Dahlan Gets Re-Elected As Chief of Asian Athletics Body

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SPOTLIGHT Dahlan gets re-elected as chief of Asian athletics body For the first time in the history of Asian athletics, four Asian athletics off icials help Dahlan al-Hamad cut a cake after his re-election yesterday. women members were also elected on the governing council, including China’s Wang Nan as one of the five vice-presidents, and Stepanisheva Tatyana of Turkmenistan

Former Qatar sprinter Talal Mansour (L) reacts as Dahlan al-Hamad receives congratulations on his re-election as chief of the Asian Athletics Association yesterday.

By Sports Reporter Doha ASIAN ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION COUNCIL (2019-2023)

PRESIDENT: Gen. Dahlan al- Kwan Kee (HKG) atar’s Dahlan al-Hamad Hamad (QAT) Tigor M. Tanjung (INA) was re-elected as President Ching Cheng Wang (TPE) of the Asian Athletics As- SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT: Maj. Roland Saade (LBN) sociation for the four-year Gen. Surapong Ariyamongkol Qterm of 2019-2023 at the Asian Ath- Karim bin Ibrahim (MAS) (THA) letics Congress in Doha yesterday. Tsewang Rinzing (BHU) Al-Hamad dedicated the victory to VICE-PRESIDENTS Maj (R) Md Talip Md Tahir (BRU) His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Wang Nan (CHN) Shagea Mohamed al-Maqdashi bin Hamad al-Thani. (YEM) Al-Hamad, who is also the In- Hiroshi Yokokawa (JPN) ternational Association of Athletics Mohamed Jumah (KUW) Federations (IAAF) vice-president Maj. Gen. (R) Mohamed Akram WOMEN MEMBERS besides being the director general of Sahi (PAK) Stepanisheva Tatyana (TKM) the IAAF World Athletics Champi- Andrey Abduvaliev (UZB) Mala Sakonhninhom (LAO) onships Doha 2019 Local Organising INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Filomena Barros Dos Reis (TLS) Committee (LOC), received 30 votes while the Jordanian candidate Saad al-Hiyasat received 13. He also off ered his gratitude to all Talking about his re-election, al- refused to send their athletes for the the 45 member federations for trust- Hamad said the battle was not easy 23rd Asian Athletics Championships, ing in his leadership and he vowed to and its sweeping outcome clearly which will begin at the state-of-the- continue his work to take all member demonstrates Qatar’s great status. art Khalifa International Stadium to- federation together to develop and He said that the victory is not his day, and will conclude on Wednesday. strengthen Asian Athletics. alone, and that the continent has In a case of mixing sports with For the ﬁ rst time in the history of chosen what’s best for Asian athletics politics, Emirati offi cial Nasser al- Asian Athletics, four women mem- in the future. Maamari had made the trip to the bers were also elected on the govern- He added that Qatar’s leadership Qatari capital to participate in the ing council, including China’s Wang has always taught its people toler- elections even as their athletes were Nan as one of the ﬁ ve vice-presi- ance. In that spirit, he said that he deprived of a golden opportunity for dents, and Stepanisheva Tatyana of would like everyone to join hands some valuable preparations in a cru- Turkmenistan, Mala Sakonhninhom to develop the sport, irrespective of cial IAAF World Athletics Champi- of Laos and Filomena Barros Dos Reis what happened before the elections. onships year, which will be held at the of Timor-Leste as members. The United Arab Emirates offi cially same venue in September. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, April 21, 2019 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Foden fi res Man Solskjaer eyes strong City back to top, fi nish boost for Brighton ‘It was very important for the race for the Premier League. We know we cannot drop points. It was tight, Tottenham had more chances than the previous two games’

Manchester United’s Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

AFP week and Arsenal and Chelsea Manchester both advancing in the Europa League. United, meanwhile, were em- le Gunnar Solsk- phatically knocked out of the jaer has five games Champions League quarter-fi - left in the Premier nals at Barcelona, although Sol- League season to skjaer does not believe his team proveO conclusively that the have any added advantage by club’s hierarchy did not act being able to concentrate solely too hastily in making him Jose on the league. Mourinho’s permanent succes- “I think it will give them sor last month. (United’s rivals) a boost playing After a spectacular start as those games, that’s what you caretaker manager of the club, want as a player,” he said. “We’d in which he won his first eight have loved to have a semi-fi nal games and lost just one of his to play in but not the case. opening 17 matches in charge, “These three games are United have since suffered a our short-term focus and we precipitous drop in form. shouldn’t think about anything Five defeats have come in other than having a great week United’s last seven games, a run ahead of us.” While United have which has seen them exit the stuttered in recent weeks, the FA Cup and Champions League fate of Mauricio Pochettino, the and left a top-four finish in se- manager who was widely tipped rious doubt. to be United’s number one Manchester City’s English midfielder Phil Foden (L) celebrates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester yesterday. Since former United striker choice following Mourinho’s Solskjaer was appointed to the dismissal in December, could AFP Manchester United. position on a permanent basis in not have provided a greater con- London “We will see tomorrow but I Results late March, the Reds have won trast. think the next game he will be two of five games, unconvincing Although Tottenham’s league out,” Guardiola said. Manchester City 1 Tottenham 2-1 home victories against Wat- form has been inconsistent, hil Foden fi red Man- “I didn’t speak to him, but he Hotspur 0 ford and West Ham, and now Pochettino won wide praise for chester City back to put his hands in the hamstring Bournemouth 0 Fulham 1 face a potentially pivotal week leading Spurs into their fi rst the top of the Premier position.” Huddersfield Town 1 Watford 2 in the league campaign. ever Champions League semi- League as the young At Molineux, fourth-bottom West Ham United 2 Leicester City 2 “When we came in, on the fi nal in the away goals triumph midfiP elder sealed a vital 1-0 win Brighton moved three points Wolverhampton 0 Brighton 0 19th of December and where at Manchester City. over Tottenham, while Brighton clear of third-bottom Cardiff af- Albion we’re at now, I think anyone That, naturally, led to debate improved their survival pros- ter a gritty stalemate. Newcastle United 3 Southampton 1 would have taken that now as to whether United had been pects with a goalless draw at Chris Hughton’s men, who we’ve got five games to see if we too quick in appointing Solsk- Wolves yesterday. have a game in hand on Cardiff , Michail Antonio put West can finish it off,” said Solskjaer. jaer, whose players certainly ap- Pep Guardiola’s side are one needed a man-of-the-match Ham ahead in the 38th minute United’s season ends with a pear to have been less focused point clear of second-placed display from Australian goal- with a powerful header from visit to already-relegated Hud- since his elevation was con- Liverpool after Foden’s fi fth- keeper Mat Ryan to avoid a fi fth Mark Noble’s cross. dersfield and a home game fi rmed last month. minute header exacted a measure successive defeat. Jamie Vardy equalised in the against Cardiff — both of whom “I don’t think so, no,” said of revenge for City’s Champions Gerard Deulofeu’s brace lifted 67th minute with a cool fi nish may have nothing to play for Solskjaer when asked if his League quarter-fi nal exit against Watford to seventh place with a from Ben Chilwell’s cross for his by the time the season reaches permanent appointment had Tottenham on Wednesday. 2-1 victory at relegated Hudders- 16th goal of the season. May. brought about a negative eff ect Liverpool can regain pole po- fi eld. Lucas Perez restored West But today sees United visit on players’ performances. sition if they win at struggling Deulofeu, the hero of Wat- Ham’s lead with an 82nd-minute Everton, conquerors of Chel- “That’s football, margins. Cardiff on Sunday, but City have ford’s FA Cup semi-fi nal win tap-in just four minutes after sea and Arsenal in their last two We’ve said we’ve lost two league won their last 10 league matches Brighton’s Spanish defender Bruno Saltor applauds the crowd after over Wolves, put the Hornets coming on. home games, at the start of a games, Wolverhampton and Ar- to keep the destiny of the title their match against Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday. ahead with a deft dink into the But, after Perez had a sec- week in which they also host ti- senal, those games we shouldn’t in their own hands because the top corner in the fi fth minute at ond goal wrongly ruled out for tle contenders City in the Man- have talked about losing. champions will hold a game in As well as Foden’s crucial “We could have lost the Pre- the John Smith’s Stadium. off side, Harvey Barnes rescued chester derby and then welcome “We won games we maybe hand on Jurgen Klopp’s men. contribution in only his second mier League today — after The Spanish winger netted Brendan Rodgers’ side with an Chelsea to Old Traff ord at the didn’t deserve, it evens itself out “It was very important for the Premier League start, Guardiola Wednesday it was really tough. again in the 80th minute after Jo- equaliser two minutes into stop- weekend. Those three games but players know what’s going to race for the Premier League. We was indebted to City goalkeeper As a footballer, I could not have nas Lossl saved Abdoulaye Dou- page-time. look likely to determine whether happen. We know what I expect, know we cannot drop points. It Ederson for a series of fi ne saves done what my players have done coure’s eff ort. Relegated Fulham fi nally United will cement one of the as a club what we want to do. was tight, Tottenham had more as the champions gave a nervous today,” Guardiola said. Huddersfi eld’s stoppage-time earned their fi rst Premier League two Champions League places That’s football,” he insisted. chances than the previous two display at the Etihad Stadium. The only frustration for Guar- reply from Karlan Grant couldn’t away win this season with a 1-0 for which they are competing, Solskjaer has a clean bill of games,” Guardiola said. And the City manager admit- diola was an injury to Belgium stop the Terriers suff ering a 14th success at Bournemouth. along with Chelsea, Arsenal and health ahead of the Everton “We have been playing for the ted it had been hard for his play- midfi elder Kevin De Bruyne, who home defeat this term. The Cottagers took the points Tottenham Hotspur. game, with midfielder Ander Premier League every three days ers to recover from their dramatic limped off again just before the Watford’s rise up the table was in the 53rd minute when Serbian All three London clubs also Herrera back in full training, for 10 months, you can feel the Champions League loss to Tot- break. aided by Leicester’s 2-2 draw striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was have one eye on European while forward Alexis Sanchez, pressure. tenham, a result that ended their De Bruyne, only recently back at West Ham, which dropped clattered in the penalty area by semi-fi nals — with Spurs hav- such a disappointment due to “The title is still in our hands. bid to win an unprecedented from a knee problem, is unlikely Brendan Rodgers’ team to eighth Jack Simpson and stepped up to ing reached the last four of the injury and loss of form, could be We are fi ghting until the end.” quadruple. to play in the midweek derby at place. convert the spot-kick himself. Champions League in spectacu- in line for his first start since the lar fashion against City in mid- opening weekend of March.

