TUESDAY 30 APRIL 2019 SPORT 05

We must be very angry. I am Zinedine Zidane FOOTBALL CRICKET angry, because the image we gave apologises after Real IPL: Royal Challengers off today was bad. I am responsible Madrid lose to Champions League Bangalore for this as well, not just the players. struggling Rayo. semi-final: Tottenham ACTION vs Hotspur vs Ajax TODAY’S Ferrari have to start delivering, says Hamilton

REUTERS team are pumping on all cyl- Ferrari are 74 points adrift of And then, switching from soft Ferrari are 74 points of the season. This has always LONDON indersnders and they (Ferrari) are notnot,”, Mercedes in the constructorsconstructors’ to mmedium tyres, the Monegasque adrift of Mercedes in the been a bit of a difficult race for hee added. “When, if, standingsstandings while Sebastian Vettel,Vettel, hithit the wall and it all went wrong. constructors’ standings me. Ferrari need to get their act theyhey start pumpipumpingngg third in the championship, isis Bottas seized pole instead and while Sebastian Vettel, “If both (their) cars delivered together, and fast, to prevent the onn all cycyl-l- 3535 behind Bottas.Bottas. ledled Hamilton to the flag in a race third in the championship, as we delivered, and their drivers Formula One championship indersnders anandd Up until the secondsecond shortsho on drama, with Vettel third is 35 behind Bottas. delivered as we delivered, I think becoming even more of a private starttart deliv-deliv- phase of SaturdaSaturdayy andand Leclerc fifth, taking the fastest it would have been a lot closer.” Mercedes battle than it already ering,ring, tthenhen qualifying,qualifying, it seemeseemedd lap as a consolation. Vettel, despite having won four looks. wwe’lle’ll have FerrariFerrari were on it. That continued a trend: At the titles in a row with a dominant The sport’s oldest, most suc- mmuchuch more CCharlesharles Leclerc led AustraliaAu season-opener, Ferrari the problem,” commented 1996 Red Bull between 2010-13, said cessful and glamorous team flat- off a fight.” every practice sessionsession arrivedarr as favourites after lighting world champion Damon Hill on it had all become a bit boring. tered to deceive again in Sun- andand seemed destined for upup the timing screens in testing. Sky Sports television. “So boring. It’s not just four day’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, hishis second pole posipositiontion NeitherNe driver ended up on the “Mercedes are so mature races. It has been four years, while Mercedes celebrated their in fourfour races.races. podium.po now, they don’t need to show more or less,” the German told fourth successive one-two finish. In Bahrain, there was more what they can do. They just know reporters. No season has ever started disappointmentdis when Leclerc led where they really stand and how “We are pushing as hard as with such a run. fromfro pole before his engine lost to use the cards in their hand.” we can. But you need to respect “We thought it would be a lot powerpow and he finished third, with Hamilton, with two wins and that they are doing phenome- closer... but we are delivering on fastestfas lap, and Vettel fifth. two second places but a point nally well and getting their cars a very, very high percentage,” China, where Ferrari had behind Bottas because of the most of the time in the right said five-times world champion lookedloo sure to use their straight- Finn’s fastest lap in Australia, sug- place. Lewis Hamilton (pictured), who linelin speed advantage to telling gested his performance had been “But I’m confident. I believe finished second to Finnish team effect,eff proved a similar letdown. below his best. in this team and I know we can mate Valtteri Bottas. “They (Ferrari) are very good “I just struggle here,” said the improve. I think we have a good “Both Valtteri and I are both ata proving they’ve got the pace Briton. car. We just haven’t managed yet delivering on the laps and the when it doesn’t count. That’s “This is not our strongest race to put it always where it belongs.”

Thiem on Warriors edge Rockets; Celtics the rise in down Bucks in NBA play-offs rankings AFP AFP NBA PLAY-OFFS Boston’s Horford led a solid PARIS WASHINGTON Celtics defensive effort that shut Kevin Durant (right) of the Golden Eastern Conference down Bucks star Giannis The top of the table of State Warriors drives to the basket Kevin Durant scored 35 points Boston 112 Milwaukee 90 Antetokounmpo. men’s tennis is unchanged to lead the defending champion (Boston leads series 1-0) “We came out and made a during the game against Houston but Dominic Thiem’s Golden State Warriors over Western Conference statement,” Irving said. Rockets on Sunday. extraordinary weekend

