TTENNISENNIS | Page 3 FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 7 Kozlova Red Bull’s stuns holder Ricciardo takes Ostapenko in tense victory in fi rst round Monaco GP

Monday, May 28, 2018 CYCLING Ramadan 12, 1439 AH Froome claims GULF TIMES Giro victory for rare Grand Tour treble SPORT Page 4 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Ronaldo grumbling leaves Real Madrid unimpressed ‘I spoke when I shouldn’t have done but something is going to happen. It wasn’t the right time, but I was honest’

AFP Madrid Bale considering Madrid future

ristiano Ronaldo won the despite decisive display in fi nal Champions League for a fi fth time on Saturday but the strik- Reuters er’s petulant posturing over Kyiv hisC future has left a sour taste at Real Madrid. While his teammates were celebrat- areth Bale proved his worth ing a record-stretching 13th European to Real Madrid by delivering crown, earned after a gutsy 3-1 victory Gthe Champions League trophy over Liverpool, Ronaldo was casting with a sensational two goals after doubt over his commitment to the club. coming off the bench in the 3-1 win “It was very nice to be in Madrid,” over Liverpool in Saturday’s final said Ronaldo, who was told it sounded but then declared he would have to like he was saying goodbye. consider his future at the club. “In the next few days I will give an an- Real’s record signing had been left swer to the fans,” he replied. “Because out of the starting line-up for the they have always been by my side.” final for the second year in a row as For months, Ronaldo and his repre- coach Zinedine Zidane played Isco sentatives have been wrangling with instead, fielding the same side that Real over a new deal, as the Portug- beat Juventus 4-1 in last year’s final ese reportedly seeks to surpass Lionel in Bale’s home city of Cardiff . Messi at Barcelona and Neymar at Paris The former Tottenham Hotspur Saint-Germain as the highest paid forward grabbed his opportunity player in the world. in emphatic fashion after replacing “I spoke when I shouldn’t have done Spain midfielder Isco just after the but something is going to happen. It Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo applauds supporters after the UEFA Champions League final against hour mark, conjuring up an inspired wasn’t the right time, but I was hon- Liverpool at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Saturday. (AFP) overhead kick to put Madrid back in est,” Ronaldo told reporters before front in the 64th minute, after Sadio boarding the Real bus. we are celebrating a Champions League Even Real’s fans appear to be unim- of the tournament’s scoring list with 15 Mane had cancelled out Karim Ben- “In a week I’ll say something because title like today,” Perez said. pressed, with a poll on the website of goals and in April broke a Champions zema’s opportune opening goal. the fans have always supported me and “Everyone has the right to speak but Madrid daily, Marca, asking if the club League record by scoring in his 10th Bale then sealed Real’s record- are in my heart. I don’t speak much, but here the important thing is the club, should make a special eff ort to keep Ro- successive match. extending 13th European Cup with a when I speak, I speak,” he added. that we are all celebrating this title. naldo. After more than 25,000 votes, 65 Even though Ronaldo is 33, it is hard long-range strike which flew through to have been left out of many of “Obviously I have something to say, Cristiano was happy, is happy and re- per cent said no. to imagine the likes of PSG and Man- the hands of Liverpool’s hapless Real’s biggest games this season but it wasn’t the right time, although mains happy. He is under contract.” chester United not jumping at the goalkeeper Loris Karius, ensuring and admitted he would have to think I don’t regret it, because I was honest. Zidane was not in the mood to in- ‘CR7 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE’ chance to poach such a powerful asset, he pocketed a remarkable fourth long and hard about his future at the I’ve kept putting up with this but then I dulge. There would certainly seem to have on and off the pitch. Champions League winners’ medal club where he has won so much. couldn’t control myself.” “I’m not thinking about that,” Zi- been an element of sulkiness in Ro- But, separation remains the less like- since moving to the Spanish capital “I need to be playing week in, week Florentino Perez’s resistance has of- dane said. “I am thinking about what naldo’s assessment, coming so soon ly scenario and in the meantime, Ro- in 2013. out and that has not happened this fended Ronaldo, who has implied sev- we are doing now, the game, what we after the final whistle. He had not naldo has served only to irritate those “It has to be the best goal in a Cham- season. I had an injury five, six weeks eral times all is not well in their rela- have achieved. On Cristiano, we will scored and the final had been decided around him. pions League final, there is no bigger in but (have been) fit ever since. I tionship. His latest referencing of the see later. He has to stay, yes or yes.” by the brilliance of Gareth Bale, who “If Ronaldo has learned anything in stage,” Bale said of his jaw-dropping have to sit down with my agent in support of the club’s fans, as opposed Reports in the Spanish press yesterday scored twice, the first with a stunning his years in Madrid, it is that sadness, strike which put Madrid on their way the summer and discuss it. to the hierarchy, has been interpreted as say Real’s players were also vexed by Ro- bicycle kick. like euphoria, lasts a week in this club,” to a third consecutive Champions “Obviously I was very disappointed another dart aimed at Real’s president. naldo diverting attention from the team’s When this was put to him, Ron- wrote Marca yesterday. League triumph. not to start the game; I felt I de- When Ronaldo’s comments were third consecutive Champions League aldo replied: “Maybe the Champions “The week after, the club comes back “I am just happy to get the win. It served it but the manager makes the put to Perez on Saturday night, he ex- success. Sergio Ramos was among those League should change its name to the to compete and fi ght again to win, to is a team game but when you are a decisions. pressed annoyance at their timing and to make his feeling known to the 33-year- CR7 Champìons League.” win Champions League titles. Let’s see substitute, it is a game of more than “The best I have been doing is to appeared to brush off the possibility of old in the changing room. “Who has more Champìons League where Cristiano goes to win as many 11 players. I made an impact.” come on and make an impact; I a departure. “Cristiano will not fi nd a better titles and more goals?” he asked. Champions League trophies as he has Bale, however, said he was not happy certainly did,” he said. “Do not ask me these things the day place,” Ramos said. Ronaldo fi nished fi ve clear at the top at Real Madrid.”

BOTTOMLINE Khalifa stadium celebrates one-year anniversary xactly a year to the day since its inau- greatest players. – once again – His Highness the Amir Sheikh guration, Khalifa International Stadium The refurbishments included an installation Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the 2018 Amir again put on a spectacular show, as it of revolutionary cooling technology promised Cup fi nal. played host to the 2018 Amir Cup fi nal during Qatar’s successful bid, which again kept “Khalifa is one of Qatar’s most recognis- onE May 19. the pitch at 20°C and the stands at 23°C while able, historic and iconic sporting venues, and For the second year in a row, more than 45,000 using 40% less energy than traditional cooling it is therefore fitting it became the first pro- fans from across Qatar attended the event, as Al methods. The innovative cooling system is a posed 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium to offi- Duhail secured the prestigious trophy with a 2-1 state-of-the-art sustainable cooling system for cially open.” victory over Al Rayyan. outdoor environments. Commenting on this prestigious event hosted On May 19, 2017, Khalifa International Stadi- Other new features at the stadium include at Khalifa International Stadium, Eng. Mo- um became the fi rst proposed 2022 FIFA World the installation of a larger roof over the entire hamed Ahmed, the SC’s Project Manager, said, Cup stadium to open, and SC ambassador Xavi spectator area, with an intricate net of Ger- “Not only this stadium’s achievements we can Hernandez the fi rst man to lift a trophy at the man and Italian-made steel tension cables be proud of; I am delighted to see the progress refurbished venue – as Al Sadd side defeated Al weighing 4,000 tonnes holding 92 panels in being made across all venues. Rayyan for the Amir Cup. place. “I have witnessed fi rst-hand the remarkable And as in 2017, His Highness the Amir Sheikh The stadium will also be the first FIFA progress being made at each of the other seven Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was again in at- World Cup venue and the first stadium in the sites – and I look forward to experiencing many tendance to witness the 2018 showpiece at one region to be lit by LED lighting, which is both more nights like we have at Khalifa, as the other of Qatar’s most iconic stadiums. more sustainable and more versatile than tra- world-class stadiums open ahead of the 2022 Expanded to off er a net capacity of 40,000 ditional lighting. FIFA World Cup.” spectators for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, Located in Aspire Zone, Khalifa International He continued: “Khalifa too has many excit- the stadium has undergone extensive renovation Stadium already off ers a range of leisure ameni- ing milestone moments to look forward to like works since it was fi rst opened in 1976. Khalifa ties. During the FIFA World Cup, however, fans the opening of the magnifi cent 3-2-1 Qatar Ol- International Stadium already had an illustrious will also be able to travel to and from the historic ympic and Sports Museum and its hosting of hosting history, having previously welcomed venue via a dedicated metro station on Qatar’s the 2019 IAAF World Athletic Championships. the Asian Games, the Gulf Cup and the AFC national metro project, QRail. tion locations below one hour, enabling fans to ager at Aspire Zone Foundation, Eng. Mansoor Another event, I am certain, which will be an Asian Cup, among others. Following the refur- Once completed, Qatar’s tournament infra- watch more than one live match per day for the al-Muhannadi, said, “On behalf of everyone overwhelming success – and one that will be- bishment, it now boasts ultra-modern facilities structure will keep journey times between all fi rst time in FIFA World Cup history. associated with the project at Khalifa Interna- come part of our history on this historic hosting and hospitality options – fi t to host the world’s FIFA World Cup stadiums and accommoda- Khalifa International Stadium Project Man- tional Stadium, we were delighted to welcome journey.” (SC.qa) Gulf Times 2 Monday, May 28, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT AFTERMATH Salah ‘confi dent’ for WC despite shoulder injury Karius unable to

AFP host of record as he scored 44 goals in all sleep aft er fi nal London competitions. He was voted Liverpool’s Players of the Year and also scooped the PFA and Foot- nightmare as death gypt’s Mohamed Salah is “con- ball Writers’ Player of the Year awards. fi dent” of being fi t for the World Reds midfi elder Georginio Wijnaldum Cup despite suff ering a shoulder conceded the loss of Salah was setback threats investigated injury in Liverpool’s Champions from which they couldn’t recover. LeagueE fi nal defeat against Real Madrid. “I think it was a big blow for us, it Reuters Salah was forced off in tears during the seemed like a big blow for us the way the Kyiv fi rst half of the 3-1 loss in Kiev on Satur- way we reacted after his injury,” Wijnal- day, sparking fears he wouldn’t make it to dum said. next month’s World Cup. “I think when he was on the pitch we iverpool goalkeeper The 25-year-old sustained the prob- did it well for 25 minutes but (after the Loris Karius told fans he lem when he was dragged awkwardly to injury) there was less than before. Those was “infi nitely sorry” for the turf following a challenge with Sergio things happen and we had to deal with it his two catastrophic er- Ramos, leading some to claim the Madrid but it was diffi cult.” Lrors in the side’s 3-1 defeat to Real defender had deliberately tried to injure Madrid in the Champions League Liverpool’s star forward. RAMOS WISHES SALAH A ‘RAPID fi nal and said he had struggled to Speaking after the fi nal, Liverpool Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (right) falls in a challenge with Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos RECOVERY’ sleep after Saturday’s game. manager Jurgen Klopp had described the during their UEFA Champions League match in Kyiv on Saturday. (Reuters) Yesterday, Ramos tweeted his best wishes The German keeper gifted injury as “serious” amid fears Salah had to Salah after their collision in the fi nal. Karim Benzema the fi rst goal by suff ered a dislocated shoulder. “It was a very tough night, but I’m staff , Salah has sustained only ligament “Sometimes football shows you it’s accidentally throwing the ball That would have ruled him out of a fi ghter. Despite the odds, I’m confi - damage. good side and other times the bad. Above against the Real forward, and Egypt’s fi rst appearance in the World Cup dent that I’ll be in Russia to make you all all, we are fellow pros,” Ramos wrote in then watching it trickle into his since 1990. proud,” Salah wrote on his offi cial Twitter UNBELIEVABLE SEASON English with the hashtag “#GetWell- net, and he allowed a shot by Salah was pictured with his shoulder in account yesterday. Salah had been instrumental in Liver- Soon”. In the Spanish version, the Real Gareth Bale straight through his once again it showed me what a a sling when he got off Liverpool’s plane “Your love and support will give me the pool’s unexpected run to their Champi- Madrid defender added “Rapid recovery, hands for Madrid’s third goal big family we are. Thank you and at John Lennon Airport yesterday. strength I need.” ons League fi nal since 2007. Salah. The future awaits you.” which ended any hopes of his we will come back stronger.” But it now appears there is a good Egypt’s team doctor Mohamed Abou In an incredible fi rst season with the Salah has helped propel Egypt to their side getting back in the game. Karius received the backing chance Salah will be able to join his coun- El-Ela said in a statement that, according Premier League club following his trans- fi rst World Cup since 1990. Egypt’s fi rst “Haven’t really slept until of his coach Jurgen Klopp after try for the tournament in Russia. to information from Liverpool’s medical fer from Roma last year, Salah broke a match is against Uruguay on June 15. now, the scenes are still run- the game but some fans on social ning through my head again and media were less forgiving and again. I’m infi nitely sorry to my British media reported that Mer- CELEBRATION teammates, for you fans and for seyside Police were investigating all the staff . I know that I messed death threats made towards the it up with the two mistakes and goalkeeper. let you all down,” Karius wrote “The force takes social media on Twitter yesterday. posts of this nature extremely “As I said I’d just like to turn seriously and any off ences iden- back the time but that’s not pos- tifi ed will be investigated,” a sible. It’s even worse as we all felt spokesperson for the force told that we could have beaten Real the Daily Telegraph newspaper. Madrid parade CL Madrid and we were in the game “Merseyside Police would for a long time. like to remind social media us- “Thank you to our unbeliev- ers than any off ences including able fans who came to Kiev and malicious communications and held my back, even after the game. threatening behaviour will be in- trophy in front of I don’t take that for granted and vestigated.” FOCUS ‘This is incredible. That is what Real Madrid has, it Son must step up to ecstatic fans gives so much joy’ become World Cup

