SPORT 16 FRIDAY 7 APRIL 2017

Lekhwiya are QSL champions

Rizwan Rehmat equaliser in the 35th minute The Peninsula when Ismail Mohamad found Players vie for the ball during the FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS the net, much to the delight of Stars League match between Lekhwiya outh Korean interna- the home fans. and Al Ahli, played at Lekhwiya Stadium tional Nam Tae hee Just when Lekhwiya fans yesterday. Lekhwiya beat Al Ahli to secure 1963-64 : Al Maref 1964-65 : Al Maref produced a close-range would have given up on the their fifth (QSL) title. goal late into injury team, Tae hee picked up a lose 1965-66 : Al Maref time to power ball and sent it crashing into the 1966-67 : Al Oruba SLekhwiya to their fifth Qatar net in injury time to seal the 1967-68 : Al Oruba Stars League (QSL) title victory team's fifth QSL title triumph. 1968-69 : Al Oruba following a fighting 2-1 win over "Al Ahli's defense was so 1969-70 : Al Oruba Al Ahli. tough to handle in this game. 1970-71 : Al Oruba Tae hee scored in the 95th Their players are so hard to bat- 1971-72 : Al Sadd minute as home side Lekhwiya tle against. They closed all gaps 1972-73 : Al Esteqlal picked up three points in the for us in this game. It was qual- 1973-74 : Al Sadd round 25 clash. ity football. The goals which we 1974/75 : no champion Lekhwiya, coached by scored were because they had 1975-76 : Djamel Belmadi, now have an made minor mistakes. But this 1976-77 : Al Esteqlal unassailable tally of 62 points is football," Lekhwiya's Ismail 1977-78 : Al Rayyan with just one round to go. Mohammed said after their 1978-79 : Al Sadd Al Sadd, who were held to a exciting victory. 1979-80 : Al Sadd 2-2 draw by Al Sailiyah yester- "When I watched Al Ahli 1980-81 : Al Sadd day, are in second spot with 58 play El Jaish, I got the feeling 1981-82 : Al Rayyan points from 25 matches. that this (yesterday's) game 1982-83 : Al Arabi This is Lekhwiya's fifth QSL could be a tough challenge for 1983-84 : Al Rayyan title victory since their maiden us. I saw Al Ahli is becoming a 1984-85 : Al Arabi triumph in the 2010-11 season. strong side and we were tad 1985-86 : Al Rayyan Belmadi was the coach at wary of them. But for this game, 1986-87 : Al Sadd the time and the Algerian helped we used specific tactics planned 1987-88 : Al Sadd the Red Knights successfully by the coach and all of them 1988-89 : Al Sadd defend their title the next sea- were successful and we man- 1989-90 : Al Rayyan son as well. aged to get the win we were 1990-91 : Al Arabi Eric Gerets was the coach looking for. In the last few min- 1991-92 : Al Ittihad when Lekhwiya won their QSL utes, we were tense since we 1992-93 : Al Arabi title in the 2013-14 season. wanted that goal so badly. 1993-94 : Al Arabi Michael Laudrup, the pop- Thank God we pulled it off," he 1994-95 : Al Rayyan ular Danish coach, helped said. 1995-96 : Al Arabi Lekhwiya bag their fourth QSL Defender Khalid Muftah 1996-97 : Al Arabi title the following year. said: "Finally, we have won the 1997-98 : Al Ittihad Ali Fereydoun yesterday title. It feels amazing. It has been 1998-99 : Al Wakrah opened the scoring for Al Ahli a long season for us. I would say 1999-2000 : Al Sadd in the 5th minute of the match, Lekhwiya deserved to win the 2000-01 : Al Wakrah leaving Belmadi and his back- title because this club gets all the 2001-02 : Al Ittihad room staff stunned at Lekhwiya support it needs. We have total 2002-03 : Qatar SC Stadium. support of the club manage- 2003-04 : Al Sadd But the home side regrouped ment. Throughout the season, 2004-05 : Al Gharafa quickly and produced the we only lost one game. That is 2005-06 : Al Sadd a very good record. That shows 2006-07 : Al Sadd Lekhwiya bag how well we did." 2007-08 : Al Gharafa QSL glory Earlier, Al Sadd shared 2008-09 : Al Gharafa points with Al Sailiyah in a 2-2 2009-10 : Al Gharafa Nam Tae hee draw at Al Sadd Stadium. 2010-11 : Lekhwiya produced a Al Sadd's Xavi opened the backline. In the 12th minute, Al keeper Gregory Gomis's body. the stronger of the two sides in 2011-12 : Lekhwiya close-range goal late scoring in the 15th but Al Saili- Sailiyah's Uzbek forward It was Xavi's 10th goal of the the first 20 minutes into the 2012-13 : Al Sadd into injury time to yah's Sanjar Shaakhmedov Temurkhuja Abdukholikov season. second half but Al Sailiyah 2013-14 : Lekhwiya power Lekhwiya to scored the equalizer the very picked up a rebound off the feat Barely a minute later, Al backline held firm to deny the 2014-15 : Lekhwiya their fifth Qatar next minute. of Al Sadd defender Mohammed Sailiyah scored the equaliser home club. 2015-16 : Al Rayan Stars League (QSL) Al Sailiyah's Valentin Lazar Kasola before firing a bullet after Shaakhmedov produced In the 68th minute, Al 2016-17 : Lekhwiya title victory. gave his side the lead in the 71st from the edge of the box. an easy deflection inside the Al Sadd's Bounedjah produced a minute but Al Sadd's Baghdad The shot beat Al Sadd goal- Sadd box. snap-header from close range Lekhwiya, coached by Bounedjah (83, penalty) pro- keeper Saad Al Dosari but the Al Sadd mounted serious but his deflection sailed just QSL: WEEK 25 Djamel Belmadi, now duced a well-taken spot kick ball curled away from the goal- pressure with regular intervals above the crossbar. YESTERDAY'S RESULTS late in the second half. post as the home team breathed and in the 27th minute, Xavi In the 71st minute, Lazar have an unassailable Lekhwiya 2-1 Al Ahli tally of 62 points with Al Sailiyah put pressure on a sign of relief. produced his trademark swing- produced a bit of solo run before the hosts with a couple of early However, in the 15th minute ing shot from long distance. The smashing the ball into the Al Al Sadd 2-2 Al Sailiyah just one round to go. moves in the first minute of the Al Sadd jumped to a 1-0 lead ball narrowly missed the Sadd net for Al Sailiyah's sec- TODAY'S FIXTURES match at Al Sadd Stadium. with a somewhat plucky crossbar. ond goal. Al Khor vs Al Shahania This is Lekhwiya's In the third minute, Lazar finish. Two minutes from the first- Bounedjah scored Al Sadd's At Al Khor Club (6.20pm.) fifth QSL title victory chipped a neat pass towards Barca legend Xavi - the Al half whistle, Al Sadd's Ibrahim second goal in the 83rd minute Al Wakrah vs Umm Salal since their maiden defender Mohamad Rajeb who Sadd captain - curled in a beau- Majed managed a snap-header off a penalty kick, much to the At Al Wakrah Stadium (6.20pm.)