Houston 104-100 on Sunday Golden State 104 Houston 100 “We guarded Giannis really sees him on the rise in the

while Boston ripped Milwaukee tough. We stayed very physical latest rankings released (Golden State leads series 1-0) in the openers of their NBA with him. He’s so good around yesterday. second-round play-off the rim, that mid-range area, The Austrian thrashed matchups. At Milwaukee, Kyrie Irving we had to keep him out of Daniil Medvedev in Sun- Stephen Curry and Klay and Al Horford sparked the there. I think we did a great day’s Barcelona Open final Thompson, each playing despite Boston Celtics to a 112-90 job.” following his earlier dem- right ankle injuries, scored 18 victory. Irving had game highs Antetokounmpo led the olition job on Rafael Nadal and 13 points respectively while of 26 points and 11 assists while Bucks with 22 points and in the semis just three Andre Iguodala and Draymond Horford scored 20 points, grabbed eight rebounds, but weeks ahead of the French Green each added 14 as the War- grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked much of his production came late Open. riors jumped ahead in the best- three shots. when Milwaukee was already in Thiem remains in fifth of-seven Western Conference The Warriors had lost their a 20-point hole. place in the rankings but is play-off series. two prior play-off home games The Celtics, seeded fourth in closing in on Roger Federer James Harden led Houston to the Los Angeles Clippers the Eastern Conference against in fourth. Novak Djokovic with 35 points while Eric Gordon before escaping the first round, the club with the NBA’s best leads the rankings from added 27 and Chris Paul con- but hung on down the stretch to record at 60-22, shot 54 percent Nadal and third placed tributed 17 in a losing cause, the halt that unwanted streak. against the league’s toughest Alexander Zverev. Rockets hitting only 41.9 percent Curry sank a 3-pointer to defensive squad. Meanwhile, Petra from the floor. give the Warriors a five-point Boston unleashed a 32-9 run Kvitova of the Czech “We just made them shoot lead with 25 seconds remaining, in the third quarter, Horford Republic snatched world tough shots,” Durant said. “I but Harden answered with a scoring 11 in the spurt, to seize number two spot from think our defense won this dunk with lift the Rockets within an 86-65 lead. While the host Romanian rival Simona game.” 103-100 with 21 seconds Bucks made one unsuccessful Halep in the latest WTA remaining. run early in the fourth quarter, rankings. Stephen Curry and Klay Houston forced a turnover they never threatened to erase Thompson, each playing but Harden missed a 3-pointer that lead as they had done with ATP RANKINGS (TOP 10) and Paul got the rebound but a 15-point deficit in the first half. despite right ankle 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11160 pts injuries, scored 18 and then made a turnover and was “Just coming out playing ejected after a technical foul with very aggressive, playing poised, 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7765 13 points respectively four seconds remaining, Curry understanding they are very 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5770 while Andre Iguodala and sinking a free throw to create the tough to beat on their home 4. Roger Federer (SUI) 5590 Draymond Green each final victory margin. floor,” Irving said when asked ups and downs of the regular Boston’s varied defensive 5. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 5085 added 14 as the Warriors “Just getting more opportu- about the key to Boston’s season.” The Bucks, the NBA’s schemes.The Greek star’s team- 6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4115 jumped ahead in the nities,” Durant said of his per- success. third-best scoring club, shot only mates could not step up and 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 3780 best-of-seven Western formance. “We’ve got to win “It’s our preparation, our 34.8 percent for the game. offset his lost production when 8. Juan Martín Del Potro (ARG) 3225

every matchup. We’ll bring the focus and being there for one Antetokounmpo went asked by the Celtics, who 9. John Isner (USA) 3085 (+1)

Conference play-off series. focus again on Tuesday (for another. This is the time you 7-for-21 from the floor but was dropped two of 3 regular-season 10. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3030 game two).” show why you go through the denied inside position by meetings with Milwaukee. Lee clinches LA Open crown

