MONDAY 29 APRIL 2019 SPORT 05 Thank you to everyone. It was an amazing atmosphere, an BADMINTON incredible scene with full Petra Kvitova : Asia Championships crowds. I am looking forward to after winning Stuttgart’s Sunrisers Hyderabad vs in Wuhan, Porsche Grand Prix. coming back next year again. ACTION Kings XI Punjab China TODAY’S

Royal Air Maroc League: Murrin, Marwan shine in the final round The podium winners of the final leg of the Royal Air Maroc League pose for a photograph with the overall winners and officials at the Al Bidda Park in Doha, on Friday. Team Velostar’s British rider Chris Murrin claimed top honour by winning the Men’s A Grade (MA) race in 25:13.79 in the final round of the popular cycling league. Qatari cyclist Marwan Aljalham (Rasen Adventure Shop) won the Men’s B Grade race while Men’s C Grade was clinched by Filipino Mas Caparanga (SMCC APO Lakay). Julie Melville (Rasen Adventure Shop) and Elizabeth Dunne (Team Al Jassra) secured the Women’s A and B grade titles respectively. Filipino Jamison Carino (Bike to Work Qatar) emerged victorious in the Open Men’s Mountain Bike event while Ara Kirby (Doha ChiQlistas) topped the field in the Women’s MTB Open class. RIGHT: The winners of the kids races pose for a photograph with the officials.

Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova kisses the trophy Thiem downs Medvedev as she celebrates her victory over Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit in the WTA Tennis to win Barcelona crown Grand Prix final, AFP yesterday. BARCELONA

Dominic Thiem overpowered Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-0 yesterday to win the Barcelona Open title, boosting his credentials as a potential Roland Garros champion. A day after knocking out 11-time Barcelona winner Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals, the third-seeded Austrian claimed his second title in four events after beating Roger Federer at Indian Wells last month. He is also the first Austrian to take the Barcelona title since Thomas Muster in 1996. “It’s such an honour to win here, only the biggest cham- pions have done it,” said 25-year-old Thiem. “I’m so happy and proud to join Muster here, now my Kvitova earns maiden name is on the trophy.” Thiem hoisted the weighty 13-kilogram golden trophy in triumph in front of a full stadium on a cloudy, chilly day Stuttgart title victory at a venue named for Nadal. He has now reinforced his claim for a possible French REUTERS Open title after losing the Paris final a year ago to Nadal. STUTTGART Thiem needed just 73 minutes to earn victory over his seventh-seeded Russian opponent, who needed treatment World number three Petra Kvitova beat Estonian Anett Kontaveit on his shoulder late in the first set. 6-3, 7-6(2) to win the Stuttgart Porsche Grand Prix yesterday for The Austrian got off to a slow start, losing his first serve, her second title of the year as she prepares for next month’s French but made up for lost time by breaking Medvedev twice in Open. the first set before completely dominating the second. Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, broke her opponent “I had troubles at the start,” Thiem said. “My slice was to go 4-2 up in the first set and served out the set a little later on the not working and he does not miss. quick indoor clay courts in Stuttgart. “My slice got better but I had to turn defence into offence, The Czech had to work much harder in the second set as she that was my only chance. He’s difficult to play, dangerous had to save two set points at 5-4 as Kontaveit had her pinned to the from the baseline. baseline. “There were a lot of long, tough rallies in the first set, However, the Estonian, who received a walkover into the final I’m really happy I made it.” after top seed Naomi Osaka pulled out from their last four clash due Thiem will now have a few days off prior to the start of to injury, missed her chances and allowed Kvitova to come back. the next big date of the pre-Roland Garros calendar, the Kvitova raced to a 6-0 lead in the tiebreak before sealing victory Austria’s Dominic Thiem holds up his trophy after defeating Russia’s Madrid Masters. two points later. Daniil Medvedev in the final of the ATP Tour Barcelona Open, yesterday. The Austrian now owns 13 ATP titles and nine on clay, “Thank you to everyone. It was an amazing atmosphere, an his favourite surface. incredible scene with full crowds,” Kvitova said. “I am looking forward to coming back next year again.” Kipchoge clinches record London Marathon triumph

