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Tuesday, May 8, 2018 TENNIS Sha’baan 22, 1439 AH Djokovic edges GULF TIMES past Nishikori at Madrid Open SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Khoukhi brace gives Sadd crucial victory over Ahli ‘I was not happy with our defence today. We could have scored five goals with the number of chances we created’

By Sports Reporter Doha

oualem Khoukhi scored a brace to give Al Sadd a narrow 2-1 win at home over Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia in the fi rst leg of Btheir AFC Champions League Round of 16 tie at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. Al Sadd started their fi rst AFC Cham- pions League knockout game since 2015 brightly, and made the breakthrough in just the third minute as Khoukhi got into the box after a fi ne exchange with Xavi and coolly slotted home with his left foot for the opener. Despite the early setback, the visitors seemed confi dent of levelling the scores and came close to scoring twice in the number of chances we created. And space of one minute. However, Ahmed in the end we were punished for miss- Suhail and Salem al-Hajri produced ing those scoring opportunities as they two goal-line clearances to deny Ab- scored,” Ferreira said. dulfattah Asiri and Hussain al-Mogah- “This is not a good result for us. Now wi respectively. they need just a goal in the return leg to Just as Al Ahli looked to make their win on aggregate. It’s a harsh result and mark, Khoukhi struck again in the 28th I am very sad because of it. Not just the minute, doubling Al Sadd’s lead with a defenders, the whole team did not de- powerful header past Mohammed al- fend well. Pedro’s return for the second Owais following Baghdad Bounedjah’s leg will be very important for us. I want cross from the right. to be logical, not pessimistic, but match Al Sadd thus went into the break with in Jeddah will be a very diffi cult for us,” a 2-0 lead but a revitalised Al Ahli side the Portuguese added. emerged from the tunnel with a desire Ferreira was also unhappy with Al to change things around. They were re- Sadd jam-packed schedule as they have warded just two minutes into the second been playing matches every three days. half, with Mohannad Aseri heading in “It’s been a hectic schedule for us as Amir Kurdi’s cross to reduce the defi cit. we are playing back to back matches That goal set the stage for a feisty in diff erent tournaments. My players second half which saw both sides carve are suff ering from fatigue. And it will up numerous chances but no goal ma- Al Sadd’s Boualem Khoukhi (second from left) takes a shot at the Al Ain goal during the first leg of their Round of 16 match in AFC Champions League at the Al Sadd be much diffi cult for us in the coming terialised. Tournament leading scorer Stadium in Doha yesterday. (Right) Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil days. We played the fi nal of the Qatar Bounedjah was caught off side on mul- Cup against Al Duhail and then Al Khor tiple occasions while Saad al-Dosari a third goal but the Algerian striker shot Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira was chance to progress into the quarter- “It was not a satisfactory result for in the Amir Cup quarters. Today we stood his ground at the other end to it straight to Al Ahli goalkeeper. The re- disappointed with the result as he la- fi nals. Ferreira’s players created a fi stful us. It was important not to concede a played again. On Friday, we have Amir deny the Al Ahli forwards. sult leaves the tie nicely poised going mented for conceding an away goal. of chances during the game only to lack goal but unfortunately we did. I was Cup semi-fi nal against Duhail and then In the dying minutes, Bounedjah into next week’s second leg in Jeddah’s Now Sadd need to score in the return a cutting edge and there was the sense not happy with our defence today. We we travel to Saudi for the match on missed out a golden opportunity to add King Abdullah Sports City. leg or play out a goalless draw for a that they were running out of ideas. could have scored fi ve goals with the Monday,” he said.

PREVIEW Two unbeaten sides clash as Duhail take on Ain By Sports Reporter chasing a historic treble after win- keep delivering the goods, so they won the double, they played very Doha ning both the UAE Pro League and will have it easy in the return leg in well in the group stage. But this is the President’s Cup so far in 2018 in front of home fans on 15th May. only respect. a run that has seen them win their Duhail will be without the serv- “We have a very, very good team l Duhail coach Djamel last nine games. ices of regular captain and attack- also. We have lots of quality and Belmadi was in no doubts Al Ain’s 2-1 victory over Al Wasl ing midfi elder Youssef Msakni, have played a very good season. We about the diffi culty of his on Thursday ensured their seventh who underwent a cruciate ligament don’t need to be scared, but respect side’s AFC Champions President’s Cup title. Like Duhail, knee surgery in the US yesterday. to every opponent and also to Du- ALeague Round of 16 clash against the Al Ain too went unbeaten in the They will also miss defender Lucas hail. We have to try to do our game, hosts Al Ain at Hazza bin Zayed Sta- Champions League and reached the Mendes, who had received a red card our way to play football. It’s similar dium in UAE today. knockout stage as runners-up from during their last group game against but I think in our home, in front of Duhail went unbeaten to clinch Group D with 10 points. the UAE’s Al Wahda. Luiz Junior is our fans, we can make more.” the QNB Stars League title, before Speaking ahead of the game, Bel- set to return though. Mamic was confi dent Al Ain can defeating Al Sadd to win the Qatar madi asserted that Duhail was fo- For Al Ain, Ahmed Ismail and take an advantage into the return Cup. They are also through to the cused on giving their best and said Mohamed Abdulrahman are avail- fi xture to help clear their path to- Amir Cup semi-fi nal, where they his team does not fear facing Al Ain. able after serving one-game bans, wards quarter-fi nals later this year. will face Sadd again this Friday as “Al Duhail are not afraid of facing but Egyptian Hussein El Shahat is “Duhail has a lot of good players, they aim for a domestic treble. any team in any championship. Our suspended. that’s why Al Ain has to be at a high But Belmadi has made winning goal is always the win and we will In-form striker Marcus Berg will level to make a good match. We want the AFC Champions League has his play with the same ambition,” he be a key fi gure for them. The Swede to go to the next round and will do main objective this season. The Red said in Al Ain yesterday. has registered seven goals thus far in everything for the victory. Tomor- Knights have never won the premier “Our preparation for this match this season’s Champions League – row is the fi rst half at our home and Asian title before, but they have the has gone well. We know the impor- joint-best in the competition. we want to try to make the result personnel to create history this time. tance of this fi xture. Our goal is to Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic is well that helps us in the second game. The Qatari champions have won reach the quarter-fi nals fi rst but we aware the contest is going to be a But it will not be decided tomorrow. 17 from 17 in all competitions, also want to go on and win the title. fi erce one. The Croatian, like Bel- It will be decided after the second stretching back to early February. A My team is more experienced than madi, said Al Ain respect Al Duhail, game,” the Al Ain coach said. perfect six wins from six saw Duhail last year as we have participated but do not fear them. Today’s fi xture is the only game become the fi rst team since Kashima in many tournaments. We know Asked yesterday if Duhail’s recent that pits two unbeaten sides against Antlers in 2010 to progress from the diff erence between group stage success worried him, Mamic coun- one another, meaning something the group stage with a 100 percent matches and a knockout tie and this tered: “It can be the same question has to give. Al Duhail may have record. The real test for their title will be the biggest test for Duhail. in the opposite way also. We have grabbed the headlines in the group credentials, though, starts with a But we are focused on achieving our also made a great season with the stage, but Al Ain boast the tour- last 16 clash against Al Ain today. goal,” the Algerian added. double. I’m not scared, but I have nament credentials and knockout The Emirati side have improved as Belmadi is counting on a mix of lots of respect for Duhail because stage knowhow. An intriguing en- Al Duhail players celebrate their victory over Al Wahda during their last AFC Champions League the tournament has gone on and are young and experienced players to they have had a great season, they counter awaits! match last month. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 8, 2018 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Messi helps 10-man Barca earn draw as Ronaldo gets injured Real’s Ronaldo was forced off at half- time after appearing to hurt his ankle

AFP playing a man down for the whole of Barcelona the second half, meant the Catalans departed the happier side. Ernesto Valverde’s men, already ionel Messi weaved his magic to crowned champions, are now three keep 10-man Barcelona’s un- matches away from becoming the fi rst beaten season alive as a 2-2 draw team ever to fi nish a 38-game La Liga at the Camp Nou on Sunday season unbeaten. Andres Iniesta over- Lnight left Real Madrid sweating over an came, or perhaps ignored, a niggling injury to Cristiano Ronaldo. calf problem to play his 38th and fi nal Ronaldo was forced off at half-time Clasico while Philippe Coutinho was after appearing to hurt his ankle and picked to start his fi rst. Real will be hoping their star striker can Iniesta went off to a standing ovation now recover in time for the Champions in the second half. Barca exploded out League fi nal against Liverpool on May of the blocks and they were ahead with- 26. “It’s a small thing,” Real coach Zin- in 10 minutes. Suarez swept the ball out edine Zidane said afterwards. “He is a to the right where Sergi ignored Messi’s bit worried, right now the ankle is a bit run to the near post and returned the swollen, but he said it is not so bad.” cross deep to Suarez. He fi nished into Gerard Pique’s challenge had come the bottom corner. as Ronaldo cancelled out Luis Suarez’s The lead, however, lasted four min- opener before Sergi Roberto was sent utes. Just as Suarez initiated his goal, off on the stroke of half-time for an al- so did Ronaldo, a neat backheel free- tercation with Real defender Marcelo. ing Toni Kroos, who found Karim Ben- Barca, however, took the lead in the zema at the back post. The Frenchman second half as Messi scored a brilliant was cool enough to head back into the individual goal only for Gareth Bale, six-yard box, where Ronaldo bundled who could earlier have been sent off , to home. Ronaldo took treatment but was have the last word in a thrilling Clasico, able temporarily to continue and could his emphatic strike earning Real a de- twice have given Real the lead. served draw. His fi rst shot was saved by Marc- After initially taking treatment, Ro- Andre Ter Stegen, the second fi red wide naldo played on for 31 minutes here be- of the far post. In between, Messi had fore Zidane decided to substitute him at played in Jordi Alba with a sumptuous half-time, which may at least off er Real ball over the top but even he lost his cool encouragement. “It’s just the move- during fi ve mad minutes at the end of ment, tomorrow we’ll see,” Zidane said. the fi rst period. Suarez felt he had been “The Champions League fi nal? We’re elbowed by Sergio Ramos, prompting going to do everything to make it.” the fi rst round of scuffl es, before Messi Fears this meeting, which meant was booked for fl ying into the defender little in terms of the table, might lack on the touchline. Bale was then lucky Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi scores against Real Madrid during the Spanish league match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona yesterday. (AFP) intensity proved well wide of the mark not to be sent off for stabbing his studs as a pulsating contest, littered with into Samuel Umtiti’s calf and moments Asensio on for Ronaldo, they were cel- from Ramos, and then Casemiro, before 72nd minute, when Bale raced onto penalty when Alba cleared out Marcelo controversy, could have been won at later Sergi did see red, as he threw a ebrating eight minutes after the restart. fi ring into the bottom corner. Asensio’s pass and whipped the ball but referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez either end right up until the fi nal whis- hand into the face of Marcelo. Suarez’s blatant kick on Raphael Varane Even Zidane was smiling on the fi rst-time into the top corner. It was Hernandez somehow decided the chal- tle. Ronaldo’s injury, however, coupled The home fans were raging as the went unpunished and from there it was touchline. Real struggled to capitalise the Welshman’s 15th goal in 24 matches lenge was clean. It was the fi nal contro- with Barcelona avoiding defeat, despite half-time whistle blew but, with Marco all about Messi. He skipped away fi rst on their one-man advantage until the this year. Real should have had a late versy of a surprisingly heated derby.

