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SUNDAY 18 APRIL 2021 Tsitsipas, Rublev reach Monte Carlo final

I’m feeling good. I’m feeling energized. I still have plenty of gas and energy left in me. I was able to have all of my matches done in two sets, so that is a big plus. I’m really focused for tomorrow.

Stefanos Tsitsipas Sport |07

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE: Mumbai Indians: 150/5 (Q de Kock 40) beat SunRisers Hyderabad: 137 in 19.4 overs ( R Chahar 3/19) FA Cup: Chelsea end City’s Ronaldo to miss game due to muscle issue quadruple bid, reach final AP – TURIN A muscle issue will keep Cristiano Ronaldo out of a key Serie A match at Atalanta today. AP – LONDON “Cristiano will not play,” Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo said yesterday. “He could not recover from a flexor issue. Manchester City’s quadruple So with the medical staff we decided that tomorrow’s match dream has been extinguished by was too risky for him.” Chelsea. Even more concerning Pirlo added that “after so many matches, he could have could be the injury to Kevin De suffered a serious injury. Bruyne for the ongoing pursuit of “He was not feeling able to push like he had been doing a treble. recently, so we decided to give him some rest to allow him Chelsea will be back at to recover for Wednesday’s match (against Parma).” Wembley Stadium next month for Third-place Juventus are one point ahead of Atalanta the FA Cup final after a 1-0 victory and one point behind second-place AC Milan amid a tight over City was clinched by Hakim race for the Champions League places. Ziyech yesterday. Pep Guardiola will return even sooner next Sunday with City for the League Cup final but Bayern closer with doubts over whether De Bruyne will be fit to face to title but Flick Tottenham. “It doesn’t look quite good,” Guardiola said. “But we will see says he’s leaving tomorrow.” The influential Belgian play- REUTERS – WOLFSBURG maker hobbled off with an apparent ankle injury just as City Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech scores Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick said yesterday he had is entering a crunch period of the against Manchester City during told the team and club bosses that he wanted to leave the season. A 11-point Premier League their FA Cup semi-final played German champions at the end of the season despite his lead makes collecting that trophy at Wembley Stadium yesterday. contract running until 2023. a near-certainty but there is also The former Germany assistant coach, who initially took a first Champions League semi- over on an interim basis in November 2019, led the club to final with City for Guardiola shot at a trophy in the FA Cup final goalkeeper Zack Steffen was left Newcastle moved nine points a spectacular winning run that earned them six domestic against Paris Saint-Germain in against Leicester or Southampton stranded. clear of the relegation zone with and international titles in the following months, including what remains the priority title for next month. And like City, Chelsea There were no Chelsea fans a 3-2 victory over West Ham. the Champions League and the club World Cup crown. the club. remains in Champions League to witness the goal in person. But Newcastle led through Issa "The situation is I told the team today that I informed “We started the game a little contention with Real Madrid they should be allowed back into Diop’s own-goal and Craig the club during the week that I wanted to get out of my con- bit slow and struggled a bit in the awaiting in the last four. Wembley for the May 15 final as Dawson was sent off for receiving tract at the end of the season," Flick said after his team's first half,” City midfielder Fern- The performance against City coronavirus restrictions are a second booking in the buildup. 