TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019 SPORT 07 Being in the position in the Premier League where you know Pep Guardiola says CRICKET if you don’t win you are going to pressure will bring FOOTBALL lose the Premier League, maybe out best in Man City EPL: Wolverhampton IPL: Rajasthan Royals that’s going to help us for the other players. Wanderers vs vs Royal Challengers

competition. Manchester United ACTION Bangalore TODAY’S NBA: Warriors thump Hornets

AFP Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Nevertheless, the Bucks LOS ANGELES Curry (left) celebrates with team-mate remained a comfortable three Andrew Bogut during their game games ahead of the Toronto The NBA champion Golden State against Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Raptors atop the NBA Eastern Anthony Mantha Warriors routed the Charlotte Conference. Hornets 137-90 on Sunday, “Really proud of the guys bouncing back from a frustrating how they competed today,” defeat to regain first place in the Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer NHL: Mantha Western Conference. said. Stephen Curry scored 25 The San Antonio Spurs, lifts Red Wings points, Klay Thompson added 24 assured of a record-equaling and the two combined to make 22nd straight playoff spot when over Bruins 11 three-pointers as the Warriors the Sacramento Kings lost to the overcame the second quarter Houston Rockets on Saturday, REUTERS ejection of DeMarcus Cousins for were beaten by the Kings DETROIT a flagrant foul. 113-106. The victory pushed the War- It was San Antonio’s 14th Detroit’s Anthony Mantha riors one game ahead of Denver defeat this season to a team with recorded his first career hat- atop the West after the Nuggets a losing record. trick and five-point game, and were upset 95-90 at home by the LaMarcus Aldridge paced the the Red Wings scored four Washington Wizards. Spurs with 27 points and 18 times in the third period in a The Warriors improved to rebounds, while Buddy Hield 6-3 win over the visiting Boston 18-6 this season in games fol- with 26 points led seven Kings Bruins on Sunday. lowing defeats. They fell 131-130 players in double figures. Mantha scored Detroit’s in overtime at Minnesota on San Antonio, who went into first three goals and assisted on Friday in a clash that left the Curry, Thompson, Draymond City Thunder all lost. rebounds. John Collins added 13 the game as league leaders in the final two as the club rallied Warriors fuming over the Green and Kevin Durant for all Rookie Trae Young drained points and 12 rebounds and Alex three-point accuracy, connected from a 3-2 second-period officiating. of the final period. a buzzer-beating basket to give Len chipped in another 23. on just eight of 27 from beyond deficit to win its season-best Golden State took it out on “It was a great night,” said the Atlanta Hawks a 136-135 But it was Young who the arc. fifth straight game. the Hornets, seizing a 10-point Kerr. overtime victory over depleted emerged the hero, corralling a Taro Hirose scored his first lead in the first quarter. “I was really pleased also Milwaukee. deflected inbounds pass with his NBA RESULTS NHL goal, Dylan Larkin had a They were up 49-38 when with the way the bench unit The Bucks, with Most Val- left hand and firing the game- goal and an assist, and Tyler Cousins appeared to accidentally closed the game in the fourth uable Player candidate Giannis winner that was upheld upon Denver 90, Washington 95 Bertuzzi notched three assists hit Willy Hernangomez in the quarter. It was a really good, Antetokounmpo resting his video review. San Antonio 106, Sacramento 113 for the Red Wings, who won for head and was tossed. The War- complete game for us.” sprained ankle, also had Khris Sterling Brown, who missed Golden State 137, Charlotte 90 the seventh time in their last riors didn’t miss a beat, racing The Nuggets weren’t the only Middleton sidelined by a sore left a potential game-winner in reg- New Orleans 102, LA Lakers 130 eight games. on to a 71-49 halftime lead. playoff-bound team to fall to groin while Eric Bledsoe never ulation, put Milwaukee up on a Oklahoma City 103, Dallas 106

Jaroslav Halak stopped 22 They entered the fourth lesser opponents on Sunday, as came off the bench. layup with 1.1 seconds left in Atlanta 136, Milwaukee 135 shots, and David Krejci posted quarter leading 105-72 and War- the Milwaukee Bucks, San Justin Anderson led the overtime but his team-leading LA Clippers 113, Memphis 96 two assists. riors coach Steve Kerr rested Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma Hawks with 24 points and 12 27 points weren’t enough.

Third-placed finisher Monaco’s Formula One driver Charles Leclerc of Ferrari is seen after the 2019 Bahrain GP on Sunday. Leclerc marks himself out as newest champion-in-waiting REUTERS I think we’re seeing a young champion-in-the-making much more controversial way about MANAMA who was the emotional winner today. Fastest man and the third place and would have been angry and would have displayed that. Charles Leclerc’s near-flawless per- fastest machine: Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff “None of that you see with formance at Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Charles.” Prix marked out the Monegasque as emotional winner today,” said Wolff. after a spin and a lost front wing. Even Hamilton acknowledged he Formula One’s newest force to be “Fastest man and fastest machine.” As impressive was the young- now had a new challenger to worry reckoned with. Leclerc replaced Ferrari’s 2007 ster’s calm in the face of disap- about. The 21-year-old Ferrari driver was world champion Kimi Raikkonen at pointment, having a first win ripped “He did an incredible job this fastest in all but one session of track the end of last season in a gamble for from his grasp, but he has displayed weekend and he’s got a beautiful, action, seized pole by a comfortable a team generally known for picking similar mental fortitude before in far bright future ahead of him,” said the margin and was cruising to an easy experienced drivers over talented more testing and emotional Briton. victory when engine trouble struck newcomers. circumstances. But Leclerc, the same age as Red 10 laps from the end, leaving him But the youngest Ferrari race The godson of late Ferrari protege Bull’s similarly precocious talent Max third. driver since 1961 proved he has what Jules Bianchi, Leclerc lost his father in Verstappen, was keeping his feet If Lewis Hamilton was the one it takes to handle the weight of 2017 -- on the eve of a Formula Two firmly on the ground. celebrating an unexpected victory, expectation that comes with driving race in Baku that he nonetheless went “I’m happy overall about this the five-times world champion and for the sport’s most successful and on to win from pole position. weekend,” he said. his Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff glamorous team. “Very, very impressive,” said “I always tend to focus on the neg- were left in no doubt that Leclerc had He even excelled more than four- Wolff of Sunday’s performance. atives of the weekend on my side and made a statement. time champion team mate Sebastian “I know that many other drivers there’s definitely things that I can still “I think we’re seeing a young Vettel, with the German enduring a who have the lion in them, like he cer- improve, so I’ll try to work for that,” he champion-in-the-making who was the scrappy evening that left him fifth tainly has, would have reacted in a added.