Messi ‘put pressure on referee’ in Clasico, says Ramos FOCUS Barcelona: Real Madrid captain Sergio everything to him. This is football and Ribery signs Bayern Ramos said Barcelona forward Lionel everything should stay on the pitch.” Messi put pressure on the referee at Ramos also said he thought Suarez halftime in Sunday’s thrilling ‘Clasico’ at had been exaggerating his pain when extension until 2019 the Nou Camp which ended 2-2 after a the Uruguayan striker went down after series of controversial decisions. a challenge in the first half. Real did AFP tober which kept him out for 10 Barca defender Sergi Roberto had not put the ball out of play at the time, Berlin games, Ribery, who will be 36 been sent off right at the end of the first angering Barca players. when his contract expires, has half for clashing with Marcelo, provoking “When an opponent is down on the managed fi ve goals in 19 league fury among the home side’s players and floor and you think it’s serious you eteran winger Franck games this season. He was a key supporters as moments earlier Real for- normally kick the ball out of play. But I Ribery, 35, has signed a fi gure when Bayern won the tre- ward Gareth Bale had gotten away with a know him a little and I know what he’s one-year extension to ble in 2013 of Bundesliga, Ger- studs-up challenge on Samuel Umtiti. like,” Ramos added. “We always respect stay at Bayern Munich man Cup and Champions League Vuntil 2019, the German giants titles, providing 11 goals and 23 The Wales forward later denied Liga Barcelona but in that play I thought kick- champions Barca victory by hitting a ing the ball out was not necessary.” announced yesterday. “I am very assists in a total of 43 matches. scorching late equaliser from outside Suarez also had a goal ruled out for happy to be able to play for an- It was Ribery’s fi nal pass which the area. The constant on-field confron- off side, while Madrid were denied a late other year at this great club,” said Arjen Robben converted for the tations and meaty challenges led to penalty when Marcelo was tripped in the Ribery in a statement. “Munich winning goal at Wembley when referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez area by Jordi Alba. has long since become a home Bayern beat Borussia Dortmund dishing out eight yellow cards, including “We watched an incredible game of for my family and I, therefore, am 2-1 in that year’s Champions booking Ramos and Barca striker Luis football and I can’t say if the draw is fair proud to be able to play in the FC League fi nal. Suarez. or not,” said Real coach Zinedine Zidane, Bayern shirt next season.” Fellow veteran Robben, 34, has “Messi put him under a bit of pres- who would not be drawn on the referee’s Ribery joined Bayern in 2007, also been off ered a year’s exten- sure in the tunnel, I don’t know if there performance. “Those that came to the scoring 80 goals in 247 Bundes- sion to his deal which expires in are cameras, maybe he caused him to stadium will go home happy. The game liga appearances, and won the June, but the Dutch winger has referee in the second half in a diff erent had a little bit of everything, I imagine it Barcelona’s Luis Suarez (left) clashes with Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos (centre) and German league title for a joint yet to put pen to paper. Robben, way,” Ramos told reporters. “He said was very tough to referee.” Casemiro during the heated derby on Sunday night. (Reuters) record eighth time this season. who joined Bayern in 2009, is Despite a knee injury in Oc- also considering other off ers.

ROUND-UP Barca president admits to meeting Griezmann representatives arcelona president Josep Maria in Portugal as the club look to trim the 2013 Europa League fi nal between in January after spending most of his Bartomeu has admitted he their payroll. The club secured a 28th Chelsea and Benfi ca, as well as the career at Saint-Etienne. met with representatives of Portuguese league title on Saturday 2014 Champions League fi nal involving Atletico Madrid striker Anto- after a goalless draw between Sport- Real and Atletico. NIGERIA’S NDIDI EXPECTED ineB Griezmann in October. Griez- ing Lisbon and Benfi ca left Porto four TO BE FIT FOR WORLD CUP mann has indicated he wants his future points clear with just a game to play. POGBA BROTHER ‘ATTACKED’ Injured Nigerian midfi elder Wilfred decided before this summer’s World They celebrated clinching their fi rst BY TEAMMATES IN TURKEY Ndidi will be fi t for the World Cup even Cup after Barca were forced to deny in championship in fi ve years with a 2-1 Florentin Pogba, the older brother though his Premier League season with January they had already agreed a deal win over Feirense on Sunday, a result of Manchester United star Paul, was Leicester City is over, national team to sign the Frenchman. that stretched their lead at the top to attacked by angry Genclerbirligi team- spokesman Toyin Ibitoye said. Ndidi, “We had conversations with his seven points. mates after abruptly walking off the 21, is nursing a hamstring injury and is representative, as we have with other pitch on Sunday and leaving his side a expected to be out of action for several representatives,” Bartomeu said yester- SERBIA’S MILORAD MAZIC TO REF- man down, Turkish media reported. weeks. However, Ibitoye said in the day. “This was last October, a meeting, EREE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL Pogba was confronted in the chang- nation’s capital Abuja that the highly- nothing more. It should not give rise to Serbian referee Milorad Mazic will ing room by several teammates after rated defensive midfi elder would be fi t speculation.” take charge of the Champions League the 1-0 league defeat at home to Antal- and ready for the tournament starting Griezmann has scored 30 goals fi nal between holders Real Madrid and yaspor, according to reports. Security June 14. Ndidi has been ruled out of the in 51 games this season and can end Liverpool on May 26 in Kiev, UEFA an- offi cers and club cialsoffi reportedly World Cup warm-up games against DR the campaign by winning the Eu- SPANISH VETERAN CASILLAS 2010 as well as consecutive European nounced yesterday. had to intervene to usher Pogba to Congo on May 28 and against England ropa League, with Atletico up against WANTS TO CARRY ON Championships, in 2008 and 2012. The 45-year-old, an international safety. The defender removed his shirt at Wembley on June 2. Marseille in the fi nal later this month. Porto’s veteran Spanish goalkeeper The 36-year-old broke through referee since 2009, will be assisted by and stormed off the pitch in the 88th Any deal with Barcelona would place in Iker Casillas, coming to the end of his into the Real fi rst team as a teenager in compatriots Milovan Ristic and Dali- minute with his team down a goal after LYON KEEPER LOPES HANDED further doubt the future of Ousmane contract with the Portuguese cham- 1999, winning the Champions League bor Djurdjevic. Frenchman Clement an argument with a teammate. LONGER SUSPENSION Dembele, who has endured a diffi cult pions, has admitted that he wants to on three occasions before moving to Turpin will serve as the fourth offi cial. Genclerbirligi had already made Olympique Lyonnais goalkeeper fi rst season at the Camp Nou. continue playing. “I want to carry on Porto. “The reality is that my contract Mazic has refereed four Champions their three substitutions, forcing the Anthony Lopes’s suspension has been Dembele joined Barca from Borussia playing football and if Porto come ends on June 30 and I don’t know what League group stage matches this home side to fi nish the match with just increased from three to fi ve games Dortmund for 147mn euros last year knocking on my door I’ll welcome will happen,” Casillas said. “What’s season and was the man in the middle 10 men. The loss means Genclerbirligi following a brawl at the end of a Ligue 1 and Bartomeu insists the 20-year- them with open arms,” Casillas said. certain is that club president Pinto da for last year’s Confederations Cup fi nal are almost certain to be relegated from match against Olympique de Marseille, old will not be leaving this summer. Casillas, his country’s most-capped Costa has shown a lot of interest and between Chile and Germany. Dutch- the Turkish top fl ight with fi ve points the French Football Federation said. “It’s not on the table,” Bartomeu said. player with 167 appearances, left Real aff ection to me.” man Bjorn Kuipers has been appointed between them and safety and just The incidents happened at the Stade “Dembele is one for the future and we Madrid, for whom he played 725 times, Porto have long announced that referee for the Europa League fi nal two matches of the season remain- Velodrome on March 18. Marseille expect a lot from him in the next few in 2015 to join Porto. He captained his Casillas was to leave at the end of the between Atletico Madrid and Marseille ing. Pogba, 27, signed an 18-month defender Adil Rami’s three-match seasons.” country to their fi rst World Cup title in season following a three-year stint in Lyon on May 16. He was in charge of contract with the Ankara-based club suspension was confi rmed. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 8, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Neymar set to attend Les Herbiers face PSG French Cup fi nal

