CRICKET | Page 4 Pakistan’s Abid wants World Cup advice from Sachin

Monday, April 22, 2019 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 17, 1440 AH PSG bag another GULF TIMES Ligue 1 title but Euro failure hurts SPORT Page 2

ASIAN ATHLETICS Lyu and Gong give China a golden double in Doha Ernest John Obeina of the Philippines breaks the 26-year-old championships record in the men’s pole vault for gold

By Mikhil Bhat contingent when Dutee Chand Doha ran a personal best and a na- tional record 11.28 to qualify for the semi-fi nals in the women’s ominant displays by 100m. “I am not surprised with Lyu Huihui and Gong the national record. I can go even Lijiao in the women’s faster, the target is 11.20,” Chand javelin and shot put said after the heats. respectivelyD gave China a head- Avinash Mukund Sable won start as they attempt to reclaim India’s second silver on the day their top spot at the Asian Ath- when he fi nished runner-up to letics Championships as the Bahrain’s John Kibet Koech in 23rd edition of the event got un- the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, derway to a cracking start at the while Japan’s Kazuya Shiojiri Khalifa International Stadium in was third. Doha yesterday. Qatar’s Yaser Bagharab, silver The championships began in winner at the last edition in Bhu- the presence of Qatar Olympic baneswar, India, in 2017, had to Committee fi rst vice-president settle for fi fth, behind 2017 gold Sheikh Saud bin Ali al-Thani, winner Hossein Keyhani of Iran. Asian Athletics Association Iran’s Ehsan Hadadi broke president and IAAF vice-pres- his 12-year-old championship ident Dahlan al-Hamad, Qatar record with his fi nal attempt in Athletics Federation president the men’s discus throw landing and QOC second vice-president at 65.95m. Dr Thani al-Kuwari, QOC secre- Compatriot Behnam Shrija- tary-general Jassim al-Buenain, bilou was the only other athlete and other offi cials. to land the discus past the 60m China had missed out on the mark, and he took home silver top spot at the last edition in Lyu Huihui of China (C), Annu Rani of India (R), and Natta Nachan of Thailand (L), celebrate winning first, for that, while Jordanian Musab 2017 to event hosts India, but the second, and third place respectively in the women’s javelin throw during the 23rd Asian Athletics Momani threw his season best two-time World Championships Championships at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil and 58.27 for bronze. medallist Huihui put them one agencies “That was my sixth medal at up early in the evening session this competition, and I am still on the fi rst day yesterday. waiting for the one who will suc- Lyu started the javelin com- YESTERDAY’S RESULTS (All Finals) ceed me in Asia,” a confi dent Ha- petition with a bang, beating dadi beamed. “Maybe my fellow the championship record of Women Men 3. Murli Gavit, India compatriot Behnam Shrijabil- 63.06m with 64.92m, and then Javelin Throw Pole Vault TODAY’S Schedule (all ou.” He added: “My main goals stamping her authority with a 1. Lyu Huihui, China 1. Ernest John Obeina, Philip- FINALS) are the World Championships second eff ort of 65.83m to take 2. Annu Rani, India pines 5:03pm Javelin Throw (Men) Ernest John Obeina of the Philippines competes on way to winning here in Doha and the Olympic gold. India’s Annu Rani clinched 3. Natta Nachan, Thailand 2. Zhang Wei, China 5:10pm 400m Hurdles the gold in the men’s pole vault. Games in Tokyo. I am not that the silver with her fi rst eff ort of 400m 1. Salwa Nasser, Bahrain 3. Huang Bokai, China (Women) young anymore, I am 34, so I take 60.22m, while Thailand’s Nattan 2. Elina Mikhina, Kazakhstan Discus Throw 5:17pm Triple Jump (Men) past the 19m mark, winning with (15:28.87) and runner-up Bontu step by step, no rush.” Nachan was third with 56.01m. 3. Poovamma Raju, India 1. Ehsan Hadadi, Iran 5:20pm 400m Hurdles (Men) her second eff ort of 19.18m. Rebitu (15:29.60) – but fell back He also gave a massive “It has been a fantastic sea- 5,000m 2. Behnam Shrijabilou, Iran 6:15pm 400m (Men) Bahrain’s Noora Jasim won in the later stages. thumbs-up to the state-of-the- son for me so far, with a new 1. Winfred Mutile Yavi, Bahrain 3. Musab Momani, Jordan 6:28pm 800m (Women) silver with an 18m eff ort, while The morning session had art venue, saying, “Khalifa sta- Area record and now today with 2. Bontu Rebitu, Bahrain 3,000m Steeplechase 6:46pm Shot Put (Men) Gong’s compatriot Song Jiayuan seen India’s World U20 reigning dium is so cool with this cooling a new Championships’ record. 3. Parul Chaudhary, India 1. John Kibet Koech, Bahrain 7:06pm 800m (Men) took home the bronze with 17.70. champion Hima Das pull out of system.” Qatar’s Moaaz Moham- I worked hard during winters Shot Put 2. Avinash Mukund Sable, India 7:15pm Hammer Throw Moments before Rani won the women’s 400m fi rst round ed Ibrahim threw a 57.44 for fi fth and changed a basic element of 1. Gong Lijiao, China 3. Kazuya Shiojiri, Japan (Women) her silver, Parul Chaudhary gave heat. The 19-year-old did not place. my technique regarding my fi nal 2. Noora Jasim, Bahrain 10,000m 7:26pm Long Jump (Women) India their fi rst medal of the fi nish the heat in the fi rst session Ernest John Obeina of the step. After two medals at World 3. Song Jiayuan, China 1. Dawit Fikadu, Bahrain 8:05pm 100m (Women) championships, winning bronze yesterday, owing to back spasms, Philippines broke the 26-year- Championships, a gold and a 2. Hassan Chani, Bahrain 8:20pm 100m (Men) in the women’s 5,000m, with a something that has been called old championship record in the silver, I believe I am ready to personal best time of 15:36.03. “nothing serious” in the team’s men’s pole vault for a well-de- win the gold here in Doha in this Chaudhary ran a steady race statement. Das was also sched- served gold. marvellous stadium,” Lyu said beating compatriot Sanjivani uled to take part in the 4x400m Obeina was the only one to after the win. Baburao Jadhav, who had ear- relay, besides the mixed relay. clear 5.71m, beating the 1993 There was no stopping Gong, Athletics Championships with a en’s shot put, her fi rst appear- in 10 years. The reigning World lier kept pace with two Bahrainis The morning session, howev- record of 5.70m by Grigoriy who prepped for the IAAF World dominant display in the wom- ance at the Asian championships Champion was the only one to go – winner Winfred Mutile Yavi er, ended on a high for the Indian Yegoriv of Kazakhstan.

BOTTMLINE Samba, Ogunode sail through in qualifying

By Mikhil Bhat He added: “I didn’t want to spend too much in a time of 10.74 seconds for his place in the Doha energy; wanted to keep some for tomorrow. I semi-fi nals. am working good. This is my fi rst 400m hur- “This is just a qualifying time. We will see in dles run in competition this year, and tomor- the semi-fi nal. You just have to go as the race osts Qatar had a good day in offi ce on row I am only going for the medal, and I will fl ows and take it as it comes,” Ogunode said. the fi rst day of the Asian Athletics have to run fast to win that.” Al-Mamari, running in his fi rst senior com- Championships with seven of their Hemeida, who had won silver at last year’s petition, said, “It was a hard run. It is great athletes going a step closer to the po- World U20 Championships in Tampere, Flor- that I qualifi ed. I wish to do better in the semi- Hdium in the track events at the Khalifa Interna- ida, was looking forward to today’s fi nal. “It is fi nals. I am hoping to go to the fi nal.” tional Stadium yesterday. a diff erent feeling because it is my first senior After making through the fi rst round heats Mighty Abderrahman Samba almost strolled competition. Other athletes are very strong. I in the morning comfortably, Abubaker Haydar the last few metres of his 400m hurdles heat feel good, and Insha Allah tomorrow, I will do Abdalla, Abdirahman Saeed Hassan and Jamal yesterday to top the charts with a time of 49.57 my best,” he said. Hairane also clinched their spot in today’s seconds. The men’s 100m sprint saw Tosin Ogunode men’s 800m fi nal. Compatriot Bassem Hemeida also qualifi ed and Jaber al-Mamari qualifying for today’s Abdalla ran the fastest time of 1:49.62 in the for today evening’s fi nal, fi nishing third be- semi-fi nal. Ogunode, whose brother Femi semi-fi nals last evening at the comfortably- hind Samba in a time of 49.98 seconds. Abderrahman Samba (R) of Qatar holds the championship record of 9.91 sec- cooled Khalifa International Stadium. “The plan for today was to push until the and Lim Chanho (L) of South Korea onds, fi nished just behind Bahrain’s Andrew Hassan was fi fth fastest with a time of fi fth hurdle, and then relax and fi nish the job. compete in the 400m men’s hurdles Fisher in the fi rst heat, posting a time of 10.22 1:50.50, while Hairane, who had won silver at The fi nal will be a diff erent race,” Samba said heats yesterday. seconds. the last edition in Bhubaneswar, India, was after the race. The fi nal heat saw al-Mamari fi nish fourth seventh fastest in 1:50.73. Gulf Times 2 Monday, April 22, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT PSG bag another Ligue 1 title but European shortcomings will haunt them Reuters Ivory Coast striker having plun- the quarter-fi nals of Europe’s it won’t. I’d like that when I say Paris dered 19 goals and set up 11 this elite club competition since 1995. something, they’d listen more.” term. In the last three seasons they Tuchel and the PSG manage- He is, however, far off the pace have gone out in the last 16 af- ment also failed to resolve Adrien aris St Germain may have set by league top scorer Kylian ter squandering a four-goal lead Rabiot’s situation, with the gift- clinched their long-ex- Mbappe who has found the back against Barcelona in 2017 and a ed midfi elder being left out of the pected sixth Ligue 1 title of the net 27 times. two-goal away advantage against squad for most of the season over in the last seven seasons Usual contenders Olympique Manchester United this year. a contractual dispute. Pbut that triumph cannot mask Lyonnais and AS Monaco have German coach Thomas Tuchel, With Blaise Matuidi having the French club’s shortcomings also been unable to compete with who replaced Unai Emery this departed for Juventus in 2017, on the European stage where re- PSG’s fi nancial clout. season, also could not manage a Tuchel has often had to play Mar- sults have failed to match their The principality club sacked domestic treble which the Span- quinhos alongside Marco Verratti huge investment. coach Leonardo Jardim after a iard and France World Cup-win- in midfi eld, although the Brazil- Even the prospect of another diffi cult start to the season and ner Laurent Blanc achieved. ian is probably his best central domestic double — PSG play Sta- replaced him with their former PSG can argue that bad luck defender and PSG have suff ered de Rennes in the French Cup fi nal player Thierry Henry but he struck as Neymar suff ered a foot by conceding some soft goals. next Saturday — cannot soothe failed to revive them and was injury before the Champions It was Marquinhos’s deputy, the pain felt by fans at seeing ousted as they recalled the Por- League knockout phase but like Presnel Kimpembe, who handled their galacticos team again fall at tuguese midway through the last year they have not addressed the ball to give United a last-gasp the last 16 hurdle in the Champi- season. several weaknesses including the penalty at the Parc des Princes ons League. Monaco are hoping to avoid need to develop a winning men- last month that ended the Cham- On the domestic front, their fi - relegation while at the other end tality. Just ask Dani Alves. pions League campaign. nancial power helped them once of the table Lyon, who are third, “I know how to win,” Brazil Tuchel also failed to appoint again crush the opposition as have had a see-saw season with fullback Alves, who won three a clear number one goalkeeper, they have so far scored 92 goals Memphis Depay unable to live Champions League titles at Bar- with French international Al- and conceded 26, losing three up to the hype surrounding the celona, said this week. phonse Areola and Italian great Ligue 1 games this season. Dutch forward — just like PSG File photo of PSG players celebrating a goal this season. “When someone has been Gianluigi Buff on swapping roles Lagging far behind, second- in their Champions League there, maybe it’s good to listen throughout the season, likely placed Lille have benefi ted from quest. on players since Qatar Sports In- in 2011, including the likes of Edinson Cavani, Neymar and to them, rely on their experi- preventing either of them to get Nicolas Pepe’s scoring form, the Having spent over 1bn euros vestment (QSI) took over the club Thiago Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mbappe, PSG have not got past ence. Maybe it will work, maybe into their groove.

