CCRICKETRICKET | Page 7 Alzarri Joseph’s IPL-best 6 for 12 destroys Sunrisers

Sunday, April 7, 2019 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 2, 1440 AH Zidane vague on GULF TIMES Bale’s future aft er scrappy win SPORT Page 3

FOCUS Al-Mohannadi vows eff orts for , Asia aft er election ‘This victory reflects the outstanding position of the State of Qatar, the QFA, and the high level of to FIFA Council competence exhibited by Saoud al-Mohannadi’

Qatar’s Saoud al-Mohannadi (centre) at the 29th AFC Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. QFA delegation was headed by its president HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani.

Agencies Kuala Lumpur ELECTION RESULTS Ahmed (Iraq) AFC President and FIFA Hachem Haider (Lebanon) Revamped Club World Cup important for Asia, Senior Vice President: Sheikh Salem Said Salem al-Wa- atar Saoud al-Mohan- Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifah haibi (Oman) says FIFA president Infantino nadi said that his elec- (Bahrain) Dr Hamid Mohamed Ali al- tion as a member of the Shaibani (Yemen) Reuters tournament with neighbouring FIFA Council for the FIFA COUNCIL Central Zone: Sayed Ali Reza Kuala Lumpur nations. 2019-2023Q term is a victory of all Du Zhaocai (China) Aghazada (Afghanistan) “We are very happy with the Qataris. Praful Patel (India) South Zone: Dasho Ugen Tse- preparations in Qatar and, of Al-Mohannadi, who is also Kohzo Tashima (Japan) chup Dorji (Bhutan) IFA president Gianni Infan- course, we have an additional the Asian Football Confedera- Mariano V Araneta, Jr. Asean Zone tino has said his contro- topic on the table that we will tion (AFC) vice-president, was (Philippines) Chris Nikou (Australia) Fversial plan to expand the bring, maybe, to the FIFA con- elected by 37 votes out of 46 at Saoud al-Mohannadi (Qatar) Dato’ Haji Hamidin Bin Haji FIFA Club World Cup can play a gress as well on June 5 in Paris,” the 29th AFC Congress in Kuala Female member: Mahfuza Mohd Amin (Malaysia) key role in further developing he said. Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. Akhter Kiron (Bangladesh) Dr Tran Quoc Tuan (Vietnam) the club game in Asia despite “And the question on the table The Qatar Football Federation East Zone: Fok Kai Shan Eric European opposition. is the question on the subject (QFA) delegation at the Con- AFC VICE PRESIDENTS (Hong Kong) Infantino’s desire to expand the of whether we think we can gress was headed by president West Zone: Saoud al-Mohanna- FEMALE REPRESENTATIVES tournament from seven teams already increase the number of HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa di (Qatar) ON AFC EXECUTIVE COM- to 24 when it is relaunched teams participating at the World bin Ahmed al-Thani, while the Central Zone: Mehdi Taj (Iran) MITTEE in 2021 has been opposed by Cup from 32 to 48. Supreme Committee for Deliv- South Zone: Makhdoom Syed West Zone: Susan R A al-Shalabi the European Club Associa- “The results of the summit has ery & Legacy (SC) delegation was Faisal Saleh Hayat (Pakistan) (Palestine) tion (ECA), which has issued a been very clear, 90 per cent headed by its secretary-general Asean Zone: Zaw Zaw (Myan- Central Zone (To be contested boycott threat. of the associations would like Hassan al-Thawadi. mar) at a later date) But the Swiss administrator told to move to 48 teams because, Al-Mohannadi dedicated his East Zone: Ganbaatar Amgalan- South Zone: Mahfuza Akhter the Asian Football Confedera- of course, it boosts football victory to Qatar’s wise leadership baatar (Mongolia) Kiron (Bangladesh) tion’s annual congress yester- Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy secretary-general Has- development all over the world and to everyone that helped and Asean Zone: Kanya Keomany day that the expansion can help san al-Thawadi (left) talks to FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the if we have 16 more countries supported him, particularly QFA AFC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Laos) further improve the club game AFC Congress in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia yesterday. participating in a World Cup and president Sheikh Hamad and all West Zone East Zone: Han Un Gyong (DPR in the 47-member regional body. we are looking and analysing the other QFA affi liates. He said Abed-Alkhaliq Masoud Korea) “We have been speaking again possibility to shine on the world bean — and one from Oceania. that with our partners in Qatar. that his victory was a result of about how we can improve stage. Asian clubs have featured in “Sharing a few games with a few teamwork. them and make them better and “That’s why it’s important to the tournament since it was of the neighbouring countries He said, he will do his utmost four-year term by acclamation. However, he won the presi- we have been deciding at the continue to develop our com- created in 2000, with two clubs is, of course, an option as well to raise the name of Qatar and to The 53-year-old, who was not dential election in 2013 and was last FIFA Council to give birth to petitions, for example, with the from the continent — Kashima to make it a true World Cup for honour the continent of Asia. present at the meeting due to the returned unopposed in 2015 a new FIFA Club World Cup with new Club World Cup.” Antlers from Japan in 2016 and the world and for the whole Gulf Meanwhile, al-Thawadi con- death of his mother earlier in the before running unsuccessfully 24 teams, including three Asian The reconfigured Club World Al Ain of the United Arab Emir- region. gratulated all the Qatari people week, was handed a third term at against Gianni Infantino for the teams,” Infantino said in his ad- Cup, which would be played ates last year — reaching the “It’s something to discuss, on this new achievement. the helm after other candidates, position of FIFA president later dress to delegates. once every four years, would final. Both lost to Spanish giants something to think about and “This victory refl ects the out- Saoud al-Mohannadi of Qatar that same year. “I witnessed the final of the feature eight clubs from Europe, Real Madrid. something we are working on standing position of the State and Mohamed al-Romaithi of the Initially elected on a platform Asian Champions League in six from South America as well Infantino also reiterated his with Qatar and together with all of Qatar, the QFA, and the high United Arab Emirates, withdrew. of accountability, he has becom- and there are clubs of as three each from Asia, Africa desire to further investigate of you and, of course, it would level of competence exhibited Sheikh Salman will extend his ing increasingly distant during his great tradition in Asia and it’s and CONCACAF — which covers expanding the 2022 World Cup be a nice achievement if the by Saoud al-Mohannadi in his reign as president until at least presidency, rarely taking questions important we foster them and North and Central America finals to 48 teams and asking first World Cup with 48 teams active role in the Asian Football 2023, by which time he will have from the media since winning his it’s important we give them the nations plus those in the Carib- current hosts Qatar to share the would be played in Asia.” Federation,” he said. completed a 10-year spell in second term of offi ce. charge of the 47-member body Those matters, though, have SHEIKH SALMAN RETAINS after initially completing the done little to dampen enthusi- will ensure revenues more than Praful Patel became their fi rst India’s confi dence has grown and (also) China should be much PLACE AT HELM OF ASIAN truncated term of former presi- asm for him to remain in charge double from those under the cur- representative on the powerful after a positive Asian Cup in more involved in the game and FOOTBALL dent Mohammed bin Hammam. of Asia’s governing body, with rent agreement with long-term FIFA Council yesterday. January, where they returned to also the AFC and FIFA,” Patel said Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al- Sheikh Salman fi rst came to his hopes of reelection boosted in partner Lagardere Sports. Patel, one of six Asian delegates the tournament after eight years in Kuala Lumpur. Khalifah was re-elected unop- prominence in footballing circles June last year when he signed off elected to the Council at the Asian and were unlucky not to reach the “We should be putting our posed to the position as president in 2009 when he faced off against on a new deal for the AFC’s com- INDIA EARN FIFA SEAT, EYE Football Confederation Congress, second round. best efforts to make sure that of the Asian Football Confedera- Bin Hammam for a seat on FIFA’s mercial and broadcast rights. 2026 WORLD CUP said the World Cup was the next “I personally feel that among the Indian team qualifies in tion yesterday after the regional decision-making body, a ballot The agreement with Chinese- India set their sights on qualify- big step for India after making all the countries in Asia there is 2026 for the World Cup,” he body’s congress confi rmed a new he lost by a single vote. backed company DDMC Fortis ing for the 2026 World Cup as great strides in recent years. a tremendous goodwill for India, added. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, April 7, 2019 FOOTBALL

OPINION Klopp insists Salah’s quality was never in doubt Reuters Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, they gave the ball away cheaply too London who hugged his striker on the pitch as often and Southampton threatened Liverpool’s fans roared out their song to add to their ninth-minute opener about the “Egyptian King”. scored by Shane Long. hen Liverpool cleared Salah is the eighth Liverpool player But once Naby Keita levelled with a a corner and the ball to score 50 goals, but defl ected header in the 36th minute, arrived at Mohamed his half century arrived in only 69 his fi rst goal for Liverpool, the visi- Salah’s feet 20 yards in- games, three fewer than Fernando tors were relentless in their pursuit of Wside his own half at Southampton on Torres, the previous quickest to the a crucial win. Friday there was just one thing on the mark. Klopp’s side have now won seven of Egyptian’s mind. Only two other players in the Pre- their last eight Premier League games A handful of seconds later, after a mier League era have reached the when conceding the opening goal – a searing 50m run, his left-foot shot landmark quicker – Manchester resilience that will be causing con- fl ew past Angus Gunn to give Liver- United’s and cern at relentless Manchester City pool the lead on a nailbiting night on Alan Shearer for Blackburn Rovers. who now trail by two points having the south coast. Jordan Henderson Klopp told reporters he had never played a game less. scored another one to make it 3-1 and doubted Salah would rediscover his “The season is intense for every- confi rm Liverpool’s place back on top scoring touch. one,” Klopp said. “The performance of the Premier League, but the defi n- “It was never in doubt about him was not top level but it is about fi ght- ing moment was Salah’s drought- being a great player from my side,” ing. busting eff ort. Klopp said. “It was goal number 50 I “People want us to play like Man- He had not scored for eight match- heard for Liverpool, that’s an incred- chester City, we are unable to do that, es, his worst run at Liverpool, but his ible number,” the German said. we play our own football. We have 80th-minute intervention could not “As a striker, you have chances and 82 points now, that is massive in this have been better-timed. It was his each striker is a human being – may- crazy league and everyone is waiting 50th Premier League goal for Liver- be you have better moments and less for us. I am really proud. It is incred- pool and, more importantly, proved good moments. But he is pretty con- ible. that any concern over his form in the sistent, his physical things are always “It is a diffi cult year for everybody, title run-in could be put to bed. there. He always stayed calm to deal you need to have 70-75 points for the With fi ve league games left Salah is with the situation.” (top-four) Champions League and undeniably back. Liverpool were not at their best, 90-something for the title. “What a goal! Wow, what a goal!” especially in a sluggish fi rst half when “We are in the race and that is nice.” Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their second goal against Southampton on Friday. (Reuters)

