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Wednesday 19 April 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Australia's pace Al Attiyah, Meo and Poncence NeymarN confident of attack could win Super Special Stagee leadinglead Barca to second decide Ashes: Lee at Losail Circuit miracle comeback

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (left) celebrates a goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match played at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid yesterday. Atletico end Leicester fairytale

Leicester Reuters

eicester City's fairytale Champions League journey Lcame to an end at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid, who reached the semi-finals for the third time in four seasons with a 2-1 aggregate win. A first-half goal by Saul Niguez proved enough to ease the Span- ish side through to the last four despite Leicester’s spirited revival in the second half when Jamie Vardy equalised on the night. Diego Simeone's side, who won the first leg in Madrid 1-0, had Ronaldo fires Real into semis the better of the opening exchanges, but after Leicester Madrid Ronaldo's goals, two of which lead in regulation time, and sent the finally found their feet, Shinji Oka- AP were scored in extra time, enabled game into extra time. Ronaldo first to score 100 zaki firing over from close range, the Portugal star to become the first The victory put Madrid into the Saul extended Atletico’s overall ristiano Ronaldo scored player to reach 100 Champions semifinals for the seventh straight Champions League goals lead in the 26th minute, heading a hat trick to help Real League goals. time and kept alive its hopes of home powerfully from Filipe Luis's Madrid beat 10-man Bayern played a man down becoming the first team to defend Madrid quarter-final second leg superb cross. Bayern Munich 4-2 after from the 84th minute after Arturo the Champions League title since AFP against Bayern Munich. The Premier League champi- extra time yesterday and Vidal picked up his second yellow the competition's new format was Yesterday's treble ons, in their first Champions Csend the defending champions card of the night for a foul on created in 1992. Los Blancos ristiano Ronaldo extended Ronaldo's lead League campaign, responded through to the semifinals of the Asensio. defeated city rival Atletico Madrid made history by over Barcelona rival strongly, dominating the second Champions League. After Robert Lewandowski had in the final both in 2014 and 2016. Cbecoming the first Lionel Messi as the top half, and England striker Vardy Marco Asensio also scored late scored a 53rd minute penalty for Bayern, the 2013 Champions player to reach 100 scorer in Champions equalised on 61 minutes after Ben for Madrid, which advanced 6-3 on Bayern, an own-goal by Madrid league winner, had made it at least Champions League goals League history. Messi has Chilwell’s shot was blocked, but it aggregate after a 2-1 first leg win in defender Sergio Ramos in the 78th to the semifinals the last five as he scored a hat-trick 94, 11 of which have come was not quite enough. Germany. had given the German side a 2-1 seasons. in yesterday's in this season. Chelsea great Terry to leave club RCB tame Lions Rajkot McCullum, who by now had IANS faced 44 balls and struck seven lusty London people to thank at this great different role when he finally player with more sixes and two fours, failed to gener- AFP football club." hangs up his boots. silverware." oyal Challengers Bangalore ate enough power to a slower Terry made his debut in "The club and I have always There had been specula- (RCB) ended their three- delivery, resulting in a simple helsea great John Terry 1998 and has captained Chel- had a fantastic relationship, tion that Terry might leave Rmatch losing run with a reverse-cupped catch by Adam will leave the club at sea on a record 578 occasions which will continue beyond my during the January transfer 21-run win over Gujarat Lions in an Milne at deep midwicket. Cthe end of the season, while also scoring 66 goals. playing days," he said. window, but former Italy Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 Thereafter, young Ishan Kishan the Premier League leaders No one has won more than "We had some really pos- manager Conte made it clear match at the Saurashtra and Jadeja added 27 runs for the announced on Monday. his 14 major honours with the itive talks but with everything he wanted the veteran cen- Association Stadium in Rajkot sixth before a mix-up landed "John Terry and Chelsea club. taken into careful consider- tre-half to stay for the yesterday. both the batsmen at the non-strik- Football Club today jointly Terry's medal-winning ation I have decided it's the remainder of the campaign. Powered by a 38-ball 77 from er's end, ruling the local lad out for announce our captain will haul includes four Premier right time for me to leave. Terry, however, has not West Indian Chris Gayle, who also a 22-ball 23. leave the club at the end of League titles, five FA Cups "I've always been con- played for Chelsea since their became