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW Kante warns Chelsea to curb Liverpool lead second half slumps

AFP London and something we need to man- age a bit better. But we still have to work on that.” ’Golo Kante has warned Chelsea are chasing a top four again as Man Utd, Chelsea to cut out their fi nish, but if they fall short, win- sloppy second halfs as ning the Europa League would the Blues look to boost off er a secondary route into the Ntheir bid to fi nish in the Premier Champions League. League’s top four against Burnley And Kante believes complet- today. ing that Europa League mission Maurizio Sarri’s side advanced would turn Chelsea’s turbulent to the Europa League semi-fi nals fi rst season under Sarri’s leader- Arsenal falter on Thursday with a 4-3 win over ship into a success. Slavia Prague. “We can make the season United were thrashed 4-0 at Everton to continue a miserable run of defeats But what should have been a beautiful by winning the Europa stroll into the last four after the League,” Kante said. AFP hosts raced into a 4-1 half-time “That’s the only title we can London lead ended up as a tense fi nish win now, so it would be great to when Chelsea let Slavia score win the Europa League. twice early in the second half. “I think at the beginning of iverpool moved back top It is not the fi rst time Chelsea the game it was a good feeling to of the Premier League have shown a lack of concentra- score three goals like this. The with a 2-0 win at Cardiff , tion after the interval this term, most important thing was to but Manchester United with Liverpool scoring twice in qualify. Land Arsenal did little for their the second half to beat them 2-0 “We’ll go into the semi-fi nal chances of Champions League just days earlier. with confi dence and we hope to qualifi cation for next season in Everton did exactly the same in qualify for the fi nal.” shock defeats to Everton and another Chelsea defeat in March Chelsea playmaker Eden Haz- Crystal Palace respectively yes- and France midfi elder Kante ad- ard should be fi t in time for the terday. mits his team can’t aff ord to con- Burnley clash after coming off United were thrashed 4-0 at tinue that alarming trend if they against Slavia with a second half Everton to continue a miserable are to qualify for next season’s knock. run of six defeats from their last Champions League via a top four Blues defender Antonio Rudi- eight games. fi nish. ger is expected to miss out again Arsenal remain fourth, but Fifth-placed Chelsea are be- due to a knee issue. failed to open up a fi ve-point hind fourth placed Arsenal on Burnley head to the Bridge lead over United as Crystal Pal- goal diff erence, leaving the west with their Premier League safe- ace became the fi rst visiting side Londoners with no margin for ty almost secured and Clarets to win at the Emirates in the error when Burnley visit Stam- boss Sean Dyche is intrigued to Premier League since Manches- ford Bridge. see how teenage winger Dwight ter City on the opening weekend That gap will extend to three O’Neil copes with his growing of the campaign with an impres- points if Arsenal beat Crystal reputation. sive 3-2 victory. Palace on Sunday, while sixth O’Neil has been linked with Liverpool suff ered no such placed Manchester United could Arsenal, Everton and Newcas- slip ups to move two points also leapfrog the Blues if they tle after playing a key role in ahead of Manchester City, who win at Everton on Sunday. Burnley’s climb away from the still have a game in hand, at the Chelsea’s target is to climb relegation zone. top. above third-placed Tottenham, “He’s certainly in a balanced Jurgen Klopp’s men have now who are just one point above environment here, where I can’t won their last nine games in all them and lost to Manchester City see him running away with any competitions, to also set up a on Saturday. outside noise,” Dyche said. Champions League semi-fi nal Insisting Chelsea are work- “He seems to be quite steady against Barcelona. ing to resolve those second half and enjoying his football. That’s But in keeping with recent Liverpool’s James Milner scores their second goal from the penalty spot against Cardiff yesterday. shortcomings, Kante said: “It’s what I want him to do, play with weeks, Klopp could not relax just something that has hap- a smile on his face and enjoy the until late on as Roberto Firmino pened many times this season challenge.” and Mohamed Salah missed big chances to give the visitors a Solskjaer sorry aft er ‘unworthy’ United slump to Everton fi rst-half lead. Liverpool: Manchester United The former United striker added: want to be in there. was rancid.” FOCUS Georginio Wijnaldum fi nally manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “Everton were better than us at “We can turn it around, in foot- Everton, who had not beaten broke the deadlock in emphatic apologised to the club’s support- all the basics. There are so many ball like in life things can change a ‘big six’ rival in 25 attempts fashion with a thumping fi nish ers for an “unworthy” 4-0 loss things that we need to do better quickly. We have got to change it before last month, have now from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s away to Everton yesterday that to get a result. Talent has never from bad to good.” won consecutive home matches ‘Outstanding’ Van corner just before the hour did fresh damage to their hopes been enough. Gary Neville, a former United against Chelsea, Arsenal and mark. of Champions League football “We just didn’t perform. That team-mate of Solskjaer has long United while keeping three clean Liverpool had to survive one next season. was not worthy of a Manchester been critical of the club’s hierar- sheets in the process. Dijk deserves PFA major scare when Cardiff cap- Goals from Richarlison, Gylfi United team. We hold our hands chy for the way in which a suc- “Delighted with the players, it’s tain Sean Morrison failed to Sigurdsson, Lucas Digne and up and apologise to everyone cession of managers have come important to remind you what connect with his head when it Theo Walcott inflicted United’s associated with the club. We and gone since Alex Ferguson we did in the last four home award, says Klopp seemed harder to miss with the sixth defeat in eight games in all have a perfect chance to make retired in 2013. games — we’re on a fantastic goal at his mercy 26 minutes competitions, with the lacklustre amends on Wednesday (against He did not spare the “rancid” run,” said Everton manager Reuters title in 29 years. from time. manner of this latest reverse a Manchester City).” team yesterday. Marco Silva after a win made all London “Would I feel sad if Van Dijk Morrison then compounded cause for concern. But he insisted sixth-placed “The United players, it’s embar- the more impressive after the doesn’t win Player of the Year? his error at the other end when “From the first whistle every- United could transform their rassing watching some of them way his side lost 2-0 at already- For him yes, of course,” he told he grappled with Salah inside thing went wrong,” Solskjaer told fortunes before the end of the out there today,” Neville said. relegated Fulham last weekend. iverpool boss Juergen reporters. the area and referee Martin At- Sky Sports. season. “I’m absolutely furious. Full belief “Our last performance away was Klopp said he would “He’s had an outstanding kinson pointed to the spot, even “I just want to apologise to the “We have been fantastic for long in Ole to do what he needs to not good enough and we must be disappointed if de- season. Will he have deserved though the Egyptian threw him- fans. They’re the only people periods and it’s a tough league do, the club will obviously sup- show something diff erent, we fender Virgil van Dijk it? Of course. It was last season self dramatically to the fl oor. Lmissed out on the Professional when (Manchester City’s) Kevin with the badge on today who to get into the top four, never port him. did,” he added. “We were the James Milner stepped up to can hold their heads high, mind winning the league — there “But there’s a big problem and best team on the pitch from the Footballers’ Association’s (PFA) De Bruyne and (Liverpool’s) Mo bury the resulting penalty and because we can’t.” are six teams there and Everton I have to say that performance first to last minute.” Player of the Year award as he Salah both played unbelievable ensure Liverpool are poised to has had an “outstanding sea- seasons and Mo won it. strike if City stumble. Gylfi Sigurdsson inside the fi rst hold their heads high, because Arsenal wasted a glorious op- blunder allowed Wilfried Zaha son”. “We were happy about that Unfortunately, for Klopp’s 28 minutes gave Everton the we can’t.” portunity to move above north to put Palace back in front be- Dutchman Van Dijk has and not because De Bruyne lost side, United look in no fi t state perfect start. And the Norwegian hinted London rivals Tottenham into fore James McArthur took ad- transformed Liverpool’s de- it, because he would have de- to infl ict the blow on the cham- And they struck twice again that major changes are to come third as after 10 straight home vantage of more woeful Arsenal fence since joining the club served it as well. I think it is the pions they need come the Man- early in the second-half through in the summer whether they league wins, Palace shocked the defending to make it 3-1. from Southampton in Jan. 2018, same again in this case.” chester derby on Wednesday. Lucas Digne and Theo Walcott. reach the Champions League or Emirates with the three points and has been key in the Mersey- Van Dijk is one of the six play- Everton celebrated their big- “From the fi rst whistle eve- not. “We can’t change the whole that guarantees their survival. RESULTS side club keeping 18 clean sheets ers in the running for the award gest win over a shambolic Red rything went wrong,” said Sol- squad, it has to be one step at Christian Benteke’s fi rst goal „Everton 4 Manchester United 0 in the league this season. alongside team mate Sadio Devils since 1984 to move up to skjaer. a time but I said all along, I’m for a year put the Eagles in front „Arsenal 2 Crystal Palace 3 The 27-year-old has missed Mane, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard seventh. “I just want to apologise to going to be successful here and before Mesut Ozil equalised ear- „Cardiff 0 Liverpool 2 just 35 minutes Premier League and Manchester City trio Ra- Richarlison’s acrobatic ef- the fans. They’re the only people there are players who won’t be ly in the second half. Today’s match: action all season as Liverpool heem Sterling, Sergio Aguero fort and a long range eff ort from with the badge on today who can part of that successful team.” However, Shkodran Mustafi ’s Chelsea Burnley 1900 edge closer to a fi rst top division and Bernardo Silva. Gulf Times Monday, April 22, 2019 3 SPORT

