shoulder) are currently out with reporters. that there are no niggling formats has been called into World Cup against England at petition to be staged in Czech injuries though, missing the “We’ve asked the guys who injuries. We don’t want to be question in the past year. The Oval on May 30. Republic in August 2019. Buttler vows never to be ‘Mankaded’ again Sevastova

REUTERS Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttleris being dismissed by a ‘Mankad’ at the stunned as RAJASTHAN non-striker’s end by Kings XI Punjab’s Ravichandran Ashwin (left) during an Indian Premier League game last week in this picture obtained by a video. seeds struggle England’s has vowed to make sure he is never dismissed by a “Mankad” in Charleston run out again after losing his that way for the second time in his career REUTERS during an Indian Premier League (IPL) SOUTH CAROLINA game last week. The Rajasthan Royals batsman was Fourth seed Anastasija Sevastova was run out on 69 while backing up at the stunned by world No. 81 Jessica non-striker’s end as Kings XI Punjab’s Pegula 6-4, 6-2 in the second round Ravichandran Ashwin chose to whip off of the Charleston Open on the bails instead of completing his Wednesday as several seeds ICC charges delivery as Buttler stepped out of the struggled in South Carolina. crease. Sixth seed Elise Mertens fell to ex-Sri Lankan The 28-year-old was dismissed the Kaia Kanepi 0-6, 6-0, 7-5 and same way when England played Sri Lanka seventh seed Julia Goerges lost to all-rounder in 2014, although in that case spinner American Taylor Townsend 6-4, Sachithra Senanayake had warned Buttler 7-6(0). Lokuhettige twice for backing up too far. Pegula broke the Latvian five “I must be the only person to get out times en route to an unlikely victory. REUTERS twice in that way. I’ll make sure it never The Marylebone Cricket Club, the that suddenly over the next two games “Super special, because I’m from COLOMBO happens again,” Buttler told the Daily authority on the laws of cricket, said I found myself being really conscious the area,” Pegula told the Post and Mirror. the dismissal was not “within the spirit of it and it’s quite distracting. Courier. “I had a good feeling this Former Sri Lanka international “I didn’t like what happened and I of the game” after reviewing footage “I think if you look at the footage, week. I kind of went in knowing that (pictured didn’t agree with it, but what can you do?” of the incident. probably the wrong decision was made I feel comfortable here, I feel good. above) has been charged with The dismissal, named after India “I was really disappointed with it, because at the time he was expected I was just trying to ride that three counts of breaching the bowler Vinoo Mankad who ran out Aus- I didn’t like the style of it,” Buttler to release the ball I was in my crease.” momentum.” International Cricket Council’s tralia’s Bill Brown in similar fashion in added. “I just thought it was a bad Buttler, who has made two fifties Caroline Wozniacki, seeded fifth, anti-corruption code, the sport’s 1947, is permitted under cricket’s laws precedent at the start of the in the IPL this season, is back in action had little trouble with Laura governing body said yesterday. but viewed by many as going against the tournament. when the Royals take on Kolkata Siegemund, beating the German 6-2, The charges against the spirit of the game. “What was more disappointing is Knight Riders on Sunday. 6-2 in just under 90 minutes. bowling all-rounder include being “Today, I played a pretty decent party to an effort to fix the result match and I’m ready for tomorrow or progress of an international again,” said 2011 champion Woz- match, and directly soliciting, Pandya on focus after tough season niacki, who will next face 12th seed inducing, enticing or encouraging Mihaela Buzarnescu. a player to do the same, it said. REUTERS their last before this year’s World Cup, Third seed Aryna Sabalenka nar- Mumbai Indians Lokuhettige, who played nine MUMBAI with lower back stiffness. rowly escaped an upset, coming from batsman Hardik one-dayers and two Twenty20 He was back at his best for the a set down to beat Kateryna Kozlova internationals for Sri Lanka, has Hardik Pandya will be a key cog in Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, Pandya in action 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. American eigth seed been charged for similar offences India’s tilt at the Cricket World Cup smashing 25 off eight deliveries with during the IPL. Madison Keys had to fight back from relating to a 10-over league in the this year but the past few months have the bat and then picking up 3-20 with 4-3 down in the final set to defeat Ger- United Arab Emirates last year. been a “reality check” for the all- the ball to help his team beat cham- many’s Tatjana Maria 