TUESDAY 9 APRIL 2019 SPORT 07 We want to write a few proper things on the pages of that season book. We are on fire to be FOOTBALL Jurgen Klopp, says honest, you can see it in training, Champions League Liverpool ‘on fire’ as but other teams as well. We all vs Liverpool vs FC Porto they chase double. play for a lot. ACTION Tottenham vs Man City TODAY’S

Blackhawks Warriors clinch top seed in West; take optimistic tone after another lost Rockets set record for threes season in NHL AFP LOS ANGELES Golden State Warriors guard AP Stephen Curry (30) celebrates CHICAGO The Golden State Warriors after making a three-point clinched the Western Confer- basket against the LA Clippers Let me just say that Patrick Kane dazzled once ence’s top seed with a victory in during the first quarter of their for 47 years, Warriors again. Jonathan Toews put their final regular-season contest NBA game at Oracle Arena on fans have stuck with together one of his best seasons, at the Oracle Arena, beating the Sunday. and Alex DeBrincat took Los Angeles Clippers 131-104 on us through thick and another step forward. Sunday. thin. Let’s be honest, And it didn’t matter all that Stephen Curry led the charge most of those years much. Not to them, anyway. with 27 points and Kevin Durant have been a little The Chicago Blackhawks added 16 as the Warriors won missed out on the playoffs for their fifth straight game. thin: Kerr the second straight year, They wore throwback “We doomed by an awful start and Believe” jerseys in a move one of the NHL’s worst designed to honor the past at in their own hands, knowing that defenses. Oracle, which has been their victories in their three final For a franchise that won home venue for 47 years. regular season fixtures would three Stanley Cups during an The team is moving across carry them into the postseason. impressive nine-year run that the bay from Oakland to a facility But an agonizing loss -- they ended in 2017, it seems like a in San Francisco where they will were leading by 13 at one point much longer absence from the play next season. in the first half -- means Miami postseason. “Let me just say that for 47 were now sweating on results “The best time to play is years, Warriors fans have stuck elsewhere to have any chance of right now, in the postseason, so with us through thick and thin,” progressing. Sunday’s loss left no doubt it’s going to be hard Kerr told the crowd moments Miami with 38 wins and 42 to sit back and watch games on after the final buzzer. begin next Saturday. They are record with the help of 30 points eight, Harden who had five, and defeats for the season. Miami TV in the first round this week,” “Let’s be honest, most of battling Oklahoma City (47-33) from James Harden. P.J. Tucker with four. Austin icon Dwyane Wade, who could Toews said, “knowing that those years have been a little and San Antonio (47-34) -- both It came just five days after Rivers broke the record with 69 grace an NBA court for the last Hawks fans in Chicago would thin.” won on Sunday -- for the sixth, they tied the mark, initially set seconds remaining after Gary time when the regular season be as excited as ever, the barn The win gives them home seventh and eighth playoff spots against the Los Angeles Lakers Clark had tied it two minutes draws to a close on Wednesday, would be loud and exciting to field advantage throughout the in the West. in January, with 26 against the earlier. finished with 21 points. play in if we were able to find West playoffs. Elsewhere, the Houston Sacramento Kings. They now Elsewhere, the Miami Heat In Minnesota, Russell West- our way there. Those painful The Warriors’ first-round Rockets continued their three- have four of the top 10 three- edged closer to being eliminated brook and Paul George com- moments, you got to let them opponent, which will be the point assault on the NBA as they point games. from the playoffs for the second bined for 54 points and Dennis sink in and use that as eighth seed in the West, is yet to drained a record 27 from beyond The Rockets made 27 of 57 time in three seasons on Sunday Schroder had 14 in the fourth motivation.” be determined. the arc in a 149-113 win the threes and seven players hit at after a 117-109 defeat to the quarter in Oklahoma City Thun- After a couple years where There is a chance it could be Phoenix Suns. The Rockets broke least two threes, including Eric Toronto Raptors. Miami entered der’s 132-126 victory over the it looked as if he might be on the Clippers when the playoffs their own league single-game Gordon who had a career-high the game with their destiny still Timberwolves. the decline, the 30-year-old Toews set career highs with 35 goals and 46 assists. Kane had a career-best 66 assists and 110 Muguruza retains Monterrey points, and the 21-year-old DeBrincat scored 41 times in his second NHL season. title as injured Azarenka retires But longtime coach Joel Quenneville was fired in the middle of an eight-game slide REUTERS “I want to say thank you to on her leg during a medical in November, and the team MEXICO my son Leo, who is not with me time-out between sets, but it struggled to adjust to Jeremy here. I would love him to be here became apparent as the second Colliton’s style after he took Spain’s Garbine Muguruza to share this with me because it set began that her movement over. successfully defended her is special.” had become significantly “I think it took us a little bit Monterrey Open title on Sunday The crowd responded with hampered. too long to grasp what he was when Victoria Azarenka retired a chant of “Vika! Vika! Vika!”. Azarenka was grimacing and preaching,” DeBrincat said on injured from her first WTA Muguruza’s victory never stretching after nearly every Sunday. singles final in three years. looked in doubt and ensured that point and, after Muguruza broke “I think if we grab onto it a Second seed Muguruza was the record run of different for a 3-1 lead, the two-time Aus- little bit earlier we’re in a dif- leading the match between the women winning WTA titles this tralian Open champion decided ferent spot right now. But I two former world number ones season would be extended to 16 to call it quits. mean going into next year and Madison Keys poses with the Charleston Open trophy after defeating 6-1 3-1 when Azarenka decided tournaments. The Belarusian had entered it’s going to be a lot easier to Caroline Wozniacki on Sunday. she was unable to continue The former French Open and the final full of hope after sur- have everyone on board.” because of an injury to her right Wimbledon champion broke the prising top seed Angelique leg. pained Belarusian three times in Kerber 6-4 4-6 6-1 in Saturday’s Pacquiao “It’s unfortunate I couldn’t the first set and again in the semi-finals. Keys downs Wozniacki give my best today, but I tried fourth game of the second. “It’s Azarenka had won her only my hardest,” a tearful Azarenka, a great feeling to come back and previous meeting with Muguruza signs with who had not previously reached defend a title,” Muguruza said in in the round of 16 at the Miami to win Charleston title final since the birth of her first a courtside interview. Open in April 2016, when she Japan’s Rizin child in December 2016, said at “It’s never easy.” went on to win the title in her REUTERS The big-serving Keys trailed the presentation. Azarenka received treatment most recent final before Sunday. CHARLESTON 5-6 in the opening set before REUTERS forcing the tiebreak, which TOKYO Madison Keys overpowered remained close until 4-3 when ATP Rankings Spain’s Garbine Caroline Wozniacki 7-6(5) 6-3 the fifth-seeded Wozniacki Filipino multiple world boxing 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11,070 pts Muguruza to win the Charleston Open and double faulted. champion Manny Pacquiao has 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,725 celebrates defeat the former world number Keys won the next point but signed with Rizin, the Japanese 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,040 winning the one for the first time on Sunday. twice had backhand errors to mixed martial arts organisation 4. Roger Federer (SUI) 5,590 Monterrey Open The win, her first on clay allow Wozniacki to pull within that put together Floyd 5. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,765 at Club Sonoma, court, broke a nearly two-year 6-5. Mayweather’s exhibition fight 6. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,200 Monterrey, Mexico drought for the eighth seeded A backhand down the line in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve, its 7. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,115 on Sunday. American, who claimed her enabled Keys to finally claim the CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara said 8. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3,240 fourth career title. set. yesterday. 9. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) Her previous two losses to “I just knew the games I was Sakakibara posted photo- 3,225 Denmark’s Wozniacki had been losing in the first set I was just graphs on Twitter of the 10. John Isner (USA) 3,085 on hard courts when Keys failed being too tentative and not 40-year-old Pacquiao signing 11. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,015 to win a set. really trusting my shot,” said the a contract. “I’m here in the Phil- 12. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,810 “I think I served really well 24-year-old American. ippines,” wrote Sakakibara. 13. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,345 today, said Keys, who had pre- “I knew I had to go for it. I “RIZIN.15 will have this 14. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,295 dicted on Saturday that playing think that’s how I have to play... man involved in a way. We will 15. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,140 on clay would be beneficial in 100 percent believing in my be ready to announce as I get 16. Marco Cecchinato (ITA) 2,021 her bid to defeat Wozniacki. game.” back to Japan!” He did not 17. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,930 “I also felt I kept a lot of Keys broke Wozniacki in the specify in what capacity Pac- 18. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 1,885 pressure on her, making a lot of sixth game of the second set to quiao would be involved in the 19. Gael Monfils (FRA) 1,875 returns and keeping rallies going go up 4-2 and when she made event scheduled for April 21. 20. Denis Shapovalov (CAN) and not going for things too it 5-2 that all but clinched the Pacquiao’s last fight was a 1,820 early,” said the world number match. unanimous decision victory Selected 18, who won 76 percent of points “It’s definitely been a really over American Adrien Broner 22. Kyle Edmund (GBR) 1,680 on her first serve, and fired six great week for me, especially in January. Mayweather came aces. “More than anything I after having some really tough out of retirement briefly to really trusted my game and losses the last couple of weeks,” score an easy victory over kick- went for my shots.” That was Keys said. “It definitely is a very boxer Tenshin Nasukawa in the most evident late in the first set good springboard for heading main event of Rizin’s pres- and the tiebreak. over to Europe.” tigious New Year’s Eve show. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 9 APRIL 2019 Battle royale on the Pakistan to select best team cards as KKR face CSK for World Cup, says Sarfaraz IANS CHENNAI AGENCIES ISLAMABAD In-form Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will meet a match when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League Sarfaraz Ahmad, who guided Pakistan to encounter at the M A Chidambaram Stadium here today. Champions Trophy glory in England two While CSK have been at the top of their game at home, KKR are years ago, yesterday said the best possible sitting at the top of the points table with four wins from five games. squad would be selected for the forthcoming Although both the teams are equal on points -- eight apiece -- KKR 2019 World Cup. have a better net run-rate of +1.058 over CSK’s +0.159. A little over a week ago, Pakistan were CSK will go into the match with confidence as they defended a thrashed at the hands of 2015 World Cup modest 160 in their last home fixture against Kings XI Punjab after champions who won the five-match the visitors looked like running away with the game at one point of series 5-0 in the UAE. time. The cricket World Cup will run from May In the end, it was cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni who 30 to July 14 in England and Wales with showed great leadership skills to pull things back in favour of the Pakistan opening their campaign against the defending champions. West Indies at Trent Bridge on May 31. KKR go into the match after another clinical finish, as they wal- “It is the dream of every captain to win A file photo of Sarfaraz loped by eight in a one-sided contest. a World Cup for his country,” Sarfaraz said Ahmad in action during They first restricted Royals to 139/3 before chasing down the target during an interview with a private news a net practice session. in just 14 overs with and giving their team channel on Sunday. a flying start. Sarfaraz said he hoped that Pakistan KKR’s ability to shine on the slow Jaipur will stand them would play in the final of the mega event to in good stead when they take on CSK on what will again be a wicket be held in England this summer. on the slower side, as has been the case with the Chepauk tracks The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has from the start of the tournament. already announced a list of 23 players who Replying to a question, Sarfaraz said the attributes to be successful. He has got a big The fact that KKR have the best spin line-up along with CSK will will have to attend a fitness test at the Pakistan team will have quality back-up match temperament and we will see how ensure that Dhoni & Co. would seek a track that is slightly more (NCA) in Lahore players in case of an injury to a player during we use him going forward.” sporting. On their day, the likes of Narine, and Piyush on April 15-16. the tournament, a report on www.app.com. Sarfaraz also applauded the performance Chawla can spin a web around the best of the batsmen and that will Pakistan will announce their final squad pk said yesterday. of Umar Akmal and Ahmad Shehzad in PSL definitely be on the mind of the CSK think-tank. for the ICC World Cup on April 18 and then Sharing his views about the performance 2019, saying that former Pakistan captain Chennai Super Kings: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wick- travel to England on April 23. of different players, Sarfaraz said paceman and current PSL coach for etkeeper), , , , Ravindra Sarfaraz, who first became captain of the Hassan Ali had ‘played well’ during last had played a vital role in Jadeja, , , , , Pakistan side after the last World Cup, pre- month’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) and improving their performances. , Scott Kuggeleijn, , , Sam dicted that Australia, New Zealand, and hoped that batsmen Imam-Ul-Haq and To a question, he said Muhammad Billings, Mohit Sharma, , Dhruv Shorey, , Pakistan would emerge as top teams in the Fakhar Zaman would ‘do well as openers’ in Hasnain was ‘a good fast bowler’ and under- , Chaitanya Bishnoi, N. Jagadeesan, , World Cup. the World Cup. lined the need to polish him by imparting K.M. Asif “Pakistani cricket team has to show best Terming Muhammad Amir ‘a good fast further training so that he could perform well Kolkata Knight Riders: (captain and wicket- performances to win the World Cup,” Sar- bowler’, Sarfaraz said Amir could not succeed in the future. keeper), Chris Lynn, faraz warned. in getting wickets in the last few series played Sarfaraz stressed on the need to ‘ Sunil Narine, Robin Kolkata Knight He added that the Pakistan squad will be by Pakistan. line and length rather than only focusing on Uthappa, , Riders cricketer finalised with consultation of ‘cricket stake- Amir, 26, has been struggling to take speed’. , Andre holders in the country’. wickets, having taken just five in 14 ODI Pakistan World Cup probables: Sarfaraz Russell, , gestures during “We have established a pool consisting matches since the ICC Champions Trophy Ahmed (Captain), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Babar Kuldeep Yadav, Harry a 2019 Indian of 23 players and selection for the World Cup 2017 final. Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Gurney, Prasidh Premier League would be made from this pool,” Sarfaraz said “The decision regarding his selection for Sohail, Hassan Ali, , Imam-ul- Krishna, , Joe (IPL) during the interview. the mega event would be taken soon,” Sar- Haq, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Denly, Shrikant Mundhe, cricket match. “Shoaib Malik is the most senior Pakistan faraz added without elaborating. Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, , player and he will be the backbone of the Pakistan coach Micky Arthur last month , Mohammad Nawaz, , Yarra team in the mega event,” he said, adding ‘one said: “Yes, Amir’s form is a worry and nobody Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Prithviraj, K.C. Cariappa, leg and off spinner each would be selected is more worried than Amir. I still think he is Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Shoaib Malik, , Lockie for the World Cup’. an incredibly skilled bowler and has all the and Yasir Shah. Ferguson Rose ticks all the boxes for a Ko Jin-young poses with the ANA Green Jacket at 83rd Masters Inspiration championship REUTERS trophy at AUGUSTA Mission Hills Country Club World number one Justin Rose on Sunday. is the man to beat at this week’s Masters, where recent history suggests the sport’s heavy- weights will populate the lead- erboard by Sunday at a major championship that is more predictable than any other. Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy is the second favourite Ko claims first major from a formidable European contingent, while Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas are the best title at ANA Inspiration American bets, even if Tiger AFP Woods and Phil Mickelson will Justin Rose of England LOS ANGELES loom larger in the public talks with his caddie Mark imagination. Reigning rookie of the year Ko Jin-young captured her first major There has been no long-shot Fulcher during a practice championship on Sunday, holding off fellow South Korean Lee winner at Augusta National since round prior to the Masters Mi-hyang to win the ANA Inspiration by three strokes. 69th ranked Angel Cabrera col- at Augusta National Golf The 23-year-old Ko finished in style by draining a long birdie lected the Green Jacket in 2009, Club in Augusta, Georgia. putt on 18 for a two-under 70 final round in the first major of the though even the Argentine’s season at the Mission Hills Country Club near Palm Springs, victory was far from a huge McIlroy, though he too has Augusta, but he is good enough California. shock given his pedigree as a US Ranking of recent plenty of pressure as he to win anywhere, anytime. “I won the tournament and that’s a happy moment,” Ko said. “I Open champion two years tries to complete the The same goes for Thomas. thank God, I thank my parents, I thank my grandparents. It is an earlier. Masters champions career grand slam at a Others capable of victory honour for me to join so many great Korean players. I’m honoured Nobody ranked outside the 2018 - Patrick Reed, 24th tournament where he include Europeans Francesco to be here.” top 30 in the world has won 2017 - Sergio Garcia, 11th wilted in the final round Molinari, Jon Rahm, Paul Casey Ko, who is in her second year, finished with a 10-under 278 total since then, and even Patrick 2016 - Danny Willett, 12th last year after starting and Tommy Fleetwood, and for her fourth LPGA title. She also won the Hope Founder’s Cup last Reed, though not one of the 2015 - Jordan Spieth, 4th three strokes behind Americans Brooks Koepka, month. Ko celebrated her win by taking the traditional dip with her favourites last year, was still 2014 - Bubba Watson, 12th Reed. Rickie Fowler and Bubba caddie Dave Brooker in Poppie’s Pond -- the water hazard located ranked a healthy 24th and not a 2013 - Adam Scott, 7th McIlroy’s stock drive Watson. off the right and back of the green on 18. completely unexpected 2012 - Bubba Watson, 16th is a right-to-left draw, Australians Adam Scott, Lee finished alone in second after shooting a two-under 70 while champion. 2011 - Charl Schwartzel, 29th ideal for Augusta, and he Jason Day and Marc Leishman, American Lexi Thompson was third with a brilliant final round of An Augusta winner must be 2010 - Phil Mickelson, 3rd has been working with and South African Louis Oost- 67 to reach a six-under 282 total. able to draw his driver, fade his 2009 - Angel Cabrera, 69th his irons on hitting the huizen are also capable. Kim In-kyung and Carlota Ciganda, of Spain, tied for fourth at irons from hanging lies and have 2008 - Travor Immelman, 29th soft, high fade that is It would be foolish to write five under, five strokes back of Ko. the artistry to hit great recovery 2007 - Zach Johnson, 56th required with many off 43-year-old Woods and Ko started the round with a one shot lead. She played steady shots. He must also be on form 2006 - Phil Mickelson, 4th approach shots. 48-year-old Mickelson given golf on the front nine with two birdies but saw her lead slip to just and mentally resilient. He has been the best their respective records at one stroke over Lee when she made bogey on the 15th hole. She Englishman Rose ticks all player in the world in Augusta, where the former has landed her approach in the bunker and then two-putted on the these boxes. if the putter co-operates it will 2019 and top-10 finishes the past won four times and the latter green. It was her second bogey in three holes. It is almost as if Augusta take a mighty performance from five years is all the proof needed three. But Ko got one back by sinking a superb putt for a birdie on the National was designed with him someone else to beat him. to be confident he will be in con- That said, time waits for no par-four 16th. She parred 17 then iced the win with an emphatic 20 in mind. But to win, he will have to tention again. man and age is not on their side. foot birdie putt on 18. He has finished top-15 each put out of his mind the thought However, can he expunge A victory would make Mick- Not only is she the fifth South Korean to win here, Ko is the 15th of the past five years, including that the clock is ticking. the demons from last year’s col- elson the oldest Masters in history to win a major. The only country that has more major a pair of runner-up finishes, Though playing as well as lapse and take the final step to champion, supplanting Jack wins is the United States. most notably a play-off loss to ever at age 38, Rose cannot real- the pinnacle? Nicklaus, who was 46 when he “I can’t believe it,” said Ko. “I was nervous on all my shots.” Sergio Garcia in 2017. istically expect too many more World number one Johnson won in 1986, while Woods would Thompson also made a run at Ko but her seven-stroke deficit Rose has been a machine chances. is also in sizzling form. His game become the second-oldest was too much to make up. from tee to green at Augusta, and Waiting to pounce could be is not a perfect match for champion. TUESDAY 9 APRIL 2019 SPORT 09

India selectors to pick World Hot English summer to assist Cup squad on April 15 subcontinent teams: Pietersen IANS NEW DELHI

REUTERS most beautiful English summers have a big say on their team The 2019 ICC World Cup Trophy is seen on the pitch at The national selectors led by since 1976. It was the hottest selection. Goodison Park before the start of Arsenal’s EPL match M S K Prasad will meet on summer recorded in the UK with “I think we are pretty much against Everton on Sunday. Pic: @cricketworldcup April 15 in Mumbai to pick the The English weather will play a hardly any rain at all, conditions settled. There are a few spots squad for the 2019 World Cup major role during the World Cup were extremely dry. If the con- which everyone know about,” in England, starting May 30. and teams from the Indian ditions are like they were last Rohit, Kohli’s deputy in limited- India are considered one of subcontinent stand to gain if hot summer, then I think the sub- overs formats, said. the favourites going into this and dry conditions prevail continent teams are going to “It all depends on what the edition of the World Cup. during the May 30-July 14 tour- have a massive role to play in captain, coach and selectors The cut-off date is April 23 nament, former captain Kevin the World Cup. think about the combination. and the selectors have been Pietersen has said. “If they are not and it’s hor- Whether we need to go with the waiting to watch the per- England, which last hosted rible and green and seaming, extra seamer, extra middle order formance of some of the the quadrennial showpiece in then it’s going to play in Eng- batsman, extra opening batsman players in the ongoing Indian 1999, has witnessed more land’s favour and the team that or an extra spinner. Premier League considering batsmen-friendly conditions in copes best in those “The conditions in England that the position of the recent past with scores of 300 circumstances.” will matter the most. The last number four batsman and the regularly posted in one-day While many see it as Eng- time when we were there the fourth fast bowler is still up internationals held in the land’s best chance to win their conditions were really dry. I for grabs. country. maiden 50-overs World Cup, don’t know if it will be the same Speaking to IANS, a senior A hot English summer will India will also be among the again. BCCI official said that the translate into dry pitches on favourites. “If it is like that then we need selectors wanted to wait a bit which the batsmen and spinners Led by , the two- to get an extra spinner, as simple before finalising the squad from the subcontinent teams are time champions have more or as that. If it’s not then we should and the ongoing IPL held expected to thrive. less a settled line-up probably get an extra seamer.” them to take a look at some “It is going to be weather even though they continue to All 10 participating teams of the players who are in the dependent,” Pietersen told search for a reliable number four will have to submit their radar to fill a couple of spots. reporters in Mumbai at a pro- in the . 15-member squads by April 23, “The selectors wanted to motional event last week. Opener agreed while injury replacements can take it easy as they had time “Last year was one of the the English conditions could be named until May 23. till April 23 to send in the squad for the World Cup. With the IPL on, it always helps to Kolkata Knight see how some of the boys are playing,” the official Riders’ Lynn ‘No excuses’: Kohli’s explained. While most of the players gets lucky after pick themselves, Ambati suffer record sixth straight loss Rayudu and are IPL bail fail the two main contenders for the No.4 slot in the batting REUTERS AFP won’t be able to play any good department. MUMBAI BANGALORE cricket.” While Rayudu has flat- Delhi paceman Kagiso tered to deceive in this edition Australian Chris Lynn was Skipper Virat Kohli said he ran Rabada of South Africa received of the IPL, Pant has shown his tempted to visit a casino to cash out of excuses after his Royal the man of the match award for brilliance in flashes. But his in on his luck after a miraculous Challengers Bangalore crashed his impressive figures of 4-21 in inability to finish games has reprieve while batting during to a record equalling sixth his four overs. been something that pundits Kolkata Knight Riders’ Indian straight defeat in the Indian Rabada, who got the prized have spoken about time and Premier League (IPL) victory Premier League on Sunday. scalps of Kohli and compatriot again in this IPL. over Rajasthan Royals on Bangalore went down to AB de Villiers for 17, leads the this Vijay Shankar is another Sunday. by four wickets in season’s bowling honours with player who could be looked The 28-year-old was on 13 front of their home crowd after 11 wickets in six matches. at as an option considering when he inside-edged a the visiting team chased down Meanwhile pressure is that he has been looking to bat from paceman the target of 150 with seven balls mounting on Kohli, whose Indian up in the order for Sunrisers Dhawan Kulkarni onto his to spare. team tops the Test rankings and Hyderabad in this IPL. stumps and started walking off Bangalore share the dubious is also the leading batsman, to The fourth pacer’s slot is without bothering to look distinction of a team’s worst IPL deliver in the world’s most something that the selectors behind. start along with Delhi (previously popular T20 league. will be sweating over as Kulkarni was celebrating Delhi Daredevils), who suffered Former England captain someone like a too but it was soon cut short six losses in a row in 2013. has suggested has been very impressive in when the bowler realised that Kohli’s side, which has never that Kohli should be rested the IPL for Royal Challengers the ball had lit up the zing bail won an IPL title, is rock bottom before the upcoming 50-over Bangalore. but failed to dislodge it, rico- in the eight-team league and the World Cup in May. Skipper Virat Kohli and cheting off the leg stump to the captain has become increasingly “If India are smart they rest coach ’s input will fine-leg boundary for a four frustrated at his side’s @imVkohli now for the World definitely be asked for before instead. performances. Cup... Give him some time off a final decision is made. Lynn went on to score 50 “We need to grab those before the big event..,” he wrote off 32 deliveries in Kolkata’s chances, can’t give excuses every on Twitter. successful eight-wicket win day. We weren’t good on the day Former India opener Gautam IPL final venue chasing Rajasthan’s 139-3 that again. That’s the whole story of Gambhir said the India batting put them at the top of the IPL RCB this season,” Kohli said. great has “loads to learn” as a decision after table with four wins from five “When the mind is cluttered, Delhi Capitals batsman (left) is greeted by Royal leader. matches. you wouldn’t be able to focus on Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli after Delhi won the “While Virat Kohli the checking “I always like to ride my the chances that come your way. match by 4 wickets during their 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) batsman is an absolute master, luck,” Lynn told team mate Clarity of mind is very important Virat Kohli the captain is an with Chennai Twenty20 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore in a video posted in the game especially if you apprentice,” Gambhir wrote in on Sunday. on the IPL website. want to convert the half chances his column in The Times of India IANS “I inside-edged it, and then and pull the game back. newspaper on Sunday. “He has NEW DELHI I heard a second noise. I “Shreyas (Iyer) got 67, he was from Tim Southee. The batsman take responsibility. It hasn’t hap- loads to learn. Rather than thought (the wicket-keeper) dropped (on four)...you never suffered another reprieve on 42. pened so far, and that’s the blaming the bowlers he should The Board of Control for Cricket might catch it or the bails might know, you can come back in the Bangalore have dropped 15 reality,” said Kohli, who leads the take the blame on himself.” in India (BCCI) has decided that come off, but I got lucky. I might game at any time,” Kohli, who catches so far in their six outings IPL batting chart with 5,151 runs. Bangalore ended the last two a call on whether Chennai will actually go the casino tonight!” made 41 in his team’s 149-8, said and Kohli believes it is difficult “Personally, not trying to IPL events in sixth and eighth get to host the final of the 12th It was the third time in this yesterday. to control things beyond a point. control. After a while, it’s about spot despite having top players edition of the Indian Premier year’s IPL that a batsman had Iyer was dropped by wick- “There’s nothing more you the skill. Key is to relax, what- like Kohli, De Villiers and the League will be taken after benefited from the bails etkeeper early into can tell the team. ever’s in front of us. We want to big-hitting , who is discussing the issue with the refusing to be dislodged. his knock after edging a delivery “We’ve asked the boys to enjoy as a team, otherwise we now with Kings XI Punjab. Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). The closure of the three stands at the Chepauk Stadium Smith ends worries of fitness, form with patient knock is the cause for concern as oth- erwise the rule of the tour- REUTERS innings would have pleased Australia’s he has started slowly with scores of 20, nament says that the defending Rajasthan Royals batsman NEW DELHI selectors as they mull over their squad 28 and 38 in his three matches before champion gets to host the Steve Smith in action for the defence of the one-day World Cup Sunday’s innings. opening game as well the final. during his team’s match Former captain Steve Smith (pictured) in England and Wales. He had been playing mostly The Supreme Court- against Kolkata Knight laid to rest any concerns about his fitness Instead of a traditional all-out Twenty20 tournaments around the appointer Committee of Admin- Riders on Sunday. and form ahead of the naming of attacking innings normal in the world during the ban. He also played istrators met in the capital yes- Pic@rajasthanroyals Australia’s World Cup squad with his first Twenty20 format, Smith worked the ball club cricket in Sydney before having terday, but a decision was not half century of this year’s Indian Premier into gaps and had scored just 39 runs the surgery. reached. Members of the board League on Sunday. from his first 40 balls before he accel- Both Smith and former Australia will have an interaction with The 29-year-old Smith, who erated in the final overs. vice-captain missed last TNCA officials before taking a underwent elbow surgery earlier this The innings drew some praise from year’s IPL following the imposition of call on whether Chennai hosts year, top-scored with 73 for West Indies batting great Brian Lara the bans by Cricket Australia for their the coveted final or the hosting Rajasthan Royals in their relatively during the commentary of the match. roles in the ball-tampering scandal that right is given to Hyderabad as meagre total of 139 for three in Jaipur. “He is not a big-hitter of the ball,” rocked their national team. Australia are they were runners-up last year. Smith’s innings lasted just 59 balls but Lara said. “He’s not an Andre Russell expected to name their team for the Speaking to IANS, a senior he was relatively circumspect at the start or a . He gets the gaps. I defence of their World Cup title over the BCCI official said that it was against some tight bowling from spinners respect him.” next week, with the 15-man squads important to speak to TNCA Piyush Chawla and Sunil Narine. West Former England captain Michael needing to be finalised by April 23. before a decision is made. Last Indies all-rounder Narine (47) then com- Vaughan also tweeted that a six by India captain Virat Kohli’s miserable year Chennai lost on hosting bined with Australia’s Chris Lynn (50) in Smith off Narine would put to bed any IPL season continued on Sunday when Chennai Super Kings’ home a 91-run opening partnership in 8.1 overs concerns over the elbow. Smith’s his Royal Challengers Bangalore lost to games after the Cauvery water to set up an eight-wicket victory with 37 12-month international ban for ball the Delhi Capitals by four wickets, their dispute saw their home games balls to spare. Despite the loss, Smith’s tampering only ended 10 days ago and sixth defeat in six matches this season. being shifted to Pune. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 9 APRIL 2019

TALKING POINTS FROM THE PSG miss chance to wrap up BUNDESLIGA WEEKEND Bayern Munich’s 5-0 thrashing of Borussia Dortmund in their top-of-the-table clash left the Bavarians one point clear with six games left and a huge psychological title in record-equalling time advantage. Here are few talking points from the Bundesliga weekend: AFP VAR BITES BACK AT SCHALKE PARIS Schalke 04 were given a video assistant referee (VAR) let-off which surprised even themselves but were Paris Saint-Germain squan- not so lucky the second time as a stoppage-time dered the chance to clinch the Ligue 1 title in record-equalling penalty handed them a 2-1 home defeat by Eintracht time on Sunday after a 2-2 Frankfurt. draw at home to Strasbourg, Eintracht forward Ante Rebic went down in the with Eric Choupo-Moting’s area in the first half and, although most observers felt incredible miss from on the it was a clear penalty, the referee decided otherwise goal-line costing his team dear. after consulting the pitchside screen. PSG were handed the “VAR doesn’t give Frankfurt a penalty. We’re not opportunity to win their sixth sure why not,” conceded Schalke’s Twitter feed. French crown in seven seasons But there was a different outcome in stoppage after second-placed Lille drew time when Daniel Caligiuri was judged to have handled 1-1 at Reims earlier. in the box and Luca Jovic converted to give Eintracht a That left Thomas Tuchel’s 2-1 win. side knowing that three points “Caligiuri was pushed, then the ball bounced off at the Parc des Princes would his shoulder and against his hand,” said Schalke coach see them retain the title and Huub Stevens. wrap it up with eight games to spare, matching the speed with The defeat left Schalke in 14th, five points clear which Laurent Blanc’s team of VfB Stuttgart who are in the relegation play-off spot. became champions in 2016. Eintracht, unbeaten since the winter break, are fourth Choupo-Moting gave them and on course to qualify for the Champions League next an early lead with his third season. Ligue 1 goal, but later in the first JOVIC STEPS UP IN HALLER’S ABSENCE half he somehow succeeded in Eintracht’s regular penalty taker Sebastien Haller turning a net-bound Chris- was missing through injury but, despite never having topher Nkunku shot onto the taken a penalty in the Bundesliga before, 21-year-old post while standing on the line. Jovic had no hesitation in stepping up to accept the re- “I wondered if I was offside sponsibility and it all happened very fast. I A combination of pictures made yesterday shows Paris Saint-Germain’s Cameroonian forward Eric Choupo-Moting failing to score The Serb coolly converted for his 17th league touched the ball, it hit the post a goal from the goal-line during the Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg on Sunday. goal of the season and made a small slice of history in and, well, it’s a real shame the process -- officially timed as being scored in the because the ball was going in,” 99th minute, it was the latest-ever penalty in Choupo-Moting told Canal+. a Lionel Carole cross, and they Cavani all unfit -- the latter to Lille next weekend. A point pions League group stage. “Sorry about that.” found themselves 2-1 up in the watched from the stands will be enough in that game, but The draw at the Stade Bundesliga history. Fresh from winning the 38th minute when Anthony sporting a beret. PSG should have finished the job Auguste-Delaune moved them BAYERN COACH SINGLES OUT DORTMUND League Cup last weekend, Goncalves lashed home from “Eric is an excellent here -- Choupo-Moting’s miss five points clear of third-placed WEAKNESS Strasbourg had equalised prior 22 yards. back-up player to have but if was one of the worst you are Lyon, who slumped to a shock Soccer coaches rarely single out individual weak- to Choupo-Moting’s howler Kylian Mbappe came off you start a lot for PSG you need ever likely to see, while Dani 3-1 loss at home to relegation- ness in the opposition but Bayern Munich’s Nico Kovac when Nuno Da Costa turned in the bench on the hour mark but to have confidence and he lacks Alves hit the bar after the break. threatened Dijon. on broke with convention and pointed the finger at Borus- it was another PSG substitute that,” said Tuchel of Earlier, Jose Fonte’s 56th- Saturday. sia Dortmund’s Dan-Axel Zagadou after their 5-0 win. who made it 2-2 with eight Choupo-Moting. minute header had Lille on “If we had won I think we Zagadou set up the second goal when his back minutes remaining. Julian “He was very unfortunate course to take all three points would have sealed our place pass fell to Roberto Lewandowski -- something Kovac Draxler sent in a corner from because he started very well away to Reims, but substitute on the podium,” said Lille said he saw coming. Eric is an excellent the right and Germany and then he stopped that ball Remi Oudin’s 78th-minute lev- coach Christophe Galtier. “We discussed it before the game and we knew back-up player to defender Thilo Kehrer headed on the line which would have eller -- initially ruled out for Fourth-placed Saint- that Zagadou was liable to make a mistake,” said Kovac. home. made it 2-1 for us. offside but then given after a Etienne drew 2-2 at Amiens on REUS NOT GIVING UP DESPITE MAULING have but if you However, having drawn at “I don’t know why he did VAR review -- denied the Saturday, while Marseille, in Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus refused start a lot for PSG home to PSG back in that. In English you say it’s visitors. fifth, were beaten 2-0 at Bor- to throw in the towel after the defeat at Bayern, December, mid-table Stras- Murphy’s law.” Lille are more concerned deaux on Friday. you need to have although he accepted that the Bavarians now hold all confidence and he bourg then held on for a point. Still a huge 20 points clear with holding off the teams Reims are just a point Cameroon international at the summit and with a game below them as they look to behind OM in sixth and are the cards. “Bayern have the clear psychological

