Coach Emery eyes trophy as Arsenal aim to win Europa League final for Mkhitaryan WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2019 PAGE 18

Dhoni, Rahul slam tons as India subdue EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL Bangladesh in World Cup warm up tie PAGE 19 CHELSEA VS ARSENAL (10 PM) COPA AMERICA to assume role as Al Sadd coach next season TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

XAVI Hernandez has been ap- pointed the coach of Al Sadd for the 2019/20 season, the club announced on Twitter. In a statement on Tuesday, Al Sadd said, “Xavi Hernan- dez will take over as the head coach of Al Sadd from the be- ginning of the next season!” The former and midfielder announced his retirement from profes- sional football before the Amir Cup final after joining Al Sadd in 2015. The 2010 World Cup win- ner won four trophies with The Wolves – leading the club to Qatar is home to him and his their first Qatar Stars League family. In a recent interview Factfile title since the 2012/13 season. on the club’s webite, he said, The Qatar national football team trains at a camp in Brazil in preparation for the forthcoming Copa America. The Al Annabi will be playing a In his first managerial ap- “It was one of the best deci- O Xavier Hernandez Creus friendly against hosts Brazil on June 5. The 2019 Copa America, in a three groups of four format, begins on June 14 when Brazil meet Bolivia. pointment, Xavi will be as- sions of my life to come here. sisted by Sergio Oriol, Ivan My family and I, we are very O Born: 25 January 1980 Torres, Oscar Hernández, José comfortable here. My children O La Liga: 1998–99, 2004–05, Manuel, David Barts, Antonio are like Qatari because they 2005–06, 2008–09, Lobo, Sergio García, Anto- were born here. We are very 2009–10, 2010–11, Brazil name Dani Alves as captain nio Troulas, Al Sadd said in happy and grateful to live here. 2012–13, 2014–15 a statement. Everyone offers us respect.” DPA O Copa del Rey: 2008–09, three games by the French After announcing his re- Xavi will begin his journey 2011–12, 2014–15 BOGOTA federation FFF over an inci- tirement, Xavi said he was ex- at the helm at the club’s train- dent with a fan, was informed cited to see “what the future ing camp in Girona, Spain O Supercopa de España: BRAZILIAN star Neymar of the decision by Brazil coach holds”. from July 14-29, Al Sadd said 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, has lost his national team’s Tite on Saturday, the state- “What I have achieved in on Twitter. 2011, 2013 captaincy for the upcoming ment said, adding that Alves the last two decades has been It will be a new era for the O UEFA Champions League: Copa America to Saint- was told a day later. a privilege,” he said. Wolves who are through to 2005–06, 2008–09, Germain team-mate Dani The defender missed the “Therefore, I believe it is the AFC Champions League 2010–11, 2014–15; Super Alves, the Brazilian football 2018 Russia World Cup after my duty to take the initiative Round of 16. They will face lo- Cup: 2009, 2011 confederation (CBF) said injuring his right knee in last off the field and return through cal rivals Al Duhail in August on Monday. year’s French Cup final. Since football whenever possible.” as they bid to win the only O FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011 The 36-year-old Alves, who debuting with the Selecao in The news comes as no sur- trophy which eluded the Span- last captained Brazil against 2006, he collected 138 caps for prise to football fans in Qatar. iard in his time as a player for O Al Sadd in March 2018, will the Brazilian national team, The midfield maestro had been Al Sadd. resume the position in a friend- the statement said. recommended for the position Xavi will also be expected Qatar Stars League: 2018–19; ly match against Qatar on June Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian defender Dani Alves (right) congratu- The 2019 Copa America, in by his successor Jesualdo Fer- to lead the team to another Amir Cup: 2017 5, a CBF statement said. lates Neymar after he scored a penalty kick during the French L1 a three groups of four format, reira who said “Xavi will be a league title and importantly Qatar Cup: 2017; Sheikh Neymar, 27, who earlier match against at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco begins June 14 when hosts great manager.” the Amir Cup which the club Jassim Cup: 2017. this month was banned for in November 2017. (AFP) Brazil meet Bolivia. For the 39-year-old Xavi, has won a record 17 times.

ROAD TO IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DOHA 2019 Defying gravity: After world record near-miss in 2018, Barshim says he now knows how to get there

NE year ago, Mutaz world record, which has stood Not really. the past four years I was ready Barshim was flying for a quarter of a century, left “I’ll tell you two things,” he physically, but not mentally high. Very high. his body broken, sidelining said. “Definitely, if you want for that barrier. But in my The 2017 World him for the rest of the season. to push yourself to a world re- last jump, when I got injured, AthleteO of the Year set the tone “I thought it was worse be- cord, you have to understand I think it was the opposite. - and the bar - for the season cause I never experienced so that there is only one human Mentally I was way above that early on, topping 2.40m to win harsh a pain as that moment,” being in this whole universe but physically I wasn’t there at the Doha Diamond League he recalls. “So I thought I who has done that. And there yet because it was the begin- for the second straight year. broke my bone. I thought, ‘my is definitely a reason. Me ap- ning of the season - it was just That’s a height only a dozen foot is definitely broken’. We proaching a world record, I’m June. So hopefully now I can others had ever topped, and then found it wasn’t broken definitely trying 120 percent. combine both. I’m just hop- Barshim, then 26, had sailed but the ligaments were torn. You can’t go for a world record ing for my physical to return clear in his first major out- It’s a little bit strange - at one thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to be because my mental is way up.” door meet of the year. A pair moment I’m trying the world You can’t go for a world record careful, I’m only going 80 per- In the meantime, recovery of 2.36m efforts in Eugene and record and a few moments thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to be cent’. That doesn’t work. It’s a is key as he sets out