Striker Bounedjah Is Al Sadd Hero As Gutsy Al Rayyan Pick up a Point

SPORT Wednesday 21 February 2018

PAGE | 31 PAGE | 32-33 PAGE | 34 ICCI ODI rankings: ‘Brave’ Sevilla eye Cavs, Warriors readyadyy Virat Kohli bags strong reply against to chase in NBA’s rare double Man United’s defence sprint to the ﬁnishh Striker Bounedjah is Al Sadd hero as gutsy Al Rayyan pick up a point

CHINTHANACHINTHANA WWASALAASALA Al Rayyan’s Ahmed Yasser Abdelrahman (left) vies TTHEHE PENPENINSULAINSULAL for the ball possession with Al Ain’s Markus Berg during their AFC Champions League Round 2 Group D DOHA:DOHA: AlgeAAlgerianrriaann forforwardwwa Baghdad match played at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium yesterday. BounedjahBounedjaah sscscoredcooredreedd hish second successivesuccessie sivev bracebraaaccece inn thethh 2018 AFC ChampionsChamppionns LLeLeagueeaaguagueg e (ASL)(A group stagstageaggeet tto lelealeadeaad QNBQNQ B SStStars League (QSL)(Q(QSQSL) giantsgianttss AlA SaadSSaSaaaadd to a comfort- ableabble 3-1 vicvictorycttooorryy overoov visiting PersepolisPerseppoliss yyesterday.eesesteerd AtA AlAl SaSadd Stadium, JesualdoJJeesuese aalddod Ferreira’s menm n bbegbebeganeg to domi- natenan tee thethheh proceedings rightrighrigr gghht frfromom the star. Al Sadd’sSadSadddd’s promising frontfroroont rowrow which was strengthenedstretrengtnggtthhenee e by Barca leleglegendegeeggegenddX XaviX aavavii Hernandez,H yyoyounyoungoounnggAk AkAAkramkram AfiAfiffiff aanandndn Bounedjah, linkedlinklil ked w welleell ini attackingattattacckkiingininng thet Iranians. TheirTheir dodominancemiinanncccee pappaid off in the 36th minutemminute whenwhwhew enn ana unmarked BounedjahBounededjah susurgedurgrgeedd iinintonnto the box to meetmemee Afif’sAfiAfA f’s crosscrcrooss andaannd head in the firstfirst goal.gooalaal. AfterAftefter endingeenddiingg thethhee ffirst period withoutwithhout aas shotshoott ononnt target,tat rgergr Persepo- lislis camecamme intointto thetthhe secondsse half, lookinglookkingngg tto mmakeakkkee aameamenamamends.m However,Howowwweverver, thtthehhee vvisvisitors’i hopes werere dasheddadaashed aass BBounedjahoounouneouune got on the scoresheetscocoooreesesheheeetet onceonnce againa in the Al Sadd travel to Uzbekistan to similar fashion when Abderrazzaq 51st51st miminute.iinnuteute.e.. A ccleverlever assist from face Nasaf on Matchday Three Hamdallah was hurdled inside the Xaviavi sett upu theththhee 26-year-old226-year striker, while Persepolis host UAE’s Al Wasl six-yard-box and stepped up to whowhwhoh tooktotoot ookk hishhiiiss timetimttimeein in the box before in Tehran. take the resulting penalty kick him- nettingnettettttt iingngg wwiwitwithithh aca ccurledurlerledfid finishfi for his Earlier, Al Rayyan and hosts Al self to level the scores in the 28th fourthfourthh goalg oalooal off the the campaign. campaamm Ain shared spoils with a 1-1 draw minute. AllS Sadd Saddaadddd addedaddedddeedda a thirdt in the at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in UAE Rayan Yaslam’s effort from out- 66th minute,miminnuute, as subsubstituteubstitu Boualem yesterday. side the box for Al Ain was the KhoukhiKhoukhkhi scorscoredcoo edd wwithith a sstinging shot The home side got off to a fine closest either side came to adding afteraftaftea rberrb bebeingingini teedteeeedeeed upp byby Ali A Asad. start and found the target in the a second after the break as the final TheTh hostshosth s werewweree denieddene a clean 10th minute when Marcus Berg whistle announced a second draw sheetsheesheshsheeheheetdet deddeepeepp i intontontoto addiaddadaadditionalddddid t time converted from the penalty spot for the two Group D sides. AlAl S Sadd’saddadd’adaddd’ddd ssBasB BaBBaghdadaghdaghdghghdahhdddaddBdBo BoBBounedjahounedununeunednenedjahjajahah shooshoshsshootshoohhoooootstsas a atttthtt tththeheegoeg goggoaloalaldl d duringurinuririnriinng afteraftaftefteftfteerPerrP PersepolisPeP rseprsesessepepolisolioli struckstrstrucuc a conso- after Caio Fernandes was fouled Al Rayyan travel to Riyadh to thethhee AFCAAFFFCC ChamChaChCChampionshhamhampionppioionionnsLesLs LeagueLeLeaaguagagueguguee matmamatchtchhha aagainstgaingaiainsttPt PersepolisPererses polipop s lationlalatiatitiioon ggoaloaloa throthroughhroug Siamak inside the box. take on Al Hilal in their next AFC att tthehehe J Jassimassissimmbi binbiinnHa HaHHamadamadm d StadiumStadStaaddiumiuum inin DohaDoha yesterday.yestyyeeststerday.y Nemati,NNeNememaematti,ti with the vervveryy last kick of However, the Qatari football Champions League encounter on thetthhe ggamegame.e. giants got back into the game in a March 6. Chelsea, Barcelona in thrilling 1-1 draw