BOTTOMLINE Warnock hopes to avoid thrashing by Liverpool

Cardiff : Cardiff City manager “We’ve just got to try and give a Neil Warnock fears being “bat- good account of ourselves for tered” as the Welsh side aim the fans that are going because to boost their Premier League it’s a sell-out — and it probably Liverpool, Man City dominate survival hopes when they host could’ve sold out twice more.” title contenders Liverpool today. Cardiff have conceded five goals Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over to both Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion gave Manchester United at home, as 18th-placed Cardiff a lift in their well as three each against Totten- PFA Player of the Year list relegation battle as they are ham Hotspur and Arsenal. AFP for the prize. Liverpool defender London. Van Dijk, signed from winner Mohamed Salah, has ing into the weekend. now just two points adrift of the Liverpool arrive in the Welsh London Van Dijk joins teammate Sadio Southampton in January 2018, also enjoyed a stellar season for Sterling and Silva, both 24, are safety zone. However, Cardiff ’s capital on an eight-match win- Mane on the list, while City for- has been an ever-present rock at Jurgen Klopp’s side, hitting 18 also on the shortlist for the PFA record against the top six teams ning run in all competitions, ward Sterling is included along- the heart of the Premier League’s league goals as the Anﬁ eld club Young Player of the Year award. is a cause for concern and they and Warnock said it was crucial iverpool and Manchester side team-mates Sergio Aguero tightest defence this campaign. attempt to end a 29-year wait to They are joined in that cate- have lost all 10 of their matches to stay solid defensively if they City have dominated the and Bernardo Silva. He has helped Liverpool keep be champions. gory by Liverpool defender Trent this season. were to avoid another heavy shortlist for the Profes- Chelsea’s Eden Hazard com- 18 clean sheets and concede only Sterling, the bookmakers’ sec- Alexander-Arnold, West Ham “It’s going to be a great day; I defeat. “I don’t like my teams los- sional Footballers’ Asso- pletes the nominees for the 20 times, while chipping in with ond favourite for the award be- midﬁ elder Declan Rice, Bourne- don’t want it to be a lovely oc- ing concentration like that,” he Lciation Player of the Year award, 2018-19 campaign, with the three goals. hind 27-year-old Van Dijk, has mouth winger David Brooks and casion but we still get battered,” added. “We’ve still got a massive with Virgil Van Dijk and Raheem winner announced on April 28 Senegal international Mane, been key for Pep Guardiola’s side Manchester United striker Mar- Warnock told reporters. job to do.” Sterling the leading contenders at the PFA’s awards ceremony in included ahead of last year’s with 17 goals and nine assists go- cus Rashford. Gulf Times Sunday, April 21, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Amir Cup: Trophy Tour begins with stop at Msheireb Properties

By Sports Reporter Director of Contracts, and Mariam the coming days and weeks until the Doha al-Jasim, Director of Public Rela- fi nal of the most popular football tions and Corporate Communi- tournament in the country. cations, Qatar international duo “There is no doubt that the Amir he Amir Cup Trophy Tour Yousif Hassan and Assem Madibo Cup is not only a football champi- has kicked off with a stopo- were accompanied by a Qatar Foot- onship. The Amir Cup is an event ver at Msheireb Properties, ball Association delegation consist- that has a rich history and it is a Tsituated in the heart of the ing of Khalid Mubarak al-Kuwari, tournament that brings the country Qatari capital. Msheireb Properties, Director of Marketing and Commu- together at every level,” al-Kuwari a real estate development company, nication, Abdulrahman AbdulJabar, said. is a subsidiary of the Qatar Foun- Hussein al-Sharshani and Ibrahim Msheireb Properties is an emerg- dation for Education, Science and al-Ghanim. ing leader in sustainable develop- Community Development. Khalid Mubarak al-Kuwari, Di- ment, its signature project Msheir- As has been the practice over the rector of Marketing and Commu- eb Downtown Doha employs a new years, the Amir Cup Trophy Tour nication, Qatar Football Associa- approach to urban planning by will visit schools, colleges, universi- tion (QFA), said: “The launch of the combining traditional methods and ties, government offi ces and organi- Amir Cup trophy confi rms that this modern technology aimed at pre- sations in the private sector over the event is for everybody. We already serving the environment as well as course of next few weeks until two have requests from so many organi- the cultural identity of Qatar. teams reach the fi nal of the event on sations that want to be part of the Msheireb Properties partnered May 16. More popularly known as Trophy Tour.” with industry leaders and experts in the Trophy Tour, the attempt is to He added: “The start of this Tro- order to align the architectural les- engage the Amir Cup trophy with phy Tour signifi es the importance of sons of the past with the latest in Players and off icials pose with the Amir Cup Trophy members of the societies residing in Msheireb Properties. This place is eco-friendly technologies to realise during its stop at Msheireb Properties yesterday. Qatar. The delegation was received an architectural marvel. This Tro- a language that is relevant, enrich- by Mubarak al-Buainain, Executive phy Tour will continue its journey in ing and truly Qatari.

SERIE A FOCUS Sagbo shines in Umm Salal’s Ronaldo ‘1,000%’ win over Shamal in Amir Cup