LA LIGA ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Dahlan welcomes athletes to Doha Benzema hat-trick ensure an excellent and unprec- By Sports reporter Doha edented experience for guests of the World Championships.” He was all praise for the local sian Athletics As- organising committee. sociation President “The Local Organising Com- Dahlan al-Hamad has mittee has worked side by side welcomed the athletes with the Asian Athletics Associ- helps Real back andA offi cials taking part in the ation over the past few months to Asian Athletics Championships ensure its readiness for a compe- in Doha. tition that is the biggest in Asia Almost 700 athletes from 40 under the umbrella of IAAF. countries are taking part in the “As you must feel now, the event which began yesterday at championships take place under the Khalifa International Sta- ideal conditions thanks to the dium. advanced and ground-breaking to winning ways “It’s with great pleasure that cooling technology that Kha- I welcome the Asian athletics lifa International Stadium pro- family of athletes, coaches, judg- vides, which keeps temperature ‘WE ALL KNOW HOW GOOD KARIM IS AND WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE SIDE’ es, offi cials and media at Khalifa at an optimal 24 degrees all the International Stadium, the host time, helping athletes to per- venue of the 23rd Asian Athlet- form at their best and focus on Reuters rim is and what he brings to the ics Championships that Doha the sporting side away from any Madrid side, whether he’s scoring or hosts for the fi rst time with the disturbances . not,” team mate Marcelo told participation of nearly 700 ath- “We paid attention to the BeIN Sports. letes from 42 Asian countries,” smallest of details and allowed arim Benzema netted a “He’s one of our leaders. I’m Dahlan said during the opening enough time and eff ort so that second-half hat-trick delighted with the goals but I ceremony. the Asian athletics family and as Real Madrid got back know Karim will be more happy “For more than 21 years, Doha athletics fans in Qatar and all to winning ways with a with the fact we have won. We has been organising some of the over Asia would get a unique ex- K3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao really needed a win more than biggest athletics events from perience that lives up to the high in La Liga yesterday simply just scoring goals.” Diamond League rounds to standards that Qatar has become The Frenchman increased He doubled his tally 15 min- Asian Games, IAAF World In- synonymous with after its suc- his tally to 21 league goals this utes from the end, heading in door Championships and all the cessful hosting of previous inter- season — the first time he has Luka Modric’s corner after a way to the IAAF World Athletics national sporting events. achieved the total since 2015- calamitous misjudgement from Championships that Doha hosts “I thank the people of Qa- 16 — and now has 10 goals in Bilbao goalkeeper Iago Herre- in September for the fi rst time tar for being here today to cheer his last seven appearances for rin. ever in the Middle East. on the athletes throughout the the club. Substitute Brahim Diaz went “And today, fi ve months before competition. I also thank ath- Victory left Real, who had close for the home side in the the global showpiece, comes the letics fans from all over Asia and drawn with Leganes in their closing stages before Bale Asian Athletics Championships those who call Qatar home who last outing, in third place on 64 chipped a one-on-one over the as a test event that trials all the fl ocked to support their athletes points. bar. logistic and operational sides to as they aspire for glory.” They are 13 points behind The Welshman made amends leaders Barcelona and four be- moments later, latching onto hind city rivals Atletico. another error from Herre- Zinedine Zidane once again rin, who had rushed out of his left Gareth Bale on the bench, box in an attempt to clear the with Lucas Vazquez and Marco through ball. Asensio supporting Benzema His weak header dropped at in attack. the feet of Bale, who teed up They initially cut frustrated Benzema to complete his hat- figures throughout an opening trick by firing into an empty period of few chances, with the net. Bernabeu crowd voicing their “It’s always tough at the frustration. end of the season when you’re However, the fans were soon not playing for anything. We (Front row left to right) Secretary-general of the Qatar Olympic serenading Benzema two min- need to always get up for these Committee Jassem al-Buainain, Qatar Athletics Association president utes after the break when he games,” Marcelo added. Dr Thani al-Kuwari, first vice-president of QOC Sheikh Saoud bin Ali opened the scoring. “The first-half was tough, al-Thani and Asian Athletics Association president Dahlan al-Hamad Jesus Vallejo produced a bril- but we showed face and we watching the opening ceremony of the Asian Athletics Champion- liant last-ditch tackle on Inaki were much better after the ships in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Williams and Real sprung a break than in the first period.” trademark counter attack, with Bilbao have 46 points and Asensio leading the charge be- stay seventh, three points be- fore centring for Benzema to hind Valencia — who play Real nod in. Betis later on Sunday — in the Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema (R) celebrates next to Luka Modric after scoring his “We all know how good Ka- final Europa League spot. third goal against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid yesterday.

Barca on cusp of La Liga triumph aft er win over Real Sociedad

Madrid: Barcelona are closing champions at Camp Nou while over their semi-final oppo- minutes. now tearing down the home SERIE A in on their eighth La Liga title three points against Alaves nents Liverpool, who seem Lionel Messi might not have straight. in 11 years after Clement Leng- will be enough on its own if to be embroiled in a Premier scored but it was his cute pass It was a surprise when Messi let and Jordi Alba both scored Atletico Madrid then lose to League race to the finish with that teed up the excellent failed to score with two free- in a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad Valencia on Wednesday. Manchester City. Alba to score the winner after kicks in the first half while on Saturday. Wrapping it up early would But this was no stroll, with Lenglet had earlier powered Sociedad could have been in Victory means Barca only allow Barcelona the luxury of Real Sociedad pulling level in a header from Ousmane front but Juanmi was denied have to beat Alaves on focusing completely on the in the second half thanks to Dembele’s cross. Barcelona by Marc-Andre ter Stegen Tuesday and then Levante Champions League, which Juanmi’s equaliser, even if stumbled out of the blocks and Willian Jose spurned the next Saturday to be crowned could give them an advantage parity lasted less than two this season but they are rebound. Qatar athletes during the opening ceremony of the Asian Athletics Championships yesterday.

BOTTOMLINE Qatar Airways Offi cial Airline Partner of Amir Cup QATAR SPORTS CLUB, MARKHIYA ADVANCE

Action from the Qatar Sports Club vs Muaither match in the second round of the Amir Cup yesterday. Qatar Sports Club knocked out Muaither 1-0 to make the third round of the tournament. At bottom, Markhiya celebrate one of their goals against Kharaitiyat. Markhiya won 5-3 and make the third round.

atar Airways is the Offi cial Airline Cup, one of most watched sporting events in the game. Together, we are able to reach a larger Partner of the 47th Amir Cup, one of Qatar. Our partnership with Qatar Football As- number of fans by organising countless events the most highly-anticipated annual sociation (QFA), the organisers of the tourna- and activities to create excitement ahead of football events, currently underway ment, demonstrates Qatar Airways’ continu- the fi nal match, and thus expanding the Amir inQ Qatar. ous engagement and dedication to sponsoring Cup’s overall fanbase.” The national carrier of the State of Qatar world-class sporting events and teams, both Qatar Airways has multi-year sponsorship hosted the Amir Cup Trophy in a fun-fi lled day internationally and here in Qatar.” agreements with several global sports entities, of activities at its headquarters in Doha and at President of Qatar Football Association including leading German football team FC Hamad International Airport (HIA), where Qa- (QFA), Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Bayern München AG, Italian football club AS tar Airways employees were able to engage and al-Thani, said: “We thank Qatar Airways for Roma and Argentinian club Boca Juniors. capture memorable moments with the trophy their continuous eff orts to support the Qatari In addition, Qatar Airways is the offi cial to promote the importance of this tournament football scene, and we are excited to partner airline sponsor of CONMEBOL professional as a means of bringing people together. with one of Qatar’s leading companies for an- football competitions across South America, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE other edition of the Amir Cup. Our partnership including the Copa CONMEBOL Libertado- Akbar al-Baker, said: “We are very pleased to illustrates both organisations’ vision to have a res, Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana, and the be the Offi cial Airline Partner of the 47th Amir direct positive impact on the development of CONMEBOL Recopa. Gulf Times 4 Monday, April 22, 2019 CRICKET

