SPORT MONDAY 8 MAY 2017 25 Sharapova sets up Djokovic looks for a big name after Bouchard match

Madrid parting ways with coach Vajda And the Canadian said she AFP would have "a bit more moti- vation" against her former idol Madrid toto take things with a rush." his brother and his spirit-spirit- slumped markedly since win- aria Sharapova (pic- Sharapova after registering a AFP AndyAndy Murray ousted the ual guru Pepe Imaz.Imaz. ning the French Open to tured) set up a first win on the WTA Tour since SerbSerb as worldworld numbernumber one "I aalsolso knknowow complete the career Grand Slam Mmouth-watering sec- January against Alize Cornet on ovak Djokovic (pictured) atat tthehe enendd ooff llastast season thatthat I'I'llll not stastayy 11 months ago. ond-round clash with Eugenie Saturday to set up the grudge hinted yesterday that he afterafter rehiring eight-eight- by myselfmyself His defence of the Austral- Bouchard at the Madrid Open match. "My tennis speaks for Nwill follow the trend of ttimeime GraGrandnd SlamSlam withoutwithout a ten-ten- ian Open ended in a shock after battling back from a set itself, and that's what I focus hiring a highly successful former championchampion Ivan Lendl, nis coach foforr second-round defeat to Denis down to beat Mirjana Lucic- on," said Sharapova, 30, whose player as his new coach, but says whilstwhilst another too long,"long," Istomin, whilst he failed to make Baroni 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 immediate return after her ban he will take his time to make the foformerrmer worworldld adaddedded thethe it beyond the quarter-finals of yesterday. has gone down badly with some right decision. numbernumber one, Car-Car- 12-time GrandGrand both the Indian Wells and Monte Bouchard called the Rus- of her fellow players. Djokovic parted with long- loslos Moya, has SlamSlam chamcham-- Carlo Masters series sian "a cheater" last week and "I love being quiet about it time coach Marian Vajda on joinedjoined Rafael Nad- pion, speakingspeaking tournaments. suggested she should have and letting everyone around Friday, having also ended a al'sal's coaching team in MMadrid.adrid. Djokovic admitted he doesn't been banned for life – rather speak or have the noise." three-year relationship with six- thisthis season. "I'm suresure know how long it will take him than 15 months – after testing Despite the controversy time Grand Slam champion Boris With barely two difficult pathspaths to find top form once more. positivep for meldonium at the surrounding the decision to Becker at the end of last season, wweekseeks until the lead to beautiful des-des- "In the last six months I 20152015 Aus-Aus- traliant ralian hand her a wildcard, Sharap- in a bid to get back to his bril- defencedefence of his French tinations, so I'mI'm haven't had too many great Open.Open. ova was given a warm reception liant best. OpenOpen begins, DjokoDjoko-- sticking with that."that." results. That's why, you know, by the sparse crowd on the "It's going to be someone vic,vic, 29,29, has been Djokovic'sDjokovic's I've felt like I needed some main Manolo Santana court in that has been through similar joinedjoined on formform hashas changes and I needed to the Spanish capital. experiences like I have," said the ttourour approach things maybe a little "There's kind of an eeriness world number two. bbyy bit differently, which is com- about the tournament," she "Not too many people in the pletely fine." added. "You know the VIP tents past of tennis have managed to Djokovic will begin life with- are full, but then the courts get to that stage and play at that out Vajda on Wednesday at the don't always get the spectators level, so I'll see. Madrid Masters in a match in from the beginning of the "I'm thinking slowly and against Tommy Robredo or match." thoroughly about it. I don't want Nicolas Almagro. India to take part in Champions Trophy

New Delhi "The BCCI unanimously former players opposing any Reuters decided that the Indian withdrawal. team will participate in the The four Supreme Court- ndia confirmed their par- upcoming ICC Champions appointed administrators (COA), ticipation in next month's Trophy. who currently supervise BCCI The BCCI Champions Trophy in Eng- "The all-India senior selec- operations, however, instructed unanimously land and Wales yesterday tion meeting will be held the board to ensure the team after initially delaying the tomorrow, May 8, in New Delhi continued their preparations to decided that the Iannouncement of their squad to pick the team." defend their title. Indian cricket over a revenue sharing disa- At last month's ICC meet- The COA stepped in to try greement with cricket's ings, the BCCI was outvoted 13-1 and end the dispute with the team will governing body. in its bid to halt the revised deal panel also meeting BCCI mem- participate in the The dispute intensified which considerably slashes bers on Saturday to remind upcoming ICC when India failed to submit a India's share from global events them that a confrontational squad for the one-day interna- in the 2015-23 cycle. approach would not be in the Champions tional tournament by an April Unimpressed by the $293m Indian fans in England will see the Men in Blues in action board's interests. Trophy. The all- 25 deadline after its cricket forecast, down from the $570m in June after the BCCI confirmed their team's participation "We wanted them to take a board (BCCI) was unable to stall it would have received under a at the ICC Champions League yesterday. middle ground and strive for a India senior a new income model being 2014 arrangement, the BCCI negotiated outcome with the selection meeting adopted by the International responded by refusing to name unanimous decision from the now we