Thai rookie Rosberg praises Ferrari but criticises Vettel Albon picks up REUTERS That was still Ferrari’s first team messes up the strategy in “And on top, I had the first F1 points MANAMA podium of the season and his qualifying, he gets angry. Then mistake with the spin. Not a good career first in Formula One. come the race day, one wheel- evening.” Retired Formula One world I can’t believe it. “Beautifully driven (by to-wheel battle and he spins it REUTERS champion Nico Rosberg Leclerc) this weekend and gutteded awayaway completelycompletely on hishis own andand MANAMA (pictured) praised Ferrari for We’ve seen exactly for him,” said Rosberg. loses the wholewhole weekend.weekend. HeHe letting their drivers race each the same Sebastian “But for Sebastian, this iss a needs to find a wawayy out of Toro Rosso rookie Alexander other in Bahrain on Sunday but Vettel again today as really tough one because notot that now.”now.” Albon rode his luck to become criticised Sebastian Vettel for only did he ruin his own race butbut VettelVettel recognisedrecognised the first Thai driver to score making the same mistakes as last we saw all throughout he has a team mate who has beenen the spin was his Formula One points since season. the end of last year: delivering unbelievably well,ell, error,error, even if gustygusty Prince Bira in 1954 when he Four-time champion Vettel Nico Rosberg who is so damn strong and we conditionsconditions hhadad nnotot finished ninth in Bahrain on finished fifth after being outqual- should all expect it to continueue helped.helped. Sunday. ified by team-mate Charles like that. “It“It waswas difficult.difficult. The 23-year-old, who Leclerc, overtaken by the young been a while so that was “So here Sebastian has a realeal We allall struggledstruggled at started 12th, collected two Monegasque in the race and then awesome.” big challenge on his hands.” various points in thethe points in only his second Grand spinning while in contention for Leclerc has been drafted in Rosberg, who retired afterer race but l reallyreally Prix. a podium place. this season to replace 2007 winning the 2016 world cham-m- struggledstruggled at thethe start “My start was very bad, I “Let’s applaud Ferrari world champion Kimi Raik- pionship, said Vettel was dis-s- of the race. Overall,Overall, was a little bit safe into turns because that’s what we all want konen, who played a largely sup- playing familiar weaknesses by therethere was not thethe one and two,” he said. to see,” Rosberg, a pundit for portive role as Vettel’s team spinning under pressure andnd ppaceace I wanted,” he “Obviously we were a bit Britain’s Sky Sports television, mate. without contact. said.said. lucky with the Renaults, but I’ll said of the battle under the The 21-year-old has already “I can’t believe it. We’ve seenen take it,” added Albon. Sakhir floodlights between the shown that he can be a con- exactly the same Sebastian Vetteltel The points meant Toro Ferrari drivers. tender in his own right, taking again today as we saw allll Rosso have scored in both races “It was so cool to see. When pole position and leading the throughout the end of last to date this season, with Russian did we last see Ferraris go head- race before an engine problem year,” said the German of his Daniil Kvyat finishing 10th two to-head like that on track? It’s left him third. compatriot. “First of all the weeks ago in Australia. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019

ICC ODI Player Rankings Australian cricketer Aaron In-form opener Rank Player Team Pts Avge Finch plays a shot during the 1 Virat Kohli India 890 59.57 fifth one day Warner making 2 Rohit Sharma India 839 47.39 international (ODI) cricket 3 Ross Taylor NZ 830 48.34 match against up for lost time 4 Q de Kock SA 803 45.56 Pakistan at Dubai International REUTERS 5 Faf du Plessis SA 801 46.54 Stadium in Dubai MUMBAI 6 Joe Root Eng 791 50.90 on Sunday. 7 Babar Azam Pak 781 51.29 David Warner had little opportunity to stake his claim for a place in Australia’s World Cup squad as he served a year-long ban for 8 Martin Guptill NZ 750 43.51 ball-tampering and so it is no surprise to see the batsman 9 Aaron Finch Aus 744 39.33 cranking out the runs in the Indian Premier League. Cricket Australia slapped former captain Steve Smith and 10 Shai Hope WI 744 45.56 his deputy Warner with 12-month suspensions, which expired last week, for the Cape Town scandal and the duo are expected to be included in the 15-man World Cup squad. Two months out from the World Cup in England, Warner showed he had lost none of his marauding form by smashing 85 in 53 balls in Hyderabad’s IPL opener against Kolkata Knight Riders. The 32-year-old continued in the same vein against Rajasthan, the day after his international ban ended, scoring 69 off 37 deliveries, and then remained unbeaten on 100 against Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday. Australia give Langer ‘brutal’ Warner leads the run-getters’ list and has also notched three consecutive 100-run partnership for the opening wicket with Englishman Jonny Bairstow, who scored a blistering 114 against Bangalore. World Cup selection dilemma “The 12 months has done me well,” Warner said after putting up the highest opening stand of 185 with Bairstow on Sunday. “I’m nice and refreshed. AFP between skipper Aaron Finch and Usman pretty chilled out and I think they work really “What a terrific innings here by Jonny, and a fantastic part- SYDNEY Khawaja. well together. I think it’s a positive thing. nership by both of us.” Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb and “David has shown he’s a very versatile Warner’s Sunrisers trail only three-times champions Chennai Australia coach Justin Langer yesterday Glenn Maxwell have also been in fine touch player, Uzzie’s batted three a number of in the early stages of the Twenty20 tournament. Led by former admitted some players will be “brutally with the bat, leaving difficult decisions as to times, Finchy’s batted in the middle order. India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Super Kings look unlucky” as he faces a World Cup selection where Warner and Smith will fit back in after Versatility’s important,” he added. unstoppable and have won all three of their matches. dilemma with the return of Steve Smith and serving their one-year bans for their part in Australia’s selectors also face a bowling At the other end of the scale, Dhoni’s protege and current David Warner. a ball-tampering scandal. conundrum as they target a record sixth India captain Kohli has a mighty task on his hands if he is to lead The defending champions must name The bombastic Warner seems a certain World Cup triumph. Bangalore to a first IPL title after losing their first three games. their 15-man squad this month for the tour- starter for their World Cup opener against Pat Cummins is a certain starter but Despite having Kohli and talismanic South African AB de nament in England and Wales and Langer Afghanistan in Bristol on June 1 after his blis- Mitchell Starc, the 2015 World Cup player of Villiers in their ranks, Bangalore’s batting has already failed said the make-up was becoming clear on the tering return to the Indian Premier League. the tournament, and Josh Hazlewood, who twice. They were all out for 70 in the IPL opener against Chennai back of the resurgent team’s stunning eight- He bludgeoned a century in 55 balls on was also integral to their successful cam- and bundled out for 113 on Sunday against the Sunrisers, losing game one-day win streak against India and Sunday after smashing 85 and 69 in his first paign at home four years ago, have both been by a huge margin of 118 runs. Pakistan. two outings for Sunrisers Hyderabad last struggling with injury. The tournament has already seen some epic highs, such as “It’s actually becoming more obvious by week. They