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FOCUS Olympic points on the line at gymnastics World Cup in Doha ‘I want to qualify for the Olympics and I will try all possible options. Since I don’t have a team, it’s a little bit easier for me’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha Filipino teenager Yulo back at the scene of his greatest success ith Olympic berths available at the Ar- tistic Gymnastics Individual Appa- Wratus World Cup, the Doha leg of the series will see some high stakes competition. The four- day event, hosted by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) for the 12th consecutive year, will begin today at the Aspire Dome, with fi rst two days reserved for qualifi cations before two days of fi nals conclude the action. With 2020 Tokyo Games a lit- tle more than a year away, gym- nasts are in a race to book their spots through the World Cup se- arlos Yulo will return Japanese coach Munehiro ries, which will run until March to World Cup action Kugimiya in Tokyo for two 2020. Points will be awarded ac- Cthis week in Doha, the years, under a scheme sup- cording to placement on each in- scene of the finest moment ported by the Filipino and Jap- dividual apparatus and Olympic in the teenage Filipino star’s anese Gymnastics Associations berths will be distributed based blossoming career in Artistic and Olympic Committees, the on these totals. Gymnastics. International Gymnastics Fed- Qatar hosted a hugely suc- The 19-year-old was one of eration and the International cessful World Championship last the breakout names of 2018, Olympic Committee’s ‘Olympic October and some of the leading winning his country’s first Solidarity’ programme. names from that meet will be world championship medal – a It was not easy for a 17-year-old back to show their pyrotechnics bronze in the Floor exercise to leave his family and home at the World Cup. A total of 128 – in the Qatari capital. He comforts behind, but Yulo has male and 60 female gymnasts followed that up with a bronze adapted and prospered. “Now from 57 countries will be in ac- and then a gold in the first two I feel more at home here,” he tion with World horizontal bar events of the 2018-2020 FIG In- said. “The people are kind. I am champion Epke Zonderland of dividual Apparatus World Cup studying the language, but it the Netherlands one of the big- Qatar will field three gymnasts – Ahmed al-Dayani, Ahmed Mosa and Raslan Saoud – at the Artistic Gymnastics Individual Apparatus World Cup, series, in Cottbus, Germnay is hard.” gest draws. which begins today at the Aspire Dome. PICTURES: Thajudeen and Melbourne. The Doha World Cup event Unlike other gymnasts, He missed the third World Cup starts today and Kugimiya said Zonderland will be under less event in Baku, Azerbaijan, last the circuit is playing a key role pressure in Doha, with the Lon- week as he was recovering from in preparing Yulo for their tar- don 2012 Olympic gold medallist a chest injury, and so is happy to get of an Olympic medal next in touching distance of qualify- get back to action in Doha. “A lot year – although he stresses ing for the Olympics. A gymnast, of things happened (at the world that Yulo may be even better if he or she wins three of the eight championships in Doha), there for the 2024 Games in Paris. World Cup series, qualifi es for were a lot of ups and downs, but “The World Cup gives him the Olympics. And Zonderland the good thing is I learned a lot greater awareness and con- has already won two events in of things I didn’t know before, fidence,” the coach said. “It Cottbus, the end of last year and mainly from my mistakes,” Yulo shows him what his strengths last week at Baku and if he reigns said. are so we can make a training supreme again in Doha this week, “It was unimaginable (to win plan. Each competition makes he would have already punched a medal), I really didn’t expect him grow, whether he has his ticket to Tokyo. that. I was so happy to get one. success or makes mistakes. “After my victory in Cottbus - The reason for my success was We just discuss things and try at the end of last year - and now my training because I trained our best every day in training Baku, my Olympic qualifi cation a lot. Repeating, repeating, and go to competitions to win. goal is almost achieved. I also repeating, every day.” We have a target for the 2020 fi nished second in Melbourne An added incentive for the Olympics of a medal, but his last month. You receive 30 points gymnasts on the Individual best age will be 24. So now I per win. Out of the maximum Apparatus World Cup circuit must think about his body and number of 90 points, I now have this year is that, for the first mind, his education, to make a 85 in my pocket. After Baku, the time, the series is off ering the plan and follow it.” pressure is off me now and that’s chance of direct qualification Despite living abroad, Yulo’s nice. I have taken a giant step to- for the Olympic Games. While success has made him well wards the Tokyo Games,” he said. Yulo hopes to qualify for the known in his home country, The Dutch however is not tak- All-around event at the Tokyo although he insists he still ing his success for granted. “Of 2020 Games through the “feels just the same, I feel course there is always the possi- 2019 World Championships in normal”. But he knows an bility that someone else gets the Stuttgart in October, he knows Olympic medal would take him same number of points. In that his World Cup scores provide to another level. case, the highest score achieved an important back-up. “I want to win the first one (for in an apparatus counts so that “I’m trying not to think about the Philippines),” Yulo said. “It means that I will go for a high the Olympics too much but would be a super big achieve- score during the World Cup in A gymnasts trains at the Aspire Dome yesterday. hoping that I can compete ment. I would be a hero. It’s Doha. This time I will not com- there,” he said. “I’m not expect- possible, but I have to train a pete against my competitors, Jingyuan, winner of the men’s will return to Doha in pursuit of her ticipated in eight Olympic Games Al-Dayani and Mosa have experi- ing much (from the World Cup lot. My coach will help me, we but for myself. It gives me a good parallel bars at the 2017 Worlds eighth appearance at the Games. since 1992. ence of competing at the World in Doha) but I am aiming for all help each other.” feeling that I can now go for my and the 2018 Asian Games in Ja- The 43-year-old Uzbek took silver Jade Carey will be the in-form Cup events while Saoud will make a good performance and a Always looking at the big- best exercise,” added Zonder- karta, is hoping to warm up for in Baku to lead the overall rankings gymnast on fl oor exercise and his senior debut at his home turf. medal.” ger picture, Kugimiya sees land, who completed his medical the Tokyo Olympics by winning after three events. vault. The American won both “We are hoping for a good Yulo has plenty of reason to Olympic success as a chance training to become a doctor ear- World Cup events along the way. “I want to qualify for the Ol- the events in Baku and she will performance from our athletes get excited about the prospect to inspire the next generation lier this year. Romania’s 38-year-old Mar- ympics and I will try all possi- look to cap off another good week as they have trained well for of competing at the Olympic of Filipino gymnasts. “It would Other prominent names who ian Dragulescu will also be back ble options. Since I don’t have at Aspire Dome. Known for her this important competition,” Games in Tokyo. Firstly, he has have a big meaning for the Fili- have confi rmed their partici- to compete with a younger gen- a team, it’s a little bit easier for incredible skill on the uneven said QGF president Ali al-Hit- a good chance of winning his pino people and Filipino sports pation in Doha includes world eration of athletes. Ferhat Ari- me to qualify compared to gym- bars, Belgian gymnast Nina Der- mi. “Raslan Saoud is a talented country’s first Olympic medal (if Carlos won an Olympic champions Xiao Ruoteng and can, who became the fi rst Turk- nasts from other countries. I wael will be showcasing her tal- gymnast from Aspire and we are in Gymnastics – something medal),” said Kugimiya. “He is Zou Jingyuan of China. Ruoteng ish male gymnast after 108 years can qualify both through the ent which clinched her gold at happy to see him featuring in his he admits would make him “a a role model for Gymnastics in had beaten Great Britain’s de- to compete at an Olympics at Rio World Championships and the the World Championship. fi rst senior competition. We are hero” at home – and secondly the Philippines. We hope that fending champion Max Whit- 2016, will also hope to pick up a World Cups,” said Chusovitina. Meanwhile, hosts Qatar will thankful to Aspire, which is mak- the Japanese capital is his small boys will want to be like lock in the tie-breaker to win the medal on parallel bar. If Chusovitina gets to compete in fi eld three men’s gymnasts – ing huge contribution in promo- adopted home. him, to have such dreams.” men’s pommel horse gold at the Among the women, seven-time Tokyo, she will become the only Ahmed al-Dayani, Ahmed Mosa tion of gymnastics in the coun- Yulo has been training under (fig-gymnastics.com) World Championships. Olympian Oksana Chusovitina athlete in the world to have par- and Raslan Saoud – in the event. try,” he added. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 20, 2019 SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS Qatar participates in Bring on the World Arab boxing in Sudan QNA ria, Tunisia, Libya, Palestine and Khartoum Syria will participate in the Arab Boxing Championships, organ- ised by Sudan. he Qatari national boxing The fi rst edition of the cham- team started its partici- pionships in 2018 was won by the pation on Tuesday in the Algerian national team. Cup, we fear no one: Arab Boxing Champion- In his speech at the opening Tships held in Khartoum, which will ceremony, Arab Boxing Federa- continue until Saturday. tion President Yousuf Ali al-Ka- Qatari boxer Thulasi Tharu- zim stressed that the Arab sports malingam was able to secure an meetings are not only aimed easy victory in the preliminary at achieving victories, but also stages when he defeated his op- aimed in bringing Arab youth ponent from Libya in the fi rst together and that their competi- Afghanistan’s Khan round of the 69kg category. tions is in an atmosphere of love Qatar boxing team coach Juan and aff ection. Carlos Gonzalez praised Tharu- Al-Kazim also announced that Confidence is on an all-time high for the team after winning a Test against Ireland malingam’s performance and his the fi rst Arab boxing tourna- readiness for the tournament. ment for girls will be organised AFP ‘I DON’T PRESSURE MYSELF’ Gonzalez also expects Tharuma- during this year, while praising Dehradun Khan says the key to his success lingam’s teammate, Mohamed the eff orts exerted by the Suda- is that he focuses only on prac- al-Banai, to secure a win in the nese Boxing Association with the tising and playing despite bear- tournament. support of the Sudanese Olym- railblazing bowler ing the huge expectation that he For the second time in a row, pic Committee and the Ministry Rashid Khan said Af- will take wickets every time he the seven teams of Qatar, Alge- of Youth and Sports. ghanistan will fear no bowls. one when the World “I don’t put that pressure TCup starts in May after a maiden on myself. I keep trying to en- REPORT Test win enhanced the reputa- joy myself. Enjoy my bowling tion of the rising cricket nation. whether I take wickets or not,” Khan, who is one of the he said. world’s leading bowlers in “I focus on doing the right short-form cricket, said Af- things and bowl well. I don’t fo- All-rounder Sajjad ghanistan’s confi dence was cus on the result but focus on my growing after beating Ireland on hard work.” Monday in just their second Test Khan, who is a big fan of Paki- excels for Warriors match. stan all-round great Shahid Af- The 20-year-old leg-spinner, ridi, said it was tough learning to who tops the world Twenty20 play cricket in a country ravaged in Qatar Airways bowling rankings and lies third by war for decades. in the 50-over standings, took While many of the Afghani- fi ve for 82 as Afghanistan beat stan’s players learnt the game in their fellow Test newcomers in refugee camps across the border cricket tourney Dehradun. in Pakistan, Khan played with Before an expected starring his seven brothers to hone his By Sports Reporter role for Sunrisers Hyderabad skills. Doha when the 2019 Indian Premier “It was tough because of League (IPL) begins at the week- the lack of facilities. No good end, Khan said Afghanistan’s grounds and equipment. But we ll-rounder Tamoor cricketers now need only to be- “The only thing is to believe googly. “It really helps to improve still enjoyed our cricket,” said Sajjad hit a blazing lieve in themselves. in your skills. Just to be relaxed “The IPL gives you lot of mo- your skills working with dif- Khan with a smile. century in Warriors “We have the talent and we in big matches and enjoy your tivation. Once you play in these ferent coaches and players,” he “We never put it in our mind Club’s 75-run rout of have the skills,” he told AFP in game,” he said. leagues, it gives you confi dence said. “Pick their thoughts and that we don’t have facilities or TuskerA Club in a Premier Divi- an interview. “And that’s how we should be playing with big players,” said experience and that really helps stuff like that and tried to focus sion match of the annual Qatar At last year’s Asia Cup, Af- in the World Cup.” Khan, who cost Hyderabad you improve your game.” on our game. Airways Cricket Tournament at ghanistan made a breakthrough War-torn Afghanistan only $597,000 in 2017 and took 21 Khan, one of 12 siblings, “My brothers used to watch the West Bay Grounds on Friday. by topping their group in the gained one-day international wickets for them last year. learnt his cricket with a tennis and play cricket and that’s how Sajjad was in an aggressive 50-over competition ahead of (ODI) status in 2009 and Test “And then you perform there ball in the remote and humble I became a big fan of the game.” mood when Warriors Club were established Test nations Bang- status in 2017, but their recent on fl at wickets like the IPL and province of Nangarhar before Afghanistan lost their debut asked to set the target. In his 114- 78 balls, were the principal scor- ladesh and Sri Lanka. rise has coincided with Khan’s that gives you a kind of satisfac- making his international debut Test to top-ranked India inside ball knock, he blasted six huge ers for Royal Stars. emergence as a world-class tion and confi dence that I can against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. two days in 2018, but came back sixes and seven boundaries to When Al Feroz Youngsters ‘BELIEVE IN YOUR SKILLS’ spinner. deliver when I am in the national The world took notice when a much-improved side against compile 131. Imraz Ali made 64 launched the chase, Basharat and “How we played in the Asia He made his ODI debut in side.” he became the fastest bowler to Ireland a year later. off 103 balls with three bounda- Khalid troubled them and shared Cup was totally diff erent and 2015 as a 17-year-old and credits Khan has travelled the world 100 ODI wickets, completing “The win against Ireland will ries. Praveeth Kumar chipped in six wickets. However Haris we showed that we can beat any fast-paced Twenty20 tourna- to take part in Twenty20 leagues the milestone in 44 games, eight help motivate our fi rst-class with 24 not out in 19, including played with patience in his 49 side,” said Khan, whose side even ments such as the IPL for de- including Australia’s Big Bash, fewer than Australia’s Mitch- cricketers,” Khan said. “Peo- three fours, as Warriors put 287 with a six and two fours, steer- tied a match with heavyweights veloping his bowling repertoire, the Caribbean Premier League ell Starc. He now has 123 in 57 ple will start loving Tests rather runs on the board. ing his team to the target. Bilal India in the last-four stage. which includes a mesmerising and the Pakistan Super League. matches. than Twenty20s and ODIs.” Zainuddin and Mudassar smashed eight fours to get 36 in shared six wickets but conceded 30 balls, while providing much- plenty of runs. needed boost to their reply. Owais, Sajjad and Praveeth ex- Qatar Airways is the offi cial Smith and Warner can fi re Australia to World Cup glory: Warne ploited the conditions well and airline sponsor of the annual Qa- triggered a Tusker Club collapse tar Cricket Tournament. As the Reuters the pair to play the final two Cup squad.” at 212 in 43.1 overs. While Ow- country’s national carrier, Qatar Bengaluru one-day internationals of the World champions Australia ais led with four wickets, Sajjad Airways continues to play a vi- five-match series against Paki- picked up a 3-2 ODI series win and Praveeth shared four. Shakir tal role in enhancing the already stan, neither was included in the in India, gathering momentum waged a lone battle through his 75 fl ourishing sports activities in ustralia will welcome squad as they are both recover- in time for the May 30-July in 95 balls with four boundaries. Qatar and is a keen supporter for back Steve Smith (left) ing from recent elbow surgery. 14 World Cup in England and Nawaf added 24. Sajjad was duly developing the next generation Aand David Warner “I think Smith and Warner will Wales. awarded the man of the match of cricket players in Qatar. (right) with “open arms” when be accepted with open arms. “The way Australia are playing award for his stellar performance. their international bans expire They have done their time. at the moment, I wouldn’t write Haris turned in a crucial all- BRIEF SCORES and their inclusion will boost They are not bad people, they them off and I think they can round showing and set up a Warriors Club 287 for 6 in 48 the team’s chances of winning just made a bad mistake,” win the World Cup,” Warne fi ghting two-wicket victory for overs (Tamoor Sajjad 131, Imraz this year’s World Cup, former Warne, who claimed 708 wick- added. “They just beat India Al Feroz Youngsters against Roy- Rafi 64; Zainuddin 3 for 77, Mudas- leg-spinner Shane Warne has ets for Australia in 145 tests, in the T20 series and to chase al Stars in another Premier Divi- sar 3 for 75) beat Tusker Club said. told Sky Sports. 360 in India without Smith and sion match. Haris fi rst grabbed 212 all out in 43.1 overs (Shakir 71; Smith and Warner were sus- “When you have got that sort Warner is an ominous sign two wickets during Royal Star’s Owais 4 for 47, Tamoor Sajjaad 2 pended for 12 months for their dal in South Africa last year and at the end of the month. of class as a cricketer, they will for the rest of the World Cup paltry 168 all out in 44.4 overs. for 25, Praveeth Kumar 2 for 39) roles in a ball-tampering scan- can return to top-level cricket While the bans end in time for go straight back into the World competition.” Apart from Haris, Imran by 75 runs. Man of the match: Ashraf and Musawwar bowled Tamoor Sajjad (Warriors Club) splendidly and played a major Royal Stars 168 all out in role in restricting the opponents. 44.4 overs (Khawaja 48, Arvind 32; BOTTOMLINE Ashraf grabbed four scalps for 30 Imran Ashraf 4 for 30, Musaw- runs in nine overs and Musaw- war 3 for 21, Haris 2 wkts) lost to war picked three for 21 with two Al Feroz Youngsters 169 for 8 maiden overs. in 38.4 overs (Harish 49, Bilal 36; Ganguly downplays fatigue fears over IPL-WC double Khwaja, who cracked a six and Basharat 3 for 39, Khalid 3 for 29) fi ve fours in 48, and Arvind, who by two wickets. Man of the match: AFP made 32 with a six and a four in Haris (Al Feroz Youngsters) New Delhi BCCI releases group stage schedule

