CRICKET | Page 4 19 -04 -2019 Amla makes South Africa squad for World Cup

Friday, April 19, 2019 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 14, 1440 AH Champions GULF TIMES League failures hurt Guardiola SPORT Page 2

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETICS Barshim Be inspired: IAAF Heritage to skip Asian meet, exhibition opens in Doha targets Six-month long exhibition will give a glimpse into the history of athletics and human achievement Worlds By Mikhil Bhat suka Tiger ASICS shoes which Doha he wore when running the By Mikhil Bhat marathon at the 1976 Montreal Doha Olympic Games. A young athlete often Viren had fi nished fi fth in the asks this question,” said marathon but what was extraor- ith an eye on re- IAAF president Sebastian dinary about that performance gaining 100 percent Coe, looking at Qatari star was that he had run 10,000m fi tness ahead of high-jumper“ Mutaz Barshim, heats and fi nal, and 5000m the IAAF Athletics “What is it that’s going to make heats and fi nal, winning both the WWorld Championships, Qatari me a great high-jumper?” events, just a day before. star high-jumper Mutaz Barshim “Mutaz may talk about tech- “He was very much an inspi- has decided to skip next week’s nicality, some may talk about ration to me in 1972 and 1976 Asian Athletics Championships. angles, etc. But the answer when I was beginning to under- “Unfortunately I am not going doesn’t lie in that. The answer stand the nature of my sport,” to do the Asian Championships,” to that is to become a student Coe told Gulf Times referring to Barshim said at the opening of of your sport. Understand who Viren’s exploits at the 1972 Mu- the IAAF Heritage World Athlet- came before you, their adversity nich and 1976 Montreal Games. ics Championships Exhibition at and their challenges.” “I remember very clearly his Doha’s City Centre Mall yester- And with those words, and extraordinary performances day. some more, the two-time winning the 5000m and 10000m The high jump world champi- 1500m Olympic champion, events at two consecutive Ol- on and two-time Olympic med- along with the IAAF vice-pres- ympics. The one race I remem- allist had suff ered an injury while ident and the IAAF Athletics ber was the 5000m at Montreal attempting a world record height World Championships Doha which was executed to perfec- in Hungary in July last year. Since 2019 Local Organising Com- tion. So having his shoes in there, then, he has undergone a surgery, mitee director general Dah- is a great reminder of what an ex- been through rehabilitation and lan al-Hamad, threw open a traordinary athlete he was.” only recently got back to the fi eld six-month long IAAF Heritage Coe, too, handed over his for training. World Athletics Champion- 1984 Los Angeles Games spikes While he was added to Team ships Exhibition at Doha’s City and national vest from his sec- Qatar that will represent the Centre Mall yesterday. ond 1500m Olympic victory, hosts at the four-day Asian The 400 square metre space before another British running championships, which will run not only gives one an insight into great Liz McColgan, the 1991 from April 21-24, Barshim said the challenges and the adversities world 10,000m champion, yesterday, “I am so not there yet.” that some of the most hallowed loaned her winning spikes – Talking to Gulf Times he said, athletes of the past overcame, already donated to the ASICS “I really wanted to do it because it also leaves you with a sense of museum in Kobe – for display at IAAF president Sebastian Coe (right) applauds as Qatari high-jumper Mutaz Barshim (second from left) donates his London 2012 Olympic the (Asian) championships were wonderment witnessing the bar- the Doha exhibition. Games competition vest and number in presence of compatriot and 400m hurdles star Abderrahman Samba (second from right) at the IAAF being held at home. Luckily I riers that the human body has Poland’s Anita Wlodarczyk Heritage World Athletics Championships Exhibition opening ceremony at Doha’s City Centre Mall yesterday. have bigger championships at broken over centuries. donated the same hammer with home coming soon, so I said to For instance, you enter the which she set the fi rst 80m+ myself, ‘You know what, some- exhibition space under a gate world record by a woman. times that’s how sport is’. with a Barshim cut-out that is Barshim presented his Lon- elevated to exactly 2.43m, the don 2012 Olympic Games com- “I have just come back from world champion’s best high petition vest and number while an injury, and I don’t want jump eff ort so far. compatriot Abderrahman Samba to do something that will Many, including Qatar Athlet- handed over the bodysuit which cost me the World Champi- ics Federation secretary-general he wore when winning the 2018 onships later. So I want to Mohamed Eisa al-Fadhala, tried IAAF Continental Cup Ostrava make sure that I am a 100 touching the bar while up on their 2018 400m hurdles title. percent fi t” feet, and only managed to smile “Almost everyone in my fam- in respect to the 27-year-old who ily is into track and fi eld, so it is “I have just come back from stood right next to him. a big deal for me,” Barshim said. an injury, and I don’t want to do On the sidebars of the gates “I hope people come and get in- something that will cost me the is also marked 2.45m, the world spired.” World Championships later. So I record height set by Cuba’s Samba, who won six back- want to make sure that I am a 100 Javier Sotomayor. The diff er- to-back Diamond League percent fi t. I talked to my team, ence seemed minuscule, and events last year, added, “This my agent, my doctor, my coach. Barshim only smiled as he exhibition means a lot, not just They feel me, of course, but pointed it out to those around. to those present here but to speaking out of experience, they A few more exhibits were the larger athletics world. This said it is better not to do it and added to the ever-growing col- is going to keep the history of risk the World Championships at lection. Four-time Olympic athletics alive. We will be giv- Coe (right) with four-time Olympic champion Lasse Viren of Finland home in Doha.” champion Lasse Viren of Fin- ing out more information to the Coe (right) with the 1991 world 10,000m champion Liz McColgan, who donated the pair of shoes he wore when running the marathon Asian Athletics Association land donated the pair of Onit- people and inspire them.” who loaned her winning spikes to the six-month long exhibition. at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. president and IAAF vice-pres- ident Dahlan al-Hamad, said, “First of all, we are happy that CRICKET he is coming back. That is more important. Insha Allah, he will be ready for the World Champion- ships, which is the goal. We will Amir left out of Pakistan’s preliminary squad for World Cup miss him at the Asian event, but his health is more important to AFP in 2010, has a lifeline as teams series,” said Inzamam. will lead both the squads. An- us than having him in the com- Lahore can be changed until May 23 Allrounder Mohamed Ha- other left-arm pacer, 29-year- petition (for the sake of it). So we — seven days before the ten- feez was included in the World old Junaid Khan, was preferred wish him good luck and hope to team event starts. Cup squad subject to fully over Amir. Pakistan will leave see him at the World Champion- akistan selectors yes- Chief selector Inzamam- recovering from a fractured for the UK on Tuesday and play ships.” terday left out pace ul-Haq said Amir’s form was thumb injury he sustained three one-day matches against The 27-year-old, who has spearhead Mohamed worrying. during the Pakistan Super county teams before taking on to his name the second high- Amir from the pre- “Amir had not performed as League (PSL) in February England in the fi ve-match ODI est jump in the history at 2.43m liminaryP 15-man squad for well as was expected of him,” this year. There was a sur- series from May 5. behind Javier Sotomayor’s world next month’s World Cup to be said Inzamam, who was part prise World Cup call-up for record 2.45m, said he is aim- held in England. of Pakistan’s World Cup win- 19-year-old rookie fast bowl- Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (cap- ing for a June return. “That’s The 27-year-old has been in ning team in 1992. Amir is in- er Mohamed Hasnain, who tain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul- the plan. We haven’t confi rmed wretched form since guiding cluded in the 17-man squad for bowled at 150kph in the PSL Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Haris which meet. We have from June Pakistan to win over India in the fi ve-match one-day series earlier this year. Sohail, Shoaib Malik, Mohamed up to October, there are so many the Champions trophy fi nal in against England from May “Hasnain is exciting and can Hafeez(subject to fitness), Imad competitions, but we haven’t re- June 2017, with just four wick- 5-19, and can regain his World be a surprise package of the Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, ally decided as to which one. I ets in 14 matches. Cup place if he performs well. World Cup,” said Inzamam of Faheem Ashraf, Junaid Khan, think about two weeks before, But the left-arm fast bowler, “We have included Amir for the paceman, who played three Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohamed we will do a test and see how I who missed the 2011 and 2015 the England series with a hope one-day internationals against Hasnain. Two additions for am responding physically and Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq gestures as he speaks during the World Cup due to a fi ve-year that he regains his rhythm and Australia last month, taking England ODIs: Mohamed then it would be time to decide,” announcement of the Pakistani cricket squad in Lahore yesterday. ban on match fi xing imposed wicket-taking ability in the two wickets. Sarfraz Ahmed Amir and Asif Ali Barshim said. Gulf Times 2 Friday, April 19, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS ‘That’s why we love football’, says Spurs Champions manager Pochettino League failures haunt Guardiola A PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE IS STILL TO BE WON FOR CITY Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino (R) celebrates with Fernando Llorente and Son Heung-min after the match against Manchester City on Wednesday.