missed the recent winning run and a Super Over finish between Kolkata and Delhi, but also some the day to me. The same with the other Former captain Smith, who has scored in their absence Jhye Richardson, Nathan disappointments and controversies. selectors,” he said on the Cricket Australia more modestly with 20 and 28 for the Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff and Kane Ravichandran Ashwin’s ‘Mankad’ dismissal of Jos Buttler in website. Rajasthan Royals so far, is also expected to Richardson all played well. a match between Rajasthan and Punjab caused uproar, while “We know categorically there are going be recalled by Australia. “There’s actually some good depth of an umpiring gaffe left Kohli fuming and prompted the Bangalore to be one or two guys brutally unlucky not Langer said having Warner banging talent now,” said Langer. “There’s a number skipper to publicly criticise the officials after his team’s defeat to get selected because they’re all going so down the door to open the batting -- a of guys who we could easily select... we’ve to Mumbai. well... the blokes in the squad at the moment position he has occupied in all but one of his got some more confidence in the other guys.” will be praying it’s not them.” 104 ODI innings -- was a “good problem” to Australia are expected to take two Sunrisers Hyderabad Australia made it eight in a row with a have. spinners, with Adam Zampa starting to work batsman David 20-run win in the fifth and final one-dayer “Aaron has had a really good partnership well in tandem with Nathan Lyon and con- against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday to with David Warner as well,” he said, while ditions expected to be similar to the UAE. Warner plays a shot sweep the series 5-0 after coming from pointing to the current partnership between Marcus Stoinis had a quiet series with during the 2019 behind to beat India 3-2 last month. Finch and Khawaja as “blossoming at the bat and ball against Pakistan but is expected Indian Premier Their red-hot form has been built on the moment”. to be named as the all-rounder because Mitch League (IPL) back of a rock-solid opening partnership “They (Finch and Khawaja) are both Marsh is out of favour. Twenty20 cricket match against Royal Challengers Sawhney takes Bangalore at India retain the Rajiv Gandhi charge as new International Test rankings Cricket Stadium cricket chief in Hyderabad on for third year Sunday. REUTERS AFP MUMBAI Our team has been NEW DELHI doing well across India have finished at the top formats but it gives us Indian-born media executive of the International Cricket Manu Sawhney has taken over Council (ICC) Test rankings extra pleasure to come as chief executive of the Inter- and taken home the purse of out on top of the Test national Cricket Council, the $1m for a third consecutive world body said yesterday as it year, the governing body said rankings. We all know started a new era. yesterday. of the importance of Sawhney, who has been India, who registered their Test cricket and of managing director of broad- first series victory in Australia caster ESPN Star Sports and is at the turn of the year, finished how only the best can a non-executive director of with 116 points on the April 1 prosper in the format.” football giants Manchester cut-off date, eight points United, succeeds former South ahead of New Zealand who Virat Kohli African Test wicketkeeper Dave finished second and took Richardson. home $500,000. South Africa Sawhney has been pre- In this file photo taken on January 7, 2019, India’s captain finished third with 105 points. paring for the transition Virat Kohli kisses the Border-Gavaskar trophy as the Indian “Retaining the ICC Test alongside Richardson at the championship mace once team celebrates their series win on the fifth day of the fourth ICC’s Dubai headquarters for again is something we are all and final cricket Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket the past six weeks as cricket really proud of,” India captain Ground. Kohli’s India yesterday retained the Test championship becomes the latest in a series Virat Kohli, who won the ICC’s mace for a third year running after an unforgettable season of sports to turn to a business cricketer, Test and one-day of their first ever series triumph in Australia. executive to lead its international player of the operations. year awards in January, said. The ICC’s world Test championship begins in August, after the 50-over Forgotten man Pattinson stakes Ashes claim World Cup in England, with nine Test playing nations taking part in 71 Test matches REUTERS and Josh Hazlewood battling injuries, position over the last few years and at for every game but I think he deserves to spread across 27 series to MELBOURNE 28-year-old Pattinson will look to con- times I thought I would never be back,” be with the big boys as opposed to playing reach the final in 2021. tinue his revival when he heads to England said Pattinson, who has suffered a litany with us,” said Victoria captain Travis Dean. ICC Test Team Rankings Injury troubles have kept James Pattinson to play for Nottinghamshire in the county of back problems and soft tissue injuries Test cricket would be a big step up (as of April 1 2019): out of the Australian Test side for three championship. through his stop-start career. “I never from the loads bowled in Shield cricket, 1. India 116 points years but the fast bowler issued a timely Once seen as a potential 100-Test doubted my ability when I could get back and Pattinson will have to get through the 2. New Zealand 108 reminder to selectors ahead of the Ashes player, Pattinson returned to first class and bowl. All the hard work, all the doubts county season unscathed to be considered 3. South Africa 105 as he guided Victoria to their fourth Shef- cricket for the first time in 15 months in that creep in to your mind, these are times for the Ashes starting in August. 4. Australia 104 field Shield title in five years on Sunday. November having undergone major back that make it worth it.” “They have never really had an issue 5. England 104 Having grabbed three wickets in the surgery. Selector Trevor Hohns was at Mel- with the way I bowl, it’s just about staying 6. Sri Lanka 93 first innings against Queensland, the Mel- The paceman played the last of his 17 bourne’s Junction Oval to watch the Shield on the park,” Pattinson said of the national 7. Pakistan 88 bourne man tore through the top order in Tests away to New Zealand in February final and would have likely been selectors. “I need to get through a few 8. West Indies 77 a devastating spell, his match haul of 7-71 2016 but has remained patient and deter- impressed by the performance of the more games... The test will come once I 9. Bangladesh 69 leaving him with 26 wickets at an average mined through a number of injury once-menacing Pattinson, who has 70 test start bowling more. I have spoken to the 10. Zimbabwe 13 of 18.92 for the competition. setbacks. wickets at an average of 26.15. selectors in recent times about the Ashes With first-choice quicks Mitchell Starc “It’s been a journey to get to this “We’d love to see him (with Victoria) and that’s my goal.” TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019 SPORT 09

Roger Federer of Switzerland poses Federer goes with the trophy after defeating John fourth in Isner of the US (not pictured) during the rankings after finals at the Miami Open on Sunday. It Miami win was Federer’s 101st career title win. AFP PARIS