REUTERS Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (right) shoots to score against Chelsea during their Champions League Round of 16 First LONDON: Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi finally opened Leg match played at Stamford Bridge, London yesterday. his account against Chelsea with a 75th-minute equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw in a fascinating Champions League last 16, first leg duel at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Willian’s superb 62nd-minute effort looked like giving Chelsea a precious advantage for the second leg in Spain but they undid all their good work by handing Messi an equaliser. The Argentine maestro, teed up by Andres Iniesta, struck a low shot past keeper Thibaut Courtois for his first goal in nine attempts against Chelsea. As expected, Barca dominated possession but Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side were unfortunate not to end with a victory after Willian was twice denied by the woodwork before halftime. The second leg is on March 14 at the Nou Camp.

RUTHLESS BAYERN MUNICH HAMMER BESIKTAS

Elsewhere, in Munich, Bayern Munich, helped by two typical Thomas Mueller goals and two from Robert Lewand- owski, romped to a 5-0 win over Besiktas in their Champions League tie on Tuesday after the Turkish champions played nearly the whole match with 10 men. Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida was given a straight red card for tripping Lewandowksi outside the penalty area in the 16th minute, the defining moment in the round of 16, first leg tie. Mueller, inelegant yet always effective, broke the deadlock with a miskick two minutes before halftime to break Besiktas’s resistance. Kingsley Coman and Mueller added two more before Lewandowski helped himself to a late brace, virtually assur- ing the Bavarians of a seventh successive quarter-final appearance. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018 2018 FIFA World Cup exclusively on beIN THE PENINSULA All matches will also be aired participating teams and players. live broadcasting for more than 14 hours in 4K on the beIN 4K broadcast All the renowned analysts and every day during the 2018 FIFA World DOHA: beIN MENA, the premium sport channel. beIN news channels will hosts of beIN will also be deliver- Cup Russia™. and entertainment TV offer available in on their side provide viewers ing all day long and until the Final As always, beIN great services will 24 countries of North Africa and Middle with 2018 FIFA World Cup Rus- Game the best of the World Cup also go beyond television to the digital East, will soon be the exclusive home of sia™ related updates and best through beIN TV shows and world via its official website as well as the prestigious 2018 FIFA World Cup images all day long. magazines. all major social media platforms, such Russia™ on its beIN SPORTS channels. This will also be the first time Special 2018 FIFA World Cup as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, To propose the best coverage and in history that a FIFA World Cup Russia™ beIN SPORTS MENA orig- where the fans will notably be able to meet all expectations of its viewers, beIN welcomes 4 Arab Nations: Egypt, inal programs will include several exclusively enjoy the best images and has decided to dedicate six channels to Morocco, Tunisia and Saudi shows, such as: Hello Russia, results of the competition. broadcast all 2018 FIFA World Cup Rus- Arabia. World Cup Today, Countdown, With this extensive and exclusive sia™ matches, details showed To celebrate this achieve- Road to Russia, Allo