AFP in French Cup fi nal Paris eymar will attend to- day’s French Cup fi nal With average gate collection of around 1,300, Les Herbiers’ annual budget is around 2mn euros and between Paris Saint- Germain and min- prevents them from off ering more than 3,000 euros a month to their players Nnows Les Herbiers, PSG captain Thiago Silva said. “He is fully AFP motivated but sad that he can’t Paris train with us. He will be there to support us tomorrow at the Stade de France and I think he’ll here may never have been a be happy,” Silva said yesterday greater mismatch in a Cup fi - ahead of the game. nal than tonight’s French Cup Neymar returned to Paris on showpiece which will see the Friday to continue his recovery, Tmighty Paris Saint-Germain take on the two months after undergoing minnows of Les Herbiers. It would take surgery on a broken bone in his a shock of seismic proportions for PSG, foot in his native Brazil. He is even without the still injured Neymar, unlikely to play again for PSG to slip up against a team of modest play- this season, his focus now on ers struggling to stay in France’s partly being ready in time for Brazil’s amateur third division. World Cup bid in June and July. PSG are fresh from winning the Ligue Silva added: “Neymar is do- 1 title and are hoping to secure a clean ing well. It’s clear he’s making sweep of the domestic trophies when progress. He’s already working they run out at the Stade de France for a in the gym.” game that will be attended by President Emmanuel Macron. EMERY LOOKING TO Revenue of almost 500mn euros LEAVE PSG ON A HIGH ($596mn) last year makes them the sev- Facing third-tier side Les Her- enth-richest club in the world accord- biers in today’s French Cup fi nal ing to Deloitte’s latest Football Money will not only give Paris St Ger- League. That helped them splash out main a chance to further estab- a world-record 222mn euros on Ney- lish their domestic domination mar last year and commit to spending but it will also off er departing 180mn euros to buy Kylian Mbappe coach Unai Emery the op- from Monaco. portunity to make a triumphant With average gates of around 1,300, exit.Emery, whose contract Les Herbiers’ annual budget is around expires at the end of the season, 2mn euros and prevents them from of- would like nothing better than fering more than 3,000 euros a month achieving the domestic treble, to their players. The fi gures suggest with PSG having already won PSG will easily win the French Cup for the Ligue 1 and League Cup ti- the fourth year running, and record 12th tles. The Basque, who led Sevilla time overall, but Les Herbiers are not to three consecutive Europa worrying about that. League titles before joining PSG “That is not how we should look in 2016, urged his players not to at this match,” insisted their coach be complacent against a team Stephane Masala yesterday at the Stade who will have nothing to lose at de France. “I am a young coach and I the Stade de France. am here to learn. I hope the players are “We prepared this game like there to learn and I hope PSG’s great every other game. We analysed players will give us a lesson. We won’t our opponents, some serious be an embarrassment, even if we get training,” Emery, who hopes hammered.” his team will clinch a record- Les Herbiers come from a small town extending 12th French Cup in western France, a short drive south title, said. “The players are very of Nantes in the Vendee region, one of professional and they know it’s France’s biggest tourist destinations not a game like any other, it’s but not a footballing hotspot. And yet a fi nal. All the players are very around 15,000 fans — around the same Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe (centre) controls the ball in front as teammate Lassana Diarra (right) looks on during a training session at the Stade de France in motivated.” as the population of the town — will Saint-Denis, northern Paris, yesterday on the eve of the French Cup final against Les Herbiers. (AFP) head to the capital for the game. Masala, 41, is confi dent it will be a sisted Rodrigue Bongongui, who played Lyon as recently as 2012, while fourth- the fi nal, while the team departed to run to complete the treble before coach “spectacular” occasion, and his play- for the same youth club in the Paris division Calais lost to Nantes in 2000. prepare for the game at the French na- Unai Emery leaves at the season’s end. ers should not be totally star-struck, suburbs as Mbappe. Remarkably, they have not had to face a tional team’s Clairefontaine base. PSG, “We must win this title for him, to fi n- with many coming through the youth “We know there is a huge gulf in class, single Ligue 1 club to get here, although meanwhile, have been focusing on this ish this season and this cycle well. He ranks at top French sides. “Given their but we will just enjoy it and maybe learn second-tier Auxerre and Lens were seen occasion, and the chance to win another has brought many positive things to performances in Ligue 1 and the way something as well.” off before a 2-0 win against third-divi- piece of silverware, since wrapping up the club,” said captain Thiago Silva of they have run away with the league, you Les Herbiers are not the fi rst side sion Chambly in the semi-fi nals. the league title last month. Emery. “People think it will be an easy might think we would be afraid. But we from down the divisions to reach the The club have constructed a replica They have won their last 41 domes- match, but life is not like that and foot- will be going out to enjoy ourselves,” in- fi nal — third-tier Quevilly lost 1-0 to Eiff el Tower at their stadium ahead of tic cup ties and are eager to extend that ball is not like that.”

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Carvalhal seeks Giggs hopeful of full recovery for Ferguson positive reaction AFP quickly. He is a strong man and an opti- London mistic man.” Sunday saw runaway winners Man- from Swansea chester City receive the Premier League anchester United’s most dec- trophy. But local rivalries were forgotten Reuters react very fast,” the manager orated player Ryan Giggs led as a banner was held aloft by City fans London added. “My players will give the another day of well wishes reading: “Football aside get well Fergie” maximum and the fans will give from the world of football as supporters spilled onto the pitch at the maximum, and when we play Mfor his legendary former manager Alex full-time of a scoreless draw with Hud- wansea City cannot let in Liberty, usually we are a strong Ferguson following the Scot’s emergency dersfi eld. the defeat to Bourne- team. It is our plan to be a strong surgery on a brain haemorrhage. “All the Manchester City fans in the mouth derail their Pre- team on Tuesday.” Considered the most successful man- stadium, you cannot fi nd one person who mier League survival Meanwhile, Southampton ager in the history of British football, does not wish the best for an amazing hopesS and have to respond with manager Mark Hughes said his Ferguson, 76, won 38 trophies in just over person,” said City boss Guardiola. a victory against Southampton team can ease the disappoint- 26 years in charge of United, including 13 On the streets of Manchester yesterday today, manager Carlos Carvalhal ment of the late equaliser they Premier League titles and the Champions there was huge respect from both sets of said. Swansea were dealt a po- conceded at Everton by inching League twice before retiring in 2013. fanbases for Ferugson’s achievements. tentially fatal blow in their battle towards Premier League survival United have off ered no update on Fer- “He will always be the greatest manager to avoid the drop as winger Ryan with a win over Swansea City . guson’s condition since saying a proce- in Premier League history — and I’m say- Fraser’s defl ected shot earned Relegation-threatened South- dure on the haemorrhage on Saturday had ing that as a City fan,” Dan Holland said. Bournemouth a 1-0 win at the ampton were denied victory in gone “very well”, but that a period of in- “I’ve got mad respect for him.” Vitality Stadium on Saturday. a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on tensive care is needed to optimise his re- Giggs was just one of many youngsters Defeat left Carvalhal’s side 18th Saturday when Everton mid- covery. Wales manager Giggs was part of that Ferguson nurtured from the United in the standings on 33 points fi elder Tom Davies equalised all 13 of Ferguson’s title-winning sides in academy to stardom on the international from 36 games. with a defl ected shot in the fi fth a 24-year playing career at Old Traff ord. stage. “He’s taken English football to the Southampton are level on minute of added time. “Now is the time to pray and hope he pinnacle of world football. The amount of points with the Welsh side but The draw took Southampton can make a full recovery,” Giggs said. “He Manchester United’s legendary former manager Alex Ferguson underwent trophies he won not just nationally, but are one place above them due to out of the drop zone for the fi rst has been the biggest infl uence in my ca- emergency surgery on Saturday after suff ering a brain haemorrhage. (Reuters) internationally, all the European Cups a superior goal diff erence. “Af- time since March and the Saints reer, both on and off the pitch. I know the he’s won as well,” said United fan Ben ter losing a game like we did at will be seeking to stay ahead of operation has been a success — but he is Hopefully he’ll recover well.” they battled for Premier League suprem- Montgomery. Bournemouth, everyone is sad, Swansea by picking up as many a fi ghter and that is what makes me think United midfi elder Juan Mata admitted acy in the fi rst decade of the Frenchman’s “Also the fact he’s brought talents to of course. But tomorrow is an- points as possible at the Liberty that he will be able to make a recovery.” news of Ferguson’s condition had a “huge 22-year reign in charge of Arsenal. England and shown that you can actu- other day and we will react,” Car- Stadium. United defender Phil Jones is also posi- impact” on the current squad. “This However, they later became friends ally use homegrown talent right through valhal told. Swansea host already “We have a quick turnaround tive on Ferguson’s chances of making a circumstance has had a huge impact on and with Wenger leaving Arsenal at the to the fi rst team — look at David Beckham relegated Stoke City in their fi nal and we can go again. We were full recovery, despite admitting to being Manchester United, as you can imagine,” end of the season, Ferguson presented his for example.” game while Southampton have a great last weekend, we were great “devastated” by the news of his ill health. Mata wrote in his blog. “All of us are unit- old adversary with a memento on his fi nal Ferguson famously described his mis- potentially tough match against again today (Saturday) and we’ll “(I am) just devastated, absolutely dev- ed right now, wishing Sir Alex a speedy visit to United’s Old Traff ord ground just sion upon joining United from Aberdeen champions Manchester City at be great again on Tuesday I am astated,” said Jones, who was signed for recovery. He has been a unique and fun- last weekend. in 1986 as knocking Liverpool “off their St Mary’s Stadium. Carvalhal is sure,” Hughes said. United by Ferguson in 2011. damental fi gure in the football world over “I was with him on the pitch last week. perch”. He duly did so as United overtook well aware of the importance of Hughes was appointed by “He is such a legend in my eyes. He is the last few decades.” I went to see him in the box after the Liverpool as the most successful side in three points against Southamp- Southampton in March and the the one who brought me to the club and United thanked the many well-wish- game and he looked in perfect shape,” English domestic football. “When I heard ton. 54-year-old was tasked with gave me that opportunity to play for one ers, including the likes of rival managers said Wenger, after his fi nal home game the news yesterday I really couldn’t be- “On Tuesday, we must be at rescuing the club from the threat of the biggest clubs in the world. He’s Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen as Arsenal boss. “He told me he is doing a lieve this could happen. He is absolutely the top of our game. This is the of the drop two months after he taken me under his wing like a father and Klopp, who spoke of their admiration for lot of exercise, and he looked very happy the boss,” said Liverpool manager Klopp main point and the players know was fi red by Stoke City, who were it was shocking. It’s sad, but I know his Ferguson. Wenger enjoyed a long, and at but that kind of accident can happen. after his side’s 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on about that. They know they must relegated at the weekend. character. I know he has that fi ght in him. times fractious rivalry with Ferguson as We wish him all well and to recover very Sunday. “I wish him the best.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 8, 2018 CRICKET