Roger Federer jumped up one spot to fourth in the ATP rankings released yesterday after capturing his 101st 101 career title with his victory over John Isner in Miami. The Swiss great switched places with Austria’s Dominic Thiem, who had briefly climbed to fourth after defeating Federer in the final at Indian Wells two weeks ago. Rising Greek star Ste- fanos Tsitsipas moved up to a career best of eighth, while Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov cracked the top 20 for the first time. Felix Auger-Aliassime, Time and Federer march on 18, soared 24 places to 33rd after matching compatriot Shapovalov’s run to the last four in Florida before losing to defending champion Isner. as Swiss star wins in Miami Novak Djokovic remains comfortably clear at the top despite crashing out in the last 16 in Miami, with Rafael REUTERS interview. “It just shows me the process I am going “Roger was standing in close as well, just reacting Nadal still well ahead of MIAMI through is the right one. very well and very fast to my serve. I mean, he’s some- third-ranked Alexander “I am still able to prioritise all the things in my life thing else.” Zverev as the Spaniard After Roger Federer racked up career title 101 with a the right way.” Isner had been broken just four times through five targets a return from injury clinical 6-1 6-4 dissection of John Isner at the Miami Open Federer has discovered the secret to career longevity matches at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament entering for the clay-court season. on Sunday, the American defending champion seemed that other members of the Big Four have not quite figured the final. But Federer broke in the opening game and as keen as the crowd for the Swiss to carry on competing out. three times in the opening set. He never looked back ATP Rankings for titles. World number one Novak Djokovic, who failed to from there. 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11,070 pts “We all want you to keep playing and never retire,” make the quarter-finals at Miami or Indian Wells, is strug- “He was making a lot of returns back, blocking them gushed Isner after being brushed aside in 63 minutes by gling with off-court issues, Rafa Nadal is again battling back. I needed to come out, especially in that first game, 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,725 the fourth-seeded Swiss. knee problems, while Andy Murray is recovering from and really try to assert myself. I didn’t serve a particu- 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,040 This seems an odd statement from a player who has hip surgery that may have sent him into retirement. larly great game, but he made me pay for it,” Isner said now been beaten six times by Federer in eight career And Federer? The Swiss maestro just keeps ticking of Federer’s immediate break. 4. Roger Federer (SUI) 5,590 (+1) meetings. along like one of his country’s famous time pieces. “I knew he was going to play well today. I knew he 5. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,765 (-1) A more honest response might have been, “Roger “I am really excited about the transition I was able was seeing the ball very big. Certainly that was the case. you have won enough please go away”. to make,” he said. “With an older body maybe you move I wasn’t up to the task in the first set, that’s for sure.” 6. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,200 Federer has already amassed a record 20 Grand Slam differently, you see it with Rafa too, he doesn’t chase It became clear in the second set that Isner was strug- 7. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,115 trophies and Miami was his 101st career title leaving him down the balls the same way he used to so you adjust to gling with a left foot injury. But the 6’10” right-hander just eight shy of matching Jimmy Connors’ all-time mark. that.” gave full credit to Federer for his performance. 8. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3,240 (+2) The Swiss has said he is not yet thinking about the Federer listens closely to what his body is saying and “Roger was too good. In the first five games, I was 9. Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) 3,225 (-1) record and neither is he contemplating retirement. after reaching three consecutive finals it is telling him fine,” Isner said. “Nothing was bothering me. He was all At 37, the retirement question is one that comes up that it is time for a rest before he tackles the European over me. Then this weird pain on the top of my foot, we’ll 10. John Isner (USA) 3,085 (-1) for Federer before every event and after it - win or lose claycourt season for the first time in three years. see what is. I’m hoping it’s nothing, but we’ll see.” 11. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,015 -- as it did in Miami. His answer is always the same, “Why “The clay is going to be a really interesting challenge Last year, Isner became the oldest first-time Masters 12. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,810 should I?” for me,” said the Swiss, who will take four or five weeks 1000 champion when he triumphed at Crandon Park. The evergreen Federer is healthy, happy and winning. off before returning in Madrid. “If things don’t go well While this year’s event was held at a new venue, Hard 13. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,345 With Sunday’s triumph - his fourth in Miami - he is then that was expected maybe, but if they do than I am Rock Stadium, Isner played impressive tennis to reach 14. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,295 (+1) the only player on the ATP or WTA Tour to capture two really excited.” the final without dropping a set. titles this season. Isner was left scrambling, in awe of the 37-year-old “It’s a terrible feeling, because you’re on an island 15. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2,140 (-1) It has been a marvellous March for Federer, starting Swiss’ efforts. out there, and you have no teammates to hide behind 16. Marco Cecchinato (ITA) 2,021 with a win in Dubai and ending with victory in Miami. It “There have been some players (to handle my serve and going up against the greatest player ever, playing in could have been even better with a runner-up spot at well). He just does it a little bit differently. He just kind this incredible atmosphere, and my foot’s killing me,” 17. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,930 (+2) Indian Wells having been sandwiched between the two of blocks it back. Whereas Novak, when he’s locked in, Isner said. “Not that I would have won the match, 18. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 1,885 (-1) titles. he just kind of rips it back, doesn’t block it too much,” anyways, let’s make that clear, but I think I could have “This is why I am still playing to hopefully win big said Isner, who fell just two sets short of retaining his made for a more interesting match and one that was a 19. Gael Monfils (FRA) 1,875 (-1) titles like here in Miami,” said Federer in a post-match crown. little more fun.” 20. Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 1,820 (+3)