AP Lee made a 15-foot birdie putt on the two strokes, but parred 16 and 17 and LOS ANGELES par-3 18th to finish at 14-under 270. She bogeyed the 18th for a 66. led the last three days, shooting 66-69-67 “This golf course is not easy, even Minjee Lee won the Hugel-Air Premia LA to take a one-stroke advantage over regular tournament,” Kim said. “The Open on Sunday at Wilshire Country Club Nanna Koerstz Madsen into the final greens are really fast. If I miss the wrong for her fifth LPGA Tour title, closing with round.(backslash) side, it’s tough to up-and-down. Even that, a 3-under 68 for a four-stroke victory. Lee won a year after tying for seventh I’m very satisfied with my playing. I’m Minjee Lee The 22-year-old Australian was pro- in the inaugural event. very happy with my score.” of Australia jected to jump from fourth to second in “It’s definitely a second-shot golf Lee easily held on after Kim’s rally poses for a the world ranking Monday after her fourth course,” Lee said. “I feel like my iron play stalled. photo with top-three finish in her last seven starts. is pretty solid and usually I can be “I was just going to carry on playing the winner’s “Coming in, the first half of the year accurate with them. I think it suits me and my own game,” Lee said. “I had a couple trophy on that I’ve had, I’ve been hitting it pretty my game. If my putter is running hot then birdie opportunities coming in, so I didn’t Sunday. solid and playing pretty solid,” Lee said. I have a good chance.” get rattled up or anything.” “I felt like it was close. I feel pretty Sei Young Kim was second. The South Annie Park (67) and Morgan Pressel good with this one.” Korean birdied Nos. 13-15 to pull within (68) tied for third at 9 under. 06 SPORT TUESDAY 30 APRIL 2019 Hales removed from World Cup squad

AFP Hales was included in LONDON the 15-man preliminary World Cup squad for the England batsman Alex Hales will tournament in England not feature at the World Cup and Wales but it emerged after being withdrawn from all last week that he had international squads following an off-field incident not related been sanctioned under to cricket, the England and Wales the ECB’s disciplinary Cricket Board said yesterday. policy for a second time. Hales was included in the 15-man preliminary World Cup squad for the tournament in director of England Men’s England and Wales but it In this file photo taken Cricket, said: “We have thought emerged last week that he had on October 4, 2018, long and hard about this been sanctioned under the ECB’s England’s Alex Hales decision. disciplinary policy for a second gestures during a “We have worked hard to time. practice session at create the right environment A report in the Guardian the P. Sara Oval Cricket around the England team and newspaper said the hard-hitting Stadium in Colombo. need to consider what is in the batsman was serving a ban from best interests of the team, to cricket for recreational drug ensure they are free from any use.A spokesman for Hales on distractions and able to focus on Friday confirmed the Notting- being successful on the pitch. hamshire batsman had been sus- “I want to make it clear this pended “following an off-field Hales’s latest misdemeanour stood down from this Friday’s is not the end of Alex’s career as incident last year”. comes just a few months after one-off one-day international an England player.” An ECB statement yesterday he was suspended and fined by against Ireland in Malahide, the Hales has played 11 Tests, 70 said: “Alex Hales has been with- the ECB for his part in a street upcoming limited-overs matches one-day internationals and 60 drawn from all England squads brawl in Bristol also involving against Pakistan and the World internationals but is West Indies Andre Russell ahead of the international in September 2017. Cup. now regarded as a white-ball celebrates after winning season.” The 30-year-old has been Ashley Giles, ECB managing specialist. their match in this March 31, 2016 file photo. Pacer Hasan’s Bangladesh dubious catch All-rounder Russell sparks debate tells fans to ease ‘hype’