on a course Oslo followed, then a 2.38m later I can’t even walk.” careful, I’m only going 80 world record for a reason so to defend his world title at the clearance in mid-June for vic- He underwent surgery to you have to give everything IAAF Champi- tory in Ostrava. repair the ruptured ligaments percent’. That doesn’t work. you have. Despite what might onships Doha 2019 later this He topped 2.40m again eight days later, and was ini- It’s a world record for a reason happen later. year where he’ll share centre two weeks later at the Gyulai tially expected to be out of ac- so you have to give everything “But in terms of having stage alongside 400m hurdles Memorial in Székesfehérvár, tion for three to four months. you have. Despite what might more respect for it, I think it’s ace Abderrahman Samba as Hungary, on 2 July and, feel- Instead, he only resumed light the opposite for me. That at- one of the Championships’ ing good, had the bar raised training just over a month ago. happen later. tempt gave me so much con- poster boys. He said that he to a would-be world record of “It’s been a rough six Barshim on chasing Javier fidence, that actually I lost re- and long-time coach Stanisław 2.46m. He came tantalisingly months,” Barshim, who sits spect for the record. I thought, Szczyrba aren’t planning to close with his first attempt, second on the world all-time Sotomayor’s record of 2.45m ‘You know what? I almost had make any adjustments to the grazing the bar slightly on his list at 2.43m, said earlier this it’. So it’s actually given me training regimen that has way up before it fell, almost month in Doha. “Not because at the IAAF World Championships London 2017. that extra push. Next time I’ll brought them this far. with hesitation, softly to the of the injuries but because I have it. Now I know how to “My training in the past five ground. He would later char- wasn’t able to jump. I always the date of his season’s debut able to take it in stride. League final in Brussels. He’s deal with it.” or six years has been the same. acterise it as one of his best want to be at the stadium. So has not yet been confirmed. “In sport these things hap- been chasing Sotomayor since Was that near-miss his My programme has been work- jumps ever. me not being able to be at a “Now it’s really a matter of me pen. At the time I chose to be- and has never come as close as best-ever jump? ing so why would I change any- The Qatari star followed stadium is like some part of getting back in shape and then come a professional athlete I he did the last time he dressed “One of them, definitely thing? I intend to keep doing the up with a decent attempt on me is missing. So I’m really build myself back up to the was very well aware of this. And in his competition gear. Did not the best. In you same thing, but of course I’m his second try but landed happy I’m back now.” point where I can compete.” I dedicated myself to that.” pushing his body to a near- have to be prepared physically going to listen to myself much clutching his left ankle after He began with some jog- Barshim said there was Barshim has sat second on absolute limit and having it and mentally. Physically, of more. If I definitely feel a pain his third. So instead of a post- ging and light running in plenty of frustration to work the world all-time list since break along the way leave him course it’s really hard work. or something, I’m going to slow victory high, his latest assault late April and recently began through in the ensuing September 2014 when he with a renewed respect for the But it’s easier than to be men- down or stop. Otherwise, 110 on Javier Sotomayor’s 2.45m jumping again in training. But months, but eventually was scaled 2.43m at the Diamond world record? tally prepared for it. I feel in percent. I’m going for it.” (IAAF) Sports Wednesday, May 29, 2019 17 Nasser al Attiyah romps into the lead at Rally Kazakhstan

QNA Timo Gottschalk finished the bivouac over a mix of fast ahead of his rivals to take the ASTANA section third and moved up tracks and soft dunes at overall lead. the standings into second, de- an average speed of more “It was not easy navigation QATAR’S Nasser al Attiyah spite a puncture woe. 100kph over nearly four but I’m happy we have a good and his co-driver Mathieu Rally Kazakhstan, the hours of competition. lead,” he said. Baumel powered into the third round of the FIA World Ace rallyist Attiyah, start- Qatar’s Mohammed al lead of Rally Kazakhstan af- Cup for Cross Country Rallies, ing second on the road, pow- Meer/Alexey Kuzmich top ter Tuesday’s second selec- is the longest event in the se- ered through the section, the T2 standings in a Toyota tive section, the Toyota Hilux ries and today’s stage was also catching overnight leader Al Landcruiser. Overdrive crew taking the the longest of the six day rally. Rajhi after 150 kilometres be- Another 327.47 kilome- stage win and a four minute An epic 414.22 kilometre fore hitting the dunes. tre section lays in wait for the 32 second advantage. section lay in wait, taking The Qatari finished the third leg of Rally Kazakhstan Jakub Przygonski and the crews from the Kinderly stage nearly two minutes on Wednesday. Osaka, Zverev survive major scares on windy Day Three

DPA PARIS Minor hiccup

WORLD number one Naomi as defending Osaka fought from the brink of defeat and men’s fifth-seed Al- champion exander Zverev also overcame a big scare en route to first- Halep round victories at the French Open on a windy Tuesday. ’s Osaka denied advances 90th-ranked Slovak Anna Karolina Schmiedlova serv- REUTERS ing out the match twice as she PARIS overcame a dreadful first set for a 0-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 victory. SIMONA Halep dealt with the Osaka ran her Grand Slam emotions and pressure of be- win streak to 15 matches after ing the defending champion titles at the 2018 US Open and as she overcame a second-set 2019 Australian Open and nar- blip to kick off her French rowly avoided becoming the Open campaign with a 6-2, second women’s second top 3-6, 6-1 win over Australian seed (and world number one) Ajla Tomljanovic on Tuesday. in the tournament’s 94-year The Romanian third seed history to lose in the first round. Germany’s Alexander Zverev in action during his first round match against ’s John Millman in the played some neat and tidy ten- The German Zverev de- men’s singles first round of the French Open at Roland Garros on Tuesday.