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4. “He was provisionally sus- rounder, who has had to deal with pions and table-toppers Chennai pended by the ICC, which had injury problems and controversy off Super Kings by 37 runs. WTA CHARLESTON RESULTS been appointed by the Emirates the field “It has been seven months that I 2ND ROUND: Cricket Board as its designated India has produced a plethora of have hardly played games. I’ve just Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS x14) bt Tamara Zidansek anti-corruption official,” the ICC spin-bowling all-rounders suited to batted and batted and batted, and (SLO) 7-5, 6-2 said in a statement. Asian conditions but past tours to Aus- touch wood the game is getting Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x10) bt Shelby Rogers “That provisional suspension tralia, England and South Africa have improved,” Pandya said after being (USA) 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) remains in full force and effect and highlighted the need for a batsman handed his man-of-the-match award. Madison Keys (USA x8) bt Tatjana Maria (GER) he has additionally been provi- who can turn his arm to fast bowling. “I am someone who wants to 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 sionally suspended under the ICC While Pandya is considered one improve my game day by day. That’s Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x3) bt Kateryna Kozlova Code pending the determination of the cleanest strikers of the ball and something I was focusing all those (UKR) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 of these new charges.” is viewed as having the potential to time I was out. Touch wood it is Monica Puig (PUR) bt Sofia Kenin (USA x13) Lokuhettige had 14 days to address that need, his career has been helping me. It is a fantastic feeling 6-4, 6-4 respond to the new charges, the dealt some recent setbacks. when you hit the ball like that and Danielle Collins (USA x11) bt Aliona Bolsova ICC added. has The 25-year-old had to leave the make your team win.” (ESP) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) been thrown into turmoil as the ICC Asia Cup last September after suffering Pandya has his eyes trained on the Kaia Kanepi (EST) bt Elise Mertens (BEL x6) 0-6, continues to investigate corruption a back injury, which ruled him out of May 40-July 14 World Cup in England 6-0, 7-5 allegations in the island nation. the T20 and test series in Australia. He and Wales. Taylor Townsend (USA) bt Julia Goerges (GER x7) In January, the ICC granted Sri joined the team as an injury “This Man-of-the-Match I would 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) Lankan cricketers a 15-day replacement for the fourth test but was really like to dedicate to my family and Belinda Bencic (SUI x9) bt Alexandra Kiick (USA) amnesty to report previously not selected. my friends who were there for me 6-0, 6-3 undisclosed information relating Pandya and team mate KL Rahul during my toughest time,” he said. Petra Martic (CRO x16) bt Mandy Minella (LUX) to corruption in the sport. were then sent home from India’s tour “Because these seven months has 6-3, 6-3 It was followed by former of Australia and subsequently banned not been easy. I was out and then I Jessica Pegula (USA) bt Anastasija Sevastova captain and chairman of selectors after making remarks that were widely didn’t know what to do. That kind of (LAT x4) 6-4, 6-2 Sanath Jayasuriya being handed condemned as sexist and inappro- made me feel that I should have a Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x5) bt Laura a two-year ban for refusing to priate in a television show interview. reality check on my life (about) what Siegemund (GER) 6-2, 6-2 cooperate with any investigation The bans were provisionally lifted I am doing and which is helping me. Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROM x12) bt Lauren Davis conducted by its anti-corruption pending a board investigation but “Now my only focus is to play IPL (USA) 6-3, 6-2 unit. Pandya then missed India’s limited and make sure India wins the World Maria Sakkari (GRE x15) bt Andrea Petkovic overs home series against Australia, Cup. That is my sole purpose.” (GER) 6-3, 6-0 FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2019 SPORT 23 Peslier clinches Qatar Gold Sword THE PENINSULA PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE DOHA FP Margin Horse Trainer Jockey French jockey Olivier Peslier astride Yazeed 1 Gold Amer (FR) Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle Ronan Thomas celebrates after winning the Qatar Gold Yazeed yesterday produced 2 0.50 Fuwairat (FR) Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki Eduardo Pedroza Sword at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian electrifying speed as French 3 NK Rodina (QA) Mohammed Jassim Ghazali Jahromi Harry Bentley jockey Olivier Peslier won the Club (QREC) yesterday. Qatar Gold Sword, the feature QATAR SILVER SWORD event at the Qatar Racing and 1 AJS Moaddie (QA) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Ronan Thomas Equestrian Club (QREC). 