SPOLTIGHT Pakistan’s Abid wants WC advice from Sachin Cup match with Pakistan sched- AFP Pakistan leg spinner Shadab ruled Lahore uled for Manchester on June 16. Despite the bitterness, play- out of England series ers from both sides enjoy cordial akistan’s newly se- relations. Indian captain Virat Pakistan’s fast-rising leg spinner West Indies on May 31 at Trent lected opener Abid Ali Kohli presented his bat to Paki- Shadab Khan has been ruled Bridge. Shadab has played yesterday expressed stan’s fast bowler Mohammad out of next month’s series 34 one-day internationals, 32 confi dence that despite Amir during the World Twen- against England with a virus, Twenty20 matches and five Test Pstrained political relations In- ty20 in India three years ago as a leaving him in doubt for the matches in a promising career dia’s legendary batsman Sachin sign of appreciation of his talent. World Cup. The 20-year-old is that started in 2017. Tendulkar will give him a hug Abid said he had followed a key wicket-taking option for “The selectors have already in- and a few batting tips at next Tendulkar’s batting style from Pakistan in the ten-team World cluded Asif Ali and Mohammad month’s World Cup. his early days. Cup in England and Wales that Amir as additional players to The 31-year old has been a “Actually I have followed starts May 30. Pakistan Cricket the 15-player World Cup squad,” prolifi c run scorer in Pakistan’s Sachin’s technique from day one Board (PCB) said the spinner will the PCB said. Chief selector domestic cricket and broke into of my career and after watching receive treatment in the UK. Inzamam-ul-Haq described the national one-day squad for him I tried to play like him. He “Shadab’s blood tests have Shadab’s loss as “bad news”, the World Cup after smashing was a great player, just like our revealed (a) virus and doctors adding she hopes the spinner a century on his debut against own Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mo- have advised him a four week will be ready for the tourna- Australia in Dubai last month. hammad Yousuf. rest,” it said in a statement. ment. Later, PCB announced Abid is almost the same height “I adopt their good things and “Shadab is out of the five-match another leg-spinner Yasir Shah as Tendulkar and bats in a simi- Pakistani cricketer Abid Ali speaks to media at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore yesterday. (AFP) leave any bad thing. If I meet one-day series against England as a replacement for Shadab in lar style, but has a long way him I will try to talk to him and and a Twenty20 match (also the one-day series. to match the Indian maestro’s all great players meet youngsters batsmen. West Indian Viv Rich- militant base in Balakot in the get some advice, mentally and against England),” it added. “Yasir has been named as phenomenal record of most Test I am sure that he will not turn me ards was also a great so I want Pakistan side of Kashmir which technically, so that it helps me The Pakistan team will fly to replacement for upcoming runs (15,921), most one-day runs down. I am sure that if I want to to meet all the great players and was followed by Pakistan shut- improve my batting.” England tomorrow and play one-day series and a Twenty20 (18,426), most Test hundreds (51) get any information on cricket learn from them,” said Abid. ting down its airspace and later Abid said he will do his best to a five match one-day series international against England,” and most one-day centuries (49) from Sachin, he will give a posi- Tension between India and shooting down two Indian air be known as a good batsman. against the number one ranked said PCB. Yasir, 32, has taken 23 to name a few. tive reply.” Pakistan rose to a near-war level force planes, capturing a pilot. “Tendulkar’s record is awe- home team, starting May 5. wickets in 24 one-day interna- “It’s my wish and hope that Abid said it will be a memora- since February 14 militant at- The Indian pilot was later re- some,” said Abid of the Indian The PCB said Shadab will meet tionals. He played all five one- I meet Sachin Tendulkar,” Abid ble day when he meets his idol. tacks on Indian side of Kashmir leased as a sign of goodwill and master who retired in 2013. with specialists in England to days against Australia in United told a group of journalists. “It will be the best day in my which left 44 army person- peace. “I will do my best as and when help him fully recover for the Arab Emirates last month taking “Defi nitely, I would like to hug life when I meet him (Tendulkar) nel killed. India claimed it re- There were calls that India I get a chance to play for Pakistan World Cup opener against the just four wickets. him and I am sure that just like because he was one of the best sponded with an attack on a should not play the 2019 World and make a name for myself.”

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Dhoni’s heroics in vain as RCB clinch Warner, Bairstow last-ball thriller

IANS two runs off the final deliv- Bangalore ery as Bangalore kept their play-off hopes alive, winning their third game out of the 10 hennai Super Kings matches they have played so power SRH to huge (CSK) skipper Ma- far. Despite the result, Chen- hendra Singh Dhoni’s nai stays at the top of the scintillating 48-ball points table with 14 points. unbeatenC 84 went in vain as Earlier, opener Parthiv Pa- his side failed to cross the line tel’s (53 off 37) half-century by just one run in yet another followed by Moeen Ali’s quick edge-of-the-seat contest 16-ball 26 propelled Bangalore against Royal Challengers Ban- to 161/7. victory over KKR galore (RCB) at the M. Chin- The Chennai bowlers kept naswamy Stadium yesterday. on jolting the home side at Australian opener Warner crosses 500 runs to stay atop IPL batting charts Apart from Dhoni and Am- regular intervals as Bangalore bati Rayudu (29), all the other failed to post a big total, thanks IANS Chennai batsmen failed to to Deepak Chahar, Jadeja and Hyderabad click. However, it was their Bravo, who each picked two captain who almost single- wickets beside bowling eco- handedly took his side on the nomically on a batting friendly ustralia’s David Warner verge of an impossible win be- Chinnaswamy track. Asked to hit a blistering half- fore failing to snatch two runs bat, Bangalore received a ma- century for Sunrisers off the fi nal delivery of the jor blow as Bravo dismissed Hyderabad on Sunday mouth-watering clash. Bangalore skipper Kohli (9) toA consolidate his top position in For RCB, Umesh Yadav with the hosts’ score reading 11 the Indian Premier League bat- and Dale Steyn picked up two runs in the third over. ting charts with over 500 runs. wickets each while Yuzven- Parthiv was then joined by Warner made 67 off 38 balls dra Chahal and Navdeep Saini South African superstar AB during his 131-run opening stand shared two wickets between de Villiers (25 off 19) and they with England’s Jonny Bairstow, them. Chasing a modest 162, both showed some resistance, who scored an unbeaten 80, to the defending champions adding 47 runs for the second help Hyderabad thrash Kolkata were off to the worst possible wicket before Jadeja struck Knight Riders by nine wickets. start as they lost opener Shane to dismiss the latter. de Vil- The left-handed opener has Watson (5) and Suresh Raina liers while trying to clear the amassed 517 runs on his comeback (0) with just six runs on board, boundary miscued a Jadeja de- to the Twenty20 tournament after thanks to pacer Steyn’s blows livery to hand a catch to Faf du missing the previous edition along on successive deliveries in the Plessis at long-off . with compatriot Steve Smith over very fi rst over. Akshdeep Nath (24 off 20) a ball-tampering row. Umesh further jolted CSK then added 41-runs with Warner registered his sixth fi fty after packing back opener Faf Parthiv as Bangalore slowly in this IPL as he went past 500 du PLessis (5) and Kedhar Jad- inched towards the three-digit runs for the fi fth successive time hav (9) in quick succession as mark before Jadeja cut short the in the world’s most popular T20 the visitors were left reeling at former’s stay in the 13th over league. His season best has been 28/4 in 5.5 overs. with the hosts placed at 99. an unbeaten 100. “The two at the Rayudu and Dhoni then Twenty-fi ve runs later, Parthiv top have been doing it all season, forged a crucial 59-run part- was the next to depart as Bravo hopefully they can continue, they nership. However the former accounted for his wicket in the were outstanding,” skipper Kane couldn’t continue for long as 16th over. Parthiv’s innings Williamson said of the opening Sunrisers Hyderabad’s David Warner plays a shot during the IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP) Chahal joined the party, dis- contained couple of boundaries duo after the win. missing Rayudu in the 14th and four sixes. Both Warner and Bairstow, who well between wickets, which ness end and join their national event starting May 30. prized scalp of West Indian big- over. New batsman Ravindra Marcus Stoinis chipped also took apart the bowling dur- helps,” Bairstow, who stands be- teams ahead of the World Cup in “We knew at the start of the hitter Andre Russell for 15. Jadeja also fell soon as a confu- in with 14 runs, while Ali’s ing his 43-ball knock, combined hind Warner in the batting list England and Wales.Williamson tournament that we will lose them sion between him and Dhoni contribution saw Bangalore to make short work of their team’s with 445 runs in nine games, said admitted the departure of the two at the back end of the tournament BRIEF SCORES while taking a quick single reaching a modest total against target of 160 as they completed of his partner. “Loving every bit of openers would amount to “big and new guys will come in then,” Sunrisers Hyderabad 161/1 in ended the former’s stay. the defending champions. Ali’s the win with fi ve overs to spare. my fi rst IPL,” added the wicket- losses” for Hyderabad who are in he added.Hyderabad bowlers set 15 overs (Jonny Bairstow 80 Despite wickets falling from 26 runs came from fi ve bound- Warner was cleaned up by deb- keeper-batsman, who was picked line to make the play-off s. up the win with paceman Khaleel not out, David Warner 67; Yarra the other end, Dhoni kept the aries. It was Bravo who once utant paceman Prithvi Raj in the by Hyderabad for $311,982 in the “Without a doubt Warner and Ahmed claiming three wickets to Prithviraj 1/29) beat Kolkata game alive with some lusty again dismissed a dangerous 13th over. Bairstow fi nished off December auctions. Bairstow will be big losses, they keep down Kolkata to 159 for eight Knight Riders 159/8 in 20 overs blows enroute another half- looking Ali, while Tahir picked the chase in style with a bound- But the prolifi c run-scorers are world class players,” said Wil- in their 20 overs.Indian seamer (Chris Lynn 51, Rinku Singh century. With 35 needed off Stoinis. ary and two sixes. “He’s (Warner) will be among a host of foreign liamson, who will captain New Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in 30; Khaleel Ahmed 3/33) by 9 the fi nal two overs, CSK lost a great bloke to bat with, we run players to leave IPL at the busi- Zealand in the 50-over showpiece with two wickets including the wickets. Dwayne Bravo. But Dhoni kept BRIEF SCORES his side in the hunt by hitting Royal Challengers Banga- Saini for 10 runs before clob- lore 161/7 in 20 overs (Parthiv bering Umesh for 24 runs in Patel 53, Moeen Ali 26; Deepak No team favourite to win the World Cup: Malik the fi nal fi ve deliveries as it Chahar 2/26) beat Chennai looked like Chennai will once Super Kings 160/8 in 20 overs Senior Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik critics won’t be carrying out postpartum of again clinch a last-ball thriller. (MS DHoni 84 not out, Ambati believes no team is favourite to win the the players’ performance in the showpiece However, Dhoni failed to Rayudu 29; Dale Steyn 2/29) upcoming World Cup slated to be held in event for “non-technical reasons”. collect the much-needed by 1 run. England and Wales from May 30. “I hope the critics will not carry out postpar- “All the teams at the World Cup are strong tum of the players’ (performances) during and no team is favourite. Everyone has to the World Cup on non-technical reasons. I struggle under the English conditions, where have no complaint against the anchors but rainy weather may create problems for any against (some) former cricketers, who just team on a given day,” the Dawn quoted Malik focus on dropping or bringing a player on as saying on Saturday. the basis of (their) liking and disliking,” said The veteran cricketer has not been in great the 37-year-old who will be playing his last touch in the past one year. Since the start of World Cup. 2018, his performances with the bat has seen “I don’t follow Pakistani media, so I don’t care a dip. He has averaged 29.21 and scored at a about what it says of me. The big thing is that strike rate of just 77.62. it is my last World Cup and I am in the team. His overall record in England too is not good I will give my best for the team as I never with an average of 13.63 from 23 innings with played for myself,” he added. just one fifty-plus score. Pakistan will begin their World Cup cam- However, Malik insisted that he was unper- paign against the West Indies on May 30 at turbed by the criticism and hoped that the Trent Bridge. CSK captain MS Dhoni runs between the wickets during the IPL match against RCB in Bengaluru yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, April 22, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Embiid sparks Yankees beat Royals, 76ers to playoff win lose Judge Reuters time as a manager, Boone briefl y New York argued with fi rst base umpire Ron Kulpa before heading off the fi eld. aron Judge homered in Judge and Clint Frazier homer- the fi rst inning but ex- ed in the opening two innings off aft er two ejected ited fi ve innings later Royals starter Heath Fillmyer (0- with a left oblique in- 1). Denver pulls level with San Antonio at 2-2 in their opening series with a 117-103 win juryA as the New York Yankees The Yankees added two runs rolled to a 9-2 victory over the on RBI singles by Torres and Fra- AFP Kansas City Royals on Saturday zier in the sixth and another run New York afternoon at Yankee Stadium. on a base hit by Austin Romine in The otherwise wildly success- the seventh. ful game for the Yankees was Masahiro Tanaka (2-1) surren- hiladelphia’s Joel Embiid re- marred by Judge exiting with the dered a homer to Whit Merrifi eld turned from injury to score a injury after hitting a single in the in the sixth among the four hits game-high 31 points and grab 16 sixth with his team up 6-1. he gave up, but rebounded from rebounds, powering the 76ers to He appeared to feel something a sub-par outing Sunday against Pa 112-108 NBA playoff victory at Brooklyn as he swung. He ran gingerly to the Chicago White Sox with seven on Saturday. fi rst base and trainer Steve Don- strong innings. He settled down Despite a third-quarter incident that ahue immediately popped out of after throwing 11 of 20 pitches out saw two players ejected, the 76ers seized the dugout. After being checked of the strike zone and allowing two a 3-1 lead in the fi rst-round series against out by Donahue, Judge exited the walks in the fi rst inning and also the Nets and could advance in the Eastern game and was replaced by Tyler was aided by a pair of double plays Conference best-of-seven matchup with Wade. started by Torres at shortstop. a home victory tomorrow. Speaking to reporters after the Before the Yankees broke the In the other Eastern Conference game, game, manager Aaron Boone said game open in the fourth, Tanaka Khris Middleton fi nished with 20 points that Judge was getting an MRI allowed a leadoff triple to Billy and nine rebounds as the top-seeded exam. Asked if Judge could avoid Hamilton in the top of the third. Milwaukee Bucks put the Detroit Pistons a trip to the injured list, Boone He stranded the speedster at on the brink of elimination with a 119-103 replied, “Probably not. No.” third by getting two strikeouts win. The victory give the Bucks a 3-0 lead Mike Tauchman and DJ LeMa- and a groundout. and they can wrap up the series with a win hieu hit New York’s fi rst set of on the road in the Motor City on Monday. back-to-back homers this sea- RESULTS Philadelphia, down by 10 points early son when they homered into the in the third quarter, battled back most right-centre fi eld seats in the NY Yankees 9-2 Kansas City of the second half before taking the lead fourth to extend the lead to 6-0. St. Louis 10-2 NY Mets on a run of eight points by Embiid, who Boone was not around to Arizona 6-0 Chicago Cubs missed game three with a sore left knee. see those homers following his A slam dunk and layup by Embiid gave third-inning ejection for arguing Minnesota 6-5 Baltimore the 76ers their fi rst late lead at 102-101 after a three-run home run by Pittsburgh 3-1 San Francisco but, after an exchange of layups and Gleyber Torres was overturned Toronto 10-1 Oakland three-pointers as well as turnovers, fell by fan interference. behind 108-107 on a basket by Brooklyn’s Torres’ fl y ball appeared to Cleveland 8-4 Atlanta Joe Harris with 25 seconds remaining. have enough to clear the fence Boston 6-5 Tampa Bay On the next 76er possession, Embiid but a fan reached over and tried Miami 9-3 Washington fl ipped the last of his seven assists to to make a barehanded catch as Atlanta 8-7 Cleveland Mike Scott, whose corner three-pointer left fi elder Alex Gordon attempt- put Philadelphia ahead to stay 110-108 ed to make a leaping catch. Minnesota 16-7 Baltimore with 19 seconds remaining. The Royals challenged the call Milwaukee 5-0 LA Dodgers Australian Ben Simmons — who added and following a lengthy review Texas 9-4 Houston 15 points, eight rebounds and eight as- umpires overturned the home sists for the 76ers — stole the ball from run call. Boone raced out of the Philadelphia 8-5 Colorado Brooklyn’s Jarett Allen and Tobias Harris dugout and was ejected by sec- Cincinnati 4-2 San Diego sank two free throws for the last of his 24 ond base umpire Jerry Meals. Seattle 6-5 LA Angels points to clinch the triumph. Upon being tossed for the fi fth