AFP AFP gears up to shine for LONDON DHAKA Bangladesh team’s captain Mashrafe Bin West Indies at Cup Pakistan bowler Hasan Ali was Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza speaks during at the centre of controversy after Mortaza yesterday called on a press conference in KOLKATA he claimed a catch despite the country’s fans to douse Dhaka, yesterday. apparently dropping the ball in their expectations for the REUTERS their opening tour match against World Cup and avoid putting West Indies all-rounder Andre Kent. unwanted pressure on the Eye and hand The tourists comfortably team. Russell became only the beat the county side by 100 runs After Bangladesh’s second player to hit 50 sixes coordination. after amassing 358 for seven in appearance at the Champions in an Indian Premier League Balance and then their 50 overs on Saturday. Trophy semi-finals two years (IPL) season, matching the good bat speed Kent were 176-3 in reply in ago and the Asia Cup final last achievement of compatriot the 30th over when Alex Blake, year, national hopes of a Chris Gayle, in Kolkata Knight as well. I generate on 89, skied a return catch to winning streak at the World Riders’ 34-run win over a lot power from Ali, who was bowling. Cup have skyrocketed. on Sunday. the shoulders and Video footage emerged yes- But the 35-year-old A day before his 31st then the core. So terday showed the seamer captain called for calm ahead birthday, Russell smashed appeared to floor the catch. of the team’s departure for a eight sixes and six boundaries everything goes But Ali continued his cele- warm-up tournament in in his unbeaten 40-ball 80 to together: Andre bration as the ball lay on the Ireland, before the World Cup help fifth-placed Kolkata snap Russell ground and the batsman was starts on May 30 in England a six-game losing streak and not given a reprieve by the and Wales. keep their play-off hopes alive. umpire. “You are saying this is our Gayle smashed 59 sixes in have to make sure your body The laws of cricket state that best ever team, but that’s not the 2012 season before hitting is fit and strong. To play a catch is completed only when important,” said skipper or even reach the 51 the following year while awkward shots in those “a fielder obtains complete Mashrafe. semi-finals. playing for Royal Challengers moments when a bowler tries control over both the ball and “We went to the Asia Cup “If you ask the ex-players Bangalore and Russell listed to outsmart you with a wide his/her own movement”. with the same team but could and analysts they will tell you the attributes that have left slower ball... to hit the ball over The image of Pakistani We went to the Asia not win it. We played in the we are not among the him with a chance of bettering covers cleanly.” cricket was damaged by a spot- Cup with the same Champions Trophy semi-final, favourites. If we can do some- those figures. Russell’s blistering form fixing controversy that blighted we had the same team. So thing, people’s attitude towards “Eye and hand coordi- bodes well for the West Indies their England tour in 2010, with team but could not there is no need to create us will change.” nation. Balance and then good who have recalled the all- three players handed bans. win it. We played hype,” he pleaded. Bangladesh won 13 bat speed as well. I generate a rounder to their World Cup Meanwhile, Pakistan in the Champions “The best team does not one-day internationals last lot power from the shoulders squad for the May 30-July 14 announced yesterday that Trophy semi-final, always win,” added Mashrafe, year. Among the World Cup and then the core. So every- tournament in England and veteran batsman Shoaib Malik who said the players do not countries, only India and thing goes together,” man-of- Wales. has returned home to deal with we had the same need the “extra pressure on us” England did better. the-match Russell said during West Indies, champions in a personal issue but is expected team. So there is no and that he preferred to Bangladesh open their the post-match presentation 1975 and 1979, begin their to rejoin the team in 10 days’ need to create hype: believe in “luck”. World Cup campaign against ceremony. campaign on May 31 against time. Mashrafe Mortaza Mashrafe said there should South Africa at the Oval, “As an all-rounder, you Pakistan in Nottingham. be no public pressure to win London, on June 2. Wasim not discounting struggling Amir

AFP consideringring EnglishEnglish conconditionsditions ofof youthyouth andand experienceexperience.. matchesmatches against county teamste KARACHI where hehe pperformserforms well,” he “I“I am all for youthyouth before takingtaking on EnEnglandgland iinn the said. butbut experience hashas no five-matchfive-match ODI series ffromrom May Legendary paceman Wasim We can’t discount Wasimim went on to say thatthat substitute,substitute, so we 5. Akram (pictured) cautioned Amir hadad both yyouthouth and the shouldshould mix yyouthouth with The squadsquad will then kikickc off against discounting from the World experiencence ooff competingcompeting at tthehe experience,”experience,” saidsaid twotwo warm-up WorWorldld Cup ggamesa Amir ahead of next month’s Cup. Amir would have highest llevelsevels of the sport on his Wasim who guidedguided againstagainst AfghanistanAfghanistan on MayMa 24 World Cup, saying Pakistan’s been my first choice side, includingcluding internationainternationall AmirAmir duringduring thethe andand BangladeshBangladesh on MaMayy 26, pace spearhead would return to Tests andd EngEnglishlish cocountyunty criccricket.ket. PaPakistankistan SuperSuper beforebefore takingtaking on form following a disappointing for the World Cup “I amm confidentconfident thatthat hehe will LeaLeaguegue earlier thethe WestW string of performances at the considering English do well ooncence hhisis rrhythmhythm is bback,”ack,” thisthis year.year. IndiesIndies in crease. conditions where he said Wasim,asim, a veteran of five “He“He isis a theirtheir first The 27-year-old Amir was performs well: Wasim World Cupsups in 1987, 1992, 1996, good llearnerearner so WorldWorld Cup left off Pakistan’s preliminary 1999 andd 2003.2003. I hopehope tthingshings matchmatch in World Cup squad but has a Akram Pakistan’sistan’s preliminapreliminaryry willwill come ggoodood NottinghamNottingh chance to force his way back into World CCupup squasquadd is largelylargely forfor hhimim soonsoonerer onon May 31. the final 15 if he does well in the young bowler’s career after he final in June 2017 -- with just compriseded of yyoungoung plaplayers,yers, thanthan llaterater AllAll 1100 teteams five-match one-day interna- missed the tournament in both four in 14 matches. with onlyly a hhandfulandful ofof vet-vet- willwill pplaylay eaceachh oother tional series against England 2011 and 2015 due to an embar- However, Wasim said he still erans -- SSarfrazarfraz anandd Haris SoSohail,hail, in thethe ffirstirst sstage,t starting from May 8. rassing five-year ban over match believed Amir could stage a who playedayed in 2015, as well as with the totopp four All teams have until May 23 fixing. comeback. Shoaib MaMalik,lik, wwhoho playedplayed in plplayingaying the to change their World Cup Since returning to compe- “We can’t discount Amir 2007, andnd Mohammad Hafeez,Hafeez, because semi-finals.semi-finals. squads. tition, fast bowler Amir has from the World Cup,” said who tookok part in thethe 2007 andand PakistanPakistan teamteam needsneeds Missing the upcoming World fallen into a rut after guiding Wasim. 2011 tournaments.rnaments. him.”him.” Mohammad Amir Cup would likely serve as Pakistan in a dramatic win over “Amir would have been my Wasimsim added that bibigg PakistanPakakistan isis set to another crippling setback for the India in the Champions trophy first choice for the World Cup events aarere wwonon with with a mimixturexture play thrthreeee one-day one-day TUESDAY 30 APRIL 2019 SPORT 07