triumph in the failed to deflect the ball into the tifully-taken free-kick that hit that just sailed above the Al delight of home fans. It was Muaither SC vs Al Kharaitiyat 2010-11 season. net from close range while being goalpost and went into the goal Sailiyah crossbar. Bounedjah's 23rd goal of the At Al Gharafa Stadium (6.20pm.) under pressure from the Al Sadd after rebounding off the goal- Al Sadd clearly emerged as season. FRIDAY 7 APRIL 2017 SPORT 17

Ref axed after Al Mohannadi wins appeal against FIFA ban penalty blunder

Zurich investigation. He had previously been The agenda was voted down after London Reuters disqualified from standing for a place on just 27 minutes of the Congress in Goa. AFP the FIFA Council while the matter was The election for four places on the atari and Asian soccer official investigated. Council will now go ahead in May eferee Keith Stroud has Saoud Al Mohannadi (pictured) However, FIFA's Appeal Committee although the AFC has already published been removed from his Q has won an appeal against a one- said in a statement yesterday that there the names of the eight candidates. Rscheduled fixture this year ban that prevented him from was insufficient evidence to establish The AFC could not immediately weekend after a bizarre pen- standing for a place on the FIFA Coun- that Al Mohannadi had violated the code be reached to comment on whether alty blunder at Newcastle cil, soccer's governing body said of ethics. It also lifted a 20,000 Swiss Al Mohannadi would be allowed to United, reports said yesterday. franc ($19,930.24) fine levied against stand. yesterday. Al Mohannadi, a vice-president of him. Al Mohannadi was elected vice-pres- He disallowed Matt Ritch- the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) His disqualification in September led ident of the AFC during the elections ie's successful penalty for and Qatar Football Association (QFA), delegates to cancel an extraordinary AFC conducted in April 2015 last year in Bah- Newcastle against Burton and was banned by FIFA's ethics watchdog Congress which had been called to rain. After his election he said he wanted awarded the visitors an indi- in November on allegations 'for failing choose Asian places on the FIFA to put the region back on the path of rect free-kick rather than to cooperate as a witness' in an Council. glory with better co-operation. ruling the spot-kick be retaken.

