THURSDAY 12 APRIL 2018 SPORT 27 I am actually happy in my life. 5:00PM 6:45PM Whatever opportunity I get to FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Kieron Pollard play cricket I am happy. Bayern Munich vs Real Sociedad vs is happy playing Now I am focussing on the IPL Sevilla LIVE ON Girona FC at the present time. cricket in the IPL Live on beIN HD 2 TUBE Live on beIN HD 3

Philadelphia 76ers’ forward Robert Covington (33) high fives fans after shooting a three-point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter of their Review: Plenty to NBA game at Wells Fargo Centre. love in film about ‘Borg vs McEnroe’ AP

NEW YORK: Let’s begin this review of “Borg Vs. McEnroe” with a huge spoiler alert. The final score of the 1980 Wimbledon men’s NBA: In-form Sixers final between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, which takes up the climactic last third of the movie, win 15th straight was 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 8-6. It’s not a secret, really. And, in the end, REUTERS claim the Western Conference’s inspiration in Andre Ingram, a it doesn’t really No. 3 seed with a win over 32-year-old rookie signed by matter. NEW YORK: JJ Redick scored Portland on Wednesday night. the team to a 10-day contract This fabulous, moody film isn’t your typical agent of cool and a hothead, the film is a lot like 28 points, and the streaking Klay Thompson scored 23 on Monday. jock flick where bitter rivals compete to a “Rush” but only with fuzzy balls instead of race Philadelphia 76ers moved a step points and Kevin Durant added Ingram spent 10 seasons and crowning, sweaty end. There isn’t a real victor cars. In many ways, it’s more like “I, Tonya,” in closer to clinching the third seed 13 for the Warriors, who already logged 384 games in the G in “Borg Vs. McEnroe” and the points don’t prove its impressionistic darkness. “Borg Vs. McEnroe” in the Eastern Conference play- clinched the No. 2 seed in the League before making his NBA anything. It’s less a tennis movie than a medi- says it is “inspired by true events” which gives it offs with a 121-113 road win over West. debut. He scored 19 points in 29 tation on the personal costs of chasing plenty of wriggle room when it comes to the truth. the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday Wizards 113, Celtics 101 minutes while making his first excellence. We learn that Borg was not always a con- at Philips Arena. John Wall recorded 29 four NBA shots, including three Borg and McEnroe, seeded 1-2 at the start of trolled, cool customer. He was a firebrand like The 76ers, who have won a points, 12 assists and seven from 3-point range. He wound the tournament, played tense, taut tennis for McEnroe but had the petulance trained out of franchise-record 15 in a row, can rebounds to lead Washington to up 4 of 5 from long distance. almost four hours, creating one of Wimbledon’s him by a coach (a superb Stellan Skarsgard) who seal the No. 3 seed with a win a victory over visiting Boston. Hornets 119, Pacers 93 finest moments. The curly-haired youngster, told him to put his rage and panic into every over the Milwaukee Bucks today Wall (27 years, 216 days) Frank Kaminsky led a bal- chasing his first Wimbledon crown, was trying stroke. We learn that McEnroe idolized Borg, in Philadelphia. \ became the third-youngest anced Charlotte attack with a to prevent Borg from winning his fifth straight putting his poster on his wall and wearing a The Sixers (51-30) lead the player in NBA history to reach season-high-tying 24 points in championship. headband in emulation of the older man. Cleveland Cavaliers (50-31) by 5,000 career assists, behind a rout of host Indiana. Shia LaBeouf plays McEnroe and Sverrir Gud- On the road to the 1980 finals, the filmmakers one game heading into today’s Magic Johnson and Isiah Already locked into fifth nason plays Borg and they’re both fantastic, gives us flashbacks to each man’s childhood for finale. The Cavaliers host the Thomas. place in the Eastern Conference, nailing the tiny things like the way McEnroe insights. (The filmmakers get extra credit for New York Knicks today. Bradley Beal tallied 19 points the Pacers rested starters Victor twirled his racket or Borg’s hunched stance. But casting Borg’s real-life son as a young Borg, who Simmons shook off an and Markieff Morris added 13 for Oladipo, Thaddeus Young and this film also requires both actors to reveal deep we see spending hours methodically smashing illness that put his status for the Wizards, who still could Bojan Bogdanovic. Oladipo was pools of inner turmoil and they somehow manage balls against a garage door.) Tuesday’s game in question to finish in sixth, seventh or eighth listed as having a sore right foot. it with just a glance or a quiet moment. Borg and It also shows how people in these two men’s score 14 points, grab 10 place in the Eastern The Pacers will play either the McEnroe rarely interact at all. orbit - girlfriends, coaches and even fellow com- rebounds and hand out six Conference. Cleveland Cavaliers or the Phil- The Wimbledon final was framed as a battle petitors - walk on eggshells around them, fearful assists with six turnovers. Jaylen Brown made six adelphia 76ers in the first round between opposites. Borg was the quiet, efficient of setting them off. To be the best in the world Ilyasova scored 26 points off the 3-pointers while scoring 27 of the NBA playoffs. Swede, while McEnroe was the brash, swearing takes everything and leaves you slightly bench and Marco Belinelli added points for the Celtics, who are Malik Monk scored 17 points Yank (“You cannot be serious!” he was prone to unhinged. Someone tells McEnroe: “It’s life and 20 points for Philadelphia. locked into the East’s second off the bench for the Hornets. scream at umpires.) death for you. The Taurean Prince led the seed. Glenn Robinson III, T J Leaf and It was a match others don’t feel Hawks with 27 points. Prince set Rockets 105, Lakers 99 Darren Collison each had 13 between the sti- the same. They’re a franchise record with 18 Chris Paul scored a game- points for the Pacers. letto and the not like you.” 3-point attempts in the game, high 22 points while James Suns 124, Mavericks 97 sledgehammer, Once the final making six. Harden added 21 points and 10 Alec Peters poured in a the gentleman Wimbledon match Jazz 119, Warriors 79 assists as Houston beat host Los career-high 36 points and five against the rebel, has been won - Donovan Mitchell scored 22 Angeles in the penultimate reg- Phoenix teammates scored in the Ice-Borg we’re not going to points and Derrick Favors added ular-season game for both. double figures as the Suns ran versus the say who prevailed, 16 points and nine rebounds to The