IANS Royal Challengers Bangalore SPOTLIGHT ourav Ganguly of- New Delhi (RCB) in Chennai in the IPL fered advice yesterday opener, which will begin on for cricketers worried March 23. the short turnaround he schedule of the group The schedule of this year’s Narine has worked on betweenS the Indian Premier stages of the 12th edition edition has been released in League and the World Cup could Tof the Indian Premier parts by the Board of Control leave them fatigued — just enjoy League (IPL) is out with all for Cricket in India (BCCI) in ‘hiding’ the ball: Crowe it while you can. eight teams playing seven view of the upcoming general The gruelling Twenty20 tour- home matches at their respec- elections that would be a stag- IANS slightly since last year in terms of nament starts Saturday and runs tive home venues. gered process in seven phases Kolkata hiding the ball,” Crowe said. fl at-out for nearly six weeks, The schedule is balanced in stretched across April and “We are working on him in leaving barely any breathing terms of afternoon matches/ May. terms of staying ahead of bats- room before the World Cup gets weekend matches and travel. Earlier, the BCCI announced unil Narine, Kolkata men. After IPL, we have plans for underway on May 30. The board has factored the the schedule of the first 17 Knight Riders’ key spin- next year with mystery ball, hiding Coaches and captains are pre- 2019 general elections dates matches that will be played ner, has worked on “hid- the ball. We are one step ahead of paring for star players to be re- in the respective states and during the two-week pe- ing” the ball from bats- them and are looking at new ways called from the IPL by their na- menS to keep the mystery despite to hide (the ball) and make sure Delhi Capitals special adviser Sourav Ganguly (right) speaks as cities, and clearance thereof. riod from March 23 to April 5 tional cricket boards for a rest in coach Ricky Ponting looks on during a press conference in New Delhi Defending champions Chennai across the eight home venues the scrutiny of his action, spin batsmen don’t pick up,” he said. the days before the game’s big- yesterday. (AFP) Super Kings (CSK) will take on of the respective franchises. bowling coach Carl Crowe said, Narine picked up 17 wickets gest spectacle gets underway in here yesterday. from 16 games last season, help- England and Wales. and when you are getting the Australian batting legend Crowe helped West Indies’ ing the Dinesh Karthik-led KKR But Ganguly, one of India’s opportunity at the international Ricky Ponting, who is coach- Delhi. You know, we’ll just continue Narine bounce back after being reach playoff s for the third time most successful former skippers level and the IPL level, these will ing the Capitals and has played “They are doing whatever to pick our best eleven players, suspended several times for sus- in a row. and special adviser to the Delhi not come back. in the IPL himself, said he was they can to look after their play- put them on the fi eld and try and pect action. Asked about bats- Crowe said despite Narine not Capitals IPL team, said those “So just fi nd a way to get rest, prepared for players to pull out ers, so I am sure at some stage win as many games as we can.” men reading his ‘mystery’ with featuring in the Pakistan Super fretting about timetables and get fresh... make the most of it.” before the tournament ends in as well, some of the Indian fast The Delhi franchise has strug- so much technology around, the League (PSL) this season due to fatigue should “just play”. Teams play 14 matches each in May. bowlers might be on some sort gled to make a mark in the com- 43-year old said since last year a fi nger injury, the 30-year-old “Yes, it is a lot of cricket, but just under six weeks during the “I can see it from a board’s of restrictions at the back end of petition, fi nishing at the bottom Narine changed his action and is off -spinner is in fine fettle. just play. You don’t play forever,” IPL, which has evolved into one point of view, that they want this tournament. of the table in the last edition. still working on it. “He is in good shape. He didn’t he told reporters in Delhi. of the world’s richest sporting to make sure they can put their “But at the end of the day, a They have never won the IPL al- “With so much analysis, we are play the PSL due to a fi nger in- “I have always said there is competitions and attracts for- best team on the park for the en- lot of that stuff , that’s out of our though they made it to the semis aware of that (the mystery be- jury. His performance has always a limited time to play the sport eign stars and coaches. tire World Cup,” Ponting said in hands, we can’t control that. in 2008 and 2009. ing solved). His action changed been of high quality.” Gulf Times Wednesday, March 20, 2019 3 SPORT