3-2 victory over VfL Wolfsburg. andinho said. will offer Tuchel encouragement eased. How to get safely back into Joelinton’s tap-in extended New- The 56-year-old had been at odds with sports director While Guardiola has been in of silverware. While Timo Werner venues will be assessed at castle’s lead before halftime but it Hasan Salihamdizic in recent months with the coach charge almost five years at City, struggles for goals, assists are less Wembley on Sunday when up to was wiped out by Diop’s header reportedly wanting a greater say in the club's transfer policy. Thomas Tuchel has only been at of a problem. It was his 12th of his 4,000 locals from the north in the 73rd and Jesse Lingard’s The Bavarians, who were eliminated by Paris St Germain Chelsea three months. first season at Chelsea, setting up London district are allowed in to penalty after Ciaran Clark handled. last week in the Champions League quarter-finals, are seven After picking up the pieces Ziyech for the close-range finish see Leicester take on South- Newcastle recovered its lead points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table with five games following the firing of Frank in the 55th minute in an ampton if they can produce a neg- through substitute Joe Willock’s remaining, on course for a record-extending ninth consec- Lampard, the German now has a unguarded net after American ative coronavirus test result. powerful header. utive league crown. Persepolis stay unbeaten; Al Nassr bag full points

AFC.COM – GOA Al Nassr's response was almost AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE immediate as a speedy exchange of Persepolis FC flexed their credentials GROUP STAGE: passes saw Nordin Amrabat releasing as favourites as they came from behind YESTERDAY'S RESULTS the ball to Sami Al Najei on the right. to defeat Al Rayyan SC 3-1 in Group E GROUP E Najei's cross hit Al Sadd captain of the 2021 AFC Champions League at Al Wahda (UAE) 0-0 FC Goa (IND) Abdelkarim Hassan on the left hand, the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Al Rayyan (QAT) 1-3 Persepolis (IRN) prompting the referee to point to the in Goa, yesterday. GROUP B penalty spot, with 2020 AFC Champions The Iranian side turned on the Air Force Club (IRQ) 0-0 Pakhtakor (UZB) League topscorer Abderazzak Ham- power in the second half as they added Tractor (IRN) 0-0 Sharjah (UAE) dallah rifling the ball home in the 37th to the 1-0 opening day win against GROUP D minute to give Al Nassr the lead going UAE’s Al Wahda FSCC while Al Rayyan Al Nassr (KSA) 3-1 Al Sadd (QAT) into the break. were left in search of their first victory, Foolad Khouzestan (IRN) 1-0 Al Sadd started the second half on having been held 0-0 by FC Goa on Al Wehdat (JOR) the front foot and their perseverance Matchday One. TODAY'S FIXTURES was rewarded in the 59th minute when Persepolis conceded against the Group A Santi Cazorla was brought down by Ali run of play in the 19th minute when Shabab Al Ahli Dubai (UAE) vs Al Hilal SFC (KSA) Al Hassan five yards outside the box. Naif Al Hadhrami rose highest to head AGMK (UZB) vs FC Istiklol (TJK) The Spaniard lined up for the free- home Abdelaziz Hatim’s free-kick into GROUP C kick and his sublime effort sailed over the bottom right of the net. Al Ahli Saudi (KSA) vs Al Duhail (QAT) the Al Nassr wall, dipped and settled in An undaunted Persepolis pushed Al Shorta (IRQ) vs Esteghlal FC (IRN) Al Rayyan and Persepolis players vie for the ball possession during yesterday's the net past the despairing Brad Jones for the equaliser but Al Rayyan goal- Kick off at 8:45pm AFC Champions League Group E match played in Goa, India. Pic: AFC in goal. keeper Younis was at the top of his Al Nassr, however, upped their tempo game, first saving Mahdi Torabi’s effort and Hamdallah should have done better from inside the area on 24 minutes and Al Rayyan found themselves 2-1 ball into an unguarded goalmouth. Islamic Republic of Iran's Foolad Khouz- with his header in the 77th minute but then denying Moghanlou’s drive in the down two minutes later as Siamak Elsewhere, in Riyadh, Saudi Ara- estan FC while Al Nassr couldn't find a the Saudi Arabian side were not to be 39th minute. Nemati weaved his way down the right bia's Al Nassr were in fine form as they way past the resolute defence of Jor- denied two minutes later with Abdulma- Persepolis started the second half flank before finding Moghanlou, who secured a 3-1 win over Al Sadd SC in dan's Al Wehdat. jeed Al Sulayhim finishing a fine team