Gloves are off in free-for-all Qatar Motorsports Academy for Bottas and Hamilton in F1 celebrates successful season AFP BAKU THE PENINSULA DOHA Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff has confirmed that the victo- Qatar Motorsports Academy rious Valtteri Bottas and Lewis celebrated the End Season On Hamilton are free to fight for Road races this weekend at success without the restraints Losail Circuit Sports Club to of team orders, as they showed finish the season with a total of in their scrap to win the 44 children taking part in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. event. The pair battled wheel to During the weekend, the wheel on the opening lap on young riders that have been Sunday and were fighting hard training during the season, again in the closing stages when compete in the on road track in defending champion Hamilton different categories, 21 riders in put Bottas under pressure as Minimotard 70, 13 riders in they closed out an unprece- MiniGP 110 and 10 riders in The podium dented fourth consecutive Supermotard 125. winners at the season-opening one-two In the category of Mnimotard End Season On triumph. 70, there was a Final race with Road races pose In contrast to Ferrari, where the victories of the Italian rider for a picture with team orders have been used Andrea Giacchero, who com- officials at Losail frequently this season, Mer- pleted the 8 laps with a total time Circuit Sports cedes have handed responsi- of 7:05.512. Giacchero was fol- Club. bility to the drivers and not felt lowed by the Spanish rider Yunes any need to ask them to hold Mansilla and in third place positions. William Herschend from “We let them race,” said Denmark. in this category with a total time 110, there was also a Final race second and third place respec- Viñales. Qatar Minister of Wolff. The fastest riders of this cat- of 6:31.291. Second place was for with the podium of Adam Reda tively. The Superfinal of this cat- Culture and Sports H E Salah bin “They are experienced. egory, competed in the Super- the Australian rider Jim Niki- from Egypt , that complete the egory was won by the Qatari Ghanem Al Ali, Oman Minister They know that the racing must final race where the victory was topoulus and the Malaysian rider 12 laps with total time of rider Hamad Al Sahouti with a of Sports Affairs, H E Sheikh Saad be clean. Lap one was very clinched by the French rider Johann Ameer Zarfhan finished 8:28.732. total time of 7:57.181. Al Sahouti bin Mohammed bin Said Al clean -- and this is a track Nolaan Macary, who also won in third place. Spanish riders Bosco Gallego also won the Off Road race last Mardhouf Al Saadi and Abdul- where we mustn’t take crazy the Off Road Race last weekend In the category of MiniGP and Carlos Baquero finished in weekend. rahman Al Mannai, Qatar Motor risks because you could lose The second place was for and Motorcycle Federation Pres- both cars. Saad Al Harqan also from Qatar ident also posed with the “When we talk to them, it’s and the Swedish rider Alex winners. always open and everyone can Salome finished in third place. hear them, but then, obviously, There was only one race for you have the intercom too the Supermotard 125, the Super- which is only an internal line. final Race with the victory of the “But I was not talking to Spanish rider Angel Perez with the drivers. If I push the driver a time of 9.32:963 to compete the Young riders that button, I know it myself -- so 12 laps. have been training I am not giving myself per- Alan Mumo Kamau from during the season mission to talk to them Kenya finished in second place because I get emotional and and the German rider Patrick competed in the on then, sometimes, regret what Puerstinguer completed the road track in different I say.” podium. categories, 21 riders Instead, said Wolff, his pit- Trophies were presented by. in Minimotard 70, wall team hold a discussion Khalid Al Remaihi (LCSC Vice about their strategy and how Children taking part in the President and General Manager), 13 riders in MiniGP the race is unfolding. End Season On Road races Juan Baquero (LCSC CEO), Jose 110 and 10 riders in “We acknowledged that it at Losail Circuit Sports Club. Luis Cardoso (Head of QMA) and Supermotard 125. could get a little bit racy at the the MotoGP rider Maverick end, but we didn’t talk to them.” Star Vinales joins Qatar MotoGP Project