‘STAY COOL AND NOT REACT’ Caris LeVert led the Nets with 25 points while Brooklyn had 21 points each from Allen and D’Angelo Russell. Cameroon star centre Embiid was is- sued a fl agrant foul in touching off an al- tercation 4:18 into the third quarter that saw Philadelphia’s Jimmy Butler Brook- lyn’s Jared Dudley ejected. Embiid, who had elbowed Allen in the face in game two, was whistled for a hard foul on Allen that prompted Dudley to Joel Embiid (centre) of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks in the game against the Brooklyn Nets in the Brooklyn borough of New York rush at Embiid, taking down the Sixers City on Saturday. (AFP) big man. Butler swung his left arm at Dudley, who Nikola Mirotic chipped in 12 points. from Serbian playmaker Nikola Jokic — wound up in the front row seats with Sim- RESULTS Detroit’s hobbled star Blake Griffi n had pulled level with San Antonio at 2-2 in mons at one stage, to earn his ejection. 27 points in 31 minutes after he missed their opening series with a 117-103 road Philadelphia 112-108 Brooklyn “I know these guys are going to go at the fi rst two games of the series with a triumph over the Spurs. me because they want me to retaliate, Denver 117-103 San Antonio sore knee. Griffi n was cleared with his leg Denver posted the second-best regu- so I’ve got to be mature when I’m on the Milwaukee 119-103 Detroit heavily wrapped but it didn’t change the lar-season record in the West this season court and just stay cool and not react,” outcome. but it was Spurs that could have pushed Houston 104-101 Utah Embiid said. The Pistons have now lost 13 straight the Nuggets to the brink of elimination “Today I could have reacted but I felt playoff games dating back to 2008. with a victory. like my team needed me more than they blocked shots and Eric Bledsoe scored 19 Instead, the Nuggets hit 15-of-31 points needed Jared Dudley, so I’ve just got to points for the Bucks. JOKIC SPURS ON NUGGETS from three-point range and snapped a 14- stay cool and mature and do my job.” Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered In the Western Conference, the Den- game losing streak in San Antonio dating NY Yankees Aaron Judge (left) celebrates with teammate Luke Voit In Detroit, Brook Lopez tallied 19 14 points and 10 rebounds for his third ver Nuggets — led by game highs of 29 to March 2012, with Jokic and Jamal Mur- after hitting a solo home run in the MLB game against the Kansas City points and had seven rebounds and fi ve straight double-double in the series and points, 12 rebounds and eight assists ray’s 24 points leading the way. Royals in Bronx, New York, on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports)

NHL Stars beat Predators for 3-2 series lead games, Dickinson emerged as Schwartz would have had four Agencies RESULTS Los Angeles an unlikely off ensive force with goals but he hit the right goalpost the fi rst two playoff points of his Dallas 5-3 Nashville with a minute left in the third pe- young career. riod in front of the sold out crowd St. Louis 3-2 Winnipeg lexander Radulov and Rocco Grimaldi, Ryan Jo- at Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Jason Dickinson each hansen, and Kyle Turris scored Washington 6-0 Carolina The Blues had to buck a few scored two goals as the for the Predators, while Roman series trends to reach the second visiting Dallas Stars Josi contributed two assists. round, where they will face ei- earnedA a 5-3 victory in Game 5 The Predators opened the the league’s top goaltender ear- ther the Dallas Stars or Nashville of their fi rst-round Stanley Cup scoring 6:25 into the game on lier on Saturday. Predators. playoff series with the Nashville Grimaldi’s third goal of the se- The Stars can clinch the series Before game six, the road team Predators on Saturday. ries. Despite missing Game 1 due on home ice by winning Game 6 had won the fi rst fi ve games of The win gives Dallas a 3-2 edge to an upper-body injury, Grimal- on Monday in Dallas. If neces- the series. By beating the visiting in the series, putting the Stars a di is Nashville’s leading scorer of sary, Game 7 will be played on Jets, the Blues made sure that no victory away from advancing to the playoff s. April 24 in Nashville. best-of-seven series has ever had the second round for just the sec- After Dickinson equalised at the visiting team win each of the ond time in 11 seasons. 13:08 of the fi rst period, Radu- BLUES SURVIVE SCARE TO fi rst six games. The Central Division-win- lov’s two second-period goals OUST WINNIPEG Also, each game saw the win- ning Predators, meanwhile, are gave the Stars a lead that they Jaden Schwartz scored a hat trick ning team rally from behind to in danger of missing the second would never relinquish. Radu- and the St Louis Blues held off a win. It is just the 10th time in round for the fi rst time in four lov last scored twice in a playoff furious third period Winnipeg league history it has happened seasons. game on April 11, 2007 in his very rally Saturday to oust the Jets through the fi rst fi ve games. Jamie Benn had three assists fi rst postseason appearance. from the NHL playoff s with a 3-2 Winnipeg did their best to try for the Stars, while Tyler Seguin Pekka Rinne allowed fi ve goals victory. and keep that come-from-be- contributed a goal and an assist. on 26 Dallas shots. It was the sec- Schwartz, who scored the hind streak going by getting late The top line of Radulov, Benn, ond consecutive tough game for game winner in a game-fi ve tri- third period goals from Dustin and Seguin combined for 16 of Rinne, who was pulled less than umph, opened the scoring just 23 Byfuglien and Bryan Little but the Stars’ 26 total shots on Sat- 14 minutes into Game 4 after giv- seconds in and then added goals ultimately the Jets fell short. urday. The trio has 16 total points ing up four goals on eight shots. in the second and third periods as Jordan Binnington made 18 in the series. Ben Bishop saved 30 of 33 shots the Blues eliminated the Jets four saves for the Blues while Jets Alexander Radulov (second from right) of the Dallas Stars celebrates with teammate Jamie Benn (right) After scoring just nine goals in for Dallas. Bishop was named as a games to two in the best-of-sev- netminder Connor Hellebuyck after scoring against goalie Pekka Rinne (centre) of the Nashville Predators in Game Five of the Western 105 career regular-season NHL fi nalist for the Vezina Trophy as en opening-round series. stopped 33 shots. Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s in Nashville on Saturday. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Monday, April 22, 2019 SPORT