EPL PREVIEW Arsenal hoping to cure travel Impressive Burnley sickness at Everton

AFP same good performances as Liverpool when we play at Emirates Sta- dium. We have confi dence now but we know it’s very diffi cult. tellar home form has We know other clubs will take a fi ght back to beat propelled Arsenal into lot of points.” the Premier League top Arsenal have won just twice four but their chances away from home since Novem- ofS staying there now depend on ber – at League One Blackpool improving patchy results away in the FA Cup and already rel- from the Emirates Stadium. egated Huddersfi eld in the Pre- The Gunners can climb mier League. above Tottenham into third That run has included de- Bournemouth 3-1 place should they avoid defeat feats at Southampton, Liv- at Everton today. erpool, West Ham and Man- Vardy double lifts Leicester to 4-1 win at Huddersfield, Milivojevic penalty seals Palace win at Newcastle However, with fi ve of their chester City in the league and remaining seven league fi x- embarrassing Europa League tures on the road, a trip to losses to BATE Borisov and Goodison Park will be a stern Rennes. Even an encourag- test of whether Arsenal can ing 1-1 draw at Tottenham last maintain a hot streak of 16 month could have been better points from the last 18 avail- had Pierre-Emerick Aubam- able in the Premier League. eyang not missed a last-minute Arsenal have won their last penalty. eight league games at the Emir- “The last matches in the ates and have as many home Premier League – Tottenham points as title-chasing Liver- and Huddersfi eld – we’ve had pool. A league table on away good performances and re- form only, however, would sults, and were competitive,” place them down 10th with just Emery said. “We are getting fi ve wins from 14 matches. better and being competitive at As well as Everton, Unai home. We want to be the same Emery’s men must travel to away but we know that the dif- Watford, Wolves, Leicester and fi culty is that in each match at Burnley. The fi rst four are all home, they (the other team) in the mix for Europa League can feel better. qualifi cation and it is not in- “Everton won against Chel- conceivable that the latter sea and drew against Liverpool could need points on the fi nal in their last matches at home.” day to stay up. “We are think- Arsenal could also be with- ing game by game and we know out experienced trio of Laurent we have fi ve of seven matches Koscielny, Granit Xhaka and away – for us it’s a big chal- Aaron Ramsey through injury, lenge,” said Emery. while Lucas Torreira is sus- “We want to achieve the pended.

Arsenal’s Ozil ready to start more away games, says Emery

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is in line to feature more regularly in away matches starting with today’s trip to Everton as the north London side look to clinch a top-four Premier League finish, man- ager Unai Emery said. Ozil has started only four of Arsenal’s 14 away games in the league this season with Emery often benching the German playmaker, starting him only in home games where they have won 10 in Burnley’s English striker Ashley Barnes heads the ball during the English Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England, a row. yesterday. (AFP) Five of Arsenal’s remaining seven league games AFP hands and Chris Wood nod- clear-minded. We had some real three minutes after half-time, superb penalty record as Crystal are away as they look to Hong Kong ded in at the far post. Inspired moments of quality too,” Dyche collecting Ricardo Pereira’s cross Palace won 1-0 at Newcastle to return to the Champions or behind the pairing of by the New Zealand forward’s said. “Twenty-four points since and slotting home after round- climb 11 points clear of the bot- League after a two-year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 11th goal this season, the Clarets Christmas is a very strong re- ing keeper Ben Hamer. tom three. hiatus. and Alexandre Lacazette. shley Barnes went from struck again two minutes later, turn. It puts us in a much health- Huddersfi eld midfi elder Aar- Newcastle defender Florian “It depends on each match, Emery said the latter role zero to hero as Burnley with Westwood fi ring home af- ier situation than we were two on Mooy reduced the defi cit Lejeune was stretchered off with sometimes it was because we made Ozil play like a “team boosted their bid for ter Chris Mepham failed to clear games ago. We want to fi nish the with a 52nd minute penalty con- his left knee heavily strapped af- needed something diff erent, player” with his versatility to Premier League surviv- Dwight McNeil’s cross. season well.” troversially awarded for Caglar ter a nasty second half collision sometimes he was injured,” thrive in diff erent formations alA with a crucial 3-1 win against Burnley were well on top and Leicester powered to a 4-1 Soyuncu’s challenge on Karlan with Andros Townsend that left Emery told reporters when proving to be useful. Bournemouth yesterday. Barnes struck at the right end rout of relegated Huddersfi eld Grant. him needing a hospital scan. asked about Ozil’s absence “4-2-3-1 is maybe the best Sean Dyche’s side made the in the 57th minute. Once again as Brendan Rodgers’ side moved James Maddison put the result Roy Hodgson’s team took the from the starting lineup in position for him, but also worst possible start at Dean Begovic was guilty of poor han- into seventh. Youri Tielemans beyond doubt with a fi ne free- points in the 81st minute when away games. sometimes 4-3-1-2 where he Court when Barnes headed into dling, allowing the ball to slip put Leicester ahead at the John kick in the 79th minute. Wilfried Zaha was clipped by “Now he’s OK, training every is playing like a team player, his own net as he tried to clear to Wood, who laid it back for Smith’s Stadium with his second Bottom of the table Hudders- DeAndre Yedlin and Serbian day and he can play in dif- and also 3-4-1-2,” Emery under pressure from Bourne- Barnes to slot into the empty net. goal since joining on loan from fi eld, playing their fi rst home midfi elder Milivojevic slammed ferent systems. He’s working added. mouth’s Nathan Ake in the Burnley are eight points clear Monaco. The Belgian midfi elder match since relegation was con- in his 10th successful spot-kick very well, playing very well, “We can change the diff erent fourth minute. of the relegation zone, and al- netted with a defl ected strike fi rmed, endured one last blow this term. he’s helping us. I’m very systems with him and he can However, Burnley were gifted though third bottom Cardiff from the edge of the area after when Vardy stroked in an 84th happy with him.” play to the left or right. Most an equaliser in the 18th minute have a game in hand, Dyche’s Huddersfi eld were unable to minute penalty after the Eng- RESULTS Ozil has generally played as important is to be ready and as Bournemouth keeper Asmir men have taken a major step to- clear Jamie Vardy’s miscued shot land striker was brought down Bournemouth ...1 Burnley ...... 3 a central playmaker this sea- available to help us and now Begovic let Ashley Westwood’s wards staying up. “There was in the 24th minute. by Terrence Kongolo. Newcastle ...... 0 Crystal Palace.....1 son, either behind one striker he is.” corner go straight through his no nervousness and we stayed Vardy doubled Leicester’s lead Luka Milivojevic extended his Huddersfield ...... 1 Leicester City ....4 Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA Five-goal Bayern thrash Dortmund to go top of AFP ing like that, then we will fi nd it time. Lewandowski rubbed salt Frankfurt, meanwhile, snatched Berlin diffi cult to stay in the race.” in the wound by netting his sec- a late 2-1 win at Schalke. Mahmoud Dahoud struck the ond goal just before full-time. Schalke’s Suat Serdar can- post early on for the visitors, “It’s not over yet, there are still celled out Ante Rebic’s opener, obert Lewandowski but two quick goals from former six games to go and it is a diffi cult but Frankfurt were awarded an humiliated his old club Dortmund players put a domi- path ahead of us,” Lewandowski injury-time penalty by VAR and yesterday as Bayern nant Bayern fi rmly in the driving told television after the game. Luka Jovic fi red in the winner. Munich obliterated seat. Hummels landed the fi rst The win leaves the title race Schalke remain fi ve points BorussiaR Dortmund with a scin- blow on ten minutes, rising high fi nely poised on paper, but with clear of the bottom three after tillating 5-0 win to reclaim their at a corner to head in the opener Dortmund in the doldrums and Nuremberg and Stuttgart shared spot at the top of the Bundesliga. for Bayern. Bayern bouncing, Niko Kovac’s the points in a relegation show- “We are so happy, everything Lewandowski then pounced side are now fi rm favourites to down. Matheus Pereira gave Nu- went according to plan today,” on a mistake by Dortmund cen- fi nish fi rst. remberg the lead, but Stuttgart’s Lewandowski told Sky. Bayern tre-back Dan-Axel Zagadou to RB Leipzig and Eintracht Ozcan Kabak’s controversial began the day under immense double the lead. Frankfurt remain on course to equaliser was allowed by VAR pressure, having slipped two Having robbed Zagadou of take the remaining two Champi- despite an apparent off side in the points behind Dortmund in the possession, Lewandowski then ons League spots after both won build-up. title race a week earlier. looped the ball over goalkeeper earlier on Saturday. The draw keeps Stuttgart four They ended it on cloud nine, Roman Buerki and scissor- Leipzig twice came from be- points ahead of Nuremberg in after a masterful fi rst-half per- kicked it into the open net. hind to claim a fourth consecu- the relegation play-off place. formance left Dortmund in the Buerki kept a furious Bayern tive victory in all competitions. Relegation seems all but certain dust and put Bayern on course at bay for a short while, deny- Kai Havertz gave Leverkusen for Hanover after a 3-1 defeat to for a seventh successive league ing Lewandowski, Hummels and the lead with an early penalty, local rivals Wolfsburg. title. Thomas Mueller with a series of but Leipzig replied almost im- Hanover took the lead through The champions may be just saves. But the Dortmund keeper mediately when Marcel Sabitzer Henrik Weydandt, but Wolfs- a single point ahead of Dort- could do nothing to stop the Ba- curled in a free-kick from the burg came from behind with mund in the title race, but the varians’ third, a blistering strike edge of the box. goals from Renato Steff en and two teams were separated by a from the edge of the area from Havertz restored the lead with Jerome Roussillon. gargantuan gulf in quality at the Javi Martinez. a superb half-volley. Yet an Emil Elsewhere, a Marko Grujic Allianz Arena. With their defence in disar- Forsberg penalty and excellent goal was not enough for Hertha “Bayern taught us a lesson ray, Dortmund could only watch fi nishes from Cunha and Timo Berlin, as they lost 2-1 at home to today,” Dortmund coach Lucien on as Serge Gnabry headed in Werner saw Leipzig come back Fortuna Duesseldorf thanks to a Favre told Sky. “If we keep play- Bayern’s fourth just before half- to win the game. Fourth-placed Benito Raman brace. Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring against Dortmund yesterday. (Reuters)