AFP Madrid great: S Korea coach

Reuters Son is the main attraction of ens of thousands of ecstatic fans Hong Kong a Korean side that will travel to lined the streets of the Span- the World Cup hoping to secure ish capital to greet Real Ma- a place in the knockout phase of drid’s players as they returned on Heung-min needs to the competition for only the third Thome yesterday after winning their third overcome his status as a time in the country’s history. Champions League title in a row in Kiev. marked man after an im- The Koreans have appeared at Real supporters cheered and waved pressive season for Tot- every World Cup since 1986 and club scarves as a bus carrying Cristiano tenhamS Hotspur if he is to estab- reached the semi-fi nals on home Ronaldo and the rest of the team crawled lish himself among the game’s elite soil in 2002, the fi rst time the past crowds lining the roads from the at the World Cup in Russia, says country had progressed beyond club’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium to Ma- South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong. the group phase. drid’s La Almudena cathedral where the Son has emerged as a lead- They qualifi ed for the last 16 in Champions League trophy was presented ing light of Asian football since 2010, losing against Uruguay to a to religious leaders. moving to Tottenham from Bayer late Luis Suarez goal, before be- “It is important to recall that our coach Leverkusen in 2015, becoming an ing eliminated in the group phase Zinedine Zidane has always worked with integral part of Mauricio Pochet- in Brazil four years ago. Sights are humility to become the best coach on the tino’s exciting and dynamic team being set once more on securing world,” Real Madrid president Florentino over the last three seasons. a place in the second round in Perez said in a brief speech in the cathe- The 25-year-old scored 12 Russia. dral as the players, who wore matching times in 27 starts for Spurs in the blue suits, listened from the pews. past season as the north London DAUNTING TASK The bus then made its way with the club fi nished third in the Premier Drawn to play Sweden, Mexico team and the trophy in the front to the League, however Son has yet to and defending champions Ger- head of the Madrid regional government make a similar impact for his many, the task facing Shin and in the central Plaza de Sol which was country. his team appears daunting. packed with thousands of fans, many And Shin believes the former For the former Seongnam Ilhwa decked in Real’s famous white and black Hamburg SV winger has become coach, who steered the club to the team jersey, before it heads to the club’s a victim of his own success. Asian Champions League title in traditional celebration spot, the Plaza de “He’s done well with Tot- 2010 and will be making his World Cibeles. tenham and he’s one our best Cup debut on the sidelines, Son Some children sat on the shoulders of Real Madrid’s Marcelo (left) and Sergio Ramos hold the trophy at Cibeles square in Madrid as they celebrate their Champions League attacking options,” Shin told needs to step up to the challenge their parents to get a better look as the title victory yesterday. (AFP) Reuters. “He enhances our team facing him in Eastern Europe. bus went by. totally with his attacking ability. “When he plays for Tottenham Thousands of supporters waited Many headed to the central square af- tle in the competition, moved them six “continental leadership”. “Honestly speaking, when there are many good players and around the fountain in the heart of the ter watching the match lit up by a wonder clear of second-placed AC Milan in the “Thank you for this sporting show that he plays for Tottenham, Son opposing defences are not only plaza, which was surrounded by a white goal from Gareth Bale at the Bernabeu on all-time honours list, after lifting the tro- fi lled all sports lovers with emotion and Heung-min has great attack- focusing on him,” he said. “But and blue banner decorated with the Real eight giant screens. phy for a remarkable fourth time in fi ve pride, and for once again taking Spain’s ing partners like Harry Kane and when he plays for the national logo that read “Thanks Real Madrid sup- Roughly 80,000 Real Madrid fans at seasons. name to the highest levels of world sport,” Dele Alli and there’s a synergy team, the opposition focuses on porters!”, for the players to arrive. the stadium erupted in delight at the fi nal Former French international Zidane he added in the telegram, his offi ce said in between them when they play. defending against Son Heung- “I had to be here and celebrate this win whistle, breaking out in familiar chants of also became the fi rst coach to win three a statement. “In our team, Son’s partners are min. Sometimes he has struggled with them,” Ivan Gonzalez, a 23-year-old “Campeones, campeones”. consecutive Champions League crowns, Real’s victory made the front page of all maybe at a little bit of a lower level to overcome that but now I think student who wore a pink Ronaldo jersey “This is incredible. It’s beautiful be- despite having spent less than three years main Spanish newspapers yesterday. and that makes it a little bit harder he’s doing well. and a Real Madrid scarf wrapped around longing to Real Madrid, this is incredible,” at the helm. “Madrid dominates Europe with a leg- for him to show his ability when he “But to become a big player, he his neck, told AFP. said Jose Manuel Rodriguez, a 50-year- endary team,” headlined top-selling daily plays for the national team.” has to overcome that barrier.” old barman who came to Madrid from ‘LEGENDARY TEAM’ El Pais below a photo of Ramos holding ‘SO MUCH JOY’ the northern Basque region to watch the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, up the Champions League trophy sur- Real Madrid fans packed Plaza de Cibe- match at the Bernabeu. a die-hard Real fan, sent a telegram to rounded by the ream of his teammates. les late on Saturday after the club won “That is what Real Madrid has, it gives the club’s president, Florentino Perez, to “An eternal Real Madrid,” wrote rival Nigeria’s World Cup ‘underdogs’ need a record-extending 13th European Cup so much joy,” he added. congratulate the team for their victory, daily El Mundo while conservative daily to play as a team, captain says with a 3-1 victory over Liverpool. The club’s “decimotercera,” or 13th ti- which he said had “revalidated” the club’s ANC headlined: “A Real Madrid of legend”. Nigeria’s “underdog” football squad need to play together and not as individuals, captain John Mikel Obi said, with the team BOTTOMLINE acknowledging they face a tough group stage at the World Cup in Russia next month. “We have to make sure we play together as a team which is the most important thing; no individual players,” Obi told a media conference on Friday. “No need to think that we Zidane’s place in pantheon of great coaches secure are favourites, we’re still underdogs, so we have to go as under- dogs in this World Cup and hopefully we can get good results,” AFP fi rst managerial role at the highest level in the only men to oversee three European he said. Nigeria, known as the Super Eagles, are ranked 47th by Kyiv January 2016. Cup triumphs. FIFA and face Argentina, ranked fifth, Croatia (18) and Iceland (22) “You can’t help but admire what he The 45-year-old also won the trophy in Group D. has done,” France manager Didier De- as a player for Real, when they beat Bayer onsidered one of the all-time schamps, who won the World Cup as a Leverkusen in 2002 in Glasgow. Russia squad visited by FIFA doping greats as a player, Zinedine Zi- player with Zidane in 1998, told French “Zinedine is the architect of this glori- dane was lauded with similar TV station TF1. ous and possibly unrepeatable era,” said controllers respect as a manager yesterday “Already as a player he was an extraor- Madrid sports daily AS. afterC making more Champions League dinary player. He’s had a second life as Zidane has now won nine trophies The Russia World Cup squad has been visited by FIFA doping history with Real Madrid. a coach and he is already an extraordi- since replacing Rafael Benitez in the San- controllers, the team tweeted on Saturday. All players in the The Spanish giants’ 3-1 win over Liv- nary coach. Achieving three Champions tiago Bernabeu dugout in January 2016. squad were tested after training at their pre-World Cup camp in erpool on a dramatic evening in Kiev al- League wins is fabulous.” Guiding Real to the longest period of Austria, they said. FIFA said this week there was “insuff icient evi- lowed Zidane to become the fi rst coach Zidane is expected to one day manage sustained success in Europe’s elite club dence” of doping in Russian football. German television station ever to win the Champions League in ground in less than three full seasons in France himself, but will be in no rush to competition since the 1970s means, sta- ARD had alleged there was a case to answer. The World Cup in three consecutive seasons. charge after being promoted from his po- move on from Madrid having drawn level tistically at least, his place in the panthe- Russia kicks off on June 14. Incredibly, Zidane has broken new sition as coach of Real’s youth team to his with Bob Paisley and Carlo Ancelotti as on of great coaches is secure. Gulf Times Monday, May 28, 2018 3 TENNIS

FRENCH OPEN RESULTS FROM DAY ONE MEN’S FIRST ROUND Corentin Moutet (FRA) bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 7-6 (9/7), 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) Martin Klizan (SVK) bt Laslo Djere (SRB) 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 Gael Monfils (FRA x32) bt Elliot Benchetrit (FRA) 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 Kozlova stuns holder Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP x10) bt Jozef Kovalik (SVK) 4-6, 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) Fernando Verdasco (ESP x30) bt Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 7-5 Jared Donaldson (USA) bt Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x4) bt Mohamed Ostapenko in 1st round Safwat (EGY) 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (7/1) Matteo Berrettini (ITA) bt Oscar Otte Dimitrov downs Egypt’s Safwat, Kyrgios withdraws with elbow injury, Venus shocked (GER) 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 Kei Nishikori (JPN x19) bt Maxime Janvier AFP (FRA) 7-6 (7/0), 6-4, 6-3 Paris Lucas Pouille (FRA x15) bt Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 Damir Dzumhur (BIH x26) bt Denis Kudla elena Ostapenko became only (USA) 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 the second defending champion Radu Albot (MDA) bt Gregoire Barrere to lose in the fi rst round of Ro- (FRA) 4-6, 0-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 land Garros when she slumped Alexander Zverev (GER x2) bt Ricardas Jto a shock 7-5, 6-3 defeat by Kateryna Berankis (LTU) 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 Kozlova of Ukraine yesterday. Russia’s Anastasia Myskina was WOMEN’S FIRST ROUND the only other defending champion to Kateryna Kozlova (UKR) bt Jelena suff er the same fate in the fi rst round Ostapenko (LAT x5) 7-5, 6-3 in the Open era in 2005. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) bt Zheng Saisai Ostapenko, who won her maid- (CHN) 6-4, 6-1 en tour title at the French Open 12 Barbora Strycova (CZE x26) bt Kurumi months ago with a breathtaking dis- Nara (JPN) 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 play of all-or-nothing big-hitting, Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) bt Johanna Konta drowned in a sea of errors on Court (GBR x22) 6-4, 6-3 Philippe Chatrier. Jennifer Brady (USA) bt Amandine Hesse The 20-year-old committed 48 (FRA) 6-1, 6-1 unforced errors, 13 double faults and Petra Martic (CRO) bt Wang Yafan (CHN) dropped serve seven times. 6-2, 6-3 In all the four Slams, it’s only the Wang Qiang (CHN) bt Venus Williams sixth time in the Open era that the de- (USA x9) 6-4, 7-5 fending champion has perished at the Zarina Diyas (KAZ) bt Magda Linette (POL) fi rst hurdle. 6-3, 6-1 “I really didn’t expect anything from Viktoria Kuzmova (SVK) bt Francesca the match. Basically, I have hardly Schiavone (ITA) 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/2) played for two and a half months but I Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) bt Ajla Toml- wanted to show what I can do,” said the janovic (AUS) 7-5, 6-3 66th-ranked Kozlova who came into Anett Kontaveit (EST x25) bt Madison the match having played and lost just Brengle (USA) 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 once on clay this year. Magdalena Frech (POL) bt Ekaterina That came in Nuremberg last week, Alexandrova (RUS) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 her fi rst appearance on the tour since Sloane Stephens (USA x10) bt Arantxa Rus February because of a right knee in- (NED) 6-2, 6-0 jury. Alize Cornet (FRA x32) bt Sara Errani (ITA) Yesterday, Kozlova, who had de- 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 feated Ostapenko on grass in Ros- malen in 2016, was in the wars again, requiring a lengthy medical timeout at the end of the fi rst set to treat blis- ters. She then recovered from 0-2 down in the set before claiming victory when Ostapenko buried a backhand in the net on a second match point. “One of the blisters was worse than the others, it was very bloody. But Order of play on the main showcourts when you play a match, you try not to (all matches first round, times GMT, prefix think about the pain.” numbers denote seeding): Kozlova will face either former Court Philippe-Chatrier (play starts at world number one Victoria Azarenka 0900) or Katerina Siniakova of the Czech 8-Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) v Ve- Republic for a place in the last 32. Ukraine’s Kateryna Kozlova celebrates after first round victory over Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko (right) on the day one of French Open in Paris yesterday. (AFP) ronica Cepede Royg (Paraguay) Rogerio Dutra Silva (Brazil) v 20-Novak Zverev makes perfect start pole German. “I’m the number two fi nalist, after his 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (7/1) Kyrgios’s withdrawal meant that avone, the 37-year-old Italian who Djokovic (Serbia) Second seed Alexander Zverev seed but it doesn’t mean anything as win. Safwat, 27, had lost in the fi - eight places in the fi rst round were made it through qualifying, 7-6 (7/2), Danielle Collins (U.S.) v 2-Caroline Wozni- got his French Open title bid off to there are a lot of great players wanting nal round of qualifying in what was opened up to lucky losers. 7-6 (7/2). acki (Denmark) the perfect start with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 to stop me,” he said. his eighth futile attempt to make Sorry guys, I tried everything I 1-Rafa Nadal (Spain) v Simone Bolelli thrashing of Lithuanian Ricardas Be- Fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov also the main draw of the majors. “I only could to be ready... but I came up Nadal begins title defence today (Italy) rankis. reached the second round, even if he heard I was playing an hour before the short,” Kyrgios wrote in a message on World number one Rafa Nadal be- Court Suzanne-Lenglen (0900) The 21-year-old, who arrived at wasn’t exactly sure who he was match,” said Safwat. Twitter, adorned with tearful emojis. gins his French Open title defence to- Guillermo Garcia-Lopez(Spain) v 23-Stan Roland Garros on a hot streak of form facing. Dimitrov had been drawn Seven-time major winner Ve- Kyrgios said a dramatic increase in day with a clash against Italy’s Simone Wawrinka (Switzerland) after titles in Munich and Madrid be- to face experienced Viktor Troicki in nus Williams suff ered back-to-back load on his elbow could potentially Bolelli on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Andrea Petkovic (Germany) v 29-Kristina fore an Italian Open fi nal loss to Rafael the tournament opener on Philippe opening round exits at the Slams for put him back to square one, and that Novak Djokovic, looking to get back MLADENOVIC (France) Nadal, stormed to victory in only an Chatrier Court. the fi rst time in her 21-year career. he was not prepared to take the risk to winning ways on the biggest stage Andreas Seppi (Italy) v 27-Richard Gas- hour and 10 minutes. However, just before he was due to The ninth-seeded, 37-year-old with the grasscourt season looming. following elbow surgery, takes on quet (France) Zverev lost in the fi rst round last go on court, Troicki withdrew with a American slumped to a 6-4, 7-5 de- “The good news is I am fi nally pain unseeded Brazilian Rogerio Dutra 28-Maria Sharapova (Russia) v Richel year to Fernando Verdasco, but the back injury, allowing Egyptian world feat to China’s world 91 Wang Qiang, free,” he said, “working hard and en- Silva. Hogenkamp (Netherlands) German confi dently avoided a repeat number 182 Mohamed Safwat to make a player she knocked out in Paris last joying my training and am looking Dominic Thiem, one of the players Court 1 (0900) and enhanced his credentials as a his Grand Slam debut. year. Williams, playing Roland Garros forward to being back in action in capable of denying Spaniard Nadal a Benoit Paire (France) v Roberto Carballes serious threat to Nadal’s hopes of an In the process, he became the fi rst for the 21st time, was in no mood for Stuttgart.” record-extending 11th title at Roland Baena (Spain) 11th title. Egyptian since Tamer El Sawy at the lengthy explanations after her loss. Women’s fourth seed Elina Svi- Garros, opens his campaign on Court 7-Dominic Thiem (Austria) v Ilya Ivashka “I have won two tournaments, 1996 US Open to feature in a major. “Nobody plans for this,” she said. tolina, a quarter-fi nalist in Paris in One against Ilya Ivashka of Belarus. (Belarus) made the fi nals in Rome; again, los- “I was warming up and my coach Aussie fi rebrand Nick Kyrgios was 2015 and 2017, overcame a fi rst set 1-5 Five-times grand slam champion Laura Siegemund (Germany) v 15-Coco ing to Rafa in a close match. I feel said, ‘hey look’ and we saw up on forced to withdraw after failing to defi cit to see off Australia’s Ajla Tom- Maria Sharapova is also in action, Vandeweghe (U.S.) good, and today was a good start to the board that I was playing a dif- recover from an elbow injury, saying ljanovic 7-5, 6-3. Svitolina next faces with the Russian taking on Richel Ho- Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic) v the tournament, and I’m happy the ferent opponent,” said 27-year-old a potential fi ve sets on clay was “too Slovakia’s Viktoria Kuzmova who put genkamp of the Netherlands on Court 6-Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) way it’s going so far,” said the bean- Dimitrov, a former Wimbledon semi- risky”. out 2010 champion Francesca Schi- Suzanne-Lenglen.

FOCUS Kvitova hails ‘crazy’ year following knife attack Reuters having to pinch herself to believe 12 months have been great and I reer... for sure it took something Paris how well things have gone. am not complaining at all.” out but maybe this situation gave “It’s crazy! It’s happening but Czech media reported on me something positive.” I still fi nd it unbelievable. It’s to- Thursday that a 54-year-old man Kvitova has admitted to hav- eventeen months af- tally unexpected for me so far,” had been detained in connection ing a “weird feeling” if she is go- ter being attacked in her Kvitova, who will face Paraguay’s with the attack. ing somewhere alone and feels home by a knife-wielding Veronica Cepede Royg in the fi rst “happier and secure” if someone intruder, Petra Kvitova round, told Reuters in an inter- LOST YEAR is with her when she is out and hasS come to accept that she may view. Kvitova’s idol Martina Navrati- about. always have that “weird feeling” “I’m feeling great and I am en- lova was full of praise for the way However Kvitova, who reached whenever she is out alone and joying playing every moment be- the Czech has overcome the diffi - a career high of number two in the that her left playing hand will cause I couldn’t imagine myself culties of playing without having world in 2011, says she is now less never fully recover. playing as well as I am now. That’s her hand back at 100 percent. driven by numbers and goals and But rather than dwelling on important for me.” “I can’t imagine being in Pet- is delighted just to have got back the episode, which her surgeon That the twice Wimbledon ra’s position and playing without to where she is in the game. feared would end her career after champion wants to savour every full feeling in my racket hand,” “It is something I would like to she was left with damaged ten- moment on court is understand- Navratilova told the WTA. achieve in my career but it won’t dons and nerves in her fi ngers and able. For several months she had “It must be like gripping a be end of the world if I don’t,” thumb, the 28-year-old Czech no idea if she would ever again feel racket while wearing a glove or she said when asked if becom- has adopted a positive attitude the adrenaline rush that comes trying to ski when you have frozen ing world number one was on her and has already won four trophies with winning tournaments. feet and can’t feel the snow at all.” wish list. in 2018. “I really didn’t know how the Now that Kvitova is back to “I don’t have any main goals That tally, which includes hand would react to playing ten- a level where she is once again any more. back-to-back claycourt titles in nis and even if I could hold the among the favourites to win a “Being in the position I now Prague and Madrid in the run-up racket,” said Kvitova. Grand Slam title, how much of fi nd myself in is just amazing. to the French Open, is more than “I was just working hard, being her career does she think the at- I couldn’t have imagined this a any other woman on the WTA patient and being positive about tack cost her? year ago. It’s great,” added Kvito- Tour this season and has also lift- it. I really didn’t know how every- “I obviously lost the fi ve va, who was beaten in the second ed her to eighth in the world - her thing would turn out. months I couldn’t play tennis round at Roland Garros last year. highest ranking since May 2016. “The hand will never be 100 and then it took me a while to be “I am enjoying playing on clay Given it was only a year ago that percent again. The last part of the ready and play again on the level I right now so it’s great. I’m hope- she made her comeback from the fi ngers, I can’t move them in... I wished,” she said. fully going to play more than one December 2016 attack, Kvitova is can’t do a fi st pump but, the last “Maybe I lost a year of my ca- match in Paris.” Petra Kvitova won the Madrid Open this month and enters the French Open on an 11-match winning streak. Gulf Times 4 Monday, May 28, 2018 SPORT

CYCLING GOLF Rose stretches Froome claims Giro lead to four strokes AFP LEADING SCORES Los Angeles 196-Justin Rose (ENG) 66- 64-66 ustin Rose got off to a 200-Brooks Koepka 70-63- sizzling start in swel- 67, Emiliano Grillo (ARG) tering conditions Sat- 64-67-69 urday, then held on to 202-Corey Conners 71- pushJ his PGA Fort Worth Invi- victory for rare 68-63, Jon Rahm (ESP) tational lead to four shots with 68-70-64, Louis Oosthuizen a third-round 66. (RSA) 67-71-64, JT Poston England’s Rose birdied four 69-68-65, Ryan Armour of the fi rst six holes at Coloni- 68-68-66 al Country Club, where tem- 203-Ted Potter Jr. 68-72-63, peratures reached 100 degrees Brian Harman 72-67-64, Farenheit (38 C). His 14-under Derek Fathauer 67-70-66, Grand Tour treble par total of 196 put him four Kevin Tway 66-69-68, Ben clear of another US Open win- Crane 66-69-68 Froome score a remarkable victory in a low-key final stage that was won by Bennett ner, Brooks Koepka, and Ar- 204-Abraham Ancer (MEX) gentina’s Emiliano Grillo. 70-68-66, William McGirt AFP After a two-putt birdie at 70-67-67, Chris Kirk 66-71- Rome the par-fi ve fi rst, Rose drained 67, Jason Kokrak 69-67-68, putts of eight feet and 19 feet Tim Herron 66-70-68, Harris at the second and third to sep- English 68-67-69, Satoshi ritain’s Chris Froome arate himself from the fi eld. Kodaira (JPN) 66-67-71 completed a sensational “I’m happy with the way I comeback to win the played, obviously,” Rose said. Giro d’Italia yesterday “It was nice to get going, nice he struggled with the heat in forB a rare Grand Tour treble after to build up that lead. No one the latter stages of his round. the 21st and fi nal stage in Rome. seemed to do too much behind “I really felt I was battling Froome, 33, became the fi rst me today, so it felt like it was the golf course and my con- Briton to win the race in the in my hands to get as far ahead centration a little bit,” said Giro’s 101-year history after a as I could.” Rose, whose most recent win 115km closed circuit race through Koepka, warming up for his came in December’s Indone- the streets of the Italian capital. defense of the 2017 US Open sian Masters. “It was kind of The Team Sky rider be- crown at Shinnecock in June, tough to fi nish it off in the heat comes just the third cyclist af- rolled in a 16-foot birdie putt today.” ter France’s Bernard Hinault at 18 to seize a share of second (1972/73) and Belgian Eddy Mer- with a three-under par 67 for 11 baff les Koepka ckx (1982/83) to win all three 200. With fi ve birdies on the Koepka, playing his fourth Grand Tours in succession – the day he overcame a double- tournament since he was side- Tour de France, Tour of Spain bogey seven at the 11th – his lined for 15 weeks with a wrist and the Giro d’Italia. second double at the par-fi ve injury, said he played “OK.” Froome fi nished ahead of de- hole this week. “I’m putting really well,” he fending champion Tom Dumou- Grillo, who started the said. “Eleven has my number lin (Sunweb) of the Netherlands day one shot off Rose’s lead, this week – I don’t know in the overall standings, with couldn’t build much momen- what’s going on. Two doubles Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez tum. He opened with eight there, a par-fi ve I need to be (Astana) third. straight pars before his fi rst eating it up. If I can just fi gure Ireland’s Sam Bennett (Bora) birdie of the day at the ninth, out a way to play that hole I sprinted to victory in the 21st then played the back in even should be just fi ne.” and fi nal stage, his third of this par with a birdie and a bogey Rose, the 2013 US Open year’s race, after pipping four- for a one-under 69. winner and 2016 Olympic gold stage winner Elia Viviani (Quick It was a further two strokes medallist, notched victories Step) at the line. back to a group headed by in Turkey and Shanghai last Froome’s maiden Giro tri- world number four Jon Rahm year, his victory in the WGC- umph has also set up the possi- of Spain, who birdied fi ve of HSBC Champions counting bility he could target a rare Giro the fi rst eight holes – includ- toward this season’s PGA Tour d’Italia-Tour de France double ing three in a row from the win tally. The 37-year-old said in the same calendar year – last sixth through the eighth – en taking a four-shot lead into achieved by Italian rider Marco route to a six-under 64. the fi nal round would be a bal- Pantani in 1998. He was joined on 202 by ancing act. But his stunning success, Canadian rookie Corey Con- “You’re always kind of capped by an 80km-long break- ners, who had eight birdies in caught between trying to go away through the mountains a seen-under par 63, as well as out and play great and trying that gave him control of the race South African Louis Oosthui- to not make mistakes,” he said, on stage 19, is partly overshad- Britain’s rider of team Sky Christopher Froome poses with the winner’s trophy after the 21st and the last stage of the 101st Giro d’Italiain Rome zen (64), JT Poston (65) and but added that he couldn’t af- owed by controversy as the Brit- yesterday. (AFP) Ryan Armour (66). ford to be too conservative. ish rider continues to compete Rose, who also birdied six “I feel like there’s a score in despite an ongoing anti-doping race which had started in Jerusa- The four-time Tour de France RESULTS AND STANDINGS and 11, made his lone bogey this golf course. I’ve got to ex- investigation. Froome provided lem. Froome fell twice including winner put himself on the brink with a three-putt from the pect the chasing pack to play an adverse analytical fi nding in before the fi rst stage and at one of victory in the 20th and pe- Stage Chris Froome (GBR) s.t. fringe at 16. He admitted that well.” his urine for double the permit- point trailed the leaders by near- nultimate stage when he led Du- 1. Sam Bennett (IRL/Bora) 2hr Overall ted amount of the asthma drug ly fi ve minutes. moulin by 46 seconds. 50min 49sec, 2. Elia Viviani 1. Chris Froome (GBR/Sky) 89hr salbutamol when he won the But he powered back in the fi - And he defended his over- (ITA) same time, 3. Jempy 02min 39sec, 2. Tom Dumoulin Tour of Spain last year. nal week, winning two mountain all lead on the fi nal closed cir- Drucker (LUX) s.t., 4. Baptiste (NED/SUN) at 46sec, 3. Miguel The Briton has a Therapeutic stages including the prestig- cuit stage with ten loops of Planckaert (BEL) s.t., 5. Manuel Angel Lopez (COL/AST) 4:57, 4. Use Exemption (TUE) allowing ious 14th stage to the summit of 11.5km through the essentially Belletti (ITA) s.t., 6. Sacha Modo- Richard Carapaz (ECU/MOV) him to use salbutamol and es- Monte Zoncolan. fl at streets past some of Rome’s lo (ITA) s.t., 7. Niccolo Bonifazio 5:44, 5. Domenico Pozzovivo caped a provisional suspension, He then produced a memora- iconic landmarks. (ITA) s.t., 8. Clement Venturini (ITA/BAH) 8:03, 6. Peio Bilbao although the case has yet to be ble solo eff ort with 80km to go The stage was neutralised (FRA) s.t., 9. Paolo Simion (ITA) (ESP/AST) 11:50, 7. Patrick Kon- resolved by Cycling’s world rul- to win the 19th stage when he with seven laps of the city to s.t., 10. Fabio Sabatini (ITA) s.t. rad (AUT/BOR) 13:01, 8. George ing body the UCI. pulled on the pink jersey after go because of security reasons, Selected others: 99. Tom Bennett (NZL/LNL) 13:17, 9. Sam His victory was nevertheless long-time race leader and fellow leaving Froome needing to just Dumoulin (NED) s.t., 123. Miguel Oomen (NED/SUN) 14:18, 10. Justin Rose of England plays his shot from the 18th tee during impressive as it came despite his Briton Simon Yates of Mitchel- cross the line to seal a memora- Angel Lopez (COL) s.t., 145. Davide Formolo (ITA/BOR) 15:16 round three of the Fort Worth Invitational at Colonial Country early struggles in the three-week ton suff ered a stunning collapse. ble victory. Club in Fort Worth, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP)

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Molinari triumphs as McIlroy challenge falls fl at AFP LEADING SCORES and he dropped to his knees with Wentworth, United Kingdom his head in his hands. 271-Francesco Molinari (ITA) 279-Dean Burmester (RSA) 66- “You don’t want to know what 70-67-66-68 73-73-67, Marcus Kinhult (SWE) I was thinking!” smiled Moli- taly’s Francesco Molinari 273-Rory McIlroy 67-65-71-70 74-67-68-70, Graeme McDowell nari. won the PGA Championship 274-Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN) 71-67-73-68 The Italian made no mistake at Wentworth yesterday as 65-73-71-65, Alex Noren (SWE) 280-An Byeong-hun (KOR) though with the par putt. fellow overnight leader Rory 69-68-70-67 74-68-70-68, Sam Horsfield McIlroy, who heads off back to IMcIlroy failed to sparkle in the the United States for the Memo- 275-Kiradech Aphibarnrat 67-68-72-73, Mikko Korhonen fi nal round. (THA) 68-69-71-67, Branden (FIN) 68-70-70-72, Shane Lowry rial Tournament, said Molinari The 35-year-old Italian made Grace (RSA) 69-69-69-68 69-71-70-70, Fabrizio Zanotti deserved his victory with the fi - up for his disappointment at fi n- 276-Darren Fichardt (RSA) 66- (PAR) 69-69-73-69 nal scores making it look closer ishing runner-up in last year’s 72-71-67 281-Paul Casey 72-70-69-70, than it really was. event with a steady round of 278-Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP) Tommy Fleetwood 70-66-77-68, “He played a great weekend four-under-par 68 to close on 17 72-68-70-68, Ross Fisher 71- Jacques Kruyswijk (RSA) 73-70- and bogey-free around here is under par and a total of 271. 68-68-71, Matthew Fitzpatrick 73-65, Ian Poulter 74-67-72-68, some playing,” said McIlroy. Molinari said he hadn’t been 67-71-73-67, Thongchai Jaidee Robert Rock 69-68-72-72, Erik With McIlroy failing to put the aff ected by having McIlroy in his (THA) 69-72-69-68 van Rooyen (RSA) 70-69-71-71. pressure on Molinari it was left fi nal group in what he said was to defending champion Noren the biggest win of his career. to try and repeat last year’s ex- “To be honest I’m old enough clubhouse although two birdies to do the same. His travails at the traordinary feat when he carded and played in tougher circum- on the fi nal two holes saw him 10th summed up his day as he a 62 to come from well off the stances like Tiger Woods at the still card a 70 to fi nish runner- failed to chip onto the green from pace and deny Molinari. Ryder Cup,” he said. “Rory is a up, two shots shy of Molinari. just off it and recorded his first However, this time the Italian great guy but he doesn’t intimi- “I get a bit down on myself be- bogey on the back nine all week. kept things under control and date me. I showed today that I cause my expectations are high, A rueful smile a few holes later the Swede ran out of momen- can do everything as well as the and with a 36-hole lead, I should when a birdie chance went beg- tum, with the consolation of a best players in the world.” have closed it out this week,” ad- ging and a constant bundle of rich pay day for fi nishing joint- He became the third Italian mitted McIlroy, who had a three- energy in lifting his cap and rub- third and potentially invaluable to triumph at the PGA – title he shot lead at the halfway stage. bing his head was a very diff er- points towards qualifi cation for said is in Italian golfers’ hearts McIlroy, the winner here in ent picture of the golfer who had the Ryder Cup team. – following those of Costantino 2014 but who had also missed played such a sublime round of There was a Noren-like charge Rocca in 1996, the fi nal day of the cut on four occasions, and 65 on Friday that then-playing though from Denmark’s Lucas which he said he watched after Molinari had started the day partner Alex Noren quipped he Bjerregaard as the fi rst-round getting back from school as it with a four-shot cushion over had thought of quitting. leader bounced back from drop- was then on a Monday, and Mat- the rest of the fi eld. An eagle chance on the fi nal ping a shot on the fi rst to post teo Manassero in 2013. However, where Molinari was hole and with Molinari in dan- eight birdies and his second 65 McIlroy never looked at ease unfl appable and played steadily, ger of dropping a shot gave him of the week to fi nish 14-under, and the bounce had gone out of picking up birdies to keep the an unlikely glimmer of hope, but level with Noren, and confi rm Italy’s Francesco Molinari poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the PGA Championship at Wentworth his step several holes from the pack at bay, McIlroy was unable the eagle attempt went just short his good form of recent weeks. Golf Club in Surrey, south west of London, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, May 28, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Angels’ Trout has fi ve hits in 11-4 win Warriors force over Yankees

AFP drove in the tiebreaking and New York eventual game-winning run Sat- urday night as the San Francisco Giants edged the Chicago Cubs os Angeles Angels star 5-4 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Game 7 with 115-86 Mike Trout belted a ca- Gorkys Hernandez went reer-best fi ve hits – for 3-for-5 with two runs scored out a total of 11 bases – in an of the leadoff spot for San Fran- L11-4 Major League Baseball vic- cisco while starter Chris Stratton tory Saturday over the New York (6-3) got the win. Stratton lasted Yankees. fi ve innings, yielding four hits “It’s always fun to play here and three runs with three walks and against the Yankees,” said and six strikeouts. rout of Rockets Trout, whose four extra-base Jose Quintana (5-4) absorbed hits were also a career-best. “I the loss, allowing fi ve hits and ‘I don’t want to go home. We worked too hard this season to go home’ see the ball good.” four runs over 4 1/3 innings. He Trout’s night included a 419- walked two and fanned six. AFP foot (128m) home run, a double Coming off a 6-2 win Friday in Los Angeles that was clocked at 109 miles per the series opener, the Cubs got hour (175km/h), and an infi eld off to a quick start. They initiated single. He drove in four runs and scoring in the second when Jason he Golden State War- scored three. Heyward simply stood at home riors showed their “He had a night that was in- plate and kept his bat station- championship mettle credible.” said Angels manager ary while four straight pitches Saturday, roaring back Mike Scioscia, whose team trailed missed the strike zone, sending Tto rout the Houston Rockets 4-1 then scored the game’s next Willson Contreras home. 115-86 to force a decisive game 10 runs. “We needed it.” Mark Reynolds hit a tiebreak- seven in the NBA Western Con- Trout drove in a run with a ing solo homer in the top of the ference fi nals. fi rst-pitch double off the left- ninth as Washington rallied to Klay Thompson scored 35 fi eld wall to put the Angels on defeat Miami at Marlins Park. points, Stephen Curry scored the board in the fi rst inning – his It was the fi fth homer of the 29 and Kevin Durant added 23 600th career run-batted-in. season for Reynolds, who also as the Warriors rallied from a But the Yankees led 4-1 af- cut down a would-be, go-ahead 17-point fi rst-quarter defi cit to ter the second inning thanks to run in the eighth with a quick knot the best-of-seven series at home runs from Brett Gardner throw to the plate from fi rst 3-3 – and keep their bid to reach and Aaron Judge in the bottom of base. The score was tied 1-1 at a fourth straight championship the fi rst and a homer from Aus- the time. Marlins closer Brad series alive. tin Romine in the second. Ziegler (0-4) gave up the Rey- “I don’t want to go home,” The Angels pulled within one nolds homer and took the loss. said Thompson, who made nine run in the third inning, and took The Nationals have beaten the three-pointers. “We worked too the lead for good on Trout’s two- Marlins 10 straight times, tying hard this season to go home.” run homer in the fourth. a franchise record for consecu- But in the early going it Trout jumped on a low slider tive wins against one opponent, looked like the Warriors would from Yankees starting pitcher a mark originally set against the do just that. Sonny Gray, launching it to left San Diego Padres in 1994. The Rockets, who led the center fi eld. league with 65 regular season It was Trout’s third home run RESULTS wins, ran roughshod over Gold- in as many games and his 17th Angels 11 Yankees 4 en State in the opening quarter of the season, tying him with Nationals 4 Marlins 1 as they raced to a 39-22 lead. the Red Sox’s Mookie Betts for Brewers 17 Mets 6 Houston’s Most Valuable the major league lead. “It’s awe- White Sox 8 Tigers 4 Player candidate James Harden some,” Trout said. Phillies 2 Blue Jays 1 dominated early, fi nishing with “Just the preparation and Rangers 4 Royals 3 (10 innings) 32 points, nine assists and seven working on timing and it paid off Mariners 4 Twins 3 (12 innings) rebounds. tonight. I was just getting pitch- Reds 6 Rockies 5 But the Warriors defense es where I like it and I wasn’t Giants 5 Cubs 4 clamped down on Harden in missing them.” Red Sox 8 Braves 6 the second half and the Rockets Athletics 3 Diamondbacks 0 felt the absence of injured point Belt’s late RBIs help Giants Cardinals 4 Pirates 1 guard Chris Paul, who suff ered edge Cubs 5-4 Rays 5 Orioles 1 a strained right hamstring in the Brandon Crawford hit a two- Indians 8 Astros 6 Rockets’ game-fi ve victory. run home run and Brandon Belt Padres 7 Dodgers 5 “I thought Klay was amazing tonight, not just for 35 points and the nine threes, but his de- fense,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “The guy’s a ma- chine.” The Warriors showed signs Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson (right) of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Houston Rockets during game six of of life in the second quarter, the Western Conference Finals in the 2018 NBA Playoff s at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. (Getty Images/AFP) putting together a 23-11 scoring run and trimming the defi cit to two or three times, and then amazing.” tion,” Harden said. “That fi rst We’ve just got one chance.” fi ve points. But they trailed 61- they just got on a roll. You get The Warriors outscored the quarter we did a really good Thompson said the Warriors 51 at halftime. these guys on a roll, and they Rockets 64-25 in the second job of communicating, limiting would be ready. Then came one of their can hurt you.” half, limiting Harden to 10 them on threes, just contesting “Eff ort, intensity, passion, trademark third-quarter surg- points after the break. everything, making everything those three things and play- es. Golden State opened the ‘A head scratcher’ Eric Gordon, starting in place diffi cult.” ing smart,” he said of what it second half on an 11-0 scoring Kerr was at a loss to explain of Paul, scored just three of his Although they couldn’t keep will take to beat the Rockets on run, taking the lead for the fi rst the early defensive lapses. 19 points after the interval. that up, Harden said, the Rock- their home fl oor. “(If) we take time since the opening minutes “We lost people in transi- “I think once we settled down ets remain confi dent they can the same focus and execute the when Curry drained a three- tion. We didn’t communicate. defensively and started stay- close out the series on their game plan like we should I have pointer for a 62-61 advantage. We gave up wide-open threes,” ing with people and not mak- home fl oor on Monday and re- all the confi dence in the world Soon, the rout was on. he said. “It was sort of a head ing mistakes in transition, then turn to the NBA Finals for the in this team.” “I think the turnovers got scratcher. I was more worried we wore them down a little bit,” fi rst time since Houston won The winner of the series will them going,” said Houston about the off ense coming into Kerr said. back-to-back titles in 1994 and face either the Cleveland Cava- coach Mike D’Antoni, whose the game than the defense. But The lack of defensive focus 1995. liers or Boston Celtics in the team fi nished with 21 turnovers. the defense eventually kicked that plagued Golden State early “Nothing changes for us,” NBA Finals. “Then once you get them going in, and obviously that led to was mirrored by the Rockets Harden said. “We know what Their Eastern Conference Los Angeles Angels centre fielder Mike Trout heads home to score a and they get out of the box - we transition, and the shotmak- late. we have to do. We’re still con- fi nal is also tied at three games run against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Yankee didn’t communicate really well ing in the second half was just “A lot of miscommunica- fi dent. We’re a confi dent group. apiece. Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL All set for fairy-tale fi nal between Knights and Capitals AFP games. off games and led by 12 Ovechkin fi nal and hasn’t surrendered a goal Washington The Capitals have reached the fi - goals while Evgeny Kuznetsov has in nearly 160 minutes with 60 con- nal for only the second time in their 11. secutive saves. 43-season history, 20 years after McPhee built both teams He has a 12-6 playoff record with fi rst-year Las Vegas ex- being swept by Detroit in 1998. Both teams were assembled by a 2.04 goals against average and pansion team of NHL They had never reached a confer- Knights general manager George .924 save percentage. castoff s meets a long-suf- ence fi nal since until this month. McPhee, who was the Capitals “Maybe in the past we’ve had fering Washington club “We worked so hard for this to general manager from 1997 to 2014. more skill or been better on paper withA superstar Alex Ovechkin in his be able to be in the fi nal,” Capitals He brought Ovechkin, Backstrom, or whatever,” Holtby said. fi rst championship series when the center Nicklas Backstrom said. goaltender Braden Holtby and 10 “But this team, everyone knows Stanley Cup Final begins today. “It’s a great feeling, especially other current players to Washing- their role and everyone wants to The Vegas Golden Knights, who the way we did it. It was outstand- ton before being fi red in 2014, then pitch in and everyone is comfort- didn’t begin assembling talent un- ing from everybody.” joined the Vegas organisation in able with each other. I haven’t til last June, made a stunning run The Capitals trailed in every 2016. been on a team like this where, in to the best-of-seven fi nal behind playoff series but battled back each “It’s a little special actually be- any situation, we’re confi dent and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, time and now could become Wash- cause of him,” Backstrom said. “He confi dent in each other.” who backstopped Pittsburgh to the ington’s fi rst major sport champi- was here for a long time and he The Capitals are 8-2 in road play- trophy each of the past two years in on since the NFL Redskins won the drafted all of us. So it will be a great off games and led by 12 Ovechkin part by ousting Washington. 1992 Super Bowl. challenge. I can’t wait for it.” goals while Evgeny Kuznetsov has “I thought I was done with them Russia’s Ovechkin, a seven-time Ovechkin, a left wing, led the 11. for a little bit,” Fleury said. goals leader in his 13 NHL sea- NHL with 49 goals this season and “I guess not.” sons, marvelled at 6,000 support- brings a deadly slapshot and physi- STANLEY CUP FINAL SCHEDULE The Knights would be the fi rst ers cheering the Caps after a fi nal cal presence. Best-of-seven series debut team in major US sports practice Saturday before they de- “His one-timer and his wrister, (games five through seven if history to win the title. Another parted for the opener in Vegas. both of them are very tough, very necessary): fi rst-year team, St. Louis, reached “It’s huge. The town is all in. The fast and quick. It’ll be a challenge,” Vegas Golden Knights v Wash- the NHL Final in 1968 but from an town is excited,” Capitals captain Fleury said of Ovechkin. “He ington Capitals entire division of new clubs from Ovechkin said. brings the best out of me.” Game 1: Monday at Vegas which one had to make it. “The people get involved.” Fleury is 12-3 in the post-season Game 2: Wednesday at at Vegas “We’re just a bunch of hockey “It’s awesome to see how into it with a 1.68 goals-against average Game 3: June 2 at Washington players (that) wanted to fi nd a they are, how much they care and and .947 save percentage. Game 4: June 4 at Washington home and we did,” said Knights how much they want to be a part of Holtby managed his fi rst two Game 5: June 7 at Vegas Alex Ovechkin (Left) and Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals pose with the Prince of Wales center Jonathan Marchessault, it,” added Caps forward TJ Oshie. of the season in must-win playoff Game 6: June 10 at Washington Trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals who has eight goals in 15 playoff The Capitals are 8-2 in road play- games in the Eastern Conference Game 7: June 13 at Vegas. during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Monday, May 28, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY AZF RAMADAN SPORTS FESTIVAL Thrilling fi nals at Inspired Barbarians indoor hockey, volleyball tourneys

By Sports Reporter eight and organised a mini-com- Doha petition for youngsters.” infl ict heavy loss EAGLES WIN VOLLEYBALL spire Zone Founda- On Friday, team Eagles clinched tion (AZF) concluded the men’s volleyball title after ‘We weren’t good enough by a long on Saturday the men’s beating Riders (2-0) in a com- hockey and volleyball petition that was held over fi ve way. We’ll have to look at it because tournamentsA organised as part of days and featured 12 teams, while AZF’s Ramadan Sports Festival team Ivac secured third place af- we can’t be performing like that’ (RSF) 2018, a two-week sport- ter winning their match against on England ing event that attracts more than Al Ahli (2-0). 1,000 sports enthusiasts from On Saturday, the Ladies’ Vol- Reuters across Qatar. leyball tournament kicked off , London Amidst great enthusiasm where team Actors defeated from spectators, team Wander- Slammers (2-0) and Boom Gen- ers emerged as winners of the eral beat Black Tigers (2-0) on ngland’s preparations for their indoor hockey tournament after the opening day. tour of South Africa suff ered a an outstanding showcase of skill setback as they lost 63-45 to the in the fi nal match, which ended BASKETBALL KICKS OFF Barbarians in a non-cap match at in a 5-0 win against runners- Yesterday, Aspire Dome was TwickenhamE yesterday, their fourth de- up, team Lion. A one-day junior scheduled to host the start of the feat in a row. hockey tournament for young men’s basketball tournament, The hosts fi elded a mixture of regular boys and girls was also held on- while tomorrow the outdoor internationals and young players, but the the-sidelines of the tournament warm-up track will witness the inexperienced lineup was no match for with three teams competing in start of the cricket tournament the power of the Barbarians who ran in each category. featuring 10 teams competing in nine tries in an entertaining game full of The hockey tournament gener- two groups. running rugby. ated positive remarks from spec- On Friday, at the Ladies Sports Winger Chris Ashton, who has 39 caps tators and participants. Some Hall, more than 29 boys aged 9 to for England, grabbed a hat-trick of tries said they hope to see more hockey 14 will take part in the 1st edition for the Barbarians inside 25 minutes as sporting events for all community of Male Fitness Challenge. they crossed the line fi ve times in the fi rst members, including women and Meanwhile, men’s Football half. juniors throughout the year. and AZF’s Staff Futsal tourna- Danny Cipriani made his return to the The RSF is an excellent ex- ments will come to a close today. England side for the fi rst time since 2015 ample of the year-round pro- when coming on as a 29th-minute sub- gramme of activities hosted ASPETAR CAMPAIGNS stitute, but he could not inspire an Eng- by AZF designed to cater to all Aspetar, the orthopaedic and land fi ghtback, leaving coach Eddie Jones members of the community, and sports medicine hospital and with much to ponder ahead of the fi rst hockey is one of the sports that member of AZF, has launched a test in South Africa on June 9. has a large fan base in Qatar, es- new ‘Healthy Ramadan’ cam- “We weren’t good enough by a long pecially amongst members of the paign to increase awareness of way,” England fl yhalf George Ford said af- expat communities from Egypt, the importance of active and ter the match. “We’ll have to have a look the UK, Germany, South Africa, healthy lifestyles during the Holy at it because we can’t be performing like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India. Month and beyond. that.” Commenting on the occasion, Aspetar will also share short England were beaten 9-6 on the try Barbarians’ Chris Ashton scores a try in a non-cap rugby union match against England at the Twickenham, London, yesterday. (AFP) Maggid Abu-Talib, Technical Di- health awareness videos through count despite fi elding seven regular rector at the Qatar Hockey Fed- its social media channels, and starters, all of whom were involved in the eration, praised Aspire Zone for will engage and interact with the Six Nations. Hansen defends timing of All Blacks’ camps including the indoor hockey on audience through the Facebook One of those regulars, Ford, actually the RSF agenda for the second and Instagram Story feature. denied Ashton a hat-trick inside ten min- All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has camp in Auckland. Hansen and New Zealand Rugby, how- year in a row, saying, “The RSF Meanwhile, Aspetar will organ- utes after catching his former team mate, hit back at critics of the timing of his Some local rugby pundits have criti- ever, have defended the camps several provided hockey fans with an ise a sports competition for AZF but England still suff ered early on. training camps as the world champions cised the timing of the camps, while times this season and they did so again opportunity to play their favour- employees as part of its ‘Step into The Baa-Baas scored three unanswered reassembled for their second within a Wellington Hurricanes coach Chris yesterday. ite sport, cheered on by the fam- Health’ programme during Ram- tries inside 12 minutes, with additional week in Christchurch yesterday. Boyd said at the start of the season they “Is it ideal for everybody? No,” Hansen ily and friends who came to sup- adan. This competition will cel- conversations from Scotland’s Finn Rus- New Zealand have had at least two would cause unnecessary disruption. told reporters in Christchurch. “But it port. The level of support from ebrate participants, who walk the sell, before Elliot Daly and Piers Francis ‘foundation days’ around the country and The Hurricanes, who had eight players is what it is and we have had plenty of Aspire Zone was so encouraging furthest distances each week, and scored quick-fi re tries for England. organised two three-day training camps at the Auckland camp, only trained time to plan for it, and plenty of time to that we increased this year the uses a smartphone app to calculate Francis scored another before the before next month’s three-match series properly once this week before Friday’s understand. number of participating teams to the number of steps taken. break, as did Bath youngster Zach Mercer, with France, which starts on June 9. top-of-the table clash with the Canter- “Everyone has to make a sacrifice. We but the Barbarians stayed well on top. All of the camps, however, conflicted bury Crusaders. have to be flexible and adaptable to the England slowed the Barbarians’ scor- with preparations for the players’ Super Only four of the Crusaders at the All world that we live in. SPOTLIGHT ing down in the second half, but scored Rugby teams, with the Waikato Chiefs Blacks’ camp played in their 24-13 vic- “We can get all Sulky Sally about it or we just two more tries through Ben Launch- having several of their All Blacks leave tory. Seven of the Hurricanes’ All Blacks can get on with it, you know? It is just bury and Jonny May, both converted by South Africa early to attend last week’s played. the way it is.” Ford, as they slumped to another defeat. Ipswich midfi elders

BADMINTON / THOMAS CUP undergo treatment at Aspetar China shuttlers regain glory with win By Sports Reporter Doha

AFP the stunning loss, with world number Bangkok three doubles pair Liu Cheng and hree Ipswich Town FC Zhang Nan levelling the contest. midfi elders, English The 22-year-old singles star Shi nationals Tom Adeye- hina’s men took home the Yuqi then stayed one step ahead of mi and Andre Dozzell, Thomas Cup yesterday, Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, jumping in Talong with their Welsh team- clawing back to beat Japan the air for a smash winner to reach a mate Emyr Huws, who’ve all 3-1 and compensate for their match point which Nishimoto then been absent due to injury for earlyC exit from the previous tourna- netted to give Yuqi a 21-12, 21-17 win. lengthy periods during the re- ment in 2016. Clinching the third and decid- cently-concluded English foot- China, which boasts some of the ing match was the world number ball season, have taken part in a world’s best players, was the tourna- four doubles pair Li Junhui and Liu rehabilitation programme at As- ment favourite despite not having se- Yuchen, who sprang back from a set petar, Qatar’s world-renowned cured the championship since 2012. down to achieve a nail-biting win orthopaedic and sports medicine But its players faced added pres- over Keigo Sonoda and Yuta Watan- hospital. sure when the national women’s team abe 17-21, 21-19, 22-20. Adeyemi has been ruled out failed to make the fi nal of the concur- Their teammates rushed the court since last October due to a ham- World Cup, Adeyemi said: “I am rent Uber Cup for the fi rst time ever. afterwards in celebration. string injury, and has worked hopeful that England is going to Both competitions were held in The tall and imposing Li Junhui during his rehabilitation with do well. I think it is diffi cult be- Bangkok at the Impact Arena, which told reporters afterwards that part of some of Aspetar’s renowned cause they might be in a bit of a fi lled up yesterday in anticipation of a the week-long competition had left hamstring injury experts. transition stage at the moment tough battle between top seed China him so worn out he was too tired even Meanwhile Dozzell, who was because of their young squad.” and a scrappy Japanese team. to change his shirt. part of the England team that Meanwhile, fellow English- The contest did not disappoint. After failure to excel in the past two won the UEFA European U-19 man Dozzell was more optimis- Japan’s fl ashy left-hander Kento tournaments, head coach Xia Xuanze Championship last year, suff ered tic. He said, “Our national youth Momota stunned world number fi ve said he was relieved to move on. a torn cruciate ligament, an in- teams won the FIFA U-17 World Chen Long 21-9, 21-18, giving the “It’s a big relief and I can have a jury the young star picked up last Cup India 2017, the FIFA U-20 underdog team crucial early momen- drink now,” he said. August. Thanks to the progress World Cup Korea Republic 2017, tum. Japan had been eyeing a clean sweep the player has made, he is ex- and the UEFA European U-19 It was the second time Momota, after the women’s side clinched the pected to make full-recovery in Championship, so the future is 23, had stunned Long this year after Uber Cup with an easy 3-0 victory time for next year’s pre-season. going to be good.” beating him at the Asian Champion- against Thailand on Saturday. Huws, who is also scheduled Commenting on his treatment ships in April in a continuing come- But it was not to be, even though to return to action next year, suf- at Aspetar, Dozzell added: “Asp- back. He was barred from the sport in men’s coach Park Joo Bong said his fered from a longstanding knee etar has been the right place for 2016 after being caught gambling in players had exceeded expectations. injury that hampered most of his my next stage of rehabilitation be- an illegal casino but returned to ac- “It was a very good fi ght (but) fi - season. The player is still being cause there is a lot of world-class tion last year. nally we could not fi nish the win,” he Chinese men’s team poses with their winning trophy at the end of the Thomas Cup badminton treated at Aspetar, but is set to equipment and it’ll hopefully help China’s deep bench rallied after said. “But I’m happy.” tournament in Bangkok yesterday. (AFP) return to England in a few weeks. prepare me for next year’s pre- Speaking about his successful season training and fi xtures.” rehab at Aspetar, Adeyemi said: Huws also hailed Aspetar’s fa- “It’s been an amazing experience cilities, commenting, “I advise Ancajas downs Sultan in all-Filipino world boxing bout for me. In terms of the facilities other athletes who have injuries they have on off er, it is the best to come here. The quality of staff AFP improved to 30-1-1 while Sultan fell to five, had decisioned former world cham- rival David Carmona after seven rounds treatment centre I have ever been is really good and the facilities Los Angeles 14-4. pion John Riel Casimero last September on the undercard. to anywhere in the world. When are second to none.” Ancajas stretched his win streak to 17 for his title chance. Yafai, making his US debut, rose to I arrived four weeks ago, I was Speaking about the 2022 FIFA fights by successfully defending his It was the first all-Filipino world title 24-0 with his 15th stoppage inside the really struggling with my injury. World Cup Qatar, Huws said, “The nternational Boxing Federation super title for the fifth time in the matchup of fight since 1925 in Manila, when Pan- distance while Carmona fell to 21-6 with The work I’ve been able to do and 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar will flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas 26-year-old compatriots. cho Villa kept his world flyweight title five drawn. the help I received has been fan- be good, it’ll be diff erent because Ibeat Jonas Sultan by unanimous de- Sultan was the first rival who went with a unanimous decision over Clever The 28-year-old English son of Yemeni tastic. I’m now fully confi dent in it’ll be held November. But the cision on Saturday in the first all-Filipino the distance against Ancajas since his Sencio, taking the last victory of his parents risked losing his title for a third my ability to make a full recovery weather surprised me. I thought it world title fight in 93 years. unanimous decision over Puerto Rican career. time, but because Carmona weighed from this injury. I have also been would be a lot hotter. So I think by Judges in Fresno, California, awarded southpaw McJoe Arroyo in 2016 to take World Boxing Association super fly- in above the 115-pound weight limit, he given tools that will help me sus- November time the weather will the verdict to Ancajas by scores of 119- the title. weight champion Khalid Yafai of Britain couldn’t have claimed the crown even tain this progress long-term.” be good. Hopefully Wales will ad- 109, 119-109 and 117-111 as the southpaw Sultan, whose win streak was stopped at remained unbeaten, stopping Mexican with a victory. Commenting on England’s vance to the 2022 FIFA World Cup chances at this year’s 2018 FIFA Qatar, and I’ll be there.” Gulf Times Monday, May 28, 2018 7 SPORT

FORMULA 1 RALLYING Ricciardo takes Al-Attiyah in fray in tense victory in Kazakhstan Monaco GP Qatar’s Nasser Vettel second, Hamilton third Q Red Bull celebrating 250th race start Saleh al-Attiyah.