by with heightened intensity and their volleyed past Younis. Group D. The win boosts 2020 AFC Cham- slotting the ball past Meshaal Barsham. determination paid off two minutes Moghanlou scored his second in Both sides went into the tie needing pions League semi-finalists Al Nassr's There was to be a third as Khalid into the restart when Kamal Kamya- the 57th minute, finding space inside the three points after having opened their hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 Al Ghannam finished a counter-attack binia headed home the equaliser off the six yard box to collect Omid campaigns with draws, with Al Sadd while Al Sadd have it all to do if they are in the fourth minute of added time to Torabi’s corner. Alishah’s pass before slamming the needing a last gasp equaliser against to salvage their campaign. complete an emphatic win for Al Nassr. Al Shaqab Racing’s Toro Strike wins seasonal debut at Thirsk

THE PENINSULA – THIRSK trained by Richard Fahey, was Motakhayyel (GB) (Heeraat x quickly away before being Virtuality) finished runner-up For his first run of 2021, Al settled towards the rear under with Jim Crowley in the saddle. Shaqab Racing’s homebred jockey Paul Hanagan. The David O’Meara-trained Toro Strike (USA) (Toronado x Outpaced at the halfway and Daniel Tudhope-helmed Scarlet Strike) cruised to an point, he was ridden strongly Azano (GB) (Oasis Dream x impressive victory in the by his jockey. Azanara) was a further ½ Michael Foster Conditions Despite being off the bridle, length in third. Stakes for 4-year-olds and in the straight he managed to Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, older over 1,400m at Thirsk, find another gear to run on Toro Strike is by Al Shaqab UK, enhancing his strike rate and, coming from last to first, Racing sire Toronado, who to 3 wins, yesterday. won by 2¼ lengths. stands at Haras de Bouquetot Al Shaqab Racing’s Toro Strike (USA) wins the Michael Foster Conditions The 4-year-old colt, who is The Richard Hannon-trained in France. Stakes at Thirsk yesterday. PICTURE: HANNAH ALI SUNDAY 18 APRIL 2021 SPORT 07 Sahab, Zafraan Qardabiyah record dazzling wins in France

THE PENINSULA – BORDEAUX at the beginning of the home straight. Shying from the whip, he drifted slightly The race meeting at Bordeaux-le- towards the centre, before finding his Bouscat, Franceon yesterday, featured balance and accelerating to take the two QREC-sponsored exciting Purebred lead just after the 200-meter marker. Arabian 3-year-old maidens, the Qatar Favourite of the race after his Prix Denouste for colts and geldings, second place on debut over this course and the Qatar Prix Djebella II for fillies. and distance two weeks previously, Both run over 1,400m, these maidens Zain El Hala (Assy x Chamade De have often played host to the debuts of Ghazal) in the colours of His Highness future Stakes’ performers. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al The Qatar Prix Djebella II saw a Thani, had sweated up in the stalls. runaway victory for the representative Jockey Jerome Cabre-guided Sahab Coming with a strong challenge at the of Mohamed Fahad AH Al Attiyah, Sahab reaching the finish line to win the beginning of the home straight, his (AfAlbahar x Manella). Trained by QREC-sponsored Qatar Prix Djebella inexperience showed, and he lost Thomas Fourcy, this filly was one of his II at Bordeaux-le-Bouscat, Franceon essential ground as his jockey had to four runners, and was not the most in France yesterday. RIGHT: Zafraan battle to keep him straight in the fancied prior to the race. Qardabiyah, ridden by G Sanchez, closing stages. Smartly away, she went straight to winning the Qatar Prix Denouste. Despite this, he nonetheless gained the lead and set a decent pace. Steadying PICTURES: ROBERT POLIN on Zafraan Qardabiyah to finish in the bend, Ismee De Bozouls (Muguet strongly, coming 2nd by ½ length. Also De Pascade x Jokmee De Bozouls) making his track debut today, HH moved up to join her. Nelkia), the favourite of the race, by a Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Once in the straight, jockey Jerome short head. homebred Muntazah (Al Mamun- Cabre had just to open