WTA Rankings New Davis Cup goes virtual as officials 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6,021 pts 2. Simona Halep (ROM) 5,782 (+1) 3. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 5,645 (-1) aim to increase sponsorship revenue 4. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,580 (+3) AP fully developed and we will 5. Angelique Kerber (GER) 5,165 (-1) MADRID share our know-how and provide support.” 6. Kiki Bertens (NED) 5,050 (+2) The changes in the Davis Cup go The technology allows for 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 5,020 (-2) beyond its revamped format. customized images to be super- In addition to a new playing imposed anywhere on the field 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4,287 (-2) formula that will bring nations without being affected by 9. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 4,275 (+2) together for a weeklong tour- camera movement or the nament in a single venue, the position of players. It is used 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,595 (-1) Davis Cup is also implementing especially on sideline boards and 11. Serena Williams (USA) 3,461 (-1) a new sponsorship strategy that the “3D” carpets near the goals will make tennis’ top team com- in soccer matches. 12. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 3,270 petition look different to tele- Similar technologies have 13. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 3,117 vision viewers - all depending been used in broadcasts of auto 14. Anett Kontaveit (EST) 2,845 (+5) on where they are watching it. racing, golf tournaments and The group behind the new American football games, 15. Julia Goerges (GER) 2,835 Davis Cup - led by Barcelona showing speeds, distances and 16. Wang Qiang (CHN) 2,812 (+2) defender Gerard Pique - is first-down markers to add to the Croatian players celebrate after winning the Davis Cup final over France in this planning to use virtual viewers’ experience. 17. Elise Mertens (BEL) 2,800 (-3) November 25, 2018, file photo. Croatia won 3-1. replacement advertising during Kosmos’ goal is to have at 18. Madison Keys (USA) 2,726 (-2) broadcasts at the inaugural least three separate regions with “World Cup” of tennis in Madrid Instead of having one presenting different feeds and in each feed replacement, is already being specific feeds in this inaugural 19. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 2,525 (-2) from November 18-24, meaning sponsor for the whole tour- we will have a different sponsor used successfully by the Spanish season, expanding it to more ter- 20. Caroline Garcia (FRA) 2,460 (+1) sponsors’ logos and banners will nament, organizers can sign with virtual replacement soccer league, a sponsor and ritories and new sponsors in the be superimposed digitally on the deals with multiple technology.” partner of the revamped Davis coming years. courts. companies. Even global companies could Cup. The league says it was one “At the end of the day, you A viewer in the United States “One of the things that take advantage of the new of the first competitions to can multiply by three or four the will see something different than happens in terms of sponsorship model, as they can promote spe- implement the virtual spon- income that you are generating one in Asia or one in Europe, or is that it is pretty difficult to find cific products in different sorship strategy some five years because the expense is not those watching matches in one of those global brands that markets. A car company could ago, and currently it distributes huge,” Alonso said. person at Madrid’s “Magic Box” has interest all over the world,” advertise one vehicle in Europe specific feeds to nine different The added costs are usually tennis complex. Kosmos Tennis CEO Javier and another in Asia, and a bev- regions. related to the need of having The strategy adds flexibility Alonso said. erage company could promote “It’s a format that is much more satellites to distribute the to sponsors and will allow “With the modern technol- one product in South America more attractive to sponsors,” different feeds. Kosmos esti- organizers to sell different spon- ogies that are available right and another in Oceania. said Oscar Mayo, the Spanish mates an extra cost of about sorship packages worldwide, now on the market... we are tar- The technology, called league’s director for interna- €100,000 ($112,000) for each widening revenue possibilities. geting to have three or four “DBR,” or digital board tional development. “It’s a model additional feed. Naomi Osaka 10 SPORT TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019

GOLF RANKINGS 1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 9.54 average pts Solskjaer defends 2. Justin Rose (ENG) 9.51 Kisner beats Kuchar 3. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 8.38 (+1) 4. Brooks Koepka (USA) 8.29 (-1) Manchester United 5. Justin Thomas (USA) 8.13 6. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 7.34 in Match Play final 7. Francesco Molinari (ITA) 7.07 tactics after critical 8. Rickie Fowler (USA) 5.96 (+2) REUTERS Kevin Kisner of the United States 9. Jon Rahm (ESP) 5.93 (-1) AUSTIN celebrates with the Walter Hagen Van Gaal comment 10. Xander Schauffele (USA) 5.92 (-1) Cup after defeating compatriot 11. Paul Casey (ENG) 5.55 Kevin Kisner shrugged off his bridesmaid’s tag by beating Matt Matt Kuchar on Sunday. AFP 12. Tiger Woods (USA) 5.37 (+2) WOLVERHAMPTON 13. Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 5.13 (-1) Kuchar in the final of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match 14. Jason Day (AUS) 4.96 (-1) Play in Texas on Sunday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 15. Tony Finau (USA) 4.94 A year after losing the (pictured, below) takes Louis is entitled to his 16. Matt Kuchar (USA) 4.71 (+8) decider to Bubba Watson, 48th Manchester United back to the opinion. Some games 17. Bubba Watson (USA) 4.51 (-1) seed Kisner proved too good for scene of his worst result as 18. Patrick Reed (USA) 4.44 (-1) Kuchar, never trailing in a manager when he visits we’ve pressed really

19. Marc Leishman (AUS) 4.31 (-1) scrappy all-American final in Wolves today, but criticism high, won the ball up 20. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 4.22 which birdies proved elusive at from Louis van Gaal won’t there and dominated. Austin Country Club. ruffle the Norwegian. He is probably talking “I don’t think either one of Van Gaal made some more about the PSG McIlroy climbs us played our best golf but I critical comment in an drove it great all week,” Kisner interview last week in which game, which was a to World No. 3; said after prevailing 3&2 for his he claimed only United’s game that we had third win on the PGA Tour. He results have improved, rather to defend really well Johnson retains has finished runner-up eight than the style of play, when times. Solskjaer’s team are compared in the circumstances top ranking “It might be the hardest one with the group he inherited and counter attack: (to win) just because you have from Jose Mourinho. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer AFP the physical aspect more than It was an observation that PARIS any other week. seemed to be borne out as “It was gruelling, and the United laboured to an unin- Rory McIlroy continued his rise winds were tough. Overall it was spiring 2-1 win over Watford on Saturday, Solskjaer’s 15th victory up the world rankings a long week but I prevailed and in 20 games in charge. yesterday as the four-time am a world golf champion.” But it was also a result that keeps United firmly in con- major champion jumped one He added that he had tention for a top-four finish, a prospect that looked nearly spot to third, while Dustin learned from last year’s final not impossible when Solskjaer took over as caretaker for the sacked Johnson retained his narrow to get “too amped up”. Mourinho in December. lead at the top. Kisner is the first player to And, as he prepared to take United back to the scene of their Northern Irishman win the championship after FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Wolves, Solskjaer was happy to McIlroy, who started the year losing his opening match. launch an impassioned defence of his team’s style of football. ranked eighth, was beaten in He went down to Ian Poulter “Louis is entitled to his opinion,” he said. the last 16 of the WGC World on Wednesday, but bounced “Some games we’ve pressed really high, won the ball up Matchplay by Tiger Woods but there and dominated. still moved past Brooks Koepka A year after losing back to beat Tony Finau and year, before finishing equal “He is probably talking more about the PSG game, which into third. the decider to Bubba Keith Mitchell in the round-robin second. was a game that we had to defend really well in the circum- Johnson secured an 81st Watson, 48th seed phase and progress out