2 1.00 Tabouk (QA) Hamad Ahmed Al Malki Al-Jehani Eduardo Pedroza Yazeed, trained by Alban 3 1.00 Di Oco Py (FR) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Faleh Bughanaim Elie Marie De Mieulle, clocked a time of 2:10.24 in the 2,000m LOCAL THOROUGHBREDS turf race in the 10-rider field. 1 Al Lusail (QA) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Ronan Thomas Gazwan, ridden by Theo 2 3.50 Surra Man Raa (QA) Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki Eduardo Pedroza Bachelot and trained by Julian 3 NK Sraab (QA) Ahmed Mohamad Kobeissi Ryan Curatolo Smart, finished in second spot. The third place was secured SEALINE SPRINT TROPHY by Tayf, ridden by Ronan 1 Anima Rock (FR) Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi Theo Bachelot Thomas. 2 NO Top Face (USA) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Faleh Bughanaim Peslier won $142,500 for 3 NK Itorio (IRE) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Tomas Lukasek his top-place finish while Bachelot got richer by AL WAJBA TROPHY $55,000. Thomas picked up 1 Luchador (GB) Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi JP Guillambert $27,500. Alignment, who had Bachelot 2 1.25 Arabic Channel (USA) Hadi Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani Maxime Guyon Harry Bentley on The Popular British jockey in the saddle, finished in third 3 1.50 Ferro Grande (FR) Mohammed Nasser R A Al-Naimi Tomas Lukasek Blue Eye during Qatar Harry Bentley guided The Blue spot. Bachelot got richer by Gold Trophy. Eye to the Qatar Gold Trophy $27,500. QATAR SILVER TROPHY win ahead of a strong field in In race 6, Thomas guided 1 Aahil (QA) Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle Ronan Thomas what race 7 on the cards at Aahil to a close win in the 2 NK Molheb Al Naif (QA) Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi Harry Bentley QREC. Qatar Silver Trophy worth 3 2.25 Sharesa (QA) Julian Colin Smart Theo Bachelot The Blue Eye, trained by $45,600. Aahil clocked a time Jassim Ghazali, won the of 1:43.90 in the 1,600m. QATAR GOLD TROPHY (QA GR 1) 2200m marathon in a time of Molheb Al Naif, ridden by 1 The Blue Eye (GB) Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi Harry Bentley 2:14.19. Bentley won $142,000 Bentley and trained by 2 1.50 Heshem (IRE) Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle Olivier Peslier for his win. Ghazali, finished second while 3 NO Alignement (GB) Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi Theo Bachelot Heshem, ridden by Peslier Sharesa, who had Bachelot in QATAR GOLD SWORD (GR1 PA) and trained by Alban Elie the saddle, ended in third spot. 1 Yazeed (FR) Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle Olivier Peslier Marie, finished in second spot. Bentley took home 2 0.50 Gazwan (GB) Julian Colin Smart Theo Bachelot Peslier won $55,000. $17,600 while Bachelot won 3 0.50 Tayf (FR) Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle Ronan Thomas Ghazali-trained $8,800. PlayersPlayers win to boost McIlroy, says Strange

REUTERS not won one since the PGA Rory after winning The Players,” NEW YORK Championship in 2014. American Strange said. After five top-six finishes in “It’s such a mind game, so I Rory McIlroy’s (pictured) recent succession on the PGA Tour this If he’s in contention think it was huge. Plus he’s got victory at the Players Champi- year, Strange said victory at Saw- the motivation. He knows what onship can propel him to a first grass would send McIlroy to come Sunday he’s going up against, completing Green Jacket at next week’s Augusta brimming with confi- afternoon, it’s a the Slam here. Masters, according to former dence in his ability to finish. different Rory after “I think more than anything Augusta runner-up Curtis “I think that was huge,” else, Rory has to calm down and Strange. Strange, twice US Open champion winning The Players: just get the job done.” Northern Irishman McIlroy and working for broadcaster Strange Several big-name European ended a run of near misses to win ESPN at the Masters, said. players are being tipped to win the prestigious Florida tour- “He didn’t have to reminded think about yourself the title but Strange says Italian nament by one stroke from that he hadn’t finished off in the differently.” Francesco Molinari, the British American Jim Furyk -- his first last year or so after playing well McIlroy was in contention to Open champion, has the accuracy title for a year. the first three days. win last year’s Masters after a to mount a serious challenge. The 29-year-old former “To get over that little hurdle