the first T20 batsman to Needing 49 from 14, new man the season," said a club and three League Cups. scious that I depart at the right 2-0 FA Cup win over Wolves score 10,000 runs, and a sublime Andrew Tye survived a dropped statement. He also won the Europa time, in the right way, and I in February, with his last 50-ball 64 from skipper Virat Kohli, chance from Kohli, who also The 36-year-old former League during Rafael Beni- feel that the end of this sea- league appearance back in RCB's young leg-spinner Yuzven- dropped Ishan the next over. Ishan, England central defender has tez's brief stint as Chelsea son is the right time for the November. dra Chahal sealed the deal with however provided some entertain- made 713 appearances for manager and lifted the club and I. Apart from a brief loan figures of 3/31 to restrict the hosts to ment to the crowd with a 16-ball 39, the west London side, third Championspgpy League trophy in "I feel I still have pyplenty to spellpg at Nottingham Forest, 192/7 in their pursuit of 214. laced with four lusty hits over the inin tthehe BBlues'lues' alall-timel-time llist.ist. 2012 despitedespite beingbeing sus-sus- offeroffer on the ppitchitch but under- TerryTerry has spspentent his entire ppro-ro- Gujarat faltered once again at fence but that was not enough to end But, despitedespite beingbeing Chel-Chel- pendedpended forfor thethe finalfinal againstagainst standstand tthathat opportunities hhereere at fessionalfessional career withwith the start, losing the key of the home team's poor run. sea's captain, Terry has GermanGerman ggiantsiants BaBayeBayernyern ChelseaChelsea willwill bbee lilimilimitedmited foforr meme.. Chelsea.Chelse West Indian Dwayne Smith (1) and Earlier, the visitors got off to a become an inincreasinglycreasingly Munich. "I'm"I'm eager to carry on HeHe was cchosenhosen as tthehe skipper Suresh Raina (23) to thunderous start with Gayle and peripheralperipheral figurefigure uundernder ItaItal-l- Terry'sT erry's plplayingaying anandd so wiwillll bbee PProfessionalrofessional FootFootballers'ballers' Chahal. skipper Kohli putting on 122 runs in ianian manager AntonioAntonio Conte sstatementt a t ement looking to continue with AssociationAssociation Player of the Year Unperturbed by the twin strikes, 13 overs as the Gujarat bowlers andand hashas mademade just fivefive leagueleague indicatedindicated ththatat a new challenge.challenge. I wiwillll of in 20052005 andand won 78 EnglandEngland former New Zealand skipper Bren- failed to find an answer to the appearances ssoo ffarar tthishis hehe couldcould course alwaysalways bbee a BBluelue capscaps beforebefore retiring fromfrom don McCullum almost onslaught. season.season. returnreturn ttoo and am desperate toto internationalinternational duty.duty. single-handedly raised the hopes for Kedar Jadhav (38 of 16 "I willwill decidedecide on my StamfordStamford endend my ffinalinal seasoseasonn ButBut tthehe enendd ooff hhisis inter- the hosts with a destructive 72 from balls) and Travis Head (30 not out futurefuture in due course,course, but for BridgeBridge in a as a ChelseaChelsea nationalnational career was just 44 deliveries. of 16) then finished off the proceed- nownow I am committedcommitted toto help-help- overshadowedovershhaddowedd bbyy alallegationslllegations With Gujarat reduced to 103/3 ings in style with a 54-run unbeaten inging thethe teamteam achieveachieeve successsuccess hehe raciallyracially abusedabused Anton Fer- midway through the innings, the third wicket stand. thisthis season,"season," said TerryTerry inin a dinand,dinand, the youngeryounger brotherbrother home crowd expected an in-form Coming into the match, just 3 jointjoint statementstatement issuedisssued withwith of hhisis EEnglandngland ccentre-backentre-back Dinesh Karthik (1) to support McCul- runs short of becoming the first bats- Chelsea.Chelseea.. partnerpartner RiRioo Ferdinand,Ferddinnana dd, whilewhile lum, who at the other end raced to man to get 10,000 T20 runs, Gayle "After"AAfter 2222 yeyyearsars ththereere is so playingplaying forfor ChelseaCChele seea againstaaggaiinsn t his half century off 30 just balls. reached the landmark slicing a good muchmum chh ttoo sasayy anandd soso mmanyanny QueensQuueeensns PParkaarrk RangersRaR ngngerers inn 22011.0111. The Tamil Nadu stumper, how- length delivery from pacer Basil ever succumbed to the pressure of Thampi through point down to third the mounting asking rate to be man for a single. caught by Kohli off medium pacer Brief scores: Sreenath Aravind. Royal Challengers Bangalore All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja then 213 for 2 (Chris Gayle 77, Virat Kohli joined McCullum for a 31-run fourth 64, Kedar Jadhav 38 not out) beat wicket stand before Chahal struck Gujarat Lions 192 for 7 (Brendon once again with the wicket of the McCullum 72, Ishan Kishan 39, John Terry dangerous New Zealander to seal the Suresh Raina 23, Yuzvendra Chahal deal in favour of the visitors. 3-31) by 21 runs SPORT WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 25 NBA play-offs : Cavs and Spurs win again