LA LIGA Kean strikes again to give Juve late Zidane vague on win over Milan

Reuters Turin

eenage striker Moise Bale’s future aft er Kean struck again to give Juventus a late 2-1 win over AC Milan af- Tter their opponents had taken the lead and dominated most Benzema double helps Real of the match yesterday. The 19-year-old, who suf- come back to beat Eibar 2-1 fered alleged racist abuse after scrappy win scoring at Cagliari on Tuesday, came off the bench to score his AFP fi fth goal in his last fi ve league Juventus’ Moise Kean celebrates Madrid appearances to move Juve ever after scoring against AC Milan closer to an eighth successive during their Serie A match in Serie A title. Turin yesterday. (Reuters) inedine Zidane refused Juve are 21 points clear at the to guarantee Gareth top and they will wrap up the Minutes later, however, Le- Bale’s future at Real Ma- title with seven games to spare onardo Bonucci’s pass out of drid after the Welshman if second-placed Napoli lose at defence was intercepted by Zstruggled again in a 2-1 victory home to Genoa on Sunday. Tiemoue Bakayoko and he fed over Eibar yesterday. Fourth-placed Milan have the ball to Piatek who slotted Karim Benzema scored twice taken one point out of their past Wojciech Szczesny for at the Santiago Bernabeu as Ma- last 12 and will be knocked out his 21st league goal of the sea- drid came from behind after Marc of the top four if Atalanta, who son – eight for Milan and 13 for Cardona, starting only after an are one point behind them, win Genoa. injury to Pedro Leon in the warm- at Inter Milan today. Juventus were making little up, gave Eibar a surprise lead. Krzysztof Piatek headed headway until they won a pen- But Madrid improved and a wide in an unmarked posi- alty following a clumsy chal- pair of Benzema headers ensured tion at the far post from a Suso lenge by Mateo Musacchio on the groans and whistles that had cross after 90 seconds in an Paulo Dybala, who converted soured the atmosphere for much early warning as Milan took the spot kick himself on the of the opening hour turned to control. Juve survived another hour. cheers and applause at the end. fright when a Hakan Calha- The winner was similar to Much of the frustration was noglu cross struck Alex San- Milan’s goal as Miralem Pjanic, again directed at Bale, who start- dro’s elbow at close range in another substitute, intercepted ed here after being dropped by the area, but after VAR review a pass out of defence and found Zidane for the defeat to Valencia which lasted over three min- Kean who calmly placed his on Wednesday. utes, the referee decided it was shot beyond with Asked afterwards if Bale would unintentional. six minutes left. be at Real Madrid next season, Zidane said: “We’ll see, I’m not going to tell you what’s going to SPOTLIGHT happen. Gareth is a Real Madrid player, he has two years left on his contract. We will see. It is not the time to talk about this.” Coconut disrupts Bale’s below-par performanc- es and a lack of support from ei- ther coach or fans seem so inter- Edinburgh derby linked now, it is diffi cult to know what comes fi rst. AFP Scottish title despite the frus- He departed again to whistles Glasgow trating result. The champions with 14 minutes left, a concilia- sit 14 points clear of Rangers, tory hand slap from Zidane of- who travel to Motherwell on fering little consolation as he tense Scottish derby Sunday, but will have to wait at trudged off . between Hibernian least two weeks for their inevi- Benzema’s trajectory has been and Edinburgh rivals table coronation. the opposite, the Frenchman Hearts was disrupted Third-placed Kilmarnock now with six goals in fi ve yesterdayA – by a coconut. moved to within fi ve points of games, four of them since Zidane Hibs came from behind at Rangers with a 2-0 win over took over. Tynecastle to win 2-1 but the 10-man St Johnstone. “Karim has had a great sea- game was marred by crowd An own goal from Christo- son,” Zidane said. “His goals trouble including a coconut, pher Kane after 17 minutes set have perhaps changed people’s thrown on to the pitch in the the hosts on their way, with perception of him. But he has wake of Daryl Horgan’s 28th- Kris Boyd doubling their lead never changed as a player.” minute equaliser. from the penalty spot two Madrid’s win means they are The winger scored again minutes before the break. 10 points adrift of leaders Bar- early in the second half to St Johnstone’s misery was celona and two behind Atletico complete the Hibs comeback. complete when Jason Kerr was Madrid. Barca and Atletico play Smoke bombs – in the two sent off for a second yellow each other later on Saturday. clubs’ colours of maroon and card in the 68th minute. Eibar stay 11th. green – were also hurled on to Aberdeen joined Killie on 58 Zidane has insisted his players the pitch before and during the points thanks to a 2-0 win at are not on trial but his changing fi rst half, in which Peter Har- basement boys Dundee, who line-ups at least suggest he is ing gave Hearts the lead. slipped three points adrift at examining his options before the Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema (right) celebrates after scoring against Eibar in their La Liga match in Madrid yesterday. (Reuters) Meanwhile, Celtic’s charge the foot of the table. summer. towards another Scottish Pre- Sam Cosgrove’s 59th- This time Sergio Ramos was CHORUS OF WHISTLES In the 39th minute, as the headed in the equaliser just be- cross was again met by the fore- miership title was delayed by a minute penalty broke the rested, while Casemiro, Toni The scattering of whistles be- fans’ frustration was reaching its fore the hour. Marco Asensio did head of Benzema and, again, the surprise 0-0 draw against Liv- deadlock. He made it two in Kroos and Lucas Vazquez also came a chorus after he dragged peak, Eibar scored, a crisp move brilliantly to weave into space ball found the net. ingston. the 77th minute. Second-bot- dropped out. In came Nacho, a shot wide from 25 yards and it down the left ending with a cute and dig out the cross. Benzema should have com- Neil Lennon’s side were tom St Mirren gave themselves Federico Valverde, Isco and Bale. was no surprise his confi dence pass from to Bale might have been in but pleted his hat-trick late on but frustrated by a string of fi rst- hope of a relegation play-off Bale’s half began badly as he drained away, a poor touch fol- Cardona, who chipped into the Asensio’s pass struck the back one fi nish was palmed away by half saves from Livingston spot as they came from behind failed to control Valverde’s over- lowing shortly after. Bale was net. of his heel and the Welshman Dmitrovic and another, with keeper Liam Kelly as the visi- to draw 1-1 at Hamilton. hit pass and then got worse as he not the only one. Madrid lacked The second half started bet- departed with 14 minutes left, to the goal gaping, looped over. He tors dug in for a point at Park- Steve Davies put Hamilton missed a one-on-one when his precision or purpose, as oppo- ter for Madrid, with Benzema disgruntled whistles. even hit the post with a bending head. ahead after 63 minutes, but fi nish was saved by Marko Dm- nents were allowed through un- scoring only to be called back Madrid scored the winner eff ort in injury-time. The treble Celtic remain well on course Anders Dreyer levelled with a itrovic. checked and passes went astray. for off side before the Frenchman without him. Kroos’ whipped was not to be. to win an eighth successive penalty three minutes later. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, April 7, 2019 FOOTBALL

REPORT SPOTLIGHT China dreaming of Asian and World City reach FA Cup Cup double, says Du