his hands and “She gave me a great feeling”, Monlaux Nashmiya II) came in third 2 she sped away, leaving her rivals enthused jockey Jerome Cabre after the lengths further back, for trainer Didier standing. She flew down to the rail to race. of Mahess du Soleil - Purebred Arabian Zafraan Qardabiyah was a little keen Guilleminand under an educational the line, professional and untouchable. She works well in the mornings and Derby (Gr.1 PA) winner - and Balladore, in the early stages of this 1,400m race ride from Olivier Peslier. A demonstration for her first does everything that we ask of her”, who produced the top-class Amyr du and moved up to sit behind the leaders Former assistant to Alban de appearance on the track. added trainer Thomas Fourcy. Soleil. in fourth position on the outside of GC Mieulle in Qatar, Jean de Mieulle is now Thomas Fourcy is also responsible Sahab comes from one of the oldest An hour earlier,in the green and Runner under apprentice jockey Gary in his second season as a licensed for Al Wakrah (TM Fred Texas x Majida), and most successful French Purebred white silks of Waleed Ben Zaied, Sanchez, claiming 2½ kg. trainer in France and commented on who led the rest of the field home for Arabian pedigrees from the Haras de Zafraan Qardabiyah (Majd Al Arab x Josko (Josco Du Cayrou x Essaana) his winner; Zafraan Qardabiyah came her owner and breeder Al Shaqab Pompadour; her dam Manella is none Intisar Quardabiyah) won the Qatar led at a regular pace, with Syam here in good condition. I knew that he Racing. In third by 2 lengths was ZF other than a sister to the Group 1 pro- Prix Denouste for the young trainer (Munjiz x Syrianah) in second. The has a bit of speed – he’s run very well. Almuzon (Dahess x Z F AL Ameena), ducers Dormadora, dam of Dahor de Jean de Mieulle, who took his public leaders picked up in the bend, and I’m very pleased with his performance who just denied Nelkiane (Munjiz x Brugeres, Dormah De Brugere, the dam training license out just last year. Zafraan Qardabiyah came to challenge today.”

Greece’s Stefanos Nadal Tsitsipas in action during Mumbai roar his Monte Carlo Masters semi-final match against back to beat rues Britain’s Dan Evans at Monte-Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune- Hyderabad by missed Cap-Martin, France, chance yesterday. 13 runs in IPL AP – CHENNAI REUTERS – MONACO Sunrisers Hyderabad failed in their chase for the third Rafa Nadal said he missed the straight time in the Indian Premier League as defending opportunity to get his claycourt champion Mumbai Indians won by 13 runs yesterday. season off to a title-winning Jonny Bairstow made a brisk 43 off 22 deliveries start after a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 defeat and fellow opener David Warner scored a 34-ball 36 by Russian Andrey Rublev in before Hyderabad collapsed to 137 all out in 19.4 overs, the quarter-finals of the Monte losing its last eight wickets for 47 runs. Carlo Masters on Friday. Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar claimed 3-19 and Trent Playing his first tournament Boult provided Mumbai a perfect finish with 3-28. since losing to Stefanos Tsit- Earlier, Kieron Pollard’s unbeaten 35 off 22 lifted sipas in the Australian Open Mumbai’s total to 150-5 as the West Indian power- quarter-finals, 20-times Grand hitter struck two sixes off the last two deliveries from Slam champion Nadal fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0-45). struggled on serve as he Mumbai have four points from three games after crashed to only his sixth defeat losing its opening game against Royal Challengers Ban- at the tournament he has won galore. Hyderabad are at the bottom of the eight-team 11 times. Tsitsipas, Rublev reach competition. “It’s been such an important Brief scores: tournament during my career. Mumbai Indians: 150/5 (Q de Kock 40, R Sharma I’m always sad to lose here 32, V Shankar 2/19, M Rahman 2/29) because it’s an important one Monte Carlo Masters final SunRisers Hyderabad: 137 all out in 19.4 overs for me. I missed an opportunity (J Bairstow 43, D Warner 36, V Shankar 28, R Chahar to start the clay season in the 3/19, T Boult 