REUTERS strode to her first London title with Kipchoge, the current “I don’t regret anything I said LONDON a time of 02:18:20. marathon world record and I respect the race.” Kipchoge was expected to be holder, ran the second In the women’s race, three- Eliud Kipchoge ran the second challenged by Farah, but having fastest marathon time ever times winner Mary Keitany was the fastest marathon time ever to kept up with the imperious Kenyan yesterday, ahead of Britain’s favourite with the field going for clinch his fourth London Marathon early on, Farah struggled in the Mo Farah who struggled in the women’s only record - without title yesterday, ahead of Britain’s latter stages. the aid of male pacemakers - set Mo Farah who struggled in fifth, He finished over three minutes fifth, while Kenya’s Brigid by Keitany in London in 2017. while Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei behind the winner, who is regarded Kosgei impressed to win the Keitany, however, never impressed to win the women’s by many as the greatest athlete of women’s race. troubled Chicago Marathon race. all time. champion Kosgei and last year’s Kenya’s Kipchoge made it an “It feels strange to be con- winner Cheruiyot out in front, fin- incredible 11 marathon wins from sidered the most successful elite However, the multi-Olympic, ishing down in fifth, 2:38 slower 12 races, leading from start to finish man in racing, it’s really good and world and European champion than Kosgei. Kenya’s Eliud to come home in a time of two I’m very, very happy to have won over 10,000 and 5,000 metres said Kosgei broke clear of Cheruiyot Kipchoge celebrates hours, two minutes and 37 seconds four times,” Kipchoge said. the dispute did not act as a dis- to win having ran the fastest as he wins the men’s -- 58 seconds off his own world “I know how to win this race traction ahead of his third London second half of a marathon ever. elite race, setting a record set last year in Berlin. and I was confident and didn’t feel Marathon. “To smash my personal best is new course record The women’s race got off to a it was in doubt at any point.” “I didn’t think the fuss affected all I could to ask for,” Kosgei said. during the London slow start, but reigning champion Farah’s pre-race preparations my run and I wasn’t distracted by “I always get tempted to go with Marathon in London, Vivian Cheruiyot ran a fast 15th were marked by a dispute with the build up,” Farah said. “It was the leaders, but now I run better in Britain, yesterday. mile, before Chicago Marathon fellow distance-running great all about London today and so I put the second half so I held back and champion Kosgei took the lead and Haile Gebrselassie. my head down, did my best. that worked for me.” 06 SPORT MONDAY 29 APRIL 2019

Barcelona’s players and officials celebrate Ronaldo Neymar with the La Liga trophy after winning the club’s 26th title at the end of the match hits 600th admits against Levante in Barcelona on Saturday. club goal as he was Juve hold wrong to Inter Milan

hit fan REUTERS ROME AFP PARIS Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 600th goal of his club career to Brazilian superstar earn Italian champions Neymar accepted Juventus a 1-1 draw away to yesterday that he had Inter Milan in Serie A on made a mistake striking Saturday. a fan who insulted Paris The Turin club wrapped Saint-Germain players as up an eighth successive league they filed up to collect title last weekend but found their French Cup losers’ themselves behind early on to medals. a wonder-strike from Inter Neymar scored to put midfielder Radja PSG 2-0 up after 21 Nainggolan. minutes at the Stade de However, the Portuguese France on Saturday, but responded with a powerful Rennes fought back to tie finish in the second half to hit the game at 2-2 and win 20 league goals for the season, the penalty shootout 6-5 moving within two strikes of after extra time. Messi clinches another Serie A’s leading scorer, Fabio As the players climbed Quagliarella of Sampdoria, in the steps to receive their the process. medals, shaking the hands “I have Cristiano Ronaldo of those nearby, Neymar, and I’m happy,” Juventus coach one of the last in line, La Liga title for Barca Massimiliano Allegri told DAZN. struck one of the fans in “Having a player like him is the face. REUTERS luckily we were able to see out important, as after making a The blow was caught BARCELONA the win.” mistake he was very angry and on numerous mobile Messi, who became the first went on to play a different phones, including that of Lionel Messi fittingly sealed player to win 10 La Liga crowns match.” the victim, Edouard, a Barcelona’s 26th La Liga title on with Barca and only the third Inter remain in third place 28-year-old Saturday by coming off the player from any club to do so, on 62 points, four ahead of AS driver from Nantes. bench to score the goal in a 1-0 hoisted the trophy into the sky Roma below them, while “Did I act badly?” win over Levante in front of a before joining his team-mates Juventus, who dropped points Neymar asked in an jubilant Nou Camp crowd, who and their children on a lap of for just the sixth time in 34 Instagram comment. “Yes. celebrated a remarkable eighth honour. games this season, move up to But no one can stay league crown in 11 years. “Eight out of 11 titles will be 88. indifferent.” Barca’s decided the very difficult to repeat because La “In the first half we suffered A Brazilian friend of game and the title in the 61st Liga is so difficult, it has the best on dead ball situations, we Neymar’s, Alex Bernardo, minute as he received a header teams, the ones that are always could’ve gone 2-0 behind, but posted on Instagram a from Arturo Vidal, effortlessly fighting for European trophies so then we had a great second transcript of the comments freeing himself from two what we have done is historic,” half,” Allegri said. audible on Edouard’s video defenders with his right foot said midfielder Busquets. This fixture, known as the starting with unused before using his left to plant the Barcelona’s Barca lead the standings on ‘Derby d’Italia’, is one of the reserves goalkeeper Gian- ball into the far bottom corner. Argentinian 83 points after 35 games, an country’s fiercest rivalries. luigi Buffon and defender He had started on the bench forward Lionel unassailable nine clear of The home fans taunted the Layvin Kurzawa. along with Sergio Busquets as Messi raises second-placed Atletico Madrid visitors with a pre-match “Oh, Buffon, dirty Ernesto Valverde had one eye on La Liga trophy as with three matches left because mosaic of placards featuring the Bouffon! Oh, Kurzawa, Wednesday’s Champions League he celebrates their they have a superior head-to- Champions League trophy keep your hand to semi-final first leg at home to title triumph. head record this season. alongside the words ‘Game yourself!” Liverpool. Valverde’s side have now Over’, referencing Juve’s Then to Marco Verratti: But the coach inevitably taken the first step in their bid to quarter-final exit to Ajax “Oh, racist!” and to turned to his talisman with the was going to play but we also concentration and Jose Luis win a third treble in a decade. Amsterdam in April. Neymar: “Oh, go and learn game goalless at halftime, have a game on Wednesday. He Morales should have levelled for After their Champions The Portugal international to play football.” despite the best efforts of has to stay active and he scores the visitors but blasted over the League semi-final against Liv- is narrowly ahead of Lionel The Brazilian striker Philippe Coutinho, who had goals everywhere he goes and bar. erpool when they will be bidding Messi, who scored his 598th reacted by pushing down numerous attempts on goal and he has won us this title,” Val- Levante also hit the post in to reach the final of Europe’s goal for Barcelona to help them the phone to hit Edouard clanged the crossbar before verde told reporters. the final stages as Barca were left premier club competition for the win the Spanish La Liga title in the face. being withdrawn for Messi. “It is very difficult to win this clinging on to their narrow first time since 2015, Barcelona with a 1-0 win over Levante on “Who will defend me The Argentine needed just title, without the amount of advantage deep into stoppage- play Valencia in the Copa del Rey Saturday. from going in defence of over a quarter of an hour to have teams we are competing with, time but relief came when they final on May 25. my team-mates?” Neymar the desired effect, lighting up the especially with this margin. cleared a corner and the final “The players and the fans The Portugal star is wrote in a comment on stadium with his 34th league “We have done it two years whistle sounded. should enjoy this night without narrowly ahead of Lionel Bernardo’s post. goal of the season in 32 in a row and it’s fantastic to see “They turned us upside down going over the top,” added Ivan Messi, who scored his PSG quickly responded appearances. the fans celebrate the title like and I think that was down to Rakitic. 598th goal for Barcelona with a statement that said With 13 assists to his name this at home. Now we want to go nerves. They had a few chances “When we wake up to help them win the that a “friend of a Rennes as well he has his footprints on and celebrate it.” but it was incredible when they tomorrow we have to prepare Spanish La Liga title with player had insulted all the more than half his side’s 86 Cries of “champions” rang hit the post,” Valverde added. for what comes next, we have to players” to “create a buzz” goals. out from the 91,000 supporters “We couldn’t kill the game think about Liverpool, who have a 1-0 win over Levante on social media. “Messi was always ready to crammed into the Nou Camp but off and they started to believe an incredible team and a bril- on Saturday. come on and I always knew he Barca’s players dropped their while we get more nervous but liant coach.” French Cup: Rennes stun PSG to win final

AFP Kylian Mbappe was first silverware since the 1971 PARIS sent off for a shocking French Cup also meaning a tackle late in extra time return to the Europa League next Rennes’ players celebrate with the Kylian Mbappe was sent off for as Paris Saint-Germain season. trophy after winning the French a shocking tackle late in extra Few of their fans would have Cup final against PSG on Saturday. time as Paris Saint-Germain were stunned by imagined that possible after the were stunned by Rennes in Rennes. way they started the game, with Saturday’s French Cup final, PSG looking more like their losing 6-5 on penalties after a former selves as Neymar made dramatic game finished 2-2 at gripping final -- attended by his first start in three months the end of extra time. President Emmanuel Macron -- after injury. Substitute Christopher to extra time. Alongside him, Angel Di Nkunku blazed his sudden-death Penalties were already Maria was back for his first spot-kick over the bar in the looming when Mbappe was appearance in more than a shootout, sparking scenes of joy shown a straight red card by month, as PSG went looking for among the Rennes fans at the referee Ruddy Buquet for a their second trophy in seven Stade de France as they won a dreadful challenge on Damien days. first trophy in almost half a Da Silva near the corner flag. Rennes had been knocked century. The France star caught the out of this competition following It was a remarkable Rennes defender on the knee heavy defeats by PSG in the comeback from the Brittany side, with his studs, and can expect a earlier rounds in each of the last who had seen Dani Alves and lengthy ban as a result. two seasons, and another hiding as a stray Hatem Ben Arfa pass Rennes roused themselves to surprise when Rennes equalised Neymar give Ligue 1 champions Without him, PSG fell short looked on the cards as PSG went was intercepted by Alves and it finish the half strongly, however, in the 66th minute as Clement PSG a 2-0 lead midway through of securing the double in 2-0 up early on. was Di Maria who sent Neymar and Mbaye Niang struck a post Grenier’s corner from the left the first half. Tuchel’s first season in charge, The opener came in the 13th through to score with a before they reduced the arrears was headed home by Mexer, a Thomas Tuchel’s side which will also be remembered minute when a corner fell to delightful chip over Tomas five minutes from the interval. rare goal from the Mozambican appeared poised to wrap up a for their Champions League exit Alves just outside the area and Koubek, who had come off his Hamari Traore crossed from the defender. domestic double, but Presnel to Manchester United in the last he met the ball with a volley from line. right and Kimpembe sliced the Into extra time they went, Kimpembe’s own goal just before 16. 20 yards that flew low into the It was a 21st goal of the ball into his own net. with Tuchel sending on Edinson the break gave Rennes hope and Instead, it is traditional corner. season for the world’s most They continued to cause Cavani, another PSG star who Edson Mexer headed them level underachievers Rennes who cel- The second goal came expensive player, despite that problems to PSG at the start of has spent much of the recent in the 66th minute to take a ebrate a historic victory, their midway through the first half, enforced three-month hiatus. the second half, and it was not a weeks on the sidelines. MONDAY 29 APRIL 2019 SPORT 07 F1: Bottas wins in Baku to regain lead

REUTERS Valtteri Bottas and for Red Bull ahead of Ferrari’s BAKU Lewis Hamilton are Charles Leclerc. now separated by The Monegasque, the pole- The winner Valtteri Bottas (centre) Valtteri Bottas won the just one point with 17 position favourite who started of Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton (left) Azerbaijan Grand Prix yesterday races remaining, with eighth after crashing in quali- of Mercedes and Sebastian Vettel of to retake the Formula One world Mercedes 70 points fying, led the race at one point Ferrari pose for a photo on the podium, championship lead from team- after staying out longer than yesterday. mate Lewis Hamilton after a ahead of Ferrari in the rivals on softer tyres. stunning fourth successive constructors’ standings. While he ultimately had to one-two finish for Mercedes. settle for fifth, Leclerc took the The Finn, who started on extra point for fastest lap after pole position, crossed the line was a distant third as the Italian making a second stop for fresh 1.524 seconds ahead of Hamilton pre-season favourites again tyres with a comfortable buffer to make up for the agony of 2018 failed to convert their promise to those behind and no risk of when he was denied victory in into a result. losing position. Baku by a late puncture. The win around the streets Sergio Perez was sixth for The pair are now separated of capital Baku was the fifth of Racing Point ahead of McLaren’s by just one point with 17 races Bottas’ career and he became the Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. remaining, with Mercedes 70 first driver this season to win Lance Stroll gave Racing points ahead of Ferrari in the from pole. Point a double points finish constructors’ standings. Like Hamilton, he now has with ninth place, while Alfa “It was actually a tough two wins and two second places Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen took race,” said Bottas, who went from the first four races but is 10th after starting from the side-by-side with Hamilton on ahead thanks to the extra point pitlane. the opening lap and showed he scored for setting the fastest The main surprise of the day plenty of grit and determination lap on his way to victory in the was the lack of upsets, with no in fending off the Briton to hold Australian season opener. safety car on track for the first position. “I was too friendly at turn time and no major crashes on “Lewis was putting pressure one and basically gave it to him,” unforgiving streets that have all the time, I could not do any said Hamilton. given the race a reputation for while trying overtake the being investigated by stewards. car as marshals moved it. mistakes,” added the 29-year- Mercedes are the first unpredictability. Russian. He then reversed his Pierre Gasly’s Red Bull lost Robert Kubica, who started old who came under renewed two-car team in Formula One’s The most notable incident Renault into the Toro Rosso, power in the late stages of the from the pitlane after a quali- threat from Hamilton in the 70-year history to open a season involved Daniel Ricciardo and which had also failed to make the race, parking down an escape fying crash, was hit with a drive- dying laps. with four straight one-twos. Daniil Kvyat, with the Australian corner. Both drivers retired road but prompting the through penalty for leaving the Sebastian Vettel in his Ferrari Max Verstappen was fourth running straight onto the runoff shortly after, with the incident deployment of the virtual safety garage too early. Bayern Premier League: Aguero stars stumble to draw against as Man City inch closer to title Nuremberg REUTERS AFP Jack Cork chested down a would provide the platform for BERLIN BURNLEY ball on the edge of the penalty a comfortable final half-hour, area and then hit a shot that though, they were to be disap- Bayern Munich stumbled to a Sergio Aguero’s 20th Premier struck visiting captain Vincent pointed as Burnley continued to 1-1 draw at relegation- League goal of the season left Kompany full in the face. give everything. threatened Nuremberg Manchester City just two wins As the home fans appealed Few players were more yesterday to leave the from the title after a hard-fought for handball and screamed for a committed than Burnley’s Ben Bundesliga title race wide open 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf penalty, referee Paul Tierney put Mee, the boyhood City fan who with three games left in the Moor yesterday. his whistle to his lips as if con- used to captain their youth season. Aguero, who has now scored sidering awarding one. Tele- team. Serge Gnabry rescued a nine times in his past eight vision replays, though, showed He produced an extraor- point for the German giants appearances against Burnley, he was right not to. dinary goal-line clearance to with a 74th minute goal after struck in the 63rd minute, with The Clarets’ best opening fell deny the visitors a second goal, the hosts, who also missed a a shot that only just crossed the to Chris Wood, who was left to stretching to hook the ball clear last-minute penalty, took an line despite the best efforts of rue a poor first touch that denied after substitute Gabriel Jesus col- unexpected lead after the defender Matt Lowton to keep it him his big moment. lected Kyle Walker’s crossfield restart. out, although goal-line tech- Played through by Jeff Hen- pass, and had gone round Heaton The result leaves Bayern top nology was needed to award the drick, the New Zealand forward to shoot towards what he on 71 points with Borussia goal. allowed the ball to squirt away, thought was an empty net. Dortmund in second place on The win takes City on to 92 and Ederson was bravely out at After that, City were content 69 after Saturday’s 4-2 home points, one ahead of Liverpool, his feet to smother. to run down the clock as they loss to Schalke 04 in the Ruhr with two games to play. At times, City’s frustration kept their cool to leave their valley derby. Victories at home to threatened to boil over. northwest rivals with all three Bayern were dominant, as Leicester a week on Monday, and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (right) celebrates after scoring In the closing moments of the points. expected, against Nuremberg away at Brighton the following their first goal with team-mate Bernardo Silva, yesterday. first half, Aguero over-hit a pass PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS and hit the woodwork through Sunday will see Pep Guardiola’s down the left for Leroy Sane, David Alaba in the first half of side retain their English title. travel to Newcastle next United reserve, made two resulting in the ball rolling out Burnley 0 Manchester City 1 (Aguero 63) the game. For the first time in