Brazil top rankings for Relegation-threatened Al Khor and first time since 2010 Al Shahania to meet in crunch clash The Peninsula confidence from the important Zurich victory over Al Wakrah. We AFP l Khor take on rele- respect Al Shahania and their gation rivals Al coach they played very well razil surged to the top Shahania, knowing against Al Arabi” of the FIFA world rank- that a victory will “It’s a decisive match. Who- Bings for the first time in relegate their rival ever wins will be happy, seven years yesterday, made andA that is what they will be tar- whoever loses will be disap- all the sweeter as they geting in today's Qatar Stars pointed - that is football. Right usurped great rivals League (QSL) fixture at Al Khor now our aim is to win the game” Argentina. Stadium. added the French coach. It caps a terrific week for Knights boss Jean Fernandez The veteran coach insisted Neymar and Brazil -- last was confident his team will dow that his side are in the right week they became the first well at their home ground. frame of mind ahead of the big country to qualify for the 2018 “It’s a six pointer match match. World Cup in Russia, their lat- against Al Shahanaia we have “We have good motivation est step on the road to to do well, if we win we will pull redemption after the embar- away from the relegation. That rassment and heartache of said Al Shahania are a tough their World Cup failure on team. We are prepared to win home soil in 2014. It’s a decisive and I am thinking only positive Tite's side won 4-1 in Uru- match. Whoever things from the match." guay and 3-0 at home to As for Al Shahania, they Paraguay to secure their place wins will be happy, come into the match against Al in Russia -- they have won whoever loses will Khor in good spirits following a their last eight qualifiers, resounding win against Al Arabi Al Shahania's players celebrate a goal against Al Arabi durng their QSL game last week. Al scoring 24 goals in the proc- be disappointed - last time out. Only a victory is ess, and their last nine games that is football. good enough for the Oryxes to Shahania are hoping to repeat the same performance against Al Khor today. including friendlies. Right now our aim avoid the drop to the second Brazil were dumped off division. team, a serious side with good fit squad with plenty of options. Al Arabi wasn't our best top spot after their elimina- is to win the game: Head coach Igor Stimac said individuals. We have a solution It’s not one individual who game technically, however, in tion from the 2010 World Cup Al Khor coach Jean his team will go all out to avoid to keep these individuals quiet makes Al Shahania, it’s our team terms of the result yes. We have in South Africa in the Fernandez relegation in the final two games. and if we repeat what we did work” added the Croatian coach played better in other games. We quarter-finals. “As I promised we are still against Al Arabi, I am confident when asked about the fitness of have shown plenty of character The five-time World Cup alive in the league, we are very we can get the result we need.” Iranian striker Rahim Zahivi. on the pitch this season and I winners dominated the world confident and positive at train- “Rahim should be fit for this The press conference came think we have shown we can rankings throughout the last ing," said the coach. game, we have other options if to an end with Stimac talking up give any side in Qatar a match two decades but slumped to "Al Khor is a disciplined he is unavailable. We have a fully the quality of his side.“ on our day.” a record low of 22nd in 2013. Their new surge is in con- trast to Argentina and Neymar's Barcelona team- City confirm mate Lionel Messi, whose country are in danger of miss- Hazard tames Manchester City deal to buy ing out on next year's World Cup. They will not be able to Uruguayan club call on their star man for three of their four remaining as leaders Chelsea tighten grip London qualification matches AFP because of suspension. Third in the newly London in the 10th minute. Cesar anchester City's own- released rankings are world AFP Azpilicueta, filling in for injured ers have confirmed champions Germany, fol- wing-back Victor Moses, cut the Mtheir purchase of lowed by Chile and Colombia den Hazard scored twice ball back from the byline and Uruguayan club Atletico in a South American-domi- as leaders Chelsea beat Hazard's shot glanced off Kom- Torque as the Abu Dhabi- nated top five. EPep Guardiola's Manches- pany's scalp to leave Willy based investors add to their Switzerland enter the top ter City 2-1 on Wednesday to Caballero clutching thin air. growing portfolio. 10, up to ninth, with former reassert their control of the Pre- Hazard was at it again mid- City's parent company, number ones Spain clinging mier League title race. way through the first half, City Football Group (CFG), on in 10th. Chelsea had given the chas- another cutback teeing up Cesc announced second tier ing pack hope after crashing to Fabregas for a shot that was Atletico will become part of a shock 2-1 loss at home to Crys- deflected onto the top of the bar their global network of WORLD RANKINGS (TOP 15) tal Palace on Saturday, but they by Gael Clichy. clubs. 1. Brazil (+1) bounced back to preserve their But with David Silva in the They already own Major seven-point lead over Totten- Hazard role, City were showing League Soccer's New York 2. Argentina (-1) ham Hotspur. signs of life at the other end and City, Melbourne City in Aus- 3. Germany Hazard's early opener was after Aguero, following a one- tralia and Japan's Yokohama 4. Chile cancelled out by Sergio Aguero, two with Silva, had been denied F Marinos. who punished an error by home by Courtois, they levelled. As well as Montevideo- 5. Colombia (+2) goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, but Whereas Caballero had been based Atletico, CFG, who are 6. France the Belgian winger scored the partly at fault for Chelsea's led by City owner Sheikh rebound from his own penalty opener, Courtois's culpability for Mansour, also revealed they 7. Belgium (-2) to get Chelsea back to winning City's equaliser was clear have entered into a "collab- 8. Portugal ways. Courtois showed greater oration agreement" with 9. Switzerland (+2) Having won 3-1 at the Eti- alertness moments later when Atletico Venezuela of the had Stadium in December, Chelsea's Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard (second left) is he slid out to save at the feet of Venezuelan Primera 10. Spain Chelsea became the first team mobbed by team-mates after his team's first goal during the Leroy Sane and 10 minutes Division. 11. Poland (+1) to do a league double over a English match against Manchester City at before half time Chelsea took the The two deals will give 12. Italy (+3) team managed by Guardiola, Stamford Bridge in London on Wednesday. lead again. Fernandinho was CFG a foothold in South whose side had been unbeaten penalised for clumsily tripping America that will help it 13. Wales (-1) in eight league games. in his glittering career. His side whom trail them by four points Pedro and while Caballero got develop players, while the 14. The former Barcelona and remain fourth, 14 points below with a game in hand. down well to save Hazard's pen- scouting presence available