Los Angeles quarter lead before Cleveland 37 points as the Spurs took a 2-0 AFP ground out a win. lead in the best-of-seven series They also blew a 26-point at AT&T Center. he Cleveland Cavaliers fourth quarter lead in a defeat to But Fizdale unleashed a overcame a bout of Atlanta earlier this month. spectacular post-game tirade fourth quarter jitters to But the NBA champions just against the officiating crew, take a grip of their about held their nerve on Mon- which is almost certain to bring NBA play-off series day, eventually winning 117-111 disciplinary action from the Tagainst the Indiana Pacers on thanks to a 37-point haul from league. Monday as San Antonio seized Kyrie Irving as well as 27 points Fizdale complained bitterly control of their duel with from Kevin Love and 25 from that officials had unfairly skewed Memphis. LeBron James. the free throw count against his Cleveland appeared to be James was unfazed by the players. coasting to victory after opening Pacers' fourth quarter fightback "It was a very poorly offici- up an 18-point lead at the end of after the Cavs held on to take a ated basketball game," Fizdale the third quarter at the Quicken 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven fumed. Loans Arena. series. Game 3 takes place in "First half we had 19 shots in But the Cavs put the home Memphis tomorrow. the paint and had six free throws. fans through the ringer in a nervy "We're right there," said They shot 11 times in the paint finale as the Pacers punished a James, who also had 10 rebounds and had 23 free throws. litany of mistakes to cut the gap and seven assists. "We're right "I'm not a numbers guy but to four points with 18 seconds there of what we know we can that doesn't seem to add up. remaining. become, and we'll figure it out." Overall we shot ball in the paint It mirrored a similar shaky Cavs coach Tyronn Lue 35 times and we had 15 free finish in Game 1, when Indiana blamed fatigue for the high turn- throws - for the game. They shot wiped out a 10-point fourth over count that allowed San Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (left) and Indiana Pacers centre Myles Turner go for a 18 times and had 32 free throws. loose ball during the first quarter in game two of the first round of their 2017 NBA play-offs Explain it to me." PLAY-OFF RESULTS at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on Monday. Officials had shown "disre- spect" to his team, Fizdale added. Eastern Conference Antonio to claw their way back Smith limping off with a hamstring halftime. We just need Shump to "I'm not going to let them In Cleveland into the contest in the fourth injury. However Smith's replace- stay focused and understand the treat us that way. That's unac- Cleveland Cavaliers 117 Indiana Pacers 111 quarter."I just saw turnovers," ment, Iman Shumpert, impressed task at hand and I think he did a ceptable. That's unprofessional. Lue said. from the bench with five points. good job of that tonight." My guys dug in that game and (Cleveland lead series 2-0) "We've gotta take care of the "We have so many pieces on In San Antonio, Memphis earned the right to be in that Western Conference basketball. We turned the ball this team, but everyone has to coach David Fizdale was left game -- and they did not even In San Antonio over and it hurt us. Nineteen stay ready," Irving said of fuming after watching his team give us a chance," Fizdale told San Antonio Spurs 96 Memphis Grizzlies 82 turnovers for 24 points. It's hard Shumpert's cameo. slide to a 96-82 loss against the journalists.

