Gulf Times 2 Saturday, April 20, 2019 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE FOCUS Ronaldo committed to Juve despite Chelsea fi ght off Champions League fl op, says Allegri

AFP “Ronaldo’s arrival did not Milan give us any certainty of winning Slavia, to join the Champions League,” con- tinued Allegri. ristiano Ronaldo is com- “Barcelona play a semi-fi nal mitted to Juventus next this year for the fi rst time after season despite his bitter four years and they have (Lionel) disappointment at the Messi. Football is not just about CItalian giants Champions League individuals. fl op, coach Massimiliano Allegri “We have to put the disap- Arsenal in semis revealed yesterday. pointment of the elimination in Allegri’s injury-hit side host the Champions League behind The 2013 Europa League champions will meet Eintracht Frankfurt in the last four Fiorentina today needing just a us.” point to lift their eighth straight Injuries have hit Juve hard title, days after a shock ahead of the weekend’s clash, home 2-1 defeat to the Dutch side with Sami Khedira announc- that saw them eliminated 3-2 on ing yesterday that he is set to aggregate. have season-ending knee sur- “Cristiano is the future of Ju- gery, while Allegri revealed that ventus. He has done very well key attacker Mario Mandzukic this year and will do so next sea- could also miss the rest of the son, of course he is disappointed season. like all of us but he’s calm about “(Goalkeeper) Mattia Perin is it,” said Allegri. out until the end of the season, “Cristiano has had an ex- as is Sami Khedira and maybe traordinary season and will play Mario Mandzukic.” he said. tomorrow.” Meanwhile striker Paulo Dy- Five-time Ballon d’Or winner bala will be out for three weeks Ronaldo had been bidding for a and Douglas Costa and Jose sixth Champions League title Caceres for 10 days each, while to add to his four won with Real defender could Madrid and one with Manches- be back for next week’s trip to ter United. Inter Milan. The 34-year-old joined Ju- However with a 17-point lead ventus from Real last summer over Napoli Allegri’s side are al- in a 100 million-euro ($117mn) most certainties to lift their 35th deal which runs until 2022, with league title as they cement their a reported annual salary of 31mn domestic dominance despite euros. continental disappointment. He scored six of his teams’ 14 “The eighth consecutive Scu- Champions League goals this detto is a source of pride for season and has 19 so far in Se- everyone. Once it’s sealed we all rie A, four behind leading scorer have to enjoy it, it wouldn’t make Fabio Quagliarella. sense not to celebrate it.”

Chelsea’s Spanish midfielder Pedro (2R) celebrates after scoring against Slavia Prague at Stamford Bridge in London on Thursday.

AFP 36 minutes at the Stadio San Paris Paolo as the Gunners complet- ed a 3-0 aggregate victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli. edro Rodriguez starred Petr Cech denied Jose Calle- as Chelsea withstood a jon with his legs following a rap- spirited Slavia Prague id Napoli break on the quarter- fi ghtback in a wild 4-3 hour as the Italians sought to Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Pvictory to qualify for the Europa overturn a two-goal defi cit from UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match against League semi-fi nals on Thurs- the fi rst leg. Ajax Amsterdam on April 16. day, while Arsenal knocked out But Lacazette’s 30-yard drive Napoli after an assured display all but put the tie beyond Na- in Italy. poli, shortly after Aaron Ramsey Leading 1-0 from last week’s hobbled off with a hamstring Injured Ramsey could have fi rst leg in the Czech capital, injury — potentially his fi nal ap- Chelsea appeared to be cruis- pearance for Arsenal ahead of a played fi nal game for Arsenal ing towards the last four after move to Juventus in July. an early goal blitz at Stamford “We came here with ambition Naples: Aaron Ramsey could Valencia, said he didn’t know Bridge. and wanted to win and score have played his last game for whether Ramsey would play Pedro struck the opener on some goals. We did it with Laca,” Arsenal ahead of his summer again this season. fi ve minutes before an unfortu- Arsenal Laurent Ko- move to Juventus after limp- Ramsey, out of contract with nate Simon Deli turned into his scielny told BT Sport. ing off injured in their Europa Arsenal in June, will end an own net and Olivier Giroud add- “We kept a clean sheet, which League quarter-final, second 11-year association with the ed a third with barely quarter of is important for the confi dence. leg tie at Napoli on Thursday. Gunners after agreeing a an hour gone in London. Each game we have in front of us The Welsh midfielder looked deal with Juve reportedly Tomas Soucek pulled one is a fi nal.” to have picked up a ham- worth £400,000 ($515,000) back for Slavia on 26 minutes, Arsenal boss Unai Emery string injury half an hour into per week over four seasons. but Spain forward Pedro re- will come up against one of his the 1-0 win at the Stadio San Reduced to a bit-part player plied immediately to restore the former clubs Valencia, the 2004 Paolo after a high tackle on under Emery, Ramsey’s Blues’ three-goal lead. Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring against Napoli on Thursday. UEFA Cup winners, for a spot in Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski. recent form — he has three ’s side were the fi nal. “It is a muscular injury. goals in his last seven starts made to sweat though as two we dropped our intensity after The 2013 Europa League Arena. Kostic turned home a Valencia eased through with a Normally it will be some — had helped him regain a sublime, quick-fi re goals by the break,” Giroud, who scored champions will meet Eintracht rebound on 37 minutes after Mi- 5-1 aggregate win over Villarreal weeks out for him. But we regular spot in the Arsenal Petr Sevcik just after half-time his competition-leading 10th Frankfurt in the last four after jat Gacinovic’s curling attempt in an all-Spanish aff air. have other players and we side. gave Slavia hope of an incred- goal, told BT Sport. the Germans eliminated Benfi ca cannoned back off the upright. Toni Lato and Dani Parejo can find a performance and The 28-year-old, set to follow ible comeback with 35 minutes “We started very badly in the on away goals. Rode, on loan from Borussia grabbed the goals in a 2-0 sec- rotate players,” Arsenal in the footsteps of country- still to play. Chelsea eventually second half but I’m really, really Eintracht lost 4-2 in Portugal Dortmund, hit the decisive goal ond-leg victory for Valencia manager Unai Emery told BT men John Charles and Ian saw off the threat to progress 5-3 happy because we played well in a week ago, but goals by Filip on 67 minutes as he picked out coach Marcelino against his Sport. Rush by switching England on aggregate despite an uncon- the fi rst 45 minutes and we are Kostic and former Bayern Mu- the bottom corner from the edge former club. Emery, whose side beat for Turin, had struck the vincing second-half display. in a European semi-fi nal which nich midfi elder Sebastian Rode of the area. The semi-fi nals will be played Napoli 3-0 on aggregate to opening goal in last week’s “We have been effi cient up is very important to us,” added sent the German Cup holders In Italy, Alexandre Lacazette over May 2 and 9, with this year’s set up a last-four clash with 2-0 win over Napoli. front and solid at the back but Chelsea boss Sarri. through at the Commerzbank drilled in a terrifi c free-kick on fi nal in Baku on May 29.