THE PENINSULA according to a press release. DOHA Qatar Motorsports Academy has already been working with the MotoGP Yamaha rider, Maverick young riders in the past few Vinales, one of the top comp- days during his stay in Doha. titors in the MotoGP Champi- “I really like working with onship, has joined hands with young riders,’’ Vinales said. Qatar MotoGP Project. ‘’I sponsor a junior team in Vinales will be collaborating the Spanish Championship,” the with Qatar Motorsports Spaniard said. Academy to support and help I have enjoyed my first development of Qatari riders, meeting with the kids of the

Vinales, poses for a picture with children, who are part of the Qatar Motorsports Academy, at the Losail International Circuit.

Academy. It’s great to see their ‘’Me being linked with the racing world. The commitment said: “We are delighted to enthusiasm and interest. And I Qatar Motorsports Academy will of the Losail Circuit Sports Club welcome Maverick to our have to say that I am surprised give it visibility, which will arise with MotoGP and two-wheel project. We are sure that his by the organizational structure curiosity about the project and sport in general is impressive.’’ commitment to the Academy Yamaha rider, Maverick Vinales poses for a picture with Khalid Al and facilities available to the about what is going on in that Khalid Al Remaihi, Losail will boost and motivate our Remaihi, Losail Circuit Sports Club Vice President and General kids attending the Academy,” he part of the planet, theoretically Circuit Sports Club Vice Pres- young riders and promote its Manager at the Losail International Circuit. added. so far away from the ‘normal’ ident and General Manager international exposure”. Angry Zidane apologises after Real Madrid lose to Rayo

AFP crowned champions. “Today we did nothing,” between them and Barcelona, what I did in the shape of the first priority from August but, MADRID Zidane took over knowing Zidane said. whose players had been dancing team, it didn’t work at all. We even with new signings and Madrid’s title challenge was “From minute one until the on the pitch at Camp Nou the must respect football and what fresh motivation, it could prove Zinedine Zidane apologised and all-but extinguished but the dif- end, at all levels. Sometimes you night before and posing for this club represents.” difficult to flick the switch. said he wished Real Madrid’s ference on Barca then was 12 cannot score but today we did photos with their children after Not since March 31 has Madrid’s winning habit has miserable season would end now points while catching Atletico not even create chances, did not wrapping up a fourth La Liga title anyone except Karim Benzema, long-been lost. after they were beaten by Madrid, now nine ahead, seemed play at all. in five years. out with a hamstring injury, Rayo’s last victory over Real 19th-placed Rayo Vallecano on achievable. “We must be very angry. I am Asked if he would like the scored for Madrid, who created at Vallecas was in 1997, by the Sunday. Adri Embarba’s penalty, angry, because the image we season to end now, Zidane said: precious few chances against a same scoreline, and this time Madrid’s response to Bar- given after consultation with gave off today was bad. I am “Yes, but we have to play these Rayo side that have conceded 62 they were without their top celona winning the title on Sat- VAR, was enough for Rayo, who responsible for this as well, not three games and do something goals this term. No side in the scorer too, Raul de Tomas, who urday night was to slip to a 1-0 move to within six points of sur- just the players. But we have to different. We cannot end like division has shipped more. is on loan from Madrid and defeat at Vallecas and fall 18 vival, with three games left to apologise for our performance this. Zidane said last week that ineligible to face his parent points behind La Liga’s newly- play. today, all of us.” The gap widens “It is about me as well, today the league would be the club’s club. SPORT Tuesday 30 April 2019 PAGE | 06 PAGE | 07 Wasim not Angry Zidane discounting apologises after struggling Real Madrid lose Amir to Rayo Qatari athletes eye success at Doha Diamond League Confident Abdalla targets more glory