By Sports Reporter and put the match practically Doha beyond Al Shamal’s reach. committed as Abdulaziz Muqabli scored a consolation goal for Al Shamal in ormer champions Umm the 67th minute off a solo eff ort. Salal sailed into the third Umm Salal coach Raul Caneda round of the Amir Cup was thrilled with his side’s vic- Fwith a convincing 3-1 tory, saying they deserved to ad- win over Al Shamal at the Thani vance in the tournament. bin Jassim Stadium in Gharafa “We were confi dent and mo- Juve clinch title yesterday. tivated from the start. Yannick QNB Stars League side Umm was in his element and his two ‘It didn’t go well in the Champions League but next year it will be better’ Salal, whose Amir Cup tri- goals in the fi rst 20 minutes umph in 2008 remains their stood us in good stead,” the AFP best achievement to date, were Spaniard said. Milan clearly a few notches above their “The cup tournaments are lower division opponents as they unpredictable and that can work completely dominated the pro- to the advantage of the weaker ristiano Ronaldo said ceedings. teams who have nothing to lose. I he was “1,000 % com- They struck in the 10th minute told the players that they have to mitted to staying” with through Yannick Sagbo, the Ivo- draw motivation from the club’s Juventus next season as rian striker cutting through the 2008 triumph.” heC claimed his fi rst Serie A title Al Shamal defence and scoring Umm Salal will now meet Al and Juventus their eighth in a off his second attempt after his Arabi in the third round on April row yesterday. fi rst short at goal was blocked by 26.Al Shamal had qualifi ed for Massimiliano Allegri’s side the goalkeeper Shaheen Ghanem the second round after beating had needed just one more point al-Kuwari. Mesaimeer in a play-off on April for a 35th Scudetto and their The 31-year-old Sagbo then 11. latest title triumph helped ease made it 2-0 with a 19th minute In the second match, Al Khor some of the pain of their shock goal before Mahmoud Moas beat Al Wakrah 4-3 on penalties Champions League exit at the scored the third goal in the 54th after they drew 2-2 in regulation. Juventus Stadium to Ajax on Tuesday. And a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Fiorentina was enough to give them a 20-point lead on nearest rivals Napoli with fi ve games to play. Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic put Fiorentina ahead after less than six minutes. But Alex Sandro’s diving header on 37 minutes and an own goal from Fiorentina defender German Pezzella after a Ronaldo cross in the 53rd minute sealed another title to ease their European disappointment. “It was a great season and I adapted well. We won the Scu- detto and the Italian Super Cup, which is not easy to achieve,” Umm Salal players celebrate their win over Al Shamal yesterday. said Ronaldo. Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (his hair covered in foam) and teammates celebrate after Juventus secured their eighth “It didn’t go well in the consecutive Serie A title at the Juventus stadium in Turin. Champions League but next year it will be better. dominated the domestic league them overtake French club Lyon Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala after the break, crossing for Fed- “I’m staying at Juve, 1,000 with the best attack and de- for the record of consecutive and Douglas Costa. erico Bernardeschi, but Pezzella Neymar could be back in %.” fence. He has scored 19 goals and victories in the top fi ve Euro- Ronaldo threatened early, clumsily turned into his own It was the 34-year-old’s sixth had six decisive crosses, and is in pean leagues. but defender Milenkovic gave net. action today, says Tuchel domestic league title, having the running for the top scorer Juventus also equalled the Fiorentina hope of a fi rst win in Allegri brought on teenage won three with Manchester award along with Sampdoria’s record for the earliest the Ital- eight trips to the Allianz Sta- star Moise Kean in place of Ber- United and two with Real Ma- Fabio Quagliarella, who has 22 ian title has been won, with dium. nardeschi on 74 minutes, but the drid. goals and AC Milan’s Krzysztof fi ve games to spare, achieved Giovanni Simeone had the 19-year-old could not add to his The Portuguese star now has Piatek on 21. by Torino in 1948, Fiorentina in ball in the back of the net on 25 six goals in his previous six ap- 28 trophies in total, including Juventus have lost only two 1956 and Inter Milan in 2007. minutes but the goal was ruled pearances. the Euro 2016 title with Portu- matches, against Genoa and Juventus succeeded despite off side, before Sandro got his Meanwhile, Juventus remain gal. SPAL, with 28 wins and three having been hit hard by injuries head to Miralem Pjanic’s corner on track to match the record 102 Bolstered by fi ve-time Ballon draws. with defender Giorgio Chiellini to pull the teams level before the points achieved under Antonio d’Or winner Ronaldo, Juventus Their eight straight title sees out along with Sami Khedira, break. Ronaldo pushed forward Conte in 2014.

Bayern grind out Bremen win to stay ahead of Dortmund Paris: Brazil striker Ney- 16 after losing the return leg mar could return to playing 3-1 at home to Manchester Berlin: Niklas Suele’s late goal saw the clock ticked down, until Suele finally break into the top four, and remain a good case for myself today,” said Wein- on Sunday when Paris St United. They beat the Premier Bayern Munich break a brave resist- broke through with a deflected shot point behind Eintracht Frankfurt, who zierl when asked about his future. Germain take on Monaco in League club 2-0 in the first ance from ten-man Werder Bremen to from the edge of the area 15 minutes play on Monday. Augsburg’s win lifts them ten points Ligue 1, coach Thomas Tuchel leg at Old Traff ord. snatch a crucial 1-0 win and stay ahead from time. At the other end of the table, Stuttgart clear of the relegation play-off place, said yestserday. With Edinson Cavani also out of Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga “I had a couple of shots against Dort- look doomed to a bottom-three finish and also confirms survival for Mainz, “He has been working hard, injured lately, and several key title race. mund which were a bit NFL-like, so after they suff ered a humiliating 6-0 who beat local rivals Fortuna Duessel- with a good mindset. We players unfit, the side have Bayern toiled in the searing Bavarian it was nice to score the winning goal thrashing by fellow strugglers Augs- dorf 3-1. could get him back as soon picked up only one point sun against Bremen, eventually grind- today,” Suele told Sky. burg. Jean-Philippe Mateta put Mainz into as tomorrow,” Tuchel told a from their last three Ligue 1 ing out the victory to go four points Third-placed RB Leipzig, meanwhile, Augsburg obliterated their relegation the lead after just 36 seconds, but Dodi news conference. games. clear at the top of the table overnight. have one foot in next season’s Champi- rivals with a delightful display of attack- Lukebakio levelled the scores with his Neymar, who has scored 13 They will take on Stade Ren- The win puts pressure on title rivals ons League after a 2-1 win over Borussia ing football. Goals from Rani Khedira, second goal in two games. goals from 13 league appear- nais in the French Cup final Dortmund, who need to win a tough Moenchengladbach put them 10 points Andre Hahn and Philipp Max saw them Lukebakio later missed a penalty, and ances this season, has been next Saturday, a game for away game in Freiburg today if they are clear of their fifth-placed opponents. establish a 3-0 lead before the half-hour Mainz took advantage of the let-off . out of action since picking up which Tuchel is also hoping to remain within a point of Bayern. Having scored a penalty in the first half, mark. They promptly restored the lead a foot injury in January. PSG to be able to bring on captain Bremen held Bayern at bay for much Marcel Halstenberg added another Max added another in the second half, through Karim Onisiwo, before Mateta will clinch their eighth Ligue Thiago Silva who sustained a of the game, but suff ered a lethal blow shortly after half-time to put Leipzig in and a Marco Richter double completed sealed the win a few minutes from time. 1 title if they beat Monaco at muscle injury last weekend. just before the hour mark, when Milos full control. a disastrous display for Stuttgart and Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen kept the Parc des Princes. PSG, who have 81 points from Veljkovic was sent off for a second yel- Alassane Plea pulled one back out of brought beleaguered coach Markus themselves in the race for Europe with a With Neymar missing from 32 games, lead second-placed low card. the blue for Gladbach, but the home Weinzierl to the brink of the sack. 2-0 win over Nuremberg. action, PSG were knocked out Lille by 17 points. Lille travel Chances came and went for Bayern as side ultimately missed the chance to “It isn’t my decision, but I didn’t make a of the Champions League last to Toulouse today. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, April 21, 2019 CRICKET

TRAINING TIME

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed (right) and teammates Babar Azam (second right), Haris Sohail (second left) and Imad Wasim take part in their training camp at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore ahead of next month’s ICC World Cup. (AFP) Pakistan’s Hasan Ali bowls during the training camp yesterday. (AFP)

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Dhawan, Iyer lead show as DC beat New captain Smith KXIP by 5 wickets