3/28) right way,” Nadal told AP – MONACO round. But he failed to threaten Tsitsipas in the same reporters. “But that’s it... It’s not way and the match quickly slid away when he was the moment to complain. When Fourth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas swatted aside serving at 3-2 down. you’re not able to do the things unseeded Dan Evans 6-2, 6-1 yesterday to reach the Tsitsipas, a French Open semifinalist last year, broke Labuschagne’s 192 you had to do on court, then it’s Monte Carlo Masters final for the first time and stay on his serve five times and remains on track for a sixth not the moment to complain course for a first title this year. career title. puts Queensland in after. The big-serving Greek’s opponent will be sixth- He won his previous one in February last year at “The only thing that I can seeded Russian Andrey Rublev, who beat unseeded the Open 13 indoor tournament in Marseille - just weeks do is go to Barcelona and keep Norwegian Casper Ruud 6-3 7-5. He aims for his second before France went into lockdown for the first time charge for Aussie title practising, try to fix the things title of the year and ninth overall. because of the coronavirus pandemic. that didn’t work well... Lots of Evans beat top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the third Monte Carlo was canceled last year because of it. AP – BRISBANE mistakes... A few things The 23-year-old Rublev produced an audacious that make a big dif- Spain’s display to defeat record 11-time champion Rafael Nadal Marnus Labuschagne scored 192 runs to put ference on the result Rafael Nadal on Friday, and further confirm why he is one of the Queensland in a commanding position to win the and on my game that I It’s been such an reacts during rising stars of tennis. Sheffield Shield first-class cricket title in Australia. wasn’t able to make his match After winning the ATP Cup with Russia, he reached New South Wales was 140-5 in its second innings, today.” Rublev said his important against the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and then won still trailing by 106 runs, when bad light stopped play first victory over Nadal tournament during Russia’s the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Saturday at Allan Border Field on the third day of the was among the best of my career. I’m Andrey last month for his fourth title in seven months. Since scheduled five-day match. his career but acknowl- always sad to lose Rublev on Rotterdam, he’s reached four consecutive semifinals, Sean Abbott was not out 20 and Baxter Holt edged the Spaniard was here because it’s an Friday. including Monte Carlo. unbeaten on 10 after Xavier Bartlett claimed 3-31 for off his game. The 22-year-old Ruud, who has just one career Queensland. Nadal served seven important one for title, also beat a former champion by knocking out 2019 Labuschagne struck 21 boundaries in his near double faults and was me. I missed an winner Fabio Fognini. 10-hour, 353-ball innings to steer Queensland to 389 broken seven times. opportunity to start But after breaking Rublev to love to lead 2-1 and a first-innings lead of 246 runs. “If we look (at) a the clay season in he then lost four straight games before finally Indian Premier League duties meant New South player like Rafa, the the right way: holding in the eighth game to stop the Russian’s Wales was without Australian test players Steve best claycourt player in momentum. Smith, Pat Cummins, David Warner and Moises history, then it’s one of Nadal Rublev clinched the set on serve and broke Ruud Henriques. my best victories,” at the start of the second set to take control, improving Queensland earned hosting duties by leading the Rublev, said. to 4-0 against him in their career. Shield table, 1.66 points clear of New South Wales. Quartararo takes pole in Portugal as Bagnaia’s lap is cancelled