Rockets will cap the away from host Dallas. Superbrat. we’re not totally help Utah cruise to a victory winningest season in franchise Phoenix (21-61) finished the But Ronnie awful - the two over visiting Golden State. history at Sacramento today season with the worst record in Sandahl’s script men happen to Mitchell went 4-for-5 from while the Lakers play the the league while Dallas (24-58) and Janus Metz’ share a private 3-point range, pushing his Clippers at Staples Center. With recorded its lowest win total in direction take us moment in a public season total to 186 3-pointers. the victory, Houston avoided a full season since the 1997-98 behind the stereo- place that is It helped him pass Damian taking consecutive losses for the campaign. types to reveal touching and Lillard to set an NBA rookie first time since early January. Alex Len and Shaquille Har- portraits of two cathartic. record. The Lakers were without rison added 18 points each for men who actually At one point, Utah won the season series Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and the Suns. Johnathan Motley led have much in the camera during 3-1 over Golden State and can Kyle Kuzma, yet found the Mavericks with 21 points. common in their this exchange steps loneliness and further away and yearning. They we can no longer F1 STATISTICS FOR THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX love to win so hear what these much it hurts. two champions are SHANGHAI: Statistics for Sunday’s Chinese Formula POINTS: Before matches, saying to each One Grand Prix in Shanghai. Hamilton can set an all-time Formula One record of they seem to be other. silently awaiting That’s fitting Lap distance: 5.451km. Total distance: 305.066km 28 scoring finishes in a row, having equalled Raikkonen’s (56 laps). 2017 pole: Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes their own somehow: Only previous best of 27. Three drivers on the grid have yet executions. they - and anyone -- One minute 31.678 seconds. to score points in their F1 careers: Rookies Charles Single-mind- else who has been 2017 winner: Hamilton. Race lap record: Michael Leclerc (Sauber) and Sergey Sirotkin(Williams) and edness gnaws at in their tennis Schumacher (Germany) Ferrari 1:32.238 (2004). Start Toro Rosso’s Brendon Hartley. Pierre Gasly’s fourth their souls, shoes - can really time: 0610 GMT (1410 local) place in Bahrain for Toro Rosso was his first top-10 destroying friend- understand. RACE WINS: finish. Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson also scored his first ships and tor- “Borg Vs. Hamilton has 62 victories from 210 races and is points since 2015 in that race. menting them. McEnroe,” a Neon second in the all-time list behind seven-times world BJORN BORG JOHN MCENROE CHINA: “Nobody will release, is rated R champion Michael Schumacher (91). Vettel has 49. The race made its debut on the calendar in 2004 remember that I Bjorn Borg is a Swedish former by the Motion Ferrari have won 231 races since 1950, McLaren 182, John McEnroe is a retired American and nine of the 14 Chinese Grands Prix have been won Wimbledon Picture Association Williams 114, Mercedes 76 and Red Bull 55. Former world No. 1 tennis player widely tennis player, often considered won from pole. Hamilton is the most successful with four times in a considered to be one of the greatest among the greatest in the history of America for champions McLaren and Williams have not won since row. Just that I lost “language 2012. Vettel has won the first two races of the season. The five wins (2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017), and is the in the history of the sport. Between of the sport. He was known for his only driver to have won two years in a row. Fernando the fifth time,” 1974 and 1981 he became the first shot-making artistry and volleying throughout and last Ferrari driver to do that was Schumacher in 2004. Borg says in some nudity.” Alonso has won twice in China (2005, 2013), Vettel man in the Open Era to win 11 Grand skills, as well as his confrontational POLE POSITION: anguish before the Running time: 107 and team mate Kimi Raikkonen once each. Mercedes Slam singles titles (6 French Open Hamilton has a record 73 career poles. Vettel has final. For his part, on-court behaviour that frequently minutes. Three and 51. Max Verstappen, at 20 years old, can become the have won five times, Ferrari four. The circuit saw Red McEnroe lashes and 5 Wimbledon). He also won landed him in trouble with umpires a half stars out of youngest ever pole sitter this season. The current Bull’s first F1 win in 2009. out at the puzzled three year-end championships. In and tennis authorities. McEnroe four. youngest is Vettel, who did it at the age of 21. MILESTONE: press: “None of 1979 he was the first player to earn finished his career with 77 singles ** MPAA Defi- PODIUM: Vettel won in Bahrain on his 200th start. Mercedes’ you understand it more than $1m in prize money in a and 78 doubles titles including nition of R: Hamilton has 119 career podiums and is second Valtteri Bottas will be making his 100th race start this because none of single season. Constant attention and seven Grand Slam single titles (4 US Restricted. Under on the all-time list behind Schumacher (155). Vettel weekend. A giant of the sport, McLaren have now gone you do it.” pressure eventually caused burnout Open and 3 Wimbledon titles). He 17 requires accom- has 101, Kimi Raikkonen 92. 100 races since their last victory in 2012. In its athletic and he retired at the age of 26. is a tennis commentator now. panying parent or duel between an adult guardian. 28 SPORT THURSDAY 12 APRIL 2018

Highlights from Aisha Praught of Jamaica celebrates after winning the Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase final of COMMONWEALTH GAMES: MEDAL STANDINGS the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Carrara Stadium in Gold Coast yesterday. CWG swimming RANK/NATION G S B TOTAL competition 1: Australia 57 43 45 145 2: England 25 30 21 76 Le Clos makes history 3: India 12 4 8 24 4: South Africa 10 7 9 26 South African Chad le Clos 5: New Zealand 9 10 8 27 leaves Australia as the most dec- 6: Canada 8 22 17 47 orated swimmer in Common- 7: Scotland 7 11 14 32 wealth Games history with a 8: Wales 7 8 8 23 career total of 17 medals. He fin- 9: Cyprus 5 0 2 7 ished the meet with three golds, 10: Nigeria 4 4 0 8 one silver and a bronze to lie just 11: Jamaica 3 5 4 12 behind the Games’ most suc- 12: Malaysia 3 3 5 11 cessful athletes, shooters Mick 13: Samoa 2 2 0 4 Gault and Philip Adams. Le Clos 14: Botswana 2 1 0 3 claimed an unprecedented but- 15: Uganda 2 0 1 3 terfly treble and came up just 16: Papua New Guinea 1 2 0 3 short in the 100m freestyle. 