can all look forward to ICC," a COA source said. Cricket Council (ICC). a squad for the June 1-18 eight- BCCI special general meeting a superb event in England and "We are glad that we have will be held on "The Board unanimously team competition. this morning to confirm the par- Wales starting on June 1." achieved that and the team will May 8 (today) in authorised the acting honorary Acting BCCI secretary ticipation of defending The option to boycott the play in the Champions secretary of the BCCI to con- Amitabh Choudhary will now champions India in next month's event by revoking the Members Trophy." New Delhi to pick tinue negotiations with the ICC continue to negotiate with the Champions Trophy," the ICC Participation Agreement (MPA) The top eight sides in the the team: BCCI in the best interest of the BCCI world governing body to get a said in a statement. between the ICC and the BCCI world rankings compete in the while keeping its legal options bigger share of ICC revenues "The hundreds of millions had been gaining traction within Champions Trophy with India open," the BCCI said after a spe- during the next eight-year cycle. of cricket fans around the world the board prior to yesterday's winning the last edition back in cial general meeting. "The ICC welcomes the just want to see good cricket and meeting despite a number of 2013. Durant propels Warriors past Jazz NHL: Capitals outwit

Los Angeles Penguins to stay alive AFP Washington and was looking at reduced ice evin Durant scored 38 AFP time if he was unable to turn points and the Golden his fortunes around. KState Warriors withstood lex Ovechkin answered Ovechkin responded with a determined Utah effort to his critics as the Wash- a superb individual effort to down the Jazz 102-91 on Satur- Aington Capitals scored score the Capitals' fourth goal day to take a commanding 3-0 two third period goals just 27 at 7:47 of the third to round out lead in their NBA play-off series. seconds apart to beat the Pitts- the scoring. He goal came just The Warriors will try to close burgh Penguins 4-2 in game 27 seconds after Kuznetsov out the best-of-seven Western five of their NHL play-off series scored to make it 3-2 and give Conference second-round series on Saturday. the Capitals their first lead of in game four on Monday in Salt Ovechkin and fellow Rus- the contest. Lake City. sian Evgeny Kuznetsov scored Ovechkin cut across the top The Jazz had hoped a return back to back to cap a three goal of the left faceoff circle and his to their home floor on Saturday third period rally and cut the initial shot was blocked by Ron would spark a resurgence, and Penguins lead in the Eastern Hainsey. Ovechkin collected the it briefly looked as if it had. Conference second round series loose puck and then beat Can- Although the Warriors got to 3-2. ada's Fleury high to the glove off to another fast start, leading Andre Burakovsky and side. Ovechkin now has two by 10 after the first quarter, the Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (right) celebrates with team-mate Stephen Curry Sweden's Nicklas Backstrom goals and five points in the Jazz, fueled by a standout per- after scoring against the Utah Jazz during the third quarter in game three of their second also scored for the Capitals, series. formance from French center round of the 2017 NBA Play-offs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday. who had been outscored in the The Penguins pulled their Rudy Gobert, responded. series despite peppering Pen- goalie for the extra attacker They seized the lead for the as Stephen Curry connected on four minutes, Curry warming up exchange, with Durant called for guins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury with over two minutes remain- first time in the series when they just six of 20 shots en route to 23 late to contribute to the surge a flagrant foul and a technical. with more shots. ing in the third but were unable went up 48-47 in the second points and Klay Thompson made with a three-pointer that made Gobert, however, missed both Fleury stopped 28 shots on to get even one past Holtby. period, and led 50-49 at just one basket in scoring 6 points. it 89-84. free throws. Saturday for Pittsburgh who got Elsewhere, Kyle Turris halftime. Trailing 75-74 early in the On the next possession Gobert finished the night goals from Carl Hagelin, of scored at 6:28 of overtime to The hosts stretched their fourth, the Warriors launched a Durant came off a screen and with 21 points and 15 rebounds Sweden, and American Phil give the Ottawa Senators a 5-4 lead to as many as nine in the 10-4 scoring run to regain a lead drained a pull-up three over for the Jazz, who were led by Kessel. Questions also sur- come-from-behind victory over third quarter before the Warri- they wouldn't relinquish. Gobert to make it 92-84. Gordon Hayward's 29 points but rounded Ovechkin heading into New York Rangers and a 3-2 ors reasserted themselves. The Warriors out-scored the Not long after, Durant and still find themselves one defeat game five as the Russian lead in their Eastern Conference Durant did the heavy lifting Jazz by nine points in the final Gobert were involved in a testy away from elimination. dynamo struggled in game four second round series. 26 SPORT MONDAY 8 MAY 2017