GOLF NFL Former running Top-ranked Johnson back, college star Cobb dies at 50 Reuters Cobb played seven NFL sea- New York sons and rushed for 3,743 yards and 25 touchdowns and also grabs one-stroke PGA caught 123 passes for 949 yards ormer NFL running back and two scores. and Tennessee college His best season was when he star Reggie Cobb died on rushed for 1,171 yards and nine ‘I’m going to have to play Saturday, according to touchdowns in 1992 for the Tam- theF San Francisco 49ers. He was pa Bay Buccaneers. He played really special tomorrow if I 50. four seasons for the Bucs before want to win’ Cobb spent the past 10 years as spending one season apiece with Heritage lead a scout for the 49ers. the Green Bay Packers (1994), The team didn’t divulge a rea- Jacksonville Jaguars (1995) and AFP son for the unexpected death. New York Jets (1996). Los Angeles “We are devastated by the The Buccaneers expressed sudden loss of a tremendous their condolences on their Twit- teammate and loyal friend, Reg- ter account. orld number one gie Cobb,” general manager John “We’re saddened to hear of the Dustin Johnson, Lynch said in a statement. “Reg- passing of former running back seeking his third gie was an enthusiastic and pas- Reggie Cobb. Our thoughts and victory of the year, sionate person who had a special prayers are with the Cobb family.” Wfi red a three-under par 68 to ability to brighten up a room Prior to his NFL career, Cobb grab a one-stroke lead after Sat- with his personality and infec- was a standout at Tennessee urday’s third round of the US tious smile. and gained 2,360 yards and 26 PGA Heritage tournament. “For 10 years, the 49ers were touchdowns in three seasons. Johnson, who shared sec- better because of Reggie and The yardage ranks 11th in school ond in last week’s Masters at these unique qualities that he history, and he is tied for seventh nearby Augusta National, stood possessed. He was a top-notch in rushing scores. on 1-under 203 after 54 holes at scout and an exemplary man Cobb rushed for 1,197 yards Harbour Town in Hilton Head, whose years of service to this and 17 touchdowns as a fresh- South Carolina. organization and the National man in 1987. Cobb was a second- The 34-year-old American, Football League will not be for- round selection (30th overall) in a native of state capitol Colum- gotten. Our thoughts and prayers the 1990 NFL Draft by Tampa bia, won a European Tour event are with his family and friends in Bay. He was the seventh running in Saudi Arabia and the WGC this time of mourning.” back selected. Mexico Championship in Febru- ary but hopes to capture his 21st PGA title in his home state. “It would be special,” Johnson Seahawks defensive end Clark said. “But there are a lot of guys around. I’m going to have to play could be traded really special tomorrow if I want Reuters Frank, obviously. That’s why we to win.” New York franchised him.’’ One stroke adrift were Eng- Fox Sports reported in March land’s Ian Poulter, Slovakia’s that Clark was drawing trade Rory Sabbatini and Ireland’s eattle Seahawks defensive interest from the Buff alo Bills Shane Lowry, while Americans end and franchise player and others, and a separate ESPN Patrick Cantlay, Scott Piercy SFrank Clark could be trad- report said the New York Jets and Trey Mullinax, Taiwan’s ed leading up to or during the also have interest. Pan S.T., South Korean K.J. Choi NFL draft this week, according Previous reports said Clark and Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo to multiple reports on Saturday. planned to hold out from team shared fi fth on 205. Dustin Johnson of the United States plays a shot from a bunker on the 15th hole during the third round of the 2019 RBC Heritage at Harbour NFL Network reported a deal is activities absent a long-term Lowry led after the second Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, United States, on Saturday. (AFP) “a possibility” and added “sev- extension — which the sides round was concluded early Sat- eral teams” are interested. have until July 15 to negotiate urday due to storms that in- atop the rankings after losing foot par foot rescuing him. into a greenside bunker with his LEADING THIRD ROUND ESPN reported the Seahawks — but Schneider said he has not terrupted play Friday, and he the number one spot to Eng- “That was a really nice save,” second shot but blasted out to 13 SCORES are considering trading Clark gotten that impression. stretched the margin to three land’s Justin Rose last week, Johnson said. “That was one of feet and sank his birdie putt to 203 — Dustin Johnson (USA) before the draft begins Thurs- “That’s not my understanding at shots with birdies at the par-5 sank an eight-foot birdie putt at my bad tee shots.” seize the lead alone. 68-67-68 day, but they would require at all,’’ Schneider said. “We’ve had second and fi fth holes and an- the second and holed a 19-footer But Johnson missed the green 204 — Ian Poulter (ENG) 70-67- least a first-round pick in return. very direct conversations, both other from 33 feet to close the for birdie at the par-4 sixth. ‘I JUST LAUGHED’ on the par-4 16th and par-3 17th 67, Rory Sabbatini (SVK) 67-69- General manager John Schneider myself and Frank and people in front nine and stand on 12-un- “I feel like I’ve been driving it Johnson followed with an 18- on his way to bogeys, missing 68, Shane Lowry (IRL) 65-68-71 told reporters earlier this week the organization and Frank and der. well,” Johnson said. “That’s a big foot birdie putt at the par-4 par putts from nine and fi ve feet 205 — Patrick Cantlay (USA) he would listen to any potential obviously myself and his agent, But Lowry found two bunkers key around here.” 13th, then holed a 47-footer for respectively. 67-72-66, Scott Piercy (USA) 67- trade off ers out of due diligence Erik Burkhardt.’’ at the par-4 13th, water at the After answering a bogey at birdie at the par-3 14th. “The course played very dif- 70-68, Pan CT (TPE) 71-65-69, KJ but doesn’t intend to deal Clark. Clark, who turns 26 in June, is par-3 14th and more sand on the the eighth with a tap-in birdie “I was defi nitely surprised,” fi cult, especially the last three Choi (KOR) 70-66-69, Trey Mull- “If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be do- due $17.1mn on the franchise tag par-4 16th on the way to bogeys at the par-4 ninth, Johnson Johnson said of his long birdie holes with the wind direction we inax (USA) 66-68-71, Emiliano ing our job,” Schneider said. “We in 2019 and could be seeking on each hole that dropped him made a crucial par save at the putt. “I just laughed.” had,” Johnson said. “I hit good Grillo (ARG) 68-67-70 can’t ever have our head in the more than $20mn annually on a back as Johnson charged. par-4 12th, his tee shot well Johnson was smiling again at putts on 16 and 17 that ended up 206 — Matt Kuchar (USA) 69-69- sand with anything. But we love long-term extension. Johnson, who moved back right of the fairway but a 12- the par-5 15th, where he went being bogeys.” 68, Sam Burns (USA) 67-70-69

FOCUS RUGBY Henderson defends Lotte title, Carter would not let NZ down at World Cup: Henry equals LPGA Canada win mark Reuters Wellington