17: Singapore 1 1 1 3 18: Trinidad and Tobago 1 1 0 2 Reality check for Peaty 19: Fiji 1 0 1 2 19: Northern Ireland 1 0 1 2 Adam Peaty arrived in Aus- 21: Bermuda 1 0 0 1 tralia unbeaten since the 2014 21: Grenada 1 0 0 1 Glasgow Games, but while he 23: Kenya 0 3 3 6 defended his 100m title he was 24: Bangladesh 0 2 0 2 brought crashing down to earth 25: Sri Lanka 0 1 3 4 by South Africa’s Cameron van der Praught takes gold as 26: The Bahamas 0 1 0 1 Burgh in the 50m final. World 26: Isle of Man 0 1 0 1 record holder Peaty expressed 26: Mauritius 0 1 0 1 fears he wouldn’t remain as 26: Nauru 0 1 0 1 Olympic champion in the 100m 30: Pakistan 0 0 2 2 unless he learned to become Jamaican women shine more relaxed about his swimming. REUTERS Miller-Uibo’s absence from the Ruck’s great eight one-lap final, Botswana’s Amantle GOLD COAST: Aisha Praught took Montsho produced a blistering Canadian teenager Taylor a shock steeplechase gold and finish down the final straight to Ruck had a breakout Common- Shericka Jackson ran a personal overhaul Kenyan and Jamaican wealth Games, finishing with eight best to qualify for the 200 metres rivals and win a second Common- medals to equal the most by any final ahead of Elaine Thompson as wealth 400m gold in 50.15. athlete -- countryman Ralph Jamaica’s women outshone the men The 34-year-old former world Hutton and Australian swimmers on the Commonwealth Games track champion, gold medallist in Delhi Susie O’Neill and Emily Seebohm. yesterday. in 2010, might have been cele- The 17-year-old stormed to gold Aaron Brown led the way for brating a three-peat had she not in the 200m freestyle and her Canada in the men’s 200m semi- failed a dope test at the 2014 Games victory in the 4x100 medley relay finals with a time of 20.18 seconds in Glasgow. on the last night made her Can- and another noisy packed house American-born Praught had ada’s greatest ever Common- enjoyed plenty of Australian earlier had the stadium on its feet wealth athlete. success on a balmy evening at the with an even better finish, hauling Carrara Stadium. in and storming past Kenyan Great Scott! “It’s beautiful. I couldn’t ask for teenager Celliphine Chespol over better honestly,” said Brown, who the last 200 metres to win an Duncan Scott produced was joined as a semi-final winner unlikely steeplechase gold for swimming’s biggest giant-killing by England’s Zharnel Hughes Jamaica in 9:21.00. upset when he won Scotland’s (20.37) and Trinidad and Tobago’s “I just put in the work every day Australia’s Kathryn Mitchell competes in the women’s javelin throw final at the Carrara first-ever Commonwealth title in Jereem Richards (20.41). and believe that I can race anyone,” Stadium in Gold Coast yesterday. She won the women’s javelin with her first throw of 68.92m. the 100m freestyle. The unher- “The track is great, the stadium she said, adding of her adopted alded 20-year-old mowed down is electric, I couldn’t ask for any- country: “We need medals. We Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers thing more.” need to band together as a nation.” and le Clos to grab gold and fin- On the day when Usain Bolt Chespol claimed the silver and ished the meet with six medals. arrived on the Gold Coast as a spec- 2014 champion Purity Cherotich Le Clos sets sights on Tokyo Scott added a silver and four tator, though, Jamaica’s men had Kirui bronze for Kenya, who had bronze medals to his gold to top another uninspired evening with swept the podium at the last two the four won by Gregor Tait at Warren Weir only just squeaking versions of the Games. Games after Gold Coast treble Melbourne 2006. into the 200m final with the eighth Rio Olympic silver medallist AFP fastest time. Luvo Manyonga gave South Africa “I’ve always prided myself Larkin finds mojo Jamaican hopes of at least one a third athletics gold of the Games on racing the best,” added Le sprint medal after the island nation by winning the long jump with a GOLD COAST: He’s tiptoeing Clos, who tied for silver Mitch Larkin was Australia’s missed out on both 100m golds leap of 8.41 metres but otherwise lightly around the subject so behind Scotland’s Duncan star turn in the pool, winning five were boosted when Jackson earlier the success in the field belonged whisper it, but South Africa’s Scott in the 100m freestyle golds in five events. Larkin com- steamed around the track in 22.28 entirely to the host nation. Chad le Clos could just with Australia’s Olympic pleted a backstroke treble, the seconds to hold off England’s Dina Kathryn Mitchell elicited the become the next Michael champion Kyle Chalmers. 200m medley and a flying lead- Asher-Smith. first ovation from the crowd at the Phelps after making history “My two best races were off leg in the 4x100 medley relay The second semi was a heavy- start of the evening when she won at the Commonwealth Games. the 100m and tonight’s relay. final. His resurgence comes after weight clash to savour with the women’s javelin with her first The 25-year-old shot to I got to race the world’s best a poor world championships in Olympic champions Thompson and throw of 68.92m and Brandon Starc fame after taking down the in 100m free and I didn’t win, Budapest last year. Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the later won the men’s high jump with American swimming legend I was disappointed. But I’m Bahamas going stride-for-stride for a personal best of 2.32m. at the 2012 Olympics, and proud to step up against the 150 metres until the former eased “The whole stadium, I cannot proved over the past week on world’s best.” up to allow her rival to cross the thank them enough,” said Starc. the Gold Coast that he will be With Phelps gone after Cameroon line first in 22.48. “They’re incredible. I have no a force to be reckoned with one last hurrah at the 2016 In Olympic champion words.” at the Tokyo Games in 2020. Rio Games, the stage is set for athletes go Le Clos became the first le Clos to shine at the 2020 male swimmer to win three Tokyo Olympics, although he missing consecutive Commonwealth faces a serious threat from gold medals in the same event American Caeleb Dressel. AFP when he romped to victory in “We’ll see what happens the 200 metres butterfly, and at the Olympic Games,” said GOLD COAST: A total of eight followed that with silver in Le Clos, whose fingertip Chad le Clos of South Africa athletes from conflict-hit the 100m freestyle. defeat of Phelps in the 200m poses with his gold medal Cameroon are now missing He also completed a first butterfly at the 2012 London from the Commonwealth Commonwealth butterfly during the medal ceremony Olympics remains one of the Games in Australia, team offi- treble, finishing the week as of the Men’s 4x100m Medley sport’s