By Sports Reporter We did not expect that Kaza- Aktau City, Kazakhstan khstan had such a diff erent kind of terrain. We will have a good fi ght. The strategy is to have a he 2018 Rally Kaza- good race, try to keep our rhythm khstan, round fi ve of and then we will see.” the FIA World Cup for Prokop has made a successful Cross-Country Rallies, switch from the WRC to take part Tgets underway with a timed se- in cross-country rallies and has lective section of 280.35km be- taken the development of Miro- tween Aktau City and the Cas- slav Zapletal’s Ford F-150 Evo to pian Sea resort of Kenderly today. the next level with his results, Ahead of 27 FIA entrants and which culminated in the Czech four teams running in a Na- winning the Abu Dhabi Desert tional rally, will be around 1,900 Challenge in March. He only Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo jumps into a pool as he competitive kilometres on the arrived in Aktau City on Satur- celebrates winning the Monaco Grand Prix yesterday. longest FIA event of the season day evening and had little time in terms of total stage distance. to prepare for the week’s racing Teams will face a further fi ve ahead. “From two years ago I feel we got some days of timed action through the Competition to the champi- Reuters RESULTS Monaco redemption now, we can put 2016 behind deserts, grasslands and gravel onship leaders will come from us,” he added. tracks of western Kazakhstan several fronts: Przygonski’s 1. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) 1hr 42min Championship standings Vettel said it had been a tricky race and before the ceremonial fi nish in MINI teammates Yazeed al-Rajhi aniel Ricciardo brought back 54.807sec), 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) at Drivers “Daniel had the answer at all times.” Aktau City on Saturday, June 2. and Victor Khoroshavtev will be memories of Formula One great 7.336sec, 3. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 110 pts, 2. Sebastian A largely processional race — “bor- A radically revised and chal- aiming for the top fi ve and 2006 Michael Schumacher in his 17.013, 4. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Ferrari) 18.127, 5. Vettel (GER) 96, 3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 72, 4. ing” according to Hamilton, who said he lenging route has been devised Dakar Rally winner Luc Alphand prime on Sunday as the Aus- Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 18.822, 6. Esteban Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 68, 5. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN) would “have been asleep on the couch” if by Sergey Talantsev and his team. will be hoping to continue the tralianD nursed a wounded Red Bull to Ocon (FRA/Force India) 23.667, 7. Pierre Gasly 60, 6. Max Verstappen (NED) 35, 7. Fernando watching at home — saw a virtual safety The FIA opening car is crewed progression of X–raid’s new Monaco Grand Prix victory in the team’s (FRA/Toro Rosso) 24.331, 8. Nico Hülkenberg Alonso (ESP) 32, 8. Nico Hülkenberg (GER) 26, car needed in the closing laps. by the former FIA Group N World MINI Buggy. 250th race. (GER/Renault) 24.839, 9. Max Verstappen 9. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 20, 10. Kevin Magnus- That was triggered by Sauber’s Mon- Champion Grégoire de Mevius Vladimir Vasilyev will also be Winning from pole position for the (NED/Red Bull) 25.317, 10. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/ sen (DEN) 19, 11. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 18, 12. Sergio egasque driver Charles Leclerc, the fi rst and his fellow Belgian Jean- looking to close the gap on the fi rst time in his career, Ricciardo drove Renault) 1:09.013, 11. Marcus Ericsson (SWE/ Pérez (MEX) 17, 13. Esteban Ocon (FRA) 9, 14. local F1 driver in 24 years to compete on Marie Lurquin. They began their series leaders in his MINI Cooper for nearly two thirds of the race — some Sauber) 1:09.864, 12. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Force Charles Leclerc (MON) 9, 15. Stoff el Vandoorne his home streets, having piled into the passages through the stages in Countryman, while defending 50 laps — with a car down on power due India) 1:10.461, 13. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas) (BEL) 8, 16. Lance Stroll (CAN) 4, 17. Marcus Erics- back of New Zealander Brendon Hart- advance of the competitors on FIA World Cup champion Nasser to problems that emerged on lap 28. 1:14.823, 14. Stoff el Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren) son (SWE) 2, 8. Brendon Hartley (NZL) 1 ley’s Toro Rosso at the tunnel exit. Friday morning. The crew will Saleh al-Attiyah knows the im- Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, last year’s 1 lap, 15. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) 1 lap, 16. Constructors Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen fi nished report back to offi cials at the Au- portance of repeating last year’s race winner, fi nished second — easing off Sergey Sirotkin (RUS/Williams) 1 lap, 17. Lance 1. Mercedes 178 pts, 2. Ferrari 156, 3. Red Bull 107, fourth, ahead of fellow Finn Valtteri Bot- tomotorsport Federation of the victory in Kazakhstan if he is to towards the fi nish to save the tyres — to Stroll (CAN/Williams) 2 laps, 18. Brendon Hartley 4. Renault 46, 5. McLaren 40, 6. Force India 26 tas for Mercedes. Republic of Kazakhstan (AMFK) stand any chance of retaining his cut Lewis Hamilton’s overall lead to 14 (NZL/Toro Rosso) 8 lps, 19. Charles Leclerc 7. Toro Rosso 19, 8. Haas 19, 9. Sauber 11, 10. French driver Esteban Ocon took his and any necessary route chang- FIA World Cup title. points after six of 21 rounds. (MON/Sauber) 8 laps Williams 4 Force India to sixth place, ahead of com- es will be made before top seed The Qatari will be supported Hamilton, the reigning world cham- patriot Pierre Gasly in a Toro Rosso and and FIA World Cup leader Jakub by Frenchman Ronan Chabot, pion, was third for Mercedes. Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg. Przygonski leads the FIA en- but Saudi Arabia’s Yasir Seaidan “You have done an amazing job today,” felt like it was going to come to a stop,” From then on, Ricciardo — with Vettel Ricciardo’s Dutch teammate Max Ver- trants into the timed action in his will not start the event in a third team boss Christian Horner said after said Ricciardo. “For a few seconds I just looming in his rearview mirrors — was a stappen, who started last after crashing X-raid MINI John Cooper Works Overdrive Racing car after with- Ricciardo took the chequered fl ag 7.3 sec- wanted to close my eyes and start crying.” model of consistency on a track where in Saturday’s fi nal practice, stayed out of Rally today. drawing a few days before the onds clear of Vettel for his second win of Ricciardo had made a clean start and, overtaking is a challenge for even the trouble and stood out for the right rea- The Pole, who leads the driv- start. the season and seventh of his career. controlling the race, looked as much of greatest of talents. For lap after lap, he sons with impressive overtakes to fi nish ers’ standings by 31 points from Vasilyev’s co-driver Konstan- “That is right up there with what a nailed-on certainty for victory as ever kept the gap. ninth. Martin Prokop of the Czech Re- tin Zhiltsov said: “Last year we Schumacher did in 1995 and this is pay- exists on Monaco’s treacherous metal- “Absolutely amazing, I don’t know Verstappen also set a race lap record public, said: “This is my second did not participate here because back for 2016.” fenced streets. how you did that, Daniel,” said engineer with a one minute 14.260 second eff ort time here. Last year was a re- of Vladimir’s injury. I have been Ricciardo’s only previous pole had And then he reported a loss of power. Simon Rennie. on lap 60, improving on Mexican Sergio ally nice race and I get the feeling here two times for the Silk Way been in Monaco two years ago, when he “OK mate, we can see what’s going on,” “We had problems. We had a lot to deal Perez’s 2017 best of 1:14.820. that this year’s event will be even and I know there are some really lost out to Hamilton on strategy and fi n- his race engineer replied after a pause. with during the race. I felt a loss of power Ricciardo had already smashed the all- better. It is diff erent to the other interesting places for racing. We ished runner-up. Schumacher won in “You just need to keep it smooth, keep and I thought the race was done. I got time track record repeatedly in practice longer rallies. The desert here is like this region and think it could Belgium in 1995 with a famously defen- focused.” home just using six gears,” Ricciardo told before qualifying in 1:10.810. full of grass. It’s quite amazing. be a great battle between the sive drive on dry tyres in the wet. “Will it get better?” enquired the Aus- reporters later. “Thanks to the team. We Spaniard Carlos Sainz took the fi nal There were a few places last year drivers who are fi ghting for the “I had half the power it seemed and I tralian. “Negative,” came the reply. got it back. I’m stoked. point for Renault. with hard dunes and camel grass. World Cup.”

LOCAL CRICKET Khurram, Iqbal shine in Galfar win over Lions

38 in 36 deliveries, including two sixes. enth wicket. Hanif got 29 in 23 balls. runs By Sports Reporter Galfar Al Misnad: 139 for eight in 20 overs Doha Later, Iqbal cracked two sixes in his Lasantha’s 17 off 11 balls also proved 16-ball 22. handy in the end. Furqan, Firoz and (Khurram 38 in 40 balls, Harsha 37 in 36 balls, Khurram grabbed three wickets for Kumar Thapa shared six wickets. Iqbal 22 in 16 balls; Zainu 4/17, Shakir 2/31) hurram and Iqbal turned in just six runs in his four overs and Iqbal Al Noof suff ered a setback in the first Green Lions: 100 all out in 17 overs (Shahid a crucial all-round perform- also dismissed three players for 13 to over but recovered gallantly through 34 in 23 balls, Mudassar 32 in 21 balls; Khur- ances and lifted Galfar Al trigger the collapse of Green Lions. a 69-run stand for the second wicket, ram 3/6, Iqbal 3/13) KMisnad to a 39-run victory From a good-looking 84 for three in 11 shared by Salman and Tariq. However, Man of the match: Khurram (Galfar Al over Green Lions in the Ramadan Cup overs, they suddenly crumbled to be all once the alliance was split, they could Misnad) Twenty20 Cricket Tournament, host- out for 100 in 17 overs after Mansoor just reply with 129 for seven. Salman ed by the Qatar Cricket Association got run out to make it 86 for four in 12 smashed two sixes and four boundaries B & C Divisions (QCA). overs. to collect 50 on 33 balls, while Tariq hit Al Hamra beat Al Noof by 27 runs At the Asian Town Cricket Stadium, Shahid hit 34 in 23 balls, including 31. Mohammad Adnan was the most Al Hamra: 156 for eight in 18 overs (Shafiq Galfar Al Misnad, despite having been fi ve fours, and Mudassar added 32 in successful bowler with two for 24, 40 in 23 balls, Hanif 29 in 23 balls, Lasantha 21 balls, which contained two sixes and while Dinesh and Rifan had one each. rattled by Zainu (four for 17) and Sha- 17 in 11 balls; Furqan 2/24, Firoz 2/22, Kumar kir (two for 31), managed to put up a four boundaries. Khurram was given Al Hamra’s fi elding was also impressive Thapa 2/33) fi ghting 139 for eight. Khurram and the man of the match award. as it helped them force three run outs. Al Noof: 129 for seven in 18 overs (Salman Harsha rallied and collected 68 runs Shafi q fuelled Al Hamra to defeat Al Shafiq of Al Hamra and Khurram of Galfar. 50 in 33 balls, Tariq 31 in 31 balls; Mohammad for the sixth wicket. Noof by 27 runs in a B and C Divisions Brief scores Adnan 2/24, Dinesh 1/24, Rifan 1/24) Khurram hit 38 off 40 balls with a six category match, after his team ran up Al Hamra were struggling at six contained four sixes, and Hanif forged Premier and A Divisions Man of the match: Shafiq (Al Hamra) and two fours, while Harsha chipped in a challenging 156 for eight in 18 overs. down for 69. Shafi q, whose 23-ball 40 a fi ne 72-run partnership for the sev- Galfar Al Misnad beat Green Lions by 39 Monday, May 28, 2018 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Watson ton takes Chennai to third IPL title AFP the end on 16 in Mumbai’s Wankhede help Hyderabad add 52 runs in the last Mumbai Stadium which was packed with more fi ve overs. But after preventing Watson than 33,000 people. from scoring for his fi rst 10 balls and Rayudu hit a four to complete victory taking South African opener Faf du hane Watson smashed an un- but he led tributes to Watson. Plessis for 10 in the third over, the Hy- beaten 117 as Chennai Super “His experience saw us through. He derabad bowlers were put to the sword. Kings thrashed Sunrisers Hy- is a world class player and when he is Watson and Suresh Raina put on a Sderabad to win their third Indi- there anything can happen,” Rayudu swashbuckling 117-run second-wicket an Premier League title in a spectacular said. Chennai, IPL winners in 2010 and stand with Raina hitting 32. return from a two-year corruption ban. 2011, were banned for two seasons in Afghanistan teen sensation Rashid The 36-year-old Australian hit eight 2015 along with Rajasthan Royals after Khan returned fi gures of 0-24 for Hy- sixes and 11 fours in a stunning 57 ball team offi cials were found guilty of in- derabad but Watson hit the other bowl- innings as Chennai took just 18.3 overs volvement in illegal gambling. ers to every corner of the stadium. to overcome Hyderabad’s 178-6 off 20 Super Kings captain MS Dhoni won The big-hitting Aussie allrounder overs. the toss and put Hyderabad into bat. plundered 27 runs off one Sandeep Chennai fi nished on 181-2 to crush Their New Zealand captain Kane Wil- Sharma over. their opponents by eight wickets. They liamson hit a top-score 47 as Sunrisers Watson took a single off Khan to have now equalled the Mumbai Indi- posted 178-6. Chennai Super Kings players pose after winning the 2018 Indian Premier League. bring up his hundred in 51 balls and ans in winning the world’s wealthiest The 27-year-old Williamson, a last then acknowledged a standing ova- cricket tournament for the third time minute replacement for scandal-taint- runs including eight half centuries in 17 who hit an unbeaten 45 off 25 balls, in- tion from the Chennai dugout and the since it started in 2008. Shane Watson celebrates reaching his ed David Warner as captain, has been matches. cluding four fours and two sixes. Car- crowd with his team already in sight of Ambati Rayudu was also unbeaten at century in the IPL final yesterday. an impressive leader, amassing 735 He was supported by Yusuf Pathan los Brathwaite also hit an 11-ball 21 to their IPL triumph.