REUTERS – PORTIMÃO, PORTUGAL The incident meant Quartararo, who was Marquez was fastest in Q1 and will start his first times premier-class champion Valentino Rossi, fastest throughout the day, secured the 11th pole race in nine months from the back of the second who has yet to score a top-10 finish this season, Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo was awarded pole of his premier-class career with a time of one row in sixth place. struggled to impress once again as he finished position for the Portuguese Grand Prix yesterday minute 38.682 seconds, while Bagnaia slipped The Repsol Honda rider fractured his upper 17th on his Petronas Yamaha. after Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia had his to 11th. arm in the season-opening Spanish Grand Prix In the closing stages of the final practice record-breaking lap cancelled due to a yellow “It’s a pole but doesn’t feel like usual,” Quar- in July and did not race again all year. session, Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin was ruled flag infringement. tararo said. Reigning world champion Joan Mir -- who out of the weekend after a brutal crash at the Bagnaia thought he had clinched the top spot “We saw that Bagnaia was extremely fast so followed Marquez Turn 7 right-hander. The session was red-flagged for today's race by smashing the Algarve Inter- I’m more happy about FP3 and FP4. The main through Q1 -- fin- as the medical team attended to Martin, who national Circuit record with his lap of one minute goal was to start on the front row and we’ve ished ninth on his was conscious and was carried off the track into 38.494 seconds. achieved it.” Suzuki, while an ambulance and taken to the medical centre. However, the Ducati celebrations were ended Suzuki’s Alex Rins climbed up to second, Oliveira was left “He has been brought to the hospital for because of the yellow flags brought out due to while championship leader Johann Zarco 10th after his further check-ups as there is a high probability a crash for 2020 Portugal poleman Miguel shrugged off an earlier crash to finish third. late crash. of two small fractures,” Pramac Racing said in Oliveira in the closing moments of the session. Returning six-times MotoGP champion Marc Seven- a statement.

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo in action during the qualifying round yesterday. Sport SUNDAY 18 APRIL 2021 06 IOC President Bach to visit Japan in May, meet PM Suga: Report REUTERS — TOKYO Kyodo said, citing sourcesources close Olympics could With fewer than 100 days Shcherbakova won the to the matter. Bach is expecteexpectedd not bbee reacreachedhed uuntiln the Olympics are due to women’s free skate to seal Rus- Bach will attend a torch relay International Olympic to back Japan’s commitmentommitment whenwhen called startsta in Tokyo, Japan expanded sia's first-ever victory at the ceremony in the western city Committee President Thomas to safely host thee Summer forfor quasi-emergencyqu measures to figure skating World Team of Hiroshima on May 17 and (pictured) Bach will visit Japan Games, Kyodo reported.orted. commentcomment 10 regions on Friday as a fourth Trophy. meet with Prime Minister in May, the Kyodo News agency “We are aware ofof PresidentPresident outsideoutsid e wavewa of COVID-19 cases spread. First after the short said yesterday, as the nation Bach’s intention ttoo come to regularregul ar Suga, who is on a state visit program, the 17-year-old Yoshihide Suga the next day, struggles to contain a surge in Japan and wouldd wewelcomelcome businessbusiness toto the United States, said at a Shcherbakova opened with a Kyodo said, citing sources COVID-19 cases before the such a visit,” thehe ToTokyokyo hours.hours. newsne conference on Friday that quadruple flip and followed close to the matter. Bach is start of the Games. Olympic organisingg committee he told President Joe Biden he with a triple flip-triple toe loop expected to back Japan’s Bach will attend a torch said in a statement. ““However,However, waswa committed to moving combination en route to a commitment to safely host the relay ceremony in the western nothing concrete hashas forwardfo with the Games and score of 160.58 points. Japan’s city of Hiroshima on May 17 been decided.” thatth Biden offered his support. Kaori Sakamoto moved up to Summer Games. and meet with Prime Minister Representativess Meanwhile, World second place with 150.29 Yoshihide Suga the next day, for the Tokyoo cchampion Anna points.