Reuters jing. They have not reached the Kuala Lumpur semi-fi nals of the tournament in four attempts since. Despite their struggles on hinese Football Asso- the pitch, China president Xi fi nal, stay on course ciation acting presi- Jinping has set the country’s dent Du Zhaocai is sights on becoming a major hoping a successful player in global football and Guardiola’s men will attemptC to host the Asian Cup has said he wants the nation in 2023 will lay the ground to qualify for, host and win the face either Watford or work for a future World Cup World Cup. bid as the nation seeks to en- As a result, Chinese compa- Wolves on May 18 hance its presence on the glo- nies have pumped huge sums for quadruple bal football stage. into hiring world class coaches Du was one of the six newly and luring foreign talent to the elected members of the FIFA Chinese Super League, but Council at the Asian Football with mixed results. Confederation’s congress on While Chinese clubs have Saturday and his association is impressed in continental com- now aiming to win the rights to petition, with Guangzhou Ev- host the continental champi- ergrande twice winning the onship when the next host in Asian Champions League, the determined in June. national team continues to “For China, the Asian Cup struggle. and the World Cup are our World Cup winner Mar- dreams and the Chinese foot- cello Lippi did not renew his ball federation would like to contract after his team was host the Asian Cup and the knocked out of the Asian Cup World Cup in the future,” he at the quarter-fi nal stage by said. “We are just making a Iran in January while interim plan for the future. coach Fabio Cannavaro saw the “In China the local govern- team lose to both Thailand and ment pays a lot of focus on de- Uzbekistan in the recent China veloping football and the cities Cup. are planning to host tourna- The election of Du, who is ments. also China’s deputy sports “We are just preparing the minister, means China will bid and then we will apply.” continue to have a voice in China last hosted the Asian world football’s decision- Cup fi nals in 2004 and will go making body as he takes over head-to-head in the hosting the role from CFA vice presi- battle for the 2023 tournament dent Zhang Jian and he believes with South Korea. The decision the country is moving in the will be made on June 4 in Paris. right direction. China’s men’s senior team “I think I can work hard with has struggled to make an im- my colleagues for the benefi t pact since the early years of the for Asian and world football,” millennium, with the country he said. “China is a big country securing a place at their fi rst in Asian and world football and – and so far only – World Cup we need a lot of football devel- fi nals in 2002. opment. Two years later, China pro- “Football is very popular in gressed to the fi nal of the Asian China and the Chinese people Cup on home soil, only to lose really like football. I think Chi- to Japan in the decider in Bei- nese football is improving.”

Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, David Silva (right) and Gabriel Jesus (centre) celebrate their victory in the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton in London yesterday. (Reuters) Recovering Pele set to return to Brazil on Monday: adviser AFP with Alireza Jahanbakhsh. With stood on his trailing leg as the not even forced into a save until really care,” De Bruyne told re- London City staying in London until pair jostled at the back post and four minutes from time when porters. Brazilian football legend Pele, according to members of their trip to Tottenham’s new went head-to-head with the Jose Izquierdo stung the Bra- “Now it’s the business end who has been in hospital in Pele’s entourage. “Thank you stadium in midweek, Sergio Iranian. However, after a VAR zilian’s palms from long range, (of the season), I just need to Paris, will return to Brazil on so much for all the love! The anchester City’s Aguero had travelled south on review, the yellow card shown to but the English champions held do what I can do to help the team Monday, his adviser told AFP antibiotics are working,” Pele quest for a quadru- Friday but was not risked after a Walker by Anthony Taylor was on to take another step closer to win games. If that means play- yesterday. tweeted on Friday. “I’m feel- ple of trophies re- minor muscle injury. deemed suffi cient. history. ing fi ve games or 10 games, I’ll “We’re going back to Sao ing much better and I think mains intact after Jesus stepped up in the Ar- Walker was then replaced at Meanwhile Manchester City’s take it all. It’s been that kind of Paulo on Monday,” said the I’m ready to play again!” MGabriel Jesus’s solitary early goal gentine’s absence by stooping half-time by Danilo to keep him Kevin De Bruyne is unsure if he season. adviser, without providing The event in Paris was origi- was enough to see off Brighton to head home his 18th goal of out of further trouble, but City can get back to his best for the “It’s like 12 or 13 cup games, any more details. nally scheduled for Novem- 1-0 and reach the FA Cup fi nal the season, but the Brazilian’s still failed to hit anywhere near reigning Premier League cham- it makes it exciting. In the end The three-time World Cup ber but the Brazilian “was not yesterday. opener owed much to a wonder- the heights of their recent form pions after injuries restricted maybe we lose everything but at winner was admitted to a in a position to travel”. Pep Guardiola’s men will re- fully inviting cross from Kevin to give Brighton hope. his playing time this season, the least we are here at this stage.” Paris hospital with a urinary Pele has had several health turn to Wembley to face either de Bruyne. That was the third However, Aymeric Laporte’s midfi elder said on Friday. De Bruyne said recovering tract infection on Wednes- issues in recent years. Watford or Wolves on May 18 time in as many games City had last-ditch clearance to prevent The 27-year-old has had a from injuries that sidelined him day, the day after appearing A similar infection put him for what they hope will be the struck inside the fi rst fi ve min- Glenn Murray forcing Shane stop-start season with two knee for more than 19 weeks this sea- at a promotional event with in intensive care in Novem- chance to clinch the fi rst ever utes, but unlike in cruising past Duff y’s header over the line injuries and trouble with his son was far more diffi cult than France striker Kylian Mbappe. ber 2014. In 2016, Pele, who domestic treble in English foot- Fulham and Cardiff in the Pre- was the closest they came to an hamstring limiting him to only stepping on to the fi eld for City. The hospital has not said played 1,363 professional ball history. mier League, they failed to put equaliser. nine Premier League starts this “I feel sometimes my season when the 78-year-old will be matches scoring 1,281 goals, City looked set for an easy af- the game out of Brighton’s reach The introduction of Fernand- season while City chase an un- had double the length of other discharged. Brazilian news was unable to light the flame ternoon when Jesus opened the before the break. inho for the fi nal 25 minutes al- precedented quadruple. players because every time you website G1 reported that Pele at the Rio Olympics because scoring after just four minutes, The Seagulls grew into the lowed City to restore some order The Belgian was one of the fa- need to be in, you need to make had intended to come out of severe pain in the hip. but never hit top gear with one game as the fi rst 45 minutes wore and Mat Ryan was forced into a vourites for the player of the year almost double the hours,” he of hospital on Saturday to “I was not physically fit to eye on their Champions League on without really threatening an fi ne save to stop Raheem Ster- award last season, with eight said. “It’s more draining than to return to Brazil but had been participate in the opening of quarter-fi nal, fi rst leg at Totten- equaliser, but were left furious ling adding a second on the day goals and 16 assists in City’s play in the end. You never have a delayed by further tests and the Games,” he said at the ham on Tuesday. when Walker escaped a red card he had bought 550 tickets for league title-winning campaign, day off because you need to work would stay under observa- time. In January 2018, he And Brighton were left to rue that could easily have changed pupils of his former school to get but has scored only two league on your recovery. tion until he was 100 percent. cancelled a trip to London a controversial decision not to the course of the game. the chance to witness a Wembley goals this season. “A lot of the time you’re alone The infection was not seri- fearing a “stressful” and “tir- send-off Kyle Walker just after The England international showpiece. “I don’t know what my level is but you have to do it. I did it and ous and was under control, ing” journey. the half hour mark for a clash was unhappy that Jahanbakhsh City goalkeeper Ederson was going to be but to be fair I don’t I’m happy I’m back.”

LIGUE 1 Pressure mounts on Genesio as Lyon beaten by Dijon AFP we must know how to ignore all Paris that. “The truth is on the pitch. If we don’t turn up on the pitch it can only be diffi cult in the fu- yon slipped to a second ture.” damaging defeat this Martin Terrier’s fi rst-minute week as a 3-1 loss to strug- goal briefl y placated the home gling Dijon and a hostile support, but only six minutes Latmosphere at the Groupama later Lyon were behind. Stadium piled the pressure on Wesley Said danced through Bruno Genesio yesterday. the hapless home defence to slot The 52-year-old coach had in a third-minute equaliser, be- been told by president Jean- fore his speculative long-range Michel Aulas that he would be eff ort was defl ected past Lopes off ered a two-year contract by Lyon centre-back Marcelo. extension if Lyon reached the Genesio’s beleaguered men French Cup fi nal and fi nished in never seriously threatened a re- the Ligue 1 top three. sponse and put paid to their own But a 3-2 Cup semi-fi nal de- hopes in comical circumstances feat by Rennes on Tuesday put midway through the second half. his future in doubt, and fans on Said’s pull-back was inad- Saturday unfurled banners call- vertently backheeled into the net ing for Genesio’s departure. “We by Lyon full-back Rafael, with had already been eliminated on the spin on the ball leaving Lopes Tuesday. It’s unacceptable,” said grasping at thin air. goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, who The result leaves Lyon only added that the players need to seven points clear of Saint- put Genesio’s unstable situation Etienne in the third and fi nal to the back of their minds. Champions League spot, with “We are professionals. We Les Verts visiting Amiens later. must know what to do. We know A fi rst league win since January that it’s football. Part of the lifted Dijon off the foot of the ta- decision on the (future of the) ble and into the relegation play- coach was made on Tuesday but off place. Dijon players celebrate after winning their Ligue 1 match against in Lyon, France, yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Santana homer gives Nuggets beat Blazers Indians walk-off win over Blue Jays