7th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show for Individual Owners

Connections pose with the trophy after Nasser Mohammed Mesfer al-Hajri’s Al Milan won the Stallions Championship in the 7th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show for Individual Owners at Al Shaqab Indoor Arena yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Connections pose with the trophy after Al Asayel Stud’s Fattam Al Nasser won the Mares Championship.

Connections pose with the trophy after Al Reeh Stud’s Amir Al Reeh won the Junior Colts Championship. Connections pose with the trophy after Saad Salem al-Hajri’s D Fala won the Junior Fillies Championship.

GOLF TENNIS Andreescu arrives with Masters champ unlikely Indian Wells triumph AFP Indian Wells, United States

ianca Andreescu’s vi- Reed set to defend sion became reality in the California desert, where the Canadian 18-year-old’sB Cinderella run to a fi rst WTA title put her among the elite of women’s tennis. “Crazy,” Andreescu herself fi rst major title called it, after gritty 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over three-time Grand Slam champion Angel- ‘The state of mind I’m in right now is better than it was last year’ ique Kerber made her the fi rst wild card to win the prestigious AFP Indian Wells WTA title. Washington “Bianca Andreescu just made history. Congratulations,” Ca- “It’s totally fi ne,” she said of searched for a fi rst title since nadian Prime Minister Justin the comparison. “It’s defi nitely she won Wimbledon last year, atrick Reed says he’s Trudeau tweeted shortly after an inspiration seeing her claim was up a break in the third mentally stronger with the landmark triumph. the trophy last year and win- set when Andreescu powered better shotmaking en- Andreescu is the tourna- ning Grand Slams right after through fatigue and cramping tering the Masters than ment’s youngest winner since that has been amazing to see. to seize the victory. Phe was last year when he won the Serena Williams in 1999 and But I don’t really want to focus It’s the kind of triumph An- green jacket, even if his results just the fourth unseeded player on the future right now. I just dreescu has pictured before, don’t show it. to lift the trophy after Williams, want to enjoy this moment be- in her daily practice of creative The 28-year-old American a returning Kim Clijsters in cause I don’t want to take any- visualisation which she uses to will defend his fi rst major title 2005 and Japan’s Naomi Osaka thing for granted. maintain her calm and focus. at next month’s 83rd Masters last year. “You never know what the But when the moment ar- tournament, but so far he hasn’t Reminded that Osaka’s next week brings,” added An- rived for real, she said, it was managed a top-10 showing since breakthrough 2018 win was dreescu, who now heads to “surreal”. sharing second in November at swiftly followed by two Grand Florida for the Miami Open this “I’ve watched all these play- Dubai. Slam titles and a rise to No. 1 in week, where she will be un- ers play on TV so many times, “It defi nitely would help,” the world, Andreescu was asked seeded. so it’s surreal to be able to play Reed said of a strong result dur- if she found that inspirational. Kerber, a former world against them in front of amaz- ing a Monday teleconference. “No pressure,” she said with number one who had slipped ing crowds at such prestigious “But honestly I feel like the state a smile. to eighth in the rankings as she tournaments.” of mind I’m in right now is better than it was last year at this point. “I’m doing things on the golf SPOTLIGHT course I feel more comfortable doing than last year. I just need to go out there and put four rounds together.” No trophy, no regrets as Reed, now 16th in the world rankings, reached Augusta Na- tional last year after sharing sec- Federer departs for Miami ond at the Valspar Championship and seventh at the Arnold Palmer AFP Invitational plus a share of ninth Indian Wells, United States at the WGC Match Play. This month, Reed shared 50th at the Palmer and 47th last week oger Federer de- at The Players Championship af- parted Indian Wells ter a fi nal-round 78. empty-handed for a “The preparations are going second straight year, really well. I feel like I’m in a bet- butR the Swiss great sees no rea- ter place than I was last year at son he can’t get back on track at this time,” Reed said. “The thing the Miami Masters. is to keep building on what we’ve “Sure, it’s frustrating and dis- been working on. appointing and sad to some ex- “Just being able to work the tent,” Federer said after falling ball both ways, consistently hit Patrick Reed of the United States plays a shot from a bunker on the sixth hole during the third round of The 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to Austrian Dominic golf shots and put myself in a Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on Saturday. (AFP) Thiem in Sunday’s fi nal. mind frame — that’s what you Thiem, 25, denied Federer a need to compete at majors.” es your body physically and tests feels like.” multiple,” Reed said. “It has just record sixth Indian Wells title “Whereas, when you’re hurt Potro in the fi nal at Indian Wells. Players winner Rory McIl- you mentally.” The last time Reed was on that given me motivation. It kind of and returned to his career-high and things are diffi cult, maybe The Miami event will also roy, top-ranked Dustin Johnson, Reed yearns for the Masters tee, last year’s fi nal round, he was picks me up.” of fourth in the world — bump- those hurt more. move to a new venue. world number two Justin Rose champion duties, having had unsettled. Reed says one key he has ing Federer down to fi fth going “I’m going to Miami. The “Now it’s totally diff erent,” and 14-time major winner Ti- his Champions Dinner menu set “I felt the butterfl ies going,” he learned from Augusta National is to the second leg of the “Sun- body is perfectly fi ne. That also Federer said of the tournament ger Woods are betting favorites since age 13 — ribeye steak, mac- said. “Once I got up to that iron that even the best players never shine Double” of Indian Wells always keeps me upbeat, and I moving from its longtime home ahead of the April 11-14 show- aroni and cheese with creamed shot, the nerves went away. I got stop learning around the famed and Miami. feel it’s a privilege when I feel on Key Biscayne to the Hard down at Augusta National. corn and spinach. myself in the right mind frame course, saying he would tell his But Federer, the 20-time this way leaving a tournament. Rock Stadium — home of the But Reed was unfancied last “I can’t wait to get back on after that one shot.” younger self to “hit more fair- Grand Slam winner who “I have been playing every NFL’s Miami Dolphins. year as well when he outduelled the property, walk around the ways and leave the ball below the claimed a remarkable 100th ca- single day for the last three A new stadium court inside the McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Rickie grounds and go into the cham- ALWAYS LEARN AT MASTERS hole.” reer title in Dubai last month, weeks. I can be very happy and actual stadium is the centrepiece Fowler to capture the title. pions locker room and look at all Reed says his best moment in the “You just learn new things can aff ord to take the defeat proud of that fact.” of the new venue, which also “One of the greatest tests in the names there,” Reed said. green jacket was being hugged by about the golf course year in and in stride — especially when As at Indian Wells, Federer features a secondary grandstand the game is playing in the Mas- “This year, having all the ex- his daughter minutes after the year out,” Reed said. “It’s like he’s playing well and feels his could meet fellow Swiss Stan court and two smaller show ters because you have to do eve- tra activities going on, I think it’s victory, and his least favourite every tournament you play but 37-year-old body is fully fi t. Wawrinka in the third round in courts and practice courts. “I’m rything almost perfectly,” Reed going to be a lot of fun. To experi- will be handing it back to Augus- more penalizing times 100. “It’s just not as dramatic,” he Miami. Federer is a three-time eager to fi nd out how it’s going to said. ence what it’s going to be like on ta National offi cials. “You just have to make sure said of falling to a player who winner at Miami, but he lost his be like. There are still a lot of open “Augusta doesn’t only chal- the fi rst tee as defending cham- “That’s going to give me moti- you’re really sharp in every part was “just a bit better when it second-round opener last year question marks. Right now I feel lenge your golf game, it challeng- pion, I can’t wait to see what that vation to try and repeat and win of your game.” mattered”. after falling to Juan Martin del really good,” Federer said. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 20, 2019 SPORT

OLYMPICS FOCUS Women’s sport needs more women Japan chief Takeda to tell the story, says Asher-Smith