BOTTOMLINE Social media boycott as footballers in England say ‘enough’ over racism

AFP media from 9:00am (0800 GMT) The boycott is not just sea fans last week — has said he PFA message on his Instagram debilitating impact on those tar- ing tools that users can deploy London yesterday. aimed at those who use would have no hesitation in tak- account yesterday morning. geted. to moderate and fi lter content on The universal message across the platforms to air their ing his players off the pitch. “We are making a stand against “Throughout my career I have their pages by hiding or deleting the footballers’ Twitter accounts racist views but also at the “If it’s the whole stand, then racist abuse,” said a message on developed a thick skin against comments. remier League stars led used the hashtag #Enough with social media companies I would do it 100 %,” Klopp said his account. verbal abuse, justifying it as just “We will remove hate speech footballers in England the message “MAKE A STAND themselves and football after the Montenegro incidents. “We recognise that our plat- ‘part of the game’ but the time or credible threats of any kind, and Wales in a 24-hour AGAINST RACISM — A cam- authorities “But that’s too much power forms come with responsibility, has come for Twitter, Insta- and we encourage anyone who social media boycott paign by the PFA”. for one or two idiots or three or and so we are using our voice to gram and Facebook to consider sees content they fi nd off ensive yesterdayP in a bid to combat rac- The PFA said the boycott was grounds and on social media. four idiots. But if the whole stand stand against racist abuse. regulating their channels, tak- to report it so we can remove ist abuse online. the “fi rst step in a longer cam- England’s black players faced would do it then it is completely “Together, we are calling on ing responsibility for protect- anything that breaks our Com- Watford striker Troy Deeney — paign to tackle racism in football”. repeated racist chants during diff erent.” social media platforms and foot- ing the mental health of users munity Standards,” the spokes- who blocked replies to his Insta- The boycott is not just aimed their Euro 2020 qualifi er in Mon- For the moment though the balling bodies to do more!” regardless of age, race, sex or person said. gram account earlier this month at those who use the platforms tenegro last month. likes of prolifi c tweeter Raheem Manchester United’s cen- income,” Smalling said. Twit- Instagram too said they would after receiving abuse — summed to air their racist views but also One of those targeted, full- Sterling — who has been subject tral defender Chris Smalling — ter has defended itself, saying it act as soon as anyone reported up the anger he and fellow foot- at the social media companies back Danny Rose, said afterwards to abuse from Chelsea fans and whose teammate Ashley Young is “suspending three times more anything relating to off ensive ballers feel, saying: “Enough is themselves and football authori- he could not wait to turn his then in Montenegro this season — was the victim of racist abuse abusive accounts within 24 hours posts. enough.” ties. “back on football”. and Harry Kane will have to resist after a mistake during the Cham- after receiving a report than this “We encourage anyone who The campaign, which is being There have been growing con- Some like Liverpool manager the urge to tweet or post on In- pions League defeat to Barce- time last year”. sees content they fi nd off ensive coordinated by England’s Profes- cerns over how football should Jurgen Klopp — whose star player stagram. Liverpool’s England de- lona on Tuesday — echoed these A Facebook spokesperson told to report it in-app and we work sional Footballers’ Association, tackle racism following a number Mohamed Salah was the target fender Trent Alexander-Arnold sentiments, warning harmful Press Association Sport they quickly to remove anything that urged players to stay off all social of incidents of abuse both at of Islamophobic abuse by Chel- was among those who posted the and hate-fi lled posts can have a had made progress in develop- breaks our guidelines.” Gulf Times Saturday, April 20, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW PREMIER LEAGUE

Umm Salal, Man City must Minnows who finished ninth in the ‘stand up’ from recently concluded fancy their league, will Tottenham meet second division club blow to keep Al Shamal chances in today, while 10th-placed Al Liverpool at bay

Khor will take AFP ho, Leroy Sane, Riyad Mahrez, pions League with a whimper London Gabriel Jesus, Nicolas Otamendi as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men on Al Wakrah and John Stones on the bench in were beaten 3-0 by Barcelona on midweek. Tuesday to complete a 4-0 ag- Amir Cup he third act of Manches- By contrast, Tottenham re- gregate defeat. ter City and Tottenham’s main without Harry Kane and are United now face an uphill trilogy has some living now desperately short in midfi eld task just to make the Champions up to do after a Cham- after Moussa Sissoko limped off League next season as they trail Tpions League classic saw Spurs midway through the fi rst-half on Tottenham, Arsenal and Chel- prevail on away goals to reach the Wednesday. sea in the race for two remaining semi-fi nals. And should they lose a fi fth places in the top four. However, their Premier League straight away league game, The initial momentum gar- meeting tonight has huge impli- third-placed Spurs could easily nered by Solskjaer’s appointment cations for both City’s bid to win fi nd themselves outside the top on a caretaker basis that landed the title and Spurs’ hopes of just four come the end of the week- the Norwegian the job perma- qualifying for the Champions end. nently has gone amidst a run of League again next season. Such was the drama at the fi ve defeats in seven games. Pep Guardiola’s men are fi ve Etihad that Liverpool’s serene That could get even worse if games away from becoming the progress to the Champions the rot is not stopped at Everton fi rst side in a decade to retain the League semi-fi nals with a 4-1 on Sunday as City and Chelsea Premier League. win in Porto went largely un- visit Old Traff ord next week. However, it is Liverpool who noticed. Jurgen Klopp’s men “It’s a big week and we have to lead by two points as things stand have now won eight consecutive get ready for that week because having played a game more than games in all competitions and (they are) three big games,” ad- their title rivals. do not look likely to crumble un- mitted Solskjaer. City were on course for an der the pressure of delivering a Should Tottenham not shock unprecedented quadruple until fi rst top-fl ight title for 29 years City once more, Arsenal and Al Shamal coach Darko Novic (L) and his Umm Salal counterpart Raul Caneda speak to reporters ahead of their Amir Cup match today. falling short in the most dramatic should City slip up. Chelsea will be confi dent of edg- fashion in the Champions League A Champions League semi- ing ahead of their London rivals. By Sports Reporter and therefore his players are all Madrid at the top and in Qatar promotion to the QNB Stars quarter-fi nals on Wednesday. fi nal with Barcelona awaits, but The Gunners can extend their Doha charged up. we have Al Duhail and Al Sadd. League will motivate them to With the sides level at 4-4 fi rst the Reds travel to Cardiff to- excellent home record at home to “The Amir Cup represents It’s up to the rest of the teams to put up a tough fi ght against Al on aggregate, Raheem Sterling morrow. Crystal Palace on Sunday, while a new opportunity and a new make a fi ght of it. They should Khor. scored the goal that would have Liverpool have on paper a Chelsea host Burnley on Monday. NB Stars League chapter for us and we are very always keep trying to narrow the “We are very excited to gain sent City through in stoppage much more comfortable run-in also-rans will get a proud to be part of it,” Caneda gap.” promotion to the top-fl ight time, only for a VAR review to than City. However, Cardiff have Today (5pm Qatar Time unless chance to create a told reporters at his pre-match Darko Novic, the Al Shamal once again,” Lopez, who played rule the goal out for off side. plenty to play for themselves stated) Qfl utter or two when press conference. coach, said he expected his team for Espanyol in the La Liga, said. “We have to stand up, we have having beaten Brighton in mid- Manchester City v Tottenham they embark on their Amir Cup He added Umm Salal won’t be to put up a good fi ght against However, he added that for to react,” said Guardiola. week to haul themselves back to (2.30pm), West Ham v Leicester, campaign today, although most taking Al Shamal lightly despite Umm Salal. the moment his focus was only “We fought a lot in the last within two points of safety. Wolves v Brighton, Bourne- likely they will be only making them not fi guring in the QNB “Umm Salal are a strong team on the Amir Cup. nine or 10 months for the Pre- “We play on Sunday against mouth v Fulham, Huddersfield v up the numbers once again. Stars League. with very good players. They “We are not thinking about mier League. We are still there, Cardiff — that’s in my mind and Watford, Newcastle v Southamp- Umm Salal, who fi nished “We cannot take victory for play with a high degree of ef- the league yet. That will be pre- it is in our hands. Of course it is will be in my mind 100 per cent ton (7.30pm) ninth in the recently concluded granted just because we are a fi ciency and therefore we have mature. Our aim is to move to tough, but we have to do it until when I wake up tomorrow and league, will meet second divi- top-fl ight team. We cannot say great respect for them. the next round of the Amir Cup.” the end.” not how we play against Barce- Tomorrow sion club Al Shamal today, while we are superior to them just be- “However, we are also very Al Khor coach Omar Najhi City’s extra resources may lona,” said Klopp. Everton v Manchester United 10th-placed Al Khor will take on cause we are in the fi rst division positive and will fancy our said his players are mentally have counted for little once more “Cardiff is completely back in (3.30pm), Arsenal v Crystal Al Wakrah, who also played in and they are not. chances. We have no injuries prepared to take on Al Wakrah in Europe, but it could prove the the race with that result so they Palace, Cardiff v Liverpool (both the second division this season “At the end of the day what or other issues with the players after a tough league where they diff erence with such a tight turn- will fi ght for it.” 6pm) but have been promoted to the matters is how you perform on and will fi ght to the end,” the had to fi ght hard to stave off rel- around for both sides. In comparison to their Pre- top fl ight for the next. the fi eld. We want to stay hum- Serbian said. egation. Guardiola could aff ord the mier League rivals, Manchester Monday Coaches of the teams were ble and focused. We don’t want He added that the Amir Cup “We are relieved that we are luxury of leaving Fernandin- United limped out of the Cham- Chelsea v Burnley (10pm) unanimous in their view that to underestimate our rivals. We is a diff erent tournament and staying in the Stars League. the unpredictability associated want to achieve something as a therefore Umm Salal’s positive Now we can focus on the Amir with cup competitions gives club,” the Spaniard added. results in the league were of very Cup. I feel there will be a few them some hope of progressing He went on to stress that little relevance. surprises,” said Najhi. in the Amir Cup. every league has strong and “I am counting on the players “We have studied Al Wakrah. Umm Salal’s Spanish coach weak teams and it’s up the lesser to deliver. They are a confi dent They have lots of skillful players Raul Caneda said he considers teams to improve their stand- lot and will do their best.” but we also know their weak- his team’s participation in the ards. Meanwhile, Al Wakrah boss nesses which we will strive to Amir Cup as a “new chapter” “Spain has Barcelona and real Bartolome Lopez says his team’s exploit.”