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS McClenaghan and Ronchi complete Sunrisers all but seal World XI to play WI

IANS so many cricketers from dif- Dubai ferent countries come to- gether for such a reason. To be playing a match which will see he New Zealand pair some of the very best in action Royal Challengers of Luke Ronchi and together is a matter of great Mitchell McClena- pride for me. I’m looking for- ghan complete the ward to seeing a packed house TICC World XI line-up for the at Lord’s, supporting the relief fund-raising Twenty20 In- eff ort, and an exciting game of ternational against the West cricket.” Indies at Lords on May 31, the McClenaghan added: “It ICC said yesterday. will be an absolute pleasure to fate with 5-run win Wicketkeeper-batsman contribute towards a fantastic Ronchi and fast bowler Mc- cause and to help restore dam- ‘Bhuvi and Sid Kaul have done it for a long period of time, did very well last year, Clenaghan join a host of stars aged stadiums after the dev- who have already confi rmed astation caused by Hurricanes doing well this year. Hope we can continue to back them at the death’ their participation in the Irma and Maria. This will be Lord’s match, which is being a fantastic spectacle and I’m organised to raise funds for looking forward to partici- stadia in the Caribbean which pating with a great bunch of were damaged due to hurri- guys and look forward to doing canes last year. those who will benefi t from The team, to be led by Eng- this match proud.” land’s limited overs captain Ronchi, who turned out Eoin Morgan, includes Hardik for Australia before return- Pandya and Dinesh Karthik ing to play for his country of (both India), Shahid Afridi and birth New Zealand, has scored Shoaib Malik (both Pakistan), 1397 runs in 85 ODIs with Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim 105 catches and 12 stump- Iqbal (both Bangladesh), ings, while he has 359 runs in Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka) and 32 T20Is with 24 catches and Rashid Khan (Afghanistan). fi ve stumpings. He scored the “I’m looking forward to be- most runs in this year’s Paki- ing a part of the World XI at stan Super League, aggregat- Lord’s for the charity match ing 435 runs for Islamabad against the Windies on the United. Left-arm bowler Mc- 31st of May, that will be raising Clenaghan has 82 wickets in funds to help with the rebuild- 48 ODIs and 30 in 28 T20Is. ing of cricket venues which The Windies, the reigning were damaged by the two hur- ICC World Twenty20 cham- ricanes in the Caribbean last pions, are being led by Carlos year,” Ronchi was quoted as Brathwaite. Chris Gayle, Mar- saying by the International lon Samuels, Samuel Badree Cricket Council (ICC). and Andre Russell are among “It is all for a worthy cause the other leading players in the and it feels really good to see squad.

SPOTLIGHT Pakistan head to Sunrisers Hyderabad players Kane Williamson (third right) celebrates with teammates after defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore in their 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP) Ireland with victory

IANS a manageable 146, the visitors the quick dismissals of AB de home side could manage just 41 the innings.The fi nal over saw a AFP Pune began their chase on a promising Villiers (5) and debutant Moeen runs losing seven wickets in the couple of run-outs by Kohli and London note, and looked comfortable at Ali (10) as the tourists started fi nal fi ve overs. a wicket by Southee as the hosts 60/2 before the innings derailed losing the plot. Put in to bat, Hyderabad skip- were bundled out for 146. unrisers Hyderabad with three quick wickets as they With the asking run-rate per Kane Williamson (56 off 39 “We’re playing on tough sur- akistan warmed up for the fi rst Test match of their tour consolidated their stay eventually ended on 141/6. climbing and the home bowlers balls) raged a lone battle with a faces, this was another one. in Ireland by seeing off Northamptonshire with a simple atop the Indian Premier Parthiv Patel gave RCB a fl ashy sticking to a perfect line, the last defi ant half century, despite los- We were aiming for 150 and we chase of 133 to win by nine wickets on the fourth day at League (IPL) points table start scoring a 13-ball 20 before recognised batting duo of Man- ing his partners at regular inter- weren’t far away, so we were Wantage Road. withS yet another brilliant de- skipper Kohli blasted a 30-ball deep Singh (21 not out) and Colin vals before Shakib joined him to right in the game,” Williamson PVictory for the tourists yesterday was set up by Asad Shafi q’s fence of a meagre total, that saw 39 to put the tourists on course de Grandhomme (33) eventually forge a 64-run partnership for said. unbeaten 186 in the fi rst innings, whilst Shadab Khan took 10 for them pip struggling Royal Chal- for a comfortable win. failed to take the visitors home. the fourth wicket and take the “With the ball, we struggled 157 in the match to prepare Pakistan nicely for Ireland’s debut in lengers Bangalore (RCB) by fi ve Kohli started with his trade- Earlier, the tourists rode on side past the 100-run mark. a little bit, fi elding was sloppy. Test cricket. Mohamed Abbas made the vital breakthrough yes- runs here at the Rajiv Gandhi In- mark cover drive for a boundary pace duo of Mohammed Siraj With the innings progress- Bhuvi and Sid Kaul have done terday morning to dismiss Rob Newston for 118 and Shadab took ternational Stadium yesterday. before taking left-arm spinner (3/25) and Tim Southee (3/30) ing at a snail’s pace, Williamson it for a long period of time, did the fi nal two Northants wickets to set up a comfortable target. This was the Orange Army’s Shakib Al Hasan to the cleaners and two impressive run-outs while trying to up the ante, per- very well last year, doing well And despite losing Azhar Ali to a comical run out for just 10, half eighth win from 10 matches and on three consecutive occasions. by skipper Kohli to restrict the ished off a Umesh Yadav deliv- this year. Hope we can continue centuries from Imam Ul-Haq, nephew of Inzamam Ul-Haq, and look on course for the play-off s Kohli survived a scare from hosts to a a below par 146. ery caught at the deep backward to back them at the death.” Haris Sohail saw Pakistan over the line. After providing the oppo- with already 16 points in their Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan Siraj accounted for the key square leg boundary by Mandeep sition when Ireland play their inaugural Test in a match starting in kitty. On the other hand, Virat when his edge went through wickets of opener Shikhar Dha- Singh. The Hyderabad’s skipper Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hydera- Malahide, near Dublin, on Friday, Pakistan will return across the Kohli’s sixth-placed RCB virtu- Kane Williamson’s hands to the wan (13), Yusuf Pathan (12) and knock was decorated with fi ve bad: 146 (Kane Williamson 56, Irish Sea for a two-Test series against England. ally fi nd themselves out of the boundary but could not ride his Wriddhiman Saha (8) even as fours and couple of sixes. Shakib Al Hasan 35; Mohamed race to the play-off s after suc- luck a second time when Yu- Southee started the proceed- Shakib too, followed his skip- Siraj 3/25) beat Royal Chal- BRIEF SCORES cumbing to their seventh loss in suf Pathan pulled off a blinder ings with the wicket of the other per to the dug out in the 18th lengers Bangalore 141/6 (Virat Pakistan 428 (Shafiq 186*, Haris 79, Babar 57; Crook 4-89) and 134 10 outings and are likely to play of a catch at short third man off opener Alex Hales (5) and came over before Yusuf and Wriddhi- Kohli 39, Colin de Grandhomme for 1 (Imam 59*, Haris 55*) beat Northamptonshire 259 (Rossing- the party spoilers from here on. Shakib. back to remove Shakib (35) and man departed in quick succes- 33, Mandeep Singh 21 not out; ton 90; Shadab 6-77) and 301 (Newton 118, Cobb 52, Abbas 4-62; After restricting Sunrisers to The skipper’s wicket followed Sandeep Sharma (0), as the sion off the penultimate over of Shakib Al Hasan 2/36) by 5 runs. Shadab 4-80) by nine wickets.

INTERVIEW Rabada injury a ‘blessing in disguise’, says Donald AFP into stepping off cricket’s treadmill. Canterbury, United Kingdom “I think what happened to Rabada is probably a KGISO RABADA blessing in disguise because the bloke is knackered - he just didn’t look like he had anything in him in that outh Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s back last innings in Joburg,” Donald told AFP. injury could yet prove to be a “blessing in dis- “I mean that in a very nice way with his injury as he guise”, according to former Proteas paceman can have time to rest because at the moment he’s not Allan Donald. getting any of that,” added Donald, now the assistant SAt the age of just 22, Rabada is already on top of the coach of English county Kent. International Cricket’s Test bowling rankings and a Since making his debut three years ago, Rabada key fi gure in a South Africa pace attack that has been has already played 30 Tests, taking 143 wickets at an having to do without the sidelined Dale Steyn. average of 21.59 - fi gures that stand comparison with Rabada played a central role in South Africa’s re- those of all-time fast bowling greats. cent 3-1 Test series win over Australia -their fi rst on “He’s our front-man at the moment - he is just an home soil against the Australians since re-admission. absolute gift,” insisted Donald, whose own career as A bitterly-contested series saw Rabada successful- a key member of the South Africa side that returned ly appeal against a ban for colliding with Steve Smith to the world stage after apartheid-enforced exile saw in Port Elizabeth that would have ruled him out of the him take 330 wickets in 72 Tests at an average of 22.25 fi nal two Tests of a campaign that was overshadowed “He’s the best young fast bowler going around by the Australia ball-tampering scandal in Cape right now.” Town involving then-captain Smith, David Warner When Rabada and fellow 22-year-old Lungi Ngidi and Cameron Bancroft. are both fi t, the Proteas’ pace attack has a decidedly Rabada was named man-of-the-series after taking youthful cutting edge, albeit 32-year-old fast-medi- 23 wickets at an average of under 20 apiece, but he um bowler Vernon Philander is a proven performer at bowled only eight overs in Australia’s second innings Test level. in the fi nal Test in Johannesburg. “It’s a seriously talented, young fast-bowling He was subsequently diagnosed with a lower-back group,” said Donald, 51. stress reaction and ruled out of all cricket for up to “Dale Steyn is not there at the moment, he’s mak- three months by Proteas team management. ing his way back - he’ll play in Sri Lanka by all ac- That meant Rabada could not take up a contract to counts - and there’s young Ngidi.” play in the lucrative Indian Premier League Twen- But Donald warned the Proteas quicks would not ty20 tournament where the Delhi Daredevils had bid have things all their own way in Sri Lanka. $646,000 for his services at January’s player auction. “Vernon does what Vernon does - if there’s any- thing in the wicket he’ll expose it. It’s going to be a ‘Absolute gift’ diff erent story in Sri Lanka though, that’s for sure,” he But, with South Africa not involved in internation- said. “They will be tested severely in Sri Lanka, and al action again until a tour of Sri Lanka in July featur- it’s not going to seam much, but they’ve got a great ing two Tests, fi ve one-day internationals and a lone bunch of guys with a lot of skill there and great lead- Twenty20, Donald was glad Rabada had been forced ership too.” Gulf Times Tuesday, May 8, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Expansion Knights sink Sharks to reach Warriors, Rockets conference fi nal