(REUTERS) nis in the opening set, lost the stroyed his racquet in frustra- plot in the second and then tion before posting a 7-6 (7-4), RESULTS wrapped up the victory to set 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 victory up a second-round meeting over Australia’s John Millman. MEN SINGLES 1ST RD Martin Klizan (SVK) bt Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) 3-6, 5-7, (HUN) 3-6, 6-2, 6-1; Madison Keys (USA x14) bt with Magda Linette of Poland. Zverev, who had to go Fabio Fognini (ITA x9) bt Andreas Seppi (ITA) 6-3, 6-0, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3; Lucas Pouille (FRA x22) bt Simone Bolelli Evgeniya Rodina (RUS) 6-1, 6-2; Kurumi Nara (JPN) bt Halep seized control with 3-6, 6-3; Federico Del Bonis (ARG) bt Guillermo García- (ITA) 6-3, 6-4, 7-5; Jordan Thompson (AUS) bt Alejandro Dalila Jakupovic (SLO) 7-5, 5-7, 6-3; Bianca Andreescu the full distance three times López (ESP) 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2; Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Davidovich (ESP) 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3); Ivo Karlovic (CRO) (CAN x22) bt Marie Bouzková (CZE) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4; an early break and tightened last year at Roland Garros, Bernard Tomic (AUS) 6-1, 6-4, 6-1; Roberto Bautista bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 7-6 (7/4), 7-5, 6-7 (7/9), 7-5; Simona Halep (ROM x3) bt Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) 6-2, her grip in a one-sided first won despite 73 unforced er- Agut (ESP x18) bt Steve Johnson (USA) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2; Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) bt Mackenzie McDonald (USA) 3-6, 6-1; Magda Linette (POL) bt Chloé Paquet (FRA) set, containing her opponent’s rors compared to 57 winners, Dusan Lajovic (SRB x30) bt Thiago Monteiro (BRA) 6-3, 6-7 (7/9), 6-0, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3; Juan Martín Del Potro 3-6, 6-1, 6-2; Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) bt Daria power. But Tomljanovic start- 6-4, 6-4; Elliot Benchetrit (FRA) bt Cameron Norrie (ARG x8) bt Nicolás Jarry (CHI) 3-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4. Gavrilova (AUS) 6-3, 2-2 - retired; Lesya Tsurenko (UKR with Millman on 46 errors (GBR) 6-3, 6-0, 6-2; Mikael Ymer (SWE) bt Blaz Rola x27) bt Eugénie Bouchard (CAN) 6-2, 6-2; Daria ed to hit the ball harder and by and 25 winners. (SLO) 6-0, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5); Alexander Zverev (GER x5) bt WOMEN SINGLES 1ST RD Kasatkina (RUS x21) bt Jasmine Paolini (ITA) 6-2, 6-3; the time Halep had started to Players faced challenging Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her first round match against John Millman (AUS) 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3; Naomi Osaka (JPN x1) bt Anna Karolína Schmiedlová Mónica Puig (PUR) bt Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) 6-1, 7-5; figure out how to deal with her Slovakia’s Anna Karolina Schmiedlova at the French Open on Tuesday. Kyle Edmund (GBR x28) bt Jeremy Chardy (FRA) 7-6 (SVK) 0-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1; (BLR) bt Iga Swiatek (POL) bt Selena Janicijevic (FRA) 6-3, 6-0; conditions on the day in the (7/1), 5-7, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5; Fernando Verdasco (ESP x23) Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4); Katerina Wang Qiang (CHN x16) bt Saisai Zheng (CHN) 6-1, 7-5; pace the Australian had taken form of cool temperatures and Osaka overcame a dreadful first set to win 0-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1.(REUTERS) bt Dan Evans (GBR) 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-2; Antoine Siniaková (CZE) bt Elena Rybakina (KAZ) 7-6 (7/5), 6-1; (BLR x11) bt Dominika Cibulkova the second set. wind as the unsettled condi- Hoang (FRA) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-4, 0-6, 7-6 Maria Sakkari (GRE x29) bt Anna Tatishvili (USA) 6-0, (SVK) 7-5, 6-1; Amanda Anisimova (USA) bt Harmony Experience, however, pre- tions ranged from drizzle to Zverev, 22, is seen as one of oughly but composed himself (7/5), 6-3; Karen Khachanov (RUS x10) bt Cedrik- 6-1; Caroline Garcia (FRA x24) bt Mona Barthel (GER) Tan (FRA) 6-3, 6-1; Irina-Camelia Begu (ROM) bt Zhu Lin vailed in the decider as Halep Marcel Stebe (GER) 6-1, 6-1, 6-4; Grégoire Barrère 6-2, 6-4; Anna Blinkova (RUS) bt Margarita Gasparyan (CHN) 6-1, 6-1; Karolína Muchová (CZE) bt Anett sunshine. the most gifted young players again and got the deciding (FRA) bt Matthew Ebden (AUS) 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-1; (RUS) 6-3, 4-6, 8-6; Priscilla Hon (AUS) bt Tímea Babos Kontaveit (EST x17) 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. won six of the seven remain- Osaka, not a clay-court ex- but is yet live up to his potential break for 5-3 when Millman ing games. “It was not easy pert in the first place, clearly at the majors, where his best wasted a 40-0 lead. He then because of the emotions, the struggled against Schmiedlova showing is the Roland Garros served out the match at love to comeback, this time from a pressure,” Halep told report- who raced through the open- quarter-final from 2018. set up a meeting with Swedish knee fracture last year. ‘Enough in me’, says ers. “But these are nice emo- ing set in just 21 minutes. He turned around a mod- qualifier Mikael Ymen. “I had a slow start because tions and I am happy I could Her fate seemed sealed est clay season with the Ge- “In Geneva, I won a lot of of the weather conditions, Serena after slow start win the match and get to play when she also blew a 3-0 lead neva title on Saturday and on tight matches that I lost this because of his game,” Del another one.” in the second after a brief rain Tuesday looked in full com- year on the clay, and I think Potro said. PARIS: Mighty Serena Williams also helped her in It was the first time Ha- break. But Osaka then denied mand after going 4-1 up with Geneva helped me today. “But in the second set, I came to Paris with just eight and the turnaround. lep stepped back onto Court Schmiedlova serving out the two breaks. “It was very difficult to took the control of the match a half matches played in 2019 Williams admitted Philippe Chatrier for a com- match at 5-4 and 6-5 - with But he then hit a forehand play today. But I think it’s and then I started to play a lit- and even though she claimed to nerves early petitive match since she lifted the nervous Slovak coming long instead of into a wide great that I came through and tle bit better. I felt better on her 800th