IANS an unbeaten 20 off 12 balls. New Delhi For Delhi, Axar Patel and Sandeep Lamichhane were the star of the show. While pener Shikhar Dha- Axar fi nished with 2/22 from powers Rajasthan wan (56) and skip- his three overs, Lamichhane per Shreyas Iyer picked three wickets even (58*) led from the though he was slightly on the frontO as Delhi Capitals turned expensive side, giving away 40 their poor home record with a runs from his four overs. convincing 5-wicket win over Put in to bat by Delhi Capi- Kings XI Punjab at the Feroz tals, Kings XI Punjab looked to Shah Kotla yesterday. start positively. But Sandeep to win over Mumbai They reached 166/5 with Lamichhane struck in the sec- two balls to spare. With the ond over itself as he had K.L. ‘Haven’t contributed as much as I’d like through this tournament, it was nice to get win, DC now have 12 points Rahul stumped by Rishabh from 10 games and have moved Pant for just 12. The score read off to a good start and take the boys home. For us, it’s a final, every game’ one step closer to qualifying 13/1 as Mayank Agarwal came for the play-off s. in to join Chris Gayle. But the AFP has made his way back into the Chasing 164 for victory, partnership didn’t last long as Jaipur national team for the upcoming Delhi Capitals didn’t start in Kagiso Rabada ended Agarw- World Cup but cannot take on the most auspicious fashion as al’s struggle in the middle with formal leadership responsibili- they lost Prithvi Shaw for just a bouncer that climbed on him ustralia’s Steve Smith ties for another year. 13 in the fourth over, run out by as he attempted the pull. Sher- hit an unbeaten half- Smith and Warner’s cheating Mandeep Singh. But Shikhar fane Rutherford completed century to lead his In- ban ended last month and the Dhawan was in the mood for an easy catch as the batsmen dian Premier League two have launched into the IPL a long stay as he looked to take walked back to the dugout af- sideA Rajasthan Royals to a com- campaign as they seek to restore the attack to the KXIP bowl- ter making a 9-ball 2. fortable win after being appoint- their reputations. Smith, who ers in the company of skipper At the end of the powerplay, ed captain on Saturday. was captain of Rajasthan in 2015 Shreyas Iyer. They matched KXIP’s score read 50/2 with Smith was given the lead- and also led the now defunct IPL each other shot for shot and Gayle still at the crease. But ership job in place of India’s franchise Rising Pune Super- looked to punish the bad balls the Delhi Capitals bowlers had Ajinkya Rahane ahead of the giant for two years till 2017, has as they also rotated the strike already tightened the screws game against Mumbai Indians scored 245 runs in eight matches well to keep the momentum on the visitors with some qual- in Jaipur, despite the Australian this season. in DC’s favour. But just when ity bowling and fi elding. being barred from leading the The team management are it looked like Delhi would run The KXIP batsmen kept try- national team over a ball-tam- gambling on Smith boosting away with the game, Hardus ing to up the ante and David pering scandal. confi dence to get the side to the Viljoen sent back Dhawan (56 Miller too failed to succeed as Smith – who along with com- play-off s. off 41 balls) as R. Ashwin took the Delhi bowlers kept piling the patriot David Warner missed the “Steve is one of the most in- a brilliant catch running back. pressure with some disciplined 2018 edition of the Twenty20 novative and successful captains With the 92-run partner- bowling. In an attempt to hit tournament because of the scan- in the world, in all formats of the ship coming to an end, Rishabh Axar Patel out of the park, he dal – made an unbeaten 59 off 48 game,” said Rajasthan’s head of Pant walked in as DC needed hit one straight to Prithvi Shaw as Rajasthan outplayed Mum- cricket Zubin Bharucha. another 48 runs in 6.3 overs. at the boundary and the opener bai by fi ve wickets. “Haven’t “We are confi dent he can lead But he played a strange hoick didn’t miss as Miller walked contributed as much as I’d like the Royals to success.” from outside off to be caught back for just 7. The score read through this tournament, it was Smith and Warner were sus- by Sam Curran off Viljoen’s 61/3 in the eighth over. nice to get off to a good start and pended for cheating in a South bowling to be dismissed for Mandeep walked in and take the boys home,” Smith said Africa-Australia Test in March 6 as the score read 128/3. But joined Gayle who seemed to be after his team’s third win in nine last year along with teammate skipper Iyer stood ground even batting on another wicket and games so far. Cameron Bancroft, who was as Colin Ingram (19 off 9 balls) kept tonking the ball from time “We can’t worry about other banned for nine-months. was dismissed by Mohamed to time to bring up another fi fty results, it’s about us and our Shami and Axar Patel was also in the tournament. Just when processes. For us, it’s a fi nal, BRIEF SCORES run out for a duck. it looked like Gayle would take every game. We did well to pull Rajasthan Royals batsman Steve Smith (right) plays a shot during the 2019 Indian Premier League match Rajasthan Royals 162/5 in 19.1 Earlier, Kings XI Punjab rode the game away with his power it back to 160 (161) and executed against Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur yesterday. (AFP) overs (Steve Smith 59 not out, on Chris Gayle’s 28th IPL fi fty hitting, Lamichhane dismissed our skills well,” he added. Riyan Parag 43; Rahul Chahar to register 163/7 in their 20 him. The star batsman, who was their 162-run target with fi ve from South African wicketkeep- IPL despite their one-year sus- 3/29) beat Mumbai Indians overs. Even as the DC bowlers named man of the match, hit fi ve balls to spare. Rajasthan bowl- er-batsman Quinton de Kock. pension restricted to club and 161/5 (Quinton de Kock 65, looked to keep things tight af- BRIEF SCORES fours and one six to anchor Ra- ers restricted Mumbai to 161 for Smith and Warner were not national games for Australia. Suryakumar Yadav 34; Shreyas ter Gayle’s dismissal, the visi- Kings XI Punjab: 163/7 (Gayle jasthan’s chase as they achieved fi ve in 20 overs despite a brisk 65 allowed to compete in last year’s The former Aussie captain Gopal 2/21) by 5 wickets. tors still managed to pick 45 69; Lamichhane 3/40); Delhi runs from their last fi ve overs Capitals: 166/5 (Iyer 58*; as Harpreet Brar fi nished with Viljoen 2/39). Kohli credits game-changer Moeen aft er Bangalore win

Royal Challengers Bangalore 40 balls to reach his fifty. 31-year-old Moeen, who has been to give him clarity, so I said ‘go captain Virat Kohli credited But Moeen’s knock appeared named in England’s prelimi- for it’,” Kohli added. “He targeted England all-rounder Moeen Ali’s to allow him the freedom to nary squad for the World Cup, the small boundary, was smart blistering knock of 66 off 28 score more freely as he took just dominated the 90-run stand with about where he hit the sixes that deliveries for changing the game another 17 deliveries to complete Kohli that gave Bangalore the he hit. He changed the game and helping deliver a 10-run his first IPL century since 2016. momentum after a slow start. completely in those two-three win over Kolkata in the Indian “The wicket was doing a bit With Bangalore at 59-2 in the overs. “Moeen made my job way Premier League. early on, length balls were very ninth over, the left-handed bats- easier and I could accelerate in While Kohli smashed a 58-ball diff icult to get away... the way man came in and hit six sixes the end perfectly.” 100 for the India skipper’s fifth Mo came in and he batted, it – three of them in a 27-run over Kolkata made it close, reaching IPL century that helped his team just took momentum away from against India left-arm spinner 203-5 after a 118-run stand for the reach 213-4, it was Moeen’s knock them and put it right back into Kuldeep Yadav – and five fours in fifth wicket between Nitish Rana, that changed the momentum our lap,” Kohli said at the post- his knock. Bangalore, still rooted who made an unbeaten 85, and and laid the platform for Ban- match presentation. to the bottom of the IPL table West Indies power-hitter Andre galore’s late assault against the “He changed the game com- after recording just their second Russell (25-ball 65), before falling Kolkata Knight Riders. pletely and that allowed me to win in nine matches, then added to their fourth consecutive loss. RCB’s Moeen Ali celebrates his With former South African bats- play through. I could accelerate 64 from their last four overs as Champions Chennai Super Kings fifty with Virat Kohli (R) as KKR man AB de Villiers missing due to in the end just because of the Kohli opened up. “He (Moeen) lead the standings on 14 points captain Dinesh Karthik (L) looks illness, Kohli showed patience at way Moeen played there.” said ‘I am going to go now’. My with seven wins from their nine on during their IPL match on the start of his innings and took Batting at number four, the job at that point of time was just matches. Friday. (AFP) Delhi Capitals’ captain Shreyas Iyer celebrates after hitting the winning run against Kings XI Punjab. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, April 21, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Dodgers get to Siakam shines as Hader, win 6th straight game