Reuters the ninth inning of Wednesday’s New York series opener, gave Toronto a 2-1 lead after jumping on a 1-0 fastball from Shane Bieber in the to clinch division arlos Santana belted a fi fth inning. solo homer with one out Moroff answered in the bot- Curry bounces back from his lowest scoring game of the season to deliver vs Cavs in the ninth inning as tom of the frame with a sharp the host Cleveland In- line drive to right to plate Rami- Cdians posted a 3-2 victory over rez to forge a tie at 2. AFP RESULTS Los Angeles the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday The starting pitchers acquit- Charlotte 113-111 Toronto night. ted themselves well en route to After Jake Bauers fl ied out to each recording a no-decision in Orlando 149-113 Atlanta ikola Jokic tallied 22 points, 13 begin the ninth inning, Santana the contest. Bieber allowed two rebounds and nine assists as the San Antonio 129-112 Washington deposited a 1-0 fastball from Joe runs on as many hits while strik- Denver Nuggets clinched the Boston 117-97 Indiana Biagini (0-1) into the bleachers ing out nine in six innings while Northwest Division title with a in left-centre fi eld. The blast Thornton yielded two runs on Houston 120-96 New York N119-110 win over the Portland Trail Blaz- was Santana’s fi fth career walk- three hits while fanning seven in ers on Friday. Minnesota 111-109 Miami off homer and Cleveland’s fi rst 5 2/3 frames. Paul Millsap scored 25 points and Jamal Oklahoma City 123-110 Detroit walk-off win of the season. Daniel Hudson retired Mo- Murray had 23 as Denver locked up at Memphis 122-112 Dallas Kevin Plawecki launched a roff on a groundout to lead off least the number three seed in the NBA’s homer to lead off the third inning the eighth inning before pinch- Western Conference. Utah 119-98 Sacramento and Max Moroff had an RBI double hitter Jose Ramirez walked and Denver have a slim chance at gaining Phoenix 133-126 New Orleans in the fi fth for the Indians, who re- successfully swiped second on the top seed but the fi rst place Golden Denver 119-110 Portland corded back-to-back wins for the Cleveland’s fi rst stolen base at- State Warriors also won on Friday, 120- fi rst time this season. tempt of the season. Leonys 114 over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Denver Golden State 120-114 Cleveland Freddy Galvis belted a two- Martin struck out looking and lead the Houston Rockets by 1 1/2 games LA Lakers 122-117 LA Clippers run homer in the fi fth inning for Tyler Naquin grounded out to for the second seed in the West. the Blue Jays, who mustered just end the threat. “That’s big,” said Murray of the divi- ble season average and did it on just the three hits for the second straight sion title. “Everybody knows how well we fourth possession by Oklahoma City. night and have lost fi ve of their RESULTS play at home.” He is the only player to achieve the feat last six games overall. Enes Kanter had 24 points, Rodney in consecutive seasons and he also leads Adam Cimber (1-0) picked up C White Sox 10-8 Seattle Hood had 17 and Al-Farouq Aminu had 12 the league in assists. the win after striking out Randal LA Dodgers 10-6 Colorado The Thunder improved to 46-33 on the points and 14 rebounds for Portland who Grichuk and Rowdy Tellez to be- San Diego 5-3 St. Louis dropped to 50-29 on the season. season and remain in seventh place in the gin the ninth inning before Bran- Damian Lillard scored 14 points and Western Conference, a half-game ahead don Drury grounded out to third Tampa Bay 5-2 San Francisco missed all six of his three-point attempts. of the San Antonio Spurs, who also won base. Pittsburgh 2-0 Cincinnati The same teams meet again on Sunday Friday. Plawecki deposited a 3-2 in- Philadelphia 10-4 Minnesota night with the Nuggets having won the The Pistons lost for the third consecu- side fastball from rookie Trent last six in a row. tive game and for the sixth time in their Thornton into the bleachers in Cleveland 3-2 Toronto “This was our night and it is going to past eight. left fi eld to give Cleveland a 1-0 Arizona 15-8 Boston carry over when we go to their place,” said Detroit dropped into a tie for seventh in lead. The homer was his fi rst of Atlanta 4-0 Miami Murray. “We have to bring the same en- the Eastern Conference with the Brook- the season and just the second by ergy, same pace and try to get it done.” lyn Nets, just a game ahead of the ninth- an Indians player, joining Hanley Houston 3-2 Oakland place Miami Heat. Ramirez (two). Milwaukee 13-10 Chicago Cubs CURRY BOUNCES BACK Pistons’ Blake Griffi n tallied 45 points, Galvis, who broke up the In- LA Angels 3-1 Texas In Oakland, Stephen Curry bounced back but when the game got close he scored dians’ combined no-hit bid in from his lowest scoring game of the season just one point in the fourth quarter. Grif- to deliver 40 points as the Warriors moved fi n had 31 points in the fi rst half and made to within one win of clinching the top seed six of nine three pointers before going by beating the struggling Cavaliers. cold. Golden State just need a win Sunday over the Los Angeles Clippers to seal the CELTICS ALONE IN 4TH top seed in the West playoff s which begin Also, Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward next weekend. combined for 43 points as the Boston The Warriors swept LeBron James’ Celtics seized sole possession of fourth Cavaliers in last season’s NBA fi nals. place in the Eastern Conference stand- Golden State led wire-to-wire Friday ings with a 117-97 win over the Indiana and at one stage had a whopping 21 point Pacers. lead. Stephen Curry (centre) of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a shot during the game Tatum had 22 points and Hayward 21 In Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook against Cleveland Cavaliers in Oakland, California, on Friday. (AFP) for the visiting Celtics who are battling secured his third straight season averag- for home court advantage in the postsea- ing a triple double as the Thunder beat averaged 10 or more points, rebounds, mi Grant had 19 for Oklahoma City who son. Boston are also trying to catch third the Detroit Pistons 123-110 in a NBA con- assists over the course of the season. He won for the second straight game and place Philadelphia in the standings. test crucial to both teams’ playoff hopes. also averaged 10 or more fi gures in 2017- fourth time in the past seven. The Celtics improved to 48-32 on the Westbrook fi nished with 19 points, 18 and 2016-17. Westbrook came into the game need- season to break a fourth place tie with the eight rebounds and 15 assists and has now Paul George scored 30 points and Jera- ing three assists to secure his triple dou- Pacers.

Therapy will help in retirement: Heat’s Wade Reuters that don’t know me telling me champion and 2006 Finals know, how you want things to New York how to live my life or giving MVP will walk away happy. go, right? With everything in me instructions. But I need “I have no idea what it is I want life. And when something, you someone to talk to about it. to do yet,” said Wade, who know, surpasses that vision, it’s iami Heat star Because it is a big change. is averaging 14.5 points, 3.9 kinda like it’s an out-of-body Dwyane Wade said Even though I got a long life rebounds and 4.1 assists this experience,” Wade added. Mlife after basketball to live, other great things I can season. “I couldn’t have written this will include making visits to a accomplish and do, it’s not this. “But I definitely know I want book any better. This is a clinician. So it’s going to be diff erent.” to do a little bit of everything. best-seller. And I couldn’t have “I’ll be in therapy. Seriously,” Including Friday night’s road Especially in the beginning, written it, about my life.” Wade said in an exclusive contest against the Minne- I want to see what I can be Wade’s final regular-season interview with ESPN’s Rachel sota Timberwolves, Wade has great at. I’m so used to being home game will be Tuesday Cleveland Indians’ Carlos Santana rounds the bases after hitting a Nichols that aired Friday on four regular-season games great at something or trying to against the Philadelphia 76ers. walk-off home run during the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue The Jump. “I meant it, it is remaining on his retirement strive to be great at some- “I’m gonna go out the way D- Jays in Cleveland, Ohio, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) going to be a big change. I told tour as the Heat try to qualify thing. That’s what I want to be Wade’s supposed to go out. You my wife, I said, ‘I need to do for the playoff s in a four-team at whatever else I choose to know what I mean?” Wade said. therapy, and we need to do a battle for three spots. But if do. We’ll see. “And like, I think it helps, too, NFL little bit.’ his season ends sooner rather “It’s been surreal. It’s like you that we are in this playoff battle. “I was always against someone than later, the three-time NBA — you have this vision of, you ‘Cause I’m just trying to win.” Cowboys, Lawrence NHL agree for fi ve years, Jackets survive Rangers in SO, take playoff spot reported $105mn Reuters Stephen Jones said last week the sides were at an “impasse,” add- Reuters RESULTS New York New York ing, “We’re apart. But certainly Columbus 3-2 NY Rangers optimistic.... We’ll continue to he Dallas Cowboys and chop wood.” rtemi Panarin scored Chicago 6-1 Dallas franchise-tagged de- The Cowboys tagged Lawrence the only goal in the Anaheim 5-2 Los Angeles fensive end DeMarcus in March for the second year in a shootout Friday night Lawrence agreed to a row, giving them until July 15 to for the Columbus Blue goalie Alexandar Georgiev with Tfi ve-year contract, the team an- sign him to a long-term exten- Jackets,A who clinched the last under two minutes remaining, nounced Friday. sion. Lawrence played the 2018 open NHL playoff spot by edg- tied the game with seven sec- Multiple media outlets re- season on his $17.1mn tender, and ing the host New York Rangers, onds left, as Pavel Buchnevich ported the deal is worth $105mn, he could have made $20.5mn on 3-2. put home a rebound following a with $65mn guaranteed and more the tag in 2019, but reports had in- With their sixth win in the fl urry in the crease. Columbus money in the fi rst year ($31.1mn) dicated he was unlikely to partici- last seven games, the Blue Jack- then outshot New York 6-1 in than any non-quarterback con- pate in training camp if he didn’t ets (46-31-4, 96 points) as- overtime but could not produce tract in NFL history, breaking the receive a long-term extension. sured themselves of one of the the game-winner. mark set by Khalil Mack last fall. Lawrence, who turns 27 on wild-card berths in the Eastern Neither team scored in the According to The MMQB, the April 28, reportedly was seeking Conference and eliminated the shootout until Panarin beat deal also sets new benchmarks a multiyear deal worth upward Montreal Canadiens (94 points) Georgiev on the Blue Jackets’ among defensive players in per- of the $20.5mn tag amount. He from contention. third shot. Sergei Bobrovsky centage of total and full guar- also reportedly planned to delay The Blue Jackets are headed to then turned back Rangers de- antees on a long-term contract. the shoulder surgery he needs the playoff s for the third straight fenseman Tony DeAngelo to Mack, the NFL’s highest-paid until a long-term resolution was season after making the posts- The diff erence between the bracket and face the Presi- coaster emotions for the Blue fi nally set off the Columbus cel- defender at $23.5mn annually, reached, which could explain eason just twice in their fi rst 15 fi rst and second wild card? The dents’ Trophy-winning Tam- Jackets, who trailed 1-0 after ebration. received $90mn guaranteed for why there was urgency to reach seasons. fi rst would face a familiar foe in pa Bay Lightning, whose 126 two before tying the game and Bobrovsky collected 26 saves. injury and $60mn fully guaran- a deal now and not closer to the They will enter the fi nal day the Metropolitan Division-win- points entering Saturday are going ahead in a span of a lit- Chris Kreider scored 1:47 into teed at signing. July 15 deadline. of the season as the second wild ning Washington Capitals, who the most by an NHL team since tle more than 12 minutes in the the contest for the Rangers (31- Earlier Friday, NFL Network Over the past two seasons, Law- card, but they would move up to enter Saturday’s season fi nale the Detroit Red Wings collect- third period on goals by Ryan 36-14, 76 points), who dropped reported Lawrence and the Cow- rence has a combined 25 sacks, 49 the fi rst wild card if they beat the with 104 points. ed 131 points during the 1995- Dzingel and Panarin. their home fi nale as they lost for boys were making progress af- quarterback hits and 122 tackles. Ottawa Senators and the Caroli- The second wild-card team 96 season. The Blue Jackets were mo- the third straight time and the ter negotiations appeared to be The Cowboys selected the Boise na Hurricanes lose to the Phila- would be relegated to the At- Panarin’s shootout tally ments away from clinching 10th time in 13 games (3-9-1). stalled last week. State product in the second round delphia Flyers on Saturday. lantic Division portion of the capped an evening of roller- when the Rangers, who pulled Georgiev recorded 39 saves. Dallas executive vice president of the 2014 NFL Draft. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, April 7, 2019 SPORT