career match win on and to a dif- the Suzanne Lenglen Cup a only within two points of vic- open court on set point at 5-4 this is the most important,” court. And then I took all my on Monday, plenty of question ficult year overall. year ago, and she felt at home tory – before locking the sets and double faulted to give the Zverev said. chances.” marks remain. “Physically I felt even if the stadium has been in the tiebreak. game away before eventually “I’m here to play my best. Ninth-seeded Monte Carlo The 37-year-old is aiming to fi- pretty good. Yeah, I’ve had a lot of revamped. “Maybe the sound The third set was a for- prevailing in the opening set I’m here to win matches ... Masters winner Fabio Fognini nally tie Margaret Couirt’s all-time injuries. I’m usually not an injured is a bit different but the size mality as Osaka triumphed tie-break. I’m excited to what’s coming dispatched veteran fellow Ital- record of 24 grand slam singles player. But I sprained my ankle of the court is the same,” she on first match point when Zverev also took the sec- ahead. Most important, I’m ian Andreas Seppi, 6-3, 6-0, titles but a 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 first in Australia and everything went explained. Schmiedlova hit a forehand ond set but the 56th-ranked still in the tournament, and 3-6, 6-3. round win over Russian Vitalia downhill from there,” she said. Halep indeed seemed com- wide, winning despite 38 un- Millman, who has not won a that’s all that matters.” On the women’s side, Vik- Diatchenko offered no clues as “I think I’m finally on the mend. fortable on the red clay and forced errors while slamming French Open match in three Elsewhere, eighth-seeded toria Azarenka won a battle of to whether she can achieve this But yeah, it’s been a really inter- she said the only pressure she 36 winners. previous appearances but Argentine Del Potro, a former former Grand Slam champi- in the Paris fortnight. esting year for me thus far.” But would put on herself had noth- Osaka’s win means that beat Roger Federer at the last US Open champion and two- ons 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) over Jelena Williams let out a big roar of the veteran also insisted that ing to do with results. German Angelique Kerber US Open, refused to bow and time semi-finalist at Roland Ostapenko. frustration and later spoke of she can still go a long way and “I feel different since I won remains the only women’s locked the sets at 2-2. Garros, rallied to beat Satur- Due on court later were “concrete blocks on my feet” in play top tennis. “I have enough the French Open. Everything top seed (and top ranked The frustrated Zverev day’s Geneva finalist Nicolas among others title holder Si- her slow start but a change of tennis in me. I have 30-some- is a bonus and I see tennis dif- player) to go out in the first smashed his racquet to the Jarry of Chile, 3-6, 6-2, 6-1, mona Halep against Austral- her flashy blue and white bikini- thing years’ worth of tennis, so ferently, my life differently. round, in 2017. ground, and destroyed it thor- 6-4, in his latest grand slam ian Ajla Tomljanovic. style outfit to a warmer top then I’ll be fine,” she said.(DPA) “My main goal is to see how good I can be this year and maybe for a few more years, we will see.” Young at heart: Sleepless 40-yr-old Karlovic keeps breaking records

AFP matically for the main draws Wimbledon in 2003 remains his points in the third set. PARIS in and Madrid. greatest tennis memory – will “It means a lot... It’s in He revealed in Paris that face Australian Jordan Thomp- the record books as the oldest LATE-NIGHT gym sessions he often heads to the gym at son in round two. ever one. I was out for the last and family life have failed to 11p.m. and only sleeps for five He still believes he can almost two months so I was hinder Ivo Karlovic’s longev- hours a night. win a ninth ATP title and really happy that I was able ity, after he made a mockery “After I drive my daugh- Oldest men’s possibly reach the last 16 of to win.” of his 40 years to beat relative ter to school I would go and a Grand Slam again, having The oldest Grand Slam spring chicken, 37-year-old hit and after I was home match-up most recently made the sec- match in history featured Feliciano Lopez, in the oldest resting,” said Karlovic – the Croatian Ivo Karlovic, ond week of a major at the 41-year-old Pancho Gonzalez ever men’s match-up at Ro- oldest man to win a Grand the tallest player on 2016 US Open. against Torben Ulrich, 40, at land Garros on Tuesday. Slam match since Ken Rose- the tour at 6ft 11in “I would like to do that. the 1969 US Open. Croatian Karlovic, the tall- wall in 1978. (2.11m), defeated That’s what I always try to do Karlovic is the first man est player on the tour at 6ft “In the evening when they Feliciano Lopez 7-6 but I know that it isn’t easy, it’s aged over 40 to play in the 11in (2.11m), defeated Lopez go to bed, which is almost at (7/4), 7-5, 6-7 (7/9), real difficult,” said Karlovic. main singles draw of a Grand 7-6 (7/4), 7-5, 6-7 (7/9), 7-5 around 11, then I would go to 7-5 in the first round “Everybody’s strong and Slam tournament since Jimmy in the first round despite not the gym. In the night. I’m hap- despite not having good, but you know, who Connors in 1992. having played a match since py because there is a gym open knows. I think I train hard “I don’t know (if I’ll feel early April. in the night.” played a match and I have the experience, the sore tomorrow), we’ll see,” The world number 94 has Karlovic – who says that his since early April. edge, so who knows.” he added. “I’ll just hit it light Romania’s Simona Halep in instead been spending time shock first-round win over then- Karlovic fired 35 aces and 69 and then we’ll see if I have to action against Australia’s Ajla with his family at home in Mi- reigning champion and world Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic reacts during his men’s singles first round match winners past the 108th-ranked do (an) extra ice bath or ex- Tomljanovic at the French Open ami after not qualifying auto- number one Lleyton Hewitt at against Spain’s Feliciano Lopez at the French Open on Tuesday. (AFP) Lopez having wasted two match tra activities.” on Tuesday. (REUTERS) 18 Wednesday, May 29, 2019 Sports Silverware matters most to Emery as Arsenal aim to win for Mkhitaryan