Reuters Britain’s Sports Minister London Mims Davies told the event to quit as corruption that women’s sport repre- sented a huge opportunity for ritish sprinter Dina sponsors and businesses. Asher-Smith, a tri- “Equality is visibility. If you ple European gold see it, you think you can get medallist, would like there and you know it’s worth toB raise the profi le of female trying,” she added of the need athletes and believes the best to raise the profi le of women’s probe continues way of doing that is to have sport in the public conscious- more women telling the story. ness. England have been do- ‘I don’t believe I’ve done anything illegal. It pains me to have created such a fuss, The 23-year-old holds Brit- ing a good job at that already, ish records in the 100 and 200 with Davies speaking a day but I believe it is my responsibility to serve out the rest of my term’ metres, and won European after the Red Roses rugby team gold in those distances and the won the Six Nations with an 4x100m relay last year. 80-0 demolition of Scotland “I was very fortunate to be at Twickenham. able to go into track and fi eld That match was played in because I could see that as a front of a record crowd for woman I could make it to the a women’s rugby match of top, I could be in the Olym- 13,278. pics,” she told an Advertising The England women’s soc- Week Europe event. cer side this month won the “If you don’t see it, you’re SheBelieves Cup for the fi rst not aware that it’s there.” time, a tournament hosted by Her profi le in track and world champions the United fi eld is growing fast but Ash- States, with this year’s World er-Smith believes the male- Cup in France the next big tar- dominated sports media needs get for the Lionesses. fresh voices and a broader per- England’s Toni Duggan spective to tell stories that are scored for Barcelona in a 2-0 not being told. win at Atletico Madrid in a “I do think it could do with top-of-the-table LaLiga Iber- being more diverse,” she said. drola clash before a world “If you’ve only got one sec- record crowd for a women’s tion of the population doing club soccer match of 60,739 at that reporting, there is only the Wanda Metropolitano on ever going to be one vision or Sunday. one voice overall that comes The England netball team through. The lack of diversity are also on a high after win- shapes everything.” ning Commonwealth Games Asher-Smith has signed up gold last year and with a home as a columnist for The Daily World Cup looming in Liver- Telegraph, which announced pool in July. a new editorial initiative to Murray said investing in “transform the profi le of women’s performance in the women’s sport and its visibil- same way as the men, through ity in the media.” clubs or at national level, was The newspaper promised the key and the results were “unprecedented investment” coming through. in coverage of women’s sport “As soon as it’s watchable, by a British publisher, with fe- it’s marketable, it’s sponsor- male reporters and prominent able, it’s televisable and that columnists including Brit- generates bigger numbers who ish tennis coach Judy Murray, are inspired by watching it,” mother of Jamie and Andy. she said.

Japan’s Olympic Committee president Tsunekazu Takeda speaks to the press after a JOC board meeting in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters Tokyo he would step down and tion leaves a cloud hanging over “Details have not been made denied any wrongdoing, say- Tokyo not seek re-election. At a news both the national committee and clear yet, so we would like to re- ing that there was nothing im- conference later yesterday, the organisers of the Tokyo 2020 frain from making further com- proper with the contracts made Takeda said: “I don’t believe I’ve Games. ments.” between the committee and the done anything illegal.” “I feel very bad that I’m caus- Takeda serves on Tokyo 2020’s consultancy and that they were apanese Olympic When asked why he had not ing a disturbance to the public Executive Committee but it re- for legitimate work. Committee (JOC) chief resigned with immediate eff ect, like this ahead of next year’s mains unclear whether he would “I’d like to put my eff orts into Tsunekazu Takeda, who is Takeda said: “It pains me to have Games in Tokyo,” said Takeda. also be standing down from this proving my innocence,” added underJ investigation for suspected created such a fuss, but I believe “I thought about the JOC’s role. French investigators have Takeda yesterday, who will offi - Olympic hopeful swimmer To dies at 26 corruption, said yesterday he will it is my responsibility to serve future and I have come to a con- led a years-long probe into cor- cially step down when his presi- step down when his term ends in out the rest of my term.” clusion that it is most appropri- ruption in athletics and in early dency ends on June 27. Kenneth To, a record-break- He was also a member of the June and resign from the Interna- The International Olympic ate to pass the JOC onto younger 2016 extended their inquiry into Japanese media have reported ing Hong Kong-Australian Australian teams at the 2014 tional Olympic Committee. Committee (IOC) said it respect- leaders that will bear the next the bidding and voting processes that former Olympic judo cham- swimmer who had his sights Commonwealth Games that French prosecutors have ed Takeda’s decision. generation, letting them create for the hosting of the 2016 Rio de pion Yasuhiro Yamashita and Ja- on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, captured gold in the 4x100m questioned Takeda in Paris and “Our respect of this decision Japan’s new era through the To- Janeiro and the 2020 Tokyo Ol- pan Football Association Presi- died suddenly after a training freestyle and silver in the placed him under formal inves- is even greater because he took kyo Olympics.” ympic Games. dent Kozo Tashima, both JOC session in the United States, 4x100m medley. tigation in December for sus- this step to protect the Olympic “We are aware of JOC Presi- Multi-million dollar pay- Executive Board members, could off icials said yesterday. He World swimming governing pected corruption in Tokyo’s Movement while the presump- dent Takeda’s announcement ments made by the Tokyo bid be in line to take over. was 26. body FINA said in a statement successful bid to host the 2020 tion of innocence, on which the today that he will step down committee to a Singapore con- The IOC’s ethics commis- To, who holds 17 Hong Kong it learned with “immense Summer Games. Takeda, who IOC insists, continues to pre- from his position in June. We un- sulting company are under ex- sion has opened a fi le on Takeda, records and won a silver med- sadness” about To’s death and was president of the 2020 bid vail,” it added in a statement. derstand that President Takeda amination and Takeda is sus- who chairs the body’s marketing al as part of Australia’s 4x100 described him as a reference committee, said during a JOC Takeda had been head of the made his own decision,” Tokyo pected of paying bribes to secure commission. Takeda has been a metre medley relay squad and example for the youth in board of directors meeting in JOC since 2001 and his resigna- 2020 said in an email to Reuters. the winning bid. Takeda has member of the IOC since 2012. at the 2013 world champion- the territory. ships, was in the United States Australian swimmer James for a three-month training Magnussen posted a tribute SPOTLGIHT programme at the University to To on Instagram https:// of Florida. www.instagram.com/james. To, who was born in Hong magnussen/?hl=en saying: Kong and raised in Australia, “Shocking news to hear of died on Monday. The cause of the passing of my competitor death was not disclosed. but most of all, friend - @ken- Europe-based budding stars get “He felt unwell at a training nethkhto. We’ve been racing session and was taken to hos- each other and making teams pital where sadly, he passed together since we were 16. away,” the Hong Kong Sports “He will remain one of the Institute, where To was an fiercest competitors I’ve ever Olympic call-ups in Africa Elite Scholarship Athlete since stood on the blocks next to. I AFP the countries seeking overall time to prepare because I share Morocco tackle the Demo- Cameroon are the other Afri- 2016, said in a statement. firmly believe that for a long Johannesburg victories and places in the third with all other Olympic football cratic Republic of Congo, a can country who have been Ol- “He was extremely popular period he was pound for qualifying round during June. coaches in Africa the challenge strong football nation at senior ympic champions, edging Spain and loved by his teammates pound, the best swimmer in The seven third-round win- of building a team from scratch. level but one that continually on penalties with the help of and competitors. Kenneth the world. “RIP little guy, you oung Africans on the ners join hosts Egypt in a No- “The harsh reality is that we fails to make an impact in age- Samuel Eto’o in the 2000 Sydney was known as a truly excep- won’t be forgotten.” books of clubs in top vember tournament where three have very limited time to work limit competitions. Games title decider. tional person, warm, funny European leagues have places at the Tokyo Olympics on the training fi eld so it is es- Congo Brazzaville are up The central Africans have a and kind. His sudden passing been called up for will be up for grabs. sential to hit the ground run- against Burundi, who snatched bye to the third round as op- is a huge loss to local sports.” OlympicY Games qualifying duty Olympics qualifi ers are re- ning,” he told reporters. a second-round place on away ponents Sierra Leone were dis- To, who transferred his with 26 matches scheduled be- stricted to under-23 footballers Notoane had hoped to include goals thanks to Cedric Mavugo qualifi ed owing to a FIFA ban nationality in 2016 to swim tween today and next Tuesday. with three over-age ‘wildcards’ Crystal Palace defender Nikola netting with one minute left in imposed last year over govern- for Hong Kong, first began Among them are two goal- permitted at the fi nals. Tavares, born in Cape Town to Tanzania. ment interference. to shine at the 2010 Youth keepers, Congolese Will-Cesaire Gelling the likes of Matimbou, Croatian parents. The Ivory Coast squad that An Owusu Kwabena hat-trick Olympic Games in Singapore Matimbou from Paris Saint- Tie and Mendyl with home- “He is a left-footed centre- will take on Niger includes Peru- helped Ghana crush Togo in the where he earned six medals, Germain and Ivorian Nicolas Tie based talent is one challenge back, a rarity in our country based midfi elder Edgar Dakoi fi rst round and they confront including gold in the 4x100m from Chelsea. facing Olympic coaches. at the moment, but his South and striker Loba Arnaud Ake, Gabon next with Accra hosting medley. Defender Hamza Mendyl from Another is compensating for African passport is out of date who plays his club football in the fi rst leg. In 2012, To won the men’s Schalke 04 is one of several Mo- the lack of preparatory time, so I had to omit him from the Mexico. South Sudan, who caused a overall title in the FINA Swim- roccans based abroad selected with South Africa coach David squad.” Nigeria, who won the 1996 stir by eliminating Uganda last ming World Cup, before claim- for the home-and-away sec- Notoane probably speaking for South Africa face a tricky start Atlanta Olympics tournament, November, meet four-time Ol- ing three medals in the FINA ond-round eliminators. all his counterparts when he la- away to Angola in Luanda on Fri- meet Libya with the fi rst en- ympics qualifi ers Tunisia and World Swimming Champion- Congo Brazzaville, the Ivory mented the short build-up. day with the return match set for counter in Tunisia for security will once again be the underdogs. ships in Istanbul. Coast and Morocco are among “I would have loved more Johannesburg four days later. reasons. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 20, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Kershaw’s opening day streak for Spurs beat Warriors Dodgers set to end