Real reserves Arsenal sink United thrash Granada; Barca's 'MSN' 2-0; Liverpool held hit 100 mark Madrid London Unbeaten run ends goalkeeper David de Gea. If AFP AFP that was a fortuitous way to Goals from Xhaka take the lead, Arsenal had no lvaro Morata and James rsenal are back in the and Welbeck help need to apologise for their Rodriguez scored twice hunt to qualify for Gunners to end superb second goal three min- Aas a much-changed the Champions utes later. Real Madrid moved to within United's 25-game Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka celebrates with team-mate League after Arsene unbeaten run. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain three victories of winning La Wenger finally got whipped over a teasing cross Nacho Monreal after scoring the opening goal of the English Liga with a 4-0 demolition of theA better of Jose Mourinho in a and when United defender Chris Premier League match against Manchester United at the Tony Adams's already-rele- 2-0 win over Manchester three games left. With Mourinho Smalling misjudged the flight of Emirates Stadium in London, yesterday. gated Granada. United, while Liverpool were prioritising the Europa League the ball, former United forward Earlier, Neymar, Lionel held to a 0-0 draw by South- semi-final second leg against Welbeck was perfectly placed Messi and Luis Suarez were ampton yesterday. Celta Vigo in midweek, United, to bury his header past De Gea all on target to take their Wenger had failed to win who hold a 1-0 first leg lead, for just his second league goal AFC Congress kicks combined tally for the season any of his previous 14 compet- fielded a much-changed side in this season. to 102 as Barcelona kept pace itive clashes against Mourinho north London. Infamously labelled "a at the top with a 4-1 win over dating back to 2004, with his United can qualify for the voyeur" and "a specialist in fail- off in Bahrain today Villarreal. only victory over his old rival Champions League by winning ure" by Mourinho in the past, Barca remain top thanks coming in the 2015 Community the Europa League and they may this was a sweet moment for to their superior head-to- Shield when the Portuguese well need to do exactly that after Wenger, but it won't mean much Manama, Bahrain The candidates who will con- head record with the two coach was in charge of surrendering their 25-match unless Arsenal find a way to The Peninsula test the one female seat are: locked on 84 points, but Real Chelsea. unbeaten run in the Premier catch City. Moya Dodd (Australia), Mahfuza have three games remaining The Gunners boss brought League. At Anfield, Liverpool's James he four seats available to the Akhter Kiron (Bangladesh), Han to the Catalans' two. an end to that frustrating streak The Gunners' only route Milner saw his penalty saved by Asian Football Confedera- Un Gyong (DPR Korea) and Susan Real coach Zinedine at just the right time as goals back into Europe's elite club Fraser Forster as his side wasted Ttion (AFC) on the FIFA Shalabi Molano (Palestine) Zidane continued his rotation from Granit Xhaka and Danny competition is via a top four fin- a chance to bolster their Cham- Council will be decided today at In accordance with the FIFA policy of recent weeks with Welbeck improved Arsenal's ish, so it wasn't surprising that pions League bid. the 27th AFC Congress 2017 in Governance Regulations, the nine changes from the side chances of salvaging a troubled they played with more hunger It was Milner's first missed Manama, Bahrain. elections will be monitored by that beat Atletico Madrid 3-0 season by finishing in the top than United. penalty since November Three male candidates will members appointed by the FIFA in the first leg of their Cham- four. Even so, they still needed a 2009, when he was playing stand for the three available Governance Committee. Mukul pions League semi-final on Sixth placed Arsenal are stroke of luck to open the scor- for Aston Villa against Bolton, places while four candidates will Mudgal, Deputy Chairman of the Tuesday as hat-trick hero now six points behind fourth ing in the 54th minute. and it summed up the feeling stand for the one female mem- Governance Committee, and fel- Cristiano Ronaldo was left out placed Manchester City with Xhaka blasted a long-range that this would not be Liver- ber seat. low member have been appointed of the squad entirely. four games to play, while Pep strike that slammed into the pool's day. The candidates for the three to ensure transparency and However, it mattered lit- Guardiola's side have only back of United midfielder Liverpool's second half pen- FIFA Council seats are: Zhang Jian fairness. tle as Real maintained their three matches remaining. Ander Herrera, looping high in alty arrived when Jack Stephens (China PR),Chung Mong Gyu The number of AFC Member perfect La Liga record in nine Fifth placed United remain the air before dropping into the elbowed away the ball inside the (Korea Republic), Mariano V. Associations entitled to vote in games without Ronaldo this four points behind City with net just out of the reach of area. Araneta Jr. (Philippines) both elections is 44. season. "For a coach it is the best possible news," said Zidane. "It means that everyone is involved, in good physical Conte tells Chelsea to go for the kill condition, every time they get a chance to play they do well. I can only be satisfied with London That would cap an incredible have been heralded as the turn- a concept, I don't have to keep that." AFP revival of Chelsea's fortunes under ing point in Chelsea's season as the players happy. We must Barely two minutes had Conte's astute leadership. When Conte switched to his preferred win," Conte said. gone when Lucas Vazquez got ntonio Conte is on the the former Italy and Juventus boss three-man defensive system and "You speak about 'happy'. I in behind the Granada verge of winning the Pre- arrived at Stamford Bridge last the Blues immediately reeled off speak about 'to win' and to work defence and squared for Rod- Amier League in his first July he faced the tricky task of 13 consecutive league wins. very hard."Players are not riguez to tap home the season at Chelsea and the uniting a squad split