to win play-off games like that." "He had that mindset, came Spurs in their Western Confer- The series now moves to

(San Antonio lead series 2-0) The victory came at a cost for in and executed, and it's hard to ence showdown. Memphis for Game 3 Cleveland however, with guard JR come off the bench right after Kawhi Leonard finished with tomorrow.

NHL: Chicago Powell, uncapped duo in WI squad face exit after Kingston Pakistan. For Powell this marks WI Squad AFP a return to the Test stage for the Predators' first time since 2014. Jason Holder (capt), Devendra Bishoo, est Indies named He figured in the West Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, fightback uncapped batting pair Indies' Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane WVishaul Singh and series against England in March Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Het- Shimron Hetmeyer and recalled and Pakistan this month. myer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Los Angeles, Kieran Powell to face Pakistan in West Indies chairman of AFP Powell, Vishaul Singh Petra Kvitova the first Test starting on Friday. selectors Courtney Browne said: Fixtures The 13-man squad for the "We have a young Test squad, 1st Test: April 21-25 - West Indies v Pa- he Chicago Blackhawks first in the three-match series at which was admirably led by were left staring down kistan at Sabina Park, Kingston Sabina Park in Kingston is cap- Jason Holder during the last the barrel of a shock 2nd Test: April 30-May 4: West Indies v T tained by Jason Holder. series and, though there are early play-off exit after Kevin Three players missing were some noticeable absentees, we Pakistan at Kensington Oval, Bridget- Fiala's overtime winner Marlon Samuels, Darren Bravo believe that the players will give own handed the Nashville Preda- and Leon Johnson who toured a good account of themselves 3rd Test: May 10-14: West Indies v Paki- tors a 3-0 series lead on Kvitova eyes surprise the United Arab Emirates last especially in their own stan at Windsor Park, Roseau Monday. year for three Tests against backyard." Fiala slipped a back- hander past Corey Crawford return at French Open as Nashville fought back from 2-0 down to seal a dramatic Paris entry list for Roland Garros 3-2 victory in Nashville. AFP tomorrow," Kvitova said of the Australia's pace attack The win means the Pred- May 28-June 11 tournament in a ators are just one victory etra Kvitova is planning a post on her Instagram account. away from sending Chicago surprise return at the "As the entry deadline crashing out of the playoffs in PFrench Open, six months approached, I had made good could decide Ashes: Lee what would be a stunning end after her left hand was badly progress in my recovery proc- to the postseason for the injured in a knife attack, she ess and I want to give myself Western Conference top said on Monday. every last opportunity to be Mumbai more of hitting the good seeds. The two-time Wimbledon able to compete at one of my Reuters length, day in and day out. Fiala's winner came after champion suffered severe inju- favourite events. With Starc you will be full, he had missed two golden ries to her playing hand as she "This unfortunately does ustralia's pace attack, short, good length, yorkers, the chances in overtime. fought off a knife-wielding not mean necessarily that I will emboldened by the whole thing. Crawford had seemed intruder at her home in the be ready to play in Paris, but A return of "once in a gen- "Two completely different determined to keep Chicago eastern Czech town of Proste- that I'm doing everything pos- eration" bowler Pat Cummins, bowlers but complementing alive, making 46 stops in the jov in December. sible to give myself the chance could prove the difference each other because they are defeat. Pekka Rinne made 34 Doctors had estimated that and keep a positive mindset. between the sides in this year's building pressure from each saves for Nashville. the Czech star, ranked 14 in the "There remains a long road Ashes series against England, end. Then you throw in some- Chicago now face the world, would not be able to ahead but I wanted to share this said former paceman Brett Lee one like a Pat Cummins. It's a Predators tomorrow in Game return to competition before update with you. Thanks for (pictured). and generated enough pace pretty handy attack." 4, aiming to avoid a series the second half of the year. your continued support and I Steve Smith's side already even on the docile surfaces in Less than six months ago, sweep. "My name will appear on the hope to see you soon." boast tearaway paceman India to trouble the hosts' Australia were still reeling from Elsewhere on Monday, the Mitchell Starc along with the batsmen. their 3-0 whitewash in Sri Ottawa Senators edged into a MONTE CARLO MASTERS: MEN'S SINGLES RESULTS precision of Josh Hazlewood. James Pattinson has also Lanka when they were beaten 2-1 series lead against the Bos- Cummins returned to Test been in stellar form in domes- in the home series by South ton Bruins after claiming a Round 2 cricket in India after more than tic cricket since returning from Africa with a match to spare. pulsating 4-3 overtime win. Adrian Mannarino (France) beat 7-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) five years in the wilderness, a 12-month injury layoff in Feb- The axe fell on some play- Ottawa had squandered 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-3 replacing injured spearhead ruary and the 26-year-old could ers and a revamped side a three-goal lead as Boston Round 1 Starc and taking eight wickets complete a dream pace quartet gained a consolation win at battled back to 3-3. from the final two matches in for the five-match Ashes series Adelaide Oval before going on However, a crucial power Carlos Berlocq (Argentina) beat Pierre-Hugues Herbert (France) Ranchi and Dharamsala. starting in November. to blank Pakistan 3-0 in the play against the Bruins in 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 His successful comeback Lee, an ambassador for following series. overtime was to be decisive, Jiri Vesely (Czech Republic) beat Mischa Zverev (Germany) 7-6(3), has only bolstered Australia's Bowling Master, said he would They impressed one and with Bobby Ryan taking already formidable pace struggle to summon the cour- all in India, going down 2-1 advantage to score the 6-3 resources. age to face such a pace after a closely-fought four- game-winner. Karen Khachanov (Russia) beat Nicolas Mahut (France) 6-2, 6-4 "What Pat Cummins can battery. match series against the Bruins fans later regis- Tommy Haas (Germany) beat Benoit Paire (France) 6-2, 6-3 bring is pace, aggression, con- "I would be (scared), abso- world's top ranked Test side. tered their disgust with the Paolo Lorenzi (Italy) beat Marcel Granollers (Spain) 6-2, 6-4 trol and anything between lutely," Lee said after Lee said Smith now had officiating, littering the ice that. He is a once in a genera- launching the cricket training the players to build a team with debris after the match. Jan-Lennard Struff (Germany) beat Casper Ruud (Norway) 6-4, tion bowler and you have got kit which will be sold on Ama- around for the long-term. I think it's the type of pen- 6-4 to harness that amazing tal- zon's India portal. "After Michael Clarke, you alty -- that stuff was kind of 11-Lucas Pouille (France) beat Ryan Harrison (US) 6-2, 6-4 ent," Lee said in an interview "It's a pretty serious pace got Steve Smith taking over, let go all game," said Bruins Robin Haase (Netherlands) beat Damir Dzumhur (Bosnia and at a Mumbai hotel.. barrage that you've got. Aus- and I think he's building his left wing Brad Marchand.