months, weekend, either side of the two excellent saves in the opening of play, and the German Leicester 3 (Tielemans 59, Vardy 86, But it was the home side City’s elimination from the legs of their Champions League minutes of the second half. responded by turning to his 90+5) Arsenal 0 who struck first with Matheus Champions League means they semi-final against Barcelona, He was alert at his near post team-mate and flinging his arms Manchester United 1 (Mata 11) Chelsea 1 Pereira firing in on the rebound will crucially have a free before hosting Wolves on May to beat away Aguero’s shot, after out in despair. (Alonso 43) after Bayern keeper Sven midweek to prepare for those 12. Raheem Sterling’s neat flick had Eventually, though, City’s Played on Saturday Ulreich had blocked a shot three key matches. City have now won 12 con- created the opening, before patience was rewarded. Ber- minutes after the break. By contrast, Liverpool must secutive Premier League games beating out Bernardo Silva’s snap nardo Silva’s low ball into the Brighton 1 (Gross 75) Newcastle 1 (Pe- The Bavarians were visibly but they had to work to maintain shot at the end of a goalmouth middle found Aguero, who, with rez 18) rattled and it took them some Victories at home to their composure against the scramble. his back to goal and minimal Crystal Palace 0 Everton 0 time to recover from the Leicester a week on Clarets. Sean Dyche’s side knew space to work with, managed to Fulham 1 (Babel 79) Cardiff 0 setback before retaking the Monday, and away at Guardiola’s side enjoyed the before kick-off they were math- fashion a shot that beat Heaton. Southampton 3 (Long 12, Ward-Prowse initiative. Brighton the following bulk of possession, but found ematically certain of Premier Lowton, on the line, looked 55, Targett 67) Bournemouth 3 (Gosling After a bagful of missed Sunday will see Pep creating clear chances difficult. League survival, yet played as if to have blocked the shot with his 20, Wilson 32, 86) chances Gnabry finally beat the Guardiola’s side retain When they did, Burnley goal- they too were fighting for the chest, but the ball looped up and Tottenham 0 West Ham 1 (Antonio 67) Nuremberg defence at the far

keeper Tom Heaton was in title. just crossed the line before he post, beautifully chipping his their English title. Watford 1 (Gray 49) Wolves 2 (Jimenez excellent form. Burnley even caused City the could recover to clear it. 41, Jota 77) volley over the keeper in the Heaton, a former Manchester occasional first-half problem. If City were hoping that goal 74th. Nuremberg had the chance to win with an 89th minute penalty but Tim Leibold hit the post and Bayern escaped with Cannavaro quits as China coach after 2 games a point. BUNDESLIGA RESULTS AFP Chinese men’s coach,” Can- China’s government under left me with no time for my SHANGHAI navaro wrote on China’s football-fan President Xi Jinping family.” Hoffenheim 1 (Szalai 9) Wolfsburg 4 Twitter-like Weibo. has grand ambitions of hosting Cannavaro was one of the (William 42, Weghorst 69, 88, Arnold Italian World Cup winner Fabio With due respect Cannavaro was appointed and even winning a World Cup finest defenders of his gener- 85) Cannavaro yesterday quit as Lippi’s successor in mid-March one day. ation and lifted the World Cup Nuremberg 1 (Pereira 48) Bayern Mu- coach of China after just two for China as a and there was speculation that But that appeared further as skipper of Italy in 2006, nich 1 (Gnabry 75) matches in charge, both 1-0 great country, I feel the China Cup was an audition away than ever during Can- when Lippi was coach. Played on Saturday home defeats. it’s necessary to for the post long term. navaro’s short stint, after But he has not reached the Borussia Dortmund 2 (Goetze 14, It will increase speculation announce my decision If that was the case, former which China slumped to 74th same heights as a coach and last Witsel 84) Schalke 4 (Caligiuri 18-pen, that his mentor and fellow Real Madrid and Juventus in the FIFA rankings, a rung season Evergrande surrendered 62, Sane 28, Embolo 86) Italian Marcello Lippi is in line to give up my position defender Cannavaro failed the above Cape Verde -- popu- their seven-year stranglehold as the Chinese RB Leipzig 2 (Werner 19, Forsberg to make a shock return, just test, losing 1-0 to Thailand and lation 550,000 to China’s 1.4 on the CSL to Shanghai SIPG in 78-pen) Freiburg 1 (Grifo 67) three months after he left. men’s coach: Fabio going down to Uzbekistan by billion. Cannavaro’s first season at the Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Hertha Berlin 0 The 45-year-old Cannavaro Cannavaro the same flat scoreline. In his statement, Cannavaro helm. made the announcement on The 71-year-old Lippi stood said that the Chinese Football His appointment as China Hanover 1 (Weydandt 66) Mainz 0 social media and said it was to down as China coach following Association and Evergrande coach six weeks ago was not Fortuna Duesseldorf 4 (Raman 1, Kar- focus on his family and his job “With due respect for China a 3-0 defeat to Iran in the “both wanted me to coach the universally welcomed by fans aman 23, Hennings 56, Suttner 73) as coach of Chinese Super as a great country, I feel it’s nec- quarter-finals of the Asian Cup two most important teams in or media, with some saying that Werder Bremen 1 (Kruse 28-pen)