Hamilton sees off the Red Bulls to It could have been pole, seize his 99th Formula One pole says Perez

REUTERS — MILAN REUTERS — MILAN Sergio Perez (pictured below) Lewis Hamilton celebrated his secured his first Formula One 99th Formula One pole position front-row grid position at after seeing off Red Bull’s Sergio Imola yesterday but the Red Perez and Max Verstappen in Bull driver reckoned it was qualifying for the Emilia also a pole that got away. Romagna Grand Prix at Imola The Mexican will line up yesterday. alongside Lewis Hamilton’s Mexican Perez, in only his Mercedes for today’s Emilia second race for Red Bull, lines Romagna Grand Prix at the up alongside Mercedes’ seven- Italian circuit after qualifying time world champion for what 0.035 of a second slower than will be his first front row start. the seven-times world Verstappen, fastest in final champion. practice at the Italian circuit and “Enough to be on pole chasing a hat-trick of poles, had position,” Perez replied when to settle for third with Ferrari’s asked how much time a small Charles Leclerc a strong fourth mistake on his best flying lap on a home track for the revived had cost him. Italian team. That said, the Mexican rec- Hamilton did enough with ognised he could scarcely have his first flying lap of one minute expected such a result after 14.411 seconds, but Perez came failing to qualify in the top 10 close at the end with an effort in the Bahrain season-opener only 0.035 slower. and lagging behind Verstappen “I definitely didn’t expect us in practice at Imola. to be ahead of two Red Bulls,” “I have a pretty good ref- said Hamilton, who won the Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during qualifying yesterday. erence in Max, it’s just getting season-opener in Bahrain last INSET: Hamilton celebrates after qualifying in pole position. 100% all the time out of the month after Verstappen started car, it’s just adapting myself to on pole. it, learning step by step,” he “I think they have been so said. quick this weekend, there were pole and I was super grateful,” Bull in 2018. “You can’t be good softs and Verstappen also on his way to the first of two titles, “I wasn’t expecting myself times when they were six- added the 36-year-old, who has every time, so we’ll see what mediums. 15th for Alpine. Japanese rookie to be here at the moment tenths ahead. now taken poles on a record 30 went wrong,” said the Dutch “Anything can happen, we Yuki Tsunoda was the big cas- because I feel that I am miles “I came around the last different circuits. driver. “It’s still P3, which is a are on a different strategy to ualty of the first session, losing away from where I should be. corner and heard I’d got the Perez, who boasts more good starting position.” Lewis and Max,” said Perez. control at the Variante Alta and Things are not coming natu- than a decade of experience in BOTTAS DISAPPOINTS “It is going to be interesting, smashing his AlphaTauri back- rally yet. Formula One, was brought in AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly see what we can do.” wards into the tyre wall. “So it’s a good boost in to put more pressure on Mer- qualified fifth with Ricciardo Spaniard Carlos Sainz, in “For me that was a huge confidence, not just for myself, cedes than Verstappen’s recent sixth for McLaren and team- his first race in Italy with mistake and I feel really sorry also for the team, to make team mates had managed and mate Lando Norris seventh. Ferrari, failed to make it for the team,” he said, with the them feel that they have both I definitely didn’t duly delivered. Norris would have been on through to the final shootout session red-flagged as the badly drivers and that we can push expect us to be The Mexican still felt he the front row had his fastest lap and starts 11th. damaged car was removed the team forward together. ahead of two Red could have done better. not been deleted for exceeding Both Williams drivers from the track. That’s an important bit.” “I’ve been improving, P2, but track limits. reached the second phase for Qualifying was brought Bulls. I think they I should’ve been on pole and I did Hamilton’s team-mate the first time since last July, with forward by an hour as a mark have been so quick a mistake on the final corner,” Valtteri Bottas, on pole at Imola George Russell still sounding of respect to ensure there was said Perez, a first time winner