AC Milan fi ned for Kessie, Bakayoko shirt prank

Milan: AC Milan and the Serie A club’s Acerbi had angered the Milan pair when “A lot is being said about this incident, players Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck he said there was “no comparison” be- we got it wrong and have apologised. Kessie have been fined a total of 86,000 tween the teams before the game. We can’t do any more than this,” Milan euros ($97,000) for holding up Lazio He said swapped his shirt with on-loan coach Gennaro Gattuso told reporters defender Francesco Acerbi’s shirt like a Chelsea midfielder Bakayoko “to put an yesterday. trophy after Saturday’s 1-0 win over their end to the issue” but was furious when Meanwhile, a video of racist chants tar- Champions League rivals, according to they held it aloft on front of Milan’s fans geting Frenchman Bakayoko by a small Italian media. afterwards. group of Lazio fans during Wednesday Milan agreed with the Italian Football Both apologised with the Ivorian Kessie, night’s 2-0 win over Udinese has circu- Federation (FIGC) on a payment of whose penalty sealed the win, insisting it lated on social media. 86,000 euros — 33,000 euros per player was “just a joke, nothing more”. Lazio fans can be heard in the video and 20,000 euros for the club, Gazzetta The match finished with scuffles on the singing: “This banana is for Bakayoko”. Dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia reported. pitch, with the two teams to meet again The FIGC have decided not to open an The fine was cut by a third as AC Milan in the semi-final on April 24 investigation into the matter, according agreed to pay it immediately. in the San Siro. to reports. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

BOTTOMLINE La Liga set for big fi nish despite Barca lead

AFP The title could be wrapped up sooner ing up the four-point gap would be one of the most remarkable stories of European place alive. Madrid if Atletico slip up, with Diego Sime- scant consolation for a miserable sea- the season. one’s side away to Eibar on Saturday son that cannot end soon enough. Valencia are only three points back Relegation fi ght open: Huesca look before a tricky game at home to Valen- They play at home to in-form Ath- and will profi t whatever the result at doomed at the bottom of the table and arcelona might have their cia next week. letic Bilbao tomorrow, when focus will Coliseum Alfonso Perez, as long as they Rayo Vallecano, fi ve points adrift of eighth title in 11 years all-but Ernesto Valverde is likely to rest again be on Zidane’s selections and any win on Sunday away at Betis. safety, may have left themselves with sewn up but, with six games players to keep them fresh for their clues as to who might stay or go in the too much to do, even if they win at left to play, La Liga is far from Champions League semi-fi nal against summer. Gareth Bale, left out against Getafe lead Europa League home to Huesca today. fiB nished. Liverpool but it is important to main- Leganes on Monday, looks likely to be charge: That qualifying for the Europa But three points separates Real Val- Atletico Madrid are battling city ri- tain momentum too, not only for those on his way. League might end up as something of a ladolid in 18th and Girona in 14th, with vals Real Madrid for bragging rights two legs but also the Copa del Rey fi nal disappointment for Getafe speaks vol- Villarreal, Levante and Celta Vigo in and second place while Sevilla, Getafe against Valencia next month. Barca Sevilla look to close fourth: They umes for their season but, as well as Va- between. and Valencia are in a three-way scrap have a treble in their sights. were title challengers in November, lencia, in contention for the top six are Valladolid have the most to do while for the last Champions League spot. doubtful to make the top four in March also Athletic Bilbao, Alaves and Betis. Girona are highest but arguably in the Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao and Alaves Madrid rivals chase second: Fin- and now Sevilla are favourites to take Bilbao were facing a relegation bat- worst form, closely followed by Le- could all make the Europa League, and Lionel Messi of Barcelona. ishing ahead of Real Madrid for a sec- the fi nal Champions League spot ahead tle after winning only one game before vante, who still have Real Madrid and at the other end of the table, seven ond consecutive year might not make of Getafe, whom they visit tomorrow. December but a surge under new coach Atletico to play. clubs are facing the threat of relegation, Barcelona on for the treble: Bar- up for Atletico’s early exit from the Four wins, including one over rivals Gaizka Garitano means they are now Villarreal have a knack of self-de- with fi ve of them separated by only celona sit nine points clear of Atletico Champions League or their timid title Real Betis last weekend, and a draw only three points off sixth. structing but should survive and Celta three points. and will be confi rmed as champions challenge but it would still be an im- since Joaquin Caparros swapped his Alaves were fi ghting for the top four seemingly cannot win without Iago As- Here, AFP Sports takes a look at what later this month if they beat Real Socie- pressive achievement for a club that role as sporting director for coach has only a few weeks ago but have tailed off pas, although he is back from suspen- is left to play for ahead of round 33 this dad on Saturday, Alaves and then Le- continues to punch above its weight. put Sevilla one point ahead of Getafe, while Betis might have to beat Valencia sion today, for a crunch game at home weekend. vante at Camp Nou on April 27. For Real and Zinedine Zidane, mak- whose own challenge will go down as this weekend to keep their hopes of a to Girona. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, April 20, 2019

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT India fortunate Kohli ton helps RCB to have Dhoni behind stumps: beat KKR despite captain Kohli

Reuters at the crease. Mumbai While some were calling for Dhoni to be dropped during his dip in form, Kohli said he had Rana-Russell show ndia are lucky to have some- earned the right to try to turn his one with Mahendra Singh form around. Dhoni’s ability and expe- “It was important to give Kohli takes 58 balls to bring up his fifth century of the IPL as KKR fall short by 10 runs rience in the side and the him space, for which people did Ilong-serving wicketkeeper- not have much patience at that batsman is going to be crucial time,” he added. “Now after 12 to their chances at the Cricket months people are saying he is World Cup, captain Virat Kohli the most important factor in the has said. World Cup, which is true. We Dhoni has played 341 one-day knew deep down all along.” internationals, scoring 10,500 While Dhoni’s improved bat- runs at an average of just un- ting form has eased concerns, the der 51, and his sharp glovework lack of clarity over the number makes him fi rst-choice - four spot could still prove to be keeper in the limited-overs for- headache for Kohli during the mat. May 30-July 14 World Cup. However, he will turn 38 dur- India have included top-order ing the World Cup and while he batsman KL Rahul, wicketkeep- remains supremely fi t a sub-par er-batsman and 2018 helped fuel suggestions that all-rounder Vijay Shankar in the age has diminished his batting squad, who could all fi ll that role ability. but as yet there has been no clear Dhoni, India’s 2011 World Cup choice. winning captain, seems to have “We tried a lot of things,” he turned things around with the said. “There were a few combi- bat this year. He has scored over nations that we tried. Eventually, 300 runs in nine ODIs, hitting when Vijay came in, it was three four half-centuries, including dimensional — he can bowl, three in a row during the tour of he can fi eld, he can bat. He is a Australia. proper batsman. “He is one person who knows “That just gave us an option, the game inside out, who under- saying why not have that kind of stands the game from ball one to balance, which other teams have 300 on the fi eld,” Kohli told India had all these years. From that Today. “I won’t say it is a luxury point of view, we all agreed on it. to have him, but I am fortunate to “We are pretty sorted with have a mind like that behind the how we want to go about the stumps.” World Cup. Obviously, who bats Dhoni was once considered where is the decision for later.” India’s best fi nisher and no target India begin their World Cup was deemed out of reach with the campaign against South Africa in boundary-hitting right-hander Southampton on 5 June.