The 23-year-old right- tralian bowling stocks now are own team, which is a terrific "It's tough, but we gotta Herzegovina) 6-3, 6-2 armer showed good control pretty healthy. "Hazlewood is team," said the 40-year-old. bounce back and be better Gilles Muller (Luxembourg) beat Tommy Robredo (Spain) 6-2, 6-2 next game." 26 SPORT WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 Qatar motor sport icons set (I) just need to focus better because after the crash the battle for title charge on home soil is fought in the head. I need to be R izwan Rehmat at my level The Peninsula quickly. I will try to take atar's motor sport icons Nasser Saleh it easy at the Al Attiyah and Adel beginning and Hussein yesterday see where we are Qpromised a fight for title glory on home soil at and then we this week's Qatar Cross- will see if we Country Rally. have to push, Al Attiyah, a two-time Dakar Rally winner, and Hus- says Qatar's sein, the FIA T2 world racing icon champion, will join former Nasser Saleh quad star and compatriot Mohamed Abu Issa at the Al Attiyah. four-day event that has also attracted names like Sam Sunderland and Sheikh Kha- lid Al Qassimi. Al Attiyah, earlier this Toyota Hilux Overdrive racing's Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (centre) speaks during a pre-event press conference month, suffered a horrendous crash on the final day of the yesterday. Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President Abdulrahman Al Mannai (left) and Mini All4 2017 Abu Dhabi Dessert Chal- Racing's Mohamed Abu Issa also look on. TOP RIGHT: Qatari driver Adel Hussein Abdullah. lenge to surrender the lead. The 46-year-old Qatari days in Aspetar to get proper winner lies second in the Driv- to be. Am still young. I am I will try to catch the leaders appeared to be cruising to treatment. I have been get- ers’ Championship after three learning in what is my first and reduce the gap between victory until he rolled his ting better and better. rounds. year. I hope to improve every and the points leaders. There Overdrive Racing Toyota Yesterday I felt little bit pain "For me it's a goof experi- day," Issa added. are still eight rounds to go and Hilux heavily before the but otherwise I am okay," Al ence to compete at such Hussein, who claimed it is not difficult to close the opening passage control. Attiyah said. rallies. You have to focus bet- wins in Portugal, Abu Dhabi gap," he said. Despite continuing for a short "(I) just need to focus bet- ter on such terrains," Issa said and Spain in his first full sea- Hussein was quick to while after a long delay, he ter because after the crash the during a pre-event press con- son of cross-country acknowledge the support of retired the damaged car at battle is fought in the head. I ference yesterday. competition last year, said his sponsors as he aims to PC1. need to be at my level quickly. "Abu Dhabi is about doing well 'on home soil' was defend his title in 2017. "We had that crash in Abu I will try to take it easy at the dunes and Qatar rally is about important. "I would like to say thanks Dhabi last week. Such things beginning and see where we navigation. I will once again "We start this year at Rus- to QMMF for their support for happen in professional sport," are and then we will see if we try to get as much experience sian Baja. It was a great the 2017 season. Also, I thank Al Attiyah said yesterday. have to push," Al Attiyah said as I can so that I am ready for experience though we had my new sponsors Ooredoo and "Thankfully we didn't of his aims this week. the next season as well," he problems in the next two Nissan Qatar so that I could break any bones," he added Issa, 27, said he was aim- added. races. We are looking how to compete in the world champi- with a smile. ing to complete the race with "Our quads are close to push and win," Hussein said. onship this year. They (QMMF) "But we have some mus- a positive result as the Qatari 300 kilograms so it's basically "It is important for me to have been organising this event British rider Sam Sunderland speaks to journalists cle pain and general stiffness. competes in one of the Minis. like driving a car (laughs). We win the race in my country as for many years. They have I have spent 10 The former quad category can be faster when we want I will be driving on home soil. been doing it well," he said. following yesterday's press conference.