of his Italian seventh seed Molinari stances and counter attack. week as world number one Kisner proved too group. won the match for third place, “It’s about where you win the ball. You want to defend to despite a group-stage exit in good for Kuchar, never In the knockout stage he 4&2 over Lucas Bjerregaard of win the ball to go forward. You have to win the ball to then Austin, as his closest rival trailing in a scrappy downed Li Haotong (6&5), Louis Denmark. attack. Justin Rose also fell at the first Oosthuizen (2&1) and Francesco In the semi-finals earlier in “If you can attack quickly as we did today, then why not? hurdle. all-American final in Molinari (1-up). the day, Kisner upset Molinari As long as when you win the ball, your intention is to attack. Woods climbed two spots which birdies proved The 35-year-old is proving 1-up, while Kuchar won by the “The foundation in any team is to play well without the ball. to 12th place, while Matchplay elusive at Austin a player for the big occasion. He same margin when he edged If you can do that, then you’ve got a great chance. winner Kevin Kisner rose from Country Club. shared the lead starting the final Bjerregaard on a chilly “I’m very happy and grateful that I have inherited a team 50th to 25th. round at the British Open last morning. that has had a great education. “Most of the players here have had Mourinho, van Gaal, Moyes and Fergie. They know both sides of the game. “Of course we will have to add one or two, but they know what I will demand and expect from them.” Nasa Since Solskjaer took over the reigns at Old Trafford, no team Hataoka McDowell wins first -- not even runaway leaders Manchester City or Liverpool -- of Japan has amassed more league points than United, although a top- holds the PGA title since 2016 four finish is still far from certain. trophy after United could finish as high as third or as low as sixth, with winning the AP London clubs Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal competing with Kia Classic PUNTA CANA them for what appear to be two Champions League places. at the “Of course we want to come third,” Solskjaer added. “We Aviara Golf Graeme McDowell won the Corales Puntacana want to end the season on a high. We’ve been the best team Club on Resort & Club Championship on Sunday for his since just before Christmas with the amount of points we have Sunday. first PGA Tour title since 2016, closing with a got. 3-under 69 for a one-stroke victory over Chris “We have played most of the teams, but by the end of the Stroud and Mackenzie Hughes. league then we will have played everyone in my reign and that’s McDowell took the lead from Stroud with a maybe a truer reflection of where we stand.” 7-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th and closed While forward Alexis Sanchez remains unavailable through with a bogey - lagging a 30-foot par putt to injury and lack of match fitness,fitness, Solskjaer at least has a near inches - on the par-4 18th. Stroud bogeyed the fullfull strengthstrength squad from whiwhichch toto choose.choose. final two holes in a 69. Hughes also closed with DefendersDefenders MatteoMatteo DarmianDarmian aandnd AnAntoniotonio VValenciaalencia Big tournament a bogey for a 66. are the onlyonly injuryinjury concerns McDowell finished at 18-under 270, forfor SoSolskjaer,lskjaer, aalthoughlthough the coming up next week, rebounding from an opening 73 with consec- pairpair hhaveave bbeeneen unavaiunavailablelable fforor so I’ll celebrate a little utive 64s to take a one-stroke lead over Stroud mostmost ofof tthehe calendarcalendar year. bit but get my mind into the final round. The 2010 US Open champion, McDowell won refreshed and start his fourth PGA Tour title. He didn’t get an auto- again next week: matic Masters spot with the victory because the Nasa Hataoka event was played opposite the World golf Cham- pionships event in Texas. Hataoka nabs third LPGA title AFP LPGA KIA CLASSIC SCORES water on the way to a bogey at LOS ANGELES the par-four 16th that cut her 270 - Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 69-70-64-67 lead to two strokes. Japan’s Nasa Hataoka had six 273 - Danielle Kang 72-70-66-65, Ko Jin-young (KOR) 68-73-67-65, Azahara Munoz She shook off the miscue birdies in a five-under par 67 on (ESP) 70-68-68-67, Park Sung-hyun (KOR) 68-66-71-68, Park In-bee (KOR) 68-67- with a tap-in birdie at 17 and Sunday to roll to a three-stroke 67-71 capped her round with a par. victory in the LPGA Kia Classic 274 - Kim Hyo-joo (KOR) 70-72-70-62, Chella Choi (KOR) 65-70-72-67, Gaby Lopez “I forgot about the bogey in Carlsbad, California. (MEX) 68-70-68-68, Hur Mi-jung (KOR) 74-69-62-69, Thidapa Suwannapura (THA) very quickly,” she said. Hataoka, 20, notched her 68-66-70-70 “I knew that 17 was a chance third LPGA title with an 18-under 275 - Stacy Lewis 71-68-69-67 I could make a birdie, and just par total of 270. 276 - Katherine Kirk (AUS) 72-69-70-65, Yan Jing (KOR) 68-73-66-69, Lydia Ko (NZL) very relieved and felt great that She was three shots clear of 71-69-67-69 I was able to actually get a former world number one Park 277 - Lee Jeong-eun6 (KOR) 73-67-69-68, Mariajo Uribe (COL) 68-69-69-71 birdie.” Hataoka is the sixth dif-

In-bee, current No. 1 Park Sung- ferent winner on the LPGA tour 278 - Jenny Shin (KOR) 71-71-68-68 hyun, Ko Jin-young, Danielle this season -- the third straight Kang and Azahara Munoz. year that the first six tourna- Hataoka had posted a third- Hataoka said. Park In-bee, Korean Ko -- winner of the ments have had six different round 64 to enter Sunday trailing chasing a 20th LPGA tour title Founders Cup in Phoenix last winners. Park In-bee by a stroke in the final but her first in a year, carded a week -- both shot 65. Park In-bee, who played tune-up for the year’s first major, one-under par 71. South Korean Kim Hyo-joo alongside her in the final pairing, the ANA Inspiration, next week. Park Sung-hyun, who had a equaled the tournament record said she showed no sign of “Big tournament coming up share of the second-round lead with a 62 to join the group nerves. “Didn’t really look like next week, so I’ll celebrate a little on Friday, also signed for a 61. sharing seventh on 274. she was feeling the pressure, bit but get my mind refreshed Spain’s Munoz carded a 68 while Hataoka was five-under for especially in the way she played and start again next week,” America’s Kang and South the day when she found the the last hole,” Park said. TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019 SPORT 11 McCullagh tops Qatari Diar Triathlon

THE PENINSULA declared as a winner of this DOHA season’s Series. Caroline Van Aatrijk won the Qatari women Bernard McCullagh of Ireland veteran race and is also already won the main Open Men event 2018/2019 Series winner. at the first Qatari Diar Tria- Team relay competition thlon hosted at Lusail City. saw a staggering 20 teams McCullagh clinched the top taking on the challenge. The place with a time of 54 fastest time of 57m59s was minutes 11 seconds in front of done by Ismail Dergaa / James Aday Alvarez of Spain and Moffat / Adil Adnan Faqruddin. Mouhcine Rhaili Morocco. Thani Al Zarra; board With this victory McCullagh member at Qatar Cycling and also came on top of the Series Triathlon Federation was pos- standings. itive after the event: “Lusail Over 250 adults and kids City proved to be one of the tpook part in the event at the best venues for triathlon in Lusail City. Marina Prom- Qatar, with prospects of future enade, next to the Yacht Club cooperation between Qatari triathlon which was the main Diar and Qatar Cycling and venue and start of the race. Triathlon Federation. Spaniard Isora Sosa “We are extremely happy Caballero continued with her to have found a common clean streak of 4 victories out interest with the fellow Qatari of 4 races with 1h3m2s and is Diar