into feuding But, just as significantly, always happy to work very hard. opener. uncompromising Italian has cliques following Jose Mourinho's Conte persuaded his players to But I think my target is to put in The Colombian then pow- challenged his players to now go sacking the previous season. buy into his belief that the foun- the mind of my players a win- ered home a header from in for the kill. Against that acrimonious dations for success are laid on ning mentality. Fabio Coentrao's cross just Buoyed by second-placed backdrop it was something of a the training pitch, where focus "It's very difficult to keep 20 nine minutes later. Tottenham's 1-0 defeat West gamble by Chelsea owner on tactical discipline, patterns players happy. I want players Adams made a substitu- Ham on Friday, Conte's side host Roman Abramovich to hire a of play and supreme physical fit- ready to fight and to try to put tion after just 16 minutes as Middlesbrough on Monday manager with no experience of ness have all been rewarded. themselves in the team, to try to Uche Agbo replaced Aly knowing they need six points the Premier League. Ensuring that powerful win together. Malle, but it couldn't prevent from their last four games to be At first Conte seemed unsure dressing room voices like John "Then, if you are happy or the one-way traffic. crowned champions. how he would tame a team of Terry, Diego Costa and Cesc Fab- unhappy, I don't care." "Real Madrid are at A title race that looked set to prickly and fragile egos and the regas weren't granted special Having won Serie A five another level to us, they've go down to the wire now seems alarm bells were ringing when treatment also won over play- times with Juventus, Conte got some fantastic players but certain to be a lengthy corona- Abramovich felt compelled to ers who felt undervalued during knows how to insulate his play- we gave it to them too easily tion party for Chelsea, who can make a visit to Chelsea's train- Mourinho's turbulent reign. ers from the pressures of the title in the first-half," said Adams. clinch the trophy with a victory ing ground following successive Conte this week gave a battle and it would be a major Morata blasted home at West Bromwich Albion next defeats against Liverpool and glimpse of the steely streak he surprise if they surrender their Danilo's low cross then bul- Friday, providing they defeat Arsenal in September. has imposed on his players so four-point lead over Chelsea manager Antonio lied Martin Hongla out of the Middlesbrough first. Those chastening results impressively. "I like to underline Tottenham. Conte. way to fire home his 20th goal of the season. Vazquez then hit the bar and Casemiro somehow shot over with the goal at his mercy as Madrid's dominance Monaco take step closer to French title of the first 45 minutes left some Granada fans in tears. Real had mercy on the Paris matches." This might have been the Bastia area and the ball hav- hosts after the break, but now AFP an awkward trip for Monaco, ing gone out for a throw, visiting just need seven points from three days before they try to goalkeeper Jean-Louis Leca their last three games against layer of the year nominee overturn a 2-0 deficit in the sec- went to check on the PSG mid- Sevilla, Celta Vigo and Malaga Bernardo Silva was on tar- ond leg of their Champions fielder. However, the hosts took to seal a first La Liga title in Pget as Monaco eased to a League semi-final against the throw quickly and Verratti five years. 3-0 win at Nancy on Saturday to Juventus. smashed a shot into the net from Barca maintained the leave them on the brink of a first But Jardim has repeatedly the edge of the area, catching out pressure on the European French title since 2000. stated that beating PSG to take Leca. champions with all of their Monaco had seen nearest the domestic crown is the main The goalkeeper ran to pro- front three on top form challengers Paris Saint-Germain objective and almost all his main test to the referee but was against Villarreal. trounce bottom club Bastia 5-0 players started, although Tie- booked for his troubles. Neymar took advantage earlier, but they responded in moue Bakayoko and teen The game did not come to of a blocked shot from Messi style with a comfortable victory sensation Kylian Mbappe life again until the last 20 min- to prod home the opener at the Stade Marcel-Picot. dropped to the bench. utes, with Goncalo Guedes from close range after 21 min- They are three points clear Valere Germain came in and setting up Cavani to make it 3-0 utes. However, Villarreal of defending champions PSG at he latter created the third- before the Uruguayan had a pen- striker Cedric Bakambu con- the Ligue 1 summit, with a game minute opener, his cross from alty saved. tinued his brilliant form to in hand and a superior goal wide on the right taking a deflec- Good work by substitute Gio- bring the visitors levels just 11 difference. tion off Tobias Badila that caught vani Lo Celso allowed minutes later when he Nancy's defender Tobias Badila (right) vies for the ball with That means one win from out goalkeeper Guy Roland Ndy Marquinhos to get the fourth, streaked clear of Gerard their remaining three games will Assembe at his near post. Monaco forward Valere Germain during the French Ligue 1 and after Lo Celso hit the bar Pique before slotting home likely suffice for Leonardo Silva doubled their lead five match at Marcel Picot stadium in Tomblaine, eastern France with a volley, Cavani scored his seventh goal in six games. Jardim's side to take the trophy minutes from half-time, head- last week. again.It was Cavani's 33rd league Barca got a slice of luck to to the Mediterranean principal- ing in a Thomas Lemar cross at goal of a superb season, and his