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Virat Kohli (right) celebrates his century as ’ captain Dinesh Karthik looks on during the IPL match in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP)

IANS ed oxygen to their innings with a Ali was handed the fi nal over able company as KKR posted change gears and score the next Kolkata whirlwind 28-ball 66 (4x5, 6x6). with 24 needed. Rana could 203 for 5 in 20 overs. 50 off just 17 deliveries. This was Kohli’s fi rst hundred manage just one run off the first The pair took the likes of The match swung in the 16th since 2016 when he had dragged two balls but brought back Rus- Steyn (2 for 40), Saini (1 for 31) over when bled irat Kohli struck a mas- the team out of a hole with four sell to the strike. The West In- and Yuzvendra Chahal (0/45) to 27 runs with Ali going berserk, terly hundred to put centuries in a record-shattering dies allrounder then smashed a the cleaners but in the end, fell smashing the star India leggie and Andre performance which yielded 973 six but was run out in the penul- just short. for three sixes and two bounda- Russell’s magnifi cent runs from 16 matches as RCB timate ball to end KKR’s hopes. The result saw rock-bot- ries. The chinaman ended with Vfi ghtback in a shade as Royal fi nished as runners-up. Rana hit a six in the last ball but tom RCB move to four points fi gures of 1 for 59 in four overs. Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Kohli and Ali added 90 runs it was too late. from nine matches while KKR In the last fi ve overs, RCB scored beat Kolkata Knight Riders by for the third wicket off just 43 KKR were reduced to 79 for 4 slumped to their fourth succes- 91 runs to record their highest 10 runs in a thrilling Indian Pre- balls as RCB posted 213 for 4 with comeback man Dale Steyn sive defeat to further dent their total of the season. mier League (IPL) clash at the after being only 70 for 2 at the — playing for RCB after nine playoff chances. Eden Gardens here yesterday. halfway stage. years — accounting for Chris Put into bat, Kohli paced his BRIEF SCORES: Royal Challeng- In desperate need of a win to Chasing a stiff 214 for victory, Lynn (1) and (9). innings to perfection, and got ers Bangalore: 213 for 4 in 20 keep their slim playoff chances Rana (79 off 45 ; 9x4, Navdeep Saini removed Sunil out on the last ball of the innings overs (Virat Kohli 100, Moeen Ali alive, Kohli took 58 balls to bring 4x6) and Russell (65 off 25 balls; Narine (18) while Robin Uthappa off Harry Gurney. 66; 1 for 17) beat In this March 8, 2019, picture, Indian captain Virat Kohli (left) speaks up his fi fth ton of the IPL and 2x4; 9x6) stitched together a (9) got out to Marcus Stoinis. The India skipper, facing fl ak Kolkata Knight Riders 203 for to teammate Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the third ODI against fi rst this season with the help of 118-run partnership off 48 balls Russell, braving a shoulder for his captaincy and the team’s 5 in 20 overs (Nitish Rana 85 not Australia in Ranchi, India. (AFP) nine fours and four sixes after to take the match till the last injury, then kept KKR in the woeful performance, took 40 out, Andre Russell 65; Dale Steyn Moeen Ali gave the much-need- over. game with Rana also giving him balls to reach his fi rst 50 to then 2 for 40) by 10 runs. FOCUS BOTTOMLINE Rahane seeks BCCI De Villiers suggests shorter innings permission to play for Hampshire break to avoid slow over-rate IANS Pujara were also given the go- New Delhi ahead. Also, Rahane isn’t a part of Agencies ing,” De Villiers wrote in a col- BBL STINT the World Cup team, so he won’t Bengaluru umn in The Times of India. De Villiers has also shown his have any international commit- “This involves a fi ne for the interest to play in the upcoming ndia’s Test deputy Ajinkya ment at that time. He wants to fi rst off ence followed by sus- season of the Big Bash League Rahane has asked the Board play four-day games and that oyal Challengers Ban- pension but the impact of these (BBL) in Australia. of Control for Cricket in In- should actually help him when he galore batsman AB de measures appears minimal, The swashbuckling batsman, dia (BCCI) to grant him per- returns to play Test cricket for In- Villiers has said the roughly equivalent to the weight who hung his boots from in- Imission to play county cricket dia after the showpiece event gets loss of an obese gentleman who ternational cricket in April last for Hampshire in the months of over in England and Wales,” the (IPL)R should do away with large orders two giant hamburgers year, is understood to be on the May, June and mid-July. An ap- offi cial said. fi nes for slow over rates and and a diet Coke. lookout for a BBL club in the plication seeking permission has Pujara spent some quality time shorten innings breaks to 10 “One easy fi x could be to re- back half of next summer’s tour- been sent by the batsman to the playing county cricket for York- minutes so matches fi nish be- duce the break between innings nament, reports cricket.com.au. board and the same has been for- shire last season when the Indian fore midnight. from the current 20 minutes to a In the report, the website warded to the Supreme Court- Premier League was in full fl ow. Some IPL evening matches, manageable 10 minutes.” further stated that De Villiers’ appointed Committee of Admin- “Playing county cricket means which start at 8 pm local time, Earlier this month, Sunrisers management approached a istration (CoA). you prepare on where have fi nished well past mid- Hyderabad coach Tom Moody number of clubs in the League. As per the letter, Rahane wants every ball could be the last you night this season due to innings had suggested penalty on the The 35-year-old has been to be given permission to turn face in an innings. The wickets stretching beyond the stipulated team’s net run rate — a rule en- in sublime form in the ongo- out for the county team in four- are really challenging and I love 90 minutes. forced in the Caribbean Premier ing edition of the Indian Pre- day games. The letter has been challenges. County cricket has Three captains — Rohit Shar- League — instead of monetary mier League (IPL) where he has forwarded by the CEO Rahul Jo- improved me as a player,” he had ma (Mumbai Indians), Virat fi ne for slow over rates. scored 307 runs, including four hri to the CoA. said of his Yorkshire stint. Kohli (Bangalore) and Ajinkya De Villiers said such drastic half centuries. Speaking to IANS, a sen- Pacer Ishant Sharma also went Rahane () — steps would only hurt the com- The 360-degree batsman ior BCCI offi cial said that there and plied his trade for Sussex and have been fi ned 1.2 mn Indian petition. represented Proteas in 114 Tests, was no reason why the batsman returned an improved bowler rupees ($17,290) each for over “Some have proposed larger 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is in which wouldn’t be granted permission after training with former Aus- rate off ences and De Villiers said fi nes, net run rate penalties and he amassed 8765, 9577 and 1672 as the likes of skipper Virat Kohli tralia bowler Jason Gillespie. “I the fi nes made little impact. points deductions but the com- runs, respectively. had also been given the go-ahead think county has helped me a “There’s a system in place petition should not be distorted, De Villiers, who has an overall last year to turn up for Surrey. lot as it was very tiring. Bowling whereby the captain is penalised De Villiers added. IPL strike rate over 150, could be “There is no reason why Rahane 300 overs in just 16 days, I played if his team fails to maintain the “A less draconian approach the biggest marquee signing for wouldn’t be granted permission as four games. But it brought a lot of required over rate while bowl- may be more eff ective.” the BBL. the likes of Kohli and Cheteshwar control to my game.” Gulf Times Saturday, April 20, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Seattle Mariners blow 8-run lead, win Durant fi red up as in 9th over Angels