GOLF Ace puts Kim up by Lin Dan storms into four shots in Texas Malaysia A group of six players, including Spieth and Fowler, were left in second place Open fi nal AFP Tai was impressive in her Kuala Lumpur 21-14, 21-19 win over China’s Chen Yufei, while Yamaguchi was equally impressive in her hinese superstar Lin victory over compatriot No- Dan put on a sensational zomi Okuhara, winning 21-15, display of badminton to 22-20. power into the Malaysia COpen fi nal, beating compatriot Results (x denotes seeding) Shi Yuqi, 21-19, 16-21, 21-12 yes- Men’s singles terday. Lin Dan (CHN) bt Shi Yuqi His victory, which took 65 (CHNx2) 21-19, 16-21, 21-12 minutes, sets up a fi nal against Chen Long (CHNx4) bt Jonatan another Chinese player, Chen Christie (INA) 12-21, 21-10, 21-15 Long. Five-time world champion Lin Women’s Singles allowed Shi to dictate the pace Tai Tzu-ying (TPEx1) bt Chen at the start of the opening game Yufei (CHNX3) 21-14, 21-19 before seizing back the initiative, Akane Yamaguchi (JPNx4) bt and winning 21-19. Nozomi Okuhara (JPNx2) 21-15, A couple of unforced errors 22-20 paved the way for Shi to level with a 16-21 win in the second Men’s Doubles game, but Lin came to life in the Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda decider and clinched the match. (JPNx3) bt Fajar Alfian-Muham- It is the second fi nal that Lin mad Rian Ardianto (INAx8) 21-13, has reached this year but the 22-20 two-time Olympic gold medal- Li Junhui-Liu Yuchen (CHNx2) list conceded it was tough to bat- bt Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi tle past Shi. (JPN) 13-21, 21-19, 21-15 “Nowadays the competition within the Chinese men’s singles Women’s Doubles team is as strong as against oth- Du Yue- (CHN) bt Jong- ers. But I am used to the pressure, kolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda and the most important thing is Prajongjai (THAx8) 21-12, 21-14 to be consistent,” Lin said -Jia Yifan Lin will play Chen in a repeat (CHNx5) bt Chang Ye-na-Jung of the 2015 fi nal, which was won Kyung-eun (KOR) 21-14, 21-18 by Chen. Chen was equally impressive Mixed Doubles in his 64-minute victory over Jo- -Huang Ya- natan Christie of Indonesia, pull- qiong (CHNx1) bt Dechapol Kim Si-woo hits from the bunker on the fifteenth hole during the second round of the Valero Texas Open golf tournament at TPC San Antonio – AT&T Oaks Course on Friday. ing out some powerful forehand Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree smashes to win 12-21, 21-10, 21-15. Taerattanachai(THAx4) 21-14, Reuters then watched the ball bounce into came at the Wyndham in 2016 The eagle came after Fowler’s the par-five eighth, his 17th The women’s singles saw Tai- 21-9 San Antonio the hole. The South Korean world and the Players Championship in drive had carried 328 yards to hole of the day. After two bo- wanese Tai Tzu-ying set up a fi - Wang Yilyu-Huang Dongping number 61 tossed his club aside 2017. Spieth and Fowler, who both within four feet of the hole. He geys sandwiching a birdie in nal clash against Japan’s Akane (CHNx2) bt Tan Kian Meng-Lai and thrust both arms into the air shot 68 for the second round in collected a fi fth birdie at the 17th his first three holes, the Texan Yamaguchi. Pei Jing (MAS) 21-13, 21-17 jubilant Kim Si-woo in celebration at his second career a row, shared second with fellow to ease his displeasure. rebounded for four more bird- aced the 16th hole to hole-in-one on the PGA Tour. Americans Harold Varner (66) and “I’m happy with it,” Fowler ies and the eagle to go with an- push his lead to four “I saw the bounce, but I never Adam Schenk (66) as well as Cana- said of the round. “Hit some good other bogey. strokes after the second see it go in,” said the 23-year-old, dian Corey Conners (67) and Kim’s shots out there, made a few putts. “I had more control with my roundA of the Texas Open at San who estimated he has made six or compatriot Lee Kyoung-hoon (67). Yeah, 15, 16, kind of a little un- long clubs today,” Spieth said. Antonio on Friday. seven holes-in-one in all. Kim, Fowler at one point led Kim forced errors.” “Still didn’t hit many fairways, A group of six players, includ- aiming for his third PGA Tour vic- on nine-under for the tourna- The wind was a factor in both but it felt better, if that makes ing headliners Jordan Spieth and tory, ended the round at 12-under ment but back-to-back bogeys bogeys, he said. sense. Rickie Fowler, were left in second 132 thanks to four birdies and the at the 15th and 16th were costly. Former Masters champion “So normally the better results place after the overnight leader’s ace in his second consecutive 66. The 2018 Masters runner-up had Spieth, along with Fowler come from the club starting to hole-in-one. Kim, who started “I saw the solo lead last four been rolling along with four bird- among only a handful of big feel more in control. So I’ll just the day with a one-stroke ad- holes [and I said] I can make bird- ies and an eagle at the par four names using the Texas Open to do a little bit of light work this af- vantage, drove a nine iron to the ie, just trying to go aggressive,” fi fth hole against one bogey be- tune up for Augusta next week, ternoon and go into the weekend green at the 167-yard par-three said Kim. His previous PGA wins fore the let down. also had an eagle. His came at with a chance to win.”

Kim In-kyung takes halfway lead at ANA aft er birdie blitz

Reuters halfway stage of the fi rst major of Kim, playing the back nine and lost a playoff to compatriot fi ve shots off the pace. Rancho Mirage the year. fi rst, rolled in three birdies in a So Sun-young at Rancho Mirage. “It was a really hard day, not Australian Katherine Kirk, four-hole stretch twice, the sec- “Long time it was one of my only with the wind, but some of who tied for the lead at one stage ond time to go eight under. goals,” Kim said of winning the the pin locations I don’t think outh Korean Kim In- but dropped shots at her last two She dropped a stroke with her title at Mission Hills.”But now I they really thought through with kyung shot a sparkling holes, was in second place at only bogey at the seventh hole am just happy to be out here. the extreme winds and cross- seven-under 65 to take a fi ve-under after a 68. but got it back with the fi nal I have a better understanding winds that they had coming in,” three-stroke lead into the First-round leader Ally Mc- birdie to close her round. of what I am doing out here.” Thompson told reporters. Sweekend at the ANA Inspiration Donald (72) was at four-under “I put some good speed on it,” American Lexi Thompson, “But I hit it very solid today, so at Mission Hills in Rancho Mi- tied for third with Ko Jin-young Kim said of her putting.”I think the 2014 champion, struggled as still a lot of positives to take from rage on Friday. (71), while world number one I got a little bit better job of that wind whipped up late in the day, the day going into the weekend.” The former women’s British Park Sun-hyun (70) was the today.” Seven years ago, Kim hitting back-to-back bogeys on Canadian Brooke Henderson Lin Dan of China celebrates winning the men’s singles semi-final Open winner made a birdie at third South Korean on the lead- narrowly missed out on her fi rst the seventh and eighth holes and had been just a stroke off the lead match against Shi Yuqi of China at the Malaysia Open badminton the last, her eighth of the day, to erboard, in a tie for fi fth a further major when she failed to convert carding an even 72 for a share of when a triple-bogey at the par- tournament in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. fi nish on eight-under 136 at the shot back. a one-foot putt on the fi nal hole fi fth with Park and three others three 14th ruined her round.