2017 QATAR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY POSITIONS AFTER SS1 (UNOFFICIAL) CARS - FIA Al Attiyah, Meo and Ponce win 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive: 4min 27.1sec 2. Yazeed Al Rajhi (SAU)/Timo Gottschalk (DEU) Mini John Cooper Works Rally: 4min 35.0sec super special stage at Losail Circuit 3. Leeroy Poulter (ZAF)/Dirk von Zitzewitz (DEU) Toyota Hilux: 4min 36.8sec The Peninsula but nothing too serious,” said Frenchman Claude 4. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Tom Colsoul (BEL) Al Attiyah. “I will see what Fournier topped the T3 stand- Mini All4 Racing: 4min 42.0sec atar’s Nasser Saleh Al develops. If I have to push, ings and first blood amongst 5. Aron Domzala (POL)/Szymon Gospodarczyk (POL) Attiyah, Frenchman then I will.” the 10 competitors in the Toyota Hilux Overdrive: 4min 44.4sec QAntoine Meo and Peru’s The tactical game began Qatar National Baja went to a 5. Erik Van Loon (NLD)/Wouter Rosegaar (NLD) Alexis Hernandez Ponce in earnest in the motorcycles flying Ahmed Allouh in his Toyota Hilux Overdrive: 4min 44.4sec entertained the crowds with and the stage win for French- Polaris. Khalid Al Mohannadi 7. Mohammed Abu Issa (QAT)/Xavier Panseri (FRA) the fastest times in the car, man Antoine Meo enabled was second in a similar car. Mini All4 Racing: 4min 47.1sec motorcycle and quad catego- him to choose the most Today, the first of four 8. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Jan Tomanek (CZE) ries through the opening favourable starting position desert selective sections of the Ford F-150 Evo: 4min 49.3sec 4.85km super special stage of for the desert action. With the event will take place as com- 9. Khalid Al Qassimi (ARE)/Khaled Al Kendi (ARE) the Qatar Cross-Country Rally event reduced from five to petitors prepare to tackle a Peugeot 3008 DKR: 5min 00.5sec at Losail yesterday four desert sections this year, 334.08km section that starts 10. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora (SVK) afternoon. a different strategy may pan near the village of Rawdat Hummer H3 Evo VII: 5min 02.0sec Run over a purpose-built out amongst the factory rid- Rashed in the municipality of 11. Fernando Alvarez (ESP)/Luciano Gennoni (ARG) track that featured jumps and ers. Red Bull KTM team-mate Al Rayyan and finishes south Toyota Hilux: 5min 04.9sec water splashes and sections Matthias Walkner finished Masood also entered on their QMMF President Abdulrah- of the former Sealine bivouac, 12. Jürgen Schröder (DEU)/Maximilian Schröder (DEU) of Losail’s motocross course, second and Sam Sunderland Yamahas, but were not regis- man Al Mannai, with the 93.72km from Losail, after Toyota Hilux: 5min 11.7sec the stage was also used to gave the Austrian manufac- tered for FIM Quad World Cup honour of first into the stage taking in a westerly and determine the all-important turer a 1-2-3 finish. points. South Africa’s Martin falling to Abdulmajeed Al southerly loop of Qatar. CARS - NATIONAL starting order for the first of Alexis Hernandez Ponce Beyers dropped seven min- Khulaifi on his Yamaha YFZ 1. Ahmed Allouh (QAT)/Tamer Hijaeen (JOR) Polaris: 5min 14.3sec four desert selective sections was the class of the quad field utes to the leaders. 450R. 2. Khalid Al Mohannadi (QAT) Polaris RXR 1000: 5min 32.8sec on Wednesday. on his Yamaha Raptor. Rafal Before they tackled the 3. Abdullah Al Rabban (QAT)/Mohammed Hassan (QAT) Jeep 2012: 5min Al Attiyah was 1.8 seconds Sonik switched from a Honda stage, 25 FIA cars and 10 more 39.2sec quicker than Yazeed Al Rajhi to a Yamaha to finish second running in the National Baja, in the cars, while Leeroy Poul- and Dutchman Kees Koolen along with 13 motorcycles and 4. Jamal Fakhroo (QAT)/Saeed Shawared (QAT) Nissan Safari: 5min 50.7sec ter slotted into third place on third. Saudi riders Abdulma- nine quads were flagged away his Qatar debut with a South jeed Al Khulaifi and Sultan Al from a ceremonial start by BIKES African-built Toyota Hilux. “I 1. Antoine Meo (FRA) KTM 450 Rally: 4min 31.9sec had a test in the car yesterday 2. Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 Rally: 4min 38.8sec and there was a little pain 3. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally: 4min 40.2sec from the crash in Abu Dhabi, 4. Pierre Alexander Renet (FRA) Husqvarna 450 Rally: 4min 42.8sec 5. Kevin Benavides (ARG) Honda 450 CRF Rally: 4min 46.6sec 6. Paolo Gonçalves (PRT) Honda 450 CRF Rally: 4min 48.1sec 7. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) Husqvarna 450 Rally: 5min 00.0sec

QUADS - FIM 1. Alexis Hernandez Ponce (PER) Yamaha Raptor 700R: 5min 17.0sec 2. Rafal Sonik (POL) Yamaha YFM 700 R: 5min 30.1sec 3. Kees Koolen (NLD) Barren Racer One 690: 5min 36.3sec 4. Rodolfo Schippers (GUA) Yamaha Raptor 700R: 5min 48.6sec 5. Camelia Liparoti (ITA) Yamaha Raptor 700R: 6min 35.7sec 6. Martin Beyers (ZAF) Yamaha: 12min 30.4sec

QUADS – NON-FIM Toyota Hilux Overdrive racing's Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action during the 4.85km super special stage of the Qatar Cross-Country Rally 1. Abdulmajeed Al-Khulaifi (SAU) Yamaha YFZ 450R: 5min 22.5sec at Losail yesterday afternoon. ABOVE: Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President Abdulrahman Al Mannai flags off car stage winner 2. Sultan Al-Masood (SAU) Yamaha YFZ 450R: 6min 35.0sec Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah at the start of the super special stage. WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2017 SPORT 27 Al Shahania, Qatar SC in do-or-die battle