Reuters Anaheim

yon Healy homered twice and drove in fi ve runs, and the Warriors rout Seattle Mariners ended a six-game losing streak with an 11- 10 win against the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of the four-game series on Thursday in Anaheim, Calif. RAfter the Mariners squandered a 10-2 lead, Jay Bruce moved the Mariners ahead 11-10 with a pinch-hit single in the ninth off Cody Al- len (0-1). Omar Narvaez had three hits, including a three-run homer, and a career-high four RBIs, and Daniel Vogelbach reached base all fi ve Clippers 132-105 times with two hits and three walks for the Mariners. Seattle starter Felix Hernandez went six innings and allowed four ‘He was aggressive from the start at both ends. He showed everybody who Kevin Durant is’ runs and nine hits. The six-time AL All Star struck out three and walked one. Roenis Elias pitched the ninth for his third save. Hernan- dez took a 10-2 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning, but he was removed after the fi rst two batters reached base. The Angels went on to score seven runs in the inning to cut the defi cit to one. David Fletcher homered on the second pitch of the eighth inning from Anthony Swarzak (2- 0) to tie the score at 10-10. Kole Calhoun hit a two- RESULTS run homer in the seven- Mariners 11-10 Angels run seventh, and Andrelton Simmons and Tommy La Dodgers 3-1 Brewers Stella had three hits apiece Nationals 4-2 Giants for the Angels, who have Orioles 6-5 Rays lost four in a row. Angels starter Chris Royals 6-1 Yankees Stratton lasted through Tigers 9-7 White Sox the fi fth inning for the fi rst D’backs 4-1 Braves time in his four starts this year. He left after allowing Blue Jays 7-4 Twins a leadoff single to Narvaez Rockies 6-2 Phillies in the sixth. Jake Jewell Reds 4-1 Padres came in and surrendered a two-run homer to Healy to stretch the lead to 7-2. Stratton gave up six runs and seven hits, struck out four and walked three. Narvaez connected on his three-run homer in the seventh to stretch the lead to 10-2. Narvaez drove in the game’s fi rst run with a broken-bat single to centre in the second. Later in the inning, Healy snapped an 0-for-19 skid with a three-run homer to give the Mariners a 4-0 lead. An RBI single by Tim Beckham stretched the lead to 5-0 in the third, but the Angels got two runs back in their half of the inning on an RBI double by Simmons and a run-scoring single by Albert Pujols.

ROOKIE URIAS DEALS AS DODGERS DUMP BREWERS Julio Urias gave up just one hit over six innings, while Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy hit home runs, as the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to fi ve games with a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the opener of a four-game series. In what was likely his fi nal start before moving to the bullpen, Urias (1-1) was in total control, not giving up a hit until Orlando Arcia sin- gled to centre fi eld with two outs in the fi fth inning. The left-hander had a career-high nine strikeouts with two walks in the scoreless ef- fort. Urias is expected to move into a relief role since the Dodgers will need to make changes in their rotation with Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill about to come off the injured list. Brewers starter Zach Davies also fared well, giving up just three hits over fi ve scoreless innings. The right-hander lacked effi ciency, though, waking three and throwing 97 pitches. The Brewers’ Christian Yelich hit a home run to lead off the ninth inning against Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, his 10th of the sea- Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant moves the ball while Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley (21) defends during the first-half in the game three of the first son and fi fth of the week. It was also his 12th RBI of the week. Against round of the 2019 NBA Playoff s at Staples Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Urias, Yelich was held to a fl yout, groundout and lineout.

AFP fl oor and was just fi ve points shy two, was held to just 16 points. D’Angelo Russell and Caris each in the win. Los Angeles of his playoff career high despite Also, Ben Simmons domi- LeVert each scored 26 points for Nikola Jokic scored 10 points playing only 29 minutes. nated on the inside and To- the Nets, who have dropped the for the second seeded Nuggets “He was aggressive from the bias Harris fi red away from the last two games after surprising who have now lost 14 consecu- evin Durant scored 38 start at both ends,” said Golden perimeter as the Philadelphia the No 3 seed in the opener in tive games in San Antonio dat- points as the Golden State coach Steve Kerr. “He at- 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Philadelphia. ing back to 2012. State Warriors made tacked. He showed everybody Nets 131-115 to take a 2-1 lead Elsewhere, Derrick White Malik Beasley added 20, Paul sure they didn’t blow who Kevin Durant is.” in their opening round playoff scored a career-high 36 points Millsap scored 14 points, Gary Kanother big lead by routing the After taking just 24 shots and series. Simmons scored a NBA as the San Antonio Spurs seized Harris and Torrey Craig con- Los Angeles Clippers 132-105 in totalling 44 points in the fi rst career postseason high 31 points a 2-1 series lead with a 118-108 tributed 12 points apiece and game three of their playoff se- two games of the series, Durant and Harris tallied 29 and 16 re- victory over the Denver Nug- Monte Morris tallied 10 for the ries on Thursday. came out blazing in game three, bounds for the Sixers. gets. Nuggets. The Warriors ensured hitting his fi rst six shots. Philadelphia won despite White shot 15-of-21 from Jamal Murray, who had 24 there was no repeat of game “The coach made some sub- missing all-star Joel Embiid, the fi eld as the seventh seeded points in the Nuggets’ game two two, where they squandered tle changes. Other than that who took part in the warm-up Spurs can take a stranglehold win, was held to just six points. a 31-point lead in the second everybody stuck to the game but was unable to play because lead in the best-of-seven series half, allowing the Clippers to plan,” said Durant. of a sore knee. Greg Monroe with a win in game four on Sat- RESULTS engineer the biggest comeback Now down 2-1, the Clippers started in his place and fi n- urday at home. (all series best-of-seven): in NBA playoff history. Golden also will host game four in the ished with 13 rebounds and nine Spurs forward DeMar DeRo- Eastern Conference State compiled another huge best-of-seven set on Sunday. points. zan scored 21 of 25 points in the Philadelphia 131 Brooklyn 115 lead at almost the identical part Stephen Curry, who battled Simmons shot 11 of 13 from second half while LaMarcus (Philadelphia leads series 2-1) of Thursday’s game by taking a foul trouble most of the night, the fi eld and added nine assists Aldridge contributed 18 points Western Conference 88-57 lead with 7:10 left in the supported Durant with 21 points while Harris was a perfect six- and 11 rebounds. Golden State 132 Los Angeles third quarter. for the Warriors. for-six from beyond the arc. Rudy Gay came off the bench 105 Durant made sure the out- Lou Williams, who led the JJ Redick was fi ve of nine from to fi nish with 11 points and 10 (Golden State leads series 2-1) Seattle Mariners shortstop Tim Beckham and centre fielder Mallex come was diff erent this time. greatest comeback in playoff three-point range and had 26 rebounds, and Jakob Poeltl and San Antonio 118 Denver 108 Smith celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Angels at Angel He fi nished 14-for-23 from the history with 36 points in game points. Bryn Forbes added 10 points (San Antonio leads series 2-1) Stadium of Anaheim. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL Hurricanes beat Capitals to level series 2-2 AFP game in Hurricane’s history. ington Capitals with a 2-1 vic- games in the series. Los Angeles Alex Ovechkin scored the only tory in Game 4 on Thursday Ovechkin tied the game with Washington goal. Mrazek now night in Raleigh, N.C. War- 9:25 left in the second period has six career playoff victories, ren Foegele, who scored on the with a power-play goal. He arren Foegele with two of them coming this game’s fi rst shift, and Teuvo blasted the puck past a stick-less scored on the fi rst week. Capitals goalie Braden Teravainen notched goals for the Brock McGinn with seven sec- shot of the game as Holtby stopped 22 shots. Hurricanes, who never trailed onds remaining on Teravainen’s the Carolina Hur- Ovechkin tied the game with for the second straight game. hooking penalty. Wricanes squared their playoff 9:25 left in the second period Game 5 will be Saturday night in That was Washington’s fi rst series against the defending with a power-play goal, rifl ing a Washington, and Game 6 will be goal since Brooks Orpik’s over- champion Washington Capitals shot past forward Brock McGinn Monday night in Raleigh. Game time winner in Game 2. with a 2-1 win on Thursday. and through a small opening in 7, if necessary, is scheduled for The Hurricanes went back Foegele scored just 17 seconds the pads of Mrazek. McGinn was Wednesday in the nation’s capi- ahead on Teravainen’s fi rst goal into the fi rst period against the without a stick having given it tal. Mrazek now has six career of the playoff s with 27.9 seconds visiting Capitals as the home to a Carolina defenceman who playoff victories, with two of to play in the second period. He team has scored the fi rst goal of broke his. The Hurricanes went them coming this week. was set up by Nino Niederre- the contest in all four games of back ahead on Teravainen’s fi rst Capitals goalie Braden Holtby iter’s pass. the fi rst round NHL series. Goal- goal of the playoff s with 27 sec- stopped 22 shots. Foegele, who The Hurricanes were without tender Petr Mrazek stopped 30 onds to play in the second peri- had two goals in Game 3, scored rookie standout Andrei Svech- shots as the Hurricanes tied the od. They were without 19-year- 17 seconds into the Thursday nikov and winger Micheal Fer- series 2-2 and will get a chance old rookie standout Andrei game by converting a pass from land, both injured in Game 3. The to take a lead in game fi ve on Svechnikov, who was injured in a defenseman Jaccob Slavin. It Hurricanes did have defenseman Saturday in Washington. Teuvo fi ght with Ovechkin game three. was the fastest goal to start a Calvin de Haan back after he was Teravainen scored the other goal playoff game in Carolina fran- injured late in the regular season. for the Hurricanes, who never MRAZEK, HURRICANES EDGE chise history. The goal came on Carolina lost left winger Jor- trailed for the second straight CAPS, EVEN SERIES 2-2 the fi rst of eight fi rst-period dan Martinook to a fi rst-period game. Foegele’s marker came on Petr Mrazek made 30 saves as shots for the Hurricanes. The injury. He returned briefl y but Warren Foegele (No 13) of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the game’s fi rst shift and was the the Carolina Hurricanes evened home team has scored fi rst with sat out the fi nal two periods due the Washington Capitals in the first period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the fastest goal to begin a postseason their series against the Wash- opening-period goals in all four to a lower-body ailment. 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, April 20, 2019 SPORT