Reuters with a 2-1 lead when he blasted Raptors take 2-1 2-0 fastball from Kansas City New York starter Jakob Junis (1-2) over the right-centre fi eld fence in ‘He’s the most improved player in nrique Hernandez hit a the third. Mike Tauchman also three-run home run with homered in the fi fth as the Yan- the NBA this year and he’s only two outs in the eighth in- kees won for the third time in going to get better’ ning and the visiting Los four games despite committing series lead AngelesE Dodgers extended their three errors. winning streak to six games with AFP a 5-3 victory on Friday over the ROCKIES TALLY TO DOWN Los Angeles Milwaukee Brewers. PHILLIES Hernandez connected on an Charlie Blackmon hit a two-run 0-2 pitch against Brewers All- homer with two outs in the bot- ascal Siakam scored a Star closer Josh Hader (0-1) to tom of the 12th inning as Colo- postseason-career high break a 2-2 tie and score A.J. Pol- rado rallied to beat Philadelphia 30 points and had 11 re- lock and David Freese, both of in Denver. bounds as the Toronto whom walked. It was Hernan- Bryce Harper had fi ve hits and PRaptors seized a 2-1 lead in the dez’s fi fth home run of the sea- Rhys Hoskins and Maikel Franco fi rst round playoff series with a son. had three hits apiece for the Phil- 98-93 win on Friday. Christian Yelich hit a home lies, who saw two players leave “He’s unbelievable,” Rap- run for the second consecutive with injuries — Andrew Mc- tors guard Kyle Lowry said of game and for the sixth time in Cutchen was hurt on a swing in Siakam. “He’s the most im- fi ve games as the Brewers lost the second inning and shortstop proved basketball player in the their third consecutive game Scott Kingery suff ered a right NBA this year and he’s only go- overall and their third con- hamstring injury running to fi rst ing to get better.” secutive against the Dodgers in his third at-bat. Kawhi Leonard added 16 since Sunday. Milwaukee’s Eric The Phillies took a 3-2 lead on points and 10 rebounds while Thames hit his third home run in Harper’s RBI double in the top of Danny Green scored 13 points the eighth. the 12th off Chad Bettis (1-2) but and Lowry had 12 points for the Pedro Baez (1-1) recorded two Colorado came back against Juan Raptors who guarded Orlando’s outs in the seventh inning to pick Nicasio (0-1). Tony Wolters drew Nikola Vucevic closely for the up the victory. Kenley Jansen a one-out walk and after Raimel second straight game. pitched a scoreless ninth inning Tapia popped out, Blackmon hit Vucevic scored 22 points and for his seventh save and his third a 1-2 fastball into the Philadel- nabbed 14 rebounds for the in three days. phia bullpen to end it. Magic. Terrence Ross fi nished with a team-high 24 points, YANKEES BEAT ROYALS RESULTS Jonathan Isaac scored 14, and CC Sabathia allowed an un- Aaron Gordon had 10. earned run in fi ve innings and C Cubs 5-1 Arizona Game four in the best-of- Brett Gardner hit a two-run Pittsburgh 4-1 San Francisco seven series is Sunday in Or- homer as New York beat Kansas NY Yankees 6-2 Kansas City lando. City at Yankee Stadium. Siakam was 13 for 20 from the After throwing 62 pitches in Boston 6-4 Tampa Bay fl oor and the Raptors held Or- his return from cardiac surgery Miami 3-2 Washington lando to 36 % shooting. and a knee injury in his season C White Sox 7-3 Detroit “It’s just taking what a de- debut on Saturday against the fense gives us and going with it,” Chicago White Sox, Sabathia (1- Houston 7-2 Texas Siakam said. 0) was stretched out further this LA Dodgers 5-3 Milwaukee Lowry nailed a three pointer time and delivered an 86-pitch NY Mets 5-4 St. Louis with just under eight minutes to outing. He worked around four go in the fourth to give Toronto a walks and held the Royals to three Colorado 4-3 Philadelphia 17-point lead, their biggest lead hits while getting fi ve strikeouts Seattle 5-3 LA Angels of the game. for his 247th career win. Toronto 5-1 Oakland The Raptors scored the fi rst Gardner provided the Yankees 10 points of the game and led by 11 before fi nishing with a 26-21 lead at the end of the fi rst quarter. The fi rst half ended with Ross nailing a 40-foot three-pointer to cut Toronto’s lead to 48-45. The Raptors took a seven- point lead early in the third quarter, but Vucevic converted back to back three-pointers with 6:37 to go for Orlando’s fi rst lead of the game, 59-57. Leonard hit a jump shot to give Toronto a nine-point lead late in the fourth. The Magic responded and Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (right) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac during the first quarter of Ross made a layup to cut the game three of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoff s in Orlando, United States, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) margin to 94-90. Siakam’s jumper gave Toronto a six-point ics close it out by scoring 11 of Tatum added 18 points, Al Hor- was the game’s leading re- lead with 93 seconds left. RESULTS their fi nal 16 points. ford had 16 and Marcus Morris 11 bounder with nine. Ross cut the lead to three with Toronto 98-93 Orlando Boston gets a chance to close in the win. Also, Russell Westbrook a three-pointer with 42 seconds out the Pacers in Indiana on Tyreke Evans led seven Pacers scored 33 points as the Okla- remaining. Leonard made two Boston 104-96 Indiana Sunday. in double fi gures with 19 points homa City Thunder beat the free throws with 13 seconds left Oklahoma 120-108 Portland Jaylen Brown had 23 points to off the bench. Bojan Bogdanovic visiting Portland Trail Blazers to ice the victory. lead the Celtics, who held the had 15 points, Myles Turner had 120-108 to take game three of a Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics lead in their fi rst round best- Pacers under 100 points for the 13, Domantas Sabonis 12, Thad- Western Conference series. withstood a late surge to post a of-seven Eastern Conference third straight game. deus Young and Matthews fi n- The Trail Blazers lead the se- Los Angeles Dodgers’ Enrique Hernandez follows through on a swing 104-96 victory over the Indiana series. Irving fi nished with 19 points ished with 11 apiece, and Darren ries 2-1 heading to game four on for a three-run home run during the game against Milwaukee Brewers Pacers to take a stranglehold 3-0 Kyrie Irving helped the Celt- and 10 assists while Jayson Collison 10 for Indiana. Young Sunday. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports)

NHL Avs eliminate top-seeded Flames in Game 5 for it immediately after each time. second one to tie it up. Agencies RESULTS Los Angeles After Johnny Gaudreau fi rst “This was his best 200 foot failed to convert on a penalty Toronto 2-1 Boston game of the playoff s,” Leafs coach shot and missed on a breakaway, Mike Babcock said of Matthews. Colorado 5-1 Calgary olin Wilson and Mikko Rantanen doubled the lead with “He was outstanding.” Rantanen each collected 4:22 remaining in the fi rst period The Maple Leafs can get their two goals and one assist when he banked a sharp-angled collected three assists for the fi rst NHL playoff series win in 15 as the Colorado Ava- shot off goalie Mike Smith. Avalanche. years and advance to face the Co- lancheC extinguished the Calgary The Flames received a jolt of Smith made 27 saves for the lumbus Blue Jackets in the next Flames with a 5-1 road victory life when TJ Brodie scored with Flames, whose ousting combined round with a victory in game six on Friday night to win their fi rst- 5.5 seconds left in the opening with the Tampa Bay Lightning Sunday in Toronto. round playoff series in vefi games. frame and carried much of the being swept by the Columbus With the teams locked in a The Avalanche, who made the play in the fi rst few minutes of Blue Jackets marked the fi rst time scoreless tie after two periods, Western Conference playoff s as the second period, but Wilson in NHL history the two confer- Toronto’s Jake Muzzin found the fi nal wild-card team, will face snuff ed the comeback. ence champs were eliminated in himself alone at the blue line, either the San Jose Sharks or Ve- First, Wilson benefi ted from the fi rst round of the playoff s. skated to the left circle and passed gas Golden Knights in the sec- a neutral-zone turnover for a to Matthews, who notched his ond round after knocking out the goal at 6:52 of the second period, MATTHEWS STEERS LEAFS TO fourth goal of the playoff s from West’s regular-season champions. and he then redirected Nathan WIN OVER BRUINS the right faceoff circle at 11:33. Goalie Philipp Grubauer made MacKinnon’s shot-pass for a Auston Matthews and Kasperi The play was reviewed for 28 saves for the Avalanche, who power-play goal with 5:13 re- Kapanen scored third period goaltender interference after won a playoff series for the fi rst maining in the middle frame. goals as the Toronto Maple Leafs video showed Leafs’ Zach Hyman time since 2008. Rantanen rounded out the held on to beat the Boston Bru- bumping into Boston netminder Even though the Flames were scoring with a power-play goal ins 2-1 for a 3-2 lead in their fi rst Tuukka Rask just before the puck the more desperate team, the Av- 57 seconds into the third period. round playoff series. Matthews, went into the net. alanche held the hosts without a “The three of us tried to do of the US, broke a scoreless tie in The goal was upheld and To- shot for more than seven minutes our best, but it was a team ef- the third and Toronto goaltender ronto’s 1-0 lead stood. and opened the scoring when fort,” MacKinnon told the CBC Frederik Andersen made 28 saves “I had so many taken back that Gabriel Landeskog defl ected Ty- broadcast afterward, talking including several late when Bos- I got one back tonight,” Mat- son Barrie’s point shot at 9:40 of about his line with Rantanen and ton had pulled their goalie for an thews said of the fortunate call in the fi rst period. Landeskog, which combined for extra attacker. the Leafs’ favour. From there, the Flames just 21 points. “I think hockey’s the David Krejci scored the Bru- Krejci scored at 19:16, but To- Mikko Rantanen (left) of the Colorado Avalanche carries the puck against Travis Hamonic of the Calgary couldn’t make the most of their ultimate team game.” ins’ only goal with the Boston net ronto killed the fi nal 44 seconds Flames in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s in chances, and they seemingly paid MacKinnon and Barrie both empty but they couldn’t get the for the win. Calgary, Canada, on Friday. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Sunday, April 21, 2019 SPORT

GOLF RUGBY New Zealand set to Lowry leads by one face stiff challenge in Cup hat-trick as darkness halts bid, says Henry Reuters a lucky one-point victory over Wellington England and lost again to Ireland in Dublin. “I went on the tour last year ew Zealand can win to England and Ireland when their third successive they played in those two tests in play at RBC Heritage Rugby World Cup later October or November, and they this year in Japan but looked fat,” Henry said. Nare set to face more competition “And they didn’t play particu- Emiliano Grillo holes out from 254 yards for a two at the par-five fifth hole than their last triumph four years larly well against the Lions (so) I back, the 2011 winning coach don’t think they’ve had the same Reuters Graham Henry has said. buildup as they’ve had for 2015.” Salvo, North Carolina Henry guided the All Blacks to Henry said the 2015 side had victory in 2011 at home while his several all-time great All Blacks assistant Steve Hansen repeated players and the retirement of the hane Lowry held on to the win in England four years majority of them have contrib- his slender lead at the later. uted to the dip. RBC Heritage on Friday Henry, however, said he was “When Richie McCaw and though the Irishman more confi dent of New Zealand’s Daniel Carter and Conrad Smith stillS has two holes left to com- success in 2015 than the up- and... Keven Mealamu all move plete his second round after play coming tournament and added out together there’s probably go- was suspended for the day at that several teams are capable of ing to be a little bit of a drop,” Hen- the weather-hit South Carolina lifting the Webb Ellis trophy in ry said. “So that may be the case.” tournament. Yokohama on Nov 2. Despite his concerns about the Lowry was three-under par “I think our buildup into the progress of the All Blacks, and for the round when darkness World Cup was very positive and the challenge from Six Nations halted play, leaving him on we won just about everything,” teams like champions Wales, nine-under for the tournament, Henry told radio station News- England and Ireland, Henry was a stroke ahead of Trey Mullinax talk ZB yesterday about the All confi dent Hansen would have a (68), who is already in the club- Blacks’ form ahead of the 2015 side capable of winning the tour- house on eight-under 134 at tournament. nament. Harbour Town Golf Links. “In the last couple years, we “I think it’s going to be a really Lowry, who opened with a 65, haven’t looked as (good).” interesting Rugby World Cup,” was scheduled to return yes- After a superb 2016 Rugby he said. terday Saturday to play the re- Championship season when they “I think if the All Blacks play maining two holes before begin- took their game to a new level, to the peak of their powers they ning his third round. the All Blacks lost to Ireland for will do the business but that’s the Dustin Johnson and Argentine the fi rst time in Chicago, then question — ‘can they get up there Emiliano Grillo shot matching drew the test series against the again and do the job?’ 67s to fi nish on seven-under British and Irish Lions in 2017. “My gut tells me yes but I think 135 before rain and high winds Last year they lost to South it’s going to be more competitive forced a suspension for nearly Africa in Wellington, sneaked to than last time.” four hours. Lowry collected birdies on his fi rst two holes before the storms hit. He returned for two more birdies and a bogey. Grillo had the highlight of the round after holing out from 254 yards for a two at the par-fi ve fi fth hole. It was the fi rst alba- tross at the Hilton Head, South Carolina course since 2007 and the fourth of the year on the PGA Tour. “It was a perfect shot,” Grillo Shane Lowry inspects the green of the fifteenth hole during the second round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament at Harbour Town Golf said. “Perfect distance. Perfect Links in Hilton Head, United States, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) everything. Perfect wind. It was one of those that was good, but you never expect it to go in.” Defending champ Henderson tied for lead at Lotte Championship The Argentine also had three birdies after starting the round AFP “Really had to stay patient.” with two bogeys. Oahu, United States Korda rolled in birdies on Nos. Johnson claimed fi ve birdies 12, 14 and 16, before dropping a against a single bogey. stroke on 18. “It was diffi cult all day,” the anada’s Brooke Hend- Australia’s Lee Min-jee and world number one said. “The erson took another step second-round leader Ji Eun-hee wind blew consistently all day. Ctowards defending her of South Korea were one shot Made it tough. But I hit a lot of title, firing a three-under 69 back at 13-under. Lee, who won really solid golf shots. for a share of the lead heading this tournament three years ago, “At times it was really diffi cult into the final round of the Lotte had a 70. She was bogey-free to judge the wind but I felt like I Championship. and chipped in for eagle on the played really solid all day, gave The 21-year-old Henderson is fifth hole. Ji shot 74 after opening myself a lot of opportunities.” tied with American Nelly Korda with rounds of 65 and 74. Johnson liked his weekend who had a 71 to reach a total of Ariya Jutanugarn was one of chances but hoped he could roll 14-under 202 on the Ko Olina three Thai golfers in the top in a few more putts. Golf Club course. 16. She shot a 66 to surge from “The greens are tricky,” he “It was really windy today,” said nine back to two. said. “For me, I don’t know, I’ve Henderson, who is trying to Her sister Moriya Jutanugarn is In this October 31, 2015, picture, New Zealand’s team celebrate with always struggled reading them. equal Canadian legend Sandra tied for 11th and Pajaree Anan- the Webb Ellis trophy after winning the Rugby World Cup Final against But I hit some really nice putts Post for the most US LPGA Tour narukarn is tied for eighth after Australia at Twickenham in London. (Reuters) and I played really solid.” wins by a Canuck with eight. shooting a 69. Xander Schauff ele, who had tied for second at the Masters, FOCUS shot a 70 to sit eight strokes off the who took a two-shot lead into the before being overtaken by Tiger projected cut of even par. with six holes to play in the sec- lead. Italy’s Francesco Molinari, fi nal round at Augusta National Woods, was unlikely to make the Molinari was at three-over ond round. Waratahs win fi rst NFL game post-Folau Jaguars cornerback Ramsey fi res back at Coughlin AFP we would have a good shot.” Sydney In Folau’s absence, Kurtley Reuters “It’s not about rights and privi- Beale moved into his fullback po- New York Anderson, Keller, Renteria suspended for White leges. It’s about obligations and sition and took several high balls responsibility, and the question SW Waratahs rallied with ease, with Karmichael Hunt Sox-Royals incident is: Can we count on you?” from behind yesterday and Adam Ashley-Cooper in the om Coughlin is hearing According to multiple reports, to win their fi rst match centres. from more than the NFL Reuters fined undisclosed amounts. from what he said rather than the specifi c players Coughlin was since Israel Folau was Quade Cooper put the Rebels players’ union after in- criticizing for not being in attend- Nstood down over anti-gay com- in front with a penalty before New York Keller was suspended for inten- anything he did. directly criticising vet- tionally throwing at Anderson, Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Ander- ance were Ramsey and starting ments, as the Otago Highland- Ashley-Cooper got the fi rst fi ve- Terans like Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith. ers snapped a fi ve-match los- pointer, breaking through the while Anderson and Renteria son yelled multiple profanities cornerback Jalen Ramsey this ansas City pitcher Brad were sanctioned for their ac- at Keller during the skirmish, Following Coughlin’s coming streak to beat the Auckland defence for his fi rst Super Rugby week for skipping the team’s Keller received a five- tions during the skirmish. including calling the Royals ments, the NFLPA tweeted a Blues. try since 2015. voluntary workouts. Kgame suspension while The incident was sparked in An- pitcher the N-word. statement from president Eric The deeply religious Folau, Billy Meakes grabbed his Friday on Twitter, it was Chicago White Sox shortstop derson’s previous at-bat, when “We’re going to keep moving Winston, not specifi cally ad- Super Rugby’s all-time leading fourth try of the season for the Ramsey’s turn to indirectly re- Tim Anderson and manager the American League’s leading forward,” Anderson told report- dressed to Coughlin or referenc- try scorer, is facing the sack over Rebels to put them back in the spond to Coughlin, the Jaguars’ Rick Renteria each received hitter smashed a home run and ers on Friday. “That happened a ing Coughlin’s comments, but his controversial social media lead and they extended their executive vice president of foot- one-game bans for taking threw his bat toward his team’s couple days ago, so we’re going with the message, “Since there posts, with an upcoming tribunal advantage just before the break ball operations. part in a benches-clearing dugout. to keep having fun and keep seems to (be) some confusion to decide his fate. with Reece Hodge fi nding a gap “’Fully aware’” & ‘voluntary’ incident between the teams on While the off icial language playing with a lot of energy and over what a voluntary workout It was a major distraction for in the defence to dot down. meaning I don’t HAVE to be Wednesday. off ered up by MLB regarding a lot of confidence.” actually means...#NFLPA Pres- his team in the lead up to their Hodge then booted a penalty there BUT they know the EX- Joe Torre, chief baseball off icer Anderson’s suspension was “for Renteria and Anderson served ident @ericwinston.” clash in Sydney with the Mel- to send them into half-time with ACT REASONS I am not,” Ram- for Major League Baseball, his conduct after the benches their suspensions Friday night Winston’s statement read: bourne Rebels, but they put it a 20-7 lead. sey wrote. “My teammates know announced the suspensions on cleared,” according to multiple against the Tigers in Detroit. “Our CBA defi nition of voluntary aside to snatch a 23-20 victory, But two Foley penalties pulled it’s ALL love & know I’ll be ready Friday. reports on Friday, Anderson’s Keller is appealing his suspen- is the same as the actual defi ni- with Bernard Foley scoring a try the Tahs back to within seven when it’s time!” All three participants were also suspension actually stemmed sion. tion and prohibits anyone from and kicking fi ve goals. points in the second stanza and Ramsey didn’t provide any threatening players to partici- “We just wanted to get out he then picked up a lineout over- more details, but his agent, Dav- of why he is not taking part in gramme that began on Monday. via ESPN. “Success in the NFL pate in voluntary workouts. This on the fi eld and play tonight. I throw to sprint from almost in id Mulugheta, also tweeted a re- the voluntary off season pro- “We’re very close to 100 % at- demands struggle. Those who is precisely the reason players couldn’t be happier,” said Wara- his own half for a touchdown. sponse: “To be clear, Jalen Ram- gram.” tendance, and quite frankly, our have everything given to them negotiated strict work rules and tahs skipper Michael Hooper, He converted his own try to sey is exactly where Jalen should During his four-minute turn players should be here building become lazy, selfi sh and insen- bright lines when it comes to off - who made his 100th appearance draw them level at 20-20 and an- be during his off season. He’s at the podium for the Jaguars’ the concept of team, working sitive to the real values of team. season activities. We know, from for the side. other penalty gave them the lead spending time with his young annual state of the franchise ad- hard side by side, constructing The hard work that many try to experience, that not all coaches “Some ill discipline gave them and ultimately the win to move daughter & family while training dress Thursday, Coughlin spoke our bond of togetherness, for- avoid is the major building block and executives will adhere to a leg up in the fi rst half, but we them within three points of the in his hometown of Nashville. In about team attendance — or lack mulating our collective priori- for the development of an out- them and we always pursue any knew if we stuck to our game plan Rebels at the top of the Austral- addition the Jags are fully aware thereof — for the off season pro- ties and goals,” Coughlin said, standing football team. violations to protect our rules.” and sharpened up our penalties ian conference. Gulf Times Sunday, April 21, 2019 7 SPORT

AMIR CUP SHOOTING

First-placed Rashid Hamad al-Athba (centre rear), second-placed Rashid Talib al-Athba (left rear) and third-placed Mohamed Khejai Dablan First-placed Noora al-Muhanadi (centre rear), second-placed Khuloud al-Khalaf (left rear) and third-placed (right rear) pose on the podium for the Amir Cup Men’s Trap Shooting Championship at the Losail Shooting Ranges yesterday. Nawal al-Khalaf (right rear) pose on the podium for the Amir Cup Women’s Trap Shooting Championship.

TENNIS FED CUP France and Romania Nadal knocked out level at 1-1 in semi Reuters Rouen, France

aroline Garcia kept her composure to beat Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-3 6-3 and bring by Fognini in Monte FranceC level at 1-1 with Roma- nia in their Fed Cup semi-fi nal after Simona Halep outclassed Kristina Mladenovic 6-3 6-1 in the opening singles yesterday. Garcia produced a rock- solid performance to disman- tle the challenge of Buzar- Carlo semi-fi nal nescu in one hour, 27 minutes on the clay surface in the Nor- ‘I played one of my worst matches on clay in 14 years. I deserved to lose’ mandy city of Rouen as two- Caroline Garcia of France time champions France bid for celebrates after winning AFP their sixth fi nal. France cap- against Romania’s Mihaela Monte Carlo, Principality of tain Julien Benneteau opted Buzarnescu in the second Monaco for Mladenovic ahead of high- rubber of Fed Cup semi-final er-ranked Pauline Parmen- in Rouen. (AFP) tier and Alize Cornet for the afael Nadal crashed out opening clash against world Cup tie against France in 1976. to Fabio Fognini in the number two Halep. “I’m really happy with the Monte Carlo Masters World number 66 Mladen- way I played in the second semi-fi nals yesterday ovic, however, struggled with set,” Halep added. withR the Spanish star admitting her serve and failed to cope “It was much better. It’s dif- his 6-4, 6-2 loss was his “worst with Halep’s more varied at- fi cult to play against Kristina clay court match in 14 years”. tacking style, racking up 35 because she cuts the rhythm The shock result leaves Italian unforced errors. and I couldn’t fi nd my rhythm. 13th seed Fognini facing unseed- “It was really diffi cult to “In the end, I felt much bet- ed Serb Dusan Lajovic in today’s start the match because of the ter, and I can say I was domi- unscripted fi nal. emotions,” reigning Roland nating.” “I played one of my worst Garros champion Halep said. After today’s reverse sin- matches on clay in 14 years,” said “It was really tough to start gles, Garcia and Mladenovic Nadal. “It’s diffi cult to fi nd any the game, to start the tie.” are expected to team up to positives – I deserved to lose.” The Romanians, aiming for face Irina-Camelia Begu and Fognini, who beat Nadal twice their maiden Fed Cup fi nal af- Monica Niculescu in the dou- on clay in 2015, stopped a 25-set ter upsetting defending cham- bles. The other semi-fi nal pits win streak in the principality for pions Czech Republic in an Australia against Belarus, who the world number two. epic quarter-fi nal in Ostrava, are also level at 1-1 after their “The vision is clear,” added won their only previous Fed opening singles matches. 32-year-old Nadal who was playing his fi rst tournament in a month after opting to rest his troublesome knees. Barty beats doubles partner “I played a very bad match Azarenka to level semi-fi nal against a good player. In that situation, you have to lose. World number nine Ashleigh open. She raced out to a 40-0 “I had a bad feeling, it was a Barty kept alive Australia’s lead in the next game and tough day. I’m coming from low hopes of advancing to their while Stosur saved her second moments in terms of injuries, first Fed Cup final in 26 years match point, the Australian and in terms of the mental side when she beat former world sent a backhand long on the it has not been easy to accept all number one Victoria Aza- next point that gave Belarus a the things that have been going Italy’s Fabio Fognini celebrates after defeating Spain’s Rafael Nadal during the semi-final of Monte Carlo ATP Masters in Monaco yesterday. (AFP) renka in the second singles 1-0 lead. on during recent weeks. of the tie against Belarus in Australia captain Alicia Molik “Everything was wrong. I al- really happy, it was windy and Brisbane yesterday. praised Stosur’s performance ways expect the best. But you tough to play. Barty had some trouble in the but also hinted that she may have to be ready to accept the “Of course it’s a surprise to first set against the two-time change her lineup for the negative things and today was a play Lajovic, but he’s playing Australian Open champion reverse singles on Sunday, negative day.” good.” and saved three break points depending on how the For 31-year-old Fognini, based Fognini trailed 3-1 early in the at 5-5 to go on to win 7-6(2) 35-year-old recovers. just over the border in San Remo, opening set before giving him- 6-3 and level the tie at 1-1. Australia are attempting to it was a fourth career win over self a mental scolding: “I told Aryna Sabalenka earlier gave reach their first Fed Cup final Nadal and third on clay. myself to calm down and play. Belarus a strong start to the since 1993. They have not won “I had a really good week, did “All of that doesn’t matter tie when she beat former US the title since 1974. some good work,” said the Ital- now – I’m in the fi nal. It was dif- Open champion Sam Stosur Belarus were beaten 3-2 by ian. fi cult, you need more than 100 7-5 5-7 6-3 in two hours, 47 the United States in their only “I was born near here, I know percent concentration to play minutes. Fed Cup final appearance in how to play on clay. This will be Rafa on clay. I really want to win “I knew the first set would be Minsk in 2017. the fi nal that no-one expected, I this title now.” key,” Barty said of her match just hope to recover well and be Lajovic, ranked 48th, will be against her current doubles ready. playing his fi rst ATP fi nal after partner. “I dug myself into a “Plus Lajovic is trained by my seeing off Russian 10th seed Da- hole in that 5-5 game but I ex-coach – we laughed about niil Medvedev – the conqueror went back to what I do well that in the locker room.” of Novak Djokovic - 7-5, 6-1. and got out of it. Fognini, cheered by thousands That match was also played in “For me it was just about me of compatriots on Centre Court, distracting, swirling conditions, coming out and doing every broke Nadal three times in a with Lajovic making a recovery thing right. I prepared really 55-minute opening set. from 5-1 down after changing well all week.” Nadal saved three match strategy when Medvedev had the World number 10 Sabalenka points while trailing a set and upper hand. looked completely out of 5-0 as he broke Fognini in a last- Lajovic ran off 10 straight sorts in the first two sets gasp eff ort. games to claim the opening set against Stosur, with both play- But the 13th seed would not be in an hour and take a 4-0 lead in ers struggling to hold serve. denied, earning another pair of the second. Sabalenka, however, turned chances in the eighth game and “I was completely out of up her power game in the claiming victory with a forehand rhythm, to start. It was the worst third and after establishing a winner down the line. nightmare, being 5-1 down,” La- 4-1 lead blew her first match Ashleigh Barty of Australia “I’m calm, I want to enjoy jovic said. point opportunity in the celebrates her victory over my victory,” Fognini said af- “I’m still unaware of reach- eighth game on Stosur’s serve Victoria Azarenka of Belarus ter reaching his fi rst fi nal at the ing the fi nal, but I’m enjoying when she blasted a backhand during Fed Cup semi-final in Masters 1000 level. it,” added the player who has not Spain’s Rafael Nadal leaves the court after loosing to Italy’s Fabio Fognini in the semi-final of the Monte Carlo volley wide with the court Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) “I’ve beaten Rafa on clay, I’m dropped a set all week. ATP Masters in Monaco yesterday. (AFP)

Sunday, April 21, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

PREVIEW Samba leads Qatar’s charge ‘We are excited to see what will happen through the course of the season, and we are at Asian athletics only hoping to be safe, and not pick up injuries’ By Mikhil Bhat Doha

hen the four-day Asian Athlet- ics Championships begin at the state-of-the-art Khalifa Inter- national Stadium in Doha today, Wone might be spoilt for choice. The storylines, the stakes, the rewards will make for some interesting viewing. Team Qatar, for instance, had missed out on a gold at the previous edition of the championships, which were held in the Indian city of Bhubaneswar, fi nishing with six silver medals and a bronze. But with star 400m hurdler Abderrahman Samba in the ranks, hopes are high that the record is set to change. Samba went unbeaten in the discipline in six straight Diamond League meets last year, before he picked up the Asian Games gold in Jakarta. His prep work this year has been similar, having started his season in South Africa, with a blistering personal best time of 44.60 seconds in 400m fl at in Pretoria earlier this month. “The start of the season was very good. I did exactly what I did last season, the coach and I worked in South Africa,” Samba told Gulf Times. “We didn’t think it would be 44.60. We were looking to run fast and win, and that’s all. We are excited to see what will happen through the course of the season, and we are Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba was undefeated in only hoping to be safe, and not pick up inju- six Diamond League appearances last season. ries in the run up to the World Champion- ships.” Having become only the second man behind the world record holder Kevin Young Aspetar to provide round-the-clock medical support to break the 47-second barrier, having ran a Aspetar to provide round-the- appropriate medical facilities. international athletes across all 46.98 at the Paris Diamond League event last clock medical support at the These services will be available sports. Aspetar’s experts have year to the American’s 46.78, the spotlight 23rd Asian Athletics Champion- to over 800 registered athletes a wealth of experience in sup- will be on the 23-year-old. ship 2019. Aspetar, the ortho- and 200 team off icials during porting athletes participating But he isn’t thinking much about the paedic and sports medicine the course of the event. in major tournaments in Qatar, record. “I just want to run fast. If the record hospital, is scheduled to provide Aspetar’s multidisciplinary med- including the IAAF Diamond happens, welcome,” he said. comprehensive world-class ical team of experts is staff ed League 2018, FINA/HOSA Two of the star Qatari athletes, World medical services at the 23rd by some of the world’s leading Marathon Swim World series Champion and Olympic medallist high- Qatar’s Ashraf Elseify competes in Asian Athletics Championships sports medicine physicians, 2018, 2018 FIG Artistic Gym- jumper Mutaz Barshim and 400m Asian the men’s Hammer Throw qualifying Doha 2019, which will take place nurses, massage therapists and nastics World Championship, Games gold medallist Abdalelah Haroun, will round at the 2016 Rio Olympics. at Khalifa International Stadium physiotherapists, all of whom 2016 UCI Road Cycling World be missing from the ranks. from April 21- 24. will support the world-class Championships, 24th Men’s Barshim recently hit the track, having re- The Asian Athletics Champi- event in April. Handball World Championship covered from an ankle injury he suff ered last onships Doha 2019 will also In addition, from May 3-5, in 2015, 2015 AIBA World Boxing year, but has decided to skip the Asian meet in Gong Lijiao, a 2017 World Championships Asian Games in the individual 400m, men’s serve as the test event for the Aspetar is gearing up to host Championships. order to focus on the World Championships. gold medallist and two-time Olympic med- 4x400m and the mixed 4x400. In Barshim’s upcoming IAAF World Athletic the International Conference on Qatar’s status as a world-leading Haroun suff ered an injury during training in allist, and Li Ling, Asian Games champion absence, Syria’s Majd Eddin Ghazal will fancy Championship Doha 2019, from Sports and Medicine. The con- sports hub grows more assured the run-up to the Asian championships. in 2014 and 2018 in pole vault. Lu Huihui, a his chances. Ghazal, who turns 32 today, had September 27 – October 6. ference is being prepared by the each day. In a short period of However, Asian Games hammer throw two-time world medallist in javelin throw; won bronze at the last edition, which saw Aspetar, through the National scientific planning committee time, the country has emerged gold medallist Ashraf Elseify will be look- Chen Yang, Asian Games title holder in dis- South Korea’s Woo Sang-hyeok win with a Sports Medicine Programme at Aspetar and will feature local as a sporting capital of the Mid- ing to better his personal best of 78.19m, cus throw; and Wang Chunyu, the Asian 2.30m eff ort. Ghazal’s personal best is 2.36m, (NSMP), will provide round- and international experts. dle East and Asia after winning which he achieved in Doha in 2016. Sprinter Games reigning champion in 800m, will all which he jumped in Beijing in 2016. the-clock medical and health By supporting sports mega the rights to host the FIFA World Femi Ogunode, 100m silver winner in Bhu- feature at Khalifa International Stadium. In a fi rst, a 4x400m mixed relay event will services to athletes, on-site events in the country, Aspetar Cup Qatar 2022 in 2010, which baneswar, will line up for 400m and 4x100m On the men’s side, China’s team includes make its debut, with the fi nal scheduled for emergency and first aid care is cementing its leading role in will set a new benchmark for relay in Doha, while his brother, Tosin, will the likes of Xie Wenjun, Asian Games cham- Tuesday. and transfer of urgent and the treatment and prevention hosting sports mega events in line-up in the 100m and 200m sprints, be- pion in 2014 and 2018 in 100m hurdles, who On-track performances aside, eyes will non-urgent medical cases to of injury to local, regional and the country. sides the relay. will be looking to maintain his continental also be on the local organising committee Also returning for a shot at gold will be dominance. considering the 23rd Asian Athletics Cham- Jamal Hairane, who won silver in both 800m For the Indians, absence of javelin thrower pionships are also a test event for the IAAF and 1500m last time round, and Yaser Sa- Neeraj Chopra will be a huge disappoint- World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, lem Bagharab, who was runner-up in both ment. Chopra, who had won gold at the last which will be held in September. 3000m steeplechase and 5000m. edition and has been knocking at the doors of The schedule is spread over two sessions — “Our athletes are ready to make the coun- the top three at the world level, is out due to morning and evening — with today’s opening try proud. We prepared well for this compe- injury. ceremony scheduled for 3:30pm. tition and we realise how great an opportu- India’s 19-year-old sensation Hima Das nity it is to build on our success at the Asian will try to build on her performance from TODAY’S FINALS Games and brace ourselves for the World the 2018 Asian Games where she won a gold 5:20pm Javelin Throw (Women) Championships in September,” Qatar Athlet- medal in the 4x400m event. The promising 5:28pm Pole Vault (Men) ics Federation president Dr Thani Abdulrah- sprinter is also the reigning world U20 cham- 5:55pm 5000m (Women) man al-Kuwari had said in the run-up to the pion in 400m. 7:28pm 400m (Women) event. After fi nishing second in the last edi- Mohamed Anas Yahiya is another Indian 7:35pm Shot Put (Women) tion in 2017, China would be looking to wrest athlete with potential to reach the podium. 7:45pm Discus Throw (Men) Aspetar team will provide comprehensive world-class medical services to over 800 athletes and 200 back the top spot from India. The sprinter, who specialises in 400m, 7:50pm 3000m steeplechase (Men) team off icials during the championhips. China’s ranks boast female shot-putter claimed three silver medals in last year’s 8:45pm 10000m (Men)

FOCUS Kiprop insists on innocence despite doping ban AFP I will not be eligible to run again various reasons proposed...when Paris for the next four years. subject to strict scrutiny had any “It’s sad that the world will plausibility.” believe that I am guilty of tak- The three-man panel agreed. enya’s former Olym- ing the performance-enhancing It concluded that high altitude pic and world 1500m drugs and yet I have been at the could not explain the presence of champion Asbel Ki- forefront of fi ghting doping in EPO in the test and that Kiprop prop has vowed to fi ght the sport.” had produced no evidence to Kon to clear his name after being The AIU said in its statement support the other possible expla- handed a four-year suspension that Kiprop had “at various times nations. yesterday for using the banned and various formats...proposed Kiprop accepts the long ban blood-booster EPO. a number of possible explana- virtually puts an end to a long The 29-year-old failed an out tions” for the positive test. and illustrious athletics career, of competition test in November It went on to state that at but he can still appeal to the 2017 and was provisionally sus- the hearing his representative, Court of Arbitration for Sport. pended in 2018. Katwa Kigen, presented an “a la He originally came second in On Saturday, the Athletics carte menu of reasons why the the 1500m fi nal at the 2008 Bei- Integrity Unit (AIU) upheld that charges should be dismissed.” jing Olympics but was upgraded ban, concluding that the case had Among these, the AIU said, when Rashid Ramzi tested posi- been “convincingly made out” were that the “EPO was naturally tive for a performance-enhanc- despite an “a la carte menu of produced due to intense exercise ing drug and was stripped of the reasons why the charges should at altitude,” that it was produced gold medal. be dismissed” from Kiprop’s rep- by medication, that the test, or A total of 138 Kenyan athletes resentative. the analysis, was badly conduct- have tested positive in anti-dop- After the verdict, Kiprop con- ed or that the sample was spiked. ing campaigns since 2004. tinued to maintain his innocence. His ban is backdated to last In 2016, Kenya were placed on “The decision is not only a February. the list of countries under IAAF blow to me, but it is not good for The AIU statement added surveillance. the sport of athletics,” Kiprop that while Kigen presented his And it was only after the adop- told AFP. arguments with “tenacity and tion of a new anti-doping law “I have been insisting that I did charm” the International Asso- just before the Rio 2016 Olympics not dope,” he said. “I will con- ciation of Athletics Federations that the country was removed tinue to maintain my innocence, (IAAF) representative Ross Wen- from the list of “non-compliant” even if this decision now means zel had argued that “none of the WADA nations.