Reuters had been over-turned. Manchester “In a moment many things happened in your head, the dis- appointment was massive but ottenham Hotspur man- they changed the decision,” he ager Mauricio Pochet- added. tino hailed his team as “That is why we love football. “heroes” after Wednes- Today we showed great character Tday’s astonishing Champions and great personality it was an League quarter-fi nal with Man- unbelievable game.” chester City ended in an away Spurs midfi elder Christian goals win for his team after end- Eriksen, who gave the ball away ing 4-4 on aggregate. in the build-up to Sterling’s dis- The 4-3 win on the night for allowed goal, did not disguise his Manchester City was so nearly relief. “I must be one of the luck- 5-3 — and progress to the last iest guys on the planet tonight. I four for City — but Raheem Ster- thought it was all over but it was ling’s stoppage time eff ort was a fun game. It was a rollercoaster, ruled out by a VAR review which we gave them a lot but also got a correctly spotted Sergio Aguero lot. It was a weird game,” he said. off -side. Tottenham’s South Korean “It was unbelievable — the way forward Son Heung-min, whose it fi nished,” said Pochettino. two strikes were part of the four “I am so happy, so proud. My goals scored in the opening 11 players are heroes to be here. I am minutes, said it was an unforget- so happy for them, so happy for table game. the fans,” added the Argentine, “I have never seen something who was without injured leading like this. It was tough and crazy scorer Harry Kane. but we are very proud of our team Pochettino said he had gone mates. It was madness,” he said. through a wild mix of emotions “Sometimes you are annoyed during the fi nal moments as with VAR but today it is thank Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts during Wednesday’s Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur. four words fl ashed up on the big you. We fought together for 90 screen — “No goal, VAR, off side” minutes. We showed unbeliev- Guardiola described the exit — confi rmed that Sterling’s goal able character and fi ght.” AFP Sissoko unaware Tottenham had advanced aft er Sterling goal disallowed Manchester as “cruel.” Winning the Champions League remains the grail for the London: Tottenham Hotspur’s Moussa Sissoko picked up an injury, was so distraught after Ster- CANDID nother season will pass club’s Abu Dhabi owners after a did not realise his side had advanced to the ling scored that he immediately walked down the without Champions decade of pouring money into Champions League semi-finals until a member of tunnel to the dressing room and did not realise League glory for Pep the club, but no one can say the coaching staff informed him in the dressing that the goal had been disallowed a minute later. Guardiola’s Manches- they were not entertained. room that Manchester City’s last-gasp goal had “I was on the bench when I saw the goal that I cannot stop Messi terA City, but few will forget the For the much-lauded Catalan been disallowed. made it 5-3,” Sissoko told French sports news- manner in which the quest for coach, though, the elimination With City leading 4-3 and the aggregate score paper L’Equipe. “I was so upset that I returned a historic quadruple was ended continues a pattern of Cham- reading 4-4 in favour of Tottenham on away directly to the dressing room. alone, admits Van Dijk by a combination of Tottenham pions League anguish since he goals, Raheem Sterling’s stoppage time goal “I was alone, no one had accompanied me, no Hotspur and VAR. won the title for a second time sparked wild celebrations at the Etihad Stadium TV screen was broadcasting the game. In my AFP Wednesday to complete a 6-1 ag- Spurs survived a seven-goal with his great Barcelona team before it was overruled when VAR adjudged head we were eliminated. Then one of the staff London gregate victory. thriller on Wednesday night at in 2011. Sergio Aguero off side in the buildup. members entered the dressing room and told me: “It’s about doing it all together, the Etihad, losing the battle 4-3 Guardiola’s Barca reign end- Sissoko, who was replaced in the first half after he ‘Incredible, we did it!’. it’s never one-v-one, it’s never just but winning the war on away ed in semi-fi nal defeat to Chel- iverpool defender Virgil me against a particular striker. It’s goals thanks to their 1-0 victory sea in 2012 and there were last van Dijk insists he will not always us against everyone and I in the fi rst leg a titanic quarter- four exits in each of his three Liverpool and now a Spurs The decision to leave out A Premier League title is still face a personal duel against think that’s the only way we can fi nal tie. seasons at Bayern Munich. side 16 points adrift of City in Kevin de Bruyne in north Lon- to be won for City and there is Lionel Messi in his side’s defend well.” Liverpool’s defence A match that saw City lead The upturn in City’s stand- the Premier League, that have don last week was even more little time to refl ect before Tot- LChampions League semi-fi nal could be further bolstered for the 1-0, trail 2-1, then forge ahead ards since he arrived in 2016 is sent his expensively assembled questionable after the Belgian tenham visit again tomorrow. against Barcelona. Van Dijk is in Premier League and Champions 4-2 to lead the tie for the fi rst unquestionable, and they could squad packing in the Champi- bagged a hat-trick of brilliant Winning their last fi ve league contention for player of the year League run-in by the return of Joe time before Fernando Llorente’s still complete an unprecedent- ons League. assists on Wednesday. games would deliver an eighth awards in England thanks to his Gomez. controversial decisive goal was ed treble of Premier League, FA A common theme has been “Guardiola might say that the league title in 10 seasons across transformative eff ect on Liverpool Gomez formed a formidable allowed to stand after a VAR Cup and League Cup in Eng- City’s poor defensive record. passages of chaos here, as City three countries for Guardiola. since becoming the world’s most partnership with Van Dijk earlier in check for handball, brought one land. Monaco scored three times in traded goals with Spurs like an But after seven straight failed expensive defender when mov- the season before breaking a leg in fi nal twist in stoppage time. However, it is for Champions both legs in the last 16 in 2017, under-nines match after too attempts, questions remain ing from Southampton for £75mn December. Gomez made his return Guardiola scampered down League success that Guardiola Liverpool thrice in 31 minutes many Haribos, explained why over his suitability for the cut- ($98mn) last January. However, the as a substitute in northern Portugal the touchline in celebration was pursued so long by City, to take a decisive lead in last he had tightened up at the Tot- throat nature of the Champions Dutchman believes a collective ef- and is also preparing himself for the when Raheem Sterling thought and in three attempts he has season’s quarter-fi nal and, tenham Hotspur Stadium with League. fort is required to halt Messi, who prospect of facing the “best player he had completed his hat-trick failed to even reach the semi- even shorn of Harry Kane, Tot- Fernandinho alongside Ilkay “There is a theory that Guar- has scored 45 goals this season, two in the world” in Messi. with the goal to take City into fi nals. tenham became just the second Gundogan, showing untypical diola, the master of control and of which helped Barca beat Man- “It’ll be a diffi cult game. They’re the semi-fi nals for just the sec- Guardiola has consistently visiting side this season to score caution,” wrote The Times. systems, just isn’t suited to the chester United 4-0 on aggregate to one of the best in the world, clearly, ond time. played down City’s potential three at the Etihad. “But others, even David Sil- intangibles of one-off knockout progress to the last four. and they’ve probably got the best Seconds later, delirium as a European powerhouse in Guardiola will contend that va, could have made way. You football,” wrote The Guardian. “I think he’s the best player in player in the world and many oth- turned to disbelief, as Guardio- his three years in charge, con- is why his approach for the fi rst wonder if there can ever be a “Nights where an entire cam- the world but we’ll see. It’s going ers around him,” said Gomez. la sank to his knees in the reali- trasting their lack of historic leg was more conservative, but right time to omit a fi t De Bru- paign can be thrown away in a fi t to be a great match-up for all of us,” “So it’s going to be a diffi cult sation that VAR had revealed an success to Barca, Bayern and the lack of an away goal ulti- yne when you marvelled at his of human frailty or a surge of ir- said Van Dijk, who netted himself game, but that’s what the Champi- off side earlier in the move. Real Madrid. But it is Monaco, mately cost him. hat-trick of assists here.” resistible emotion.” as Liverpool thrashed Porto 4-1 on ons League is about.”

BOTTOMLINE Messi looms, but Cardiff on Klopp’s mind now AFP nich in the last round, here was looking forward to it but we have while Roberto Firmino and Jordan Porto another statement away victory so many jobs to do before we meet Henderson were only used as sub- for the Anfi eld club after they lost Barcelona. Let’s fi rst play these stitutes. all three matches on the road in games and then let’s prepare Bar- In addition, Joe Gomez came urgen Klopp might be the group stage. celona.” off the bench for his fi rst top- steeling himself for some Klopp remains unbeaten af- The focus now reverts back to team appearance since suff ering a sleepless nights as he tries ter 10 two-legged European ties the Premier League, with Liv- leg fracture in December. to work out how to stop Li- as Liverpool manager, with two erpool two points clear of Man- “In the last third of the season Jonel Messi, but for now the Ger- coming against Porto. chester City at the summit having you see the fi nish line already but man can be delighted at seeing his He has only been stopped in fi - played a game more. you need a little bit of luck with Liverpool side extend their out- nals, against Sevilla in the Europa Klopp’s squad stayed in Por- injuries,” admitted Klopp. standing record in European ties League in 2016 and Real Madrid in tugal on Wednesday night before “We play again in three days, so under his management. last season’s Champions League. returning home to start prepara- we fl y tomorrow and make our- Having won 2-0 at home in the “I know people like to be disre- tions for Sunday’s visit to relega- selves ready for another intense fi rst leg, Liverpool always knew spectful to a team like Porto, but tion battlers Cardiff City. football game.” that an early away goal in the we knew how diffi cult it is and we By then they could be behind Cardiff boosted their survival second leg of their quarter-fi nal won 2-0 at home, it was deserved, Pep Guardiola’s City side, who hopes with a 2-0 win at Brighton against FC Porto at the Estadio do and here anything could have will look to avenge their incred- and Hove Albion on Tuesday. Dragao would eff ectively kill the happened,” Klopp said. ible Champions League defeat “Cardiff is completely back in tie. “We dealt really well with it. In against Tottenham Hotspur when the race with that result so they So it proved, as after surviv- the quarter-fi nals there are only they play the London club again will fi ght for it.” ing a barrage of early pressure in unbelievably strong teams.” against Bayern and Porto, the at Anfi eld on May 7. “Thank God I don’t have to tomorrow. However, after this latest vic- northern Portugal on Wednesday, The former Borussia Dortmund Reds will head to the Camp Nou “It is our dream. Every sin- think about that tonight,” Klopp Despite the games coming thick tory — their eighth in a row — Sadio Mane’s 26th-minute strike boss knows the same applies in for the fi rst leg on May 1. gle player wants to play this kind joked on Wednesday. and fast, Liverpool emerged from Liverpool have the momentum as broke Porto hearts and set Liver- the semi-fi nals, where last year’s It is six years since Barca lost at of game in their lives,” admitted “I have a few more nights to their trip to the Estadio do Dragao they dream of winning the league pool on their way to a 4-1 win on runners-up face the daunting home in the Champions League, Mane, yet Klopp will have to come think about that. Everybody tried in great shape. and the European Cup in the the night. prospect of Messi and Barcelona. but Liverpool need to ensure they up with a plan to deal with the it so far and nobody can do it. Klopp rotated his squad, with same season, something they last Having won 3-1 at Bayern Mu- Having been at home fi rst remain in the tie before the return brilliant Messi. “We still will try it. We are Divock Origi making a rare start achieved back in 1984. Gulf Times Friday, April 19, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS McLeish sacked by Scotland aft er Giroud demands dismal start to Euro 2020 qualifying

Reuters and seven losses during his sec- ‘more important’ ond managerial stint. Glasgow Despite being under scru- tiny from early in his reign, the lex McLeish has been 60-year-old guaranteed Scot- sacked as Scotland land a Euro 2020 playoff spot manager after just 12 after they fi nished top of their matches in charge, the Nations League group, ahead of ScottishA Football Association Israel and Albania. role with Chelsea (SFA) said yesterday. Yet his quest to end Scotland’s The decision was taken by the 22-year wait to reach the fi nals SFA board after Scotland’s dis- of a major tournament has been ‘TRUST ME I’M VERY FRUSTRATED WHEN I’M NOT ON THE PITCH’ appointing start to their Euro abruptly cut short. AFP 2020 qualifi cation campaign. “I am grateful for the opportu- London Scotland lost 3-0 to Kaza- nity to have managed my coun- khstan in their opening qualifi er try for a second time and leave and could only beat San Marino, knowing that I gave my all in helsea striker Olivier the world’s lowest-ranked team, the pursuit of success,” McLeish Giroud has warned 2-0 last month. said. Maurizio Sarri he must “It was only taken after full “I am proud that together we be given a more impor- consideration by the Board and fi nished top of our UEFA Na- tantC role next season if the Blues after an honest and respectful tions League group and qualifi ed boss wants him to stay at Stam- conversation between myself for the UEFA Euro 2020 playoff s, ford Bridge. and Alex earlier in the week,” SFA which gives us a real opportunity Giroud has been largely con- chief executive Ian Maxwell said to reach a major tournament for signed to a bit-part role with in a statement. the fi rst time in over 20 years. Chelsea this term and the France “Ultimately, the perform- “I am also pleased to have giv- World Cup winner is consider- ances and results as a whole in en many younger players a fi rst ing his future after seeing Sarri’s the past year — and, in particu- taste of international football old Napoli striker Gonzalo Hi- lar, the manner of the defeat in that will stand them — and the guain arrive on loan from Juven- Kazakhstan — did not indicate country — in good stead for the tus to take his position. the progress expected with a future.” Chelsea have the option to squad we believe to be capable of McLeish’s assistant coaches, extend the 32-year-old’s deal achieving more. Peter Grant, James McFadden by another year, but frustrated “With that in mind, it was and Stevie Woods, will also leave former Arsenal star Giroud is agreed that we would seek to re- their roles. hoping for a meeting with club cruit a new management team to Scotland resume their Euro bosses before the end of the take us forward for the remain- 2020 qualifi cation campaign in campaign. der of European qualifying cam- June with matches against Cy- Giroud had already played paign.” prus and Belgium and the SFA second fi ddle to misfi ring Span- McLeish, who replaced Gor- confi rmed the process of recruit- iard Alvaro Morata, now on loan don Strachan in February last ing a new management team will at Atletico Madrid, before Hi- year, guided Scotland to fi ve wins begin immediately. guain’s signing and he wants a more prominent role in future. “Trust me I’m very frustrated when I’m not on the pitch, but I just don’t want to show it,” Gir- Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud speaks during a press conference on Wednesday. oud said ahead of Chelsea’s Eu- ropa League quarter-fi nal sec- clue about that now. But before League specialist for Chelsea, case to the Court of Arbitration “The most important thing ond leg against Slavia Prague. the end of the season. scoring nine times in 10 ap- for Sport (CAS) should their for me is to enjoy the game, to “You need to keep that frus- “I have to meet (club director) pearances in the current cam- FIFA appeal prove unsuccessful. be happy on the pitch and to tration for you. And transform Marina (Granovskaia), but obvi- paign. And Giroud admitted the cur- have more minutes. I’m a com- that into positive energy on the ously I might be here. Giroud admitted uncertainty rent situation creates a transfer petitor. So I really want to play pitch. “The thing is I just want to over Chelsea’s transfer options limbo, saying: “Obviously we more.” “But trust me I’m not happy enjoy it because I’m 32 and I’ve for next season has most likely still don’t know if the club will Sarri was absent from the to play the second role. That’s won the World Cup. But I want led to a delay in talks. have the opportunity to sign press conference after hav- why I said next year I will need to retire satisfi ed.” Chelsea have appealed FIFA’s players or not. ing an operation on a tooth on to have a more important role to Giroud has started only seven two-window transfer embargo “Maybe it’s a bit confusing Wednesday, so Giroud may have play in the team.” Premier League games this sea- relating to the signings of play- now. There is no reason that felt more emboldened to speak Asked when he will talk to the son, while making 17 substitute ers aged under 18, with a deci- they are not going to give me his mind with only assistant Gi- club about next season, Giroud appearances. sion on that still pending. one more year. But I need to be anfranco Zola with him in front said: “I don’t know, I have no He has become a Europa The club could still take the happy as well. of the media.

Fired: Alex McLeish

Salah calls for change in treatment of women SERIE A Los Angeles: Egyptian football the years, he wanted to see at the moment,” Salah told the to cope with the “little bit of star Mohamed “Mo” Salah more change. “I think we need magazine. pressure” that comes with his has called for change in the to change the way we treat Salah is an icon in Egypt after elevated profile, while express- Little excitement way women are treated, in an women in our culture,” Salah helping the country qualify ing pride at being regarded as interview with Time magazine was quoted as saying. “It’s not for the 2018 World Cup, the a role model. published Wednesday. optional.” first time they had reached the “To be the first Egyptian in as Juve set to clinch The 26-year-old Liverpool He said the treatment of finals of the event since 1990. (this) situation and no one has forward was named one of women “in my culture and in He was named African Foot- done this before... it’s some- the US magazine’s 100 most the Middle East” had changed baller of the Year in 2017 and thing diff erent,” he said, insist- another title influential figures of the his opinions on gender issues. 2018 and was also English ing that superstardom had not year, alongside other ath- “I support the woman more football’s Player of the Year in changed his lifestyle. Reuters before slumping into mediocrity. letes including Tiger Woods, Salah told Time that while than I did before, because I 2017-2018 following a dazzling “I just live my life normal,” he Milan They boast plenty of talented LeBron James and Naomi his attitudes towards gender feel like she deserves more season with Liverpool. said. “Most of the time I stay at young players such as forward Osaka. equality had evolved over than what they give her now, He told Time he has learned home, I don’t like to go out.” Giovanni Simeone — the son of uventus should fi nally Atletico Madrid coach Diego — wrap up an eighth succes- and Federico Chiesa. sive Serie A title tomor- Yet they have struggled to turn BOTTOMLINE row but it will be little dominance of matches into wins, moreJ than a consolation prize and their record of 16 draws in 32 to the Turin side following their league matches, plus their posi- Champions League exit. tion in the table — 10th out of 20 Al Sadd’s Akram, Ferreira bag monthly honours At the same time, opponents — sums up a mediocre season. Fiorentina, without a win for two Their frustration came to a By Sports Reporter months, will have their minds head two weeks ago when, after Doha elsewhere as they concentrate a home defeat to lowly Frosi- on their Coppa Italia campaign none, the club issued a state- which off ers the chance to win ment criticising the team and l Sadd’s Akram Afi f has their fi rst silverware since 2001. coach Stefano Pioli resigned in been named as the QNB Juve need a point tomorrow to protest, saying his “human and Stars League’s best clinch the title with fi ve matches professional” qualities had been player for the months to spare. Even if they lose, they questioned. ofA March and April, 2019. will have another chance on In his place, Vincenzo Mon- Akram scored four goals and Monday, when second-placed tella has returned for a second gave three assists in four match- Napoli, who are 17 points behind, stint, having led Fiorentina to es (Weeks 19, 20, 21 and 22) of would still need to beat Atalanta three successive fourth-placed QNB Stars League during the pe- to prolong the contest. fi nishes during his previous riod, playing crucial roles in the The lack of anticipation spell. victories against Al Sailiya (2-0), around the match sums up a The bright spot has been Al Ahli (7-2) and Umm Salal (6- strange Serie A season in which Fiorentina’s Coppa Italia cam- 1). The Wolves played out a 2-2 Juventus, spearheaded by Cris- paign which has taken them to draw with Al Duhail in Week 20. tiano Ronaldo, have been utterly the semi-fi nals. They visit Ata- The wily striker had bagged dominant without playing par- lanta for the second leg next the best-player award in the ticularly well. Thursday following a 3-3 draw in month of February, 2019, as well. Their signing of the fi ve-times the fi rst. Akram, who was a key mem- World Player of the Year in July Montella said on his arrival ber of Qatar’s Asian Cup-win- was initially seen as a boost for that he sensed the air of discon- ning squad early this year, also Serie A which has been strug- tent among the club’s fans. emerged as the 2018-19 QNB gling to attract the world’s big- “In Florence, we need synergy Stars League’s second-best gest players. between the fans, media and the scorer with 26 goals, a feat he Akram Afif (in white) and Jesualdo Ferreira But Ronaldo’s ability to con- team,” he said. “I ask them to shared with Al Duhail’s Moroc- jure goals out of nothing has trust in my enthusiasm and to can striker Yousef El Arabi. on the pitch. League’s Weeks 19, 20, 21 and 22, The three wins helped Al Sadd scored a whopping 100 goals in often allowed to Juventus to win only protest if we deserve it.” Akram’s Al Sadd teammate Meanwhile, Al Sadd’s Jesualdo and won three of them, collect- stay on top of the QNB Stars the tournament. matches without really exert- “There is always a sense of Baghdad Bounedjah (39 goals) Ferreira has been adjudged the ing 10 of the 12 points on off er. League standings and they were During the period, Al Sadd ing themselves and, in others, disappointment after a change topped the list. QNB Stars League’s best coach They drew one match. crowned as the 2018-19 cham- scored 17 goals while conced- snatch wins they have not really of coach especially for players The technical analysis of for the months of March and The Wolves’ victories were pions following their win over Al ing fi ve, with 37 shots on target deserved. who got on so well with Pioli. Akram released by STATS, the April. against Al Sailiya (2-0), Al Ahli Ahli in Week 21. Ferreira’s men and 19 against it, according to Fiorentina, meanwhile, are However, in football you need to offi cial statistics and fi gures pro- Under the Portuguese, Al (7-2) and Umm Salal (6-1). Al took an unassailable lead with STATS, the offi cial statistics and one of several exasperating Serie turn over a new leaf quickly and vider for the QNB Stars League, Sadd played four matches in Sadd were held to a 2-2 draw by one match to spare. They even- fi gures provider for the QNB A outfi ts who threaten to off er the lads want to turn around this showed he spent 388.0 minutes the 2018-19 season QNB Stars Al Duhail in Week 20. tually fi nished with 57 points and Stars League. a challenge to the bigger teams negative trend.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, April 19, 2019 CRICKET

ANNOUNCEMENT Sri Lanka leave Chandimal, Tharanga out of World Cup squad Reuters ence in England,” chief selector lar wicketkeeper-batsman Niro- inga). He is a world class play- Colombo Ashantha de Mel told reporters. shan Dickwella was dropped. er,” Sri Lanka Cricket President “The openers were not in The 1996 champions on Shammi Silva said. form. They were not among the Wednesday had appointed test “But sometimes, a world class ormer Sri Lanka cap- runs in the last 10 games and captain Dimuth Karunaratne as player may not be a good cap- tains Dinesh Chandimal they had failed. So we had to take the skipper for the May 30-July tain, and a good captain may not and Upul Tharanga were a decision on the openers.” 14 World Cup despite the left- be a world class player. Country left out of the 15-man Jeff rey Vandersay was picked handed batsman not playing an comes fi rst, not the names.” squadF announced yesterday for over mystery spinner Akila Dan- ODI since the 2015 tournament. Former captain Angelo Math- the World Cup in England and anjaya as the only specialist slow Karunaratne’s leadership in ews, who missed a lot of cricket Wales, while spin-bowling all- bowler, with Sri Lanka’s selec- Sri Lanka’s spectacular test se- recently due to injury and was rounders Milinda Siriwardana tors rewarding the leg-spinner’s ries win in South Africa tilted the also dropped last year due to and Jeevan Mendis were recalled. strong performances in a recent scales in his favour. The selectors fi tness concerns, was part of Chandimal was Sri Lanka’s domestic 50-over tournament. continued on that note by bring- the 15-man squad. Sri Lanka one-day international captain as “We can’t take two off spinners ing back Jeevan Mendis, who open their World Cup campaign recently as October, while Tha- to the World Cup, and right now also last played in the format at against New Zealand on June 1. ranga led the side in 2017. we are considering Dhananjaya the World Cup four years back Tharanga’s fellow opener Da- de Silva as an off spinner,” de Mel in Australia and New Zealand. SQUAD: Dimuth Karunaratne nushka Gunathilaka also failed said. “Since Akila remodeled his Siriwardana and Vandersay last (captain), Avishka Fernando, to make the cut, while Lahiru action, Dhananjaya gets wickets played ODIs in October 2017. Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Thirimanne, who last played in at a much better strike rate than Pace bowler Lasith Malinga, Perera, Kusal Mendis, Angelo the format at the end of 2017, Akila, and he also turns the ball who led the side in a 5-0 ODI Mathews, Dhanajaya de Silva, was drafted in. more than Akila.” series thrashing at the hands of Jeff rey Vandersay, Thisara “We have an issue with open- Opening batsman Avishka South Africa recently, kept his Perera, Lasith Malinga, Isuru ing batsmen. This is the reason Fernando, 21, survived the axe place alongside the injury-prone Udana, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan why we went for experienced despite a below-par tour of paceman Nuwan Pradeep. Pradeep, Jeevan Mendis, Milinda Sri Lanka’s Cricket chairman of selector Ashantha de Mel (left) speaks as new ODI captain Dimuth Karunaratne openers. We need that experi- South Africa recently. But regu- “We have tested him (Mal- Siriwardana. (centre) looks on during a press conference in Colombo yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS IPL Clinical Mumbai thrash lacklustre Off -form Amla Delhi by 40 runs

IANS the most of the powerplay. New Delhi They mixed caution with ag- gression as they put on 57 runs without losing a wicket after ishabh Pant had start- the fi rst six overs. makes South Africa ed Delhi Capitals’ But just when it looked journey in the 12th like the openers would take edition of the Indian the game away, Amit Mishra PremierR League by smashing struck. Brought in to slow the Mumbai Indians pacer Jas- fl ow of runs on a slowish Kotla prit Bumrah all over the park wicket, he got one to grip a bit in their opening encounter in and turn to miss the defence Mumbai. of Rohit (30 off 22 balls) and World Cup squad But Bumrah got his revenge shake the timber. The Delhi at the Ferozeshah Kotla yes- boys celebrated as the score ‘We are very happy with the squad we have been able to put together’ terday as he sent Pant’s off - read 57/1. stump for a walk in the park. Ben Cutting (2) failed to Reuters With that ended DC’s hope as make much of the opportunity Cape Town they fi nished on 128/9, losing he got as Axar Patel caught him the game by 40 runs. plumb in front with just fi ve Chasing 169, DC made a runs added to the scoreboard. outh Africa have in- mess of the target after Shikhar From 57/0 after 6, the score cluded off -form opening Dhawan was dismissed for 35 read 62/2 in 7.5 overs and DC was right back in the game. batsman Hashim Amla 19 -04 -2019 in the 7th over of the innings in their squad for the by Rahul Chahar. But de Kock and Suryaku- CricketS World Cup in England After a quality start of 48/0 mar Yadav looked to steady and Wales starting next month, in the fi rst six overs, Dhawan’s the ship and get a partnership but there is no place for all- wicket opened the fl oodgates going. And just when it looked rounder Chris Morris. as Chahar kept picking wick- like they would settle down Amla’s selection has been the ets and fi nished with fi gures of and set the stage for fl ourish- topic of hot debate. 3/19 from his four overs. ing fi nish, de Kock (35) was run He has been a stalwart at the While Chahar sent back out as a misunderstanding be- top of the order for the last dec- Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw (20) tween the two saw both bats- ade, but his form in all formats and skipper Shreyas Iyer (3), men stranded at the striker’s has been called into question in Krunal Pandya sent back the end. the past year. dangerous Colin Munro (3) as Axar happily removed the In One-Day International Delhi were never really in the bails at the non-striker’s end. cricket he has managed a single chase on a low and slow Kotla The score read 74/3 in 9.5 century in his previous 16 in- wicket. overs. nings, dating back to the start of Earlier, Hardik Pandya (32 After that it was all about 2018, at an average of 35.26. off 15 balls) and Krunal (37*) consolidating as Krunal Pandya He was given the opportunity provided the late order fl our- and Suryakumar looked to put to fi nd form in domestic cricket ish as Mumbai Indians scored their head down and bring MI over the last few weeks, but has 168/5 in their 20 overs. back into the game. a top-score of 32 in six innings, Having bowled a disciplined From looking good at 57/0 af- failing to reach double-fi gures in line and length through the in- ter six, it took them 13.5 overs to three of those. nings, the DC bowlers lost the reach the 100-run mark as the “We are very happy with the plot in the last fi ve overs as the Delhi bowlers had restricted the squad we have been able to put MI batsmen picked 64 runs. fl ow of runs. together and have every confi - While Krunal was the an- The 30-run partnership dence in their ability to do our chor during the 54-run part- ended with Suryakumar (26 off country proud at the World Cup,” nership, Hardik once again 27 balls) looking to lap one over Cricket South Africa selection showed why he is such a dan- the keeper’s head and managed convener Linda Zondi said. gerous batsman in the death to get an edge to Rishabh Pant “The fact that we have man- overs as he used the long han- who dived to his right to fi nish aged to win our last fi ve series in dle to excellent eff ect to dig a quality catch. a row in this format underlines out the low full tosses and at- The score read 104/4 in 15.1 the quality of the team that Faf tempted yorkers and sent them overs. This is when the Pan- will lead into the contest. over the ropes till Kagiso Rab- dya brothers joined forces and “The fi nal selection is also the only one of those ever likely to month,” Zondi added. Rassie JP Duminy and fast bowler Dale fi rst World Cup trophy win, open ada dismissed him off the third looked to give it their best shot result of a very rigorous search play at any given time. van der Dussen, who only made Steyn also included. Imran Tahir their campaign against England ball of the 20th over. and fi nish with a fl ourish. we have conducted, leaving no Fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi and his debut for the side in January will be the starting leg-spinner, at The Oval on May 30. Having won the toss and stone unturned, to make sure Anrich Nortje were both injury but averages 88.25 from his eight with the guile of Tabraiz Shamsi decided to bat fi rst, Mumbai BRIEF SCORES that we have made the best use doubts, but have been selected, ODI innings, was chosen ahead another option in that depart- SQUAD Indians got off to a good start Mumbai Indians: 168/5 in of the options available to us.” with the former especially cru- of Reeza Hendricks, while test ment. South Africa have opted Faf du Plessis (captain), Quin- with both skipper Rohit Shar- 20 overs (Krunal Pandya 37*; Morris’s exclusion as an all- cial to the side given his wick- opener Aiden Markram also gets not to select a specialist wick- ton de Kock, Hashim Amla, ma and opening partner Quin- Rabada 2/38); Delhi Capitals: rounder is a surprise given his et-taking ability and economy the nod on the back of some ex- etkeeper as back-up to Quinton David Miller, JP Duminy, Aiden ton de Kock looking to make 128/9 (Axar 26; Chahar 3/19). form in the Indian Premier in the opening overs. “Lungi cellent domestic form. de Kock, but instead will rely on Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, League and his death-bowling Ngidi and Anrich Nortje are part-timer David Miller, who Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Pheh- ability, but the selectors have in- well on the way to recovery and EXPERIENCED TRIO wore the gloves for some of the lukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale stead opted for Dwaine Pretorius we expect them to be ready for Faf du Plessis will captain the recent 5-0 series sweep of Sri Steyn, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Andile Phehlukwayo, with our pre-tournament camp next side, with experienced batsman Lanka. South Africa, seeking a Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Steyn backs South Africa to end World Cup jinx