15. Uruguay (-6) Bayern Munich coach has now Chelsea, and are now under Having already created an alty, the Chelsea number 10 to the Premier League club in been beaten six times in a single increasing threat from Arsenal early opening for Diego Costa, made no mistake with the that continent will be league season for the first time and Manchester United, both of the Belgian broke the deadlock rebound. doubled. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 7 APRIL 2017 Pakistan captain Misbah to retire after Windies Tests

Lahore Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq Misbah-ul-Haq AFP celebrates after scoring a century against England Born: May 28, 1974, Mianwali, Paki- akistan's most successful skipper Misbah- at Lord’s in this file stan. ul-Haq will retire after the upcoming Test photo. Misbah, Pakistan's Tendulkar changes series against the West Indies, he most successful skipper Made his Test debut against New announced yesterday, ending months of yesterday announced that Zealand in 2001, scoring 28 and 10 pitch in new speculation over his future. he will retire after the in Auckland. P"The series against the West Indies is my last upcoming Test musical innings series," the 42-year-old told reporters at the Gadd- series against the He went on to play 72 Tests for Paki- afi Stadium in Lahore, adding that he had been no West Indies. stan and scored 4951 runs with a New Delhi pressure to retire. 45-plus average, hitting 10 centuries "I am satisfied," he said. AFP and 36 fifties. Since taking over the captaincy in the wake of an international spot-fixing scandal in 2010, egendary Indian batsman Sachin Misbah -- who is currently the oldest inter- He was appointed as Test captain Tendulkar (pictured above) is mak- national cricketer -- has led Pakistan in 53 ahead of two-test series against Ling his name on a pitch of a different Tests, winning 24, losing 18 and drawing 11. South Africa at Abu Dhabi in 2010 kind -- hitting all the right notes in his He also briefly led his team to world after predecessor Salman Butt was singing debut. number one Test rankings last year, suspended and later jailed on spot- The cricketing icon has released his despite playing no matches at home due fixing charges. first single "Cricket Wali Beat" (The to concerns over security. Cricket Beat), with fans celebrating the The feat earned him widespread musical breakthrough from "the voice of acclaim throughout the cricketing world. He is also Pakistan's most successful God". Earlier this year, coach Mickey Arthur Test captain, having led the side to 24 The music video, which premiered described Misbah as "integral" to the Pakistan wins in 53 matches. Pakistan, for the on the finale of India's version of "Amer- side. first time, also occupied top test rank- ican Idol", shows the 43-year-old cricket But the veteran has long been expected to call ings last year under his captaincy. superstar singing the upbeat Hindi time on his illustrious career, with former Pakistan number in a recording studio. cricket heavyweights demanding he step down in Jan- The track was recorded with Bolly- uary after a 3-0 rout in Australia. The top order batsman also played wood singer Sonu Nigam, who praised It was Pakistan's fourth consecutive 3-0 white- 162 One-day internationals and 39 Tendulkar for his singing prowess. wash in Australia since 1999, and their 12th straight Twenty20 internationals before re- "He is a very good singer. We did not defeat. tiring from the limited-over formats use a pitch corrector on his voice, as he "I think Misbah's time is up," former captain turned after the 2015 ODI World Cup in was singing in the right tone," Nigam was commentator Ramiz Raja told AFP at the time. Australia and New Zealand. quoted as saying in local media reports. "Opponents know about his strategies and Misbah His gushing fans agreed, sending the has spent that in a glorious way. He has played his tune viral with more than two million innings well to become Pakistan's most successful skip- Scored an unbeaten 161 against In- views on his official YouTube channel. per," he added. dia in 2007 at Kolkata to save the "It's been a pleasure to have a song in After the loss, Misbah said he would take his time follow-on and draw the test match. god's own voice #cricketwalibeat," wrote to decide on the future -- reversing an earlier Twitter user Jitendra Sen. announcement that he would quit, which he said was He was named one of Wisden's five Tendulkar thanked his supporters for triggered by frustration. Cricketers of the Year on Wednesday backing the song, in which he reels off "My cricket journey was very good," he said Thurs- along with compatriot Younis Khan his favourite shots over footage of him day, though he said he wished he could have played and English trio Ben Duckett, Chris smashing runs for India. a series against arch-rivals India. Woakes and Toby Roland-Jones. "Thanks for all the love guys! #Crick- "There were many hardships in my career but for etWaliBeat got 1 Million views in less than now I am focusing on the present situation. 24 hrs. Keep it coming," he posted on He recorded a 56-ball hundred "The series against West Indies is a good oppor- Twitter. tunity to bring the team back on the winning track. against Australia in 2014 -- then the He follows a long line of retired crick- The last six Test matches do not reflect the abilities of joint fastest hundred in Tests, shar- eters trying their hand at music. our team." ing the record with Viv Richards. West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Misbah will lead Pakistan in the Tests, the first of Bravo timed the release of his hit single which starts in Jamaica on April 21, the second in Bar- He registered 10 test series wins as a "Champion" with the 2016 World bados on April 30 and the third in Dominica on May captain, which is the most by an Twenty20 tournament, which exploded 10. Asian skipper. The next best among up the charts when the Caribbean side The series has also seen selectors introduce fresh Pakistan captains is eight by Javed went on to win the trophy. blood in the form of young leg-spinner Shadab Khan, Miandad. Australian speed bowler Brett Lee also 18, who rose to prominence in the second edition of made huge waves in India with his duet the Pakistan Super League in February-March. alongside Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle

Captain Bangladesh crush SL Richards blames 'arrogant' Smith stars to level T20 series as Pune win Colombo Chamara Kapugedara West Indies board for decline AFP struck highest 50 runs for IANS Sri Lanka, facing 35 balls. Mumbai "Most of the guys played there angladesh beat Sri Bangladesh's win Reuters when they first started out, that's ising Pune Super- Lanka by 45 runs in spoiled a brilliant hat-trick what they wanted to do. But when giants rode on Bthe second by the home side's veteran atting great Viv Richards has you get an administration who Rsuperb batting by Twenty20 international to fast bowler Lasith Malinga, slammed "arrogant" Carib- thinks that they are the most impor- captain Steven Smith and finish the two-match who finished with 3-34 Bbean administrators for tant entity where West Indies cricket Ajinkya Rahane to defeat series with a draw in runs. thinking they are as important as is concerned, they better wake up." Mumbai Indians by Colombo yesterday. Shakib made highest players and has laid the blame for The 65-year-old, the most seven wickets in the sec- Mustafizur Rahman 38 runs for Bangladesh the decline of West Indies cricket destructive batsman of his era, hit ond game of the 2017 claimed 4-21 while Shakib while openers Imrul Kayes firmly at their door. 24 hundreds in 121 Tests in the glory Indian Premier League Al Hasan bagged 3-24 as and Soumya Sarkar West Indies were world beat- days of Caribbean cricket. (IPL) at the Maharashtra Bangladesh dismissed Sri chipped in with 36 and 34 ers in the 1970s and 1980s when He thinks the current situation Cricket Association Sta- Lanka for 131 runs in 18 runs respectively. Richards was in his pomp but are might not be terminal if former dium here on Thursday. overs after scoring 176-9 Sri Lanka won the first no longer among the top sides in players can be brought back into Chasing a target of at R. Premadasa match by six wickets on the Test and 50-over formats. Sir Viv Richards the fold. 185, Pune crossed the line Stadium. Tuesday. They have failed to qualify for "I am one of those individuals with just one ball to spare. June's Champions Trophy, where some of these administrators think that never says never," Richards Rahane scored 60 SCOREBOARD the top eight one-day international they are as important as the play- said. "I believe if we start having a runs off 34 balls with six sides will compete, and also risk ers on the field. They are not." little bit more respect for the indi- BANGLADESH SRI LANKA boundaries and three hits Imrul Kayes (run out) ...... 36 K Perera b Shakib ...... 4 missing out on an automatic berth The top seven teams and hosts viduals who would have helped the into the stands. Smith Soumya Sarkar c&b Gunaratne ...... 34 D Munaweera c Mahmudullah b Shakib ...... 4 for the 2019 World Cup. From England have direct berths at the administrators into that adminis- remained unbeaten on 84 Sabbir Rahman b Sanjaya ...... 19 U Tharanga c Mehedi b Mahmudullah ...... 23 today, West Indies host Pakistan in 2019 World Cup with the cut-off trative position. runs off a mere 54 deliv- S Al Hasan b Kulasekara ...... 38 C Kapugedara c Mehedi b Mustafizur ...... 50 a three-ODI series that could prove date being the end of September. "You have a Michael Holding, eries. His innings included Mosaddek Hossain b Perera ...... 17 A Gunaratne c Mosaddek b Mustafizur ...... 0 crucial to their hopes of an auto- West Indies are currently ranked who refuses to be part of cricket in seven boundaries and Mahmudullah (not out) ...... 4 M Siriwardana c Soumya b Mustafizur ...... 0 matic World Cup berth but most of ninth and risk having to play the the region because of the behav- three sixes. Mushfiqur Rahim b Malinga...... 15 T Perera c Mushfiqur b Shakib ...... 27 their best players will be taking part qualifiers. A number of high-pro- iour of members at the Mashrafe Mortaza b Malinga ...... 0 S Prasanna b Mashrafe ...... 11 Mumbai Indians: 184/8 (Jos in the Indian Premier League (IPL). file players have declined the West administrative level. Butler 38, Nitish Rana 34, Mehedi Hasan lbw Malinga ...... 0 N Kulasekara (not out) ...... 2 Mohammad Saifuddin (run out) ...... 6 L Malinga b Mustafizur ...... 0 "When you have an arrogant Indies Cricket Board's (WICB) cen- "It hurts because we are the Kieron Pollard 27, Hardik Pan- Extras (LB-2, W-5) ...... 7 V Sanjaya c Mahmudullah b Saifuddin ...... 6 administrative unit, guys are going tral contract in the last few years, ones that are the trailblazers, not dya 35 n.o.; Imran Tahir 3 for Total (for 9 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 176 Extras (LB-2, W-2) ...... 4 to pick and choose," Richards told plying their trade in T20 tourna- the ones who have come on the 28, Rajat Bhatia 2 for 14) Fall of wickets: 1-71, 2-78, 3-124, 4-139, Total (all out in 18 overs) ...... 131 ESPNcricinfo in an interview. ments across the globe. scene at present wanting to be Rising Pune Supergiant: 5-152, 6-169, 7-169, 8-169, 9-176. Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-19, 3-40, 4-40, 5-40, "We must remember that many "I think it is a bigger issue than administrators. We are the ones 187/3 (Ajinkya Rahane 60, Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman. 6-98, 7-119, 8-123, 9-124, 10-131. of the players come from humble about the guys playing in our who made it attractive enough for