The build-up to the final Sarri declares love for his has been marred by the Armenian’s decision not players ahead of UEL final to travel for the game over his safety due to REUTERS an ongoing political BAKU dispute between his CHELSEA coach Maurizio country and neighbour- Sarri declared his “love” for his players ahead of what ing Azerbaijan could be his last match in charge of the Blues in AFP Wednesday’s Europa League BAKU final against London rivals Arsenal. Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri HENRIKH Mkhitaryan’s Ar- Sarri declined to com- during a training session in Baku senal teammates stated their ment on speculation that on Tuesday. (REUTERS) determination to win Wednes- he was about to return to a day’s Europa League final coaching job in his native Ita- endear himself with many against Chelsea in Baku for the ly after just one, often tumul- Chelsea fans who tired of absent Armenian star, as Gun- tuous, year at Chelsea. his insistence on sticking to ners boss Unai Emery told his “For me at the beginning his game-plan, even as some team to focus on winning sil- of the season it was really very heavy losses piled up in the verware rather than worrying difficult to understand my play- winter, adding to speculation about a possible return to the ers, to understand the men- that he might join a long list Champions League. tality. But after a very difficult of coaches shown the door at The build-up to this Lon- month in January, in February Stamford Bridge after only a don derby European final has Arsenal players attend a training session at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Baku on the eve of the UEFA Europa League final against Chelsea. (AFP) they started to change, I think, short spell in the job. been marred by Mkhitaryan’s or probably I changed, I don’t Sarri said the chance of decision not to travel for the earlier this week of the two reach the Champions League the Champions League after a been strongly linked with a re- know,” he said on Tuesday. midfielder N’Golo Kante game because of fears over in training under the caption next season after missing out two-season absence. turn to Chelsea, his old club, “In this moment, I love recovering from a knee in- his safety due to an ongoing “Missing you bro”. on a top-four place in the Pre- “For a club like Arsenal we in an upstairs capacity, which them because I have 20, 22 jury in time for kickoff on political dispute between his “We were five or six mier League. In contrast, Chel- have to be in the Champions could have a role in Emery’s wonderful men, and won- Wednesday was 50-50. home country and neigh- years together so I know him sea have already secured a re- League. It’s an amazing and decision whether or not to play derful players. So now I am “I hope to recover him be- bouring Azerbaijan. very well, we are very good turn to Europe’s top table. important game tomorrow be- the 37 year-old here. really very happy with them. cause I know very well that He had already skipped Ar- friends. We have to play for “We have two targets -- the cause we want to give us, the Cech has played most Eu- Of course I have to consider without N’Golo for us, it is a senal’s trip to the Azeri capital him and for the players who first and most important is to fans and the club the Champi- ropean games this season, it for the future and I have to problem,” he said. for a group game against Qara- are injured and if we win this win a title,” said Emery, who ons League back,” said Xhaka. while the German Bernd Leno consider that I love the Eng- Sarri also heaped praise, bag last October. “He is very game it is also for them,” he has already won this competi- “I think if you see the sea- has been the first choice in the lish football and I love the and some criticism, on Bel- important for us, on the pitch said at Tuesday’s pre-match tion three times with Sevilla. son, maybe we deserved to be Premier League. Premier League,” he said. gium winger Eden Hazard and off the pitch, and we press conference. “Each title is very impor- there in the top four. But this is “I can speak about Petr Pressed about his future, who is expected to leave Chel- want to give him as well a tro- It remains to be seen if tant for a team like Arsenal or a big game, a final, we can take Cech a lot, but above all he’s a Sarri said: “Today I need to sea to join Real Madrid. phy tomorrow,” said Granit Mkhitaryan’s absence will Chelsea, in England and also a trophy and we can go back to great man, a great profession- speak only about the final and “It’s a pleasure during Xhaka, the Swiss midfielder. handicap Arsenal on the field in Europe.” the Champions League.” al,” said Emery. my players need that I speak the match. Sometimes dur- Greek defender Sokratis at the Baku Olympic Stadium, Emery’s own desire to win Meanwhile, Emery re- “It is going to be his last only about the final.” ing the week it is a problem,” Papastathopoulos, who previ- as the Gunners prepare for a this competition for a fourth fused to be drawn on wheth- match tomorrow because he “If we are able to win, the Sarri said. “It is a problem be- ously played with Mkhitaryan huge twin challenge. time in six years is understand- er Petr Cech would start in will finish his career and I season will become wonder- cause he is a talent and during at Borussia Dortmund before They are seeking their first able, but for Arsenal there is his final game for the club want to do something impor- ful,” Sarri said of Wednesday’s the training sometimes he’s moving to England last year, European trophy in 25 years also a need -- financially and in before retiring. tant with him, playing or not showdown with Arsenal. (bored) because for him every- posted a picture on Twitter and also have to win in order to terms of prestige -- to return to The veteran goalkeeper has playing.” But the Italian failed to thing is really very, very easy.” Baku or bust: Fans defy high prices to trek to Europa League final REUTERS home by plane on Thursday, BAKU taking three separate flights to get back to London. Some MANY Arsenal and Chelsea fans have journeyed from far fans have been put off mak- beyond Europe to get to the ing the long and expensive trip match. Chinese fans wearing A photo combo of Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho. to Azerbaijan to follow their Arsenal shirts strolled through teams in the Europa League central Baku on Tuesday. final, but one father and his Ashraf Ahmed, 34, an beIN to host Wenger and son have just completed an ad- Arsenal-supporting American venturous seven-day voyage to Bangladeshi, made the 32- Mourinho for the UEFA make it to Baku. hour trip from Austin, Texas, Jake Ralph and his father to see the