AFP Young Awards. New York Kershaw was 9-5 last season with a 2.73 ERA in 26 starts but has experienced back issues in or the fi rst time since each of the past three seasons. to extend streak, 2010, Clayton Kershaw He has guided the Dodgers to won’t be the Opening two consecutive appearances Day starter for the Los in the World Series. AngelesF Dodgers. Buehler, 24, went 8-5 with a The left-handed Kershaw 2.62 ERA in 24 appearances (23 was ruled out of the March 28 starts) last season while fi nish- opener against the Arizona ing third in NL Rookie of the Diamondbacks on Monday due Year balloting. Nuggets in playoff to the persistent shoulder in- Veteran left-hander Rich fl ammation he has dealt with Hill also is a candidate to start all spring. He has yet to pitch in the opener. The 39-year-old ‘We worked very hard. They are the defending NBA champs and they move and cut better a spring training game. Hill was 11-5 with a 3.66 ERA “Talking to Clayton and, ob- in 25 appearances (24 starts) than anybody in the world. The eff ort was there for 48 minutes and we learned a lot’ viously, looking at the sched- last season. ule, he’s not going to start Opening Day,” manager Dave TEHERAN SET FOR Roberts told reporters. OPENING DAY START “When he’s ready to pitch Atlanta Braves right-hander for us is when he’s going to Julio Teheran is set to make his pitch for us. He’s supportive sixth consecutive Opening Day and he understands he wants start, which would tie him with to put himself in the best po- Hall of Famer Warren Spahn sition to help himself and the for the longest modern-day ballclub. streak in franchise history. “When’s he’s built up to Spahn opened six seasons in where he feels he can help us, a row from 1957 to 1962, when then it’s moot. We’re all on the the team was in Milwaukee. same page.” Teheran’s Opening Day Kershaw has started a club- streak is now the longest cur- record eight straight openers. rent one in the majors after The last Opening Day starter the Los Angeles Dodgers said for the Dodgers not named Monday that Clayton Ker- Kershaw was Vicente Padilla in shaw’s streak of eight straight 2010. Roberts said it was un- Opening Day starts will end likely Kershaw will begin the due to his ailing left shoulder. season on the active roster. Atlanta’s Mike Foltynewicz, Kershaw last pitched Sunday a 2018 All-Star, would likely when he threw a bullpen ses- have been the choice for Open- sion. He is scheduled to throw ing Day, but his throwing pro- batting practice on Wednes- gramme has been set back this day. spring because of elbow sore- Roberts didn’t announce an ness. Teheran got the nod over Opening Day starter on Mon- left-hander Sean Newcomb for day, but right-hander Walker the March 28 opener against Buehler is defi nitely in the mix. visiting Philadelphia. However, Buehler also Teheran, 28, has spent all hasn’t pitched this spring due eight of his major league sea- to his own shoulder issues. He sons with the Braves, compil- is scheduled to pitch three in- ing a 67-62 record with a 3.64 nings on Tuesday. ERA. Teheran went 9-9 last Kershaw, who turns 31 on season with a 3.94 ERA, strik- Tuesday, has pitched nearly ing out 162 and walking 84 in 2,100 innings and struck out 175 2/3 innings over 31 starts. 2,275 batters in his decorated Teheran was an All-Star in San Antonio Spurs shooting guard DeMar DeRozan (right) shoots the ball as Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson defends during the second-half of their NBA 11-year career. He is 153-69 2014 and 2016. The Braves are game at AT&T Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports overall with a 2.39 ERA and has 2-3 when he starts on Opening won three National League Cy Day. AFP points, and Kevin Durant returned from rallying past the Boston Celtics 114-105. RESULTS Los Angeles a two game injury absence to score 24 Will Barton added 20 points for Denver, which has won four straight. The Nuggets points for the Warriors. Portland 106-98 Indiana “We had a couple of breakdowns at improved to 47-22 on the season and are Bruins’ Pastrnak nears return he San Antonio Spurs rolled to crunch time,” said Curry. “We fought New Orleans 129-125 Dallas tied with Golden State for the best record from thumb injury their season-best ninth straight hard and they just made shots down the Denver 114-105 Boston in the West. win by toppling the two-time de- stretch.” Toronto 128-92 NewYork The Nuggets won 46 games last sea- Boston Bruins right winger game at the New Jersey Devils. fending champion Golden State Klay Thompson added 14 and Dray- son, but missed the playoff s after losing in David Pastrnak, who has Pastrnak, 22, was the team’s TWarriors with a 111-105 victory on Mon- mond Green racked up 10 points for Cleveland 126-119 Detroit overtime to Minnesota on the fi nal day of missed 16 games after injuring leader scorer when he slipped day. DeMar DeRozan scored 26 points Golden State, who dropped to 47-22 on Utah 116-95 Washington the regular season. his left thumb in an off -ice fall, and fell on his way to his car and LaMarcus Aldridge fi nished with 23 the season and are now tied with Denver Chicago 116-101 Phoenix Also, Kyle Lowry posted 15 points be- participated fully in practice after attending a sponsorship points and 13 rebounds as the NBA’s hot- for top spot in the Western Conference fore he was forced to leave the game with Monday and could return to dinner with several of his team- Miami 116-107 Oklahoma test team guaranteed themselves a league standings. an ankle injury as the Toronto Raptors game action Tuesday. mates on Feb. 10. Pastrnak is record 22nd straight winning season. The Spurs defence has been a catalyst San Antonio 111-105 Golden State clobbered the New York Knicks 128-92. “Not saying that he will, but still tied for the team lead with The Spurs won their 11th consecutive during their winning streak. But when Eight Raptors fi nished in double fi gure he’ll make that decision in 31 goals and is third with 66 home game and improved to 42-29 on the asked what the Spurs did to bottle up the 2012-16 and was a key member of Golden scoring as they rolled over the Knicks for conjunction with the medical points in 56 games. season. Warriors, Thompson said, “Absolutely State’s 2014-15 championship team. their fourth win in six games. staff as early as (Tuesday) after He also was leading the NHL “We worked very hard. They are the nothing. We just missed shots.” The Spurs took a four point lead at the In Dallas, Elfrid Payton became the morning skate,” Bruins coach in power-play goals (15) at the defending NBA champs and they move Australia’s Andrew Bogut, who signed end of the third quarter then cruised from fi fth player in league history to record a Bruce Cassidy said on NHL. time of his injury. and cut better than anybody in the world. with the Warriors on March 6 after play- there, leading by as much as nine points in triple double in fi ve consecutive games as com. “I would assume he’ll be a He told reporters Monday he is The eff ort was there for 48 minutes and ing this season in the Australian National the fourth. the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Dallas game-time decision. ... I suspect feeling no pain but will wear a we learned a lot,” said Spurs coach Gregg Basketball League, made his season debut Davis Bertans’ nailed a three-pointer Mavericks 129-125 in overtime. Payton if he doesn’t play (Tuesday) that brace to protect the thumb. Popovich. for the Warriors. Bogut played 10 minutes with just under two minutes to play to give fi nished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and Thursday will be a real good Boston (43-20-9) has the Rudy Gay added 17 points for the Spurs, and fi nished with seven points and seven San Antonio a 109-102 lead. 11 assists. Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki passed day.” Boston plays at the New second-most points in the East- while Derrick White and Patty Mills hit rebounds. “He looks good. He is a big Elsewhere, Nikola Jokic had 21 points Wilt Chamberlain for sixth place on the York Islanders on Tuesday be- ern Conference with 10 games for 12 and 10 points. help,” Curry said of Bogut. and 13 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets all-time scoring list, fi nishing with eight fore moving on for Thursday’s to go before the playoff s. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 25 Bogut played for the Warriors from punched their ticket to the postseason by points to give him 31,424 in total.

NHL Lightning clinches Presidents’ Trophy cago Blackhawks on Monday night. Reuters RESULTS Tampa Bay Horvat buried his 25th goal of the season Tampa Bay 4-1 Arizona with a shot from point-blank range on the Canucks’ fi rst chance of the extra session. Vancouver 3-2 Chicago ampa Bay earned its fi rst-ever Presi- Alexander Edler and Markus Granlund also dents’ Trophy as the NHL’s best reg- Winnipeg 3-2 Los Angeles scored for Vancouver, which won its second ular-season team, and Steven Stam- game in as many nights and pulled within kos set a franchise record for the his past 15 starts. He also had an assist on two points of the Blackhawks in the Western Tmost goals as the Lightning beat the visiting Gourde’s marker. Clayton Keller scored, and Conference standings as both teams compete Arizona Coyotes 4-1 on Monday night. goalie Darcy Kuemper made 20 saves for the for a shot at the playoff s. Victor Hedman’s goal in the fi rst minute Coyotes, who are 4-2-1 in their past seven. Jonathan Toews and Erik Gustafsson of the third period broke a 1-1 tie, and Tampa Keller, a 23-goal scorer last year as a rook- scored for the Blackhawks, whose fi ve-game Bay’s top-ranked penalty-kill held Arizona ie, tallied for just the third time in his past 25 winning streak came to an end. Canucks scoreless with the man advantage in the games, giving Arizona a 1-0 lead at 5:03 of goaltender Thatcher Demko earned his third game’s last 1:39. the fi rst period. career victory by stopping 29 of 31 shots. Anthony Cirelli, who also had an assist, Richard Panik stole the puck on a forecheck Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford gave and Yanni Gourde each produced short- in the Arizona off ensive zone and quickly up three goals on 34 shots to drop to 12-15-3. handed, empty-net goals in the fi nal minute. whipped the puck over to Christian Dvorak, The Blackhawks forced overtime after Stamkos, 29, scored the game’s second who set up Keller in the slot for his 14th goal. Gustafsson evened the score at 2 with 3:13 to goal of the fi rst period. His 384th career tally Battling for position with Arizona’s Mario go in regulation time. Moments after a won broke the franchise record for goals previ- Kempe in front of Kuemper less than two faceoff , Duncan Keith slid a pass along the ously held by Vincent Lecavalier, who was minutes later, Stamkos defl ected in Ryan blue line to Gustafsson, who ripped a one- a member of the Lightning for 14 seasons. McDonagh’s long shot for his record-setting timer through traffi c for his 14th goal. Stamkos is in his 11th season. goal and 36th this season to make it 1-1 after Chicago opened the scoring while on the power The Lightning, who improved to 31-6-2 20 minutes. Hedman gave Tampa Bay its fi rst play in the fi nal minute of the fi rst period. Patrick on home ice secured the No. 1 seed for the lead just 44 seconds into the third period. Kane zipped a pass from the top of the right circle, postseason. They became the second-fastest Cirelli grabbed a rebound and fl ipped a pass and Toews redirected the puck between Demko’s ever to notch the Presidents’ Trophy, doing it over to the Norris Trophy-winning defense- legs for his 31st goal of the season. in their 73rd game. The 1995-96 Detroit Red man, who potted his 10th goal. Kane tallied assists on both Blackhawks Wings did it in 71 games. goals, giving him 101 points (41 goals, 60 as- Tampa Bay also clinched the Atlantic Divi- HORVAT’S OT GOAL LIFTS CANUCKS sists) on the season. It marked the second sion title for the second straight season and PAST BLACKHAWKS time Kane has reached the 100-point mile- fourth time in team history. Bo Horvat scored the game-winning goal 16 stone, and he has 10 regular-season games Tampa Bay Lightning centre Steven Stamkos (right) is congratulated by JT Miller (left) and defenseman Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy seconds into overtime to lift the Vancouver remaining as he looks to top his 106-point Erik Cernak after scoring during the first period of their NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Amalie stopped 28 shots to win for the 14th time in Canucks to a 3-2 victory over the host Chi- performance from the 2015-16 campaign. Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 20, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT Roglic snatches Tirreno-Adriatico Team Sky to stay on win by one second