FAWAD HUSSAIN event. The 22-year-old won a THE PENINSULA QATAR SQUAD gold medal for Qatar at the Asian Athletics Championships last Newly-crowned Asian champion 200m: Jaber Al week, and is looking forward to Abubaker Hayder Abdalla is Mamari, Owab Ba repeat his performance. hoping for another successful run “I set the world lead during this weekend as Qatari athletes the victory (last week, and I will 800m: Abubaker gear up for the season-opening look to maintain that lead, and meet of IAAF Diamond League in Hayder Abdalla, probably breaking the (1:44) Doha on May 3. Mubarak Rabi, Abdul- barrier,” Abdalla said while Hosts Qatar will field a total rahman Hassan, Jamal speaking to reporters at a press of 11 athletes, with Abdalla being Haraine conference held at Qatar Olympic their main hope to shine at the Committee headquarters, iconic Khalifa International 1,500m: Hamza yesterday. Stadium in absence of star 400m Driouch, Musab Adam, He said there was not much hurdler Abderrahman Samba and pressure of expectations on him double Olympic medalist high Muhanad Khamis in absence of the trio. jumper Mutaz Barshim. The inau- “I am not feeling any pressure gural leg will not feature the 3,000m SC: Yasser as in athletics you will have to events of the top Qatari duo. Bagharab compete and have fun. I will try With leading Qatari sprinter to do my best. I will try to win as Abdalelah Haroun also set to miss Discus Throw: Moaz back-to-back victories within the Friday’s competition due to Ibrahim few days will be great,” said the injury, Abdalla will spearhead the Qatari runner, who won bronze home team’s campaign in the in last year’s Asian Games and a gold medal at 2018 Asian Indoor Championships. Qatar Athletics Federation Secretary-General Mohamed Eisa Al Fadhala (centre) speaks during the Asked about his feelings after IAAF Diamond League press conference held at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters, yesterday winning a gold medal last week, PICS: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA Abdalla said: “It was a great feeling to win the gold medal. Being here in the home town, Abdulrahman Hassan will also “We are ready to stage the are looking forward to cele- winning the event with a personal participate in 800m race while Diamond League,” Al Fadhala brating this milestone with best and world lead was great. It in Haroun’s absence, Jaber Al told the press conference. another night of world class was a proud moment to raise the Mamari and Owab Ba will take “The Asian Athletics Cham- athletics. Qatari flag,” said the athlete part in 200m. Hamza Driouch, pionships was a success and we The IAAF Diamond League Another Qatari middle-dis- Musab Adam and Muhanad look forward to stage another came into being in 2010 and the tance runner, Jamal Haraine, who Khamis will feature in the 1,500m major event before the IAAF first ever Diamond League won bronze medal in the same race while Yasser Bagharab and World Championships later this meeting took place at the Qatar 800m race last week is also Moaz Ibrahim will look for a pos- year,” he added. Sports Club on May 14 . The DSL hoping to excel in the upcoming itive start to the season in 3,000m Abdullah Almarri, Doha has traditionally raised the competition. steeplechase and discus throw Diamond League (DDL) Head of curtain on the IAAF Diamond “I recorded my best time last competitions. marketing, and DDL Head of League series and it has been a week and now I am targeting Meanwhile, Qatar Athletics Media and Broadcasting, source of immense pride to the 1:45s in the Diamond League. I Federation Secretary-General Abdulhadi Alsahli also attended organisers that so many global am confident of doing that,” said Mohamed Eisa Al Fadhala said the press conference. champions choose to open their Qatari duo Abubaker Hayder Abdalla (left) and Jamal Haraine during Haraine. preparations have been made to This year DDL has its 10th outdoor seasons in the Qatari a press conference. Mubarak Rabi and host another successful event. anniversary and the organisers capital each year. No Madrid, no Ronaldo: Fresh feel Warner signs off for Champions League semi-finals in style helping