lacks that: Thomas Choupo-Moting started with in hand, PSG will now hope to secure second place, which level on points with Patrick advantage, but they also have two or three tough Tuchel Mbappe rested and Neymar, secure the eighth league title provides automatic qualifi- Vieira’s Nice, who beat games to come.” Angel Di Maria and Edinson in their history when they go cation for next season’s Cham- Montpellier 1-0. Sydney FC game Serie A: Napoli’s draw puts moved from SCG Juventus coronation on hold

after pitch uproar AFP from the home crowd. The MILAN Argentina striker had scored on Sydney, second in the his return at Genoa last weekend AFP Napoli drew 1-1 with ten-man following six weeks out after SYDNEY table, will now host Genoa on Sunday to ensure that being stripped of the captaincy first-placed Perth on Juventus will have to wait over a contract dispute. Sydney FC’s table-topping April 18 at the much another week to seal an eighth Team-mate Matias Vecino clash against Perth Glory was smaller Kogarah Oval. consecutive Serie A title. thought he had scored minutes moved from the Sydney The champions have a into the game but the goal was Cricket Ground yesterday 20-point advantage on second- disallowed for offside, with after uproar over the state of “The SCG’s wicket block, placed Napoli, who they have Icardi also denied early. the historic venue’s pitch. though, compromises the uni- beaten in both their head-to- The visitors’ best chance Melbourne Victory mid- formity of the field for football head clashes, with seven games came in the 48th minute when fielder Terry Antonis suffered in particular. to go. Alejandro Gomez failed to a nasty knee injury during an “Following discussions Juventus, who beat AC Milan connect with a great Josip Ilicic A-League game there on Sat- with all stakeholders, we have 2-1 on Saturday, needed Napoli cross in front of goal. urday, after slipping on the taken the proactive decision to lose to win the Scudetto for The race for Champions uneven surface with no other to move the remaining Sydney the 35th time, ahead of their League football next season players nearby. FC match.” Champions League quarter-final remains tight with just Atalanta, It sparked demands by The cricket ground is first leg against Ajax next week. Roma, Lazio and Torino all Australia’s football players’ being used for soccer and A draw next weekend at within touching distance of the union for an independent rugby while the neighbouring lowly SPAL would be enough for top four. probe into the “deplorable” Sydney Football Stadium is Massimiliano Allegri’s side to win Claudio Ranieri’s Roma pitch, which Victory coach demolished and rebuilt. the title which would be the first returned to the Europa League Kevin Muscat said wasn’t fit Last month, large sections in Italy for Cristiano Ronaldo. places after a 1-0 win over for football. of the SCG turf were ripped Despite their numerical Sampdoria on Saturday, and are Football Federation Aus- apart during a Super Rugby advantage, Napoli struggled to Genoa’s Miguel Veloso (left) in action against Napoli’s Lorenzo sixth one point off the Cham- tralia head of leagues Greg game between the NSW contain the visitors who inflicted Insigne during their Serie A game on Sunday. pions League spots. O’Rourke insisted the pitch Waratahs and Queensland the only league defeat this Lazio were held 2-2 at home was “safe”, but said it was in Reds. season on Juventus last month. performance that makes an draw against Inter Milan at the against Sassuolo and sit seventh, everyone’s interests to play on Stadium staff were forced Genoa went a man down alarm bell ring, if we play like San Siro. three points off the top four, but suitable surfaces. to replace 3,000 square when Stefano Sturaro was sent this in London, then we’re in The side from Bergamo were with a game in hand, and just Sydney, second in the metres (32,000 square feet) off on 28 minutes following a trouble,” said Napoli coach Carlo without suspended Colombian ahead of Torino. table, will now host first- of grass in preparation for a VAR review for a diving studs- Ancelotti ahead of next week’s striker Duvan Zapata, who has Senad Lulic grabbed a point placed Perth on April 18 at rugby league match. up tackle on Allan. Europa League game against scored 20 Serie A goals this for Lazio five minutes into injury the much smaller Kogarah Sydney FC chief Danny Dries Mertens blasted in the Arsenal. season, and had to settle for a time to rescue a draw after their Oval. Townsend said it was opener on 34 minutes, but Darko “We absolutely must wake point as Inter consolidated third midweek defeat by SPAL. “We acknowledge that the important that the club’s final Lazovic pulled Genoa level just up, demonstrate the value and position. In Florence, substitute Daniel playing surface was, and home game against Perth was before the break. potential that this group has and Inter are five points ahead of Ciofani earned a late win for would be, playable and safe about football and not the Genoa goalkeeper Ionut find our true identity. city rivals Milan who are ahead second-from-bottom Frosinone for A-League football as ver- pitch. Radu ensured his 14th-placed “Luckily we have four days of Atalanta on goal difference. to crush Fiorentina’s Europa ified by two independent “This is a decision made side went away with a point with to fix things.” Mauro Icardi returned to the League hopes. expert reports in days prior to in the viewing interest of a string of fine saves including Atalanta missed the chance San Siro for the first time since Fiorentina drop to 12 points the match as per our normal members and supporters,” he two late on Mertens and Kalidou to move fourth and into the a defeat by Bologna on February off the Europa League berths, process,” O’Rourke said. said. Koulibaly. Champions League berths at the 3, and was greeted with a with coach Stefano Pioli’s “It was an unexpected expense of AC Milan with a 0-0 mixture of whistles and cheers position at risk. TUESDAY 9 APRIL 2019 SPORT 11

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST-8 FIXTURES Klopp says Liverpool ‘on First Leg (today) Tottenham vs City Liverpool vs Porto fire’ as they chase double First leg (tomorrow) Ajax vs Juventus United vs AFP Klopp believes being in the running look at numbers and names, stuff Barcelona LIVERPOOL to win both competitions is inspiring like that. his squad not to give up late in “People with a proper idea Kickoff 10pm (All matches) Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp games. about football didn’t want to have says his players are revelling in the “It’s such a good time. We get Porto, that’s the truth. But nobody pressure to win every game as they up every morning and the weather wanted Liverpool as well by the way.” chase a Premier League and Cham- is good as well which is pretty rare. Klopp will be forced into a Dembele in pions League double. It’s warm outside, spring is coming change at left-back, with Andy Rob- Klopp’s men host Porto in the and we are in the two big compe- ertson suspended, while Joe Gomez Barcelona first leg of their European quarter- titions, but we have to use the sit- will not be rushed back into action final tie today after scoring late uation,” he said yesterday. despite returning to training after winners to beat Fulham, Tottenham “We have not finished the a lower leg fracture. squad for and Southampton to edge two season, we have not finished our Liverpool have largely coped points ahead of Manchester City in development. without Gomez thanks to Virgil van United tie a titanic title race. “We want to write a few proper Dijk’s towering presence at the City still have a game in hand things on the pages of that season heart of a much-improved defence. AFP on Liverpool, meaning the title book. We are on fire to be honest, And the Dutchman believes he BARCELONA remains in the English champions’ you can see it in training, but other and his teammates will be able to hands, and there is precious little teams as well. We all play for a lot.” hold their heads high even if they French