Armstrong Vas QSL survival test Iranian attacker Rahim Zahivi The Peninsula who has been missing recently Al Shahania are through injury. l Shahania will be look- expecting a tough test “We had big expectations ing for a win in the from Qatar SC in the with Rahim but with injury Ado-or-die battle as they one-off relegation problems he wasn’t lucky. We aim to retain their place in the play-off match to be are expecting him to take part Qatar Stars League (QSL). played today at in some of the game. We will be The Oryxes are expecting a very happy if he is involved in Lekhwiya Stadium tough test from Qatar Gas the game,” Stimac said. at 6.20pm. League outfit Qatar SC in the Álvaro Mejía, captain of Al Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani (centre) one-off relegation play-off Shahania said they were ready match to be played today at for the big task. attended the General Assembly Meeting (AGM) at the Diplomatic Club yesterday. Lekhwiya Stadium at 6.20pm. information to play the best “It’s a chance to stay in the The winner of the clash will match we can,” added the league. It’s a final and we know be playing in next season’s QSL Croatian tactician. Qatar SC is a good team. We while the losing side will be “Since I arrived in Decem- believe in our team and the QFA President attends going down in the second ber I feel like everybody in our coach. We have a tough game division. club is like one big family. I have ahead of us and we will give it Shahania head coach Igor trust in my players as they have our all in the 90 minutes.” General Assembly Meeting Štimac will be hoping that his improved their game since we “We have to take care about side are ready and raring to fight started working together. We everything in the game. We ana- for their QSL status in this one- need to improve in some parts lysed the opponent and we train The Peninsula off encounter. like scoring but I am quite happy accordingly. It’s a good game to Štimac is grateful for play- with what we have achieved and play for us, it will have good atar Football Association off live line. I hope Al Shahania becomes an atmosphere and it’s nice to be (QFA) President Sheikh “We are very happy for the integral part of Qatari football,” part of it,” added the Spanish QHamad bin Khalifa bin chance to play in the play-off. he said yesterday. defender. Ahmed Al Thani yesterday It’s another ninety minutes to Shahania will have a fully fit Qatar SC on the other hand attended the General Assembly prove that we belong in the QSL, squad for the game after resting ensured a play-off spot after fin- Meeting (AGM) at the Diplomatic to prove we are well organized a host of players in their 2-2 ishing second in the Qatar Gas Club. and deserve to stay in the QSL,” draw with QSL champions League. The AGM was also attended Stimac said while talking to Lekhwiya in the final game of The club is hungry to get by Saud Abdulaziz Al Mohan- journalists on the eve of the the QSL season. One player back into the QSL following their nadi, Vice President of QFA, match. expected to play some part is relegation last term. along with Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Al Shahania finished the QSL Buainain, Ibrahim Khalil Al season in twelfth place with Shahania coach Muhannadi, Hani Talib Blan, Ali twenty-two points Igor Štimac and Abdullah Al Thawadi and Man- Štimac said Qatar SC is a player Álvaro Mejía, sour Mohammed Al Ansari, the Mohannadi on his return to the meeting, the agenda of the strong team and his team was attending a press Secretary General of QFA. work after FIFA lifted the unfair meeting held on December 16 fully geared up for the conference in Doha The meeting was also suspension. was unanimously adopted and challenge. yesterday. attended by representatives of The QFA chief also congrat- endorsed. “I have seen them (Qatar the 18 football clubs in addition ulated the Al Markhiya team on The Extraordinary General SC) play a couple of times and to the directors of various QFA winning the second division title Assembly members approved their most recent matches. They departments, heads of depart- that secured their entry to the the formal amendment of the are a great club with great his- ments and employees of QFA Qatar Stars League (QSL) for the replacement of the names of tory; they have good quality and a number of media profes- next season. agents of mediators and the players and have a lot of poten- sionals from the print and He wished success to Qatar deletion of article 82 on transi- tial. They must be respected television mediums. SC and Al Shahaniya who will tional procedures for the otherwise you will be punished. The QFA President gave the be playing a play-off match election of two additional mem- We analysed their weaknesses welcoming speech during which today to decide which team gets bers of the Executive and strengths and we use this he congratulated Saud Al knocked out of the QSL. During Committee.