organisation and are already winner of the Qatar looking forward to new events, The podium winners at the Qatari Diar Triathlon pose for a picture with officials of Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation at Lusail National Triathlon Series. whether triathlon or cycling City. RIGHT: Action from the event. Second place went to Daniela related.” Sposi Great Britian and Gerda The fifth and final event in Maria Dumitru of Romania Allin (South Africa) 1h8m55s of them couldn’t participate on Qatari Diar Triathlon. The best veteran category, Fahad Al Qatar National Triathlon Series, came third. was the fastest among veteran this event, since Samla race, Qatari was Mubarak Alajji Groon was second and Saoud “The Pearl Qatar Triathlon”, In veteran categories Enzo women in front of Andrea which can be looked in some 1h5m44s followed by Abdulla Almarri was third. will happen on April 19. Fascinato (Argentina) 59m23s Stadler (Ecuador) and Anne- way as an extreme version of Alhemaidi and Abdulrahman The same order stands also For more information won in Men’s race in front of marie Kilshaw (Australia). triathlon, just finished last Aljaber, who is the leader in in the Series, where Almo- about the Series, results and Manuel Miceli (Italy) and Jody Triathlon is becoming weekend and left many ath- the Series. Nasser Almo- hannadi claimed four victories points standing visit https:// Sanderson (Canada). Hilda popular among Qataris. Some letes too tired to take on the hannadi came on top in Qatari in four races and can be www.qtriseries.com/ Hurricanes win QOC Multi All Blacks retain Games Touch Rugby title scrumhalf Smith, THE PENINSULA lose centre Crotty DOHA REUTERS The Hurricanes drove a resolute WELLIGTON and clinical pattern of play on the hot sand of Sealine Beach as All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith has re-signed with New Zealand they beat the Blue Falcons 2-0 Rugby for the next two years, although his national team-mate to clinch Qatar Olympic Commit- Ryan Crotty joined the exodus of senior players and will move to tee’s Winter Camp Multi Games Japan after the Rugby World Cup later this year. Touch Rugby title in front of a Smith’s signature is a boost for the All Blacks with several packed out crowd. players like fullback Ben Smith, captain Kieran Read and Both teams traded pos- tighthead prop Owen Franks all signing with offshore clubs at session before Hurricanes Sashi the conclusion of the September 20 to November 2 World Cup. Kanth broke the defense line The 30-year-old Smith has also signed with his Super Rugby through a step and remarkable team the Otago Highlanders until 2021 and forms part of a core diving pass giving winger group of senior players that will see the All Blacks into the next Raushan Razik a spectacular first World Cup cycle. try. “We’re delighted to have re-signed Aaron through to 2021,” A few minutes later, Shivan NZR chief executive Steve Tew said yesterday. Paithrage cleverly sped from “He’s a proven world-class player, the most capped All dummy half connecting out wide Blacks halfback ever and an incredibly important member of with Sajith Ariyawansa who the All Blacks and Highlanders.” Crotty confirmed he will join planted the team’s second try in Japanese club Kubota Spears after the global showpiece. the corner just before half time. “I know I’ll look back at the end of my career in New Zealand The second half provided a with really fond memories of the experiences I’ve had and what different outcome for the Hur- I’ve achieved alongside my good mates,” the 30-year-old mid- The podium winning teams at the ricanes who were hit by an Qatar Olympic Committee’s Winter Camp Multi Games Touch Rugby field back said. attacking Blue Falcons competition pose for a picture. “For now my focus is enjoying the season ahead and helping whirlwind. The agility and speed to lead this Crusaders side one last time in 2019.” Crotty has of the younger French players half but were unable to turn that always play in the true spirit of weekend for the QOC Multi Games played 44 tests for the All Blacks since his debut in 2013. He helped them to maintain into points. the game”. Winter Camp Championships has been hampered by a number of injuries that have curtailed momentum, moving upstream Speaking after the match Hur- Storms club manager, which started back in December his career, with concerns over a series of concussions he had and pressurising their unde- ricanes President Hans Thomasz Mohamed Faiq, was exuberant 2018. It was a befitting closing last year. feated opponents. said, “It’s a great day for the Hur- at his teams win saying, “We are sports day with seven (7) sports on Smith, meanwhile, joins hookers Dane Coles and Codie A barrage of clever plays by ricanes Storms we managed two over the moon at our victory. We display in one location; athletics, Taylor and loose forwards Sam Cane and Ardie Savea, and the Falcon veterans kept the out of three. It’s an unbelievable have been waiting a long time basketball, football, handball, outside backs Damian McKenzie and Rieko Ioane, among the Hurricanes scoreless, not even feeling to be on top once again”. for a title win and finally we got hockey, touch and volleyball. players who have committed to stay in New Zealand. a late bundle of penalties could “Both our teams unselfishly one”. QOC officials who were in “New Zealand Rugby has been working incredibly hard on help them cross over the line played for each other and they “We started the day off with a attendance are extremely sat- the retention of our key players,” Tew added. after the break. The French are deserved winners. We sin- couple of jitters and made some isfied with this year’s Winter “While it’s inevitable that some will move on following the squad with an average age of 17 cerely appreciate the French forced errors. But we calmed Camp and hope to emulate it on Rugby World Cup, we’ll still have a core of experience in the dominated territory and pos- boys who always drive us to final down in the end and kept it all a grander scale in the coming All Blacks post 2019, and Aaron will be a key part of that group.” session for much of the second minute. They never gave up and together.” This was the final seasons. Pogba has ‘big part’ to play at United: Solskjaer AFP knows how to do everything”. a fantastic player and I played how this club can be run as LONDON But Solskjaer is determined against him. smoothly as possible. that Pogba, one of the world’s “So Paul has politely “We will see what we end up Manchester United manager Ole most marketable players, will not answered that question. But he with but I am happy talking Gunnar Solskjaer says Paul be a part of Zidane’s rebuilding is happy here. He is going to be football with knowledgeable Pogba has a “big, big part” to play plans and believes the midfielder a big, big part of things here. people in the right positions at Old Trafford despite specu- simply gave a straight answer to “I have always said that you anyway. lation linking the French World a question. would like to build your team “A manager can’t do as much Cup winner with a move to Real “I don”t like to talk about around him and that has not as he used to do anyway. The Madrid. other teams’ players,” the Nor- changed at all.” demands of modern football Real boss Zinedine Zidane is wegian said ahead of his side’s Solskjaer, appointed as mean that you have to split expected to be busy in the Premier League match against permanent manager last week responsibilities.” summer transfer market as he Wolves on Tuesday. “That is one after an impressive spell as Solskjaer is preparing his tries to reinvigorate a side that of the challenges of the interna- interim boss, said he would be team for the rearranged league crashed out of the Champions tional break. comfortable with the game at Wolves as the