AFP games one and six against the Los Angeles Sharks. Next up for Vegas will be the Western Conference fi - arc-Andre Fleury nal against either Winnipeg or reach brink of west stopped 28 shots for Nashville. The Jets lead that se- his fourth shutout of ries 3-2 heading into game six on the postseason as the Monday. Mexpansion Vegas Golden Knights In Tampa, Florida, J.T. Miller advanced to the Western Con- scored the go-ahead goal on the ference fi nal with a 3-0 win over power play and the Tampa Bay the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. Lightning punched their ticket It is another stunning devel- to the Eastern Conference fi nal conference fi nal opment in the evolution of the with a 3-1 victory over Boston. NHL’s newest franchise as the After dropping the series ‘I don’t care how good your defence is. I don’t care what you do. You have to be Golden Knights are off to the opener 6-2, the Lightning won league semi-fi nals after elimi- four straight to eliminate the able to score 110, 115 points to have any chance to beat them’ nating the more experienced and Bruins in fi ve games in the best- playoff battle-tested Sharks in of-seven second-round series. six games. Miller scored at 14:00 of the “I got lucky a few times. They second period for the Lightning, missed the net, they hit the who reached the NHL’s fi nal four post,” said Fleury, who won three for the third time in four years. Stanley Cups with the Pitts- Tampa Bay move on to play burgh Penguins. “I am a little bit the winner of the Pittsburgh tired. They made it tough for me. Penguins-Washington Capi- I am happy and proud of the way tals series. The Capitals lead the our guys played tonight.” Penguins 3-2 and can book their The Golden Knights started the spot in the Conference fi nal on year as a team of rag-tag castoff s Monday. but quickly jelled into the hardest Brayden Point, with his fourth working team in the league that of the post-season, and Anton allowed them to get into playoff Stralman also scored for the mode by mid-season. Jonathan Lightning while goalkeeper An- Marchessault, Nate Schmidt and drei Vasilevskiy made 27 saves. Cody Eakin scored goals for Ve- Bruins goaltender Tuukka gas, who became the third team Rask made 19 saves but ended up in NHL history to win multiple losing his last four starts against playoff series in its inaugural sea- Tampa Bay. He made 34 of 36 son, joining the Toronto Arenas stops to win the series opener (1918) and St. Louis Blues (1968). but struggled since. The Arenas won the Stanley One day after being threat- Cup in the fi rst post-season in ened by the league with sanc- league history and St. Louis won tions after he “licked” Tampa two rounds to win the all-expan- Bay player Ryan Callahan dur- sion West Division 50 years ago. ing Friday’s game, Bruins winger Marchessault opened the Brad Marchand had an unevent- scoring, Schmidt added an in- ful game fi ve. surance goal that was only de- tectable by video replay and RESULTS Eakin scored into an empty net. Tampa bay 3 Boston 1 Fleury recorded shutouts in Las Vegas 3 San Jose 0

Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (No 23) during the second quarter in game four of the second round of the 2018 NBA Playoff s at the Smoothie King Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP the outcome or anything,” Du- really overthink things.” care how good your defence is. go to. The plan was to get that, Los Angeles rant said. The host Pelicans, led by 26 I don’t care what you do. You so we wouldn’t be a one dimen- “That’s when I’m free and points and 12 rebounds from have to be able to score 110, 115 sional team.” having fun out there, and force- Anthony Davis, never led while points to have any chance to Donovan Mitchell scored 25 he Golden State War- ful. I just try to play with force Golden State stretched the lead beat them.” points and Joe Ingles fi nished riors and Houston no matter if I missed shots or to as many as 26 points. In Utah, NBA veteran Paul, with 15 for Utah. Rockets both raced to not, just keep shooting, keep Durant added nine rebounds celebrating his 33rd birthday, Chris Paul’s brother was a pair of lopsided wins being aggressive.” while Draymond Green had also had 12 rebounds while nearly ejected - accidentally - Ton Sunday and can book their Stephen Curry added 23 eight points, nine rebounds and James Harden scored 24 points from the Houston Rockets’ win spots in the Western Confer- points as the Warriors seized a nine assists for the Warriors. to power the Rockets to a 3-1 over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake ence fi nal with victories on their 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven Klay Thompson added 13 points series lead. City on Sunday. C.J. Paul, who home courts on Tuesday. second-round series. and Quinn Cook added 12 off also is the business manager for Kevin Durant scored 38 The Warriors are seeking the bench. ‘Crazy game’ Chris Paul, was escorted by se- points to power the reigning a fourth consecutive trip to The Warriors limited Pelicans “It was an emotional, crazy curity from his fl oor seat at Viv- NBA champion Warriors over the NBA fi nals and their third diff erence makers Rajon Rondo game,” said Paul, who is in his int Smart Home Arena. Chris the New Orleans Pelicans 118- crown in four seasons. and Nikola Mirotic to just six fi rst season with the Rockets. Paul and Houston coach Mike 92 and Chris Paul fi nished with Curry said the key was get- and seven points. New Orleans Clint Capela tallied 12 points, D’Antoni spoke with security 27 points and 12 rebounds as ting the ball to their hottest made four of 26 attempts from 15 rebounds and six blocks in personnel as they walked past. the Rockets defeated the Utah player, Durant. three-point range. Pelicans the win. Paul powered the of- Turns out, it was a case of Jazz 100-87. Durant said his free “Just fi nd ways to get him in coach Alvin Gentry said they fence and when he combined mistaken identity, and C.J. Paul form game plan allowed him to scoring positions,” Curry said. have to get more scoring from with Harden they were impos- returned to his seat minutes Marc-Andre Fleury (right) of the Vegas Golden Knights makes a save be aggressive and eff ective at “Sometimes, that’s not really multiple players to win. sible to defend against. later. as Kevin Labanc (centre) of the San Jose Sharks tries to get the puck the same time. hard to do - just throw it to him. “I told you right from the “There are diff erent ways to in the goal while defended by Brayden McNabb of the Vegas Golden “I just try to tell myself that “Just keep the game simple start. You’re not going to beat win,” said Rockets coach Mike RESULTS Knights during game six of the Western Conference Second Round I’m at my best when I don’t care at that point because he’s such them if you can’t score 115 D’Antoni. Golden State 118 New Orleans 92 during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at SAP Centre in San Jose, what happens after the game, a great scorer, you don’t have to points,” Gentry said. “I don’t “We got a lot of stuff we can Houston 100 Utah 87 California. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB Fowler caps Cards’ sweep of Cubs with walk-off blast Reuters Cubs’ losing streak to fi ve games. he led off with a tape-measure bullpen beyond the right-cen- St Louis It was St. Louis’ fi rst game homer to the third deck in left tre fi eld wall. His fi rst career St. Louis Cardinals centre fi elder Harrison Bader is since losing catcher Yadier Mo- fi eld, his fourth of the year. That walk-off hit gave the Yankees a tagged out on a steal attempt by Chicago Cubs third lina to the 10-day disabled list lead lasted until the sixth, when sixth straight win and 15th in 16 baseman Kris Bryant during the fi rst inning at Busch exter Fowler’s two-out, earlier Sunday. Molina under- Kolten Wong walloped a two- games since April 20. Accord- Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports two-run homer in the went emergency surgery after out RBI triple to right that Jason ing to the Elias Sports Bureau, bottom of the 14th in- being hit in the groin with a foul Heyward appeared to lose in the at 21 years, 144 days old, Torres ning early yesterday tip in the ninth inning on Satur- lights. It made the Cardinals the is the youngest Yankee to hit a morningD gave the St. Louis Car- day. The game lasted 4:46 and last team in the majors to collect walk-off homer. The mark was dinals a 4-3 win over the visiting was delayed twice in the fi rst a triple this year. previously held by Hall of Fam- Chicago Cubs at sold-out Busch three innings by rain for a total of Neither starter was around er Mickey Mantle (21 years, 185 Stadium. 59 minutes. for the decision. Chicago left- days old). Harrison Bader started the Chicago initiated the scoring hander Jon Lester lasted 5 1/3 winning rally with an infi eld sin- in the top of the fi rst inning. An- innings, yielding six hits and RESULTS gle off Luke Farrell (0-2). Fowler thony Rizzo lofted a sacrifi ce fl y two runs while walking four and Cardinals 4 Cubs 3 followed by golfi ng a 2-2 fastball to deep centre that scored Will- whiffi ng four. Yankees 7 Indians 4 off the top of the right fi eld wall son Contreras, who singled in his St. Louis right-hander Diamondbacks 3 Astros 1 and into the seats for his fi fth debut as a leadoff hitter and then Michael Wacha also pitched 5 1/3 Nationals 5 Phillies 4 homer and the Cardinals’ fi fth reached third on an infi eld hit innings, permitting six hits and Angels 8 Mariners 2 walk-off win in 17 home games. by Kyle Schwarber and a throw- two runs, one earned, with three Rockies 3 Mets 2 The Cardinals swept the ing error by third baseman Jedd walks and fi ve strikeouts. Giants 4 Braves 3 three-game weekend series. Gyorko. Rookie Gleyber Torres hit a A’s 2 Orioles 1 Mike Mayers (1-0) got the win An inning later, Gyorko got three-run homer with one out Padres 3 Dodgers 0 despite allowing Javier Baez’s the run back by lining his third in the bottom of the ninth inning Red Sox 6 Rangers 1 ninth homer in the top of the homer of the year, a solo shot off as New York erased a four-run Royals 4 Tigers 2 14th that gave Chicago a brief an advertising panel just behind defi cit and recorded a stunning Twins 5 White Sox 3 3-2 edge. However, Fowler’s dra- the left fi eld wall. victory over visiting Cleveland. Marlins 8 Reds 5 matics extended St. Louis’ win- Kris Bryant gave the Cubs Torres lifted Dan Otero’s Blue Jays 2 Rays 1 ning streak to fi ve games and the a 2-1 edge in the fourth when full-count sinker into Yankees Pirates 9 Brewers 0 Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, May 8, 2018 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Shooter Heena confi dent ahead of Day hits spectacular ISSF World Cup