FOOTBALL RESULTS English Premier League result on Monday: Technical meeting of Qatar Cup held Middlesbrough 1 (Negredo 50) Arsenal 2 (Sanchez 42, Ozil 71) Played on Sunday The Peninsula see league champions Lekhwiya attended just like any of the Cup Manchester United 2 (Rashford 7, Herrera 49) Chel- take on El Jaish on April 21, also finals in Qatar” added Al Kuwari. sea 0 he Qatar Stars League at 7.00pm Al Sadd stadium. The Executive Director of West Brom 0 Liverpool 1 (Firmino 45+1) (QSL) held a technical Also present at the meeting Marketing and Communications Played on Saturday Tmeeting at Al Bidda tower was a representative of the ref- also revealed that a host of prizes Crystal Palace 2 (Cabaye 54, Benteke 70) Leicester 2 to discuss the upcoming Qatar erees association, who will be on offer during the three (Huth 6, Vardy 52) Cup semi-finals. encouraged cooperation games. Everton 3 (Jagielka 49, Mee 71-og, Lukaku 74) Representatives of between the teams. “Both Semi-finals will have Burnley 1 (Vokes 52-pen) Lekhwiya, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan Meanwhile, Hassan Al prize draws which will include Southampton 0 Manchester City 3 (Kompany 55, and El Jaish met with Ahmed Al Kuwari, Executive Director of the chance to win a car. We will Sane 77, Aguero 80) Adsani, head of competitions of Marketing and Communications also have further prizes availa- Stoke 3 (Arnautovic 6, Crouch 66, Shaqiri 80) Hull 1 the QSL to go through crucial at the QSL has confirmed that ble for the Final which will be (Maguire 51) match day operations. preparations are well underway Representatives of Lekhwiya, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan and El Jaish announced at a special press Sunderland 2 (Khazri 26, Borini 90) West Ham 2 The clubs also revealed the ahead of the kick-off of the 2017 showing the jerseys their sides would be wearing ahead of conference in due course.” (Ayew 5, Collins 47) kits their sides would be wear- Qatar Cup tournament. the Qatar Cup semi-finals. “We are looking to build on Tottenham 4 (Dembele 16, Son 19, Kane 48, Janssen ing ahead of the semi-finals. Al Kuwari confirmed that the the success of last season’s Qatar 90+2) Bournemouth 0 The first match will be QSL turned their attentions to give the fans the opportunity to new team crowned as Qatar Cup Cup tournament. The QSL has Watford 1 (Capoue 42) Swansea 0 between second placed Al Sadd Qatar Cup preparations as soon enjoy both games between the winners as either Al Sadd or Al been holding regular meetings and rivals Al Rayyan which is set as the domestic season came to best four sides in Qatar. Every- Rayyan are set to take on the with key stake holders and the La liga to take place on Thursday the an end, last weekend. one at the QSL has been pulling winner of the match between security forces to ensure a well- Spanish La Liga result on Monday:

April 20 at 7.00pm at Al Sadd “In a continuation of last together to organize the Lekhwiya and El Jaish. We are organized and enjoyable Alaves 2 (Ibai Gomez 35, Ely 45) Villarreal 1

(Bakambu 70) Stadium. year, the semi-finals will take tournament.” certainly expecting a good final experience for the fans and The second semi-final will place over two days in order to “The semi-finals could see a match, which will be well sponsors” noted Al Kuwari. Neymar confident of leading Barca to second miracle comeback

Barcelona semi-finals. The Brazilian Having been sent off in the give our absolute maximum. If Pescara on Saturday, but is leg, Juventus should be able to Reuters scored Barcelona's fourth and team's 2-0 defeat at Malaga and everything goes well, there will expected to be fit to play. book their place in the semi fifth goals in the last 16 second hit with a longer ban after sar- be another comeback. Defender Georgio Chiellini finals. arcelona striker Neymar leg, setting up the sixth too, as castically applauding the fourth "I believe in the team and in watched Neymar and co. dis- Meanwhile, Borussia Dort- is confident the Catalans they won 6-1 to progress 6-5 on official, he has a point to prove our power. Everything is lost mantle PSG in the previous mund face an uphill task to Bcan launch another aggregate. in the Champions League. (already), so we have nothing round and is wary of the threat overturn a 3-2 deficit against remarkable Champions League If Barcelona are to do the "We have to believe we can to lose and everything to gain." the Catalans pose. French rivals Monaco and keep comeback as they look to over- impossible in the quarter-final do it," said Neymar in an inter- Although Neymar will "We need to be compact their minds on football after the turn a 3-0 quarter-final deficit as well, after losing 3-0 in Turin, view with Brazilian television return for the clash, Barcelona and show no fear. (Barcelona) first leg of their Champions against Juventus today. they will need the winger to be channel Esporte Interativo. are likely to be without Javier are like sharks who scent League quarter-final was Just as they had done in the at his electric best. "The other day my father Mascherano, who did not train blood and finish you off. We've marred by an attack on the Ger- previous round, when Barce- Neymar should be well told me one thing which has on Monday due to a calf injury, got to keep them as far away man team's bus. lona overcame a 4-0 first-leg rested after missing Barcelona's stayed in my head, and I think as well as long-term absentees from our goal as possible," he Three explosions rocked the deficit to eliminate Paris St Ger- 3-2 win over Real Sociedad on it's true. In front of us we have Aleix Vidal and Rafinha. told Sky Italia. Borussia coach on its way to the main, the Spanish giants will be Saturday, the first of three a different team, but Barcelona Juventus forward Paulo If former Barcelona stadium last Tuesday and left relying on Neymar to produce matches he is suspended for in is the same. And we can do it. Dybala, who scored twice in the defender Dani Alves can keep the team's Spanish defender another magical performance La Liga, including next Sunday's "We did it once and we can first leg, was taken off with an his friend and compatriot Ney- Marc Bartra with a fractured if they are to reach the Clasico. do it a second time. We have to ankle injury as they won 2-0 at mar at bay like he did in the first arm.