FIRST TEST PUNISHMENT Sri Lanka suspends two caught in Pakistan thrash pitch-fi xing sting

AFP ruption unit. He had been pre- Colombo viously handed a two-year ban by the local board over the same allegations. ri Lanka Cricket yester- Sri Lankan players and um- England at Lord’s day suspended a play- pires have been accused of er and a groundsman match fi xing in the past, but Swho allegedly agreed Warnaweera is the highest rank- What made this thrashing all the more galling for Joe Root’s side was that they to tamper with the pitch to al- ing offi cial punished so far. ter the result of an upcoming Although no big-name Sri were outplayed in classic English conditions by a youthful Pakistan side Test against England, as police Lankan player has ever been launched an investigation into convicted of corruption, several the claims. former stars have made allega- SCORECARD The Sri Lankan board (SLC) tions of either match fi xing or said it had suspended the cura- spot-fi xing — when players de- England 1st Innings 184 (A Cook 70; Mo- tor of the Galle International liberately bowl or fi eld badly to hammad Abbas 4-23, Hasan Ali 4-51) Stadium as well as a professional give away a set number of runs. Pakistan 1st Innings 363 (Babar Azam 68, player, who were featured in an Meanwhile, England captain Asad Shafiq 59, Shadab Khan 52, Azhar Ali Al Jazeera documentary on cor- Joe Root and coach Trevor Bay- 50; B Stokes 3-73) ruption in cricket. liss both described allegations England 2nd Innings (overnight: 235-6) The board also lodged a com- their side fi xed aspects of a Test A. Cook lbw b Mohamed Abbas...... 1 plaint with the local police, who against India at Chennai in 2016 M. Stoneman b Shadab Khan ...... 9 launched a criminal investiga- as “outrageous”. J. Root lbw b Mohamed Abbas ...... 68 tion into the scandal exposed by After England’s nine-wicket D. Malan c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohamed Amir the Doha-based television net- defeat by Pakistan in the fi rst ...... 12 work. Test at Lord’s yesterday, Root J. Bairstow b Mohamed Amir ...... 0 “Sri Lanka Cricket decided to was asked to comment on the al- B. Stokes c sub (Fakhar Zaman) b Shadab suspend with immediate eff ect legations made in a programme Khan ...... 9 the alleged individuals involved about spot-fi xing to be broad- J. Buttler lbw b Mohamed Abbas ...... 67 in the said incident against cast later yesterday by the Al D. Bess b Mohamed Amir ...... 57 whom the ICC is carrying out in- Jazeera television channel. M. Wood c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohamed Amir vestigations,” the board said. “I am aware that there is a 4 The International Cricket documentary and it is outra- S. Broad c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohamed Abbas Council (ICC) said yesterday it geous that our players have been 0 was investigating allegations in- accused,” Root told the BBC. J. Anderson not out ...... 0 volving the two Sri Lankans and a The Yorkshireman was now Extras (b4, lb9, w2) ...... 15 former Indian player, urging “all more concerned with ensuring Total (all out, 82.1 overs, 395 mins) ...... 242 evidence and supporting mate- England bounce back strongly in Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Cook), 2-31 (Stoneman), rial” to be shared with the inves- next week’s second Test of a two- 3-91 (Malan), 4-91 (Bairstow), 5-104 (Stokes), tigators. match series at his Headingley 6-110 (Root), 7-236 (Buttler), 8-241 (Wood), Tharindu Mendis, a player home ground. 9-242 (Broad), 10-242 (Bess) from Colombo, and Tharanga “It’s not anything for the guys Bowling: Amir 18.1-3-36-4; Abbas 17-3-41-4; Indika, the curator of the Galle to worry about, we have to focus Ashraf 9-2-31-0; Hasan 19-3-58-0 (2w); Shadab International Stadium, were fea- on winning at Headingley.” 19-2-63-2 tured in the documentary broad- In a separate post-match press Pakistan 2nd Innings (target: 64) cast yesterday, which showed conference, Root said the allega- Azhar Ali b Anderson ...... 4 them talking about doctoring tions were “ridiculous”. Imam-ul-Haq not out ...... 18 pitches during a meeting with an “All the players have been Haris Sohail not out ...... 39 undercover reporter. briefed by the ECB (England and Extras (b3, lb2) ...... 5 The men were reportedly dis- Wales Cricket Board), and been Total (1 wkt, 12.4 overs, 51 mins) ...... 66 cussing ways to prepare the pitch told there’s absolutely nothing to Did not bat: Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sar- to ensure that the fi rst Test at worry about.” fraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, the Galle ground in November The top-order batsman put his Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohammad against England would not end in faith in the International Cricket Abbas a draw and would yield a result in Council to judge the worth of the Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Azhar) less than four days. Al Jazeera documentary, adding: Bowling: Anderson 3-0-12-1; Broad 3-1-13-0; SLC said it has appointed a “I’ve just been told to strongly Bess 3.4-0-29-0; Wood 3-1-7-0; three-member panel to study deny the accusations, because it Result: Pakistan won by nine wickets the issue and make recommen- sounds quite ridiculous really. Man-of-the-match: Mohamed Abbas dations to prevent any corrup- “It’s for the ICC to sort out (PAK) tion at future tournaments in Sri — they’re the people in charge Series: Pakistan lead two-match series 1-0 Lanka. — and if there’s anything to it Toss: England A former curator of the Galle they’ll look into it. Umpires: Rod Tucker (AUS), Paul Reiff el International Stadium, Jay- “But I’ve been told there’s Pakistan’s batsmen Imam-ul-Haq (R) and Haris Sohail (2nd R) celebrate after winning the match as England’s captain Joe Root (AUS) ananda Warnaweera, is already nothing to worry about,” Root (L) looks on at Lord’s yesterday. Below Mohamed Abbas celebrates dismissing Jos Buttler. TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) under an ICC ban for three years insisted. Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL) until January 2019 for failing to Bayliss was similarly forth- AFP played, especially their disciplined bowl- Remaining Fixture cooperate with a previous anti- right in a separate interview with London ing display. Jun 01-05: 2nd Test, Headingley corruption investigation. Sky Sports. “We have a very good bowling side. Warnaweera, a former Test “Outrageous,” said the Eng- They did a great job for us,” said the player, had failed to attend inter- land coach, when asked about akistan completed a convinc- wicket-keeper. that soon became 241 for eight, after the views with the ICC’s anti-cor- the fi xing claims. ing nine-wicket victory over Sarfraz also paid tribute to the infl u- tourists took the new ball, when Mark England to win the fi rst Test at ence of Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur, Wood edged Mohammad Amir to wick- Lord’s with more than a day to with the South African having launched et-keeper Sarfraz. Pspare yesterday. his time in charge with a 2-2 series draw Stuart Broad made his Test-best 169 England, Australia back players Set a target of just 64 on the fourth in England in 2016. against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2010 — a morning, Pakistan fi nished on 66 for one “He’s told us to pitch it up to take match that became known for a spot- London: England and Australia whatsoever,” England and before lunch to go 1-0 up in this two- wickets in England,” explained Sarfraz. fi xing ‘sting’ that saw three Pakistan have backed their players fol- Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chief match series ahead of next week’s second Pakistan came into this match on players, including Amir, jailed by an Eng- lowing allegations of corrup- Executive Off icer Tom Harrison Test at Headingley. the back of a fi ve-wicket win over Test lish court and given fi ve-year bans by the tion in the sport made in a said in a statement yesterday. Imam-ul-Haq was 18 not out and debutants Ireland at Dublin’s Malahide International Cricket Council. documentary to be aired by “The limited information we Haris Sohail 39 not out. ground — a match played in similar con- But Broad’s batting has gone down- news organisation Al Jazeera have been given has been England were undone by two top-or- ditions to those they found at Lord’s. hill since he was struck in the face by a yesterday. discussed with all the England der batting collapses, slumping to 184 all “The Malahide game was a very tough bouncer from India’s Varun Aaron in the The programme Cricket’s Match players. out after winning the toss in their fi rst in- game for us,” said Sarfraz. “Ireland fourth Test at Old Traff ord four years ago. Fixers is understood to allege “They emphatically deny the al- nings and declining to 160 for six in their rior throughout. played really well. And yesterday he fell for a duck when details of a plan to fix England’s legations, have stated categori- second before fi fties from Jos Buttler and England, resuming Sunday on 235 for “That is good practice before a Lord’s prodding Abbas to Sarfraz. scheduled Test match against cally that the claims are false Test debutant Dominic Bess prevented an six in their second innings, lost their last Test match.” The innings ended when Amir knocked Sri Lanka in Galle in November and they have our full support,” innings defeat. four wickets for just seven runs in 18 balls That England had not already lost this over Bess’s off -stump. and Australia’s Test against Sri Harrison added. This was England’s seventh loss in 10 to be bowled out for 242. match by an innings was down to a cen- Amir fi nished with innings fi gures of Lanka at the same venue in “Neither ECB nor the ICC is Tests as their fi rst match under new na- “Not good enough, if I’m being bru- tury stand between the recalled Buttler four for 36 and man-of-the-match Ab- 2016. aware of any credible evidence tional selector Ed Smith ended in a re- tally honest,” said England captain Root and newcomer Bess that allowed England bas had an impressive eight for 64 in the Match-fixing has become a connecting any England play- sounding reverse. at the presentation ceremony. “We were to resume yesterday on 235 for six, a lead game after a second-innings haul of four major concern for the sport in ers to any form of corruption.” What made this thrashing — just Eng- outperformed in all three departments. of 56 runs. Buttler was then 66 not out for 41 in 17 overs. recent years and the Interna- “Together with the ICC, we are land’s third defeat in any home Test that “I thought Pakistan’s bowlers exploit- and Bess 55 not out. It took Pakistan just 12.4 overs to reach tional Cricket Council (ICC) has aware of the investigation by Al started in May — all the more galling for ed the conditions but we played some But eight balls into yesterday’s play their victory target, with Sohail hitting a launched an investigation. Jazeera into alleged corruption Joe Root’s side was that they were out- poor shots and gave some wickets away and having added only one more run, six and a four against 20-year-old off - “There is nothing we have seen in cricket,” Cricket Australia played in classic English conditions by and you can’t aff ord to do that.” Buttler was lbw to Mohamed Abbas for spinner Bess, who went wicketless on that would make us doubt CEO James Sutherland said in a a youthful Pakistan side, whose batting, By contrast, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz 67. debut, as Pakistan sealed their to fi fth any of our players in any way statement. bowling and fi elding was markedly supe- Ahmed was delighted by the way his team England were now 236 for seven and win in a Test at Lord’s in style.