last November and fastest on disappointed with 12th despite no overlap with the funeral in this weekend, there with Racing Point (now Aston Friday, qualified a disappointing being ahead of former cham- Windsor of Britain’s Prince were times when Martin) in Bahrain last year. eighth -- leaving Hamilton pions Sebastian Vettel and Philip, who died last week at the they were six-tenths It was the first time Ver- exposed in today’s race with the Fernando Alonso. age of 99. stappen had been outqualified Red Bulls also on different tyre Four-time champion Vettel The teams, most of whom ahead. by a team-mate in regular con- strategies. will line up 13th for Aston are based in England, held a Lewis Hamilton ditions since Australian Daniel Hamilton will start on Martin and Alonso, a winner at minute’s silence before Ricciardo was alongside at Red medium tyres, with Perez on Imola with Renault in 2005 on qualifying. NHL: Bruins’ NBA: Mitchell injured in Utah Swayman Jazz’s victory over Pacers shuts out Islanders REUTERS — NEW YORK NBA RESULTS sitting out. Furkan Korkmaz Jazz 119, Pacers 111 finished with 18 points on BOSTON Donovan Mitchell scored 22 Knicks 117, Mavericks 109 5-of-12 shooting from REUTERS — points before leaving with a 76ers 106, Clippers 103 3-point range to help Phil- sprained right ankle early in Nets 130, Hornets 115 adelphia earn its fourth David Pastrnak and Taylor the third quarter, and the Utah straight victory. Hall scored in a 50-second Wizards 117, Pelicans 115 (OT) Jazz rallied in his absence to Paul George paced the span bridging the first and Trail Blazers 107, Spurs 106 beat the visiting Indiana Clippers with 37 points, nine second periods and goalie Pacers 119-111 on Friday Nuggets 128, Rockets 99 rebounds and six assists, the Jeremy Swayman recorded his afternoon in Salt Lake City. Grizzlies 126, Bulls 115 fifth consecutive game with first NHL shutout as the host Bojan Bogdanovic led the Timberwolves 119, Heat 111 30-plus points for the Boston Bruins completed a

Jazz with 24 points, and Raptors 113, Magic 102 reigning Western Conference two-game sweep of the New Jordan Clarkson returned Pistons 110, Thunder 104 Player of the Week. York Islanders with a 3-0 win. from his four-game injury Elsewhere, Joe Harris Curtis Lazar added an absence to help the comeback Dallas. RJ Barrett added 24 scored 26 points and Kevin empty-netter with 1:12 left for efforts with 18 points. points and eight rebounds and Durant poured in 25 points the Bruins, who have won Rudy Gobert also con- Derrick Rose scored 15 points and added 11 assists as three straight since acquiring tributed 13 points, 23 for the Knicks. New York’s Brooklyn defeated Charlotte Hall and Lazar from the rebounds and four blocked Nerlens Noel collected 10 in a matchup of injury-riddled Buffalo Sabres on Monday. shots as Utah won for the 13th rebounds and blocked three teams in New York. The win on Friday, coupled time in 16 games. shots. Landry Shamet added 20 with the Bruins’ 4-1 victory Caris LeVert led Indiana Dallas’ Kristaps Porzingis points off the Brooklyn bench. over the Islanders on with 24 points and Domantas registered 23 points and 12 The outcome means Thursday, pulled fourth-place Sabonis added 22 points, 15 rebounds. Brooklyn, which lost on Boston within four points of rebounds and seven assists, Luka Doncic scored 22 Wednesday night at Phila- second-place New York in the but the Pacers only scored 42 points, matched his career delphia, hasn’t dropped con- East Division. points in the second half en best of 19 assists and grabbed secutive games since early route to their second loss in eight rebounds for the February. NHL RESULTS three games. Mavericks. Miles Bridges poured in 33 Bruins 3, Islanders 0 Meanwhile, Julius Randle Also on Friday, Joel points and Terry Rozier had Golden Knights 4, Ducks 0

matched his season high of 44 Embiid totaled 36 points and 27 points and 10 assists for the

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) is helped off the court after points and also contributed 10 14 rebounds as Philadelphia Hornets, while rookie center Canadiens 2, Flames 1 suffering an apparent injury during the second half against the Indiana rebounds and seven assists to held on to beat visiting Los Vernon Carey Jr. scored 21 Wild 3, Sharks 2 Pacers at Vivint Smart Home Arena. lead New York to a victory at Angeles with several regulars points.