striker Ousmane room for error for the Reds in their After squeezing through a difficult fall short of ending a 29-year wait Dembele is close to shaking off remaining five league games. group containing Paris Saint- to win the Premier League due to a thigh strain and was named But Germain and Napoli on goals scored City’s brilliance. in Ernesto Valverde’s Barcelona and overcoming German giants “Everyone is dreaming of it and squad yesterday for the Cham- Bayern Munich in the last 16, the unlucky bit for us is another pions League quarter-finals Porto were seen as a softer team in the league has been first-leg at Manchester United. draw in the last eight. amazing as well,” said Van Dijk. The 21-year-old World Cup Liverpool “For the neutral Premier League winner has excelled on both thrashed the Portu- watcher it is great viewing, it is nice flanks this season after a slow guese side 5-0 in last sea- to see two good teams challenging bedding in process at Bar- son’s Champions League last 16, but for the title. celona, but has been on the Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said the tie is tougher than it “Hopefully it can be something sidelines since March 16 with a Klopp during training in seems. great at the end of the season, but thigh muscle problem. Liverpool yesterday. “People around said so many we can hold our heads up very Valverde said he had things, ‘you want Porto’, they only high.” chosen the still-struggling winger in his squad for tomor- row’s game because he needed all hands on deck. “Dembele is on the list despite not yet being fully fit,” said Valverde, who added that Spurs hoping for stadium boost Dembele had taken part in full training yesterday. Dembele, who scored in Barcelona’s 5-1 victory over in Man City quarter-final clash Lyon in his last Champions League outing, had originally been expected to miss four AFP Manchester City’s players take part in weeks. LONDON a team training session at Tottenham The former Dortmund and Hotspur Stadium in London, yesterday. Rennes forward missed Barca’s Tottenham are hoping for a lift Manchester City is one 2-0 win at Atletico Madrid on from their new stadium as they Saturday as the club target a La prepare for the daunting task of of the best teams in Liga, Copa del Rey and Cham- facing quadruple-chasing Europe, not only in pions League treble they Manchester City in the Cham- England. We want to achieved in both 2009 and pions League quarter-finals 2015. Belgium defender Thomas today. start the game very Vermaelan will miss the trip to Spurs won last week in their aggressive, trying to England with his own thigh first match at their new home, dominate: Tottenham issue. beating Crystal Palace 2-0 to boss Mauricio Meanwhile, Manchester move back into third in the City striker Sergio Aguero has Premier League after a disap- Pochettino shaken off a muscle injury and pointing run of results. could return to action in today’s City midfielder Kevin De us to perform in the way we Champions League quarter- Bruyne claims Tottenham’s new want,” he added. final first leg against Tottenham ground will not be a significant But City boss Pep Guardiola Hotspur, manager Pep Guar- factor in the first leg of the tie played down the stadium factor, diola said yesterday. but South Korean forward Son saying it would have little impact The Argentine has returned Heung-min said the atmos- on his players. to full training after missing the phere could help his team, who “The stadium is what it is last two matches following an had been based at Wembley and of course in the Champions injury in last month’s 2-0 since the start of the 2017/18 League all the games away, the Premier League win over season. supporters support the team Fulham. “Of course,” he told tomorrow night what is the dif- it’s also very important to take tough game,” he said. more than ever,” he said. “He trained with the team reporters at the pre-match press ference between Wembley and this positive energy for “Manchester City is one of “It’s the second time that for the first time and he feels conference. our new stadium.” tomorrow. When you think pos- the best teams in Europe, not Spurs play at home so we know better,” Guardiola told a news “We take these plus points Son, who scored the first itive, positive things happen.” only in England. We want to start exactly what we are going to conference. for us because maybe the City league goal in the new stadium, Tottenham boss Mauricio the game very aggressive, trying face. Kyle Walker picked up a players don’t realise, they always said the opening match there Pochettino said the game against to dominate.” “It’s in our hands how we minor hamstring injury in Sat- play at home. We’ve been nearly was a special occasion. the defending Premier League And he said the stadium have to handle it so if we want urday’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final two years away from our home “It was just massive, I champions, who are aiming for could be a factor that works in to make a step forwards as a victory over Brighton and Hove stadium. couldn’t believe it. I had an unbe- a clean sweep of trophies, would his side’s favour. club, as a team, we have to know Albion but should be ready to “What we’ve done in the last lievable night. I scored, we won, be one of the most important of “Of course we hope and how to handle these situations. play while fellow defender Ben- two years was very positive and three points, clean sheet, every- his coaching career but vowed wish that... (it) is going to be If we don’t it’s because we are jamin Mendy is also in I think we missed home a lot and thing,” he said. to attack. amazing and going to be tough not prepared still to go through,” contention. maybe we can show them “It was very positive. I think “I think it’s going to be a very for our opponent and can help he added. Solskjaer aims to replicate spiritit of ’9999 at United

AFP “We challenged each other “We had something special.cial. “It“It willwill bebe fantastic.”fantastic.” LONDON every day in training,” he told It’s a different group now and And the UnitedUnited bossboss is not ESPN. the challenge is, ‘How canan I worriedworried tthathat MancManchesterhester City Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (pictured) I want my players “There were fights and there make these players winnersrs as could surpass UnitUnited’se hopes to replicate the spirit of was an inner justice that I’ve not we were?’” United are currentlyently achievement in 1999 byby winwinning Manchester United’s treble- to really push each seen in too many teams. sixth in the Premier Leaguee bbutut a quadruplequadruple thisthis season.season. winners at Old Trafford as he other and demand “We never, ever accepted are just three points behindhind “United“United ffansans wwantant uus to plots a route back to the top for 100 percent attitude anyone being below par in third-placed Tottenham andd are win it (the ChampionsChampi the club. from each other every training. We kicked each other still in contention in the Cham-am- League)League) because theyt Solskjaer, last month and we had to win every single pions League. want to win it,” SolskjaerSolsk appointed as the permanent single day. That’s the day. That moved over into United are the underdogsgs said.said. United boss, famously scored only way you can games and we never gave in. for the Barcelona tie but Sol-l- “I thinkthink wwee sshouldho the injury-time winner in the improve and it’s the There was an unbelievable team skjaer, who oversaw a llookook at what we can Champions League final when only way you can win: spirit. stunning comeback victoryry achieveachieve aandnd nnotot wwhat Alex Ferguson’s United side won “I want my players to really over Paris Saint-Germain in the wewe can stop otothersh three trophies in 1999. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer push each other and demand 100 last round, is confident. achieving.”achieving.” The Norwegian, preparing percent attitude from each other “We’re playing againstst a his side to face Barcelona in the tomorrow, intends to build the every single day. That’s the only good team but there is some-me- first leg of their Champions side around the principles that way you can improve and it’s thing special about this groupoup League quarter-final at home worked so well 20 years ago. the only way you can win. of players,” he said. SPORT Tuesday 9 April 2019 PAGE | 07 PAGE | 11 Warriors clinch Solskjaer aims to top seed in West; replicate spirit Rockets set record of ’99 at Manchester for threes United IPL: Rahul Al Duhail and Al Ain share guides Kings XI Punjab to last over points in four-goal thriller victory THE PENINSULA DOHA controlled Edmilson’s cross and applied the finish from six yards IANS out, but Eisa produced a superb MOHALI A thrilling display of attacking save to deny the striker and keep football saw Al Duhail of Qatar the margin at one goal. Kings XI Punjab made heavy and United Arab Emirates’ Al Ain After the restart, Al Ain were weather of an easy run-chase play out a 2-2 draw at Abdullah a revitalised side, pressing but in the end rode stylish half bin Khalifa Stadium on Matchday higher up and creating oppor- centuries from K.L. Rahul and Three of the 2019 AFC Cham- tunities. They were rewarded Mayank Agarwal to edge-past pions League Group C yesterday. with a penalty kick in the 53rd by six Despite controlling two- minute after Maroof was wickets in a thrilling Indian thirds of possession throughout, brought down inside the box by Premier League (IPL) encounter the Qatari side were profligate in Musa. here yesterday. front of goal. Al Ain goalkeeper Caio stepped up to take the Auditioning for a berth in Khaled Eisa was on top form, penalty but goalkeeper Amine the World Cup squad, opener helping his side limit the damage Lecomte picked the right side and Rahul remained not out at 71 off at the back while their front line made the save before Amer 53 balls to notch up his third took two of the three chances that Abdulrahman skied the rebound. half-century of the season with came their way. The Al Duhail goalkeeper the help of seven fours and one Al Duhail got off to a flying turned from hero to zero for the six as good friend Agarwal (55; start with Edmilson forcing Eisa home crowd within two minutes 43 balls; 3x4; 3x6) matched him into a reflex save within just three Al Duhail’s defender Sultan after he spilled an attempt to with equal gusto. minutes of the start. The Brazilian Al Brake (right) and Al Ain’s handle Maroof’s cross and Chasing a modest 151 for received a cross-field pass and midfielder Caio vie for ball Marcus Berg punished him, victory, the pair added 114 runs cut inside onto his left before possession during the AFC stabbing in the equaliser in the for the second wicket after the firing low, but Eisa dived to parry Champions League Group C 58th minute. hosts lost Chris Gayle (16) early the ball away. match at the Duhail Stadium The home crowd thought to a Rashid Khan 1/20) delivery Al Duhail’s dominance con- in Doha, yesterday. their side had won the tie at the which the southpaw tried to hit tinued and Rui Faria’s men were death when El Arabi rose high to for a six, getting caught by able to double their lead in the head Ali Afif’s cross from a free- at long on. 32nd minute through Youssef El kick in the last minute of added It was all Rahul-Agarwal Arabi. time, but Eisa produced yet show from there on, as the Kar- Musa exchanged a quick another top drawer save to keep nataka pair paced their innings one-two with Boudiaf to free the scores level at 2-2 at the final to perfection and played some himself down the right flank The home fans’ joy was cut of Maroof who coolly slotted this campaign after returning whistle. delightful shots down the before sending a low cross for El short though as Al Ain responded home to half the deficit just three from injury, the 2019 AFC Asian The two sides meet again at ground. While Rahul brought Arabi who swept home his fourth instantly through Jamal Maroof. minutes after Al Duhail’s second Cup MVP and top scorer Almoez Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al up his fifty in 34 balls, Agarwal goal in three matches again Al Eisa’s long ball was nodded on goal. Ali thought he had made it 3-1 Ain in two weeks’ time on took 40 deliveries to get there. Ain. by Tongo Doumbia into the path Making his first appearance just before the break when he Matchday Four. Agarwal -- who was dropped by on 40 -- holed out to Vijay Shankar at deep midwicket off Sandeep Sharma (2/21) in the 18th over. Al Sadd eye away win against Pakhtakor But just when it looked like the damage had already been done, David Miller (1) and (2) threw their as Al Rayyan host Al Wahda in Doha wickets away to Sandeep in the same over and Siddarth Kaul in AGENCIES the 19th to leave the game on TASHKENT AFC Champions League the edge with 11 runs needed in Yesterday’s Results the final over. Al Duhail 2 Al Ain 2 Newly crowned Qatar Stars gave just Al Wasl 1 Zob Ahan 3 League winners Al Sadd will be five runs away from the first aiming to end Pakhtakor winning three balls before Rahul hit a streak in the AFC Champions Today’s fixtures (GMT) magnificent straight drive for League when the two sides meet Pakhtakor vs Al Sadd (1400) four to then score the winning in the Group D match of the AFC Al Rayyan vs Al Wahda runs off a David Warner mis- Champions League at Pakhtakor (1535) field as Punjab won with one Stadium today. Gyeongnam vs Kashima ball to spare, putting up 151/4 in After drawing their opening Antlers (0930) Urawa Reds 19.5 overs. game away at the Islamic vs Jeonbuk Motors (1030) Earlier, Warner struck an Republic of Iran’s Persepolis, Buriram United vs Beijing unbeaten half-century but Pakhtakor will eyeing back-to- Guoan (1100) Punjab bowlers put in a disci- back home wins when they take plined effort to restrict Sun- al Sadd. risers to 150/4 after skipper R In the last match, Marat Ashwin asked them to bat first. Bikmaev scored the only goal of In-form Warner brought up the game as the Uzbek side his third IPL fifty of the season defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli as he scored an unbeaten 70 (62 1-0 four weeks ago. balls, 4x6, 6x1), but it was an The Tashkent team, who are uncharacteristic knock where without the suspended Khumo- Al Sadd players take part in a training session on the eve of their the destructive Australian left- yunmirzo Iminov, also lead the AFC Champions League match against Pakhtakor at Pakhtakor hander struggled with timing way in the Uzbek Super League Stadium today. as he carried his bat through the as Friday’s 2-1 win over Nasaf innings. In the last two overs, made it three victories from three Sunrisers managed 26 runs to since their domestic champi- Ahli last week. In Doha, Qatar’s the back of a 2-2 draw against Al up the ante with Deepak Hooda onship kicked off in Al Rayyan will look to make it Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League (14*) hitting mid-March. back-to-back home wins when at the end of last week and they (1/30) for 15 runs in the final The players Baghdad Bounedjah scored they host the United Arab currently sit fourth in the over, including two fours and a of Al Rayyan deep into added time as Al Sadd Emirates’ Al Wahda in Group B standings. six. Warner joined hands with claimed what could prove a vital of the 2019 AFC Champions Leonardo scored twice as Al pose for a (19) for a 55-run 1-0 victory over Persepolis on League at the Jassim bin Hamad Wahda secured an impressive 4-1 picture during fourth wicket partnership but Matchday Two as they rebounded Stadium today. victory over Al Ittihad four weeks a practice it never really took off. from an opening-day defeat to Al Goals from Lucca and ago to ensure all four teams in session in Doha Brief scores Ahli. Gelmin Rivas helped the Qatari Group B are on three points going yesterday on Sunrisers Hyderabad: Since their last game on the side come from behind to claim into the third round of fixtures. the eve of their 150/4 (David Warner 70 not out; continent, Al Sadd wrapped up a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Like their opponents, Al AFC Champions 1/30; their first QSL title since 2013 PFC Lokomotiv on Matchday Wahda also drew their last League match Mohammed Shami 1/30; following a 2-2 draw against Al Two as they rebounded strongly league game, with a 1-1 draw against Al Kings XI Punjab 151/4 K.L. Duhail, and they go into today’s from an opening-day defeat to against Al Dhafra on Thursday Wahda in Doha Rahul 71 not out, Mayank game on the back of a 7-2 Al Ittihad. leaving them sixth in the UAE today. Agarwal 55; Sandeep Sharma victory over fellow Doha side Al The hosts go into the game on Pro League. 2/21)