IANS “I have noticed in my per- New Delhi formance that I have been having one or two good se- ries and then it is followed fter bagging a gold by a bad series. So I have to shot en route to Quail and silver in the Gold naturally work on my con- Coast Common- sistency. Shooting as a sport wealth Games, pistol has changed now and now we ‘When I hit it, it was shooterA Heena Sidhu is confi - shoot 7-8 days in a row so be- dent of doing well at the ISSF ing focused and consistent is on a cracking line, it Shooting World Cup in Mu- important,” she added. nich from May 22 to 29. Heena started her career in was beautiful’ Heena, 28, won a gold in the 10 metre pistol shooting but Hollow triumph 25 metre sports pistol setting also took up 25 metre sport in up a Commonwealth Games 2017 and has since been train- Reuters record in April and a silver in ing with coach-and-husband Charlotte, North Carolina the 10 metre air pistol event Ronak Pandit. making it a grand double. “It is diffi cult doing three “I will be training in categories, 10 m air pistol, 25m ormer world number one Pforzheim from May 8 to 21 and sport and team event and all of Jason Day has a burning will also play a practice match them require time and lot of ambition to get back to on May 13. And then we have focus. Earlier I had 2-3 day rest the top of the rankings the World Cup at the end of between my events but now I andF he made a huge leap with a this month,” Heena said ahead shoot almost all the days of the two-stroke victory at the Wells of her departure to Germany. tournament,” Heena stated. Fargo Championship in North “My main focus is on being The International Shoot- Carolina on Sunday. consistent. I did well at the ing Sport Federation (ISSF) Day had an awful day of way- Commonwealth Games and World Cup is scheduled in ward driving and squandered a also the World Cup in Korea Munich from May 22 to 29, three-shot lead on the back nine after that. In fact, if you look 2018 and Heena is aiming at with consecutive bogeys, before at the scores, there was an top scores in the run up to the rising to the occasion and hit- improvement from the Com- Asian Games and the world ting one of the best clutch shots monwealth Games but I could championship in August and of his life. not get any medal in Korea.” September. After a birdie at the par-four 16th, he took aim at the par- three 17th with a seven-iron from 230 yards and launched his ball 142 feet, as high as a 14-sto- rey building, into the air. It landed some 40 feet short of the pin and fi nally clattered against the bottom of the fl ag- stick on the fi fth bounce. Day was unlucky not to make a hole-in-one, but the stick also saved his ball from rolling off the back of the green.

Day rated the victory one of the best of his career, not because of the quality of his play but more due to his ability to get the job done without his best game

“When I hit it, it was on a Commonwealth Games gold medal winner Heena Sidhu cracking line, it was beautiful,” the Australian told reporters af- ter securing his 12th PGA Tour South Africa’s Marx doubtful for England tests victory. “And then it just had this mas- South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx will arrive back home today sive bounce, hit on the downs- for scans on a groin injury that threatens to rule him out of next lope and fortunately hit the pin, month’s three-test series against England. which was nice, and went to Jason Day and his family pose on the 18th green with the trophy after winning the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow Marx was hurt during the Lions’ 28-19 away loss to the Welling- about two or three feet. Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ton Hurricanes in the Super Rugby competition on Saturday. “Things like that is what you He left New Zealand yesterday and will miss the game against need to win golf tournaments.” the life is getting sucked out business, and his Quail Hollow this kind of early in the season. Saunders 70-69-68-72, Charl the Otago Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday, the Lions said. The ensuing birdie restored of you,” he said. “I had no idea victory is projected to elevate My next step is to try to win a Schwartzel (RSA) 70-67-70-72 Marx’s performances in 2017 for the Springboks and the Day’s two-shot lead and he where the ball was going today. him to seventh in the world major this year.” 280-Kyle Stanley 67-72-71-70, Ta- Johannesburg-based Lions, who were Super Rugby runners-up, parred the last to shoot 68 and I had no confi dence in my abil- rankings. “I got burnt out being lor Gooch 71-72-66-71, Johnson led to him being named SA Rugby’s Player of the Year. fi nish at 12-under 272, two ity to hit proper tee shots. I was number one,” said the 30-year- LEADING SCORES Wagner 67-71-69-73 Meanwhile France lock Arthur Iturria has pulled out of a training strokes ahead of Americans Aar- just trying to keep it inside the old. You’ve got to give a lot of 272-Jason Day (AUS) 69-67-67- 281-Joel Dahmen 70-71-70- camp for a tour to New Zealand and been replaced by Clermont on Wise (68) and Nick Watney tree line. time to a lot of people and some- 69 70, Francesco Molinari (ITA) teammate Paul Jedrasiak, the French team announced Sunday. (69) at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. “My short game stood the times you don’t get a lot of time 274-Aaron Wise 68-68-70-68, 70-72-68-71, Rory McIlroy (NIR) Team management have also called up Clermont flanker Alex- Day rated the victory one of test, which is nice. This is prob- to yourself. Nick Watney 72-67-66-69 68-76-66-71, Chesson Hadley 70- andre Lapandry as cover. the best of his career, not be- ably one of the best wins I’ve “Last year was a good kick in 276-Bryson DeChambeau 75- 74-66-71, Adam Hadwin (CAN) Although no explanation has been given for Iturria’s absence, cause of the quality of his play ever had, just because of how the butt, not playing great and 65-66-70 73-71-65-72 he was also replaced by Jedrasiak in the 41st minute of a 36-26 but more due to his ability to get hard everything was today.” then seeing a lot of the other 277-Phil Mickelson 72-72-64-69, 282-Tony Finau 69-76-71-66, win over Toulouse on Saturday. the job done without his best It is only two years since Day guys succeed. So I really kind of Paul Casey (ENG) 69-68-69-71, Webb Simpson 72-70-71-69, He is the second lock to pull out of the three-day camp at game. dominated the game, but he lost re-dedicated myself to getting Peter Uihlein 72-72-62-71 Justin Thomas 73-69-70-70, national Rugby centre in Marcoussis near Paris after flanker “I was fi ghting demons out his way a bit last year. back to number one. 278-Patrick Reed 71-71-67-69 Greg Chalmers (AUS) 71-70-70- Louis Picamoles, who has been replaced by Clermont’s Judicael there because when you’re not A win at Torrey Pines in Janu- “This is a good kick in the 279-Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 68-71- 71, Charles Howell 71-68-71-72, Cancoriet. hitting it good, it just feels like ary showed that he was back in right direction having two wins 71-69, Luke List 70-72-67-70, Sam Rickie Fowler 72-69-68-73

FOCUS Park wins storm-shortened LPGA Texas Classic AFP play Thursday and Friday forced or- it was a great tournament.” Chicago ganisers to trim the event to 36 holes, Liu eagled the eighth, her penulti- with the fi nal round starting Satur- mate hole, but like Duncan couldn’t day afternoon. make an unlikely hole-out from the eigning US Women’s Open Ashok, seeking her fi rst LPGA ti- fairway to match Park. champion Park Sung-hyun tle, birdied the par-5 15th on a fi ve- “This was a great confi dence of South Korea chipped in foot putt and closed with three pars. booster for myself to know I can con- for birdie on the fi nal hole The 20-year-old Olympian from tend out here,” Liu said. “I was men- onR Sunday to edge fast-closing Lindy Bangalore, three times a winner on tally strong, focused on one shot at a Duncan and win the storm-short- the Ladies European Tour, completed time, and it really worked out.” ened LPGA Texas Classic. a 66 to grab the early clubhouse lead. Park fi red a fi ve-under par 66 to “I’m happy,” Ashok said. “I came LEADING SCORES fi nish the 36-hole event at 11-un- back one better than I left so that’s 131 - Park Sung-hyun (KOR) 65-66 der 131 at Old American Golf Club good.” 132 - Lindy Duncan 68-64 near Dallas for a one-stroke victory But 18-hole co-leader Park had yet 133 - Liu Yu (CHN) 67-66 over American Duncan with Chinese to start her fi nal round after open- 134 - Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) 68-66, rookie Liu Yu another shot adrift in ing on 65 and made her charge in the Kim Sei-young (KOR) 67-67 third on 133. afternoon. Park opened with a bogey 135 - Aditi Ashok (IND) 69-66, Jenny Park’s pitching wedge chip-in at but eagled the par-5 fi fth and fol- Shin (KOR) 65-70 the 18th hole provided her margin lowed with birdies at the sixth, eighth 136 - Lydia Ko (NZL) 69-67, Jackie of victory over Duncan, who closed and ninth before a bogey-birdie start Stoelting 69-67, Ko Jin-young (KOR) with three birdies in a row after Park to the back nine left her ahead by 67-69, Lee Mi-hyang (KOR) 70-66 was in the clubhouse, and Liu, who three with seven holes remaining. 137 - Mo Martin 67-70, Chun In-gee like Duncan had a career-best LPGA After six pars, Park was off the (KOR) 67-70, Nicole Broch Larsen fi nish. green with her approach at 18 but (DEN) 67-70, Brittany Lincicome “I knew it was a pretty important punched a bouncing pitching wedge 71-66, Jacqui Concolino 70-67, Celine shot,” Park said through a translator. shot up the green and into the hole Boutier (FRA) 70-67, Jane Park 67-70 “That shot was a diffi cult situation for a closing birdie that all-but sealed 138 - Benyapa Niphatsophon (THA) for me but I’m glad I made it.” the title. 70-68, Gaby Lopez (MEX) 68-70, Min- It was the third LPGA title for Duncan, fi nishing on the front jee Lee (AUS) 68-70, Katie Burnett Park, who captured her fi rst major nine, fi red a 64 that included a costly 67-71 crown last July in the Open at Trump lip-out tap-in for par to bogey the 139 - Brooke Henderson (CAN) 71-68, National and added the Canadian sixth. She closed with three consec- Katherine Kirk (AUS) 70-69, Moriya Women’s Open six weeks later. utive birdies but was one shot shy of Jutanugarn (THA) 66-73, Candie Former golfer Kathy Whitworth (right) presents the champion’s Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn and Park, settling for a career-best run- Kung (TPE) 73-66, Anna Nordqvist check to Sung Hyun Park of South Korea following her victory South Korea Kim Sei-young shared ner-up fi nish. (SWE) 71-68, Paula Creamer 69-70, in Volunteers of America LPGA Texas Classic at Old American fourth with South Korean Jenny Shin “It sure did feel like a back-nine Emily Pedersen (DEN) 69-70, Ally Golf Club in The Colony, Texas. (Getty Images) and India’s Aditi Ashok on 135. Sunday atmosphere,” Duncan said. McDonald 70-69, Ayako Uehara Storms that wiped out almost all “It was a great day. A crazy week but (JPN) 70-69 Gulf Times Tuesday, May 8, 2018 7 SPORT