RIGA GHETTO CLAIM FIBA 3X3 WORLD TOUR DOHA MASTERS

Latvia’s Riga Ghetto players celebrate with the winners’ cheque after winning the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters at Katara Amphithere yesterday. (Right) Players of Riga Ghetto and world No 1 team Liman from Serbia in action during their final which Riga Ghetto won 15-14. PICTURES: Othman Khalid

NFL MOTORSPORT Button withdraws from Le Mans Dolphins’ Gesicki and replaced by Vandoorne

Reuters “The decision has been London made easier for me as I feel needs growth spurt that the Toyota is currently unbeatable.” enson Button has with- Toyota fi nished one-two ‘A lot of stuff to improve on, and a lot I can take in and bring into my game this year’ drawn from this year’s last year and are the only ma- 24 Hours of Le Mans and jor manufacturer competing in By Dave Hyde the passing game. So, it took a will be replaced at SMP the top LMP1 class after Audi while to get into that shape to get RacingJ by his former McLaren and Porsche withdrew. Sun Sentinel there. I feel pretty good.” teammate Stoff el Button endured a disap- Asked what he’s working on, Vandoorne, the Russian team pointing debut last year when n Team Makeover, no he said blocking (“focus on tech- said yesterday. his SMP car suff ered a sen- one arrives more made nique”), and “refi ne my route- Belgian Vandoorne, who left sor problem early in the race over in April than tight running and that kind of stuff . Formula One at the end of 2018 and before he had even got on end Mike Gesicki. He Honestly, I’ll give you the same and is now competing in the track. When he did, it was in discardedO his Dolphins rookie answer for the next 25 years, if Formula E electric series, will last position and the car was No 86 for his college No 88. you ask me. That’s what it is.” also replace New Zealander ultimately retired. “Got me here,” he said. “Got to There are role models across Brendon Hartley at the Six SMP said former Toro Rosso go with it.” the Dolphins practice fi eld for Hours of Spa World Endurance F1 driver Hartley was unavail- He’s also weighs in at 253 the Gesickis on this roster. Lare- Championship (WEC) round able for Spa, a home race for pounds, more than 10 pounds my Tunsil is considered a lock- on May 4. Vandoorne, due to other com- above his rookie playing weight, down left tackle now. But there Button, the 2009 Formula mitments. without feeling any loss of were serious doubts if he’d ever One world champion, cited “The LMP1 cars are really speed. “That’s the idea,” he said. get here until the second half his partner’s pregnancy as a demanding and their perform- Here’s the larger idea: The of his second season. Xavien reason for withdrawing from ances are very close to Formula Dolphins need a new and im- Howard wasn’t on track to be a Le Mans, the highlight of the One. I will have the opportu- proved game from Gesicki - from top cornerback due in good part WEC season on June 15-16. nity to re-join ART Grand Prix all the Gesickis on this sagging to health issues until the end “I really enjoyed driving for and a lot of people that I’ve roster, really. All the discussion of his second season. Entering SMP Racing and was happy been working with during my and most of the outside hope for his fourth year, he’s in line for a to be on the podium with this successful campaign in GP2,” upgrades centres on next week’s big payday. The added oppor- team, but I decided that now said Vandoorne. draft for obvious reasons. tunity for the Gesickis is roster I need to spend more time at ART run the car for SMP. But the other signifi cant way tear-down this off season means home with my fi ancé during The 27-year-old Belgian will to advance the talent is by im- they’ll get every chance to show her pregnancy rather than two partner Russian drivers Vitaly proving those still here. Can something. General Manager weeks at Le Mans,” the Briton Petrov and Mikhail Aleshin at former No. 1 pick DeVante Park- Chris Grier liked these players said in an SMP statement. both races. er, the Ryan Tannehill of receiv- enough to draft them, too. ers, fi nally take the proverbial Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki warms up before action against the Houston Texans at the NRG Flores was asked about Ge- next step in his fi fth season? Stadium in Houston on October 25, 2018. (Miami Herald/TNS) sicki, but his words could apply Will Charles Harris show to a half-dozen, highly drafted some signs of a fi rst-round de- accompanied coach Brian Flores over plays. He watched video of diff erent. Will that translate into players whose careers are at a fensive end with a new staff with from Foxborough to lead a young all his plays in the off season. a better second season? crossroads. “We see what eve- a new system? group. Gesicki is the only player “Saw a lot of good, a lot of “I think I’ve put myself in a ryone else sees,” Flores said. “He Do young defenders such as the Dolphins invested some- bad,” he said. “A lot of stuff to position to not only be eff ective has size, he has speed, he can linebacker Raekwon McMillan thing substantial for in the terms improve on, and a lot I can take in in the passing game, but also in catch the ball. There’s things and cornerback Cordrea Tank- of a second-round pick. His ath- and bring into my game this year. the running game,” he said. “I that everyone can work on. He’s ersley apply with more consist- leticism was off the charts, too. It That was expected. Twenty-two feel like I’m in much better shape working on those things and he’s ency the talent they’ve fl ashed at still is, too. His 22 catches for 220 years old, playing my fi rst season than I was at this time last year. done a good job these last couple various times? yards and no touchdowns show in the NFL, learning on the fl y, I think that’s when I’ll be at my of days.” Then there’s Gesicki. The something was missing, though. doing some thing I haven’t been best, when I play fast. Next week, the Dolphins get Dolphins have fi ve tight ends on Some physicality. Some escape- asked to do ... “I think last year, especially an injection of hope with the the roster right now in the hopes off -the-line muscle. Something. “I’m someone who can be my when I got here, the heat took draft. The new talent will be a they have enough. One is former Gesicki knows. Work and want- biggest critic. I was able to go me by surprise and I wasn’t in headline, just as Gesicki was last New England Patriots veteran to isn’t an issue. This is the guy back and learn from some of the great conditioning shape. My spring. What the Dolphins need Dwayne Allen, who is more who put a greaseboard in his ho- things.” thing is I need to go run fast and is a few of Gesickis on the roster blocker than receiver and has tel room last training camp to go He sounds diff erent and looks run by people and make plays in to become good stories again. Jenson Button

POLICE WIN NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Police players celebrate with the trophy after winning the second National Volleyball Championship defeating Al Arabi Club 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 27-25) in the final at the QVA Indoor Hall yesterday. (Right) Action from the final. PICTURES: M.Shajahan Gulf Times Saturday, April 20, 2019 7 SPORT

TENNIS ATHLETICS Radcliff e warns Semenya verdict Friendly fi re for Vika, could be death of women’s sport