AFP Dane Jakob Fuglsang of As- Milan tana was third overall 30sec adrift of the winner after the run down the fl at Adriatic lovenia’s Primoz Roglic seafront at San Benedetto del road under new won the Tirreno-Adri- Tronto. atico cycling race yes- European time-trial cham- terday fi nishing just pion Victor Campenaerts of one-secondS ahead of Britain’s Belgium, riding for Lotto, Adam Yates after the seventh clocked the fastest time of and fi nal stage. 11min 23sec early in the day Roglic, 29, of Team Jumbo- to win the seventh stage just Visma, had been trailing 25 0.03sec ahead of Italian Alber- owners as Team Ineos seconds behind the Mitchel- to Bettiol (EF Education First). ton-Scott rider Yates in the Dutchman Jos van Emden ‘So excited that we as riders and staff will be able to continue on together for 2020 and beyond’ overall standings going into the (Team Jumbo-Visma) fi nished fi nal 10km time-trial. the stage in third place at 4sec. “It’s unbelievably close,” “I rode a perfect time-trial,” said Roglic, who will ne team said Campenaerts. leader at the Giro d’Italia for “I knew I had to be strong on the fi rst time. the way back where the head- “I felt stronger on the way wind was really strong. back. Before the start I was “This victory, my fi rst in the confi dent that I’d win but I World Tour, is important also only could control myself. I’m for my confi dence in beat- glad it ended well.” ing the world hour record next Yates held the overall lead month.” throughout the race after Tom Dumoulin of Team Sun- Mitchelton-Scott won the web fi nished seventh on the opening day team time-trial day, the Dutch rider moving up but said after the major climb to fourth overall at 1min 25sec stage this weekend that his ahead of French pair Thibaut 25sec lead would unlikely be Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) and Ju- enough to clinch the overall lian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck- win due to Roglic being faster QuickStep), who were just over against the clock. 2min 30sec adrift in the general But then Yates, who will lead classifi cation. his team at the Tour de France, Former ski jumper Roglic came within a hair’s-breadth follows his victory in the UAE of the win that had viewers Tour in the United Arab Emir- craning their necks at the line. ates earlier this month.

RUGBY Wales can bring home the World Cup, says Gatland

In this file photo taken on July 14, 2018 (from left) Colombia’s Egan Bernal, Great Britain’s Christopher Froome, Great Britain’s Geraint Thomas and Italy’s Gianni Moscon of Great Britain’s Team Sky cycling team ride during the eighth stage of the 105th edition of the Tour de France cycling race between Dreux and Amiens, northern France. (AFP)

AFP to fund the current team in full, The launch of Team Ineos will using the loophole to administer Their superior budget has al- London honouring all existing com- take place at the Tour de York- drugs to enhance performance. lowed them to employ riders mitments to riders, staff and shire, which starts on May 2. The Commons digital, cul- who would be leaders elsewhere partners. Team principal Dave Brails- ture, media and sport commit- in a support capacity and ef- Reuters eam Sky have secured Four-time Tour de France ford hailed the announcement, tee report said MPs believed fectively shut down attacks in Cardiff guys will give 100 per cent in the backing of Britain’s winner Chris Froome and cur- saying it ended uncertainty and that triamcinolone, used to treat the biggest races, something every game at the World Cup richest man and will be- rent Tour de France champion was a “huge vote of confi dence asthma, “was being used to pre- that has proved unpopular with and, if we play as well as we gin racing as Team Ineos Geraint Thomas both welcomed in our future”. pare Wiggins, and possibly other many, particularly in the Tour de oach Warren Gatland have for the last year, then Tas they seek to maintain their the announcement that enables Bradley Wiggins, then of Team riders supporting him, for the France. believes newly-crowned we can bring home the World dominance of Cycling, it was an- the group of elite riders to stay Sky, became Britain’s fi rst Tour Tour de France”. Sky began its involvement Six Nations champions Cup,” New Zealander Gatland nounced yesterday. together. de France champion in 2012 be- Sky were also in the crosshairs with the sport in 2008, when Wales can lift the World told the crowd. “We’ve got a The British outfi t had been “So excited that we as riders fore Froome won four Tour de for a suspected anti-doping vio- it successfully teamed up with CCup in November if they con- very special group of players seeking new funding after and staff will be able to continue France titles and Thomas be- lation over a mystery package British Cycling to increase par- tinue the form they have shown at the moment. We enjoy each broadcasting giant Sky an- on together for 2020 and be- came Sky’s third winner of Cy- reportedly destined for Wiggins ticipation and support the coun- over the past 12 months. other’s company, we challenge nounced in December it would yond,” tweeted Froome. cling’s landmark event last year. in 2011, although a UK Anti- try’s elite riders, who became a Wales convincingly beat each other on a lot of things, end its ownership and sponsor- “Looking forward to contin- Deep-pocketed Sky are Doping investigation concluded major force at world events in- Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday but once we make a decision we ship at the end of 2019. ued success as Team Ineos! Mas- known for Brailsford’s meticu- with no charges brought. cluding the Olympic Games. to claim the Grand Slam and a back each other 100 per cent.” Team Sky have won six Tour sive thanks to everyone involved lous and innovative application Sky were then caught in a Ratcliff e, who has reportedly fi rst Six Nations triumph since Wales are on a national de France titles in the past seven in keeping this special group of of ‘marginal gains’, the theory long-running doping contro- shifted his fortune to Monaco 2013, moving up to second in record 14-match winning run, years and racked up eight Grand people together.” that many small advantages in versy that began when Froome for tax reasons, has already in- the World Rugby rankings be- which includes victories over Tour victories in total but have Thomas tweeted: “Super hap- areas as diverse as wind resist- returned an adverse doping test, vested in Swiss football club FC hind World Cup holders New Argentina, South Africa and also been the focus of controver- py that the team can continue ance, diet and sleep quality can for elevated levels of the asthma Lausanne and ploughed £110 Zealand. Australia last year. sy for using special exemptions and stay together!! Thank you to add up to a signifi cant improve- medication salbutamol, on his million into British sailor Ben Gatland’s 12-year coaching “You need a little bit of luck to administer drugs that can en- Sky, hello to Ineos.” ment in performance. way to victory in the Vuelta a Es- Ainslie’s Americas Cup team. stint with Wales ends after the and hopefully we don’t pick hance performance. Ineos founder Ratcliff e, 66, However, Sky’s image was pana in 2017. He was cleared 10 Media reports this week said World Cup and he set his sights up too many injuries,” Gat- “Sky and 21st Century Fox with an estimated fortune of clouded in the controversy over months later. Ratcliff e was mulling a poten- on the sport’s ultimate prize land added. “We’ll have a few have agreed the sale of Team £21 billion ($28 billion), said In- so-called therapeutic use ex- Team Sky also have plenty of tial takeover of Premier League while speaking at a ceremony months preparation and, as Sky to Ineos,” said a statement eos was delighted to take on the emptions, after a damning Brit- detractors within Cycling for football club Chelsea, owned in Cardiff to celebrate the Six we have in the last few World from Team Sky, adding that the “responsibility of running such a ish parliamentary report said the tactics that many believe stifl e by Russian tycoon Roman Nations triumph. Cups, we’ll be one of the fi ttest chemicals giant would continue professional team”. team crossed an “ethical line” by racing. Abramovich. “I promise you that these teams, if not the fi ttest, there.”

FOCUS Ski star Hirscher still undecided on retirement AFP the top 10 in the men’s World Cup the last year, previously saying Vienna season fi nale having already se- he wanted to spend more time cured the discipline’s small globe. with his family. His wife gave The performance at the end of his birth to a son last October. ustrian ski legend Mar- strong season reminded him it is So far, Hirscher has celebrated cel Hirscher said yes- not a given to win every race, he 67 World Cup victories - falling terday that he would said yesterday. short of the record of 86 set by decide “relatively He said he stood currently at Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark - out soon”A if he would retire or call “49-51”, but declined to say if he of a total of 138 World Cup po- it quits after winning a record leaned toward retiring or staying diums. He has also won two gold eighth consecutive overall crys- on. Hirscher now has two more medals at the 2018 Pyeongchang tal globe this season. overall World Cup wins than the Winter Olympics, eclipsing his Hirscher said he felt “very, second most successful skier in previous best, a slalom silver very tired” at the season’s end history, another Austrian An- from Sochi four years earlier. and wanted to see how quickly nemarie Moser-Proell, who won Hirscher, who has also se- he would recover. “I’m now 10 six large globes. cured seven world champion- years in the World Cup circus. I The most successful man had ship golds, is feted in Austria as want to see how I feel going into been Marc Girardelli of Luxem- one of the country’s favourite summer and if it’s physically and bourg, with fi ve. American Lind- sporting sons. He was born in mentally possible to have anoth- sey Vonn and Austrian Hermann Annaberg with his family spend- er such (strong) season.” Maier both won four. ing summer seasons in an alpine “I surely notice that I’m 30. I’m Earlier this year, Vonn marked hut in the mountains around the not 18 anymore... I want to race for her retirement at age 34, fol- city of Salzburg, according to a the big globe. For that one really lowing Norwegian skiing legend media interview with his father. needs 100 percent” of physical and and her close friend, Aksel Lund He started to ski at the age of mental stamina, he said in a press Svindal, 36, who skied his last two taught by his father, who has conference in Vienna. Austria’s race in February. Hirscher has been by his side and coached him slalom sensation fi nished outside often talked of retirement over throughout his career. Austria’s Marcel Hirscher celebrates after winning men’s slalom at FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals in Soldeu, Andorra, on March 17, 2019. (Reuters) Gulf Times Wednesday, March 20, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS SPOTLIGHT Ronaldo joins Kane insists club Portugal camp for Euro 2020 qualifi ers