regain the lead just before the ity for the eighth time and first the end of a breakaway. Mbappe came on as a late bottom club Bastia. Lucas Moura 47th in 47 games in all competi- break as Messi's effort from in 17 years. It was a seventh league goal substitute and set up Lemar to smashed a shot off the wood- tions. "We still have the the edge of the area deflected "With this victory we are a of the season for the Portuguese make it 3-0 with four minutes work and then opened the opportunity to catch Monaco. It beyond Andres Fernandez for little closer to our objective but winger, nominated for France's remaining, as Monaco made it scoring just after the half-hour is difficult but as long as the pos- the Argentine's 50th goal of nothing is done, it's not finished," player of the year award along nine straight league wins. mark, before the controversial sibility is there we will keep the season and to bring up a said Jardim. with PSG's Marco Verratti and Earlier, a hotly contested moment when the hosts went going," said coach Unai Emery, combined 100 for he, Suarez "We need to maintain this Edinson Cavani and Lyon's Alex- Verratti goal helped PSG to a 2-0 up. who said Verratti was not at fault and Neymar for the attitude in our last three andre Lacazette. comfortable 5-0 win over With Blaise Matuidi down in at the disputed goal. campaign. MONDAY 8 MAY 2017 SPORT 27

Alvarez wins QTCC: Al Khelaifi, Al Khalaf share honours unanimous

The Peninsula with Saadon Al Kuwari. decision “Started on pole but was bdullah Al Khelaifi and fourth in the middle of the race against Chavez Mahmoud Al Khalaf due to brake issues. I tried to Ashare honours in the catch up to the rest and passed Los Angeles Qatar Touring Car Champion- to cars to finish second,” said Al AFP ship (QTCC) fifth round at the Khalaf. Losail International Circuit. Al Kuwari, who started last aul "Canelo" Alvarez In the first race, Abdullah in the grid managed to be sec- cruised to a unanimous didn’t start from the front of the ond in the fourth lap, but he had Sdecision over Julio grid but he managed to take the some mechanical problem and Chavez Jr. in a 12-round mis- lead in the first lap and stayed lost his second position. match on Saturday then in front during the whole race. “To start from the last posi- announced in the ring that his He crossed the checkered flag tion in the grid was very hard next fight would be against with a total time of 25:07.198. for me as I had to make my way Gennady Golovkin. “Was a great race. Started to reach the second position. I After crushing Chavez, the in second place and managed had some problem in the sec- World Boxing Organization to get a good launch to pass ond gear and I lost the second light middleweight champ Mahmoud and from there I position for Mahmoud and I am said he is set to face middle- pushed hard to create a gap and happy that finally I managed to Abdullah Al Khelaifi, Mahmoud Al Khalaf and Saadon Al Kuwari, the podium winners at weight champ Golovkin on controlled the race till the end,” finish third,” said Saadon. fifth round of the Qatar Touring Car Championship celebrate on the podium at the Losail September 16. said Al Khelaifi. In the second race, with the International Circuit on Saturday. "Golovkin, you are next, Mahmoud Al Khalaf, who reverse grid, Al Khalaf claimed my friend. Where are you? It's started on pole position as he victory. The leader Al Khelaifi Motor and Motorcycle Federa- The sixth and last round of and Mishal Al Naimi shared the on," Alvarez said before was the fastest driver in the free finished second Al Kuwari third. tion President and Khalid Al the championship will be held victories in the fifth round of the bringing Golovkin into the practice finished in second Trophies were presented by Remaihi, LCSC Vice President on May 19 and 20. Qatar Superstock 600 T-Mobile Arena ring with place and had a strong battle Abdulrahman Al Mannai, Qatar and General Manager. Meanwhile, Saeed Al Sulati championship. him. Golovkin didn't have to travel far to make the announcement as he watched Alvarez's fight from ringside in Las Vegas. Birdies help Reed "Congratulations," he told Pedrosa leads from Alvarez. "I feel excited to be part of this big drama show." grab PGA lead With his win over Chavez, Alvarez claimed Mexican bragging rights on Cinco de start to finish in Jerez Washington PGA WELLS FARGO Mayo weekend. AFP "I showed I can move, box Leading scores after Saturday's third round of and do all those things against Jerez, Spain merican Patrick Reed the PGA Wells Fargo Championship at the a fighter who was bigger," Reuters closed with back-to- Eagle Point Golf Club in Wilmington, North Alvarez said. "He wouldn't back birdies to seize a Carolina (USA unless noted): throw punches." A 208 - Patrick Reed 70-71-67 onda's Dani Pedrosa one-stroke lead over Spain's The 26-year-old Alvarez 209 - Alex Noren (SWE) 67-73-69, Jon Rahm led from start to fin- Jon Rahm and Sweden's Alex used Chavez for target prac- (ESP) 69-71-69 ish to win his home Noren after Saturday's third tice, landing jabs, hooks and 210 - Noh Seung-Yul (KOR) 69-74-67, Brian Spanish Grand Prix round of the PGA Wells Fargo Harman 71-69-70, Vaughn Taylor 71-69-70, combinations at will as he yesterday while Ital- Championship. Francesco Molinari (ITA) 66-72-72 won every round of the 164- Hian great Valentino Rossi clung Reed, seeking his sixth pound (75 kg) fight on all 211 - An Byeong-Hun (KOR) 72-70-69, Zac on to the overall MotoGP lead career PGA Tour crown, sank a Blair 72-70-69, Kevin Tway 72-70-69, Pat three judges' scorecards. after finishing a distant 10th for four-foot birdie putt at the Perez 72-69-70, Nick Taylor (CAN) 71-69-71, Chavez, who has a four Yamaha. par-4 17th and tapped-in