Reuters Barty in Fed Cup as London

ritish former mara- thon runner Paula Radcliff e believes the verdict of a legal case involvingB Olympic champion Caster Semenya could open the Halep eyes fi nal place door for transgender athletes to claim an unfair advantage in ‘It was the best moment and I was jumping around as I was so happy’ women’s sport. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to rule this month on whether the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) can bring in rules forcing the South African and female ath- letes with diff erences of sexual development (DSD) to take testosterone blockers. Under the new rules, which will apply to women events between 400 Paula Radcliff e metres to the mile, athletes classed as having DSDs must bring our (testosterone) levels reduce their blood testosterone down either, we don’t need to level to below fi ve (5) nmol/L have any surgery, we can just for a period of six months be- identify how we feel and we fore they can compete. can come in and compete in Radcliff e said it would be women’s sport?’ “naive” to think that coun- “That would be the death of tries would not actively start women’s sport.” cherry-picking girls with hy- Since coming out in support perandrogenism and forcing for tougher rules on testoster- them into sport. one levels, Radcliff e said she “The IAAF has come in for a has received abuse on social lot of vilifi cation but there are media. “A lot of these people probably a lot of other sport- that are attacking me wouldn’t ing federations, particularly stand in front of me and say where its contact and a physi- those things to me,” Radcliff e cal strength sport, who are re- added. ally watching this,” Radcliff e, “It’s very dangerous be- the women’s marathon world cause there are vulnerable record holder, told Sky news. athletes out there who can’t “They want to see what it make the distinction between means for the future of female what’s reality and what’s not sport and also what it will do and what somebody truthfully in terms of the whole trans- stands by and someone just gender question. being a troll.” “Will it open the door up Double 800m Olympic there to transgender athletes champion Semenya has previ- actually being able to say: ‘You ously denied the claim that she know what, we don’t need to is a threat to women’s sport.

Romania captain Florin Segarceanu with Simona Halep during a training session in Rouen, France, yesterday. (Reuters) China bans Boston Marathon trio in latest cheating scandal AFP second singles rubber, with Aza- confi dent seven-time champi- fi nal and I asked her about that enovic picked ahead of Alize Paris renka preferred to her higher- ons Australia can end their long experience and she told me,” Ha- Cornet for the second singles China has banned for life CAA,” said Xinhua news agen- ranked teammate Aliaksandra wait to make another fi nal. lep, who has a 20-9 record in the spot. Mladenovic, ranked 66th, three runners who broke the cy, citing the association. “The Sasnovich. “I feel like we have a really competition, told fedcup.com. will take on Halep in the open- rules at the recent Boston CAA also reiterated that it will shleigh Barty will be Australia also opted for ex- unique team at the moment and “She was pretty relaxed in the ing rubber before Garcia faces Marathon, accusing them continue to crack down all overjoyed when dou- perience, with former US Open it’s a bloody good one,” she said. past and not so stressed like us off against Buzarnescu in a fi rst- of giving the country a bad kinds of cheats in marathons bles partner and two- champion Samantha Stosur, “I think we’ve got more than a now.” Romania edged the Czechs time meeting. “There were sev- name and vowing to root out in order to build a healthy and time major winner who made her Fed Cup debut good chance of winning.” 3-2 in an epic quarter-fi nal at eral things that made me think cheats. Marathon running clean environment of road VictoriaA Azarenka returns to the back in 2003, a surprise pick to In the weekend’s other semi- Ostrava secured by a three-set Kristina, in these conditions... is growing fast in China but running in China.” peak of her powers but hopes open the tie, rather than Daria fi nal, Simona Halep eyes taking win in the decisive doubles by gives us more chance of beating there have been numerous in- The trio’s behaviour “had a it won’t be this weekend when Gavrilova, against world number another step closer to adding a Irina-Camelia Begu and Monica Halep on Saturday,” explained stances of cheating, including negative impact on China in Australia and Belarus clash for a 10 Aryna Sabalenka. maiden Fed Cup winner’s medal Niculescu over Barbora Krejcik- France captain Julien Benneteau. a woman who jumped on a the (international) commu- place in the Fed Cup fi nal. “She’s obviously a player to her 2018 French Open crown ova and Katerina Siniakova. “That being said it’s obviously bike in a recent domestic race nity”, said the CAA. Barty and Azarenka teamed up who loves the pressure situa- when Romania face France in “It was the best moment and I a huge challenge up against the and several others who took More than 500 runners from this season, making the doubles tion,” Barty said of 29-year-old Rouen. Romania have equalled was jumping around as I was so world number two.” shortcuts. In the latest cases, China took part in the 123rd semi-fi nals at the prestigious Azarenka, ranked 61, who is no their best Fed Cup showing, happy,” recalled Halep, who will Mladenovic holds a 3-2 record one entrant at Monday’s Boston Marathon, Xinhua Miami Open just days before the stranger to success “Down Un- having also made it to the semi- share singles duty with Mihaela against Halep although the prestigious Boston Marathon said. In 2011 there were just Australian clinched the singles der” having won the 2012 and fi nals in 1973. Buzarnescu, ranked at 30. Frenchwoman has endured a dif- gave his bib to someone 22 marathons, half-marathons title, a breakthrough which pro- 2013 Australian Open titles. Having knocked out defend- Two-time champions France fi cult 2019 season with just fi ve else while two other Chinese or other running events in pelled her into the world’s top 10. “The tighter it gets, the bet- ing champions Czech Repub- are bidding to reach the fi nal wins in 14 matches. participants presented forged China, but that number rock- Now Barty leads Australia’s ter she gets. I’m sure it won’t be lic in the quarter-fi nals, world for the sixth time and fi rst since certificates of previous races eted to about 1,500 last year. hopes of reaching a fi rst Fed Cup long before she’s back to her very number two Halep is desperate 2016, when they suff ered a 3-2 SCHEDULE to gain entry, the Chinese Ath- The surge has seen a spike fi nal since 1993 when they face best once again.” to guide Romania into a fi rst fi nal defeat to the Czechs. Semi-finals letic Association (CAA) said. in cheating and at a domes- 2017 runners up Belarus in Bris- The two teams are evenly - and has been using manager World number 21 Caroline At Rouen (indoor, clay) “All the three runners were tic marathon last month a bane today and tomorrow. matched on paper but Barty, Virginia Ruzici, who played in Garcia, now back in favour af- France v Romania hit with a life ban from all woman was caught using a And the pair have been se- who boasts a Fed Cup record of the 1973 team, as inspiration. ter a two-year exile, leads the At Brisbane (outdoor, hard) road running races under the bicycle part of the way. lected to meet each other in the 14 wins and just two losses, is “Virginia played in that semi- French team with Kristina Mlad- Australia v Belarus.