chase for League in the last 16 and are “Players are available all the appointment of a director of a top-four spot heats up. lagging 12 points behind leaders time and it’s a different envi- football to sit between himself United will leapfrog Tot- Barcelona in La Liga. ronment and it’s more of a and executive vice-chairman tenham into third place if they Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer United midfielder Pogba last general talk. Ed Woodward. win at Molineux, with Arsenal (left) shakes hands with midfielder Paul Pogba after week described Madrid as a “Paul is a very nice and polite “Football has changed and and Chelsea also fighting for the “dream club for every player” man and he answered a general the structure at clubs has remaining two Champions the final whistle of the English Premier League match while on international duty with question. Of course, Zidane is an changed,” he said. League qualification spots against Watford at Old Trafford in Manchester, north France and Zidane on Saturday icon in France. Zidane is a fan- “Ed and (co-chairman) Joel behind Liverpool and Man- west England on Saturday. hailed him as “a player who tastic manager and he used to be (Glazer) and me are looking at chester City. SPORT Tuesday 2 April 2019 PAGE | 09 PAGE | 11 Federer goes Pogba has fourth in ‘big part’ to play rankings after at Manchester Miami win United: Solskjaer

Qatar to host first round of Esperance down Bizertin to 2020 Asia Supersports clinch Super Cup in Doha Championship QNA ARMSTRONG VAS DOHA THE PENINSULA Asian Motorcycling Federation Two goals within a span of three (FIM Asia) announced that minutes helped Esperance Qatar will host the first round Sportive de Tunis (EST) to of the Asian Supersports overcome the challenge of Club Championship, which will be Athlétique Bizertin (CAB) 2-1 and introduced for the first time on win the Tunisian Super Cup. the agenda of the 2020 season, Yesterday, at the Abdullah bin and includes several rounds, Khalifa Stadium, home of Duhail each held separately in Sports Club, EST managed to different countries of the recover from Friday’s African continent. Super Cup loss to against Raja This came during the Casablanca in Doha to take home three-day FIM Asia meetings the trophy. hosted by the Qatar Motor and EST started on an impressive Motorcycle Federation note and there was no stopping (QMMF). The meetings them. included the holding of the first They started on a decisive quarterly meeting at the level notw with Anice Badri (13) and of the members of the gov- Taha Yassine Khenissi (16) giving erning council of the FIM Asia the Esperance the early in its new form. advantage. The meetings discussed CAB fought back and many issues related to various equalised in the 33rd minute. The motorcycle races, tournament referee awarded a penalty to CAB schedule, and some laws and which came when Ibrahim regulations, as well as work to The President of Qatar Football Association, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani giving away the trophy to captain of Esperance Ouatara was brought down by a expand the annual activities Sportive de Tunis, winner of the Tunisian Super Cup played at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. rival player. Abdelhalim Darraji within the various federations converted the resultant penalty belonging to the Asian con- to give CAB a glimmer of hope. tinent, whether through tour- In the second half, both teams naments or training programs. exerted pressure but could not Also, the meetings dealt trouble the scorers. with the programs of the Asian The second period promised talents academy in China, to be hotly contested, but a red which attracts riders from the card inflicted on Wissem 13 to 18 age group, as well as Bousnina in the 50th minute after the allocation of their own two yellow cards in two minutes three-course tournament in completely shattered CAB hopes Taiwan, Thailand, and India. of a comeback goal. Esperance players on the other hand found a lot of space which allowed them to create Curran seals dangerous move on several occa- sions, but could not increase the win for Kings tally. CAB goalkeeper Khemaies XI Punjab Thamri shone especially in the second period against the attacks AGENCIES of the EST. PUNJAB But despite several dangerous situations, the score did not move Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) came and Esperance Tunis finally won from behind to pull off a the title. The Tunisian Super Cup thrilling 14-run win against is an annual fixture between the Delhi Capitals (DC) in match 13 Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 of the Indian Premier League champions and the winners of the (IPL). at the Punjab Cricket Tunisian Cup. Since its return in Action from the Tunisian Super Cup match between Esperance Sportive de Tunis Association IS Bindra Stadium 1994, the one-off clash has been and CA Bizertin at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, yesterday. RIGHT: The players in Mohali. organised only three times in of Esperance Sportive de Tunis celebrate with the trophy. Yesterday, the visiting DC 1994, 1995 and 2001. lost 7 wickets in a space of 16 balls to be bowled out for 152 runs in their run-chase of 167. DC lost in-form Prithvi Shaw off the very first ball in their Qatari swimmer Yousuf No point resting run-chase. But Shikhar Dhawan (30) and captain Shreyas Iyer (28) added 61 runs for the 2nd wins gold in Sarajevo Messi: Valverde wicket before Iyer was clean bowled by Hardus Viljoen. Dhawan was soon dismissed by QNA Ashwin. However, DC were on SARAJEVO AFP BARCELONA “We attach great impor- course for another victory as tance to this game,” Rishabh Pant and Colin Ingram Qatar swimmer Yousuf Al Valverde said of the Vil- stitched together a 62-run stand Khulaifi won the gold medal of Lionel Messi will probably play larreal game before acknowl- for the 4th wicket. the 100m freestyle for 13-14 against Villarreal in La Liga this edging that “many people have Following the dismissals of years, with a time 59.20 seconds week, because “there’s no their sights on the Champions Pant and Ingram, KXIP clawed at the Sarajevo International suitable scenario for resting” League and also the Atletico back into the game as DC kept Swimming Championships, the Argentine superstar, game.” losing wickets. Sam Curran which ended in Bosnia and Barcelona coach Ernesto “We’ll see tomorrow about picked the 1st hat-trick of IPL Herzegovina. Valverde said yesterday. Leo,” Valverde said of his 2019 as he picked 4/11 in 2.2 This is the third Qatari medal Barcelona are 10 points 31-year-old forward who has overs. Earlier, David Miller in the championship after clear at the top of the 31 league goals so far this missed a half-century as Kings another gold and bronze medal Spanish League ahead of season. XI Punjab were restricted to secured by Qatari swimmer today’s away game, followed “The three points 166/9. Yaqoub Al Khulaifi. Qatar swimmer Yousuf Al Khulaifi who won the gold medal at the by a home tie with second- tomorrow are worth the same Brief scores: Kings XI The two swimmers partic- Sarajevo International Swimming Championships, in Bosnia and place Atletico Madrid on Sat- as those against Atletico,” Val- Punjab 166/9 in 20 overs ipated in Sarajevo Interna- Herzegovina. urday and then Manchester verde said. (David Miller 43, Sarfaraz Khan tional Swimming Champion- United away in a Champions “It is a perfect match to 39; Chris Morris 3/30) ships as part of the continuous competitions to compete with experience for the upcoming League quarterfinal next win,” he said, when asked Delhi Capitals 152 all out presence of promising Qatari swimmers from around the championships and Wednesday. about rotating his squad. (Rishabh Pant 39; Sam Curran swimmers in international world and gain more tournaments. 4/11)