greatest upsets. cials said yesterday. Relay at the Optus Aquatic “There’s a lot of young- Three weightlifters and Centre in Gold Coast, Australia sters coming through like two boxers were initially on Tuesday. Dressel, obviously the Aussies reported to Australian police in the freestyle, Duncan Scott, after not being seen since the most decorated swimmer James Guy,” he added. Tuesday, triggering suspicion I’ve always prided in Games history. “They’re a lot younger they had fled with no In a moment of exu- than me now. I feel like I’m intention of returning to myself on racing berance after his crushing one of the older guys already Cameroon. the best. My two triumph in the 200m fly, Le but I’m always ready for a Cameroon press attache Clos whooped: “No one’s done good knock, so I’m excited.” Simon Molombe told AFP the best races were the triple before so -- Michael Le Clos credited fellow number of missing athletes the 100m and Phelps of Commonwealth!” South African Cameron van had risen to eight -- one third tonight’s relay. Never the shrinking violet der Burgh for helping to keep of the country’s 24-strong in a sport full of uber-serious his competitive fires burning team. I got to race the athletes, Le Clos nonetheless after the latter marked his Australian Border Force world’s best in chose his words carefully final Commonwealth Games were searching for weight- after claiming 4x100m by stunning world record- lifters Olivier Matam Matam, 100m freestyle medley relay bronze on the holder Adam Peaty in the Arcangeline Fouodji and Petit and I didn’t win, I final night. 50m breaststroke. David Minkoumba and boxers “I was joking when I said “We have to say props Ndzie Tchoyi and Simplice was disappointed. that,” said the pin-up, who after that, I still can’t get over Fotsala after they apparently But I’m proud to competed in seven Common- it,” said Le Clos. fled. step up against wealth Games events. “He came up against the Three more boxers have “Michael is a legend, he’s the best breaststroker the world’s Luvo Manyonga of South Africa in action during the Men’s Long Jump since vanished, sparking an the world’s best: greatest of all time. I want to ever had and beat him -- if final yesterday. Manyonga gave South Africa a third athletics gold of Australian Border Force Chad le Clos be my own self and just be the that’s not inspiration I don’t manhunt. the Games by winning the event with a leap of 8.41 metres. best I can be.” know what is.” THURSDAY 12 APRIL 2018 SPORT 29 No Cricket Australia contracts for Smith, Warner and Bancroft AFP all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and Test opener Matt Renshaw wicketkeeper Alex Carey. held onto his contract after SYDNEY: Fast bowlers were the New Test captain Tim Paine being rushed in as a Maxwell reveals depth winners as Australia’s post ball- and batsman Shaun Marsh replacement for Cameron tampering era began yesterday rejoined the list, while spinner Bancroft in the fourth Test with a heavily revamped list of Adam Zampa, pacemen Jackson against South Africa late last nationally contracted players, Bird and James Pattinson, all- month. But Joe Burns, who of Joburg despair minus the suspended Steve rounder Hilton Cartwright and was also jetted to Johan- Smith (pictured) and David wicketkeeper Matthew Wade nesburg to help out after AFP Warner. dropped off. Smith, Warner and Bancroft ryone to watch. “The enormity struck me The list of 20 men’s players Chadd Sayers, who has were sent home over the tam- “To then try and get at the end of the Test match offered deals by Cricket Aus- played Test cricket in the past pering scandal failed to make SYDNEY: Glenn Maxwell yourself ready for a game of when Boof (coach Darren tralia for the 2018-19 season on six months, missed out. the grade. (pictured) says the Australian cricket a day later was Lehmann) had his goodbye the basis of their performances The minimum value of a “It’s a tough process, but team felt Steve Smith, David extremely difficult, and I cer- speech and spoke about a few over the past 12 months included contract for the upcoming we’re very satisfied with this Warner and Cameron Bancroft tainly didn’t envy their position players in the group that he five first-timers. season is $222,000. group of 20 players,” said were treated like criminals at all. It was an extremely hoped could lead the group Speedsters Jhye Richardson, With the next World Cup Hohns. during the ball-tampering tough time for that whole going forward. Kane Richardson and Andrew falling within the contract perperiod, “We think this a well-bal- scandal in South Africa, and playing group.” The fallout had “I think that’s when it all TyeTye made the cut, selectorsselectors placed a strongstro anced list to represent Aus- the ordeal left them a big effect on the team as they hit me and how hard it was for alalongong wiwithth emphasisemphasis on tthehe limitedlimi tralia across all three formats.” shellshocked. slumped to a 492-run defeat this young group.” A tearful oversovers foformatsrmats in The ball-tampering Maxwell, who was one of in the final Test. Lehmann quit in the wake of selectingselecting pplayers.lay scandal during the third Test three players rushed out to join All-rounder Maxwell the scandal, staying on only for “This“This peperiodriod is in South Africa stunned the the tour before the final Test arrived along with opening the fourth and last Test before set to inincludeclud a sport and sparked reviews in Johannesburg after the trio batsmen Matt Renshaw and departing. significantsignificant amamounto into the culture within Aus- were sent home, said it had Joe Burns as the replacements His decision followed of limited-overslimited-ov tralian cricket. Smith and been extremely hard for the and he thought he might be 12-month bans given to then cricket, includinginclud Warner have been banned young squad to witness what able to provide some energy captain Smith and his deputy thethe ICC CricketCric from international and happened to their and be a positive influence Warner for the roles they WorldWorld Cup 201920 domestic cricket for a year, teammates. aroundnd the team. pplayed ayed in tthe e pplot ot to ccheateat in EnEnglandgland aand while Bancroft was exiled for It was particularly tough Butut he admittedadmitted it hadhad duringduring the third Test in CapCapee Wales,”Wales,” saids nine months, leaving the for them to watch the televised been harderharder thanthan hehe Town.BancroftTown.Bancroft wawass nationalnational seselectorlec squad badly weakened. emotional apologies from imagined.ned. bbannedanned forfor ninenine TrevorTrevor HHohns.ohns They have all apologised Smith and Bancroft on arrival “I hhadad tthoughtshougho hts ooff monthsmonths forfor hhisis “For“For thatth and accepted the sanctions. in Australia, and chaotic what itt could be like,like, part in the affair.affair. reason, there has Smith was charged with scenes when Smith was booed and I hhopedoped I beenbeen a b biti t oof a fofocus o knowledge of the plot to alter and called a cheat while being could’ve’ve providedprovided inin thisthis contraccontractingt the ball, while Warner was escorted through Johan- somethingthing differentdifferent period on whwhite-i charged with developing it nesburg airport. for thee group whenwhen ballball criccricket,ket, as we and instructing Bancroft to “I think the way they saw I got over tthere,here, looklook ahead to tryingtry carry it out. it, it was obviously beaten up whetherher itit be to winwin bback-to-ack- Contracted list: Ashton a fair bit and they’ve seen a energy,gy, or jjustust a back WorldWo Agar, Alex Carey, Pat couple of their mates treated happyy face around the Cups.”CCups.”” Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter like criminals,” he told Mel- groupp to trytry and Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, bourne’s Radio SEN cheerr themthem Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, yesterday. up,” he Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, “That is a hard thing for said. Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, you to watch as a teammate, Tim Paine, Matt Renshaw, and to what they went Jhye Richardson, Kane Rich- through, especially Steve ardson, Billy Stanlake, Smith at the airport, that Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, was a hard thing for eve- Andrew Tye. ICC forms panel to resolve Pollard leaves ODI India-Pakistan cricket dispute return to board REUTERS AFP 2014 memorandum of under- said in a statement Tuesday. contacts, plummeted after the standing under which the two “The hearing will take place 2008 militant attacks in MUMBAI: Kieron Pollard is available to play one-day interna- LAHORE: The International were to play six bilateral series in Dubai from 1-3 October and Mumbai, which New Delhi tionals for West Indies but the 30-year-old all-rounder remains Cricket Council has created a between 2015 and 2023. the decision of the Dispute Panel blamed on Pakistani militant unsure what plans the board may have for him in the 50-over dispute resolution panel to hear The Pakistan Cricket shall be non-appealable” and groups. format. Pakistan’s compensation claim Board (PCB) is seeking $70m binding on both Pakistan and There has been just one Players have been embroiled in contractual disputes with against archrival India for in compensation. It initiated India, the ICC said. bilateral tour since, when Cricket West Indies (CWI) for several years, with the team even refusing to play a bilateral series. dispute resolution pro- The BCCI refused to play two Pakistan visited India to play two abandoning a 2014 tour of India midway through the series over Sporting ties between the ceedings against the Board of series against Pakistan in 2015 Twenty20s and three one-day a payment structure row. cricket-mad South Asian neigh- Control for Cricket in India and 2017, saying it did not have internationals in December 2012 However, CWI reached an agreement with the players’ union bours have suffered in recent (BCCI) at the ICC in November permission from the Indian gov- and January 2013. for a ‘temporary amnesty’, paving the way for high-profile players years amid rising political ten- last year. ernment because of strained They have, however, con- such as Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine and Pollard to return to the sions, and Pakistani cricket A three-member panel will relations. tinued to play each other in mul- national one-day international side. authorities say their Indian hear the claim later this year, the India-Pakistan ties, tinational events like the World While Gayle and Marlon Samuels were part of the 15-man counterparts have violated a sport’s world governing body including sports and cultural Cup. squad for last month’s 2019 World Cup qualifiers, CWI informed that Narine, all-rounder Andre Russell, Pollard and batsman Darren Bravo had opted to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). “I am actually happy in my life,” Pollard, who plays for the Mumbai franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), told Reuters IPL: RAJASTHAN ROYALS WIN BY TEN RUNS in an interview. “Whatever opportunity I get to play I am happy. “Now I am focussing on the IPL at the present time and after that there are a couple of international series.” Considered a Twenty20 specialist, Pollard has played 101 ODIs for the West Indies, the last of them against Pakistan in October, 2016. The hard-hitting lower-order batsman and medium pace bowler hopes to add to that number. “I am still very much part of the West Indies international Twenty20 squad,” Pollard said at an event to launch the new Alpha- Bounce Beyond shoe by Adidas. “The 50-over cricket is still a bit up in air as to what they (CWI) are thinking. That is a question you need to ask them. “But me as a cricketer, I am happy in life, I am happy in what I am doing and I am just trying to perform in whichever continent I am playing my cricket.” Two-time champions West Indies have qualified for the quad- Match umpire inspects the pitch under rennial 50-over World Cup in England and Wales, finishing runner- the rain during the 2018 Indian Premier up to Afghanistan in a 10-team event hosted by Zimbabwe last League (IPL) Twenty20 match between month. Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils at Pollard was happy for the team though he was disappointed the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur that West Indies had to take the qualifying route to grab the two yesterday. Royals won by ten runs. non-automatic spots in the 10-team tournament. “Congratulations to them for qualifying for the World Cup,” the Trinidadian said. “Obviously, as a West Indian cricketer it’s disappointing that we had to go through that sort of an avenue in order to get the World Cup. “But I think the guys went and did a fantastic job.” 30 SPORT THURSDAY 12 APRIL 2018

The draw ceremony of the Emir Cup in progress at the Rotana City Hotel in Doha yesterday. Pictures: Mohamed Farag

Emir Cup: Al Shamal eye dream run