TENNIS CYCLING Test that resulted in adverse fi nding for Djokovic edges Froome questioned

By Martha Kelner Froome’s failed test recorded The Guardian a level of salbutamol at 2000ng/ ml, double the amount permitted by the World Anti-Doping Agen- hris Froome’s battle cy. Under new Wada rules there past Nishikori at to rescue his reputa- is an allowance made for specifi c tion after a failed drugs gravity, in eff ect to take into ac- test looks bound for the count of possible dehydration CCourt of Arbitration for Sport and urine concentration. as it emerged that a study call- It is understood Froome’s ing into question the effi cacy of reading has been recalibrated the test will form a key part of his to 1429ng/ml, which is still an defence. adverse analytical fi nding and Madrid Open The 32-year-old is compet- could lead to an anti-doping rule ing in the Giro d’Italia with Team violation. Sky as he bids to win a historic The report by researchers 12-time major champion could now face Edmund or Medvedev third successive Grand Tour. He at the Centre for Human Drug won last year’s Tour de France Research in Leiden, the Neth- and the Vuelta a España. In De- erlands, claims on a maximum AFP ina over fi ve sets. cember the Guardian and Le dosage of salbutamol, as many as Madrid But injuries, to the wrist Monde revealed a urine test sub- 15.4 percent of tests could return for Nishikori and elbow for mitted after stage 18 of the Vuelta a false positive. It states “the Djokovic, have left each at- showed excessive levels of the current threshold inadvertently ovak Djoko- tempting recoveries and it asthma drug salbutamol and he leads to incorrect assumptions of vic scored his was certainly evident here could yet be stripped of that title violation, whereas many viola- best-ranked vic- that both are still some way if he is found to have committed tions will go unnoticed” and says tory in almost a away. an anti-doping violation. that the testing should be recon- Nyear by coming through If Edmund beats In terms of Froome’s legacy, sidered. his nightmare fi rst round Medvedev, he may fancy his what happens on the roads in Wada is standing by the test. against world number 20 chances against a player he Italy over the next two and a half A spokesman said: “WADA has Kei Nishikori at the Madrid is yet to take a set off in three weeks of the Giro could be sec- conducted several studies on Open yesterday. The 12- meetings. ondary to the recent publication salbutamol and continues to con- time major champion could Djokovic, however, will of a study entitled “Futility of duct studies on beta-2 agonists. now face Kyle Edmund in be keen to draw on the posi- current urine salbutamol doping We believe the current threshold round two, if the Briton wins tives. His movement was control”. is solid considering the scientifi c his own awkward opener to- better and he delivered The report published in the literature published on salbuta- day against the talented Da- in the crunch moments. British Journal of Clinical Phar- mol over the past 20 years. Based niil Medvedev. There were also a handful macology claims it is not feasi- on the published and unpublished Not long ago, Djokovic of breathtaking retrievals ble to determine a dosage level of information in our possession, we versus Nishikori would have the 30-year-old would have salbutamol based on the results of see no reason to change the salb- been a match for the lat- been proud of in his prime. a single “untimed” urine sample. utamol threshold.” ter stages of a grand slam Four games both players but struggles with fi tness would have liked to forget and form caused these two prompted an exchange of to meet fi rst up on Manolo breaks in the middle of the Santana. opening set but Djokovic Djokovic prevailed 7-5, stepped up a gear at 5-4. 6-4, producing some scin- Nishikori resisted two tillating tennis when it mat- rasping forehands but fi - tered most to register his nally caved two games later fi rst win over a top-20 op- as Djokovic clinched the ponent since the Serb beat frame. Gael Monfi ls at Eastbourne Djokovic seemingly de- in June last year. fi ed physics by lashing one At their best, Djokovic smash into the net early in and Nishikori were perhaps the second but found his the game’s two outstanding groove again at 5-4, break- athletes, renowned for their ing Nishikori to seal victory speed in defence and stam- in just under two hours. Wozniacki passes Barty test, Sharapova advances

orld number two entered the tournament on Caroline Wozniacki the back of four consecu- Wsurvived a scare tive defeats, rallied from 3-1 from Ashleigh Barty yester- down before snatching the day, edging the Australian opening set with a ferocious Team Sky’s British rider Chris Froome rides during the second stage of 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to reach the last- forehand. the Giro d’Italia on Saturday. (AFP) 16 of the Madrid Open. With momentum on her Wozniacki found herself on side, Sharapova won 20 of the brink of defeat as she the last 22 points to secure a trailed 4-2 in the final set, spot in the last-16. Daniel wins maiden ATP title but the Dane roared back to “Although I didn’t play at my claim the last four games to best level in the first set, I in Istanbul seal the victory. pulled it through,” the five- The 22-year-old Barty was time grand slam champion Reuters ally force a tiebreak and win ultimately let down by her told a news conference. Bengaluru the set. groundstrokes in crucial “I played some really tough The situation was reversed stages of decider as she points. I hung in there espe- in the second set as Daniel finished with 54 unforced cially in that final game. Then apan’s Taro Daniel charged to a 5-4 lead and failed errors for the match. I really set up a good opportu- grabbed his first ATP title to capitalise on three match Wozniacki will next face nity for me to step up. Jafter beating Tunisian points before finally converting former French Open semi- “I thought I did a really good Malek Jaziri 7-6(4), 6-4 in the the fourth. finalist Kiki Bertens, who job of that, especially in the Istanbul Open final on Sunday. “Obviously really happy. I think stunned 15th seed Anastasija last six games. I was very Daniel, who entered the tourna- today was a great match, a lot Sevastova 6-1, 6-4 in the aggressive, played deep, ment ranked 114th, and Jaziri, of long rallies from the begin- second round. returned a lot better. That ranked 78th, were both compet- ning until the end,” Daniel said Former world number one will certainly help me mov- ing in their first ATP final. after lifting the trophy. Maria Sharapova’s revival on ing forward.” Jaziri, who beat world number “Very happy. I’m obviously clay is gathering pace as she Unseeded Sharapova will four Marin Cilic en route to pretty surprised that I suddenly overcame a tense opening next face last year’s finalist the final, started strongly and won an ATP (title). But I guess set to beat Romania’s Irina- Kristina Mladenovic, who served for the first set with the things like this happen.” Camelia Begu 7-5, 6-1. edged China’s Zhang Shuai Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his score at 5-4 but failed as his Daniel is expected to reach a The 31-year-old Russian, who 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. first round match against Japan’s Kei Nishikori 25-year-old opponent stepped career-high ranking of 82 after at the Madrid Open yesterday. (Reuters) up to level the scores, eventu- his victory.

BOTTOMLINE Down Under the limit for Giro away days, says Aussie Dennis

AFP Dennis, the race leader. ‘TOO MUCH’ Australia’s rider of team BMC Rohan Eilat, Israel “It’s not ideal that we fl y tomorrow But Dennis said it could come to a point Dennis wears the overall leader’s pink (Monday),” he added. that he would refuse to take part in a jersey prior to the start of the third stage “It’s probably what we’d have to do Grand Tour if the distances travelled on of the Giro d’Italia on Sunday. (AFP) ustralian Rohan Dennis said with Japan or New York. I’m not sure rest days became too much. there must be a limit to how there’s a rule with the amount of time “It’s possible for me. You’d have to far from home a Grand Tour is we’re allowed to fl y otherwise one day look at the route and how many days you prepared to go. we may start in Australia!” quipped the spend in that region or that country. AThe Giro d’Italia made history this Aussie. “And how they’re going to get you to year as it became the fi rst Grand Tour “You just never know where the lim- travel after that period in that country to start outside of Europe with Friday’s its are or where people will push the outside of Europe as well is big factor. individual time-trial in Jerusalem. limit to. I think there has to be a point “But as I say, anything over fi ve hours There followed two sprint stages where we go: ‘Ok, that’s too far’. for the travel is probably too much.” before the whole shebang returned to “I wouldn’t want to travel any more Italian Elia Viviani, who won the its homeland for yesterday’s rest day than fi ve hours on a fl ight on a rest day.” second and third stages, insisted the ahead of today’s fourth stage in Sicily. Dennis lives in Andorra and fl ew distance limits had been reached with Giro organisers have previously from Barcelona to Tel Aviv before the bringing a major European race to Is- mooted the possibility of starting the race began. rael. race in Tokyo or Washington, but Den- He said it took four and a half hours, “Further away would be diffi cult. To- nis said there must be a limit in terms although that was several days before morrow is not a rest day because we ar- of how far riders are expected to travel the ‘Big Start’ giving him ample time to rive in Sicily at 1pm, we have to eat and from one day to the next. recover, while there being only a one- then go out for a training ride. “The only thing we could have im- hour time diff erence helped. “And then we go straight into some proved with coming to Israel is fl ying The return to Sicily yesterday will tough stages. It would be tough to go (back to Italy) tonight (Sunday),” said take only two and a half hours. further away.”