AFP erico Bernardeschi said it would Oeiras, Portugal be “crazy” for UEFA to suspend the Portuguese forward for his controversial goal celebration. rivalries will not ristiano Ronaldo re- Ronaldo faces UEFA charges for joined his Portugal “improper conduct” after mim- teammates yesterday icking Atletico Madrid coach ahead of the start of Diego Simeone’s crotch-grab- CEuro 2020 qualifying this week bing gesture after his hat-trick following a nine-month absence in Juventus’ Champions League from the national team. The comeback win. 34-year-old Juventus forward “It’s something that I don’t split England camp was recalled by Portugal coach think needs looking at, it (a sus- Fernando Santos for games at pension) would be crazy,” inter- home to Ukraine and Serbia, national winger Bernardeschi having not played for his country told a press conference ahead ‘We’ve got a great bond here and at the end of the day we are good friends’ since the 2018 World Cup. of Italy’s Euro 2020 qualifi ers. Ronaldo was rested for the “I think it’ll end there, it was a AFP last six Portugal games while he celebration, a gesture. I see him London settled at his new club following calm and relaxed, as we all are. his departure from Real Madrid I’m sure everything will be fi ne.” last July. The reigning European Bernadeschi believes Italy can ngland captain Harry Kane insists champions, who are through to learn from Juventus who came the Three Lions’ squad are too the UEFA Nations League fi nal in from two goals down in the fi rst united to be divided by the ten- June, kick off their Group B cam- leg against Atletico to win the sion of club rivalries surrounding paign in Lisbon on Friday against last 16 tie 3-2 on aggregate, and theE Premier League title race and upcom- Ukraine before facing Serbia on next play Dutch club Ajax Am- ing Champions League ties. March 25. sterdam in the quarter-fi nals. Four English sides have reached the “Cristiano adds quality to any “We wrote a piece of history,” last eight of the Champions League for team. It’s a pleasure to play with said the 25-year-old. “Cristiano the fi rst time in a decade with Tottenham him and he’s very important for is an absolute champion. He striker Kane set to face a host of interna- us,” Portugal defender Joao Can- gives us so much, he has the cha- tional teammates who play for Manches- celo, Ronaldo’s teammate at Ju- risma of the champion. Staying ter City three times next month in two ventus, told reporters yesterday. by his side every day allows you legs of a quarter-fi nal and a vital Premier to learn many things.” League match. RONALDO BAN WOULD Italy begin their Euro 2020 City and Liverpool are vying for the BE ‘CRAZY’, SAYS JUVE campaign at home against Fin- Premier League title, while Spurs face TEAMMATE BERNARDESCHI land in Udine on Saturday fol- competition from Manchester United, Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s an- lowed by Liechtenstein in Parma Arsenal and Chelsea for a top-four fi n- other Juventus teammate Fed- on March 26. ish. However, unlike England camps of old where club rivalries led to factions forming on international duty, Kane be- lieves Gareth Southgate’s squad will not be distracted ahead of Euro 2020 qualifi - ers against Czech Republic on Friday and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo away to Montenegro on Monday. attends a training session in “We put that to one side, even the Liv- Lisbon yesterday. (AFP) erpool and City boys. When we are here it is 100% England and when we go back I’m sure there will plenty of text messages and group messages fl ying about,” said Kane yesterday. “We’ve got a great bond here and at the end of the day we are good friends. Whether we play for one club or another, when we come here we get on very well. “Of course when we are back at our clubs we try 110% to try and beat each other but we have that respect for each other that we can talk afterwards and be friends.” England’s Harry Kane (centre) gestures during training with teammates at George’s Park in Burton upon Trent, Britain. (Reuters) After a run to the last four of the World Cup last summer and qualifying for the tive to have the opportunity to play in a At 25, Kane is one of the senior mem- than playing for England. However, he Nations League semi-fi nals to come in European Championship where we could bers of Southgate’s squad with Declan believes no one can blame the West Ham June, England are one of the favourites have quite a few games at Wembley,” he Rice and Callum Hudson-Odoi winning midfi elder for his decision. to win the European championships next added. their fi rst call-ups to add to a growing “I’m sure it was a tough decision,” said year. Wembley will host the semi-fi nals “It is exciting. People expect us to pool of young talent. Rice has switched the Spurs striker. and fi nal of that tournament, while Eng- qualify and they think it is going to be an his allegiance to the country of his birth “He seems like a great lad and enjoying land will also play their group games on easy group but it is never that easy. We after playing three times for the Republic his football and he’s been having a great home soil should they qualify. have to go and be professional. Of course of Ireland in friendlies. season. I’m sure he took his time and the And Kane admitted that is extra mo- we back ourselves to go through but we Kane also had the chance to represent decision he made is what he thought will tivation as the qualifying campaign gets still have to go and do it. It is important Ireland via his paternal grandparents, but be best for his future and nobody can underway on Friday. “It is a great incen- we start well and hopefully build on that.” said he never considered anything other blame him for that.”

ROUND-UP FOCUS Ajax assistant to coach Hoff enheim Giggs hits back aft er Zlatan AFP Siro. The FIGC said the punishment was Berlin suspended for a year “with the warning that criticism of United ‘Class of 92’ if during this period a similar violation will be committed, the suspension will be re- AFP off enheim announced Ajax as- voked and the sanction will be added to that London sistant coach Alfred Schreuder imposed for the new violation”. as a surprise replacement for de- Inter were forced to play two games be- parting coach Julian Nagelsmann hind closed doors earlier this year after yan Giggs has respond- yesterday.H Rising star Nagelsmann, 31, is set Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was tar- ed to Zlatan Ibrahi- to take over at RB Leipzig next season, in a geted by monkey noises and racist chants movic’s criticism of the move announced last year, and Schreuder, during a Serie A match on December 26. “Class of 92” by insist- 46, has now been confi rmed as his succes- Inter coach Luciano Spalletti also re- ingR players with “over 2,000 sor, signing a contract until 2022. ceived a warning after he was sent to the games between us” are entitled Schreuder is a familiar face at Hoff enhe- stands for dissent during his side’s 3-2 win to have an opinion about Man- im, having worked at the club as an assistant which moved them to third in Serie A at the chester United. coach under Nagelsmann and predecessor expense of Milan who dropped to fourth. Former United striker Ibrahi- Huub Stevens from 2015 to 2018. AC Milan, meanwhile, were fi ned 10,000 movic claimed in a newspaper Since then, he has worked as an assist- euros ($11,354) after a potentially-danger- interview that the ongoing loy- ant to Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag, helping ous blunt object was thrown onto the pitch. alty of Giggs and other pundits the club to their sensational triumph over Torino’s Nigerian wing-back Ola Aina was such as Gary Neville and Paul Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions slapped with a three-game ban and fi ned Scholes to Alex Ferguson has League earlier this month. Schreuder will 10,000 euros, for his “intimidating attitude fuelled criticism of Paul Pogba. start work on July 1, as Nagelsmann departs towards the referee” during his side’s 3-2 Ibrahimovic told the Daily for Leipzig. defeat by Bologna. Mirror that the criticism of Pog- during last weekend’s city derby. The Italian The on-loan Chelsea player was sent off ba dated back to his decision to INTER GET SUSPENDED STAND football federation’s sports judge said three in added time by referee Maurizio Mariani walk away from Old Traff ord and CLOSURE FOR KESSIE RACIST ABUSE offi cials in diff erent parts of the stadium after picking up his second booking. Parma sign for Juventus in 2012 when Inter have been handed a suspended stand twice heard the “racist chants” directed at coach Roberto D’Aversa was fi ned 5,000 Ferguson was still United man- closure for racist abuse by their fans towards Kessie after seven and 39 minutes from In- euros for “blatantly criticising the work of ager. “Only Nicky (Butt) is con- AC Milan’s Ivorian midfi elder Franck Kessie ter’s Curva Nord (north stand) at the San VAR” in a 4-1 defeat by Lazio. nected with the club now but when you play over 2,000 games Wales manager Ryan Giggs speaks during the press conference between us, we are going to have in Manchester yesterday. (Reuters) FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL an opinion,” said Wales manager Giggs, who made a record 963 being signed by Jose Mourinho in pions League, Premier League appearances for United between 2016 before joining LA Galaxy in and FA Cup glory. City survived 1991 and 2014. March 2018. an FA Cup quarter-fi nal scare at Ooredoo announces title sponsorship “Sometimes it’s positive, Giggs, speaking at United’s Swansea on Saturday to win 3-2 sometimes negative, but it training base, where Wales were after being 2-0 down. “I’ve got doesn’t have an eff ect on results. preparing for today’s friendly enough to worry about, please of 3rd Ooredoo Temba tournament We are supporters. That’s what against Trinidad and Tobago, don’t bring that up.” Giggs said. football is about, having diff erent was also asked about the possi- “They’re a fantastic team, oredoo yesterday an- side pitches next to the Ladies tournament will follow FIFA nities in which we operate is a opinions. But he (Ibrahimovic) bility of Manchester City trump- aren’t they? They’ve already got nounced it is to be Club opposite Al Waab Street. football regulations. key priority for Ooredoo and our obviously knows more about the ing the United side of which he one and United going out of the title sponsor for the The tournament, intended to Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, corporate social responsibility club than us.” was a member in 1999. FA Cup makes it a little bit easier third edition of the provide a competitive but fun Director PR and Corporate strategy, and we consider this Giggs, 45, and his former United won the treble of for them. They’ve got a long way OoredooO Temba Tournament, atmosphere for players to test Communications at Ooredoo, tournament an excellent op- Class of 92 teammates Neville, Champions League, Premier to go but just like us in the treble, a popular fi ve-a-side football their abilities, has two catego- said of the tournament: “We’re portunity for us to help promote Scholes, Butt, David Beckham League and FA Cup that year you need a lot of things to go for tournament organised by Aspire ries; Adults and Companies. delighted to be working with sport as part of a healthy, active and Phil Neville, played a com- but City remain on course for you. That bit of luck, which they Zone Foundation set to be held Teams will comprise one goal- Aspire Zone Foundation again lifestyle. We wish all the teams bined total of 3,450 games dur- an unprecedented quadruple. had at the weekend. But they are from today till March 28. keeper and four players, with to organise this popular tour- the best of luck.” The Ooredoo ing the most successful period Pep Guardiola’s team have al- a brilliant team. It will be in- Matches are scheduled from matches being held on Aspire’s nament. Supporting sporting Temba Tournament is open to in United’s history. Ibrahimovic ready won the League Cup and teresting to see what they can 5pm until 9pm at the fi ve-a- UEFA-standard turf, and the events that benefi t the commu- male players over the age of 18. played 53 games for United after are still in the hunt for Cham- achieve.”