ARMSTRONG VAS teams which has been seeded EMIR CUP DRAW THE PENINSULA directly into the quarter-finals along with QSL champions Al ROUND 1: APRIL 22 AND 23 DOHA: Al Shamal coach Silvio Duhail, Al Rayyan and Al 1: Al Ahli vs Mesaimeer Diliberto has a score to settle Gharafa. 2: Al Wakrah vs Qatar SC against his former club Al Meanwhile, QSL cham- 3: Al Shamal vs Al Markhiya Markhiya when the two sides pions Al Duhail will be looking 4: Al Kharaitiyat vs clash in the second-round to extend their impressive run Al Shaniaya match of the Emir Cup, the in the Emir Cup. Seeded in the country’s most popular football quarter-finals, Djamel Bel- ROUND 2: APRIL 28 AND 29 tournament. madi’s side will be awaiting the 5: Winner of Match 1 vs Yesterday’s colourful draw results of the second round and Al Sailiya ceremony, held in the presence pre-quarter-final matches to 6: Winner of Match 2 vs of the coaches and former know their opponents. Al Arabi players, has pitted Al Shamal The winner of the second- 7: Winner of Match 3 vs against QNB Stars League (QSL) round clash between Al Al Khor relegated side Al Markhiya, Kharaitiyat and Al Shaniaya, 8: Winner of Match 4 with the winner taking on Al faces Umm Salal in the pre- vs Umm Salal Khor in the next round clash. quarter-final with Al Duhail A possibility of a clash with clash next on the cards. ROUND 3: MAY 3 AND 4 defending champion Al Sadd In the other second round 9: Winner of Match 5 vs in the quarter-final is staring clashes, Al Ahli, which finished Al Gharafa in the face for Diliberto’s side ninth in the QSL will face 10: Winner of Match 6 vs if everything goes according to Second division side Al Rayyan plan charted out by him for his opponents not to take his side third round on May 3 and 4, the the QSL have earned a place in Mesaimeer. The winner of the 11: Winner of Match 7 vs club in one of the prestigious for granted in the Emir Cup – semi-finals on May 11 and 12. the quarter-finals, while the clash will face Al Sailiya, who competition of the season’s played on the knockout format. The final will be played on remaining eight teams will picked up the sixth position in Al Sadd calendar. “We will play against a QSL May 19, Qatar Football Associ- feature in the pre-quarter- the QSL, with a clash with Al 12: Winner of Match 8 vs “It will be a nice and inter- team which obviously has a ation (QFA) said last week. finals and second round. Gharafa in the quarter-final on Al Duhail esting game against my old higher quality. But in football, The first four finishers in Al Sadd is one of the four its way. team Al Markhiya. It always everything is possible, not that Qatar SC will be looking to SEMI-FINALS: MAY 11 AND 12 good to see some old friends they have to underestimate Al overcome Wakrah and 13: Winner of Match 9 vs Al Sadd’s ticket is being again but it does not mean it Shamal. We have good quality advance to the next stage Winner of Match 10 shown during the Emir will be easy,” Diliberto, 55, said players and we play decent where Al Arabi will be lying in 14: Winner of Match 11 vs after the draw ceremony. football, so it will be an inter- Cup draw ceremony. wait for them in the pre- Winner of Match 12 Diliberto side is looking to esting game and we will try to quarter-final. The winner make amends to their per- do our best to win and qualify taking on Al Rayyan in the last- FINAL: MAY 19 formance in the Qatargas for the next round,” he added. eight stage. League. The Emir Cup competition QFA said five venues will be Stadium last year was used for “The nature of the Qatargas is contested by QSL and used for Emir Cup matches: the 2017 Emir Cup final fol- League competitions – 12 Qatargas Second Division Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium, lowing large-scale renovations matches - leaves little room for clubs. Grand Hamad Stadium, Abdullah that lasted more than two comeback. If your team has a The five-week event will be bin Khalifa Stadium, Jassim bin years. bad phase then it is difficult to played in five phases: The first Hamad Stadium and Khalifa The iconic Khalifa Interna- finish first and qualify for QSL,” round clashes will take place International Stadium, which will tional Stadium is one of the the Dutchman said. on April 22 and 23; the second host the final on May 19. venues for the 2022 FIFA Diliberto warned his round on April 28 and 29, the The Khalifa International World Cup to be held in Qatar. After heartbreak last year, coach Laudrup desperate to lift the trophy

FAWAD HUSSAIN “We were very close to the “This time also we will try to against the two big teams (Al THE PENINSULA title last year. We gave a very good reach the final and play well and Duhail and Al Sadd). But we tried DOHA: Al Rayyan coach Michael performance in the tournament win this important competition. I to clinch the best possible Laudrup still feels the pain of his as we defeated Lekhwiya 3-1 in look forward to a good per- position,” he said before adding team’s dramatic loss to Al Sadd in the semi-final. But Al Sadd is also formance from my team,” he that loss against Al Sadd was the the Emir Cup final last year. And a good team and they have fan- added. turning point for his team’s that loss, after a close battle, has tastic players particularly Xavi, Al Rayyan will be seen in campaign. added to the retired footballer who made that crucial pass to action in the Emir Cup quarter- “I think we played a very very star’s desire to see ‘The Lions’ as Hamroun, and unfortunately for finals stage. good first half of the QSL. When the champions in 2018. us he scored,” said Al Rayyan In the recently-concluded we lost to Al Sadd 2-0 in February It was the night of May 19, coach while hoping to reach the QNB Stars League (QSL), Al and with Al Duhail only winning 2017, a historic day for football in final for the second successive Rayyan – the 2015 champions – and winning, then it became Qatar as the Khalifa International year. finished third behind Al Duhail obvious to us that we are not Stadium, the first 2022 World CupCup andand Al SSadd,add, anandd LLaudrupaudr going to win the league. But I am venue to be completed, hostedd thethe soundedsounded satisatisfiedsfied withwith hishis team’steam happy the way team performed first competitive game afterter show in the competition. in the first half. We (Al Rayyan and being refurbished for the megaega “The“The position is whatwhat we ttar- Al Sadd) must admit that Al Duhail tournament. geted.geted. We kknewnew rigrightht ffromrom the was a better team than us,” he Both the Qatari footballll start that it would be ververyy totoughu concluded. giants played out an evenly-y- poised match in front of packedked crowd till the injury time, beforefore legendary Xavi Hernandez craftedafted the winning goal for Al Sadd wwithith WeWe were veryv close to the title last year. a brilliant assist to Jugurthartha WeWe gavegave a very good performance in the Hamroun to shatter Al Rayyan’syan’s dream in the last minute. tournamenttournam as we defeated Lekhwiya “We were already thinkingking 3-13-1 iinn the semi-final. But Al Sadd is about going into the penalties and aalsols