Steven Smith 84 n.o., Ben Bowling: Malinga 4-0-34-3; Kulasekara 4-0-30-0; Bowling: Shakib 4-0-24-3 (w1); Mashrafe 4-0-

Munaweera 2-0-22-0; Sanjaya 3-0-32-1; Gunaratne 30-1; Mehedi 2-0-15-0; Mahmudullah 2-0-15-1; backgrounds. domestic competition," Richards them to administer and they have Stokes 21) 2-0-15-1; Prasanna 2-0-17-0; T Perera 3-0-24-1. Mustafizur 3-0-21-4 (w1); Saifuddin 3-0-24-1. "I have no qualms in saying this, added. done a lousy job." FRIDAY 7 APRIL 2017 SPORT 19 King James leads Cavaliers' romp

Los Angeles a useful psychological edge over NBA RESULTS purpose, more pace. Again, you AFP the Celtics as the two teams gear name it, they won it," added the LA Clippers 112 Dallas 101 up for the postseason. coach. Golden State 120 Phoenix 111 eBron James scored 36 "We played Cavs basketball In Memphis, Russell West- LA Lakers 102 San Antonio 95 points as the Cleveland Cav- tonight. When we do that, we're brook inspired the Oklahoma City O' City 103 Memphis 100 Laliers pounded rivals Boston a pretty good team," said James, Houston 110 Denver 104 Thunder to a 103-100 win over to regain control of the Eastern who finished just four assists shy Cleveland 114 Boston 91 the Grizzlies with a 45-point dis-