Wednesday, March 20, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

FRIENDLY Gambling Loew goes all-in ahead of Serbia friendly Germany coach is under pressure to show that he can build a new era of success around a younger generation of players

AFP ers their fi rst international call-up. Berlin Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark, 23, Werder Bremen midfi elder Maxi- milian Eggestein and RB Leipzig ermany coach Joachim full-back Lukas Klostermann, both Loew hopes to prove his 22, join the squad, which now con- critics wrong and open 2019 tains just two survivors from the with a win when his new- World-Cup-winning class of 2014 in Glook team host Serbia in a friendly in Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos. “We Wolfsburg today. Loew, who arrived need to give the young players the in Wolfsburg later than expected due feeling that they have our complete to a dental operation this week, is and total trust,” said Loew. hoping to bounce back from a pain- Loew has confi rmed that Neuer ful 2018, in which Germany suff ered remains his fi rst-choice goalkeep- an early World Cup exit and were rel- er, but said that Barcelona stopper egated from the top tier of the UEFA Marc-Andre ter Stegen would get a Nations League. chance to prove himself in the com- The friendly against Serbia is a ing months. He also called upon warm-up for Sunday’s prestigious younger players such as Niklas Suele, opening Euro 2020 qualifi er away to 23, Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kim- the Netherlands with the Germans mich, both 24, to step up into leader- hunting revenge after a 3-0 thrash- ship roles. ing at the hands of the Oranje last “Some players need to take October at the Amsterdam Arena. the next step,” he said on Friday. Amid fears that German football is “Goretzka and Kimmich are guys in decline, the 59-year-old Loew is with clear ideas, ambition and opin- under pressure to show that he can ions. Suele has to take on respon- build a new era of success around a sibility, we expect more from him younger generation of players. Yet now,” said Loew.”He needs to or- he has also faced fi erce criticism for ganise and direct proceedings at the his decision to strike veteran World back.” Cup winners Mats Hummels, Jerome As the direct heir to rejected de- Boateng and Thomas Mueller from fensive duo Hummels and Boat- the national team set-up, falling off - eng, Suele will be under particular side with their club Bayern Munich scrutiny against Serbia. Many have in the process. questioned Loew’s decision to get The controversial call has been rid of two such experienced defend- seen as a gamble, which has height- ers, including his predecessor and ened the pressure ahead of Wednes- former colleague Jurgen Klinsmann, day’s game. “Loew is going all-in in who coached Germany to third at the a high-stakes game of poker,” wrote 2006 World Cup with Loew as his German football magazine Kicker on assistant. Monday. “I hope that the door remains open Yet the Germany boss has insisted for Hummels, Boateng and Mueller,” that the right conclusions have been Klinsmann said. “They are top play- drawn from the failures of last year. ers, and it’s important to have them “(Hummels, Boateng and Mueller) at your disposal if you need them. It are all World Cup winners and great obviously increases the pressure on players, so the decision was always the team a bit when you make a deci- going to be debated,” said Loew sion like that.” yesterday. “But we are facing a new Yet Loew said yesterday that he challenge. As I have said before, we would not let the pressure get to need to be quicker, more dynamic him. “I have been doing this job for and more ambitious.” 14 years, so I know how to deal with Loew has given three young play- pressure and criticism,” he said. Germany coach Joachim Loew (right) walks past as players train ahead of their friendly match against Serbia in Wolfsburg, Germany, yesterday. (Reuters)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Deschamps keen to lead France into 2022 WC Big win for PSG as UEFA AFP relationship with (FFF) president (Noel Le because I feel really good,” he said.”I still Paris Graet).I’m under contract until the Euro- have the same passion, the same desire and pean Championships, which is the only cer- because I’m convinced there are still great tainty right now.” things to be done with this squad.” fi nancial probe dropped rance’s World Cup-winning coach Deschamps’s deal runs until June 2020, Asked if he could see himself emulating Didier Deschamps said he would like but the former France and Juventus mid- the longevity of Germany coach Joachim is set aside,” CAS said in a state- AFP he club said in a to remain in his job until the 2022 fi - fi elder admitted any extension would de- Loew, who has held the post since 2006, Paris ment. It added that the ruling nals in Qatar. The 50-year-old Des- pend on the performance of his team. “It’s Deschamps replied: “He’s a good example. statement yesterday was “fi nal and binding”. champs,F who took charge of France in 2012, linked to results. But before thinking about It goes to show continuity at the top level is it “took note of the The probe was opened to de- guided Les Bleus to a second World Cup title 2022, fi rst come the qualifi ers (for Euro not all that bad.” aris Saint-Germain won Tfavourable decision termine whether PSG respected in Russia, two decades after lifting the tro- 2020),” he said. “He (Loew) took the team to steer it to the a major victory yester- and intends to go ahead fi nancial rules imposed by UEFA phy as captain on home soil. Deschamps said the thought of quitting World Cup title in 2014. Lately, and on the day when the world’s top serenely with its which broadly limit them to “For me to be able to carry on until the amid the euphoria of July’s 4-2 victory over back of the last World Cup, it’s been diffi cult sports court backed the development”. spending no more than they earn. next World Cup is obviously something Croatia in the World Cup fi nal in Moscow for him,” continued Deschamps, referring to FrenchP champions against Eu- The club said in a statement I would not be unhappy about, but we’ll had never crossed his mind, insisting there Germany’s shock elimination in the group ropean football’s governing body by PSG splashing out 400mn yesterday it “took note of the fa- see,” Deschamps said. “I have a very good was more to be achieved. “Quite simply stage in Russia. UEFA over club fi nances. euros ($454mn) to buy Brazilian vourable decision and intends to The Court of Arbitration superstar Neymar and French go ahead serenely with its devel- for Sport upheld PSG’s appeal phenomenon Kylian Mbappe. opment”. against a UEFA decision to reo- “The appeal fi led at the CAS The court ruled that the deci- pen a probe into the club’s com- on 3 October 2018 by Paris Saint- sion to reopen the case missed Qatar players train for AFC U-23 championship qualifiers pliance with Financial Fair Play Germain against the decision UEFA’s own deadline of 10 days regulations. issued on 19 September 2018 by to review its previous decision to UEFA had originally cleared the Adjudicatory Chamber of the drop the case. “The challenged PSG of wrongdoing in June fol- UEFA (to reopen the case) is up- decision was untimely and must lowing an investigation triggered held and the challenged decision be annulled,” CAS ruled.

ROUND-UP QSL not to hold Qatar Cup this year

By Sports Reporter QNB STARS LEAGUE match against Al Ahli. Wakrah Doha FIXTURES RESCHEDULED recently returned to the top fl ight The Qatar Stars League revised of Qatar’s club football after the QNB Stars League’s Week emerging as the Second Division he Qatar Stars League 20 fi xtures. Accordingly, three champions. has announced it will not matches each will be played on Meanwhile, Al Arabi resumed organise the Qatar Cup March 30 and 31. their training at the Aspire Acad- this season. The decision Al Gharafa’s match against Al emy following a period of rest af- Tto not hold the tournament was Rayyan has been shifted to Al ter their 1-2 loss to Al Gharafa last made to give adequate rest to the Duhail Stadium as Al Gharafa week. All members of the squad, players ahead of the upcoming Stadium will host the African except the injured duo of Ahmed challenges, including the Copa CAF Super Cup between Tuni- Fathi and Abdulla Marafi as well America which will be held in sia’s Esperance and Morocco’s as Qatar Olympic-team players, Brazil from June 14th to July 7th. Raja Casablanca on 29th March. went through their paces under Qatar players have already had Al Shahania’s match against the guidance of coach Heimir a busy schedule this year. They Al Sailiya has also been shifted, Hallgrimsson. played seven matches en route from Al Arabi Stadium to Qatar Al Arabi are working on the ar- to their historic win at the Asian SC Stadium. The last two weeks’ eas for improvement after their Cup in January. Besides the QNB (21 and 22) schedule will be fi nal- defeat to Al Gharafa that resulted Stars League, most of the Qa- ised later. in them dropping full points fol- tar players are also part of their lowing their back-to-back vic- Qatar players train ahead of their AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers, which will be held from this Friday at Aspire in Doha. club’s AFC Champions League ARABI TO PLAY FRIENDLY tories against Al Shahania and Qatar, who are in Group A along with Oman, Nepal and Afghanistan, are hoping to make it to their third appearance in the campaign. Qatar will be one of WITH WAKRAH Al Sailiya. The Dream Team, who championship. The winning teams in each of the 11 groups will qualify for the AFC U-23 tournament to be held in Thailand in 2020, the two guest teams at the Copa Al Arabi will play a friendly aim to break into the top four this while four best second placed teams will also qualify. Since hosts Thailand have already qualified, should they take top spot in the America 2019. The Qatar Olym- against Al Wakrah tomorrow, time, are currently sixth in the group, the five best second placed teams will qualify for the tournament. pic team will also be involved in as part of their preparations for standings with 27 points, four the Tokyo 2020 Games qualifi ers. the QNB Stars League Week 20 less than fourth-placed Sailiya.