SPOTLIGHT TENNIS Dutchman Huizing Keys tops Stephens to reach semis in Charleston denies MacLaren Reuters The 25-year-old Olympic Charleston gold medallist from San Juan fi red down six aces to book her golfi ng history fi rst semi-fi nal trip since the adison Keys over- Connecticut Open in August. AFP The Dutchman had matched came some unchar- Former world number one Aqaba, Jordan the course record of 64 in his acteristically poor Caroline Wozniacki looked like opening round, adding a sec- serving and elevated she had fully recovered from the ond-round 68 and duplicating Mher game late on to edge fel- illness that sidelined her for two eghan MacLaren that score in his fi nal round for a low American Sloane Stephens months earlier this year, playing was denied a place in 16-under-par total of 200. 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-2 and advance to nearly perfect tennis to down golfi ng history yes- MacLaren signed for a level par the semi-fi nals of the Charles- Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-2. terday by Dutchman fi nal-round 72 for a 14-under- ton Open on Friday. Wozniacki, the 2011 cham- MDaan Huizing who overhauled par total of 202. Both players struggled with pion in Charleston, smacked 15 the overnight leader to claim the In third, two shots further their serves in a match that in- winners to just eight unforced Jordan Mixed Open by two shots. adrift, came Denmark’s Martin cluded 13 breaks but it was Keys errors and looked particularly The 23-year-old Briton went Simonsen. He in turn was one who was able to cut down on the sharp returning serve, where into the fi nal day of the fi rst tour- stroke clear of a three-way tie errors and step up the intensity she moved briskly and attacked nament to see male and female for fourth involving Jose Coceres, in the third set, which she won Sakkari’s second serves. players competing for the same Oliver Farr and Jack Senior. when Stephens sent a backhand The only hiccup came in the prize on the same course atop the The three-round event in long. match’s 16-minute fi nal game, leaderboard after a second con- Ayla Golf Club in the Red Sea The match on the green clay where Wozniacki needed fi ve secutive round of 65 on Friday. resort town of Aqaba drew men also featured a seesaw fi rst match points before she was MacLaren, a vocal opponent of and women from the Ladies and set tie-breaker in which Keys able to break the young Greek’s gender pay disparity in golf, was Men’s European Tours as well as jumped out to a 4-0 lead before service again to win the tie. three shots ahead at the turn but the seniors tour. Stephens stormed back with six forehand winner to capture the “It was up and it was down the 2017 US Open fi nal. The fi fth-seeded Dane will be came unstuck at the 11th when a The bragging rights in the straight points. hour-long fi rst set. and it was just kind of crazy.” Next up for Keys is Puerto Ri- a heavy favourite in her semi- double bogey lose sole possession Henry household meanwhile Stephens failed to convert “It’s always tough to play a The win was a fi rst for Keys can Monica Puig, who crushed fi nal showdown against Petra of the lead. were claimed by Scott, who fi n- either of the two set points she friend and it kind of shows at over Stephens, who came out on 29 winners to topple American Martic, who upset Belinda Ben- Huizing, a former top ama- ished in a share of 11th, while his had on her serve and Keys un- times like that,” Keys said of the top in their semi-fi nal match up Danielle Collins in their quar- cic 6-3, 6-4 in the morning teur, had trailed MacLaren by two wife Kylie missed the fi nal-round leashed a blistering cross court wild fi rst set tie-breaker. at last year’s French Open and in ter-fi nal to end the day. match. shots overnight. cut. Gulf Times Sunday, April 7, 2019 7 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Chennai stay calm to outclass Punjab Alzarri Joseph’s wickets each. IANS Chennai Earlier, Chennai rode on fi ne knocks by Faf du Ples- sis (54 off 38), Mahendra hennai Super Kings Singh Dhoni (37* off 23 balls) held their nerve to and Ambati Rayudu (21* off outclass Kings XI 15 balls) to post 160/3 in 20 Punjab by 22 runs in overs. IPL-best 6 for 12 Cthe Indian Premier League Punjab skipper Ravichan- (IPL) as KL Rahul (55 off 47) dran Ashwin was the star with and Sarfaraz Khan’s (67 off 59) the ball as he picked up all the laborious eff orts went in vain three wickets that fell to fi nish at the MA Chidambaram Sta- with fi gures of 3/23 from his dium here yesterday. four overs. While his strikes Despite getting off to a hor- stemmed the fl ow of runs, rible start in their chase of Chennai scored 52 runs in destroys Sunrisers 161, Punjab opener Rahul and the last fi ve overs with Dhoni Sarfaraz stitched an excellent fi nishing well along with Ray- ‘When they said I was playing, I decided to keep it simple and back myself’ 110-run stand for the third udu. wicket. The duo didn’t attack Calling correctly, Chen- the Chennai spinners in the nai started well with Shane slog overs and waited for the Watson and du Plessis looking seamers to come in, but their to take on the Punjab bowl- decision backfi red as the re- ers. While Watson looked to quired run-rate mounted to 16 attack from the word go, du in the last few overs. Plessis looked to settle down With just seven runs on before taking the attack to the board, Punjab lost opener opposition. After all, the Pro- Chris Gayle (5) and Mayank teas skipper was playing his Agarwal (0) cheaply, thanks fi rst match in this year’s IPL. to Harbhajan Singh who ac- The hosts looked comfort- counted for both the wickets ably placed, having scored 54 in the second over. runs in the Powerplay with- However, Rahul and Sar- out losing a wicket. But Ash- faraz then thwarted Chennai win broke the opening stand from making any further in- when he sent back Watson, roads as the duo played some caught by Sam Curran, for sensible cricket and went on 26. Playing across the line to a to forge a crucial partnership. carrom ball, Watson holed out At one stage, Punjab looked to Curran in the deep with the in a position to clinch the scoreboard reading 56/1 in the game as their scoreboard read 8th over. 105/2 in 15 overs, but Har- Du Plessis looked to contin- bhajan and Imran Tahir’s eco- ue the good work with Suresh nomical 16th and 17th overs Raina as the two looked to pick further raised the required the ones and twos with the run-rate. fi eld spreading out. As a result, Rahul tried to Chennai ended the 10th smash a Scott Kuggeleijn’s over with the score on 71 and delivery out of the park but du Plessis batting on 34 off 25 ended giving an easy catch to balls. Ravindra Jadeja in the deep. With spinners bowling Deepak Chahar added more from both sides, du Plessis sorrow to the Punjab camp looked to deal in sixes, but it as the pacer sent back David was Ashwin who had the last Miller (6) with the visitors laugh as he sent him back (54 needing 26 off the last over. off 38 balls) with another car- Kuggeleijn won the match rom ball. for Chennai by bowling some fi ne slower deliveries to con- Brief Scores: cede just three runs in the Chennai Super Kings: 160/3 fi nal over besides dismissing in 20 overs (Faf du Plessis Sarfaraz, as the yellow brigade 54, M.S. Dhoni 37*; R. Ashwin comfortably registered their 3/23) beat Kings XI Punjab fourth win of the tournament. 138/5 in 20 overs (Sarfaraz For Chennai, Harbhajan Khan 67, K.L. Rahul 55; Har- Mumbai Indians cricketer Alzarri Joseph (R) in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians at The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad yesterday. and Kuggeleijn bagged two bhajan Singh 2/17) by 22 runs

IANS Chahar (2/21), Jasprit Bumrah (1/16) Joseph utilised the opportunity to rock ninth over with the scoreboard reading Hyderabad and Jason Behrendorff (1/28) — also im- the hosts’ lower order as he dismissed 43/3. pressed with some economical spells. Mohamed Nabi (11), Bhuvneshwar Kumar Ishan and Krunal Pandya then added Tiger Roll emulates National legend Red Rum Chasing the target, the hosts got off (2) and Siddarth Kaul (0) in quick succes- 20 runs in the next 2.2 overs before Kaul espite a batting failure, Alzarri to a decent start with their scorecard sion to help Mumbai register an emphatic cut short Krunal’s stay. The Mumbai all- Aintree, United Kingdom: Tiger Roll put his name alongside Joseph’s sensational six-wicket reading 27 for no loss in the initial three victory. rounder top-edged a short delivery that legend Red Rum yesterday, winning back-to-back Grand Nation- haul guided Mumbai Indians to overs. However, Rahul Chahar started the Earlier, some disciplined bowling by landed safely in the hands of wicket- als in stunning style. a massive 40-run victory over proceedings for Mumbai after bagging Hyderabad helped restrict Mumbai to a keeper Jonny Bairstow. The 4-1 favourite, superbly ridden by Davy Russell, took up the DSunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Pre- the wicket of Jonny Bairstow (16 off 10) modest 136/7. Mumbai suff ered another blow soon running at the last fence, and although 66-1 outsider Magic of mier League (IPL) contest here yesterday. before David Warner (15 off 13) became Mumbai kept on losing wickets at reg- when Ishan was caught short of the Light came back at him, the nine-year-old had enough to spare to The 22-year-old Joseph’s six wickets a victim of Joseph with just 33 runs on ular intervals as the Hyderabad bowlers crease while trying to steal a quick single. emulate Red Rum’s feat in 1973-74. for 12 runs proved the best bowling fi g- board. not only kept on jolting the visitors, but The hosts kept on picking wickets in The 39-year-old Russell pumped his arms in delight and got a ures in IPL history as Mumbai Indians Joseph then packed back Vijay Shankar also maintained a decent economy. quick succession as Hardik Pandya (14) huge hug from trainer Gordon Elliott as the 70,000 crowd — with defended a paltry total of 137 at the Rajiv (5 off 10) while Behrendorff accounted for It was Kieron Pollard (46* off 26, 4x2, and Chahar (10) too departed soon with a group dressed up as tigers — raised the roof as jockey, trainer Gandhi International Staidum. the wicket of Manish Pandey (16 off 21), 6x4) who once again showed some re- just 97 runs on board. However, Pol- and horse returned to the winners enclosure. The previous best record in the tour- putting the hosts in deep trouble. sistance down the order to propel his lard’s heroics in the last few overs helped “To win two successive Grand Nationals at my age, you could nament was held by Pakistan’s Sohail Chahar made the situation worse for team past the 100-run mark. the three-time champions reach a mod- scarcely believe it,” said Russell. Tanvir, who claimed 6-14 for Rajasthan Hyderabad when he dismissed incom- Put into bat, Mumbai started slowly est total. For Hyderabad, Kaul scalped Russell — whose father was present — had dedicated his win last Royals in 2008. “It’s a dream start, can’t ing batsman Yusuf Pathan, who departed before Mohamed Nabi drew the fi rst two wickets while Bhuvneshwar, Sand- year to his late mother and recalled her again as the achieve- get better than this,” Joseph said. “I just without scoring, leaving the hosts reeling blood by dismissing visiting skipper eep Sharma, Rashid and Mohamed Nabi ment began to sink in. wanted to bowl to the plans. When they at 62/5. Rohit Sharma for 11. Sandeep Sharma picked up one wicket each. “She saw us through the good, the bad and the ugly. She was one said I was playing, I decided to keep it With half of the Hyderabad side back soon delivered another blow by trapping heck of a lady,” he said. As Russell, who at one point in his career simple and back myself.” in the dug out, Deepak Hooda tried to Suryakumar Yadav plumb in front of the Brief Scores: was fired by owner Michael O’Leary, waved his arms in celebra- Indians captain Rohit Sharma paid put things back in control with his 24- wicket. Mumbai Indians: 136/7 in 20 overs tion, Elliott, normally unreadable, was sobbing. tribute to Joseph. ball 20. However, he couldn’t succeed as With Mumbai reeling at 28/2, Quinton (Kieron Pollard 46 not out, Quinton de “I don’t get upset very often...but this is unbelievable,” said Elliott, “(It was a) sensational eff ort from Al- Joseph sent him back before the picking de Kock (19 off 18) and Ishan Kishan (17 Kock 19; Siddharth Kaul 2/34) beat Sun- who was winning his third Grand National. zarri,” Rohit said. “To come out and play up the wicket of Rashid Khan, who failed off 21) tried to stabilise the innings. How- risers Hyderabad 96 all out in 17.4 overs “He is a tiger. Last year’s win was for Davy’s mum who had died, like that shows what he’s capable of.” to open his account. ever, the two couldn’t taste much success (Deepak Hooda 20, Jonny Bairstow 16; this year it is for my uncle (Willie) who died.” NHLThe other Mumbai bowlers — Rahul With Hyderabad’s score reading 88/7, as de Kock was sent back by Kaul in the Alzarri Joseph 6/12) by 40 runs.