Gunners play in a Kevin Cobb flew from London competitive match for the first Champions League final to Istanbul last Tuesday before time. He jumped online to ap- starting a nearly 1,400-mile ply for a ticket for the final as TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK will be interesting to see what journey overland, through Tur- soon as Arsenal dramatically DOHA this special night has in store key and walking over the bor- fought back to defeat Rennes for viewers from around the der into Georgia before reach- of France for a 4-3 aggregate FOOTBALL greats Jose Mour- world. ing the shores of the Caspian win in March and advance to inho and Arsene Wenger will beIN Media Group Chief Sea in the Azerbaijan capital on the quarter-finals. join beIN SPORTS, the global Executive Officer, Yousef al Monday. Chelsea and Arsenal fans in Baku, Azerbaijan ahead of the Europa League final. (REUTERS) “When we turned it sports broadcaster, this Sat- Obaidly said: “We are thrilled “We wanted to make an ad- around, I said to myself I have urday as part of the UEFA to be hosting two of the all-time venture of it, and see places we ily criticised for choosing Baku his father caught the atten- Jake’s father Kevin, who to go,” Ahmed said. Champions League Final cov- greats in the world of football. would never go otherwise. The to host Wednesday’s final. tion of Azerbaijani tourism has attended more than 2,000 Just his airline ticket from erage, which viewers across the For the first time in sports TV plan was to save money and The cost of the roughly officials who sent a delegation Chelsea games and has fol- Houston to Baku cost $1,500 Middle East and North Africa broadcasting, both Arsene have a bit of an adventure,” 5,000-mile round-trip has de- to meet them at Baku station lowed the Blues in Europe for and included a 12-hour layo- (MENA) can enjoy exclusively Wenger and Jose Mourinho Ralph, 28, said. terred many supporters, with with dancers and offers of food decades, said there was more to ver in Qatar. But Ahmed, who on the leading sports channel. will be live in one studio, cover- The duo wanted to do the both Arsenal and Chelsea fail- hampers. following a team abroad than was expecting to meet up with In their first TV appearance ing the biggest European foot- entire trip, including their ac- ing to sell even close to their “We now have a driver simply watching the football. other U.S.-based Arsenal fans ever together, the former Chel- ball competition and sharing commodation and match tick- 6,000 ticket allocation. who comes and picks us up “All along the way, we have in Baku, said he had no re- sea and Manchester United fascinating stories from their il- ets, for the same 979 pound “There are lots of Chelsea and takes us places. We have been met by people with less grets. manager will discuss various lustrious careers. As a pioneer- ($1,240) price tag just for the fans who go to just as many been upgraded to VIP and we money but who wanted to help “I wanted to make it special exciting topics alongside for- ing global sports broadcaster, flights offered in an official club games as I do and cannot come are having a stadium tour, and us, time after time,” Cobb said. when I saw Arsenal in a com- mer Arsenal manager and oth- beIN SPORTS will continue to deal for Chelsea fans. out here, which is really sad,” asked for our shirt sizes. It has “Traveling is so humbling.” petitive game for the first time, er expert analysts exclusively make history by providing the Europe’s football govern- Ralph said. been a bit of a whirlwind re- After their week-long journey not some random match,” he covering the highly anticipated best content coupled with the ing body UEFA has been heav- The story of Ralph and ally,” Ralph said. to Baku, they plan to travel said. “This is fantastic.” game: expertise of the greatest ana- The UEFA Champions lysts for its viewers around the League Final, Liverpool vs Tot- world.” tenham Hotspur, on Saturday Both managers have previ- 1st June at 22:00 Mecca Time ously featured separately on (GMT+3) on beIN SPORTS beIN SPORTS and drew huge ’s Ciccone wins Stage 16 as Carapaz extends overall Giro lead HD1,2,3,4 for the Arabic stu- audiences across the Middle dio, beIN SPORTS HD11 for the East and North Africa region, AFP Carapaz, Roglic, isolated from team captain Mikel Landa, Some three minutes off the English studio, beIN SPORTS and also internationally on so- PONTE DI LEGNO, ITALY his teammates, was no match caught Nibali before the sum- pace were Britain’s Simon Yates HD14 for French commentary cial media, as fans tuned-in to for the attack even if Roglic mit and formed the group that and Dutch outside hope Bauke and beIN 4K. see the best football managers ITALY’S Giulio Ciccone won wouldn’t admit it. powered over the final rolling Mollema who also lost ground From the famous touchline in history discuss the English the rain-lashed 16th stage of the “This Giro isn’t over yet, an- kilometres in blustery rain. on the mountainous run as they bust-up to press conference Premier League, the UEFA Giro d’Italia on Tuesday as race ything can happen,” he warned. “To beat Carapaz I’ll have crossed the line with Roglic. disagreements, both Arsene Champions League, the AFC favourite Primoz Roglic lost The 2013 and 2016 Giro to work out a new plan,” Ni- Jumbo director Addy Engels Wenger and Jose Mourinho Asian Cup and other major 1min 20sec to his main rivals winner Nibali launched his bali said afterwards. “Today admitted his rider Roglic had will light up the beIN SPORTS tournaments. in pink jersey-wearer Richard assault on the day’s final we worked together to take out suffered on Tuesday. studio with fascinating discus- The UEFA Champions Carapaz and two-time winner challenging climb, some 8km Roglic.” “This time you saw a dif- sions, heated opinions and League Final will be live and Vincenzo Nibali. from the summit, which he Ahead of them was the ference in level between Roglic world class analysis of the best exclusive in English, Arabic and The veteran Italian Nibali crossed around 90sec ahead day’s escaping pair of eventual and riders like Nibali, Carapaz football competition Europe French and will also feature sparked a highly aggressive of the flailing former ski- winner Ciccone and the man he and Landa. When they went, he Giulio Ciccone celebrates his and the world has to offer. beIN star analysts, present- day of racing when attacking jumper Roglic. beat to the line, the Czech Jan was unable to follow,” Engels victory as he crosses the finish With