a good team and they have that goal left us stunned. It waswas fantfantastica players particularly Xavi, very unfortunate for us,”s,” wwho made that crucial pass to Al Rayyan’s ticket is being shown during the Emir Cup draw Laudrup told The Peninsula onn HamrHHamroun, and unfortunately for us ceremony held in Doha yesterday. the sidelines of Emir Cup Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup he scored: Laudrup draw ceremony yesterday. THURSDAY 12 APRIL 2018 SPORT 31 Barshim to lead stellar line-up in Doha THE PENINSULA Barshim was crowned Diamond League,League, he said: “ItIt is announced include Olympic Elaine Thompson of Jamaica,Jamaica, Qatar’s greatest-ever athlete importantimportant for all the young and 100m and 200m Champion 200m200m World Champion Dafne DOHA: Team Qatar’s 2017 when he won Olympic silver in aspiringaspiring athletes on Team QatarQatar SchippersSchippers of The Netherlands, World Champion, Diamond My main aim in Doha Rio de Janeiro in 2016, adding to take every opportunity they 3000m3000m World Champion Hellen League Champion and World to his London 2012 Olympic getget to make their presence felt ObiriObiri of Kenya, Team Qatar’s Athlete-of-the-Year, Mutaz is to win and I want bronze and 2014 World Indoor inin such world-class competcompeti-i- AbderrahamanAbderrahaman SamSambaba whowho wwonon Barshim (pictured) will be the to give the crowd a title. tions. TheThe DiamondDiamond League is lastlast year’s DoDohaha DiamondDiamond headline name at this year’s show so that we keep Barshim is the holder of the anan event wherewhere peoplepeople can LeagueLeague 400m hurdleshurdles andand willwill Doha Diamond League as he second highest jump in history breakbreak throughthrough andand mamakeke theirtheir onceonce againagain go up againstagainst once again kicks off his 2018 inspiring new athletes after he cleared 2.43m in 2014 mark.mark. I am reallyreally llookingooking OlympicOlympic ChampionChampion Kerron outdoor season in front of a and new fans in and came within 2cm of Javier forwardforward to comcom-- ClementClement of the USA, and home crowd. Qatar and around the Sotomayer’s longstanding ppetingeting this yyearear OlympicOlympic and World Qatar’s best-ever athlete world: Mutaz Barshim world-record set in 1993. aandnd absorb thethe JavelinJavelin Champions,Champions, will ensure a phenomenal Barshim has now jumped over amazing Thomas Röhler and atmosphere inside Qatar Sports 2.40m for five consecutive JohannesJohannes Vetter Club as he joins a host of Germany, and 2014 World seasons and will be looking to atatmos-mos- respectively,respectively, both Olympic and World Champions Indoor bronze medallist Andriy continue his dominant form into pphere.here. In of Germany.Germany. for an unmissable evening of Protsenko of the Ukraine. 2018. thethe future I TicketsTickets are on world-class athletics on May 4. “I always love competing in Also competing for Team wantwant to sale now online here Last year, Barshim was the Doha Diamond League in Qatar will be 21-year-old rising keepk eep and in Virgin Megas-Megas- unstoppable as he became the front of my fans, my family and star, Mohamat Allamine Hamdi, pushingpushing and tores across Qatar. You first high jumper since 2004 to my country,” said Barshim. who made his mark in 2016 with I know with can keep up to date be unbeaten for an entire “Last year was an amazing a bronze medal at the IAAF Mutaz’sM utaz’s with all news, including season, as well as the first high season but I know that I have World U20 Championships in support,support, I can further athlete jumper and athlete from the more to give and I cannot wait Poland, and followed this up achieveachieve greatgreat announcements and Middle East to win the coveted for this year’s outdoor season to with bronze in the recent 2018 things”.things”. ticket information on IAAF Athlete of the Year Award. begin. My main aim in Doha is Asian Indoor Championships in This thethe Doha Diamond He will face stiff competition to win and I want to give the Tehran. The young and prom- year’syear’s event League website and in Doha from 2017 World crowd a show so that we keep ising athlete who shares a coach will take place socialsocial media bronze medallist Majd Eddin inspiring new athletes and new with Barshim is hoping to con- onceonce again in channels.channels. Ghazal of Syria, fellow London fans in Qatar and around the tinue to rise through the ranks, QatarQatar Sports 2012 Olympic bronze medallist world. I encourage everyone to and with such a strong influence Club,Club, with com-com- Robbie Grabarz of Great Britain, get their tickets and not miss out around him, he is certain to reap petitionpetition kicking off 2018 World Indoor bronze med- on an amazing night of the benefits. atat 18:00. Other globalglobal allist Mateusz Przybylko of athletics.” Commenting on the Doha superstarssuperstars alreadyalready QBF, Katara host boxing The prime reason to stage the event is to see if we can find contest to unearth talent new talent. We staged a similar RIZWAN REHMAT boxing championship in the THE PENINSULA future,” he added. event two years ago “Our target is to get new and we managed to DOHA: The Qatar Boxing Feder- boxers and we want to catch find Abdulhadi Al ation (QBF) will be scouting for them young,” he said. talented fighters at this week’s “Katara is the hub of cultural Marri (+91) who a three-day Katara Boxing Cham- activity whether it is about sport, won bronze medal at pionship, a top official said. health or films. We feel proud of The three-day Katara Boxing being associated with sports an event in Egypt this Championship will commence activities. The venue will be next year: QBF President today, Yusuf Al Kazim, President to the amphitheater,” Al Sulaiti of QBF, confirmed yesterday. said. Yusuf Al Kazim Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Al Kazim said it was a well- Sulaiti, General Manager, Cul- thought out plan to make Katara tural Village Foundation at as the host venue. Katara, said the championship “We know Katara attracts a will be an added feature at the huge number of visitors. So we country’s iconic cultural hub engage Dr Khalid if we can do it We have staged bas- where more than 400 events are here and they welcome the idea,” staged every year. Al Kazim said. ketball and volleyball “The prime reason to stage “Once we are done with this events and that too the event is to see if we can find event, we will plan to bring an new talent. We staged a similar international competition next international compe- event two years ago and we year. We will try to get boxers titions. This will be managed to find Abdulhadi Al from Pakistan, India, Nepal, Marri (+91) who a won bronze Kazakhstan,Uzbekistan