for Billy Hurley 70-69-72 inch (10 cm) height advan- The victory, a one-two for the birdie at the par-5 18th after just 212 - Phil Mickelson 71-72-69, David Ling- tage, was booed during and works Honda team who had missing a 30-foot eagle putt to merth (SWE) 72-70-70, Graeme McDowell after the fight by the Vegas reigning champion Marc Marquez fire a five-under par 67. (NIR) 71-71-70, Morgan Hoffman 70-71-71, crowd. finish 6.136 seconds behind, was That left 15th-ranked Reed Dustin Johnson 70-75-67 Alvarez treated the lop- Pedrosa's first on Spanish soil on eight-under par 208 after 72 213 - Chez Reavie 72-71-70, Brian Gay 70- sided bout as if it were a since the 31-year-old won at Winner Repsol Honda Team's holes at Eagle Point Golf Club 72-71, Zach Johnson 71-73-69, Mark Ander- sparring session, even stand- Jerez in 2013. rider Dani Pedrosa (right) SPANISH GP RESULTS in Wilmington, North Carolina son 70-72-71, Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) 70- ing between rounds for the It was also his first in MotoGP -- a one-year host for the event entire fight. congratulates team-mate and MotoGP 72-71, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (ESP) since San Marino last September 1. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 45min while its usual course, Quail 75-70-68, Smylie Kaufman 70-71-72, Shane "I never sit down during second placed Repsol Honda

and continued his streak of win- 26.827sec, 2. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) at Hollow in Charlotte, readies for Lowry (IRL) 75-70-68, Rafa Cabrera Bello sparring and it is not neces-

Team rider Marc Marquez ning a race in every season he 6.136sec, 3. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) the PGA Championship in (ESP) 69-71-73, John Peterson 70-69-74 sary there and it wasn't has been in the top flight since during the podium ceremony 14.767, 4. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) August. necessary here. I told my cor- 2006. of the Spanish Red Bull Grand 17.601, 5. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) "(I've got to) just keep play- ner I wouldn't sit down until Jorge Lorenzo took third Prix Moto GP race at Jerez 22.913, 6. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) ing the way I've been playing, the Masters with a lower back it was necessary," Alvarez place, the triple MotoGP cham- de la Frontera race track, 24.556, 7. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) keep things rolling on the injury, was in a pack sharing said. pion's first podium for Ducati yesterday. 24.959, 8. Jonas Folger (GER/Tech3) 27.721, greens pretty good and make 14th on 212 that also included He landed 228 punches to since his move from Yamaha, 9. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Ducati) 31.233, 10. some putts," said Reed, who has five-time major winner Phil just 71 for Chavez and an completing a Spanish sweep of winner in four races, had started Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 38.682 only one top-10 effort this year. Mickelson. incredible 31 percent of his the podium places in motorcy- on pole for the first time since World championship riders' standings Rahm and Noren each fired "It has been very tough con- jabs connected as he had his cling's 3,000th world 2015 and pulled away at the start MotoGP 69s to stand on 209, one stroke ditions the past two days," way with former champion championship grand prix. but it was not a comfortable 1. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 62 points, 2. in front of Americans Brian Noren said. "If it's the same Chavez, who has largely Rossi's lead was cut to two afternoon for the little Catalan. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 60, 3. Marc Harman and Vaughn Taylor tomorrow it's going to be a very made his career off the name points over Spanish team mate "It was an extremely hard Marquez (ESP/Honda) 58, 4. Dani Pedrosa and South Korean Noh Seung- open field." of his famous boxing cham- Maverick Vinales, who finished race to be calm," he said after his (ESP/Honda) 52, 5. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/ Yul, whose 67 matched the The day began with 68 pion father Julio Cesar Chavez sixth in the race, with the 30th MotoGP win. "I wanted to Ducati) 41, 6. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha day's low round with Reed and players finishing their second Sr. Tech3) 35, 7. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda LCR) 38-year-old Italian now on 62 go faster but maybe the track top-ranked Dustin Johnson. rounds after a three-hour delay Alvarez improved to 29, 8. Jonas Folger (GER/Yamaha Tech3) 29,

after four races. Vinales has 60, conditions were not there and the Reigning US Open cham- Friday due to heavy overnight 49-1-1 with his only loss com-

9. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) 28, 10. Danilo Marquez 58 and Pedrosa 52. feeling in some corners I was pion Johnson, playing his first rains left matters unsettled ing against Floyd Mayweather Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) 26 Pedrosa, the third different about to crash. event since withdrawing from when darkness fell. in 2013. Narine, Lynn star in KKR's resounding win