both manager’s fu- ers and commentators from from distance and while he Overall leader Carapaz, Hirt, who finished 1min 41sec admitted. “And there’s more line to win Stage 16 of the Giro tures currently undecided, it around the region. was unable to drop Ecuador’s aided by his powerful Movistar ahead of Nibali’s group. climbing to come.” d’Italia on Tuesday. (AFP) Sports Wednesday, May 29, 2019 19 AL SHAQAB WIN AL WAJBA RAMADAN FOOTBALL TITLE Steyn to miss South Africa’s WC opener REUTERS “He is getting closer every LONDON day. We hope that if not by Sunday (against Bangladesh) SOUTH Africa will be without then by the India game.” Steyn, experienced pace bowler Dale 35, was injured during the In- Steyn for Thursday’s Cricket dian Premier League and has World Cup opener against not played since April 21. England at The Oval after fail- He is considered South Af- ing to shake off a recurring rica’s greatest fast bowler and shoulder problem. returned to the one-day inter- But they are hoping he will national team last November be fit to face India on June 5 as after two years on the side- he continues to make progress lines with shoulder and foot in his recovery after more than injuries. a month on the sidelines. The Proteas have also had “He is not fully ready yet injury concerns over their two Qatar Olympic Committee President His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin and we feel that in a six-week other main strike bowlers, Hamad al Thani was the chief guest at the prize distribution of the tournament there is no need Lungi Ngidi (side) and Kagiso Al Wajba Ramadan Football Tournament and presented the winner’s to press the issue right now,” Rabada (back), though both trophy to Al Shaqab. The champions got the better of Al Rayyan 6-5 South Africa coach Ottis Gib- played in the warm-up win via penalties during the final. son told reporters on Tuesday. over Sri Lanka last week. Warning shots by Gibson glad to Tons by Dhoni, Rahul see Archer in Windies during England team AFP as India hammer thrashing to Kiwis LONDON SOUTH Africa coach Ottis AGENCIES one Black Caps bowler who Gibson wants England fast BRISTOL could keep the rate down. bowler Jofra Archer to have Bangla in WC warm-up It was always going to be a good World Cup -- but only THE West Indies handed out a difficult for New Zealand to after the Proteas have played 91-run thrashing to New Zea- chase that massive total, but the hosts in Thursday’s tour- land to wrap up their Cricket early wickets made the task nament opener at the Oval. World Cup warm-up matches more difficult. Needing more Former West Indies fast at Bristol on Tuesday. than eight an over from the bowler Gibson, like Archer, A rip-roaring batting dis- start of their innings they was born in Barbados. play from the West Indies, led stumbled to 33/3 in the 10th Gibson had a chance to ob- by Shai Hope, saw them race over with Martin Guptill, serve the then teenage Archer’s to 421 all out. That massive Henry Nichols and Ross Tay- progress when he returned to total was more than enough lor all falling cheaply. the Caribbean as coach of the to see them to victory, with A brilliant stand of 120 West Indies in 2010. New Zealand finishing 92 between Kane Williamson Archer, whose father is runs short of the target. and Tom Blundell would English, was included in the The biggest contribution have kept them in the con- host country’s World Cup came from Hope who cruised test on another day, but here, squad on the back of just three to an 84-ball hundred before one-day international ap- losing his wicket just two pearances after completing a balls after reaching the land- three-year qualification period mark. in March. The innings started off “He’s fresh and he’s obvi- with a bang thanks to an ously talented and he’s got a opening stand between Chris lot of pace and he’s from Bar- Gayle and Evin Lewis that bados, so I’m glad that they was worth 59 runs from just picked him,” Gibson, also India’s Lokesh Rahul (left) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni in action during their team’s 95-run victory against Bangladesh in a Cricket World Cup 44 balls, with the former do- a former England bowling warm-up match at Cardiff, England on Tuesday. (AFP) ing the majority of the scoring coach, told reporters on Tues- before he fell for a 22-ball 36. day. REUTERS Rahul made the squad as with a 120-run partnership for Lewis was more sedate, mak- Archer’s ability to bowl at CARDIFF a back-up opener but he is also Rahul made the squad as the third wicket but they failed to ing 50 from 54 balls before speeds of 90 mph, allied to a competing for the number four a back-up opener but he step up the scoring rate against he was dismissed by Jimmy Shai Hope of West Indies variety of alternative deliver- INDIA eased to a 95-run vic- spot alongside all-rounder Vijay is also competing for the India’s wrist spinning duo of Neesham. ies including a slower ball, has tory over Bangladesh in their Shankar and wicketkeeper-bats- number four spot along- Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Lewis didn’t have to force with the rate steadily rising, seen the 24-year-old make a final World Cup warm-up man Dinesh Karthik. side all-rounder Vijay Yadav in the middle overs. the pace, thanks to Hope who even 85 from 64 balls from name for himself on the Twen- match on Tuesday after cen- “The biggest positive from Shankar and wicketkeep- Das was dismissed by Cha- looked to attack as soon as he Williamson and 106 from ty20 franchise circuit. turies from Lokesh Rahul today was the way KL batted at hal in the 32nd over, triggering walked to the crease. Even 89 from Blundell were not “He’s a very good kid,” Gib- and Mahendra Singh Dhoni number four,” Kohli said. “He is er-batsman Dinesh a batting collapse as Bangladesh with a long boundary to the enough for New Zealand. son said Tuesday. “I’ve known helped them post a mammoth such a class player.” Karthik. went from 169-2 to 216-8. west of the ground the West However, runs for Blun- him from Barbados when he total of 359. Former captain Dhoni Both Chahal and Yadav fin- Indies batsmen found no dif- dell, the stand-in keeper, will was a youngster growing up Bangladesh won the toss and reached his century off 73 balls ished with three wickets each as ficulty in clearing the ropes, be a boost for the Black Caps there, so I’m really pleased for opted to field first but, despite and went on to score 113 before BRIEF SCORES Bangladesh were bowled out for with 18 sixes in their innings. with injury concerns around him. removing openers Shikhar Dha- losing his wicket to left-arm India: 359 – 7 (KL Rahul 108, Virat Kohli 264. The most powerful hit- Tom Latham. They will kick “He’s got a lot of talent, so wan and Rohit Sharma cheaply, spinner Shakib Al Hasan in the 47, MS Dhoni 113; Shakib Al Hasan Kohli was pleased with his ting came from Andre Rus- off their World Cup campaign he’s bringing that. He’s bring- they failed to take advantage of final over. 2-58, Rubel Hossain 2-62) bowling unit ahead of their tour- sell, who scored 54 off 25. against Sri Lanka on June 1, ing pace; he bowls quickly. bowler-friendly conditions in the All-rounder Hardik Pandya Bangladesh: 264 (Mushfiqur Rahim 90, nament opener against South One six, smashed towards the while the Windies will take on And he’s a match-winner. So morning session in Cardiff. made a 21-run cameo to take the Liton Das 73; Kuldeep Yadav 3-47, Africa on June 5. Ashley Down Road end of the Pakistan the previous day. hopefully he won’t have much Indian skipper Virat Kohli total to 359-7. Yuzvendra Chahal 3-55) “Bumrah got us the break- ground, almost cleared the of a say in this game, but then scored 47 off 46 balls with five Result - India won by 95 runs through and Chahal and Kul- flats, hitting the building four Brief scores he’ll have a really good tourna- boundaries before Rahul and Bumrah’s double deep got us six wickets,” he said. floors up. West Indies 421 (Evin Lewis 50, Shai Hope ment once this game is over.” Dhoni added 164 runs in a fifth- Bangladesh openers Liton “In the second half (in the In an innings that was 101, Andre Russell 54, Jason Holder 47; Saying Archer was not wicket stand. Das and Soumya Sarkar made a hind for 25 and Shakib perished coming matches), the ball might all about big-hitting it would Trent Boult 4-50) on his radar when he was the The partnership came to an steady start to the run chase be- to a perfect yorker for a first-ball turn a little bit but initially the have been pleasing for the New Zealand 330 (Kane Williamson 85, coach of the West Indies, he end with the dismissal of Rahul, fore they were rattled by Jasprit duck. ball will swing and seam, which New Zealanders to see Trent Tom Blundel 106; Carlos Brathwaite 3-75, added: “I’m really happy for who finished with 108 off 99 Bumrah’s double strike in the Das (73) and Mushfiqur Ra- will be the most important Boult take 4/50, going at less Fabian Allen 2-47) him... I know that he’s a good balls with 12 fours and four sixes. 10th over. Sarkar was caught be- him (90) offered some resistance phase.” than a run a ball. He was the Result - West Indies won by 91 runs boy and I wish him well.” Qatar’s Younousse, Tijan aim to maintain their high level

Losiak captured the inaugural men’s “The season has been good. We The world-ranked fifth pair to contest in title in 2018 by defeating Vitor Fe- just got the third bronze medal in lipe and Evandro Goncalves of Bra- the Four-Star Xiamen Open. After two Four-Star events before the prestigious zil 27-29, 21-13, 15-12 in the 55-min- that we concentrated on hard train- World Championships in Hamburg ute match. Younousse ing sessions to get ready for the and Tijan put up a fine showing and World Championship. We have to secured the ninth spot. play in two tournaments and good RAAJIV TRIPATHI Spaniards Adrian Gavira and Pablo Talking before leaving for Os- results would be a big lift for us. DOHA Herrera. trava, Younousse said the season “The situation for us is quite In the 2018 final, has been good till now and the team tricky. When you are seeded high, QATAR’S rising stars Cherif You- Gavira and Herrera posted a hard- is going to Czech Republic with a all the rivals try to lift their game nousse and Ahmed Tijan, who fought 27-25, 15-21, 15-11 win over single-minded aim to keep its level and upset you. We know how im- have risen to their all-time high Polish Piotr Kantor and Bartosz Lo- high. “This is the second full season portant each match is and we also fifth world ranking, are off to a siak. Russians Konstantin Semenov for the team. For us right now, our understand what to expect in these crucial two-event buildup ahead of and Ilya Leshukov got the better of mindset is to play good and positive matches.” the FIVB World Beach Volleyball Ondrej Perusic and David Schwein- beach volleyball not only in Ostrava Younousse was fifth in the 2015 Championship. er of Czech Republic 14-21, 21-18, and Warsaw but also in the world worlds along with Jefferson Santos With three bronze medals under 26-24 to secure the bronze medal. championship. Pereira. The pair was ninth in the their belt, Younousse and Tijan will Kantor and Losiak are late with- “This is very simple theory for us 2017 championship. Now with Tijan first tackle the $300,000 J&T Ban- drawals this season as the Polish pair and we’re confident that it can get playing his first world champion- ka Ostrava Beach Open, which be- forfeited the bronze medal match us the best possible results,” You- ship in Hamburg, Younousse will be gins with the pool play on Thursday two weeks ago in Itapema, Brazil. nousse added. appearing in his third and is hoping followed by the knockout rounds on The Ostrava Open will be fol- Unbeaten in Asia, the Qatari to secure the best results so far. Friday and the medal matches on lowed by another Four-Star War- team has not identified any particu- “This is the third time that I am Sunday. saw Open, which will be held at the lar round during the run-up for the going to contest in the worlds. Our While Younousse and Tijan fin- Polish capital on June 12 to 16. This World Championships. “You see, we third-place finish in China was very ished 33rd after starting in the qual- is the last tournament before the have not set any target. We will just good for us as the quality of the ifying stages last year, three of the 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball World focus on keeping our level high. We opponents was good. We will just inaugural Four-Star Ostrava Open Championships in Hamburg, Ger- Qatar’s Cherif Younousse (right) and Ahmed Tijan celebrate a point during the know that if we can do it, the results aim to continue playing at our high semi-finalists are present in the many from June 28 to July 7. Four-Star Xiamen Open in China last month. They secured the third spot, their will come on its own,” Younousse standard and let us see what we can 2019 edition, including champions Polish Olympians Kantor and third bronze medal on the FIVB Beach World Tour. said with confidence. do,” said he.