AP a seven-day rest. As for Tot- MANCHESTER tenham, manager Mauricio Sunrisers to win Pochettino played a close-to- There’s a fresh feel to the lineup full-strength team in a 1-0 defeat IANS good partnership going before for the Champions League semi- against West Ham in the Premier HYDERABAD debutant P Simran Singh (16) finals this season, even if it League on Saturday, with injuries joined hands with Rahul for a contains some of the most storied limiting his ability to rotate amid notched up his 53-run association, which was teams and recognized players in a grueling schedule of games eighth half century of the season too late in the end. It took a bril- Europe. every three or four days. Spurs to help liant catch from skipper Kane This time there’s no Real have yet to seal a top-four finish beat Kings XI Punjab by 45 runs Williamson to remove World Madrid, the three-time defending in the league, which guarantees in an Indian Premier League Cup bound Rahul off Khaleel champion and Europe’s dom- a return to the Champions (IPL) match at Rajiv Gandhi Ahmed (3/40) towards the end inant team of this generation. League next season. International Stadium here of a spectacular innings which There’s no Cristiano Ronaldo, BARCELONA-LIVERPOOL yesterday. lasted 95 minutes. the superstar forward who has The matches will see Luis Warner, who is the tourna- Courtesy the result, Sunrisers virtually made this competition Suarez and Philippe Coutinho ment’s highest scorer, smashed moved to 12 points from 12 his own in recent years. come up against Liverpool, a typically belligerent 81 off 56 matches while Kings XI remained And there’s no Juventus, where they were stars before balls. His innings was laced with on 10 points from 12 outings. Bayern Munich and Atletico joining Barcelona. seven fours and two sixes in his Earlier, Warner was Madrid - frequent last-four rep- Suarez played four seasons last game for Sunrisers as he has removed Ashwin in the 16th over resentatives of late. Barcelona forward in England before making the to leave for Australia to take part but the damage was already Instead, the survivors this Lionel Messi move to Spain in 2014, while in their World Cup preparations. done by then with Manish year in the biggest club compe- celebrates after Coutinho spent six seasons with The home team posted 212/6 Pandey (36; 25b; 3x4; 1x6), Wrid- tition in world soccer are a sur- Barcelona won Liverpool before a high-profile after being asked to bat first. dhiman Saha (28; 13b; 3x4; 1x6) prise package from England, a their 26th league and drawn-out transfer to the Chasing 213 for victory, KL and (20; 10b; blast from the past from the title at the Camp Spanish powerhouse last year. Rahul staged a lone battle for 2x6) contributing to the total. Netherlands, and two more aris- Nou stadium in While Suarez has thrived Kings XI with a brilliant 56-ball For the visitors, Ashwin tocrats of the European game Barcelona on with Barcelona after leaving Liv- 79 (4x4, 5x6) but other batsmen (2/30) was the pick of the looking to end lean spells in the Saturday. erpool, becoming the perfect foil failed to deliver around him as bowlers as Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Champions League - by their for Lionel Messi in attack, they limped to 167/8 in 20 overs. returning to the team, was taken lofty standards, anyway. Coutinho is yet to show the same Rahul and Mayank Agarwal for 66 runs in his four overs. One of the semi-final is just in the previous five years. That Ajax’s players had their feet form that made him a key player (27) shared a 60-run stand for Brief scores: Sunrisers as intriguing and features teams was in 2015, the year it won the up at the weekend after all fix- for the English club. The Brazil the second after Chris Hyderabad 212/6 (David Warner expected to get this far. title for the fifth time. tures in the Dutch top flight were playmaker hasn’t been a regular Gayle (4) departed early. 81; Manish Pandey 36; R Ashwin However, it remains some- TOTTENHAM-AJAX canceled in an effort to help the starter for Barcelona and has But once Agarwal holed out 2/30; Mohammed Shami 2/36) thing of a mystery as to why Bar- There has been a sharp con- team stay fresh for the semifinal. been jeered occasionally by parts to Vijay Shankar at cow corner beat Kings XI Punjab 167/8 in celona - led by Lionel Messi - has trast in the build-up to the game The Amsterdam club will go into of the crowd at Camp Nou off (3/21), Kings XI 20 overs (KL Rahul 79; Rashid only made it to the last four once for the two teams. the first leg today on the back of Stadium. did not have any Khan 3/21; Khaleel Ahmed 3/40).