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT Aspetar hosts experts to discuss Caparanga, Du Toit challenges in dealing with concussions

By Sports Reporter the eff ects of match schedules Doha on players’ recovery as well as top the fi nal leg of the ethical and legal issues sur- rounding the treatment of con- ast week several lead- cussion. ing healthcare providers Speaking on the sidelines from around the country of the workshops, Dr. Louis met at Aspetar, Qatar’s Holtzhausen, a Sports Medicine Lorthopaedic and sports medi- Physician at Aspetar with more cine hospital, for a workshop to than 25 years of experience treat- Qatar MTB league discuss the challenges they face ing players in athletics, rugby, and recommended approaches cricket, hockey and the South when identifying and treating African Olympic team, said: Caparanga tops Elite category in the first edition of the mountain bike league concussion injuries among play- “First of all, concussion is a brain ers in various sports, particularly injury with potentially very seri- football, handball and athletics. ous short and long term implica- When dealing with a concus- tions. It is sometimes called the sion injury during a match or ‘hidden injury’ because patients event, healthcare providers can don’t bleed or limp, so we can’t sometimes face pressure and physically see the symptoms, even scrutiny from team man- making it very diffi cult to diag- agers and athletes themselves, nose even for a doctor. That’s if they request that a star player why a very important part of be taken off a match or if they this concussion programme is to prevent an athlete who is yet to make people aware and educate make full recovery from return- them about recognising concus- ing to play in time for an impor- sion symptoms more generally. tant event. This includes the general public. Realising the severity of con- “Concussion also aff ects per- cussion injuries and the po- formance, which is something tential short and long-term players and coaches need to be consequences, organisations, aware of. A team’s star player will federations and leagues such as not be a star player on the day if the National Football League he’s concussed. (NFL) in the United States have “They will be off balance or put in place legal protocols and their reaction time might be procedures that enable health- slower, and that might mean the care providers to take a player diff erence between winning and off the pitch immediately if they losing a match. Everyone fi ghts have major concerns. As a result to get them back on the fi eld, but of such steps, it is now a criminal if we get them back on the fi eld off ence in the US should a coach and they’re not ready, they will or doctor in the NFL not follow be useless. the League’s concussion policy. “It’s understandable, no play- Yet that is not the case in all er wants to be taken off . He feels sports. In Association Football a little bit shaken but he thinks for example, the guidelines are he’s okay and he doesn’t really less clear-cut. There is no unifi ed know that he’s off balance. So approach to take when a mem- that is why the key thing is to ber of the medical staff spots a educate them about the serious- concussion injury. Sometimes ness of a concussion injury. At coaches or players themselves the end of the day, the doctor is can interfere and refuse to stop trying to protect them. playing. “Of course, there should also Argentinian football player be support from the relevant Javier Mascherano for example sports federations as well. As far refused to be taken off and was as I’m concerned, if there’s not allowed to return immediately to a policy in place, none of this the game, despite sustaining an would work.” apparent head injury during the Commenting on Aspetar’s 2014 World Cup semi-fi nals in second concussion workshop, Winners and off icials pose after the last leg of the Qatar Mountain BIke League in Duhail. Brazil, sparking controversy. Dr. Holtzhausen added: “This The workshop drew on the ex- second workshop builds on the By Sports Reporter Kheesa, Al Khor, Duhail and Lusail. The ganizing these races. He said the Filipino 2. Jennifer Kaaoush (USA) 141pts pertise of Aspetar’s staff in the knowledge we developed dur- Doha league also includes the Al Adaid Desert mountain biking community have come 3. Maricar Estacio (PHL) 139pts fi eld of sports medicine in cover- ing the fi rst workshop we or- Challenge and the Umm Jurn 24Hours a long way and had contributed much Age Category – Under 23 ing a range of concussion-related ganised which took place back Mountain Bike Challenge. The Qatar with the development and promotion of 1. Ernie Daniel Francisco (PHL) 176pts topics and the implications for in November 2017. After the fi rst he fi rst edition of the Qatar Moun- Mountain Bike league was organized in mountain bike cycling as a competitive 2. Mohamed Abougabarah (Qatar Na- athletes in Qatar specifi cally, as workshop, we had discussions tain Bike League came to an end collaboration with Qatar Cycling and Tri- sport in Qatar. Al-Kuwari said that QCTF tional Team) 168pts well as around the world. Most with team doctors and various with some fast-paced and action- athlon Federation (QCTF) and the United will continue to support the mountain 3. Hamza al-Kassem (Qatar National of the approaches and protocols parties, and identifi ed a few gaps packed men’s MTB XC Eliminator Filipino Mountain Bikers Qatar, and was biking sport and is now planning for an- Team) 96pts discussed related to those devel- in knowledge and recommended T(XCE) and women XC Short Circuit (XCC) supported by Qatar Chain Reaction, other mountain bike league for the next oped at the Fifth International approaches to assist them. So Age Category – 23 to 34 points race in Duhail on Friday. Rayyan Water and Qatar Cyclists Center. season. He also hoped for more partici- 1. Carlo Maniebo (PHL) 167pts Conference on Concussion in today we came and presented an The Men XCE was won by Filipino Overall points and ranking system were pation of Qatari mountain bikers for the 2. Ali Harb (LBN) 164pts Sport held in Berlin in 2016. Dis- updated concussion programme rider Max Caparanga, the current over- introduced this season wherein partici- next season. 3. Mehdi Mersni (TUN) 105pts cussion focused on players’ au- that is specially customised to all champion in the Elite Category of the pants from each of the mountain bike races Age Category – 35 to 40 tonomy, shared decision making, Qatar for them to use.” Qatar Mountain Bike League, and the in the league collected points based on their FINAL STANDINGS 1. Elvis Agco (PHL) 177pts Women XCC was won by Tessa Du Toit of respective category results. Overall league Elite Category 2. Eleazar Juta (PHL) 112pts South Africa. leaders were determined by their accumu- 1. Max Caparanga (PHL) 176pts 3. Rhandolph Arellano (PHL) 99pts The 2017-18 season of the league was a lated points at the end of the season. 2. Marc Mourad (LBN) 161pts Age Category – 41 & Above series of seven cross-country mountain QCTF secretary-general Jamal al-Ku- 3. Davy Muller (BEL) 142pts 1. Rogelio Fernandez Jr. (PHL) 172pts bike races which started in September. wari thanked the United Filipino Moun- Women Category 2. Jun Brizuela (PHL) 136pts The league featured the trails of Al tain Bikers Qatar for a job well done in or- 1. Pia Sundstedt (FIN) 148pts 3. Revelito Pasion (PHL) 109pts

SHOOTING Hassan wins mixed 10m pistol gold By Sports Reporter Doha Dr Louis Holtzhausen, a sports medicine physician at Aspetar, speaks li Hassan won the mixed 10m at the workshop. pistol gold medal at the Qa- tar Cup Shooting and Archery Championship at the Losail Ranges.A Al Rayyan open GCC Club Basketball The second place went to Dana al-Mu- barak and the third place to Nusra Mo- campaign with victory hamed. Qatar’s Al Rayyan recorded a convincing victory over Nizwa Hassan said the mixed competition of Oman on Sunday in the GCC Club Basketball Championship was quite special for him. 2018 taking place at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Oman. “Ever since I started training this sea- Al Rayyan side put up an impressive performance to defeat son, my aim was to win the gold medal hosts Nizwa 74-55 in the opening match. The prestigious event and I succeeded fi nally. My hard training brings together eight clubs distributed into two groups. Group A was the key to the gold medal and I hope includes Al Arabi (Qatar), Al Etihad (KSA), Al Muharraq (Bahrain), to keep raising my level not only in the while group B includes, Nizwa (Oman), Al Rayyan, Al Sharja (UAE) home events about outside competitions and Manama (Bahrain). The event is a qualifying tournament for as well,” he said. the Asian Champions Cup, which will take place from September The 10m pistol event was also held in 25-30. The top three teams from the Oman tournament will get Junior Men, Junior Women, Youth Boys spots in the continental event. and Beginners Boys categories. Ahmed al-Shammari won another title when he topped the Junior Men, beating QOC 360 Degree leadership training Misfer al-Marri. course kicks off The bronze medal was landed by Ab- dul Aziz al-Shammari. Al-Shammari had The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), through its Human won the men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol on Resources and Administrative Services Department, organised a Saturday. productive three-day training course titled 360 Degree Leader- Doah al-Mohamed bagged the Junior Ali Hassan (centre) poses with the gold medal in the mixed 10m pistol event with second-placed Dana al-Mubarak, third-placed ship for heads of sections and units at QOC on Sunday. Key Women’s title. She defeated Maha Asa- Nusra Mohamed and off icials in the Qatar Cup Shooting and Archery Championship at the Losail Ranges. lecturer Essa al-Muslamani, accredited trainer of psychology at bah and Zainab Boufatim, who fi nished Aspetar, delivered a comprehensive presentation on leadership second and third respectively. al-Issawi claimed the last spot on the po- bronze medal was pocketed by Mohamed and Archery Association, congratulated as one of main administrative functions. Al-Muslamani shed light In the Youth category, Saleh al-Hakim dium. al-Shammari. all the winners in the female categories on the meaning of leadership and how the director transfers the emerged as the champion. The silver Ali al-Farsi won the Beginner’s class, Al Anoud al-Naimi, the head of the and expressed happiness at the close leadership spirit to staff , employees and manpower. medal was taken by Ali Badr and Sami beating Ibrahim al-Mohannadi. The women’s shooting at the Qatar Shooting competition.