Bengaluru 4x6) and Lynn (50; 22b 5x4 4x6) depart, top edging a Aniket on Sunday evening. IANS in just 6.1 overs at a run rate of Choudhary delivery which wick- Chasing a challenging target 17.02. etkeeper Kedar Jadhav collected of 190 runs, Gujarat romped hris Lynn and Sunil Nar- Narine registered the fastest safely. home with two deliveries to ine's big hitting helped half-century in the IPL, reach- Lynn was castled by Pawan spare. CKolkata Knight Riders ing the 50-run-mark in just 15 Negi (2/21) who also accounted Gujarat now have eight (KKR) sweep aside out-of-sorts balls. for the of Colin de Grand- points from 12 matches, while Royal Challengers Bangalore KKR are now second in the homme (31; 28b 1x4 2x6) while Punjab remain on 10 points from (RCB) by six in a rain- points table with 16 points from sent Gamb- 11 matches. interrupted Indian Premier 12 outings. They play Kings XI hir (14; 16b; 0x4 0x6) back in the Dwayne Smith played a star- League (IPL) match at the M. Punjab in Mohali before ending hut. Yusuf Pathan (0 ) and ring role for Gujarat, smashing Chinnaswamy Stadium here the league engagements at home (4 not out) saw 74 runs off a mere 39 deliveries, yesterday. against already-qualified Mum- the out the win for the men in hitting eight boundaries and four It was a surprise when Nar- bai Indians. purple. towering sixes along the way. ine came out to open the batting The morning showed the day Earlier, Travis Head's pyro- Brief Scores with the fit-again Lynn instead as far as KKR's chase was con- technics towards the end of the Kolkata Knight Riders: 158 of in-form skipper Gautam cerned with Lynn -- back from innings helped Royal Challeng- for 4 (Sunil Narine 54, Chris Gambhir but the West Indian a shoulder injury -- smoking ers Bangalore erase a top order Lynn 50) beat Royal Challeng- who has been doing the job at Aniket Choudhary for two fours collapse to post 158/6 in 20 overs ers Bangalore: 158 for 6 (Head the top of the order for KKR this and a six on the trot. Mandeep Singh (52) also 75*, Mandeep Singh 52, Umesh season vindicated the team Sreenath Aravind was taken played well to graft the innings. Yadav 2-36) by six wickets. management's faith in him. for 26 runs in one over as the In the second match, Gujarat Gujarat Lions: 192 for 4 in Pursuing RCB's 158 for 4, maverick pair took the game Lions rode on some powerful 19.4 overs (Dwayne Smith 74) Kings XI Punjab batsman Hashim Amla plays a shot during KKR romped home with 159 for away from RCB in the Power- batting to defeat Kings XI Pun- beat Kings XI Punjab: 189 for 3 4 in 15.1 overs riding on a 105- play itself. jab by six wickets in their Indian in 20 overs (Hashim Amla 104, the IPL match against Gujarat Lions at the Punjab run stand by Narine (54; 17b 6x4 Narine was the first to Premier League (IPL) match here Shaun Marsh 58). Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, yesterday. SPORT Monday 8 May 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Djokovic looks for a bibigg Coach Conte tellss Pedrosa leads name after partingg wawaysys Chelsea to go from start to with coach Vajda for the kill finish in Jerez Al Rayyan eye Al Hilal scalp to enter ACL last 16

Fawad Hussain The Peninsula QFA forms U-23 ichael Laudrup’s Al Rayyan are hoping to bounce League and brings back at the AFC Champions MLeague as they take on Al Hilal in their last group match, tar- back Division II geting a win over the Saudi Arabian side to cement their place in the last 16 stage at their The Peninsula to field uptoo two playersplayers who home turf today . play in thee senior squadsquad in Al Rayyan, who suffered a he Qatar Football Associ- every match.h. 5-1 shock defeat to Al Wahda in ation (QFA) has issued Next seasonason will also witwit-- their previous game, will T new directives for the ness the returnturn of the secondsecond Al Rayyan's South advance to the knock-out stage development of second tier of division leagueague in its old forfor-- Korean midfielder if they overcome Al Hilal at the football, announcing a new mat; each clubub in the leagueleague can Koh Myong Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in league for the 2017-18 register upp to 26 players, Jin in action Doha. The victory will also season. including threehree foreigners, one during a practice ensure them top finish in the According to details, the Asian playerayer and one session on the group D. existing Qatargas League will resident. Al Rayyan coach Michael eve of their Al Hilal, who are currently be scrapped and a new league Black cardard holdinholdingg plaplayersyers leading the group, have already Laudrup speaks during a competition for U-23 teams will are allowedd in the league with AFC Champions confirmed their place in the pre- press conference . be launched in the 2017-18 two playerss for each club. league match quarter-finals with two wins season. The neww set-upset-up has been against Al Hilal. and three draws. In the previ- them,” Laudrup said at a pre- The teams in the new U-23 devised to devedeveloplop youtyouthhf foot-oot- ous game between the two sides, match press conference, hoping set up will have rosters of 23 ball that could provide an Al Hilal edged out Al Rayyan 2-1 for a repeat performance from players, including three resid- improved player-base for the AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: TODAY'S FIXTURES on their home soil in his ranks like they exhibited in ing in Qatar, teams are entitled Qatar national teams. February. Riyadh. GROUP C Laudrup admitted that his “We will have a strong Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) vs Zobahan FC (IRN) team was facing a tough chal- chance of winning (against Al team will play in a lax way. This uncertain,” he replied to a At Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha. (18:40) lenge against Al Hilal as the Hilal) even if we match the per- team wants to end the group query. Al Ain (UAE) vs FC Bunyodkor (UZB) Saudis will be looking to seal top formance of our last game stage in first place given the If Al Rayyan manage a draw At Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain. (19:40) spot in the group. against them,” he said. importance of qualifying at the against Al Hilal today, they "We will face the best Asian The Dane rejected the top of the group,” he said. would still have a chance to GROUP D club (today) and it’s going to be notion that Al Hilal will not put He informed team’s sea- enter the last 16 stage, should Al Rayyan SC (QAT) vs Al Hilal SFC (KSA) a tough challenge. But we played much effort in the game as they soned campaigner Sergio Garcia Persepolis fail to defeat Al At Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha. (18.25) well against them (in the previ- have already advanced in the was unlikely to play the crucial Wahda in the simultaneous Persepolis FC (IRN) vs Al Wahda (UAE) ous game) and showed the team tournament. clash. Group D fixture between the At Azadi Stadium, Tehran. (19.55) has the potential of beating “I do not think the Saudi "Garcia’s availability is still pair. Qatari shooting star Aisha eyes Games glory