League (CSL) side Guangzhou essary to announce my decision in January but had stayed on as China at the same time. he had not proved himself as a Stuttgart 1 (Donis 56) Borussia Evergrande. to give up my position as the an adviser to Cannavaro. “But the dual position has manager. Moenchengladbach 0 SPORT Monday 29 April 2019 PAGE | 05 PAGE | 06 Thiem downs Messi clinches Medvedev to another win Barcelona La Liga title for crown Barcelona Qatar set to inaugurate futuristic Al Wakrah Stadium on May 16 FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA DESIGN: The design is 2022 World Cup venue to host Amir Cup final inspired by the sails of FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts traditional dhow boats, Qatar will reach another mile- in tribute to Al Wakrah’s stone next month when the seafaring past. An innovative newly-built Al Wakrah cooling system and Stadium – one of the eight retractable roof mean the venues for football’s global stadium will be used all year showpiece event – will be round. The stadium was inaugurated with the hosting designed by AECOM and of the Amir Cup final. Zaha Hadid Architects. With more than three years left for the kick off of the quadrennial tournament, Al PRECINCT FACILITIES: Wakrah Stadium will become Various sporting facilities, the second World Cup venue including a cycling and to show readiness after the running track, horse riding iconic Khalifa International areas and other green Stadium, which was also spaces. In addition, there unveiled with the Amir Cup will be a marketplace and final in May 2017. community facilities, such as The final of the prestigious a mosque and school. Amir Cup 2019 will be played on May 16 while the inaugu- ration ceremony of state-of- for the public who will turn people from Al Wakrah in order COOLING TECHNOLOGY: the-art venue will take place out to watch the final,” said Al to include their requirements Al Wakrah Stadium will before the game kicks off at Kuwari. in the project. We appreciate benefit from innovative 10:30pm, Qatar Football Asso- “Additionally, we will give the contribution of everyone cooling technology designed ciation (QFA) and the Supreme local businesses and restau- who took part in this project.” and delivered by Qatari Committee for Delivery & rants the chance to showcase The stadium was designed experts. Legacy (SC) announced at a their products,” he added. by Zaha Hadid and AECOM press conference held at Al FIFA President Gianni Architects. It has a fully Bidda Tower, yesterday. Infantino was among the retractable roof, meaning it “We are honoured that spectators during the 2017 can be used all-year-round. ACCESS TO THE STADIUM: one of Qatar’s World Cup Amir Cup final when the It also features innovative Al Wakrah Stadium is venues will host this year’s Khalifa Stadium was inaugu- cooling technology for the served by a network of new Amir Cup final,” said Khalid rated, and Al Kuwari said the benefit of spectators and expressways and roads Mubarak Al Kuwari, QFA’s QFA will be inviting leading players. The technology is which provide easy access Director of Marketing & Com- figures of the sport for this capable of cooling the spec- to residents and visitors to munications, flanked by Thani year’s final too. tator areas to 18°C and the both Al Wakrah and Doha. Al Zarraa, the SC’s Al Wakrah “The QFA invites heads of field of play to 20°C. The stadium will be served Stadium Project Manager. football bodies and other After the World Cup, the by Al Wakrah station on the “The 2017 Amir Cup final leading figures. We will be stadium’s capacity will be Red Line of Doha Metro. at Khalifa International revealing the details about it reduced to 20,000 thanks to The station is located 4.5km Stadium was a magnificent on the later stages,” said Al its modular construction, with from the stadium and will occasion and we are sure this Kuwari while responding to the excess seats being donated be served by shuttle bus year’s final will be just as a query. to sporting projects overseas. services on match days. The Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari (left), Director of Marketing and Communications, memorable,” he said. Meanwhile, Al Zarraa The stadium will also become precinct has dedicated bus Qatar Football Association and Eng. Thani Khalifa Al Zaraa, Project Manager “All the engineers and the described the upcoming inau- the home of popular Qatar stops, interconnected cycling of Al Wakrah Stadium during a press conference held at the Al Bidda Tower ones involved deserve the guration as a major milestone Stars League side Al Wakrah paths and safe pedestrian in Doha, yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA praise for their hardwork in as Qatar continues prepara- Sports Club. routes. completion of the stadium,” tions for the FIFA World Cup. Al Kuwari added. “The launch of Al Wakrah The Local Organising Com- Stadium is a significant step AL WAKRAH STADIUM THE PITCH: The turf used mittee (LOC) has taken various on the road to 2022,” said Al for the playing surface was initiatives to attract spectators Zarraa. SPECTATOR CAPACITY: TOURNAMENT MODE: grown at the Al Wakrah turf in the 40,000-capacity venue “Its innovative and futur- 40,000 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-finals venue. farm. The pitch was laid for for the final. istic design means it is set to DISTANCE FROM LEGACY MODE: the first time in March, in a Tickets are already be one of the iconic venues record time of just 9 hours 15 available to buy, either online during the first FIFA World DOHA CITY CENTRE: 23km Home of Al Wakrah Sports Club. Thanks to its minutes. at tickets.qfa.qa or from a host Cup in the Arab world. We DESIGNERS: modular nature, the stadium’s capacity will be of outlets across the country, hope thousands of football AECOM and Zaha Hadid Architects reduced to 20,000 after the tournament, with including Villagio Mall, Mall fans across the country will MAIN CONTRACTOR: Joint venture the excess seats – from the upper tier – being of Qatar, Doha Festival City, join us for this landmark THE ROOF: Weighing 378t between MIDMAC, Sixco and donated to football development projects and measuring 92m, the City Center, Souq Waqif and occasion as we celebrate the PORR Qatar overseas. Ezdan Mall and Al Wakrah. progress we have made steel structure – known as Tickets are available in four to-date and look forward to an ‘oculus beam’ – sits 50m categories - QR20, QR30, 2022 with renewed above pitch level It will QR50 and QR100 - and will excitement.” connect and support the remain on sale until May 15. Al Zarraa added: “Al entire roof, while providing “Spectators of all ages will Wakrah stadium will signifi- maintenance access to some enjoy activation around the cantly boost the local com- of the retractable parts of stadium’s precinct. There will munity. During the design and the structure. be several awards up for grabs execution phases, we met Hardik’s heroics in vain as Russell ends KKR’s 6-match losing streak IANS to post 232/2, this season’s highest Pandya then put on a show to (2/44) and Harry After Lynn’s dismissal in the In the last three overs, Russell KOLKATA total. bring up his fastest fifty off just 17 Gurney (2/37) also picked up two 10th over, Russell made the most made mincemeat of Mumbai’s In reply, Hardik Pandya was deliveries. apiece. of a reprieve -- he was dropped famed bowlers Hardik, Jasrpit (KKR) kept the sole shining light for MI with The 25-year old World Cup This was KKR’s first win over on 1 by Evin Lewis -- to remain Bumrah and Lasith Malinga, their play-off hopes alive with a a swashbuckling 91 off 34 balls bound all-rounder stitched a Mumbai since April 8, 2015, a unbeaten and blast his highest taking 20, 15 and 20 runs off them, 34-run win over old nemesis (4x6, 6x9), his highest score in this 63-run stand off 30 balls with result which kept Rohit and Co. score this season with the help of respectively, as the hosts plun- Mumbai Indians (MI) despite format, as Mumbai managed 198/7 Keiron Pollard (20) for the fifth waiting for a place in the playoffs six fours and eight sixes, including dered 55 runs in that period. Hardik Pandya’s fireworks in an in 20 overs. and then added another with two games remaining. one off the last ball of the innings. Brief Scores: Indian Premier League (IPL) clash The visitors, who had not lost 64 runs in quick time with brother Needing a victory to even Russell shared a 62-run stand Kolkata Knight Riders: 232/2 at the Eden Gardens yesterday. to KKR in their last eight meetings, Krunal (24) before holing out to dream of a berth in the play-offs, for the second wicket with Gill off ( 80 , Put into bat, KKR rode on were reduced to 58/4 inside nine Russell at wide long-on off Harry KKR were off to a flying start 35 balls and then combined with 76, Chris Lynn 54; Andre Russell’s 40-ball 80 not out overs with Quinton de Kock (0), Gurney. riding on Lynn and Gill’s 96-run skipper Karthik (15 not out) for an Hardik Pandya 1/31) and half-centuries by Shubman Rohit Sharma (12), Evin Lewis and For the home team, Russell opening stand which came off 57 unbroken 74-run partnership Mumbai Indians: 198/7 Gill (76; 45 balls, 4x6, 6x4) and Surya Kumar Yadav (26) back in was the pick of the bowlers balls. Gill’s chanceless knock was which came off just 29 (Hardik Pandya 91; Sunil Narine Chris Lynn (54; 29 balls, 4x8, 6x2) the hut. returning figures of 2/25. also his highest T20 score. deliveries. 2/44, Harry Gurney 2/37)