Al Shaqab Endurance

Al Zubara Endurance team connections receive the owner’s trophy after Dibawah won the 100km Al Shaqab Endurance ride yesterday. At right, Habib Khan Alam Khan celebrates as he rides Dibawah to victory.

Sunday, April 7, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Qatar men’s team emerge as West Asia rugby champions Qatar women’s sevens team too had given the hosts a reason to celebrate after retaining the West Asia title

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar men’s rugby team was crowned the West Asian champions after beating Lebanon 13-10 inQ the fi nal at the Aspire Academy Warm-up Track on Friday. Teams from Qatar, Jordan and Lebanon participated in the West Asian Rugby Championship after Iran was unable to send a team. The title was a culmination of a dominant performance by the Qatar team, who had fi nished third in the last edition. First up, they beat Jordan 77-0. After Lebanon beat Jordan 71-6, the third match in the tournament between the hosts and Lebanon assumed a fi nal-like status, and Qatar emerged as champions. The tournament turned out to be a great for Qatari teams after the women’s team retained their West Asian Sevens title with an unbeaten run against Lebanon and Jordan. Qatar B team fi nished third with a win in the third place playoff against Jordan. “We are very pleased with the Qatar team’s win in the cham- Qatar players celebrate their victory in the West Asia Rugby Championship 2019 at Aspire Academy Warm Up Track on Friday. PICTURES: Othman Khalid pionship and also the women’s team’s second straight title vic- and becoming well known in Asia Qatar women’s team coach tory,” Qatar Rugby, Cricket and Rugby. They have also become Hassan Mesbah al-Sabaa was Hockey Federation president very popular in Qatar and have a pleased with the results achieved Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari said. wide audience,” he said. by the A and B teams in the tour- Al-Kuwari noted the strong Federation’s Public Relations nament. and exciting match-up in the Fri- manager and Organising Com- “We prepared the team for day’s fi nal. mittee member Issa al-Yaqoub about six months for the tourna- He added that the Organizing said, “We are delighted to have ment, especially since West Asia Committee of the championship the Qatari men’s and women’s is a strong region, and we had to received wide acclaim from the team crowned as champions.” defend the title. And the Qatari Asian federation and the delega- Al-Yacoub added that the wins team did not fail and managed to tions of the participating teams. were not easy but came through defend the title successfully,” he Al-Kuwari said that hosting the combined eff ort of the fed- said. these championships, besides eration, coaches and the players. the domestic competitions are He thanked Aspire for the lo- Qatar Rugby, Cricket, Hockey opportunities for the federation gistical and fundamental support Federation president Yousef to showcase capabilities, espe- for rugby in Qatar. He said that al-Kuwari (second from right) cially since Qatar is known for the support of Aspire contributed applauds as Qatar’s Abdulaziz excellent organization of inter- to the success of the tournament al-Dosari (centre) lifts the West national tournaments. and also thanked Aspetar for the Asia Rugby Championship “So far, the Qatari teams for rehabilitation of the athletes and trophy at Aspire Academy Warm men and women are developing players of the national team. Up track on Friday.

EQUESTRIAN AMIR CUP SHOOTING AND ARCHERY CHAMPIONSHIPS Terina tops fi rst Asian Golden double for Shakhova By Sports reporter under-21 dressage Doha

lizaveth Shakhova completed a golden double at Amir Cup Shooting and Archery ChampionshipsE yesterday. The Ukrainian, who had won a Prone gold on Friday, scored a total of 1155 with 42 hits to the bull’s eye to claim the 50m Ri- fl e 3 Positions gold at the Losail Shooting Ranges yesterday. Haya Mohamed al-Boloushi defeated Matara Fahad al- Assieri for the second place with a score of 1116 (32x) and claimed the silver medal. Al-Assieri had to be satisfi ed with the bronze medal as she hit 1112 (34x). These were sec- ond successive medals for both al-Boloushi and al-Assieri too. Ahmed Zayed al-Shammari claimed the men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol gold medal as he Winner Viktoriia Terina (centre) of Kyrgyzstan celebrates on the podium with second-placed shot 22 to beat Mohamad Has- Winner Elizaveth Shakhova (centre), second-placed Haya Mohamed al-Boloushi (rear, left) and third-placed Matara Pawarisa Thongpradup (left) of Thailand and third-placed Rosad Febrisamina of Indonesia at san al-Tamimi, who could only Fahad al-Assieri (rear, right) pose on the podium for women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions at Amir Cup Shooting and Archery the Asian Equestrian Federation (AEF) U-21 Dressage Championship at the Qatar Equestrian get 13. Morshed al-Hassan Championships at the Losail Shooting Ranges yesterday. Federation yesterday. completed the podium, hitting only eight. By Sports Reporter emerge ahead of Thailand’s India, Malaysia, China, “My results have been good Doha Pawarisa Thongpradup, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and promising till now in the who fi nished with a total of Indonesia and Malaysia, season. Also these eff orts show 122.024 points. besides Qatar make it to the that my preparations have yrgyzstan’s Viktori- Indonesia’s Rosad Fe- final in Doha. been on the right track,” al- ia Terina, who was brisamina, who was also The qualifi ers were held in Shammari said. placed sixth at the third in the opening round, Indonesia last October. “It’s a tough sport but I feel end of the fi rst stayed steady to secure the I’ve got enough experience Kround, sprang a surprise third podium spot with a to- now. I hope I can get medals for SELECTED RESULTS swinging her way to the top tal of 121.012 points. 1. Viktoriia Terina (KGZ) Qatar at international meets,” with an impressive show in Indians Raunaq Anand and 122.440 al-Shammari said. sync with her horse on the Sudipti Hajela fi nished fi fth 2. Pawarisa Thongpradup Saif Ali al-Mohannadi second and fi nal competition and sixth respectively while (THA) 122.024 emerged as the champion in day of the Asian Equestrian Qatar’s Maryam al-Boinin, 3. Rosad Febrisamina (INA) the men’s 50m Rifl e 3 Posi- Federation (AEF) U-21 Dres- who was on top in the fi rst 121.012 tions. He hit 1004 points with sage Championship at the round, slipped to sixth posi- 4. Raunaq Anand (IND) 10x to grab the title, while only Qatar Equestrian Federation tion. 120.238 a point separated Saad Ahmad yesterday. Other Qatari riders Jas- 5. Sudipti Hajela (IND) 120.000 al-Sulaiti from Jassim Rayed Terina tallied a cumulative sim Mohamed al-Kuwari and 6. Maryam al-Boinin (QAT) al-Boloushi in a pulsating fi ght total of 63.036 in the second Sauod al-Boinin ended up at 119.762 for the runner-up spot. round for a winning total of 8th and 11th respectively. 8. Jassim Mohammad al- Al-Sulaiti hit 967 with 10x 122.440. The first U-21 champion- Kuwari (QAT) 118.452 to edge al-Boloushi for the sil- Terina’s horse excelled ship organised by AEF saw 11. Sauod al-Boinin (QAT) ver medal. Boloushi’s 966 con- Winner Ahmed Zayed al-Shammari (rear centre), second-placed Mohamad Hassan al-Tamimi (rear left) and with expression and poise to 22 riders from Singapore, 115.774 tained fi ve hits to the bull’s eye. third-placed Morshed al-Hassan (rear right) pose on the podium for men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol.