FOOTBALL | Page 2 Man United still in top four race, says Solskjaer

Saturday, April 27, 2019 TENNIS Sha’baan 22, 1440 AH Nadal edges GULF TIMES closer to Barcelona title SPORT Page 7

RALLYING Al-Attiyah in class of his own, takes lead in Jordan Rally ABDULAZIZ AL-KUWARI AND ABU SAMRA HOLD SECOND AND THIRD OVERALL

By Sports Reporter before a remote refuelling stop. with a puncture. Dead Sea, Jordan Sixteen FIA entrants and six cars Al-Atya said: “I had one punc- in a National Rally were permitted ture before the end and the steer- to start. ing box was broken. So I suff er a asser Saleh al-Attiyah lot with my shoulder. It is so hard and Matthieu Baumel Al-Attiyah laid down the to turn the car. My hands are get- were in a class of their gauntlet with an opening time of ting numb and some cramp, a lit- Nown after 11 special 11min 55.7sec and coasted into a tle bit. My co-driver drove from stages of the 2019 Jordan Rally in lead of 1min 08.3sec over al-The- the last stage to give me a little the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley ar- fi ri, who took control of the MERC rest.” eas yesterday. 2 category through the opener Al-Attiyah said: “It’s looking The Qatari is bidding for a An out-of-practice al-Kuwari very good. We had a good lead record-breaking 13th victory at suff ered a disappointing start from the beginning. The car is the second round of the FIA Mid- and ceded 1min 34sec to the rally working very well and I am happy. dle East Rally Championship leader. Abu Samra was also off his Nothing new for us in Jordan, but (MERC) and guided his Autotek- usual pace and 9.6 seconds slower the roads are really tricky. It is run Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 to the than the second Qatari driver. very slippery.” fastest time on each of the day’s Oman’s Abdullah al-Ruwahi Khaled Juma stopped in the gravel stages until an alarm ruined lost his brakes on the way to the third stage with turbo issues and his chance of completing a clean stage, damaged a wheel and rolled Ihab al-Shorafa complained of a sweep on the fi nal super special four-times shortly after the start, down-on-power engine and re- stage of the day. The outcome was while fellow countryman Zakariya tired in SS4. Clutch issues forced a massive lead of 4min 21.2sec for al-Aufi dropped six minutes after Shadi Shaban out of the running the 14-time regional champion his own close shave with disaster. in Bahath and Lebanon’s Ahmad and 21 consecutive stage wins in Al-Attiyah extended his lead Khaled also retired. Asef Aref this year’s rally series for the Polo. to 1min 49.8sec through the joined them with mechanical is- Al-Attiyah said: “Last stage I second Syagha special with an- sues after the water splash on see small alarm. I see fuel pres- other quickest time, as al-Thefi ri the fi fth stage. Today teams will sure. I decide just to go easily. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh maintained second place from a tackle two loops of fi ve special Maybe we run without fuel. The al-Attiyah (also inset) in action resurgent al-Kuwari by just 0.2 stages, starting with the 11.74km gauge only shows zero, so I decide during the Jordan International seconds, despite overheating of the Suwayma stage at 09.36hrs. to fi nish the small stage without Rally yesterday. concerns. Al-Kuwari said: “I lost Crews then tackle the Mahes push. I am happy we are here now. a lot of time. My pace was one and (19.00km), Rawda (12.68km), I am quite happy. It is fantastic to a half seconds a kilometre off the Amar (8.56km) and Nebo (9.52km) win all the stages except for the pace. I am far away. It is my fi rst stages before the midday regroup super special. We are learning a Abu Samra said: “I am feel- time in six years with navigator Qatar’s Nasser Khalifa al-Atya joined by MERC 3 entrant Asem proper rally after three years.” and service at the Dead Sea. lot with this car.” ing good and relieved at the same Amr Refai and held fi fth overall battled on through the pain bar- Aref after the water splash on the Runs through the Rama, Bahath Fellow countryman Abdulaziz time. I am glad we made it to the and second in MERC 2 after fi nd- rier with steering issues after a Baptism Site stage. and Baptism Site stages preceded Positions after SS11 (top 5) al-Kuwari made a slow start on service at the end. I have a prob- ing a competitive pace on the sec- puncture. He and experienced Jordanian drivers Salameh al- a return to the Dead Sea for a mid- 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ his return to the Hashemite King- lem with the throttle sensor. At ond loop of fi ve stages. Italian co-driver Nicola Arena Gammaz, Tareq al-Taher, Ziad day regroup and service break. Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Volkswa- dom for the fi rst time in three the end of the day I have enjoyed He said: “I have my confi dence held sixth overall in a Motortune Miqdad, Amjad Anasweh and Al-Attiyah continued his winning gen Pole GTI R5 1hr 26min 21.1sec years at the wheel of a Škoda Fabia it and the gap is not that much back. Six years since my last Jor- Ford Fiesta R5 until they retired Sami Fleifel and Oman’s Zaka- ways through the trio of specials 2. Abdulaziz al-Kuwari (QAT)/Mar- R5 with British co-driver Marshall between us on an international dan Rally and fi ve years since my after eight stages. riya al-Amri were entered in the and reached the interval with a shall Clarke (GBR) Škoda Fabia R5 Clarke. He held second place, 48.5 rally.” last rally, I am trying to get used Oman’s Zakariya al-Aufi was National Rally. Al-Ghammez led comfortable lead of 2min 39.6sec. 1hr 30min 42.3sec seconds in front of the Jordanian Meshari al-Thefi ri found to the pace notes. I am a bit slow classifi ed in seventh and Leba- from the start before dropping Al-Kuwari stormed into second 3. Marouf Abu Samra (JOR)/Malek crew of Marouf Abu Samra and himself out alone with a mas- but happy with my pace after six non’s Henry Kahy guided his two minutes on the super spe- place from Abu Samra with MERC Hariri (JOR) Ford Fiesta R5 1hr Malek Hariri in a Motortune Ford sive MERC 2 advantage of 5min years.” Škoda Fabia to eighth and the cial stage in the unoffi cial results. 2 leader al-Thefi ri in fourth. Saleh 31min 30.8sec Fiesta R5, after both drivers had 13.9sec after fellow Kuwaiti Saleh Lebanese rookie Alex Feghali MERC 3 advantage. The local driver reached the night bin Eidan was al-Thefi ri’s closest 4. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT)/Nasser lost time with fl at tyres on the bin Eidan fell by the wayside with gained in confi dence as the day The Jordanian trio of Khaled halt 52.1 seconds behind leader MERC 2 challenger in fi fth until al-Kuwari (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer second loop. Al-Kuwari also sus- mechanical issues after the fi fth progressed, benefi ting from navi- Juma, Ihab al-Shorafa and Shadi al-Taher. Al-Amri lost fi fth place he broke down on the road section Evo X 1hr 35min 28.8sec tained some car damage towards stage. gator Joseph Matar’s experience, Shaban retired on the fi rst loop after stopping in SS9. to service and retired. Al-Atya 5. Said al-Mouri (SAU)/Amr Refai the end and his rival had throttle Saudi Arabia’s Said al-Mouri to reach the night halt in a fi ne of stages with turbo, engine and Action began with runs through slipped to sixth behind al-Mouri (SAU) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 1hr issues. returned to Jordan for the fi rst sixth place and third in MERC 2. clutch-related issues. They were the Panorama and Syagha stages after losing three minutes in SS5 40min 42.7sec

GOLF Nicklaus’ major record still in play: Woods

AFP sion to my career — one that I didn’t Asked whether his achievement had Los Angeles think I had a couple of years ago — if I do sunk in, he replied: “No, honestly it things correctly and everything falls my hasn’t. It’s hard to believe. way, yeah, it’s a possibility. “Every now and again, I’ll look over iger Woods believes he can “I’m never going to say it’s not. Ex- there on the couch and there’s the jack- still catch up to Jack Nicklaus cept for a couple of years ago when I et. Yeah, I did pull it off .” and his record of 18 major ti- couldn’t walk. It was the fi rst time daughter Sam tles after ending a decade-long “Now I just need to have a lot of Alexis, 11, and son Charlie, 10, had seen droughtT with a win for the ages at Au- things go my way, and who’s to say that their famous father win a major title ex- gusta National. it will or will not happen? That’s what cept in videos. The 43-year-old stunned the sport- the future holds, I don’t know. The only The moment allowed Woods, who ing world earlier this month by com- thing I can promise you is this: that I famously hugged his late father Earl off pleting an epic comeback from spinal will be prepared.”Woods prevailed by the 18th green at Augusta after his fi rst fusion surgery to capture his 15th major one stroke on a dramatic fi nal day at major win in 1997, to re-enact the mo- and his fi rst since the 2008 US Open. Augusta, remarkably his fi rst major vic- ment but this time as the father, hug- A 2009 sex scandal followed by knee tory in which he did not lead after 54 ging his kids. and back injuries that required seven holes. A double-bogey by leader and “They never knew golf to be a good operations had led to a prolonged wait British Open champion Francesco Mo- thing in my life and only the only thing to add another major title to his hon- linari at the 12th gave Woods an opening they remember is that it brought this ours. But his fairytale fi fth green jacket to erase a two-shot defi cit. The Ameri- incredible amount of pain to their dad,” has put Woods fi rmly back in pursuit of can birdied three of the next four holes said Woods. “And so to now have them the all-time record of 18 major wins by to surge clear from a pack of contenders. see this side of it, the side that I’ve ex- Nicklaus. “It went from a one-horse race with perienced for so many years of my life, “I always thought it was possible, if I all of us kind of chasing Francesco, to but I had a battle to get back to this had everything go my way,” Woods said now Pandora’s box is now opened up point, and it feels good.” Woods is ex- in an interview with streaming service File photo of Tiger Woods reacting after nailing playing 13, where right now there’s at pected to return to action at the May GOLFTV. his fifth Masters title recently. least seven with a legitimate chance to 2-5 Wells Fargo Championship in North “It took him an entire career to get to win the tournament with six holes to Carolina, two weeks ahead of the PGA 18, so now that I’ve had another exten- go,” Woods recalled. Championship at Bethpage Black. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, April 27, 2019 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Chelsea face tough task to match Guardiola urges Liverpool and City quality — Sarri

AFP London Anfi eld). So it’s a long way (to caution, United go). But in one or two seasons, we have to recover the gap.” aurizio Sarri admit- Sarri said his team, currently ted Chelsea face a in fourth spot in the Premier “very diffi cult” task League, are improving despite to reach the levels of taking just a single point from MPremier League pacesetters Liv- their past two matches. erpool and Manchester City as he “Tactically, we are improv- seek redemption prepares his team to face Man- ing,” he said. “Mentally, too. Be- chester United. cause two or three months ago, The Italian believes the Blues at the fi rst diffi culty in a match, Manchester United host Chelsea tomorrow hoping to arrest an must close the gap in a maximum we were not able to fi ght or re- of two seasons, though his posi- act. tion at Stamford Bridge remains “Now my feeling is diff erent. alarming slide of seven defeats in nine games in all competitions under threat. Now we are able to fi ght and re- Chelsea head to Old Traff ord act. But of course to recover the on Sunday, where the winners gap will be really very diffi cult will take a signifi cant step to- for us, but also the other teams.” wards a top-four fi nish to secure He said Chelsea had to im- Champions League qualifi cation prove their away form at their for next season. top-six rivals after league de- Sarri, 60, told reporters at feats at the hands of Arsenal, his pre-match press confer- Tottenham, City and Liverpool ence the points tallies earned by this season. Liverpool and Manchester City “We need to face diffi culties — both closing on 90 points — because for sure against these were “incredible” and said he teams away you have to face dif- wanted the chance to elevate fi culties,” he said. Chelsea to that level. “We need to be able to stay in “It’s incredible because Man- the match in the 10 minutes of chester City, in the last season, diffi culty. Sometimes in the sec- gained 100 points,” said Sarri. ond part of the season we lost the “To gain 100 points in the Pre- match in 10 minutes.” mier League is really incredible, And Sarri said he was sur- really very diffi cult. prised Eden Hazard did not fea- “In this season, two teams, I ture in the Professional Football- think they will fi nish with about ers’ Association team of the year 97, 96, 95 points. That’s incred- despite an outstanding season ible. It’s very diffi cult to cover for Chelsea. the gap. Really very diffi cult. We “Eden deserved to be in the need to work. We need to im- top XI of the Premier League, but prove. I also think the table is clear,” he “Of course, this one is the said. third season of (Pep) Guardiola “There is City, there is Liver- at City, and the fi fth I think pool, and then the other teams. of (Jurgen) Klopp at Liverpool The vote was infl uenced by the (Klopp is in his fourth season at table.”

Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (2R) shouts towards Manchester City’s German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (L) during their English Premier League football match against Manchester United on April 24.

AFP United’s latest defeat to City City, who amassed a record fore Sarri’s team kick off at Old ing a 2-0 lead in the fi nal 11 min- London on Wednesday lifted the de- haul of 100 points last season, Traff ord, where United will aim utes. And it is a huge weekend fending champions one point still dropped two at Turf Moor to end a near nine-hour drought for Cardiff ’s chances of catch- ahead of Liverpool with three in a 1-1 draw. without scoring from open play. ing Brighton and avoiding rel- anchester City games left for both sides. Behind the top two, Totten- “We need more quality on egation. The Welsh side, third and Liverpool are That stretched City’s winning ham look well set to secure a Sunday,” admitted United boss from bottom, trail Brighton by showing no signs streak in the league to 11 games, fourth straight season of Cham- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. three points and have an infe- Mof letting up in their with the last slip-up by either pions League football, opening “Of course we want to get into rior goal diff erence, but travel to thrilling Premier League title of the title contenders remark- up a four-point gap on fi fth- the top four. I haven’t been plan- already relegated Fulham before race but their fl awless form con- ably now nearly two months placed Arsenal thanks to a hard- ning on playing on Thursday Brighton, who have not scored trasts sharply with the struggles ago, when Liverpool were held fought 1-0 win over Brighton on nights (in the Europa League) for seven games, host Newcastle of the teams chasing a top-four at Everton. Tuesday. Spurs can widen that yet. We just have to make sure later today. fi nish. City are not in action un- lead over their north London we give ourselves a chance on Manchester United host til tomorrow, when they travel rivals even further when West Sunday.” Fixtures: (5pm Qatar Time Chelsea tomorrow hoping to ar- to Burnley, and manager Pep Ham travel to the new Totten- The prospect of Europa unless stated) rest an alarming slide of seven Guardiola is wary of his side get- ham Hotspur Stadium on Sat- League football may not be en- Today defeats in nine games in all com- ting too over-excited at clearing urday hoping to become the fi rst ticing for Solskjaer but Watford, Tottenham v West Ham petitions. what was expected to be the visiting team to score at the fi fth Wolves, Everton and Leicester (2.30pm), Crystal Palace v But it is only thanks to the toughest hurdle left at Old Traf- time of asking in the club’s new are all showing their appetite for Everton, Fulham v Cardiff , poor form of Maurizio Sarri’s ford on Wednesday. home. Arsenal could then move European football with seventh Southampton v Bournemouth, men and Arsenal, who have “I know people are going to into the top four early on Sun- enough for Europa League qual- Watford v Wolves, Brighton v suff ered back-to-back de- talk about how beautiful we are, day if they can cure their travel ifi cation if City beat Watford in Newcastle (7.30pm) Chelsea’s Italian head coach Maurizio Sarri. feats against Crystal Palace and how handsome we are,” said sickness and shore up a dismal the FA Cup fi nal. Tomorrow Wolves, that United remain in Guardiola. “But now we have defensive record at Leicester. Wolves are in pole position Leicester v Arsenal (2pm), the hunt for Champions League to go to Burnley — and in my A point would be enough to and travel to Watford today Burnley v Manchester City FOCUS football next season, just three two previous seasons going to edge Unai Emery’s men above seeking revenge for their FA Cup (4.05pm), Manchester United v points off the top four. Burnley was incredibly tough.” Chelsea on goal diff erence be- semi-fi nal collapse after blow- Chelsea (6.30pm) Sterling honoured BOTTOMLINE for fi ghting racism United still in top four race, says manager Solskjaer Reuters a manifesto earlier this week London where he said clubs should be Reuters such an unbelievable league. handed automatic nine-point Manchester When I played, it was us and Ar- deductions and ordered to play senal. Now there are six teams anchester City’s three games behind closed doors really fi ghting or starting in the England forward if their supporters indulged in anchester United beginning believing they can Raheem Sterling has racist behaviour. still have a chance challenge for trophies.” been awarded The Sterling, who began his career to fi nish in the top Midfi elder Paul Pogba has MIntegrity and Impact Award at at Liverpool, said the example of four despite a rocky been linked with a move to Real this year’s BT Sport Industry his former captain Steven Ger- campaignM and the sacking of Madrid by British media in re- Awards for speaking out on a rard encouraged him to try to de- their manager in December, the cent weeks, but Solskjaer said range of social issues, including velop into a role model. Premier League club’s boss Ole he believed the France interna- racism. “Coming from Liverpool I had Gunnar Solskjaer said yesterday. tional, who has a contract until Sterling was recognised for his people around me like Steven United sacked Jose Mourinho 2021, would stay at Old Traff ord fi ght against racism in the sport Gerrard that I looked up to and in December when the club were next season. and for using his platform to call I’m looking at him and thinking 11 points adrift of the top four. “You can’t guarantee anything for more action to be taken. He ‘what can I do within myself to Solskjaer has been reeling in their in football but yes, I think Paul is had said this month that more be half the person and player he rivals but after some poor games going to be here,” Solskjaer said. players needed to speak out when was’,” he added. recently United are sixth with “We want him to do well, he’s a they suff ered racism to eradicate “You take little things and three games to go, three points leader in that dressing room and it from the game. each year you try and develop behind fourth-placed Chelsea. on the pitch for us.” Solskjaer also “I was just speaking about my them and become better not just “It’s been an emotional sea- confi rmed goalkeeper David De personal experiences, I didn’t on the fi eld but off it as well.” son for the club because we’ve Gea would keep his place against expect it to get so much atten- Dow Jones Sports Intelligence, changed manager halfway Chelsea despite going a recent tion, I just wanted to bring it to the founder of the award, con- through,” Solskjaer told reporters rough patch. The Spanish goal- the attention of my audience on gratulated Sterling for the impact ahead of Chelsea’s visit tomor- keeper has not kept a clean sheet Instagram,” Sterling said as he his actions had in addressing row. in his last 12 games in all compe- received the award from his Eng- racism and other “social issues “We’re still in the race for top titions. land coach Gareth Southgate. of diversity and inclusivity”. four, and the focus has to be on Manchester United’s Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (R) is greeted by the team’s mascot “David is fi ne, of course I’m “It’s been really pleasing to see “He has given new confi dence Chelsea. If we get a performance during his team’s match against Manchester City on April 24. not going to take him out of the people listening and trying and and a voice to other footballers there, which we know we can do, fi ring line,” Solskjaer said. “I do better. Partly what happens and athletes to speak out when we know they’re tired, we don’t 90 minutes three times, then it’s but United have since lost four “It’s a challenge, yes, and a dif- trust David and he’s been the when you try to do good things once they may not have done so,” care because there’s three games your holidays.” of their last six matches, handing fi cult period now, but it’s what I best player United have had in is you set examples for the next Dow Jones head of sport Simon to go. Solskjaer was unbeaten in his Arsenal and Chelsea the advan- expected,” he added. “The Pre- the last six or seven years. He’ll generation coming through.” Greenberg said in a statement is- “You work your socks off for fi rst 12 league games in charge tage in the race for the top four. mier League has changed, it’s play the next three games.” The 24-year-old also signed sued on Thursday. Gulf Times Saturday, April 27, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA BUNDESLIGA Struggling Madrid Delaney warns held to goalless Dortmund draw by Getafe ahead of Real were mathematically ruled out of the title race after Barca beat Alaves derby AFP while Atletico look likely to finish above them too for a second consecutive year Berlin

orussia Dortmund midfi elder Thomas Delaney has warned Bhis team to take noth- ing for granted in today’s high-stakes derby at home to struggling rivals Schalke. The two grand old clubs from Germany’s industrial Ruhr region meet for the 154th time in a competitive match today, with both of them un- der pressure to pick up three The interim coach has ban- Getafe’s Spanish goalkeeper points. ished Nabil Bentaleb to the David Soria (2L) clears the ball While Dortmund need a reserve team for the second during their Spanish league win to keep the heat on league time this season after the Al- match against Real Madrid CF at leaders Bayern Munich in the gerian midfi elder missed a the Col. Alfonso Perez stadium in title race, Schalke could all pre-training German lesson Getafe on April 25. but secure Bundesliga survival on Wednesday. with victory in the derby. “I’m sorry for Nabil, but I Just 35 kilometres separates did what I had to do. The team the two teams geographically, is still the most important but they are worlds apart in thing,” said the coach. footballing terms this season, Stevens, who was charged with Dortmund in second and with guiding Schalke to safety Schalke in 15th. when he took over from Do- Yet Danish midfi elder Dela- menico Tedesco last month, ney has warned that the table also suggested that there were means nothing on derby day. fundamental problems with “The derby has a life of its the team. “I cannot talk about own, so where we are in the everything honestly,” he said. table doesn’t mean anything,” “Maybe I will be able to one he said on Thursday. day, either internally or publi- On form alone, Dortmund cally. I don’t know.” are clear favourites. Schalke Despite Schalke’s woes this have won only once away from season, there is little schaden- home this season — against freude from their old rivals, bottom club Hanover — while and Dortmund sporting di- AFP It says something that Getafe with only one league title to their has seen in years, perhaps even player he can be. Dortmund are yet to lose at rector Michael Zorc said this Getafe, Spain were, in the end, disappointed name. trumping Atletico Madrid win- Bale pulled back for Benzema, home. week that he hopes Schalke not to win here, Sevilla’s 5-0 But they have work to do, with ning the title in 2014. who could only fi nd the hands While Delaney and co. stay up. thrashing of Rayo Vallecano be- very few of his squad showing Their average attendance here of David Soria on the slide while wrapped up a confi dence- “We think it is good if this eal Madrid’s dreary end fore kick-off meaning they stay many reasons to keep them this is just under 10,000 while the Casemiro had an instinctive ef- boosting 4-0 win in Freiburg rivalry can continue in the top to the season took an- fourth, only by virtue of a supe- summer and several more look- club’s wage bill stands at a little fort blocked from six yards. last week, Schalke were fl ight,” he said. other turn for the worse rior head-to-head. ing like they could well be re- less than 40mn euros. Madrid’s But Getafe were largely un- thrashed 5-2 by Hoff enheim. Dortmund themselves re- Ron Thursday as they Real Madrid were mathemati- placed. is close to 570mn. troubled even if they lacked Nonetheless, the Dane is ex- main focused on the title race, were left holding on for a goal- cally ruled out of the title race “The shame today is we de- Karim Benzema skewed wide creativity, their best opening pecting an “intense” game. in which they remain just a less draw away to Champions after Barcelona beat Alaves on served more,” Zidane said. “We of the far post with 62 seconds coming from a free-kick which “It probably won’t be the single point behind leaders League chasers Getafe. Tuesday while Atletico Madrid created chances, in the fi rst half on the clock and Madrid hardly Mauro Arambarri caught well most attractive game. I don’t Bayern. Just 48 hours before Barcelona look likely to fi nish above them especially. I am not happy with created a better chance for the but Keylor Navas was equal to. think we are going to win 9-2,” Hopes that Bayern will slip are set to be celebrating a 26th too for a second consecutive the result, but with the way we rest of the half. he said. up may have to be put on ice La Liga title at Camp Nou, Ma- year. played, our concentration, I am Gareth Bale started and was Sevilla 5 (Promes 55, Munir 57, Dortmund coach Lucien for at least a week or two. The drid drifted to a stalemate that Zinedine Zidane has insisted happy.” greeted by silence rather than the 62, Ben Yedder 69, Gil 86) Rayo Favre has said that there is no reigning champions travel to leaves them 15 points behind the La Liga will be the club’s “bread Getafe still have a lot to play whistles that have accompanied Vallecano 0 extra pressure on Dortmund second-from-bottom Nu- soon-to-be champions and, on and butter” next season, their for. If they snatch a Champions him at the Santiago Bernabeu in Real Sociedad 0 Villarreal 1 in the derby. “The pressure is remberg on Sunday before this evidence, with signifi cant priority ahead of the Champi- League spot, it would be one recent weeks. But he looked low (Gerard 85) always there. We want to win hosting crisis-ridden Hanover ground to make up. ons League after seven years of the greatest shocks La Liga on confi dence, a shadow of the Getafe 0 Real Madrid 0 this important game,” he said the following weekend. on Thursday. Bayern are also in ferocious Favre’s opposite number form, having scored 18 goals in BOTTOMLINE Huub Stevens, meanwhile, their last fi ve games. claimed that both sides were “It isn’t in our hands, we just feeling the heat. have to try to win all our games,” “We can’t pretend other- said Delaney on Thursday. wise: they are playing for the “Bayern are doing everything title, and we are fi ghting for right at the moment.” something else,” the veteran Unfair for Ajax to get rest while Dutch coach said on Thursday. Today “We are both under pres- Borussia Dortmund v Schalke, sure, but they have positive RB Leipzig v Freiburg, Ein- pressure.” tracht Frankfurt v Hertha Schalke are six points clear Berlin, Hanover v Mainz, Tottenham play: Pochettino of the bottom three and could Fortuna Duesseldorf v Werder Reuters eff ectively guarantee survival Bremen, Stuttgart v Borussia London with a win against Dortmund. Moenchengladbach Yet Stevens’ preparations Tomorrow for the derby have been over- Hoff enheim v Wolfsburg ottenham Hotspur manager Mau- shadowed by disciplinary is- (1330), Nuremberg v Bayern ricio Pochettino said it was unfair sues. Munich their Champions League semi- Tfi nal opponents Ajax Amsterdam had the weekend off to prepare for the tie Burundi’s Faty dies aged while the Premier League side plays a cru- cial derby game against West Ham United. 28 in league match Ajax were set to play De Graafschap on April 28, two days before the fi rst leg in Nairobi: Experienced Burundi international Papy Faty died af- London, leading the Dutch football asso- ter collapsing during an eSwatini league match (formerly Swazi- ciation to reschedule all of this weekend’s land) this week, the Burundi football federation said yesterday top fl ight games to May 15 so league leaders The 28-year-old who made 28 international appearances was Ajax had enough rest between games. playing for Malanti Chiefs on Thursday when he collapsed and “I know the Premier League and FA was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital later helped us prepare for the semi-fi nal but it’s in the day. true, the Premier League is completely dif- “My most sorrow condolences to the family of the deceased ferent to the Dutch league,” Pochettino told and all that of Burundian football, it’s a diff icult blow with reporters yesterday. “Football in Europe is Burundi having qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations,” completely diff erent to England. president of the senate of the Burundi federation Reverien “The reality is they are going to have Ndikuriyo tweeted. more time to prepare and avoid risk. When Faty, who had spells with Maastricht in the Dutch second-tier you play Saturday and Tuesday, and the and clubs in South Africa had collapsed twice during matches game on Saturday is a derby, playing for big in 2016. things, the concentration and eff ort is mas- He was forced to stop playing for a year by Johannesburg’s sive. You can have some problems. Bidvest Wits due to cardiac problems before returning to play “But it’s not a complaint. The fact is in 2017. I think it’s not fair. If it was the opposite In January 2017 he told Burundian news website akeza.net he where we had one week to prepare for the did not suff er from heart issues but rather had been “be- semi-fi nal and Ajax play Saturday, I would File photo of Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino. witched”. think the same, that it’s not fair for them.” His contract with Durban-based Real Kings was terminated Tottenham will look to preserve their before their top four rivals failed to take Pochettino said. “When you compete three excited and so motivated. It’s a massive in 2018 due to the health problem and he then moved to the 100 % record at their new stadium when advantage. Tottenham are currently three days beforehand in a game you must win if challenge for us.” Tottenham will be with- eSwatini league. West Ham visit on Saturday in the league points ahead of Chelsea and four ahead of you want to be in the top four, and you are out Serge Aurier (hamstring), Erik Lamela Faty had recently refused to have surgery in favour of repre- and Pochettino said their focus was now on Arsenal in the race for Champions League fi ghting for big things. (hamstring), Moussa Sissoko (groin) and senting his country in their first appearance at an Africa Cup bouncing back from their 1-0 loss at Man- qualifi cation spots. “And then it’s an emotional game be- Harry Winks (groin) while striker Harry of Nations finals held in Egypt between June 21 and July 19 this chester City last weekend. “For us, after Manchester City we are cause it’s against West Ham. The eff ort Kane remains sidelined with a long-term year. The result nearly cost them third place thinking about trying to beat West Ham,” (required) is massive. That’s why we are ankle ligament injury. Times 4 Saturday, April 27, 2019 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT England opener Hales serves ban aft er ‘off -fi eld’ incident Reuters Dublin next Friday. “He will be joining Injured Billings ruled out of England duty London the squad in preparation for next week’s games and will be available for selection,” Sam Billings was ruled out of als, had been in line to face both of any potential involvement in the the spokesman said. England’s limited-overs matches Ireland in next Friday’s one-off ODI World Cup, taking place in England ngland batsman Alex Hales is “Whilst the issue is not Cricket related, against Ireland and Pakistan with a and Pakistan in a Twenty20 match and Wales from next month. serving a suspension for an ‘off - Hales accepted that it was right that he dislocated left shoulder yesterday. two days later. The 27-year-old now “Sam has seen a specialist this fi eld’ incident reported to involve was suspended. Wicketkeeper Billings was injured joins a list of injury concerns for morning, where he underwent a recreational drug use. “He is now fully focused on returning to in the opening over of Kent’s One- head coach Trevor Bayliss which scan to assess the extent of his EA Guardian report yesterday claimed Cricket and is committed to working tire- Day Cup match against Glamorgan also includes Eoin Morgan, Jason injury,” said Kent director of cricket Hales, named last week in England’s pre- lessly for both Nottinghamshire and Eng- on Thursday, his first appearance Roy, and Joe Denly. Paul Downton. liminary World Cup squad, is serving a 21- land throughout the summer. No further of the season for his county after a With England’s first-choice wick- “The scan highlighted significant day ban from cricket for the drug incident. comment will be made on this issue.” stint with the Chennai Super Kings etkeepers Jos Buttler and Jonny damage to his shoulder, meaning The 30-year-old has been sanctioned An ECB spokesperson said: “We have in the Indian Premier League. Bairstow both being rested, Foakes he will require surgical inter- under the England and Wales Cricket has been selected in the England squad for a duty of confi dentiality, therefore we are Surrey’s Ben Foakes has been is now in line to make his interna- vention. This surgery has been Board’s disciplinary policy for a second the forthcoming one-day series against unable to provide any further comment.” called into the England squad to tional white-ball debut. scheduled for next week and it is time, according to the report. A spokes- Pakistan ahead of the World Cup. Nottinghamshire issued a statement replace him. Kent announced Billings would anticipated that he will be back to man for Hales yesterday confi rmed the Hales will still be involved with Eng- last week confi rming Hales had “made Though not in the 15-man squad require surgery and would be side- fitness within three to five months.” Nottinghamshire batsman had been sus- land’s training camp in Cardiff this week- himself unavailable for selection for per- for the World Cup, Billings, who lined for between three and five Fellow England international Ollie pended “following an off -fi eld incident end, with the team’s fi rst one-day match sonal reasons”, and “no timetable has been has played 15 one-day internation- months, which would rule him out Pope also needs surgery. last year”. The ban is a blow for Hales, who of the summer coming against Ireland in set for his return to action”.

IPL COMMENT Backing players has worked for us, Mumbai Indians says Ponting

IANS New Delhi

ith his team placed beat Chennai Super comfortably at the second spot in the ongoing edition Wof the Indian Premier League (IPL), Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting believes that keeping the faith in his players has helped the team in Kings by 46 runs fi nding the form at this crucial juncture of the competition. happy that the team is peaking ‘We’re not yet in the playoff s, so we need to play well against KKR and Sunrisers. We The 44-year-old Australian at the right time, with better said: “There have been ques- communication amongst the don’t want to complicate things, we are clear as a team on what we want to execute’ tions asked about where we group.” should have dropped certain Asked which victory he en- players in some matches, but joyed the most, Ponting said I believe that when you have that the away win against Hy- talented players in your squad, derabad by 39 runs was the you just keep backing them. sweetest in terms of turning it You know that we have players around from a losing situation. who can turn it around quite “I really liked the Hydera- quickly as it takes just one in- bad win because we didn’t do nings or match to get going in a much right in that match but tournament like this.” still found a way to win. It was He added: “In the fi rst phase more the way we fought back, of the tournament, players like probably after their batting Rishabh (Pant) might have had powerplay, they batted second certain thoughts around his and they were 60-0, and the mind about the World Cup se- game was starting to slip away lection, but to be honest, that but there were some really good 78* in the fi rst match against signs in that game from our side. Mumbai was what got us the “The moments when we win. have been under pressure the “I’m glad he found the form most, that is when we have again against RR, and what you started to fi ght, and fi ght under want from players like him in pressure, and one thing that such a tournament is that they I’ve tried to say to the boys is win you three or four matches that we do not lose the match each throughout the season, until the last ball is bowled. and he has certainly won two “We saw that in our last games for us so far, and if he match against Rajasthan as remains in form, he can get a well. We fought our way back couple of more wins.” into the match and then reg- Delhi Capitals sit second on istered the win. But out of the the points table with a tally of seven matches that we have 14 points from their 11 match- won, I think the Hyderabad es, which include seven wins win has been the most satisfy- and four losses. But Ponting ing,” he added. believes that his team is in After the conclusion of a good form and is peaking at the couple of days’ rest, the Delhi right time. Capitals’ squad will re-group He said: “We have won at the Feroz Shah Kotla Sta- the last four out of our fi ve dium to prepare for their up- matches, and with three more coming match against the matches to go, I feel we are go- Royal Challengers Bangalore ing in the right direction. I am (RCB) tomorrow.

ANNOUNCEMENT Watson retires from

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai yesterday. (AFP) Big Bash League

Agencies opener Shane Watson (8) before steps backwards to take an easy Put into bat, Deepak came up Mumbai reached a fi ghting total. AFP Kings in the Indian Premier Chennai Hardik Pandya struck to send catch. The Mumbai bowlers then with an early breakthrough as he “I thought it was better to lose Sydney League this week. Cricket back Suresh Raina (2), reducing rattled the lower middle-order packed back an in-form Quinton the toss since we wanted to chase Australia chief executive Kevin the yellow brigade to 22/2 in 3.1 with ease as Deepak Chahar (0), de Kock (15) with Mumbai at 24 as well. But we knew whether we Roberts congratulated him on hennai Super Kings overs. Harbhajan Singh (1) also failed to runs in 2.4 overs. While trying bat fi rst or bowl fi rst, we’ll still owerful all-rounder a “dynamic career”. (CSK) once again missed Vijay tried his best to repair bring any relief. to go for the maximum, de Kock have to play good cricket,” Ro- Shane Watson re- “Shane Watson was one of the presence of their the major damages but lacked Malinga put the fi nal nail in misread Deepak’s slower deliv- hit Sharma, the winning cap- tired from Australia’s the most exciting short-form regular skipper M S support from the other end the coffi n after picking Santner ery and a top-edge off his bat tain and the man-of-the-match Twenty20 Big Bash players ever to grace a cricket DhoniC as the defending champi- as incoming batsman Ambati in the 18th over to set up a com- went up in the air and Rayudu said. PLeague yesterday, but will fi eld,” he said. “In a career which ons had to taste a 46-run defeat Rayudu also departed without fortable victory for Mumbai. took the catch with ease. “We spoke about that at the continue playing select over- spanned almost two decades against Mumbai Indians in their opening his account. Krunal Earlier, some disciplined Lewis and Rohit then tried start of the game, but it was a seas tournaments. Shane made a major contribu- return fi xture at MA Chidambar- accounted for the wicket of the bowling by Chennai restricted to repair the damage and took great eff ort by the boys since it’s The 37-year-old, who quit tion to Australian cricket fi rstly am Stadium yesterday. Chennai stumper. Mumbai to a modest 155/4 as their side past the 50-run mark not easy to come here and play. international cricket in 2016, at international level and then It was the Mumbai bowlers, Chennai’s middle-order also Rohit Sharma contributed a 48- in 6.5 overs. They then stead- We had to scrap for every run and stood down as Sydney Thun- in domestic cricket as a signifi - who came all guns blazing on fell like a pack of cards as they ball 67. ily propelled Mumbai near the every wicket, can’t ask for much der’s captain and all-time cant contributor to the Big Bash. a slow wicket, to wrap up the lost Kedar Jadhav (6) and Dhruv Rohit and Evin Lewis (32 off three-digit mark before Santner more. top run-scorer to spend more “Talented, skilful and powerful, home side, who were chasing a Shorey (5) cheaply. Things 30) were involved in a 75-run dismissed Lewis, with Mumbai “We’re not yet in the playoff s, time with his family. “I have so Shane was a devastating bats- modest 156-run target, on a pal- turned ugly for the hosts when partnership for the second wick- scorecard reading 99/2. we know how quickly the tables many amazing memories that man at his best.” try 109 runs. Bumrah picked Vijay in the 12th et and at one stage it looked as if Tahir further jolted the visi- can turn, so we need to play well I will savour forever with the Watson played more than Lasith Malinga starred for over, leaving Chennai reeling at the visitors will amass a massive tors as he sent back incoming against KKR and Sunrisers. We one standout being our (tour- 700 international and domes- the visitors with fi gures of 4/37, 66/6. Suryakumar Yadav took a total. batsman Krunal (1) cheaply, re- don’t want to complicate things, nament) win in 2016,” he said. tic matches in total, scoring while Krunal Pandya and Hardik stunning catch of Vijay at back- However, after the fall of ducing Mumbai to 101/3. we are clear as a team on what we “To my teammates, I have over 25,000 runs and claiming Pandya bagged couple of wickets ward point off a Bumrah delivery. Lewis, the Chennai bowlers After the addition of 21 runs want to execute. It won’t pay off played with so many great in excess of 600 wickets. each. Dwayne Bravo (20 off 17) and bowled economically and picked in the visitor’s score, Santner every day, but the boys have bee people and cricketers at the He is the only Sydney Thun- Chennai opener Murli Vijay Mitchell Santner (22 off 20) were up wickets at regular intervals to struck again to pick up the cru- raising their hands at diff erent club and I sincerely wish eve- der batsman to score more was the only one to show some involved in a short 33-run part- deny Mumbai a big total. cial wicket of a well-settled occasions.” ryone the absolute best for the than a 1,000 runs and head resistance as he managed to con- nership for the seventh wicket For Chennai, Santner was the Rohit Sharma in the 17th over. upcoming seasons.” coach Shane Bond called him tribute a 35-ball 38. Mumbai had and kept Chennai’s slim hope of pick of the bowlers as he im- Rohit’s knock contained six BRIEF SCORES: Mumbai Indi- Despite his age, Watson re- “the ultimate professional”. also defeated Chennai by 37 runs winning alive. pressed with fi gures of 2/13 from boundaries and three hits into ans: 155/4 (Rohit Sharma 67, Evin mains a force to be reckoned “He cared about the team in their last encounter earlier However, Malinga broke the his four overs, while Deepak – the stands. Lewis 32; Mitchell Santner 2/13) with. He smacked a centu- and the players and was hugely this season in Mumbai. partnership as the Sri Lankan the only Chennai bowler to leak Hardik Pandya (23 unbeaten beat Chennai Super Kings: 109 ry from just 62 balls for the respected in the dressing room. Chasing the target, Chen- pacer’s slower delivery took a runs – and Tahir picked a wicket off 18) and Keiron Pollard (13 all out in 17.4 overs (Murli Vijay Thunder against the Brisbane We’re really going to miss what nai were off to a worst-possi- leading edge off Bravo’s bat and each. Deepak conceded 46 runs unbeaten off 12) then added 33 38, Mitchell Santner 22; Lasith Heat last season and hit 96 off he brings to the team and he ble start as Malinga dismissed the pacer moved a couple of from his four overs. runs in the remaining 22 balls as Malinga 4/37) by 46 runs. 53 balls for the Chennai Super will be a big loss.” he said. Gulf Times Saturday, April 27, 2019 5 SPORT

RUGBY BADMINTON Momota survives scare to enter Asian Leitch - from ‘the championships semi

AFP Momota will play the 36-year- Shanghai old Nguyen, ranked a lowly 75th in the world, in the semi-fi nals today. apan’s world number one The other last-four match will foreign kid’ to Japan Kento Momota suff ered be between Shi Yuqi, the second a scare on the way to an seed from China, and Taiwan’s ultimately comprehen- third-seeded Chou Tien-chen. siveJ quarter-fi nal victory at the Chinese players dominated ‘Once I got through that, then I Badminton Asia Championships the women’s draw. yesterday. Top seed Chen Yufei defeated took responsibility for the role The reigning champion and Japan’s Aya Ohori 21-17, 21- top seed lost the fi rst game to 19 and will play third-seeded team captain and it all just came naturally’ home player Lu Guangzu before Akane Yamaguchi, also from Ja- storming back to march into pan, in the last four. Reuters the semi-fi nals in the Chinese The other semi-fi nal is be- Saporo, Japan city of Wuhan. The 24-year-old tween two more Chinese players, Momota, the hot favourite and He Bingjiao, seeded fi fth, and world champion, prevailed 16- unseeded Cai Yanyan. anding in northern Ja- 21, 21-11, 21-14 in 69 minutes It was a poor day for India’s pan as a 15-year-old against the unseeded Lu. shuttlers. from New Zealand, There was more disappoint- Sameer Verma was soundly Michael Leitch stood ment for the local fans when beaten 21-10, 21-12 by Shi in the Lout in his new classroom and on Olympic champion Chen Long men’s draw while Saina Nehwal the rugby fi eld. pulled out of his clash with Vi- and P.V. Sindhu were defeated by “I remember going to school etnamese veteran Nguyen Tien Yamaguchi and Cai respectively and everyone looking at me and Minh with a high fever. in the women’s competition. going, ‘Oh that’s the foreign kid,’” said Leitch, who came alone to Sapporo by invitation after his family in Christch- urch had hosted Japanese ex- change students. Rugby got him through that tough adjustment – playing on a gravel fi eld and in the snow – and earned the respect and friendship of his Japanese teammates. “If I didn’t have rugby here, I wouldn’t have lasted that long,” he told Reuters in an interview. “The connection with the rugby team and making friends and forming a brotherhood really helped me in the fi rst couple of years.” Now 30, Leitch is a Japanese citizen and the face of Japanese rugby. As captain of the na- tional team, he’ll lead the Brave Blossoms when Japan hosts the Rugby World Cup in September and October. That Leitch, 190 centimetres (6 feet, 3 inches) tall with mixed New Zealand and Fijian heritage and a thick beard, is one of the most famous faces in Japanese sports is a sign of the changing times in this country, which has Kento Momota of Japan hits a return against Lu Guangzu of China resisted immigration and can be during their singles quarter-final at the 2019 Badminton Asia cold toward foreigners. Championships in Wuhan yesterday. (AFP) Sports stars such as Leitch (pronounced LEECH) and world No. 1 tennis player Naomi Osaka are among the highest-profi le Mo’unga signs new three-year mixed-race or foreign-born deal with All Blacks Japanese who are challenging the country’s traditional self- Japan’s captain Michael Leitch speaks to children during a grassroots rugby workshop in Sapporo, Japan, on April 9, 2019. (Reuters) Rising flyhalf Richie Mo’unga there is still plenty I want to image as a racially homogenous signed a new three-year deal to achieve in New Zealand rugby, society. Leitch realises he repre- sia in November, Coach Jamie nese family. “It was very for- Leitch’s leadership has had a Olympics. stay with New Zealand rugby which was a huge motivation sents a minority that still some- Joseph, who is from New Zea- eign, everything was foreign,” “magnifying eff ect” on the While Japan is becoming yesterday, easing one of the for me to re-commit,” he said. times faces discrimination, and land himself, put seven foreign- Leitch said. “But you just take team, former Japan Coach Ed- more ethnically diverse – one key concerns for the All Blacks “I want to keep striving to that he has important responsi- born players in his starting 15. all that on board.” die Jones said. in 50 births is to interracial ahead of the World Cup. be the best I can be, which bilities off the field. Leitch isn’t Japan’s fi rst for- He ended up living in Japan “When he plays for Japan, it couples – there is still plenty of The 24-year-old, who has ultimately is why I’ve made the “When I look at my position eign-born captain, but he said for most of the next 15 years, is a diff erent team because he prejudice against mixed-race or guided the Canterbury Crusad- decision to stay in this environ- at the moment and where I am, he still felt like he had to “break with stints playing in New Zea- has just got that ability to lead foreign-born children. ers to win the last two Super ment.” there is a massive opportunity that barrier” of looking foreign. land, and is now more com- through not only his actions but Leitch hopes he can help Rugby titles, is expected to join The decision to stay was to inspire a lot of other people,” “Once I got through that, fortable conversing in Japanese also his words,” Jones said. change that. Beauden Barrett as the All Black welcomed by All Blacks coach he said. then I took responsibility for the than in English. “My role this year is mainly pivots at the World Cup later Steve Hansen who has already “Japan is a really closed-off role and it all just came natural- Longtime friend and manag- CHANGING TIMES being the captain, but behind this year. seen utility Damian McKenzie country,” he added. “So to have ly,” he said. er Jamie Coventry says Leitch’s Leitch’s moment in the spot- that there is so much more I He joins several other All Blacks injured out of World Cup con- me as the face and at the front of Leitch fi rst encountered dedication has won over the light comes as Japan gradually take responsibility for and – not who have recommitted to tention which has exposed the the national team, I think I can Japanese culture through ex- Japanese. opens up to more foreigners. prove a point – but help people New Zealand in recent weeks shortage of quality flyhalves in connect with a lot of people that change students at his school “If you put in the hard work In April, the government start- have a better understanding of including Aaron Smith and New Zealand. live in Japan, and there are a lot in Christchurch, some of whom and strive to succeed in this ed allowing more foreign blue- what it is to be a foreigner in Ja- Ngani Laumape while Barrett “It’s great that he’s staying, as of people that struggle here.” stayed at his home. country, then people will even- collar workers into the country pan,” he said. is believed to be still weighing he is only going to get better When he was invited to study tually accept you and take to to cope with a labour shortage. “I consider myself a bit of up his options. The nine-Test and better,” Hansen said. MULTI-CULTURAL TEAM in Sapporo on the northern is- you, and then they even cham- But many Japanese are afraid a hybrid Japanese person,” he Mo’unga said he had unfinished “He made a great start last year At the World Cup, Leitch will land of Hokkaido, he took the pion you like they have to that an infl ux of foreigners will said. business in New Zealand. in his first All Blacks season and head up a multicultural team, leap. Michael,” he said. “He is cer- upset social order and increase “I think my role at the mo- “I’m really fortunate to have had we look forward to him going to whose members have roots in “I just went for it, didn’t even tainly Japan’s favourite rugby crime, even as the country pre- ment is a very important one some amazing opportunities an even higher level this year. New Zealand, South Africa and second-guess it,” he said. son.” pares to host tens of thousands where Japanese people and for- with Canterbury, the Crusaders, It’ll be exciting to watch just the Pacifi c Islands. He came without any family As Japan’s team steps onto of visitors for this year’s Rugby eigners come together and work and the All Blacks, and I feel how far he can go.” For their game against Rus- members, and lived with a Japa- the national and global stage, World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 towards a common goal.”

FOCUS Beale happy to shed utility tag and play fullback for Wallabies Folau came along. Reuters Australian rugby boss Johnson backs Folau sacking Sydney Folau, who made his test de- but against the British and Irish Scott Johnson has backed He added that “what I stand for Lions on the wing in 2013, took moves to sack Israel Folau is we want a game that includes urtley Beale has no the number 15 jersey from Beale over homophobic comments, everyone”. problem sticking his later that season. with Australia’s new director of His strong belief in inclusively hand up for the Walla- Beale has made just 10 appear- rugby citing his experience in stems from his relationship bies fullback slot at this ances at fullback in his 47 tests helping Wales fullback Gareth with 103-Test star Thomas, who Kyear’s Rugby World Cup after since but could be reconsidered Thomas come out as the sport’s eventually came out in 2009 af- being forced back there for the by Wallabies coach Michael first openly gay player. ter confiding in Johnson about New South Wales Waratahs after Cheika, who lacks depth in the Devout Christian Folau will fight his sexuality. years as a midfi eld back. position behind Dane Haylett- to save his career at a code of The pair developed a bond Beale, who has been a util- Petty. conduct hearing on May 4 after while Johnson was assistant ity for much of his career, was Beale said he felt he could be Rugby Australia decided to fire and then caretaker Wales given the number 15 jersey at more eff ective in attack in the him over a social media post coach, and even after he left to the Sydney-based Super Rugby role. that said “hell awaits” gay peo- work with the Wallabies, they team after Israel Folau was stood “Obviously there’s a little bit ple. Sydney-born Johnson said remained close. down for triggering a social me- more space there for myself to it was vital the sport embraces Johnson said that in 2006, after dia uproar this month. be out there roaming around and people of all backgrounds Australia had played out a 29- Folau’s future is likely to be popping up inside and outside after the controversy exploded 29 draw with Wales in Cardiff , decided at a conduct hearing on the playmakers,” Beale said. during his first month on the a distraught Thomas asked to May 4 after both Rugby Aus- “So I guess fullback just allows job, having been recruited from speak with him, even though tralia and the Waratahs said they you to have that little bit more Scotland. he was then employed by the intended to terminate his con- space out wide on the edges, and “Israel’s got a chance to put his opposition. tracts. more than able replacement as we need to fi ll in at the moment. put my hand up in this arena.” a little bit more freedom to be case forward with the tribunal He told him of his battles and The 30-year-old Beale, who the Waratahs snuck a tight win. “It may open the opportunity Beale has ample international able to exploit some of the weak- this week. I want to make it re- it was Johnson who ultimately played fullback once earlier this “I’m just really enjoying the to pop up at fullback again (for experience at fullback, starting nesses in the opposition. ally clear – I’m very supportive informed Thomas’s teammates season, was thrust back into challenge at the back,” Beale told the Wallabies) and if that does 31 of his 83 tests in the number “And it’s obviously as job that of where Rugby Australia is in and coaches why their captain the role last week against the reporters in Sydney yesterday. (happen), I’ll be working really 15 jersey, and once had a virtual I need to do and I’m just relishing this stance,” he told reporters. had been in emotional turmoil. Melbourne Rebels and proved a “Obviously it’s a position that hard to push myself to be able to monopoly on the position until it at the moment.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, April 27, 2019 SPORT

F1 CYCLING Cavendish confi rmed Ferrari dominate for Tour de Yorkshire practice, Williams go down drain ‘I got the biggest smack through my body, and the whole engine turned off ’

Team Dimension Data rider Mark Cavendish.

Reuters SIVAKOV CLINCHES FIRST London SENIOR TITLE Team Sky’s Pavel Sivakov won his fi rst senior overall race as ark Cavendish will he secured victory in the Tour join Chris Froome of the Alps yesterday. on the start line of The 21-year-old maintained the Tour de York- the 27-second advantage he Mshire after being named in held over second-placed Sky Team Dimension Data’s six- teammate Tao Geoghegan man squad for the four-day Hart going into the fi fth and race yesterday. fi nal stage. While Froome will focus on Sivakov, who also secured the general classifi cation in victory on stage two, became Team Sky’s new guise of Team the fi rst Russian to win the race Ineos, Cavendish will hope to and denied Vincenzo Nibali a battle the likes of Katusha-Al- third title. pecin’s Marcel Kittel in the an- “This victory is our victory ticipated sprint fi nishes on the not only me, we have been re- opening three stages of the race ally consistent all week with which starts next Thursday. Tao winning two stages and Cavendish, who has 30 today we managed the race Tour de France stage wins to perfectly,” Sivakov told Eu- his name, is without a victory rosport. in any race since last Febru- Italian Fausto Masnada won Technicians remove the damaged car of Williams’ British driver George Russell during the first practice session ahead of the Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku yesterday. ary after a long battle with the the fi nal day of racing, crossing Russell running over a loose drain cover limited running in Free Practice 1 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to just 12 minutes as track repairs were eff ected. (AFP) Epstein-Barr virus, but took the line seven seconds ahead encouragement from a third- of Colombian Carlos Quintero AFP minutes before Briton Russell, was wretched luck for Russell, in place fi nish on stage three of in constant drizzle leading into Baku at high speed, ran over a cover, only his fourth Grand Prix with the Tour of Turkey last week. Bolzano. which had been lifted slightly by the struggling Williams team. With his focus fi rmly on Sivakov fi nished along with a previous car, and suff ered im- He said: “I got the biggest proving his fi tness for the Tour Geoghegan Hart and Nibali errari dominated the pact damage to the fl oor which smack through my body, and the de France in July, where Caven- 2min 14sec behind Masnada. second practice session sent debris across the circuit. whole engine turned off . dish is hoping to edge closer to It was Sky’s fi nal multi- of the Azerbaijan Grand Russell was forced to stop, his “It’s ruined the fl oor and I’m a Eddy Merckx’s all-time record stage race before changing its Prix yesterday, but the car badly damaged. He was un- bit worried for the chassis now. of 34 stage wins, he will be rac- name to Team Ineos after re- actionF on the street circuit was hurt, but with more than 300 We were on the normal racing ing on some familiar roads. clusive chemicals tycoon Jim marred by the bizarre sight of similar drain covers around the line and it’s completely ruined “I really enjoyed the tough Ratcliff e bought the outfi t. a Williams car tripped up by a circuit, the race stewards elected our session. It’s not what we but beautiful parcours (route) loose drain cover and a collision to abandon the session to ensure need at this stage.” last year as I rode the race for RESULTS FROM THE with a bridge which took out a they were all welded down in po- Williams deputy team chief the fi rst time, and I look for- FIFTH STAGE rescue vehicle. sition. As Russell’s car was taken Claire Williams said: “It’s clearly ward to seeing what’s in store Over 147.8km between With a time of 1min 42.872sec, back to the pits, the rescue truck not what we want and it’s not for us in the 2019 edition,” said Caldaro and Bolzano in Italy: Monaco’s Charles Leclerc edged hit a bridge. This collision re- what you expect from a Formula the British rider. 1. Fausto Masnada (ITA/AND) Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vet- sulted in damage to the vehicle’s One track. These drain covers are Cavendish, 33, suff ered 4hr 6min 2sec, 2. Carlos tel at the top of the time charts on-board crane which, in turn, supposed to be bolted down. through last year’s Tour de Quintero (COL/MAN) at 7sec, with world champion and cur- then released a fl ow of hydraulic “That’s just not acceptable. Yorkshire, unable to contest 3. Simone Velasco (ITA/NER) rent series leader Lewis Hamil- fl uid onto the engine cover of the The damage could put us out for the sprints and withdrawing on 1:31, 4. Dario Caltado (IAT/AST) ton third fastest in a Mercedes. Englishman’s car. the afternoon. We have another the brutal climbs of the fourth same time, 5. Roland Thal- Max Verstappen in a Red Bull This required another vehi- chassis that we might need to stage from Halifax to Leeds, mann (SUI/VOR) 1:33 and Valtteri Bottas in the second cle to rescue the car as the early bring in, but it should not be like unaware at that time he was Mercedes fi lled out the top fi ve. minutes of the opening ses- this on any F1 track. These man- suff ering from Epstein-Barr. OVERALL STANDINGS Opening practice had been sion descended into near-farce. holes should be welded down.” Organisers have also an- 1. Pavel Sivakov (RUS/SKY) abandoned earlier yesterday be- Leclerc had also set the quick- There was no lack of drama in nounced that world time trial 18hr 58min 0sec, 2. Tao cause of safety concerns after a est of the opening laps in 1min the second session which was champion Annemiek van Geoghegan Hart (GBR/SKY) at loose drain cover caused seri- 47.497sec. The session was soon halted for 20 minutes after Lance Vleuten and British track star 27sec, 3. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/ ous damage to George Russell’s cancelled offi cially to allow for Stroll of Racing Point and Daniil Elinor Barker will compete in BAH) 33, 4. Mattia Cattaneo Williams car. Only two cars had the local track organisers to Kvyat in a Toro Rosso crashed the women’s race on Friday (ITA/AND) 1:03, 5. Fausto Ma- clocked lap times in the opening check and repair the circuit. It out. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in action during practice yesterday. (Reuters) and Saturday. snada (ITA/AND) 1:13.

GOLF Stallings, Mullinax lead storm-hit Zurich Classic AFP “We’re going to play as much together. Finally did it on the ing a four-under 67. New Orleans Golf as we can today and fi nish same day.” Tanguay’s fellow Brooke up what we have to tomorrow,” The 12-time tour winner Henderson, who won the Lotte said PGA TOUR rules offi cial missed the cut last year in the Championship last week in Ha- he duo of Scott Stall- Gary Young. “Hopefully not into inaugural event, shooting 75-73. waii, was at 68 with Park In-bee, ings and Trey Mullinax Saturday. But I think we’ll have Lewis didn’t like the course Feng Shanshan, Lizette Salas, fi nished their round enough time to get it done by to- setup last year but says organ- Angel Yin, Isi Gabsa, Sarah Jane with a 11-under 61 be- morrow.” izers have made some improve- Smith, Jing Yan and Jasmine Su- Tfore storms and then darkness The two-player team event ments. wannapura. prevented the completion of includes Four-ball (best ball) “Last year it was super fi rm the opening round of the Zurich rounds on Thursday/Saturday and so I did not like the golf LEADING SCORES AFTER Classic on Thursday. and Foursomes (alternate shot) course,” Lewis said. “Now the FIRST ROUND Only 13 teams were able to on Friday/Sunday. The fi eld will greens are much more receptive 65-Hannah Green (AUS), Stacy complete their fi rst rounds be cut from 60 teams to 35 fol- and you can just hit a lot better Lewis at TPC Louisiana following a lowing the second round. golf shots.” 66-Lee Min-jee (AUS) weather delay that included Green also had a bogey-free 67-Anne-Catherine Tanguay lightning in the area. Play will round. (CAN) resume at 7am local time (12 AUSSIE GREEN, AMERICAN “My ball-striking was great, 68-Sarah Jane Smith (AUS), noon GMT) on Friday. LEWIS SHARE LEAD but also my putter was really Brooke Henderson (CAN), Feng Martin Laird/Nick Taylor and Stacy Lewis fi red a six-under 65 hot,” Green said. “I was really Shanshan (CHN), Yan Jing (CHN), Brian Gay/Rory Sabbatini were on Thursday for a share of the happy with how I rolled it.” Isabell Gabsa (GER), Park In-bee tied for second at 10 under. Laird lead with Hannah Green after Her Australian compatriot Lee (KOR), Thidapa Suwannapura and Taylor fi nished their round the fi rst round of the USLPGA Min-jee Lee also went bogey free (THA), Lizette Salas, Angel Yin while Gay and Sabbatini still Tour’s Los Angeles Open on and was a stroke back. 69-Klara Spilkova (CZE), Nanna have four holes to play. Thursday. “It was pretty solid all round,” Koerstz Madsen (DEN), Gabriela Another shot off the pace were The 34-year-old American said Lee. “I just hit the greens López (MEX), Ryann O’Toole, the teams of Joel Dahmen/Bran- birdied four of her last six holes and then if I was close, I would Kristen Gillman. don Harkins and Brice Garnett/ in the bogey-free round at Wil- try and take opportunity of my Chesson Hadley, who were both shire Country Club. birdie chances. If not, then I able to complete their rounds. “I hit it good and putted well,” would be able to have a par.” Trey Mullinax of the United States Tournament offi cials said they Lewis said. “That’s kind of the Canada’s Anne-Catherine tees off during the first round of the are hopeful of getting the round combination that’s been miss- Tanguay was just two strokes Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana in completed on Friday. ing, is just putting both of them back of the leaders after shoot- Avondale, Louisiana. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, April 27, 2019 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING The Blue Eye and Al Lusail win Al Karana and Al Jassasiya Cup Trainer Jassim Mohamed Ghazali and jockey Bachelot complete a record five victories on the last race day of season

Jockey Theo Bachelot leads The Blue Eye to victory in the Al Karana Cup.

The connections of The Blue Eye celebrate after winning the Al Karana Cup, the feature event of the final day of the racing season at the Al Rayyan Park on Thursday.

he curtain fell on the 2018/2019 race last year and has had the perfect in the race meeting. land was back on the scoresheet in racing season on Thursday at preparation with a brace of victories February and gave respectable eff orts QREC Al Rayyan Park with the in the last month or so and he looked THOROUGHBREDS (FILLIES & since. He was already a favourite in this staging of a nine-race card on primed for a very bold defence and he MARES) (CLASS 3) (1600M) race and he did manage to come on top Tturf, including two feature races: Al Ka- did. The Hadi Nasser Rashid al-Ram- Ahmed Hassan al-Malki al-Jehani’s and see off his rivals, making it a double rana Cup and Al Jassasiya Cup. zani trained fi ve-year-colt kept his title CHE Bella fi nally managed to have her for both his trainer Jassim Mohamed and won Al Jassasiya Cup for the sec- name on the scoreboard this season Ghazali Jahromi and his jockey Theo AL KARANA CUP (CLASS 2 TB) ond consecutive year. when she won the one-long run for Bachelot. (1600M) Ronan Thomas was the man in the fi llies and mares. While the terms of Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s The Blue saddle this year and steered the winner the race seemed against her, Hamad LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDI- Eye had won the Qatar Gold Trophy on to a short-heard victory ahead of the Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani was able to CAP (85 & BELOW) (1600M) his most recent start and again he made Zuhair Mohsen Zuhair Maki-trained have all her rivals behind her and do Mohammed Ahmad al-Abdulmalik’s a bold bid to enhance his fi ne strike rate Saar with Faleh Bughanaim astride. well under Jean Baptiste Hamel to beat Look At Me won a C&D Maiden Plate on Thursday to clinch the Al Karana The Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki her closet rival by a nose. winner back in March 2018. Although Cup, the season’s fi nal race. trained and the Anas al-Seyabi-ridden he did not threaten to score in handi- It was a remarkable day for the pair Nahaab completed the frame with fur- PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP caps of late, the four-year-old gelding – trainer Jassim Mohamed Ghazali ther one and three quarters of a lengths (90 & BELOW) (1600M) proved his merit this time, winning the Jahromi and jockey Theo Bachelot – behind. Mansoor Ibrahim al-Mahmoud’s Al mile-long handicap with the narrowest as they completed their record of fi ve Neksh opened his account on dirt last margins with Eduardo Pedroza, giving victories on the last race day of the THOROUGHBREDS (CLASS 2) month and has since added a brace of his trainer Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al- season. They led the seven-year-old (2400M) (1600M) runner-up eff orts from three outings. Malki his second win of the day. horse to a comfortable two and half Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Aligne- The Jassim Mohamed Ghazali Jahromi- length victory ahead of Ibrahim Saeed ment have now fully acclimatised to his saddled fi ve-year-old horse doubled his PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP Ibrahim al-Malki-trained Pazeer, who new surroundings in Doha, following a tally when steered by Bachelot to victo- (80 & BELOW) (1200M) came second with Eduardo Pedroza Conditions win with an excellent third ry in the mile-long run. It was a quick- Zakhir Stud’s Al Eshrah bounced back Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi in the saddle. The Alban Elie Marie de in the Qatar Gold Trophy. double fi re for the trainer and the jockey when reverted to sprinting after a cou- (right) presents the Al Jassasiya trophy to Al Lusail owner Mohamed Attiyah. Mieulle-schooled Heshem was further On Thursday, the six-year-old geld- and their third on the day. It was also a ple of quiet runs. one and three quarters of a length be- ing confi rmed his class, adding to his one-two-three for trainer Jassim as he The Jassim Mohamed Ghazali Jahro- THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE year, Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki’s hind in third under Ronan Thomas. tally when he won the 2400m race with saddled the fi rst three runners home. mi-trained seven-year-old mare was a (CLASS 6) (1600M) charge appeared in top form Anas al- three quarters of a length to spare, re- willing partner of jockey Theo Bach- Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Seyabi to beat the competition by quar- AL JASSASIYA CUP cording for each of his trainer Jassim THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP elot, who led her to one and a half- al-Thani’s Al Haitham was the win- ter of a length under. It was a one-two (LOCAL TB) (1400M) Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi and his (CLASS 4) (85 & BELOW) (1600M) length victory in the six-furlong con- ner of the mile-long maiden. After he for both the owner and the trainer as AL Al Jerian Stud’s Al Lusail landed this jockey Theo Bachelot their fourth win Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Gang- test. had been well held in 3 maidens this GAZI was the runner-up.

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Osaka hits back at critics Nadal edges closer to history in Barcelona AFP fi nalist Dominic Thiem or Argentine Guido Nadal stands a perfect 11-0 in Barcelona aft er thrilling comeback win Barcelona Pella. Nadal took an hour and three quarters semi-fi nals. “I’ve played two good matches to overcome Struff , in their first meeting. here after my fi rst,” he said. “The confi dence AFP “It’s diffi cult to face someone for the first is growing — and victories certainly help.” Stuttgart, Germany afael Nadal held off Jan-Lennard time,” Spain’s 17-time Grand Slam champi- Japan’s two-time Barcelona Open cham- Struff 7-5, 7-5 in the Barcelona on said. “It was important that my serve was pion Kei Nishikori won a slugfest with Rob- Open quarter-fi nals yesterday solid today. I’m feeling better in my game erto Carballes Baena 6-4, 7-5 to move into a orld number one to move closer to setting an ATP and hope to keep improving here at home.” Barcelona semi for a fourth time. Nishikori Naomi Osaka has recordR as the fi rst player to win the same Nadal is regaining his swagger after los- will take on Russian Daniil Medvedev today hit back at her crit- event 12 times. Nadal must fi rst get through ing last weekend in the Monte Carlo semis after the seventh seed stopped lucky loser ics after fi ghting to a Saturday semi-fi nal between either 2017 to Italy’s Fabio Fognini. Nicolas Jarry of Chile 6-3, 6-4. Wa dramatic comeback win over Donna Vekic to reach her fi rst career clay court semi-fi nal in ATHLETICS Stuttgart yesterday. The 21-year-old Japanese bat- tled back from 1-5 down in the fi nal set to beat Vekic 6-3, 4-6, Van Niekerk supports Semenya in IAAF battle 7-6 (7/4) but denied that she was struggling this year. “I don’t AFP know why people are saying I am Johannesburg having a bad season,” she said. “I won the Australian Open, right?” Despite securing her second ayde van Niekerk has backed Grand Slam title in Melbourne, fellow Olympic gold medallist Osaka had not reached a semi- Caster Semenya in her battle fi nal since then before her thrill- with the IAAF over female eli- ing fi ghtback in Stuttgart, having Wgibility rules, saying yesterday that “it goes suff ered early exits in Dubai, In- beyond track and fi eld”. dian Wells and Miami. The Olympic 400-metre champion told She admitted that the defeats, reporters on the sidelines of the South Af- and the pressure of being number rican championships near Johannesburg one, had aff ected her. “I would be that Semenya “is fi ghting for something” lying if I said it didn’t bother me. far greater. You can tell because I get antsy on “Caster is fi ghting for something beyond court, whereas before, if I made just track and fi eld athletics — she is fi ght- a mistake, I would just act on it. ing for women in sports, in society and I re- Then I am at my best, I wake up spect her for that. I support the hard work wanting a new challenge. In this and talent she has put into the sport,” said phase, I felt like I was waking up Van Niekerk, who withdrew from the meet, just wanting to win.” fearing cold, wet conditions could threaten Osaka said that she had tried to his recovery from a knee injury. “think logically” when she found Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts after defeating Croatia’s Donna Vekic in “With what she believes in and what she South Africa’s double Olympic champion Caster Semenya (centre) chats with men’s 400m herself on the brink of defeat in the quarter-finals of the WTA Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, south- is dreaming of, I have got a lot of respect Olympic gold medallist Wayde van Niekerk after she won the 5,000m run during South yesterday’s quarter-fi nal. “I try western Germany, yesterday. (AFP) for her. I hope and pray that everything just African Championships in Germiston, South Africa, on Thursday. (Reuters) not panic anymore, because that goes from strength to strength for her.” costs energy,” she said. “I just cannot lose her number one spot was really diffi cult today, but I Semenya, who has refused to discuss the (DSD) to keep testosterone levels below a competing in the distance where she ex- told myself I didn’t want to come in Stuttgart, but she will be look- am very happy to be in the semi- battle with the world governing body, will prescribed level for races between 400m cels. Semenya has skipped the 800m event away from here with any regrets.” ing to keep a healthy points lead fi nal. I feel good and healthy,” learn her fate next week after legally chal- and one mile. The Switzerland-based Court at the South African championships in what In today’s semi-fi nal, Osaka over world number three Petra said Kvitova. In the semi-fi nal, lenging proposed changes to International of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has said it will a source close to her said “might be a silent will face either Estonia’s An- Kvitova, who also won her quar- the Czech will face Dutch sixth Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) deliver judgment in the case by the end of protest against the IAAF”. ett Kontaveit or former world ter-fi nal. Kvitova overcame a seed Kiki Bertens, who beat female eligibility rules. April. Instead, she comfortably won the 5,000m number one and two-time major rocky start to beat Latvia’s Anas- home favourite and Angelique The global body wants female athletes Should the IAAF win, Olympic 800m title on Thursday and was scheduled to winner Victoria Azarenka. Osaka tasija Sevastova 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. “It Kerber 6-3, 6-4. with “diff erences of sexual development” champion Semenya would be barred from compete in the 1,500m fi nal later last night.

Saturday, April 27, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SHOWJUMPING Salmeen romps to second successive win at Hathab Qatari rider guides 19-year-old grey gelding Cantaro 32 to a convincing win in the Big Tour class at Al Shaqab arena

By Sports Reporter Doha

or the second successive day, Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi stole the show at the 12th and last leg of the Hathab Eques- trianF Tour. After having won the Big Tour class on the opening day, the Qa- tari rider repeated the feat yesterday, guiding the veteran 19-year-old grey gelding Cantaro 32 to a convincing win at the Al Shaqab arena. After six months of gruelling com- petition, the overall winners in vari- ous categories will be declared today, with riders having collected points from the last rounds. And Salmeen in- creased his chances of overall Big Tour title with back-to-back wins. Salmeen and Cantaro 32 cantered to victory in 72.01 seconds, with the rider picking up QR4,200 in prize money. Nasser al- Ghazali was second astride Aslan 69, followed by Faleh Suwead al-Ajami on Carport in third. In the Medium Tour, the pair of Mo- hamed Saeed Haidan and 14-year-old mare Apple Bee secured their second successive victory. The duo fi nished the round fastest in 58.98 secs, well Small Tour winner Ghanim Nasser ahead of runner-up Saeed Nasser al- al-Qadi (right) and runner-up Khalifa Qadi astride Daydreamer EC, who came Abdulla al-Khaldi pose with their home in 62.45 secs. Mohamed Sultan Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi rides 19-year-old grey gelding Cantaro 32 to victory in the Big Tour class at the 12th leg of the Hathab Equestrian Tour at Al Shaqab arena. trophies yesterday. al-Suwaidi took third spot with Nu- mero Uno T in 64.21 secs. RESULTS Uno T. 64.21 secs. QR1,500 against the clock, Art. 238.2.1, 70/85 cm Meanwhile, Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi Big Tour, Table A, Two rounds with Small Tour, Table A, Two rounds with 1. Hamad Adel al-Saegh. Horse: Joly’s won the Small Tour class with 12-year- jump off (1st Rnd), Art. 273.3.4.1+ 4.4, jump off (1st Rnd), Art. 273.3.4.1+ 4.4, old gelding Henrico. The duo was in Arno. Time: 29.62 secs. top form as they cleared the hurdles in 130/145 cm, Prize Money: QR15,000 100/115 cm, Prize Money: QR 5,000 2. Fahad Abdulkarim Abed. Kashmir. 52.94 secs. Ghanim also took the third 1. Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi. Horse: Can- 1. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi. Horse: 30.42 secs. spot with Fudine. Khalifa Abdulla al- taro 32. Time: 72.01secs. Prize Money: Henrico. Time: 52.94 secs. Prize money: 3. Abdullah Khalid al-Bukhari. Emma. Khaldi and Dusty fi nished second. QR4,200 QR1,250 32.43 secs. The QR1mn equestrian series, which 2. Nasser al-Ghazali. Aslan 69. 73.73 secs. 2. Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi. Dusty. 54.77 was launched last year, has received QR3,375 secs. QR1,000 overwhelming response and the com- TODAY’S SCHEDULE 3. Faleh Suwead al-Ajami. Carport. 75.17 3. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi. Fudine. 57.89 petition has gained immense popular- 8:30am: Dressage Level 1 (QR10,000) ity. Today the competitions will be held secs. QR2,625 secs. QR 750 in both showjumping and dressage, Medium Tour, Table A, Two rounds Future rider, Table A, One round against 9:30am: Dressage Level 2 (QR5,000) after which the overall winners will be with jump off (1st Rnd), Art. 273.3.4.1+ the clock, Art. 238.2.1, 85/100 cm 2pm: Small Tour Two rounds with jump crowned. 4.4, 120/130 cm, Prize Money:QR 1. Mutlaq Ali al-Hajri. Horse: Super Girl. off (2nd Rnd) 100/115 273.3.4.1+ 4.4 Hathab, meaning ‘Canter’ in Arabic, 10,000 (QR15,000) is an initiative launched by Qatar Ol- Time: 48.14 secs. 4pm: Medium Tour Two rounds with ympic Committee President HE Sheikh 1. Mohamed Saeed Haidan. Horse: AP- 2. Tamim Nasser al-Qadi. Golden Grove Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. The series PLE BEE. Time: 58.98 secs. Prize money: Solitaire . 48.41 secs. jump off (2nd Rnd) 120/130 273.3.4.1+ 4.4 QR2,500 (QR20,000) is open for Qatari nationals and also to 3. Saoud Saqr al-Hajri. Mickey Blue Eyes. residents of Qatar. The event is being 2. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi. Daydreamer EC. 51.14 secs. 6:30pm: Big Tour Two rounds with jump conducted jointly by Qatar Equestrian 62.45 secs. QR2,000 off (2nd Rnd) 130/145 273.3.4.1+ 4.4 Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab. Future rider, Table A, One round 3. Mohmed Sultan al-Suwaidi. Numero (QR40,000) Mohamed Saeed Haidan won the Medium Tour with 14-year-old mare Apple Bee.

AMIR CUP ATHLETICS Al Arabi beat Umm Salal to enter quarter-fi nals Kiptum suspended, won’t run in London Marathon

Reuters Meanwhile, Eliud Kipchoge, London the undisputed world’s best marathon runner, is aiming for an unprecedented fourth Lon- orld half marathon don title but will have to beat off record holder Ab- the challenge of British home fa- raham Kiptum has vourite Mo Farah, who has gone been provisionally from a triumphant track career Wsuspended by the Athletics In- to road running. tegrity Unit (AIU) for an Ath- Farah hungry for victory after lete Biological Passport (ABP) winning the Chicago marathon violation, the AIU said yester- in October, and is perhaps also day. London Marathon organis- fi red up by a row this week over ers said Kenyan Kiptum had left allegations of theft and assault London and will not take part in while training in Ethiopia. Kip- tomorrow’s race. choge is back in marathon action “The AIU confi rms a pro- for the fi rst time since setting visional suspension against his remarkable world record of 2 Kenyan long-distance runner hours 01.39 seconds in Berlin in Abraham Kiptum for an Ath- September, when he took more lete Biological Passport (ABP) than a 1 minute off the old mark, violation under the IAAF (Inter- and the 34-year-old Olympic national Association of Athlet- champion from Kenya said: “I ics Federations) Anti-Doping like London, I’m fi t and ready to Rules,” the AIU said in a state- compete.” ment. The passport uses blood Kipchoge has won 11 of the 12 tests to detect the likelihood of marathons he has entered includ- Al Arabi striker Wilfried Bony (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Umm Salal in the Amir Cup at the Hamad doping rather than testing for ing the London races over 42.195 Grand Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed specifi c substances. kilometres last year and in 2015 The AIU states provisional and 2016, but the former 5,000m QNA Jardel and Victor Vazquez had too much dealt with Umm Salals attacking threat suspensions are mandatory un- racer, who won gold over the dis- Doha quality in them. And their class told in that mainly came in the form of Yannick der IAAF anti-doping rules. “We tance at the 2003 world champi- the 29th minute when Vazquez crossed Sagbo and Mahmoud Almawas. have a zero-tolerance policy on onships, says no one is unbeat- the ball into the box with the outside of Arabi continued to create chances in doping,” London Marathon di- able. “Anybody can be beaten. Mo l Arabi defeated Umm Salal 3-1 his right boot, and Bony somehow man- the second half, but worryingly for them, rector Hugh Brasher said. can beat me, others can beat me, to enter the quarter-fi nals of aged to beat Essa Shaaban Jaaferi with his Umm Salal was ready to take the game “London is part of the Abbott but the best thing is that if you the Amir Cup at Hamad Grand header. to them. Arabi defence was under much World Marathon Majors and we can accept the results, that’s the Stadium yesterday. In another The cross had no power and Bony was more pressure in the second period, but recently announced a ground- only way to enjoy the sport.” match,A Al Gharafa beat Al Khor 5-2 to en- so far out, and there was no chance of him they scored a second goal in the 65th breaking extensive intelligence- Farah, who was knighted in ter the quarters. getting much punch but what his header through captain Ahmed Ibrahim. Bony driven testing programme. This 2017 for services to athletics af- Hosts Arabi were by far the better side, lacked in power it more than made up for cushion headed Vazquezs corner for Ibra- shows the programme is work- ter an illustrious track career in and could have won by a bigger margin in placement, depositing the ball tanta- him who emphatically fi nished off with a ing. Cheats will be caught and which he won four Olympic golds had they been sharper in front of the goal, lisingly out of the reach of Jaaferi, in the left-footed volley. Al Gharafa and Al Khor players vie there is no place for them in mar- over 5,000m and 10,000m, has despite Umm Salal putting up a much corner of the Umm Salal net. Substitute Mohamed Salah rounded for the ball. athon running.” made a successful transition to better show in the second half. The Umm Salal keeper had a busy fi rst the keeper and placed the ball into an Kiptum, 29, set the half-mar- road running. He fi nished third Arabi dominated the possession in the half while his opposite number Gregory empty net in the 73rd after a fl owing bah made it 3-1 in the 79th. Arabi man- athon world record (58 minutes in London last year and won in fi rst half as Umm Salal opted to sit back Gomis had a quiet opening period as passing move to make it 3-0 for Arabi but aged to hold on but Heimir Hallgrimsson and 18 seconds) in the Valencia Chicago in a European best of and hit on the break, but that was a dan- Arabi defence, manned by Ibrahim Ma- Umm Salal still managed to give their ri- would know that they have much tougher half-marathon in Spain last year. 2:05:11. gerous ploy as the likes of Bony, Diego jid and Morteza Mohamed comfortably vals some nervy moments and Omar Ra- quarter-fi nal opponents in Al Rayyan.