Conference on Wednesday as of what would have been a third Toronto 105 Detroit 102 play, but was left just one rebound Russell Westbrook's bid for NBA straight triple-double. Miami 112 Charlotte 99 short of setting a new single-sea- history was delayed. All of Cleveland's heavy hit- son triple-double record. The titanic battle between ters delivered performances to Westbrook, who had equaled Cleveland and Boston – neck and silence the home crowd in Bos- cushion at halftime. Another Oscar Robertson's 1961-62 sea- neck at the top of the conference ton. Kevin Love finished with 15 one-sided quarter in the third son record of 41 triple-doubles on – never materialized as a fired- points and 16 rebounds while saw Cleveland race away to lead Monday, finished the night with up Cavs roared to a 114-91 rout Kyrie Irving chipped in with 19 90-66 with the Celtics power- 45 points, 10 assists and nine against a shellshocked Celtics. points. less to halt the slide. rebounds. The win completed a 3-1 sea- "Obviously, we'd like to finish Isaiah Thomas led Boston's A triple-double is the achieve- son series for Cleveland over the first in the East and have home scorers with 26 points. ment of double-digit totals in Celtics, meaning the Cavs would court," Love said. "You name it, they were bet- three of the five key statistical cat- win the head-to-head tiebreaker A second half points spree ter in every category and made it egories -- points, assists, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James slam dunks in the event of the two teams fin- proved to be the foundation of really tough on us," Boston coach rebounds, blocks and steals -- and during the second half of NBA game against the Orlando ishing regular season level. the Cavs success, with 38 points Brad Stevens said. is regarded as a barometer of all- Magic at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday. The victory also gives the Cavs helping ensure a 15-point "They played with more round versatility. Aces wild as Kyrgios draws Masters showdown starts with Johnson Isner in Davis Cup battle still uncertain Sydney John Isner Nick Kyrgios Reuters Augusta AFP barrage of aces can be expected in the orld number one second rubber of Dustin Johnson Australia's Davis Cup W(pictured) was quarter-final against uncertain to play as the 81st theA United States in Brisbane Masters began yesterday, today after Nick Kyrgios was swirling winds adding a new drawn to play John Isner in twist to an epic showdown at singles. Augusta National. Australian Kyrgios, who has Northern Ireland's sec- beaten Novak Djokovic twice ond-ranked Rory McIlroy and taken Roger Federer close could be the man who ben- over the last month on the back efits most if Johnson, complete a career grand slam of some brilliant serving, is tied scheduled for an afternoon at Augusta and hoping to for third place with the tall tee-off, eventually decides to make amends for a Sunday American on the ATP leader- of Thommo's match and I think cope after winning both his sin- withdraw after hurting his back-nine disaster that cost board with 218 aces this it's a good match up with him gles matches in the first round back in a fall at his rented him the title in 2011. season. against Sock." tie against the Czech Republic. house on the eve of the American Daniel Sum- The clash between world Another Australian big "The positive is that Jordan tournament. merhays struck the first number 16 Kyrgios and the 23rd server, Sam Groth, will team up I'm looking has been in this situation before," Australian world number tee-shot on hole number one, ranked Isner will follow Jack with John Peers to take on Sam forward to getting captain Lleyton Hewitt said. three Jason Day is also among the par-4, 445-yard dogleg Sock's first meeting with Querrey, who is no slouch in the "It's going to be two tough the top rivals expected to know as the Tea Olive, at 8 22-year-old Australian Jordan service department, and Steve back here and matches tomorrow but we'll be challenge for the title along am to launch the tournament Thompson on the hardcourt of Johnson in tomorrow's doubles having some home up for the challenge." with 2015 Masters champion on a course rain-soaked from the Pat Rafter Arena. before the reverse singles on support. I feel Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic Jordan Spieth. overnight thunderstorms. "I'm looking forward to get- Sunday. will come up against Albert Johnson suffered a seri- Cold and windy condi- ting back here and having some The two countries have 60 comfortable Ramos-Vinolas in the opening ous fall on a stairway, tions, with gusts of up to 40 home support," said Kyrgios, Davis Cup titles between them playing second: singles rubber of the Davis Cup according to his agent, but is mph (65kph), were expected who had to deal with a hostile but Australia have not won since Nick Kyrgios quarter-final between Serbia still hoping to take part in the to play havoc with the crowd when he lost to Federer they bagged their 28th crown in and Spain in Belgrade. tournament. world's greatest shotmakers in Miami last week. 2003, while the US snared their The world number two is He was expected to visit for the first two days of the "I feel comfortable playing 32nd a decade ago. making his return from an elbow the PGA Tour's medical 72-hole showdown. second. I'll be out there for some Isner has a 2-1 record against injury and is looking for a boost trailer Thursday morning for Spieth says it will take Kyrgios after beating the after a poor start to the season. possible X-rays or an MRI time to sort out strategy. LAST 8 TIES 21-year-old in their first two In-form Sock, the highest Spain are without Rafa exam on his lower back. "It's going to take a good meetings at the Canadian and ranked player in the tie at world Nadal, who opted to miss a tie The world number one is five six holes, I think, before   Madrid Masters tournaments in number 15, will be going into the to be played on hardcourt in the odds-on favorite for the we really understand what   2015 before losing in two tight unknown all weekend as he has favour of focusing on his prep- Masters after winning three this golf course is going to    sets in Atlanta last year. never previously faced Kyrgios arations for the start of the events in a row in a faultless give us," he said.    "Right now, a lot of people either. Thompson gets his clay-court season. buildup to the first men's However, the conditions could argue he's playing maybe chance to represent his country Viktor Troicki and Pablo major tournament of the may suit wily campaigner    the best tennis he's ever played," for a second time in the absence Carreno-Busta will clash in the year. But McIlroy, another Phil Mickelson, the five-time     Isner said of Kyrgios. of Bernard Tomic, who declined other singles rubber on Friday. long-hitter like the 32-year- major winner who would   "If our match does go to five to play the tie. The winners of this tie will old Johnson, is seen as a become the oldest Masters