RizwanRizwan Rehmat Qatari shooter Aisha Al Suwaidi poses for A: I tried other sports when I was A: Yeah, everyone in my family The PePeninsula a photograph with her rifle. The 19-year- young. But somehow when I tried my supports me. Their support is so val- hand at shooting, it just felt better. I uable to me. They want me to do well old believes reaching the 2020 Olympic or 19-year-old Qatari rifle found that this is one sport that comes in shooting and they also want me Games and competing against the best is shootersho Aisha Al Suwaidi, reach- I just don't want to be naturally to me. I just like this sport. to do well in my studies. a 'realistic' goal. Finging the 2020 Olympic Games the best in Qatar. Q: How many shooting girls are Q: Do you think you have anda competing against the best going to Baku with you? inspired other young girls to take is a 'realistic' goal. I want to be the best A: There are three shooters up this sport? "Yes, why not? I have in the world (smiles). including myself. We are a good A: Yes, shooting is on the rise. enoughen time do it. Three years group of shooters. We are looking for- Young girls are showing interest. If to gog before the Olympics Games I know this requires ward to our departure for the Games. you see somebody young in shoot- and I feel I can be there in Tokyo," hard work and I am I think we are flying out on the 10th ing, they will tell you they also want AishaAisha saids in an interview with The of this month. to move ahead. I feel that I inspire PeninsulaPeninsu . willing to go the extra Q: Do you aspire to be the best them. "I hahave done well over the years. mile. I can do it: Aisha woman shooter in the country? Q: Have you met Nasser Saleh I hhaveave beenb competing internation- A: Yes, you could say that. But I Al Attiyah? ally for six years now. I have done just don't want to be the best in Qatar. A: I have met him. But I haven't extremelyextreme well in regional shooting I want to be the best in the world had the chance to talk to him about competitions.compet Recently, I won the (smiles). I know this requires hard shooting. I know he won a bronze Emir CCupu Championships. I also won work and I am willing to go the extra medal at the London Olympics in a gogoldld aat an event held in Al Ain," the Q: What are your expectations mile. I can do it. I have won events 2012. And that's my target too - to affable youngstery added. for the shooting competition at around the region. I have done well win an Olympic medal. Hopefully I "If"If I do my best at top events, I can Baku Games? at the GCC shooting events as well. I can be there at the 2020 Olympic gogo aheadahea and realize my dreams. I A: Yes, I am confident I can win a have done well in home events as Games in Tokyo. knowknow thisth requires hard work and I medal (smiles). I am looking for the well. I have also featured at the inter- Q: How many hours do you am readyread to do the hard work," she gold. I need to do my best. I hope I national events. train every week? ssaidaid confidently.con can do my best. Frankly speaking any Q: What about your studies? A: Well, there are days off from ExcerptsExc from a Q&A session medal would be good. A: I finished high school recently. shooting but when I am at the range, withwith Suwaidi.Su Q: How long have been prepar- I haven't started my college yet. (Cur- I shoot for two to three hours per Q: CanC you talk to us about your ing for the Baku Games? rently) I am concentrating on my session. preparationprepara for the Baku Games? A: Actually we are always in bat- shooting. But soon I would be decid- Q: Do you think you have A: WeW have been preparing for a tle-ready mode. We are mentally ing on my studies when I am free enough time to qualify for the longlong wwhileh at our shooting range. We prepared. from my next assignment. I would like Tokyo Games? havehave tatakenk part in a number of events Q: What are you future goals? to continue my studies. It is not that A: Actually the time is enough in tthehe rregione as well. I was at an event A: I want to compete at the Olym- difficult because our shooting time is to do well and reach the Games. I in thethe UUAE recently. I featured in the pics and the World Championships. different from our study time. I could just need to do my best. I am at the Emir CupCu shooting championships I am preparing myself for those two easily manage to give both subjects right age. I started when I was 13. I justjust llastast month. Other than that, we big events. These are the competi- my time. Whenever I had exams, I have already been doing this for six have beenbe practicing every day. We tions that excite me. would stop shooting. years. It's good. I started at the per- feelfeel thattha we are in the right shape Q: How did you get into Q: Does your family support fect age. It is better to start when andand I hohope we can do well. shooting? you? you are 11.