etc. the second time we medal at an event in Egypt this That’s part of a long-term get to stage a boxing year,” Kazim said. Yusuf Al Kazim, President of QBF, and Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager, Cultural strategy to promote boxing,” he contest. We have “This is a good way to scout Village Foundation at Katara during a press conference yesterday. said. for potential boxers. This three- “I hope to get good results named it Katara day event will feature boxers in through proper media coverage Boxing Champi- junior and senior categories. We the public interested in watching Championship,” Al Sulaiti said. towards Katara,” Al Sulaiti said. at this event,” he said. expect around 50 boxers who are sports from close quarters. “This event gives us more “We have huge number of “From this event, we want to onship: GM of Cul- likely to pass their medicals “We have staged basketball responsibility to stage this event visitors every year. We get take our message to the public. tural Village Foun- before they compete at the and volleyball events and that in a befitting manner. The fed- around 15-16 million visitors It’s good for the host venue and Katara Boxing Championship,” too international competitions. eration wanted to come back every year. We stage more than for us at the federation,” he said. dation at Katara, Dr he said. This will be the second time we and organise this event at 400 events annually. I think we Action on all the three days Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Al Sulaiti said the event is get to stage a boxing contest. We Katara with our name in the can do this with confidence. We will commence at 6:00pm, Al part of Katara’s plan to engage have named it Katara Boxing title. They have the confidence hope to have an international Kazim said. Sulaiti

Equestrian Festival in full swing at Souq Waqif Scenes from the Equestrian Festival under way at Souq Waqif. The six-day event is featuring top breed horses while a good number of spectators are turning out to watch the action. The equine extravaganza will conclude with two-day round 11 of the Hathab Series starting tomorrow. SPORT Thursday 12 April 2018

PAGES | 29 PAGE | 31 No Cricket Australia World Champion contracts for Smith, Barshim to lead stellar Warner and Bancroft line-up in Doha

Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo shoots to score a goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match against Juventus FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid yesterday.

Roma’s shock win Buffon sees red as Ronaldo over Barca a ‘big surprise’: Laudrup

spoils Juventus’ comeback FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA AP UEFA CHAMPIONS plaining after the penalty decision. also had chances, first for Pablo Madrid won the first leg 3-0 in LEAGUE: RESULTS Sarabia, then Joaquin Correa. DOHA: Expressing shock over AS Roma’s upset MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo Turin last week, when Ronaldo Sevilla’s players were showing more victory over Barcelona on Tuesday in the Cham- converted an injury-time penalty to scored with a spectacular bicycle Real Madrid 1 - 3 Juventus bite, winning more challenges with pions League quarter-final, Danish great Michael prevent Juventus from pulling off kick for his second goal of the (Aggregate 4-3) some leaving their mark - Lewand- Laudrup has termed it one of the biggest surprise another stunning comeback in the match. Juventus got off to the owski was left with large swelling in football. AS Roma made it to the semi-finals of quarterfinals of the Champions perfect start yesterday when Mario Bayern Munich 0 - 0 Sevilla under his right eye, while Javi Mar- the UEFA Champions League for the first time after League as Read Madrid advanced Mandzukic opened the scoring with (Aggregate 2-1) tinez, James and Rafinha also needed overturning a 4-1 first-leg deficit with a 3-0 victory despite a 3-1 home loss yesterday. a header two minutes into the attention. on Tuesday to win the contest on the basis of away The goal was enough to clinch match at Santiago Bernabeu clinched its sixth consecutive Bun- Bayern had better chances before goals. On the sidelines of the Emir Cup Draw a 4-3 aggregate win for Madrid, the Stadium. He added to the lead with desliga title on Saturday, progressed the break through Mats Hummels Ceremony held in Doha yesterday, the Al Rayyan two-time defending champion. another header before halftime, to the final four of Europe’s premier and Franck Ribery, who shot straight coach said it was a big surprise. A day after seeing Spanish rival and Blaise Matuidi scored the third competition thanks to its 2-1 win in at the goalkeeper. Lewandowski “I was watching the Liverpool/Manchester City Barcelona blow a three-goal early in the second half after a the first leg in Spain. went close after the interval before game but then I came to know that AS Roma are advantage against Roma in Italy, blunder by Madrid goalkeeper Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes Sevilla showed more ambition making a comeback, I switched to that game. To me Madrid nearly did the same. But Keylor Navas. sent out his strongest lineup in getting forward. Correa struck the it is a big surprise that Roma won 3-0 against Juventus’ heroics came up just short Meanwhile, in Munich, Bayern Munich with Robert Lewandowski, crossbar with a header before the Barcelona. after substitute Lucas Vazquez was Munich reached its sixth Champions James Rodriguez and Thomas hour-mark. “In Spain, especially in Barcelona everybody is pushed from behind inside the area League semifinal in seven seasons Mueller flanked by Arjen Robben and But it was as close as the visitors shocked because they cannot believe that. If a team deep into stoppage time. with a 0-0 draw against Sevilla in Franck Ribery. James went close with got, and Sevilla’s hopes were already like Barcelona win the first leg 4-1 than it should Gianluigi Buffon, in what was the second leg of their quarterfinal a free kick before Robben shot just over when Correa was shown red win comfortably. Barcelona is a better team than likely his last Champions League yesterday. wide of the far post as the home side card in injury time for a bad chal- Roma. But in football, it is like that, one bad night game, was then sent off for com- The Bavarian powerhouse, which made a promising start. But Sevilla lenge on Martinez. and you are out, that happens. It may be a huge shock but it is not the first time in football neither it is the last time,” Laudrup added. EMIR CUP 2018 DRAW CEREMONY

Al Shahaniya’s ticket is being shown during the Emir Cup draw ceremony held at the Rotana City Hotel in Doha yesterday. Picture: Mohamed Farag