AFP Los Angeles orld Cup winner Dan Carter would not be out of place rooke Henderson cap- in the All Blacks tured her second con- Wsquad at the global showpiece secutive Lotte Cham- in Japan later this year if selec- pionship on Saturday, tors sent him an SOS to fi ll the winningB her eighth LPGA title to gap left by the injured Damian match Sandra Post for the most McKenzie, former coach Gra- all-time tour triumphs by a Ca- ham Henry has said. nadian. Utility back McKenzie was Henderson fi red a fi nal-round ruled out of rugby for the rest of two-under par 70 at Oahu’s Ko the year earlier this week after Olina Golf Club course to fi nish he ruptured an ACL knee ten- 72 holes in Hawaii on 16-under don, scuppering Steve Hansen’s par 272 for a four-stroke victory plans to take him to the World over South Korea’s Ji Eun-hee. Cup where he could cover full- Post, 70, claimed eight tour ti- back and fl yhalf. tles from 1968 through 1981. Beauden Barrett and Rich- “It’s amazing to be mentioned ie Mo’unga were expected to in the same sentence with Sandra be the specialist fl yhalves in Post,” Henderson said. Hansen’s World Cup squad but Henderson, 21, also equalled McKenzie’s injury has revealed the best showing by any Canadi- a lack of depth behind the trio. an man on the US PGA Tour, with “There’s been some talk Mike Weir and George Knudson about Dan Carter and I don’t having each won eight career ti- think Dan Carter will let you tles. down,” Henry told radio sta- “It has just been surreal the tion Newstalk ZB. “He would be last few years,” Henderson said. number three and I think he fi ts In this October 9, 2015, picture, New Zealand’s Dan Carter (centre) is “It’s just really amazing to get Brooke Henderson (right) celebrates with the trophy after winning the Lotte Championship with her sister comfortably in that position. tackled during a Pool C match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup against this win to tie Sandra and Mike and caddie Brittney Henderson in Kapolei, Hawaii, on Saturday. (AFP) “He’ll add a huge amount of Tonga in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. (AFP) Weir too. experience and intellectual prop- “I’m so happy. I’m just glad I holes to remain atop the leader- par-3 16th to maintain her mar- co’s Gaby Lopez and South Ko- erty about the Rugby World Cup cost him a lucrative short-term sounds like there’s a lot of work could come out on top.” board. gin. rea’s Choi Hye-jin. and playing international rugby. return to France. going on behind the scenes.” Henderson, who shared the She birdied the par-4 11th af- Rivals were unable to close the He’s been there and done that.” He is also not currently con- Carter is not the only former third-round lead with American ter driving to the fringe of the gap and deny her a historic tri- LEADING FINAL ROUND Carter, a three-times World tracted to New Zealand Rugby, player being mentioned as a po- Nelly Korda, won her fi rst LPGA green to stretch her lead to three umph alongside her sister and SCORES Player of the Year, retired which excludes him from selec- tential candidate with local me- title at the 2015 Portland Clas- strokes over 10th-ranked Korda caddie Brittany with her parents 272 — Brooke M. Henderson from internationals after his tion as the All Blacks have a fi rm dia reporting that Aaron Cru- sic as a qualifi er. She won twice and 20th-ranked Ji Eun-hee. watching from the family home (CAN) 65-68-69-70 112th test when he helped the policy of picking only locally- den could leave Montpellier and each in 2016, 2017 and 2018 with Birdies at the par-5 13th and in Smiths Falls, Ontario. 276 — Ji Eun-Hee (KOR) 64-65- All Blacks to the 2015 Rugby based players. return home on a short-term her lone major title coming at the 14th holes pulled Thailand’s Ar- “My parents have sacrifi ced so 74-73 World Cup title but continued “It’s just obvious they have contract before joining former 2016 Women’s PGA Champion- iya Jutanugarn to 14-under, two much for us to have this dream 277 — Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) to play club rugby in France to qualify and they have to Super Rugby coach Dave Ren- ship. back of Henderson, but the world out here, to make our dream a re- 67-71-66-73, Lee Min-jee (AUS) and Japan. be playing and signed in this nie at Glasgow. Henderson, who shared the number three missed a 20-foot ality,” said Henderson. 67-66-70-74 Henry, however, acknowl- country to be available for the The 50-test veteran left New lead with American Nelly Korda par putt to bogey 15 and fall three Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn 278 — Gaby Lopez (MEX) 72- edged that Carter’s return was All Blacks,” Henry said. Zealand after the 2017 British when the day began, opened with adrift. and Australian Minjee Lee shared 69-70-67, Danielle Kang (USA) a long shot. “I’m sure he’ll be good for and Irish Lions Tour to play in a bogey but bounced back with Henderson held fast, sinking a third on 277, one stroke ahead of 67-73-69-69, Choi Hye-jin (KOR) The 37-year-old recently Beaudy and Richie if he was France but has struggled to as- birdies at the third and par-5 fi fth clutch eight-foot par putt at the American Danielle Kang, Mexi- 65-71-70-72 underwent neck surgery which there. And who knows? But it sert himself in Europe. Gulf Times Monday, April 22, 2019 7 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS France, Romania head for Fed Cup Italy’s Fognini lands semi-fi nal decider

AFP day after registering a ninth Paris successive singles win in the tournament that Romania have yet to win. eteran Pauline Par- “It felt like playing at home, maiden Masters title mentier defeated that was how I was able to a hobbling Irina- fi ght to the end. I won it for the ‘I was born nearby so this is extraordinary. I started the season rather badly, so this is Camelia Begu 6-3, fans who came here.” V2-6, 6-2 to pull France level at Halep’s win over Garcia, her unbelievable. I’m very content with this victory, especially with all of the Italians here today’ 2-2 in their Fed Cup semi-fi nal sixth in seven meetings, took with Romania yesterday. almost three hours to com- The result sent the tie in the plete with the crucial break northern city of Rouen into a in the fi nal set coming in the deciding doubles after world eighth game when the French number two Simona Halep number one served up back- had earlier battled back from to-back double faults. a set down to defeat Caro- “It’s never over until it’s line Garcia 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, over,” said Halep who required 6-4, putting Romania within treatment on her left thigh touching distance of a fi rst midway through the second Fed Cup fi nal appearance since set. Seven-time champions 1973. Australia made the cham- The eventual winners will pionship match for the fi rst face Australia in November’s time in 26 years by seeing off fi nal. For late call-up Parmen- Belarus 3-2 in Brisbane when tier, victory represented a rare Ashleigh Barty and Samantha singles success. Stosur battled past Victoria The world number 53 had Azarenka and Aryna Sabalen- won just one of her last eight ka 7-5, 3-6, 6-2. The tie was Fed Cup singles clashes, suf- sent into the crucial doubles fering back-to-back losses match after two-time Austral- in the 2018 semi-fi nal defeat ian Open champion Azarenka against the United States. crushed Stosur 6-1, 6-1 in the Her victory push was aided, reverse singles, following Barty however, by a late ankle injury sweeping past Sabalenka 6-2, suff ered by Begu, the world 6-2. number 83 who had originally “I could not have picked been scheduled to play only two more perfect athletes to doubles. Instead Halep was se- compete. Ash and Sam are su- lected for the make-or-break perstars,” said captain Alicia doubles alongside Monica Ni- Molik who will look to inspire culescu with two-time cham- a fi rst title since 1974 for Aus- pions France opting for Garcia tralia in the fi nal. and Kristina Mladenovic. Barty called making the fi nal French Open champion Ha- “unbelievable” while Stosur lep gave Romania a winning lead said it was “super exciting”. on Saturday by seeing off Mlad- “We knew it was going to enovic 6-3, 6-1 before Garcia be a tough one and we just so swept past Mihaela Buzarnescu happy with how we played,” 6-3, 6-3 to level the tie. added Stosur. “All the girls “I knew it would be more have worked so hard through- diffi cult than yesterday,” Ha- out the year and we really stick lep told fedcup.com on Sun- together.”

Italy’s Fabio Fognini kisses the trophy after winning the Monte Carlo Masters final against Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic in Monaco yesterday. (AFP)

AFP royal box at the Monte Carlo The 48th-ranked Serb Lajovic jor week of the pre-Roland Gar- this fi nal as best I could, I knew it Monte Carlo, Principality of Country Club. Pietrangeli won was playing in the fi rst ATP fi nal ros run-up with a 0-4 record on would be tough, since Dusan has Monaco the trophy in the principality in of his career and got to the title the clay, the surface he grew up my ex-coach (Jose Perlas). 1961, 1967 and 1968. He came to match without the loss of a set. on. Among his victims this week He added: “This is a great the court after the trophy cer- Fognini looked to be temporar- was number three Alexander achievement, but it’s tough to olourful Fabio Fognini emony to pose for pictures with ily hampered as he limped mo- Zverev, and his stunning stun- beat Rafa and then play a fi nal.” defeated Dusan Lajo- his new Tennis heir, who was fol- mentarily after breaking Lajovic ning 6-4, 6-2 victory over Nadal Lajovic was playing his fi rst vic 6-3, 6-4 to win the lowing up his shock semi-fi nal for 3-2 in the second after claim- on Saturday to end the Spanish career ATP fi nal and was far from Monte Carlo Masters win over 11-time Monte Carlo ing the opening set in 44 min- star’s 25-set win streak in the crushed by defeat. yesterday,C the fi rst Italian to tri- champion Rafael Nadal. utes. During a medical timeout, principality. “It was my fi rst time in the fi - umph at the clay court show- “I was born nearby so this is he was taped on his right thigh “This is something just in- nals, so a great experience for me. piece in over half a century. extraordinary,” Fognini, 31, said. and a heel, but carried on without credible,” added Fognini who had Today was not easy, there was a The 13th seed, based just 20 “I started the season rather apparent problems as he fi nished been a set and 4-1 down to An- lot of wind. kilometres over the border in San badly, so this is unbelievable. I’m the fi nal on his second match drey Rublev in his tournament “Fabio is a guy who knows how Remo, followed on from com- very content with this victory, point as Lajovic returned long. opener. to play in these conditions. He Romania’s Simona Halep celebrates after winning against patriot Nicola Pietrangeli, who especially with all of the Italians The winner of his fi rst Masters “I’m really tired now, I’ve been has great hands, he’s moving re- France’s Caroline Garcia in the third rubber of the Fed Cup watched his record fall from the here today.” 1000 trophy came to the fi rst ma- running all week. I prepared for ally well.” semi-final at The Kindarena in Rouen yesterday. (AFP)