  sets I think it would make for a Australia captain Lleyton go through to a semi-final serious threat. In his ninth champion just two months pretty cool atmosphere out there Hewitt was confident the world against either France or Great Masters, he is seeking to shy of his 47th birthday. at the very least." number 79 would be able to Britain. Al Qassimi bags win after Al Attiyah crashes out in final stage

The Peninsula avoid taking any risks to win the ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE (CAR RESULTS) Meanwhile, a fascinating tus- win from Al-Shegawi and Man- car category for the third time sle ensued for supremacy in the soor Al-Helai. bu Dhabi Racing’s Sheikh and give Toyota a second win. 1. Al Qassimi (ARE)/Khaled Al-Kendi (ARE) Peugeot 3008 DKR 2hr 46min 23sec motorcycle and quad Dutchman Kees Koolen won Khalid Al Qassimi, Dubai- But the Qatari got caught out 2. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Jan Tomanek (CZE) Ford F-150 Evo 2hr 53min 44sec categories. the day’s stage in the quads but, Abased Briton Sam on a fast section of track before 3. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek (SLO) Hummer H3 Evo III 2hr 57min 02sec Honda’s Paulo Gonçalves when Guatamala’s Rodolfo Sunderland and Kuwait’s Fahad the first passage control and 4. Eugenio Amos (ITA)/Rafael (ESP) Buggy 2WD 3hr 01min 50sec began the last stage with a lead Schippers – who began the day Al-Musallam secured overall vic- launched the Toyota into a heavy of 33.8 seconds, but starting with a lead of 1min 43.3sec –

tories after the final dramatic roll. T 5. Yayha Al-Helai (ARE)/Nasser (QAT) Nissan Pick-Up 3hr 14min 18sec order is crucial in this form of stopped with mechanical issues Abu Dhabi Aviation-sponsored he crew frantically tried to 6. Mark Powell (GBR)/Quin Evans (GBR) Fast & Speed Buggy 3hr 21min 37sec cross-country rallying and Dakar it opened the door for Kuwait’s stage of 219.76km at the Abu make repairs and began to crawl champion Sam Sunderland Fahad Al-Musallam to claim a Dhabi Desert Challenge through the stage to the first delivered a stunning ride on his memorable win on his Yamaha yesterday. checkpoint, but it was to no avail Their determination was on an FIA World Cup round for Red Bull KTM 450 Rally to seal Raptor 700 R. Former leader Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Atti- and it opened the door for Al- duly rewarded with a superb vic- an Emirati in 27 years," he said. the stage win and earn his first Kamil Wisniewski of Poland fin- yah appeared to be cruising to Qassimi to snatch a sensational tory that gives the Abu Dhabi "This event has been in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge ished third. victory in the cars until he rolled victory. driver a 33-point lead in the FIA series for 25 years and this is also victory. “I cannot quite believe it his Overdrive Racing Toyota On the other hand, Al Qas- World Cup for Cross-Country a first for an Emirati. I don’t want T2 became a battle ground honestly. It feels like a dream," Hilux heavily before the open- simi and navigator Khalid Al Rallies after three rounds. to be so greedy. I am still learn- between Ahmed Al-Shegawi and Al-Musallam said. ing passage control. Kendi had put their previous A delighted Al-Qassimi will ing and for me every day is a Yasir Saiedan after earlier delays "I guess I will wake up and Despite continuing for a day’s troubles behind them and take many positives from his learning curve. This is only my for Abu Dhabi’s Emil Khneisser realise this achievement. I was short while after a long delay, he were pushing hard to the finish debut in the Abu Dhabi Racing fourth or fifth cross-country. I and Qatar’s Adel Abdulla. Al- trying to chase Rodolfo (Schip- retired the damaged car at PC1. and keeping the pressure on Peugeot 3008 DKR. am pushing myself to a good Shegawi was delayed on the last pers). The goal was to finish each Al Attiyah just needed to their rivals. “I think this is the first win level," he added. stage and Saiedan claimed the stage and then to push."