third-round 65 but blew his “He’s one-up on most of the world number one is aiming for and win on really a kind of quirky chances with a 74 on Sunday. players because he’s going to play victory in the Masters to complete golf course, similar to Augusta, to “If he’s in contention come it in the middle of the fairway his set of majors, although he has win on a big stage like that, you Sunday afternoon, it’s a different every time,” Strange said. IAAF Heritage Exhibition opens on April 18 NBA: Magic stop Merritt donates World record spikes Knicks, climb into play-off position THE PENINSULA DOHA REUTERS RESULTS USA’s 2012 London Olympic NEW YORK Games 110m hurdles champion, LA Clippers 103, Houston 135 Aries Merritt has become the Nikola Vucevic had 29 points Dallas 108, Minnesota 110 latest star athlete to give his and 13 rebounds for the Orlando Atlanta 130, Philadelphia 122 support to the IAAF Heritage Magic, who are in the thick of Brooklyn 105, Toronto 115 World Athletics Championships Aries Merritt has the Eastern Conference play-off Miami 102, Boston 112 Exhibition which opens in Doha, become the latest race after a 114-100 win at home Phoenix 97, Utah 118 Qatar on April 18. over the New York Knicks on Portland 116, Memphis 89 Merritt, the fastest man ever star athlete to Wednesday night. Denver 113, San Antonio 85 over the sprint hurdles, has gen- give his support to Terrence Ross added 23 New Orleans 109, Charlotte 115 erously donated to the IAAF Her- the IAAF Heritage points off the bench for the Detroit 89, Indiana 108 itage Collection the pair of spikes World Athletics Magic, and Aaron Gordon and Orlando 114, New York 100

(running shoes) which he wore Evan Fournier scored 19 points Championships Washington 114, Chicago 115 when flying to the current 110m Exhibition which opens each. hurdles world record of 12.80 Orlando began the night a seconds in the IAAF Diamond in Doha on April 18. half-game behind Miami for the worst record in the league and League meeting in Brussels on 7 eighth and final playoff spot in has secured one of the three September 2012. the East, but with the victory, the lottery slots with a 14 percent The spikes will be on public Magic (39-40) moved into a tie chance of landing the No. 1 pick. display in the IAAF Heritage for the seventh spot as the Heat The Magic held off a New Exhibition in the City Center (38-40) fell to Boston 112-102 on York run in the third quarter by Doha shopping mall for six Wednesday. Brooklyn (39-40) responding with a scoring spree months leading into and and Detroit (39-39) also lost, of their own. The Magic had a through the IAAF World Ath- leaving the Magic level with the 16-point lead early in the third letics Championships Doha Nets, both just a half-game quarter, until Hezonja scored 2019 (27 September to 6 behind the sixth-place Pistons. eight straight points to kick off a October). The Nets hold the head-to- 17-5 run. The Knicks cut the Magic In a special ceremony on the head tiebreaker edge on the lead to two later in the third, but evening of April 18, IAAF Pres- Magic. Ross hit back-to-back-to-back ident Sebastian Coe together Orlando plays its last home 3-pointers in the final minute of with Dahlan Al Hamad, IAAF game against Atlanta before fin- the quarter to pad Orlando’s lead Vice President and Director knew I had to become involved story to future generations.” Johnson’s Athens 1997 spikes, ishing the regular season on the back to double digits. General of the IAAF World Ath- and help promote track and Hurdling history will play an Nezha Bidouane’s Edmonton road at Boston and Charlotte. Orlando continued its letics Championships Doha 2019 field,” Merritt said. important part in the exhibition 2001 bodysuit and number, Jana Mario Hezonja led the momentum in the fourth, com- Local Organising Committee, will “I hope that the display of displays. Fanny Blankers-Koen’s Pittman’s Paris 2003 winning Knicks with 29 points while col- piling a 17-2 run during a three- officially open the world’s largest my world record spikes in Doha Olympic accreditation cards vest and number are just a few lecting nine rebounds and five minute stretch spanning the ever display of athletics artefacts will attract the attention of from London 1948, Nawal El of artefacts from famous global assists against his former team. third and fourth quarters. and memorabilia. sports fans and the preser- Moutawakel’s 1984 Olympic champions which will be on Hezonja was selected No. 5 Orlando then kept enough dis- “When I heard about the IAAF vation of the shoes will assist spikes, Colin Jackson’s Stuttgart display alongside Merritt’s overall by the Magic in the 2015 tance in the fourth quarter to Heritage project, I immediately the telling of tracks’ incredible 1993 world record vest, Allen spikes. NBA Draft. New York owns the earn its 39th win of the season.