BOXING OFF-ROAD RACES Crawford stops Khan to Nolann, Hamad emerge champs By Sports Reporter Doha

olann Macary and retain welterweight title Hamad al-Sahouti AFP won the Qatar Mo- New York torsports Academy N(QMA) End Season Off -Road Races held at the Losail Inter- merican Terence national Circuit on Saturday. Crawford retained his French rider Nolann won WBO welterweight ti- the fl at track 70cc title as he tle Saturday, stopping completed the eight laps with AmirA Khan in the sixth round a total time of 7:28.847s. The when the Englishman was un- eight-year-old rider, who able to continue because of an started at the second place in accidental low blow. the grid, crossed the checkered Crawford, who was making fl ag ahead of the 12-year-old First-placed Hamad al-Sahouti (centre), second-placed Saad al-Harqan the second defense of his title, Malaysian rider Johann Ameer (left) and third-placed Romeo Poure pose on the flat track 125cc had little trouble controlling the Zharfan. The third place went category podium at QMA podium End Season Off Road Race. fi ght and winning by a techni- to Australian rider Jim Leo Ni- cal knockout against the over- kitopoulos. Eighteen children matched Khan. took part in the race. Crawford has now won nine of In the Flat Track 125cc race, his last 11 fi ghts by stoppage and Qatari rider Hamad al-Sahouti Saturday’s surprise ending hap- emerged the champion. The pened after he hit Khan with a 14-year-old rider completed hard left to the groin 47 seconds the 12 laps around the track into the sixth round at Madison Terence Crawford celebrates with WBO World Welterweight Title after defeating Amir Khan at the Madi- with a timing of 9:09.848s. Square Garden in New York. son Square Garden, New York. Terence Crawford celebrates winning the fight. (Reuters) Qatar’s Saad al-Harqan came Khan buckled and was in ob- second and the 13-year-old vious pain as he went over to wins and no losses. Crawford, face was showing the marks of do is fi ght (the) person they put French rider Romeo Poure fi n- his corner. During the injury who is considered one of the best getting hit with clean punches. in front of me. We are going to ished third. stoppage, Khan’s trainer Vir- pound-for-pound fi ghters in the Crawford started going to the make it happen, sooner or later.” Trophies were presented gil Hunter asked his boxer if he world, sent Khan to the canvas body in the fourth and in the Khan defended his decision to by Losail Circuit Sports Club wanted to continue and Khan in the fi rst round with an over- fi fth he got his jab working again, not continue or take the full fi ve (LCSC) vice-president and said no. Khan could have taken hand right followed by a left to popping Khan’s head back with a minutes of the time out. “I am a general manager Khalid al-Re- First-placed Nolann Macary (centre), second-placed Johann Ameer a fi ve-minute break to regain his the temple. He delivered a simi- series of quick shots. warrior,” he said. “I would never maihi, LCSC CEO Juan Baque- Zharfan (left) and third-placed Jim Leo Nikitopoulos pose on the flat composure but chose not to. lar overhand punch in the last Khan wasn’t Crawford’s fi rst give up in a fi ght like this. ro and head of the QMA Jose track 70cc category podium at QMA podium End Season Off Road Race. Crawford denied it was a low 10 seconds of the round which choice. He wanted to fi ght In- “I was in pain. I could feel it Luis Cardoso. blow but the referee saw it dif- wobbled Khan’s legs again. ternational Boxing Federation in my stomach. My legs seized. “I am very happy with the very hard during the season want to thank all the instruc- ferently. “It wasn’t a low blow,” The next couple of rounds champ Errol Spence and reiter- I couldn’t continue. You have to QMA end season races and and we saw them competing tors for their great job and to Crawford said. “I was rushing saw the 146-pound Crawford ated that on Saturday. knock me out for me to give up.” glad to see that all the rid- for the fi rst time and enjoy- all the families and friends that a little. Trying to box more and throwing almost all his punches “The only one fi ght they are For Khan, the 2004 Olympic ers and their families enjoyed ing it. I want to thank Dorna came to support the young rid- catch him in the trenches.” at Khan’s head. By the fourth talking about is Spence. When- silver medallist, it was another this amazing day. We saw a Sports SL, Aspire and Ministry ers,” said al-Remaihi. QMA’s Three division world cham- round, Crawford was in com- ever he is ready, I am here,” said disappointing world title fi ght. great improvement in all the of Culture and Sport for their End Season On Road Races will pion Crawford improved to 35 plete control and Khan’s swollen Crawford. “The only thing I can He is 2-2 in his last four fi ghts. children. All of them worked support in the Academy. I also be held on April 26 and 27.

Monday, April 22, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ASIAN CLUB VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar’s Rayyan send Queensland Al Sadd aim to go Pirates packing in straight sets

By Sports Reporter Both sides started with al- Taipei, Chinese Taipei most the same level in the sec- top with win over ond set as the score was tied at 4-4 before the Qataris broke atar’s Al Rayyan away with Youssef Oughlaf, ‘We need to be at our best to faced no issues in Rychlicki and Costa netting shutting out Aus- some crucial points from their beat them but we are confident tralia’s Queensland exceptional spikes. PiratesQ in convincing straight The Qatari side advanced playing at our home ground’ sets 3-0 (25-21 25-17 25-21) 21-16 and stretched it to 24-17. Pakhtakor in the 2019 Asian Men’s Club A moment later, a spike from Volleyball Championship at Mercer went wide, resulting in the University of Taipei (Tian- the Rayyan’s comfortable 25- mu) Gymnasium yesterday. 17 win in this set. Kamil Rychlicki led Rayyan In the third set, both sides with 13 points from 11 attacks tried their best using all what and two solid blocks, with they had to win the set, but the Marko Vukasinovic making Qataris, after winning the fi rst good company to add 11 points two sets, came into the set full including nine kills from 14 at- of confi dence and led narrowly tempts. William Mercer scored 14-12 before stretching it to a team-high 16 points for 18-13. Queensland Pirates including However, the Aussies taught 15 attack hits. them victory never comes Rayyan, fi elding three im- easily as Mercer and Nico- ports in their teams compris- laidis responded heavily with ing the tall-and-towering fi ne attacks to win some vital Kamil Rychlicki from Luxem- points. As the rivals seemingly bourg, Montenegro’s Marko came back stronger to aim for Vukasinovic and Brazilian another life, Rayyan still had Marcus Costa, hoped for a enough in their tank to widen brighter prospect in this top- it to 24-20. fl ight competition after a They allowed the opponents stunning 2-3 loss at the hands one more point from an Ahmed of India’s Chennai Spartans Noaman’s erratic serve before the previous day. Costa slammed a powerful Against unfancied Aussies, mid-court hit to end the Aus- the Qataris relied on the col- tralian challenge. lective rather than any indi- “We want to clear favourite vidual, but still had a sea of in this game and so we could powerful attacking riches at win the match without los- their disposal. ing a set. We did our best in The tall Rychlicki used his putting the under control, height advantage to overpow- but still, I think they played er the smaller blockers with well. We lost 2-3 to Chennai his devastating attacks to put the previous day, but fortu- Rayyans in front 18-16. nately we still secured the top Al Sadd players in action during a training session on the eve of their Group D AFC Champions League match against Uzbek giants Pakhtakor. Nonetheless, Queensland of the pool,” Rayyan’s Kamil Pirates maintained their poise, Rychlicki said. By Sports Reporter a game to spare, while Pakhtakor games. A 4-1 hammering of Al with William Mercer and Mark “Our game with Chennai Doha remain unbeaten with 13 points Ittihad was followed by a hard- Nicolaidis emerging as an im- did not go as planned. I think from their fi rst fi ve games of the fought 2-1 win against Al Rayyan pressive off ensive combina- it’s very diffi cult to play in Uzbek Super League. in Doha. tion. Aussies reduced the gap nine days as you have to shape l Sadd will aim to go top The two sides met in the 2011 Standing out for Al Wahda has to 19-23 before Rayyan allowed yourself each day for the up- of Group D when they AFC Champions League group been Brazilian winger Leonardo, them two more points from and-down performances. I take on Uzbek giants stage, with Al Sadd winning 2-1 who netted three goals in as their unforced attacking mis- hope my team will have a good Pakhtakor in the AFC in Doha and the two sides play- Both sides will be focused takes to wrap up the fi rst set game against hosts Taichung ChampionsA League at the Jas- ing out a 1-1 draw in Tashkent. on continental football, having 25-21. Bank the following day.” sim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha The Qatari side went on to lift slipped off the title race in their today. the title that year. respective domestic leagues. Earlier this month, both Al Sadd, who have four points, Al Wahda are fi fth in the UAE teams played out a 2-2 draw in will be missing forward Akram Pro League while Al Rayyan fi n- Tashkent, but despite snatch- Afi f due to suspension. ished fourth in the Qatar Stars ing a crucial away point, Al Sadd At their training session yes- League. were left ruing missing a golden terday, Ferreira focused on cor- In another match, Persepo- opportunity to further consoli- recting errors in the players’ lis of Iran will take on Al Ahli of date their chances of qualifying movement and penetration from Saudi Arabia. for the knockout phase of the deep and the wings, intervening Persepolis were 2-0 winners tournament. on multiple occasions during the when the teams clashed two They led twice in the fi rst 16 practice ‘mini games’. weeks ago. minutes of play, with both goals Before the start of the session, Al Ahli come into the match coming from Xavi. the coach had met with the play- with a new boss at the helm af- However, Pakhtakor fought ers to speak with them about the ter Uruguayan manager Jorge back to level the scores on both objectives from the game. Fossati was dismissed less than occasions and top Group D with Meanwhile in Abu Dhabi, three months after being ap- fi ve points from three matches. Al Rayyan will aim to grab a pointed. “It’s true that we should not win against UAE’s Al Wahda in Youssef Anbar, the new coach, have allowed Pakhtakor to get Group B. started his reign with a 3-2 win back into the match after tak- Al Rayyan have been in mixed over Al Wehda in the Saudi Pro ing the lead twice but we can’t Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira. form, appearing off the pace in League and will hope his conti- dwell on it now. We have to look their 5-1 Matchday One defeat nental debut is equally positive. ahead,” said Al Sadd coach Jesu- A win against Al Sadd can Round of 16 for the fourth time to Al Ittihad, then overcoming Persepolis, on the other side, aldo Ferreira at yesterday’s press take Pakhtakor a step closer to in the past six years. Lokomotiv 2-1, before losing hope their slow start to the AFC conference. qualifying to the AFC Champi- Domestically, both teams are again against their Al Wahda Champions League campaign is “We need to be at our best to ons League knock-out stage for top of their leagues, albeit at Al Wahda recovered from a behind them, having recovered beat them but we are confi dent the fi rst time in nine years, while contrasting ends of the season. 2-0 defeat to PFC Lokomotiv on from collecting one point in their Al Rayyan players in action during their 2019 Asian Men’s Club playing at our home ground,” the three points for the Qataris can Al Sadd have already secured the opening matchday to go on fi rst two games with the win over Volleyball Championship match against Australia’s Queensland Portuguese veteran added. put them on track to reaching the the QNB Stars League title with and win their two subsequent Al Ahli on Matchday Three. Pirates in Taipei yesterday.

JARALLA WINS FOURTH ROUND OF QATAR MANATEQ BAJA 2019

Winners of 2019 Qatar Manateq Baja fourth round pose with Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation President Abdulrahman al-Mannai and other off icials. Qatari driver Jahman Jaralla and his co-driver Feras Allouh won the fourth round. Jaralla now is in third position in the championship standings with 43 points. Adel Abdulla leads the table with 52 points, followed by Mohamed al-Attiyah (44) in the second place.