MOTORSPORT Ferrari wrong to use team orders so early: Berger Reuters Formula Two champion, has re- Vietnam moves closer to Formula One debut with test event London placed Kimi Raikkonen at the Ital- ian team. Asked whether he felt The an F1 racetrack as iconic as poorest a few decades ago. Leclerc, who had a strong debut will come closer to reality yes- Monte Carlo in Monaco, Sil- “It’s a further demonstra- errari should allow Charles with Sauber last year, had been terday when former Formula verstone in England or Monza tion of Vietnam’s ability, as Leclerc to race on level promoted too soon, Berger shook One driver David Coulthard in Italy,” he added. one of the fastest growing terms with four-times world his head. goes on the circuit for a test The circuit itself will be economies in the world to champion Sebastian Vettel “Not at all,” he said. “In all drive. centred around the capital’s host events on a global scale ratherF than favouring the German, cases Ferrari always put the two Coulthard, a retired 13-time My Dinh stadium and will be and attract tourism to the their former driver Gerhard Berger quickest guys in the car and made grand prix winner, will take to one of the few in the world country,” said Nguyen Duc said. sure that the lemon was squeezed the track, part of which is still to combine both built track Chung, ’s city chairman, The Austrian, who won 10 to the maximum. under construction, with the and city streets. When work a rank equivalent to a mayor, grands prix for three diff erent “For me that’s also the right Red Bull team. An accompa- is completed, it will feature a at the Vietnamese Grand Prix teams between 1986 and 1997, told way to do it... I think it was just nying music show will feature 5.565 kilometre circuit with announcement ceremony last reporters it was too early in the sea- the right timing and the right de- a set by Dutch DJ Armin Van 22 turns. November. son to favour Vettel over his young cision.” Buuren. Vietnam will be only the third Predictably, sport is now Monegasque teammate. Berger said he had been im- Motorsport is not particular Southeast Asian country mixed with business and it is “I think it’s an open game at the pressed by the change since Bi- popular in Vietnam, with foot- to host a grand prix, after not only Vietnamese motor- moment,” the 59-year-old said at Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (left) and Sebastian Vettel. (Reuters) notto took over in January and the ball having a near monopoly Malaysia and Singapore and is sports debuting to the world a lunch to promote the DTM (Ger- contrast to life under predecessor on Vietnamese television’s the first new race announced in April 2020. The grand prix’s man Touring Car) series he now when he started on pole position could change. Maurizio Arrivabene. sports broadcasting. But under Liberty Media’s owner- exclusive sponsor, Vinfast, a runs. and set the fastest lap, despite at Berger, a teammate to the late “I spent half of my Formula One Jean Todt, president of the ship of the sport. subsidiary of , Viet- “Much as I like Sebastian, and one point being told to stay behind. triple champion Ayrton Senna at race life in Ferrari,” he said. governing FIA, said he hopes While the Singapore race nam’s largest business con- much as I rate him, here is a boy The 21-year-old would have won McLaren in the early 1990s, said he I didn’t feel I could go any more the Vietnamese Grand Prix, remains on the calendar, Ma- glomerate, is also Vietnam’s who is capable of winning the that race had he not been slowed by could not recall ever receiving team to drink an espresso there because scheduled for April 2020, will laysia dropped its race from first local automaker. championship. a loss of power with 10 laps to go. orders but understood they made it was all like a strange club where change that. 2017 citing high costs and “For Vingroup individually, “I don’t think it’s enough to say In China last weekend he let the sense later in the campaign. either you are day and night with “I think the best thing about limited returns. through the F1 racing event, ‘well this one is experienced, this German past and ended up fi fth “I think it’s a question of when it them or not one of them. this event is that it will awake Vietnamese government we are going to proclaim the one is not experienced so we take with Vettel taking third. is (acceptable), and is it really giv- “We always felt part of the Fer- the potential of Vietnam,” he off icials, however, hope the first Vietnamese car manufac- the card of the experience’. I think New Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto ing somebody not even a chance to rari family and suddenly we didn’t said at a press conference in Hanoi race will demonstrate turer, VinFast, to millions of let it run.” made clear in Shanghai that Vettel win the championship? And if you feel it any more. And now I was Hanoi on March 20 to mark to the world just how far the audiences in the world,” said Leclerc is a point adrift of Vet- would have priority in 50-50 situ- do it in the fi rst or second race, I in Bahrain and it changed again. I the off icial groundbreaking. country has developed since Nguyen Viet Quang, Vingroup tel in the championship after three ations, as the team’s more obvious don’t agree,” he added. was there drinking my coff ee and “They will be able to organize its days as one of the world’s vice-chairman and CEO. races but was quicker in Bahrain, title contender, but warned that Leclerc, a Ferrari protege and everyone was happy.”

Saturday, April 20, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

ASIAN MEN’S CLUB VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Al Rayyan clinch top eight spot with two straight wins

amil Rychlicki pow- and 4 aces. boost their confi dence. blocked for everything to help ered Al Rayyan Club to Both the teams had got their Both sides traded points the team advance 24-22, but a a thrilling straight sets respective campaigns in the through attacks and solid blocks. spike from Kostiv saved the day victory in the Asian nine-day event a winning start, At 26-26, a serve from Maxim for Kazchrome. KMen’s Club Volleyball Champi- with Kazchrome VC thrashing Michshenko went wide, giving However, Rychlicki fi nished onship in Taiwan yesterday, with Chennai Spartans in straight Al Rayyan a crucial point to take it off for Al Rayyan with a light- the Qatari side staying unbeaten sets. a commanding 27-26 lead and ning-fast spike to completely end in the 2019 edition of the tourna- Kazchrome won the very fi rst needing one more point to win the rivals’ challenge. Al Rayyan ment so far. point of the match after a spike the set. Birama Faye and Brazil- captured the hard-fought set 25- Rychlicki scored a match-high from their team went out, but ian-born Marcus Costa produced 23 and match. 17 points for Al Rayyan as they head coach Sergei Gribov reject- a scintillating block for the Qa- “It was a tough match. Ka- overpowered Kazakhstan’s TNC ed the referee’s decision with the taris’ hard-fought 28-26 win in zchrome had very strong block Kazchrome VC 3-0 (28-26, 25- ball in-ball out challenge and his the set. and serves, so we needed much 14, 25-23) at the University of eff ort was successful. The Kaza- After a tense battle in the more to attack. Also, we tried our Taiwan (Tianmu) Gymnasium kh side widened the lead to 6-1, opener, the second set turned best to push ourselves to bring yesterday. courtesy of Dmitry Vovnenko’s out to be a one-way traffi c with out the reception on top of the With the win, Al Rayyan ace serve and exceptional attacks Kazchrome simply blown away net in order that they can play clinched a top eight spot, hav- from Sergey Kostiv. by a fi erce Al Rayyan’s barrage with high balls. We work really ing beaten Thailand’s Est Cola, However, Al Rayyan put their – with Rychlicki and Costa too well in this situation. Our serve 3-1 (26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 25-20) act together, overcoming their powerful from spike range. Lead- and block are strong points for in their opening game of the nervous start and roaring back ing at 20-13, the Qataris allowed the win in this match,” said Al tournament on Thursday, with with fi erce attacks. Strongly- Kazchrome only one more point Rayyan head coach Carlos Edu- one group stage match yet to go, built Rychlicki, who had scored from a sharp shot from Sergey ardo. against India’s Chennai Spar- a match-high 24 points in their Kostiv to take the second set 25- “We now qualify to the top tans. match against Est Cola the previ- 14. eight. Our next match against Yesterday, Rychlicki’s eff ort ous day, chipped in with a few big The third set was hotly-con- Chennai Spartans will be simi- included 12 attacks and 5 aces, spikes to help the Qataris catch tested as both teams gave it all lar as Thailand. They moved so while Sergey Kostiv chipped up with Kazchrome at 11-11. Af- out to win the set. Taking a nar- much when they played the ball. in with 11 points for TNC Ka- ter that, the match turned out to row 23-22 lead, Al Rayyan went However, we will watch vid- zchrome VC, assisted by Dmitry be a truly competitive competi- on their mighty attacks, with eos to make ourselves ready for Action from the Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship match between Qatar’s Al Rayyan (in black) and Vovnenko, who also bagged sim- tion as both teams came up in full Rychlicki in particularly on good the match. We will do our best.” Kazakhstan’s TNC Kazchrome VC (in white) at the University of Taiwan Gymnasium yesterday. ilar 11 points including 2 blocks strength to win the opening set to form. Qataris Faye and Costa (AVC)

Sights from IAAF Heritage World Athletics Championships Exhibition

IAAF Heritage director Chris Turner (left) shows Asian Athletics Association president Dahlan al-Hamad around the Qatari high-jumper Mutaz Barshim (left) and 400m hurdles athlete Abderrahman Samba mimic each other’s action at the exhibition at Doha’s City Centre Mall on Thursday. (PICTURES: Karim Jaafar/IAAF) exhibition on Thursday.

US track and field athlete Carl Lewis’ vest from Moscow 1986 Goodwill Games. Bodysuit of Morocco’s Nezha Bidouane from 2001 Edmonton Worlds. Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt’s vest from 2011 World Championships.

British middle-distance runner Mo Farah’s spikes from 2013 World Championships. Ukrainian pole vaulter Sergey Bubka’s vest from his world record eff ort in Donetsk in 1993.

American hurdler Aries Merritt’s spikes from his 110m hurdles world record eff ort in 2012. Brazilian triple-jumper Adhemar Da Silva’s vests and gold medals from 1952 Helsinki and 1956 Melbourne Olympics.