South Africa’s veteran paceman reporters. “If you’re not going to well. Kagiso is a wunderkind. “We just need to go there and Dale Steyn is confident his side the World Cup expecting to win, hope (for) a bit of luck – weather, can end their World Cup jinx then you probably shouldn’t go. a missed no-ball – goes your way, and get to the final – with “a bit But I’m not going to lie, we have and you could win the tourna- of luck”. some fantastic players,” said ment.” The Proteas have always been Steyn, 35. Steyn, who has 196 wickets from among the world’s top cricket Du Plessis and spinner Imran 125 ODI matches, said team rank- teams but have never got past Tahir, who play for Chennai Su- ings would be of little signifi- the semi-final hurdle – losing per Kings and speedster Kagiso cance in the tournament. South four times. With the Faf du Rabada with the Delhi Capitals Africa, ranked fourth, take on Plessis-led side winning 11 of are enjoying good form in the top-ranked England at The Oval their last 13 one-day series, Steyn Twenty20 tournament. in the opening game. believes the South Africans can Steyn, who is hoping to make “I think you really need to take lift the trophy at the tournament South Africa’s World Cup squad, rankings and throw it out of the in England and Wales starting singled out Rabada for special Just hope he continues that kind wickets,” said Steyn, who joined window,” he said. “I don’t even May 30. praise. Rabada is currently the of form.” said Steyn. “We are led Bangalore as a replacement for know what ranking West Indies “We’re going with good expecta- top ranked bowler in the IPL with by Faf, who has been in fantastic injured Nathan Coulter-Nile. have, and they just beat England. tions,” Steyn, who has joined In- 17 wickets followed by fellow form lately. And in the Indian “From Quinton de Kock all the Australia were losing, and then dian Premier League side Royal South African Tahir on 15. Premier League, Imran Tahir has way down to number 11, they’re they’ve started winning again,” Mumbai Indians players celebrate after defeating Delhi Capitals Challengers Bangalore, told “He’s been bowling exceptionally been right up there in terms of all match-winners,” he said. he added. in their Indian Premier League match at the Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Stadium in New Delhi yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, April 19, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Chapman and Bucks, Rockets romp Athletics stop as Celtics fi ghtback Astros’ winning streak at 10 Celtics star Irving scores 37 Reuters Michael Brantley and one-out points to defeat Pacers 99-91 New York single by Yuli Gurriel. stuns Pacers But Treinen got Reddick to pop out and then struck out Robinson att Chapman broke a Chirinos, snapping Oakland’s sixth-inning tie with two-game losing streak. a home run Wednes- The A’s scored fi rst off Miley day night, helping when Mark Canha doubled with Mthe Oakland Athletics snap the one out in the second inning and Houston Astros’ 10-game win- Jurickson Profar added a double ning streak with a 2-1 victory in of his own one out later. Oakland, California. Houston fi nally got to Montas Right-hander Frankie Montas in the top of the sixth, thanks to (3-1) took a three-hitter into the walks by George Springer and seventh and the Oakland bullpen Alex Bregman. got the fi nal eight outs, as the A’s Brantley got the Astros even beat the Astros for the fi rst time with an RBI single before Montas in fi ve tries this season to split escaped further damage by get- the two-game series. ting Carlos Correa to ground out. Left-hander Wade Miley (1- Chapman, Canha and Profar 2), who took a 5-1 career record had the game’s only extra-base against the A’s to the mound, was hits. the hard-luck loser, allowing two Will Harris and Brad Peacock runs on just four hits in six in- pitched one inning of hitless ball nings. He walked one and struck apiece in relief of Miley to keep the out one. Astros within striking distance. After the Astros had erased a Houston hadn’t lost since being 1-0 defi cit in the top of the sixth, beaten 4-0 by Texas on April 3. Chapman smacked Miley’s third pitch of the bottom of the inning RESULTS over the wall in left-center fi eld for his sixth homer of the season. Philadelphia 3-2 NY Mets Montas was pulled after al- St. Louis 6-3 Milwaukee lowing a one-out single to Josh Reddick in the top of the seventh. Kansas City 4-3 C White Sox Lou Trivino came on to strike out LA Dodgers 3-2 Cincinnati both batters he faced in the in- NY Yankees 5-3 Boston ning, allowing a Reddick steal in Cleveland 1-0 Seattle between. Montas gave up one run and Pittsburgh 3-2 Detroit three hits in 6 1/3 innings. He Washington 9-6 San Francisco walked two and struck out six. Tampa Bay 8-1 Baltimore Trivino also pitched a hitless eighth, adding a third strikeout, C Cubs 6-0 Miami before Oakland closer Blake Arizona 3-2 Atlanta Treinen survived a shaky ninth Minnesota 4-1 Toronto for his sixth save. Houston got the potential ty- Texas 5-4 LA Angels ing run into scoring position in Oakland 2-1 Houston the ninth on a leadoff walk by

Giannis Antetokounmpo (third from left) of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during Game Two of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoff s against the Detroit Pistons in Milwaukee, United States. on Wednesday. (AFP)

scoring with 19 points. The 27-year-old point guard said the AFP RESULTS Los Angeles Milwaukee are chasing their fi rst play- Celtics’ never-say-die approach had off series victory since 2001 and will look Boston 99-91 Indiana helped them transform Wednesday’s to extend their lead in game three in De- Milwaukee 120-99 Detroit game into a win. he Milwaukee Bucks and Houston troit on Saturday. “It’s just staying resilient, understand- Rockets cruised towards the NBA In Houston, James Harden fi nished Houston 118-98 Utah ing that we’re never out of this game,” Ir- playoff conference semi-fi nals with a triple double as the Rockets ving said. “It’s the playoff s, anything can on Wednesday as Kyrie Irving led romped to a blowout 118-98 win over the quarter. But some superb shot-making happen. Ta late Boston fi ghtback in a dramatic win Utah Jazz to take a 2-0 lead in their West- from Irving and a 26-point display from “I tell the guys all the time, we’ve got over Indiana. ern Conference series. Jayson Tatum helped Boston outscore the to stay communicative and do the little In Milwaukee, Giannis Antetok- Harden had 32 points, 13 rebounds and Pacers by 31-12 in the fi nal quarter to seal things in order to get the win.” ounmpo gave a commanding display as 10 assists as the Rockets led from the start a roller-coaster win at the TD Garden. Irving fi nished with six rebounds and the Bucks surged into a 2-0 series lead to record a straightforward win. The win puts the Celtics fi rmly in con- seven assists in addition to his points against the Detroit Pistons with a crush- Chris Paul had 17 points while PJ Tuck- trol of the best-of-seven series as the two tally. Gordon Hayward had 13 points and ing 120-99 win in game two. er and Eric Gordon chipped in with 16 sides head to Indianapolis for game three fi ve rebounds off the bench as the Celtics Antetokounmpo dominated in the sec- points apiece for Houston. on Friday. punished a disastrous Pacers display in ond half as Milwaukee saw four players go Irving warned his Celtics teammates the fi nal period. into double digits against an outmuscled IRVING LEADS FIGHTBACK against complacency over the remainder The Pacers shot only four of 17 from the Pistons line-up. In Boston, Celtics star Irving scored 37 of the series following Wednesday’s win. fi eld in the fourth quarter, and coughed Antetokounmpo fi nished with 26 points and led a fourth quarter comeback “Tonight gives us confi dence but any- up two vital turnovers in the fi nal 15 sec- points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Eric to defeat the Indiana Pacers 99-91. thing can happen on the road,” Irving onds to gift Boston victory. Bledsoe added 27 points while Khris Mid- The Celtics now lead their Eastern said. “We’ve got to go to Indiana, a tough Bojan Bogdanovic led the scoring with dleton fi nished with 24 points. Conference series 2-0. place to play, and be ready for whatever. 23 points for Indiana, with Thaddeus With Blake Griffi n still nursing an in- The Pacers appeared to be closing in It’s going to be a war out there. We un- Young (15 points), Darren Collison (13) Oakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman rounds the bases on jury to his left knee, Detroit’s off ense was on a series-levelling victory after taking derstand the type of team we’re playing and Tyreke Evans (13) the other Pacers a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning in eff ectively shut down, Luke Kennard top- an 11-point lead heading into the fourth against. It’s a series for a reason.” players to make double fi gures. Oakland, United States, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports)

NHL Rinne humiliated as Predators thrashed 5-1 coming from Roman Josi. Game Agencies RESULTS Los Angeles fi ve takes place on Saturday. Boston 6-4 Toronto AVS PUT FLAMES ON BRINK ashville goaltender WITH OT WIN Dallas 5-1 Nashville Pekka Rinne suff ered Mikko Rantanen’s second goal of Colorado 3-2 Calgary a humiliating fi rst pe- the game was the overtime win- riod substitution as the ner as the Colorado Avalanche seconds later on a rebound, then NPredators were thrashed 5-1 by erased a two-goal defi cit and beat Rantanen tied the game with a the Dallas Stars on Wednesday in the Calgary Flames 3-2 Wednes- power-play goal with 2:50 re- their Stanley Cup playoff series. day night in Denver. maining in regulation. Finnish veteran Rinne — re- The result put the Western cipient of the NHL’s goaltender Conference’s No. 1 seed, Calgary, BOSTON HOLD TO LEAVE of the year award in 2018 — was on the brink of elimination in the SERIES AT 2-2 hooked by Predators boss Pe- opening round of the Stanley Cup David Pastrnak scored twice, Brad ter Laviolette after a disastrous playoff s. The Avalanche lead the Marchand added a goal and two opening spell in Dallas. best-of-seven series 3-1. Game 5 assists, and visiting Boston held on The 36-year-old leaked four will be Friday in Calgary. to defeat Toronto to even the fi rst- goals from eight shots before be- Shortly after the Flames failed round Eastern Conference playoff ing hauled off the ice in favour of to convert on a power play, the series at two games apiece. Juuse Saros. Avalanche raced up the ice, and Charlie McAvoy had a goal and Although Saros performed Carl Soderberg fed Rantanen a an assist, and Zdeno Chara and creditably for the remainder of cross-ice pass that he one-timed Joakim Nordstrom each scored the game, the contest had eff ec- for the winner. Avalanche goalie once for the Bruins, who will host tively been decided after Rinne’s Philipp Grubauer made 35 saves, Game 5 in the best-of-seven se- nightmare opening. while Calgary netminder Mike ries on Friday. Roope Hintz scored twice for Smith stopped 49 shots. Auston Matthews scored twice Dallas as the home side leveled After a scoreless fi rst period, for Toronto, and Zach Hyman their Western Conference series Calgary’s Elias Lindholm broke and Travis Dermott each scored at 2-2. the deadlock with a power-play once. Morgan Rielly added two John Klingber and Esa Lindell goal 3:25 into the second. Derek assists for Toronto. Tuukka Rask provided the assists for Dallas Ryan doubled the Calgary lead at made 38 saves for Boston while while Ben Bishop made 34 saves, 6:58 of the third period. The Av- Toronto’s Frederik Andersen with the Predators’ lone goal alanche’s J.T. Compher scored 72 stopped 25 shots. Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (second from right) in action against Dallas Stars in Dallas, United States, on Wednesday. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Friday, April 19, 2019 SPORT

NFL MLB Braves reliever Seahawks QB Vizcaino lost for season Reuters son at Class-A Greensboro. He is New York 4-for-21 at the plate with three Wilson plans on RBIs. tlanta Braves right- BADER ON INJURED LIST hander Arodys Vizcaino The St Louis Cardinals placed will miss the rest of the outfi elder Harrison Bader on the season after undergoing 10-day injured list, retroactive to surgeryA Wednesday on his right April 14, due to a right hamstring shoulder, the team announced. strain. playing 20 seasons Vizcaino, 28, went on the 10- In a corresponding move, the day injured list on Sunday (retro- Cardinals recalled rookie out- active to April 11) due to shoulder fi elder Lane Thomas from Tri- ‘For me, for my family, we love Seattle, and it’s the place I want to be’ infl ammation. He appeared in ple-A Memphis. four games, allowing one run on Bader has played in 13 games Reuters three hits with six strikeouts in this season as has gotten off to a New York four innings. slow start, batting just .179 to go Dr David Altchek performed along with two home runs and the procedure in New York, fi ve RBIs. In his rookie season in resh off receiving the cleaning up the labrum and also 2018, Bader batted .264 with 12 richest deal in NFL his- removing scar tissue from the homers and 37 RBIs. tory, Seattle Seahawks shoulder joint. quarterback Russell Vizcaino is in his sixth season KELLER, ANDERSON EJECTED WilsonF declared that he wants in Atlanta and seventh in the ma- to “be a Seahawk for life”. jor leagues, also having appeared He also vowed at Wednesday’s for the Chicago Cubs in 2014. He press conference that he wants is 13-11 with 50 saves and a 3.01 to play through the 2031 season. ERA in 206 appearances, striking “My goal is to play 20 years, so out 218 batters in 194 1/3 innings. I would be 43ish around then,” said Wilson, who was born in TIGERS’ MOORE UNDERGOES 1988. “So, that would be my goal SURGERY to be honest with you, and that’s Detroit Tigers left-hander Matt what I’m looking forward to.” Moore underwent season-end- Kansas City Royals right-hander The next fi ve years are taken ing surgery on his right knee, Brad Keller and Chicago White care of after Wilson signed a manager Ron Gardenhire told Sox shortstop Tim Anderson four-year, $140mn extension reporters. were ejected after the former hit on Tuesday afternoon. He re- Moore was scheduled to un- the latter with a pitch, prompt- ceived a $65mn signing bonus dergo surgery to repair a torn ing both teams’ benches to clear. and is signed with the Seahawks meniscus, but more signifi cant Two innings earlier, Ander- through the 2023 season. damage was discovered. The in- son deposited a 3-2 fastball from Though Wilson placed an jury caused an abrupt ending to Keller over the wall in left fi eld April 15 deadline for getting Moore’s fi rst season in Detroit, for a two-run homer. Anderson a deal done, he said he never which signed him to a one-year, punctuated the blast by emphat- wanted to play anywhere other $2.5 mn deal during the off sea- ically tossing his bat, a decision than Seattle. son. that may have led to fi reworks in “For me, for my family, we Moore pitched 10 shutout in- his next at-bat. love Seattle, and it’s the place I nings in his two starts with De- White Sox manager Rick Rent- want to be,” Wilson said. “I’ve troit. He allowed just three hits eria and Royals bench coach Dale always wanted to be here. When and one walk while striking out Sveum also were ejected during I fi rst got drafted in 2012, I want- nine. the incident. ed to be here forever. This helps solidify that. I’ve got many more 30 GAME SUSPENSION FOR PALKA RECORDS FIRST HIT years to go and a lot more win- JI-HWAN White Sox outfi elder Daniel ning to do — we’ve got more Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Palka recorded his fi rst hit of the Super Bowls to win. I’m excited prospect Ji-Hwan Bae received season and then was demoted about that.” In this January 14, 2017, picture, Atlanta Falcons’ Brooks Reed (left) tries to tackle Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome a 30-game suspension without shortly after the conclusion of a The 30-year-old Wilson has in Atlanta, Georgia. (AFP) pay from Major League Baseball 10-inning loss to the Royals. passed for 25,624 yards, 196 for violating the Domestic Vio- Palka, who is batting.029 with touchdowns and only 63 inter- Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 on track with continuing to push still feels plenty of motivation... “I was going to make the 31 lence, Sexual Assault and Child 15 strikeouts in 35 at-bats over 13 ceptions in 112 NFL games, nev- season and lost to the New Eng- to fi nd that consistency,” Carroll partly because of that “third- other teams regret it, and that Abuse Policy, the commission- games, was optioned to Triple- er missing a start. The fi ve-time land Patriots in the big game the said. “Russell is a unique player, round pick” label. was my mentality, and still is to- er’s offi ce announced. A Charlotte. The White Sox said Pro Bowler threw a franchise- next season. a unique competitor. It’s rare Wilson has never forgotten day,” Wilson said. “I’ve just been The 19-year-old was found they would make a correspond- best 35 touchdown passes last Seattle coach Pete Carroll is the way he’s just so consistently that 74 players were chosen be- fortunate — been very, very for- guilty last year in a South Korean ing move on Thursday. season against just seven inter- well aware of the team’s 75-36- connected to competing and fore him in the 2012 NFL Draft. tunate — and blessed to be with court of physically assaulting his Palka ended his slide of 32 hit- ceptions, matching his career 1 regular-season record during battling. To keep that factor as He was the sixth quarterback great teammates, a great cul- former girlfriend on New Year’s less at-bats this season when he low. the Wilson era and is pleased to part of the program is just a real selected behind Andrew Luck ture here, a great organisation. Eve in 2017, according to The hit a soft pinch-hit single to left Wilson has guided Seattle to see it continue. positive for our fans and for eve- (No. 1 overall), Robert Griffi n III There’s no better place than here, Athletic. fi eld off Kansas City right-hand- the playoff s in six of his seven “Russ has been a huge fac- ryone. We’re all fortunate to see (No. 2), Ryan Tannehill (No 8), and obviously a great city with The suspension goes into ef- er Ian Kennedy in the seventh in- seasons. The Seahawks defeated tor in everything that has hap- this happen.” Brandon Weeden (No 22) and amazing fans. The best fans in fect Thursday for Bae, who has ning. the Denver Broncos in Super pened, and this allows us to stay The former third-round pick Brock Osweiler (No 57). the world, so it’s a special thing.” appeared in fi ve games this sea-

SPOTLIGHT Defending champion Patriots open against Steelers

Reuters New York Patriots’ Gronkowski dented Lombardi by ‘bunting’ baseball

he New England Patri- Reuters As the pitch approached, ots will open the defense New York Gronkowski squared and used of their Super Bowl LIII the “bat” to bunt, making square title against the Pitts- contact with the back of the Tburgh Steelers on “Sunday Night ecently retired New football shape atop the trophy. Football” in Week 1, the NFL an- England Patriots tight end A loud clank can be heard nounced in its unveiling of the RRob Gronkowski dented on the video as the ball hits 2019 schedule. the team’s newest Lombardi and bounces back toward the The league announced in late Trophy by “bunting” a pitch mound, followed by a bunch March that the opening game of from teammate Julian Edelman of players howling — some in the season would pit the Green before the Boston Red Sox’s laughter, others in surprise. Bay Packers at the Chicago Bears Opening Day game at Fenway “It sounded exactly what you on Thursday, Sept. 5. Park last week. think a baseball hitting the Lom- The defending Super Bowl As detailed in a story and video bardi Trophy would sound like,” champion normally opens the on the team’s website, the inci- off ensive lineman Ted Karras said. season with a home game on dent happened as a portion of Executive vice president of me- Thursday night, but the NFL the team was preparing to throw dia relations Stacey James told wanted to feature its oldest ri- out the first pitch on April 9, a ESPN that the team will “keep valry to open its 100th season, little over two months after the the dent and tell the story” for which bumped New England to Patriots’ triumph over the Los now, although it could be fixed Sunday night, Sept. 8. Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. in the future. The Patriots will also be in A few players, including Edel- The trophy is the sixth in fran- prime time on Oct. 10 vs. the man and Gronkowski, were chise history, all of which have New York Giants (Thursday throwing warm-up pitches in been won since February 2002. night), Oct. 21 at the New York a tented area before the game Many Super Bowl-winning teams Jets (Monday night), Nov. 3 at the when Gronkowski grabbed the have replica trophies for use at Baltimore Ravens (Sunday night) trophy like a bat and stood with public events while keeping the and Dec. 1 at the Houston Texans it in a batters’ stance, waiting on originals under lock and key, but (Sunday night), with a Dec. 21 or a pitch from Edelman. the dented trophy is apparently Dec. 22 home meeting with the “I say to myself, ‘Certainly that’s the original from Super Bowl LIII. Buff alo Bills as a possible fl ex op- just Rob having some fun. He Long known for his rambunc- tion to Saturday night in prime would never hit the ball with tious personality, the 29-year- time. that,’” Patriots special teams ace old Gronkowski announced his Joining the Patriots with fi ve Matthew Slater recalled to the retirement in late March after scheduled prime-time games are team’s website. nine NFL seasons. the Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Pack- ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Los An- In this April 9, 2019, picture, former New England Patriots player Rob geles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Gronkowski raises the Lombardi Trophy in Boston. (AFP) Steelers and Seattle Seahawks, who have three in a row from ers, Minnesota Vikings and New plan to trade safety Reshad ulation that he might be moved. comments published by the Mi- SEAHAWKS HOST LIUGET, sive lineman Al Woods on a visit Nov. 24-Dec. 8. Orleans Saints. Jones, general manager Chris He is due to earn $13 mn, includ- ami Herald. WOODS to the team facility, according to The Cleveland Browns have Grier said. ing $11mn in guarantees, with “He doesn’t want a trade. The Seattle Seahawks hosted a report from ESPN. The Sea- four, plus several games that NO PLANS TO TRADE JONES: Jones skipped the fi rst two Miami this season. At least he has not informed former Los Angeles Chargers de- hawks also hosted Allen Bailey, a could be fl exed later in the sea- DOLPHINS days of the Dolphins’ volunteer “I haven’t given him permis- me. Yeah, Reshad is going to be fensive lineman Corey Liuget and free-agent defensive end who last son, as do the Los Angeles Charg- The Miami Dolphins do not workouts, which prompted spec- sion to seek a trade,” Grier said in here.” former Indianapolis Colts defen- played for the Kansas City Chiefs. Gulf Times Friday, April 19, 2019 7 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Tokyo ticket lottery to launch for domestic Djokovic and Nadal sales on May 9

AFP Tokyo

esidents of Japan will be enter quarter-fi nals able to apply for tickets for the Tokyo 2020 Ol- Russia’s Daniil Medvedev topples sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas to march into quarters ympic Games from May 9,R the organising committee said AFP yesterday. Monte Carlo, Principality of Residents will be able to ap- Monaco ply through the lottery system, which runs from May 9-28, be- fore fi nding out if their applica- op seed Novak Djokovic tion was successful on June 20. and 11-time champion People living outside of Japan Rafael Nadal showed will not be able to apply through initial off ering. no mercy in dominating the system but will instead have Organisers announced do- Twins to power into the Monte to buy tickets through country- mestic ticket prices last year, Carlo Masters quarter-fi nals specifi c Authorised Ticket Re- with rates ranging from less than yesterday. sellers (ATRs). $19 for some group tickets up to Djokovic extended his win- The distribution system var- $2,680, the top rate for a place at ning streak against US players ies from country to country but the opening ceremony. with a 6-3, 6-0 defeat of Taylor international sales cannot start The cheapest individual tick- Fritz. until June 15. Each National Ol- ets will go on sale for 2,500 yen The two-time tournament ympic Committee (NOC) has ($22.34) and, as in previous champion has now won nine been allocated a certain number Games, athletics is the most ex- in a row over Americans since of tickets to be sold through their pensive event with the highest losing at Wimbledon in 2016 to approved ATR. priced tickets set at 130,000 yen Sam Querrey. Tokyo 2020 organisers refused ($161.68). “It was very challenging to to say how many tickets had been The Tokyo prices are roughly play in these (windy) condi- allocated to each NOC as well as in line with those for the Lon- tions,” Djokovic said. how much commission ATRs don Olympics in 2012 but are “Taylor just fl attens the ball. would charge international cus- more expensive than Rio 2016, “We had fi ve, six close games tomers. Between 70-80 percent although fl uctuating exchange in the fi rst set, I just managed of all tickets have been reserved rates make comparisons dif- to break his resistance midway for domestic sales, with the re- fi cult. This marks only the fi rst through. After that, things went mainder allocated to interna- wave of ticket sales for the sum- on my side and I felt more com- tional customers and sponsors. mer showpiece, which begins on fortable. Tokyo’s bid for the Olympics July 24, 2020. “This was one of these days said 7.8 million tickets would be There will be a further oppor- where you just have to hang available for the Games but or- tunity to purchase tickets in a in there and try to put an extra ganisers refused to confi rm how fi rst-come, fi rst-served process ball back in the court – that was many were for sale during the later this year. enough.” Nadal repeated last year’s semi-fi nal win over Grigor SPOTLIGHT Dimitrov, beating the Bulgarian for the 12th time, 6-4, 6-1. “I’m very, very happy, this is an important victory for me,” Japan rugby chief quits the second seed said after win- ning his 23rd consecutive set at the tournament. months before WC “Grigor is a super talent and is very dangerous. It was a posi- AFP tive match for me. Tokyo “I had a good day, I can be happy with what I did on court. “When you don’t play on clay oshiro Mori announced for almost a year, every win is his surprise resignation important for the confi dence, as honorary chairman of especially as I’m coming back the Japan Rugby Football from injury.” YUnion, offi cials said yesterday, Spain’s 17-time Grand Slam just months before the country champion started his clay sea- hosts the World Cup. son this week after missing a But the 81-year-old former month with another knee prob- prime minister will remain as lem and has title-holder points president of the Tokyo 2020 Or- tember, the spokesman stressed. to defend here plus Barcelona, ganising Committee for the Ol- “Mr Mori has said he will con- Rome and Roland Garros. ympic Games. tinue supporting the World Cup The king of clay is bidding for Mori, who played a key part but expressed hope that young a 12th trophy in the principality. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his third round match against Taylor Fritz of the US at the Monte Carlo Masters in Monaco, Principality of in bringing Asia’s fi rst Rugby people should take the initia- His record at the event is a stag- Monaco, yesterday. (Reuters) World Cup to Japan, made the tive in pushing for the sport,” the gering 70-4. announcement after a JRFU spokesman said. Nadal spent almost an hour in 30 unforced errors in 68 min- Greek botched the third to seal the court. I was pleased to fi ght be better.” board meeting on Wednesday, Mori has reportedly said Japan securing the fi rst set but picked utes. his exit after an hour and three- back after going a break down in The Russian reached his fi rst and said it was partially due to “desperately needs a vision” for up the pace in the second as he Sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas quarters. the third set.” quarter-fi nal at the Masters health concerns after suff ering the sport post-World Cup, fol- ran out the winner. earlier lost 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 as Da- Medvedev increased his lead- The player who stands a ca- 1000 level after winning his several bouts of surgery because lowing news that the country He next faces Guido Pella, niil Medvedev continued his run ing total of ATP season match reer-high 14th credits his rising second match against a Top 10 of cancer. will lose its Super Rugby fran- who defeated Italy’s Marco of form. wins to 20 as a result after he form to a renewed dedication to opponent. “Mr Mori expressed his inten- chise after 2020. Cecchinato 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. The Russian will next line up beat Tsitsipas for the fourth the sport. Tsitsipas, runner-up last tion to resign because of his age The Tokyo-based Sunwolves World number one Djokovic against Djokovic after losing to time in as many attempts. “I’ve been working hard for season to Nadal in Toronto, and condition as well as his job at were introduced in 2016 to bring will be playing his ninth quar- him in January in the Australian “This was a great achieve- the past 18 months - since be- suff ered his eighth defeat of the the Olympics and Paralympics,” rugby to new markets but or- ter-fi nal here from 13 appear- Open fourth round. ment for me,” Medvedev said. fore the start of 2018. I’ve dedi- season against 18 wins and will a JRFU spokesman told AFP, ganisers of the southern hemi- ances at his home event. Tsitsipas was caught on the “Everything was perfect to- cated my life to tennis, which I try and lift his game next week adding that his replacement has sphere’s elite club competition Djokovic turned in a steady back foot facing three match day. Some wind came up in the did not do before,” Medvedev on the clay of Barcelona. not been decided. decided last month to kick them performance with a dozen win- points as he trailed 0-40 on his second set and I could not get said. Italian qualifi er Lorenzo Son- “But his resignation won’t out after 2020, sparking con- ners and unforced errors, while serve late in the second set. used to it. But in the third, I “I had my best season last ego defeated Britain’s Cameron aff ect our hosting of the World cerns about the sport’s growth his opponent committed nearly After saving the fi rst two, the just worked to put every ball in year – hopefully this year will Norrie 6-2, 7-5. Cup,” which kicks off in Sep- prospects in Asia.

RUGBY Ireland captain Best to retire aft er World Cup AFP though he was not selected for a Test Folau’s comments ‘completely wrong’ – Genia London match. At club level, he won the Pro12 Israel Folau’s controversial you want to have faith in but with Ulster in 2006 and has scored views that have created a furore you can’t go around trying to reland and Ulster captain Rory 23 tries in 219 appearances for the in Australian Rugby have an tell people they should be go- Best has announced he will re- club following his debut in 2004. element of “selfishness” and are ing to hell because they are a tire from professional rugby af- “In my 15 years at this brilliant “completely wrong”, accord- certain way,” Genia told the Fox ter the World Cup in Japan later club, I have been lucky to have met, ing to Wallabies scrumhalf Will Rugby podcast in Australia. Ihis year. played alongside, been coached by Genia. The 30-year-old Folau, “For me that’s completely Best, 36, has been capped 116 and supported by many great people, a devout Christian, created wrong.” Genia, who described times by his country and won the Six and I would like to thank every indi- controversy for the second time Folau as “humble” and “very qui- Nations four times, including Grand vidual for the time they have invest- in 12 months for Rugby Australia et”, added his beliefs had never Slams in 2009 and 2018. ed in me since 2004,” added Best. (RA) by using social media to been a problem within the na- “It is with mixed feelings that I “I grew up supporting Ulster Rug- express personal views that said tional team environment in the announce my retirement from Ulster by, have been fortunate to play and gay people were destined for past but could cause issues now. Rugby as of the end of this season,” captain Ulster Rugby, and now look “hell” if they did not “repent”. “He’s got to realise that there are Best told Ulster’s website. forward to supporting Ulster Rugby Both RA and the New South other people within that group, “This feels like the right time for in the future with my family.” Wales Waratahs said they both at the Waratahs and Wal- me to go out on my terms, a luxury Ulster operations director Bryn intended to terminate his con- labies, that have certain beliefs for which I feel very privileged. Cunningham said Best would be re- tract for the social media posts, as well, that very much conflict “I am very excited for the end of membered as “one of the greatest which were similar to ones he with what he’s come out and the season with Ulster Rugby and for legends of Ulster and Irish rugby”. posted last year, and Folau has said and done,” Genia added. the upcoming World Cup with Ire- “No player representing Ulster asked for a code-of-conduct Folau had last year assured both land, both of which I hope to fi nish Rugby has had a more profound hearing to be scheduled. The Cheika and RA chief executive with a massive high, playing at the impact in the professional era than posts also drew criticism from Raelene Castle that he would top of my game.” Rory,” said Cunningham. national coach Michael Cheika, not make his views public again, The hooker has led Ireland to as “During a match, players turn to while Folau has also been stood which Genia said had now likely high as second in the world rankings Rory for leadership and direction. down from all Rugby activity by led to a total breach of trust. “If during an international career which He has been our all-encompassing the Waratahs, who host Genia’s you’ve gone and said those things began in 2005, and captained the talismanic fi gure for more than a Australian-conference leading to Cheik and Raelene there’s a team to their fi rst win against world decade. Melbourne Rebels in Sydney breach of trust and I guess there’s champions New Zealand in 2016. “Rory will justifi ably go down as tomorrow. “You can have your an element of selfishness about it Best also toured with the British one of the greatest legends of Ulster A file photo dated February 9, 2019 shows Ireland’s Rory Best lifts the Centenary Quaich after the beliefs and have faith in what as well,” Genia added. and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, al- and Irish Rugby.” Six Nations Championship match against Scotland in Edinburgh. (Reuters)

Friday, April 19, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

ATHLETICS/ DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE Asher-Smith, Guliyev headline classy 200m line-ups By Sports Reporter Doha

riple European champion Dina Asher-Smith and reigning world and Eu- ropean champion Ramil TGuliyev will both launch their seasons in earnest over 200m in the Doha Diamond League – the fi rst stage of the IAAF Diamond League – on 3 May. Asher-Smith conquered the European stage last year, winning gold medals in the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay at the Eu- ropean Championships in Berlin. Her times in the 100m and 200m – 10.85 and 21.89 – were both British records and world- leading marks and the British team’s time of 41.88 in the relay 2018, winning 10 of her 11 races, most unpredictable races of the pionship record with 19.76, just Guliyev will face four other Olympic champion Dalilah Mu- with Dalilah over the last cou- was also the fastest time in the including the Doha Diamond championships. missing Italy’s Pietro Mennea’s sprinters who broke the 20 sec- hammad from the United States ple of seasons and I look for- world in 2018. “Last year was an League in 10.85 – a time matched She will also begin her inter- European record of 19.72 which ond-barrier last year including will also renew their rivalry in the ward to facing her again in Doha. incredible year and I would like to by Asher-Smith later in the sea- national campaign over 200m in dates back to 1979. world bronze medallist Jereem 400m hurdles in the Doha Dia- There is never an easy race on build on this in 2019 and 2020. I son. Ta Lou is one of the most Doha where her lifetime best of “I started my 2018 season in Richards from Trinidad & Tobago mond League. They faced each the Diamond League so racing am excited to start my season in complete sprinters on the circuit 22.42 could be put to the test. the Doha Diamond League last – who fi nished second in Doha other eight times over the barri- in this world class fi eld will tell Doha for the fi rst time and test having won silver medals in both Another reigning world cham- year and I look forward to return- last year in 19.99 – and IAAF ers in 2018 and they were partic- me exactly where I am with my out the track at the Khalifa In- the 100m and 200m at the IAAF pion heading for the Doha Dia- ing to compete at the Khalifa In- Continental Cup winner Alon- ularly closely matched in Shang- preparations ahead of the World ternational Stadium ahead of the World Championships in London mond League is Turkey’s Ramil ternational Stadium,” said Guli- so Edward from Panama who hai where Muhammad prevailed Championships,” said Russell. World Championships. in 2017. She also raced extensive- Guliyev who is headlining his yev, who fi nished third last year clocked 19.90 in 2018. in 53.77 to Russell’s 53.78 and in The line-up also features The female sprints have so ly over 60m during the indoor specialist event. in 20.11. “Breaking the champi- Ecuador’s Alex Quinonez and Eugene where Russell came out Georganne Moline from the many extremely talented women season, setting a world-leading Guliyev held off world 400m onship record and my lifetime Canada’s Aaron Brown, who on top in 54.06 to Muhammad’s United States who also broke at the moment and I expect Doha time of 7.02 in Dusseldorf. record-holder Wayde van best in Berlin was fantastic but set lifetime bests of 19.93 and 54.09. Russell led their overall the 54 second-barrier last year to be a great race,” said Asher- Phyllis Francis went one better Niekerk to clinch the world title I am sure I can go even faster. Of 19.98 respectively in 2018, have head-to-head 6-2 but the Amer- with 53.99 and Ukraine’s Hanna Smith. Asher-Smith’s principal than Ta Lou at the World Cham- over 200m in London in 20.09 course my big aim is to defend my also been confi rmed along with ican did prevail in the Diamond Ryzhkova and Great Britain’s rival will be Ivory Coast’s Marie- pionships in London where she before dominating the European world title in Doha and I know I world fourth-placer Nethaneel League fi nal in Zurich in 53.88 to Meghan Beesley, the silver and Josee Ta Lou who was in espe- splashed through the puddles to Championships in Berlin last will probably have to break my Mitchell-Blake from Great Brit- win the Diamond League title. bronze medallists from the Eu- cially prolifi c form over 100m in win the 400m title in one of the August. He smashed the cham- lifetime best to do that.” ain. Jamaica’s Janieve Russell and “I’ve had so many battles ropean Championships in Berlin.

SPOTLIGHT HORSE RACING Al Walid, AJS Jood, Black Pearl race Successful SOP to cup victories

QNA on his debut last month. But Doha the Al Jeryan Stud colt put up a much improved performance under Tomas Lukasek in the l Shaqab Racing’s Al penultimate race of the day edition concludes Walid raced to his sec- yesterday. The 3yo fi nished a ond straight victory comfortable two lengths ahead and in the process led of second placed Al Adeed Al aA one-two for trainer Alban Elie Jeryan, ridden by Ivan Rossi, Marie De Mieulle in the Mush- to win the Qatari Breeders eireb Cup at the Al Rayyan Cup. Mathieu Pelletan helmed Park’s turf track yesterday. Joudy to third. The 6yo had Qatar’s Faleh Abdulatif Hussain al-Ema- with thrilling fi nals Bughanaim in the saddle and di’s Black Pearl made a smash- the jockey did well to guide ing debut yesterday. In the Me- ‘It was great to see these youngsters competing with such a passion. All the his mount to a one and a half saieed Cup, the Ibrahim Saeed length victory, which was also Ibrahim al-Malki trained geld- hardwork by School Olympic Program has started paying dividend’ his 19th this season. Ronan ing had Ivan Rossi in the saddle Thomas helmed Umm Qarn’s and the two did enough to go By Sports Reporter Sehab to second place while past the post three quarters of Doha She’ris fi nished third under a length ahead of Ronan Tho- Adnan Hawa. Hadi Nasser mas ridden Wadhah, while Al Rashid al-Ramzani schooled Harqah was third under Anas bn Taymiyyah Independent AJS Jood had fi nished midfi eld al-Seyabi. Secondary School grabbed top honour as this year’s edition of the School Olym- Ipic Program (SOP) concluded with thrilling fi nals at Aspire Dome yesterday. Top offi cials including Jassem al-Buainain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Commit- tee (QOC), Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and national football stars – Akram Afi f, Salem al-Hajri and Tariq Sulaiman – were among the high number of spectators as school- boys fought for titles in fi ve fi - nals yesterday. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi The title-deciding matches (right) with the Al Jeryan Stud representative after AJS Jood played yesterday included fi nals won the Qatari Breeders Cup at the Al Rayyan Park yesterday. in football, basketball, volley- PICTURES: Juhaim ball, gymnastics and tennis. Ibn Taymiyyah secured the coveted football title after edging out Palestine School 1-0 following an interesting battle. Expressing his delight, al- Buainain praised the level of competition and motivation among young competitors dur- ing the fi nals. “It was great to Winners of the School Olympic Program celebrate with the off icials at the Aspire Dome yesterday. see these youngsters compet- ing with such a passion. All the in general. It is a great success hardwork by School Olympic which will continue to give posi- Program has started paying divi- tive results in the future,” said dend,” al-Buainain said on the Al-Muftah. sidelines of the fi nals. “This success brings us more “The School Olympic Program responsibility to deliver the best is part of Qatar National Vision in the next stage and the next QREC Board member Ahmed al-Abdulmalik (right) presents Qatar’s 2030, and I am very happy that it edition will be the best,” he con- Faleh Bughanaim with the jockey’s trophy after he rode Al Shaqab is progressing well. This edition cluded. Racing’s Al Walid to victory in the Musheireb Cup yesterday. turned out to be a huge success,” Secretary-General of QSF, Ali he added. al-Hitmi praised young athletes The QOC Secretary-General and thanked all the top offi cials also thanked Ministry of Educa- who made the fi nals a resound- tion and Higher Education, and ing success. Aspire for their co-operation. “We are pleased with this spe- “We are delighted to partner cial day and with the great at- with the Ministry of Education tendance of all offi cials and the and Higher Education. We also various schools in the fi ve fi nals,” thank Aspire for hosting the fi nal said al-Hitmi. programme of the School Olym- “It was also a special day in pic Program. We are always keen the presence of the stars of our to distinguish the School Olym- team and the participation of pic Program, which started in the top QOC offi cials. excellence and spread sports in said the organisers achieved students in this celebration es- 2007 as one of the projects that “School sports are among the various fi elds in Qatar,” he add- their target with another suc- pecially as they represent role is the legacy of the Asian Games priorities of the Qatar Olympic ed. cessful edition of SOP. models for these young players QREC Racing manager Abdulla al-Kubaisi (right) presents the 2006. The programme is sup- Committee. We strive to achieve Meanwhile, Abdulrahman al- “We are pleased with what has and such attendance has a good owner’s trophy to Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, ported by the leadership of the the programme’s strategic ob- Muftah, Executive Director of been achieved not only on the and distinctive reaction of stu- who received it on behalf of Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi, after Qatar Olympic Committee,” said jectives, achieve future sports Qatar Sports Federation (QSF), fi nal day, but in the programme dents,” he added. Black Pearl won the Mesaieed Cup yesterday.