beIN, The coverage, beIN TV Channels and Dig- yesterday. ment and in order to provide all viewers. Stars, beIN covering, and What You ital supports will definitely be the one This will notably include beIN fans with the best coverage of their To this end, more than 250 dedi- Missed. beIN will also provide live cov- and only must-go for all football fans! SPORTS MAX 1 and beIN SPORTS MAX favourite team, beIN SPORTS MENA will cated reporters will be present to cover erage from the stadiums before, during, Find all beIN SPORTS news on www. 2 in Arabic, beIN SPORTS MAX 3 in Eng- therefore follow each Arab team through all 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ and after every match and will host top beinsports.com and on all beIN social lish and beIN SPORTS MAX 4 in French their competition, as well as all other matches, related news, share the latest stars, sports pundits, guests, analysts and networks, and discover the FIFA World so that each subscribers can enjoy the major international football teams, for results and images, while carrying out commentators. Through this exceptional Cup promotional offers on www.bein. games. the greatest satisfaction of the exclusive interviews with all the and complete broadcast, beIN will be net/en/promotions.

Bayliss calls Emir’s Sword Festival: Stage set for for Farbrace to get England show jumping and dressage events coaching role

THE PENINSULA REUTERS

DOHA: The Qatar Equestrian Federation AUCKLAND: England coach (QEF) has finalised all preparations to Trevor Bayliss has urged the stage the much-awaited Emir’s Sword England and Wales Cricket Festival at it’s Outdoor Arena this week, Board (ECB) to consider hiring it was announced yesterday. a specialist coach for their The QEF yesterday signed sponsor- Twenty20 team and nomi- ship deals with Qatar National Bank nated his assistant Paul (QNB), Abdullah Abdulghani & Brothers Farbrace for the role. (Lexus) and Al Hazm at three separate Bayliss, who said last press conferences. month that he will not lead The official sponsor of the three-day the young riders as this is the Emir’s Sword England beyond his current festival is QNB, it was announced yester- Festival week,” he said. deal until 2019, reckons a day. Abdullah Abdulghani & Brothers Al Attiyah thanked the event sponsors coaching position for the (Lexus) are the gold sponsors with Al for their ‘support’. shortest format should be Hazm Mall will the silver sponsor, QEF “I would like to take this opportunity considered as part of plans for President Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al to thank our sponsors for their support the World T20 tournament in Attiyah said yesterday at the press con- and contribution towards making this 2020. ferences. He was joined by QEF Secretary championship a success. We see this QEF President Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah is seen with Salem Al Nuaimi, When asked if a specific General Badr Al Darwish and represent- championship growing over the years,” Acting General Manager at QNB’s Group Communications, in Doha yesterday. T20 coach should be in place atives from the three sponsors. Al Attiyah told reporters yesterday. before his departure, Bayliss “This year’s edition will not feature “Qatar National Bank has as been in RK Murugan. Executive President, Al Hazm Mall, also said: “The short answer is the defending champion Sheikh Ali bin partnership with the QEF for several years “We thank Abdullah Abdulghani & signed a sponsorship with the QEF probably ‘yes’. Khalid Al Thani, who won the Emir’s now. We value their support and hope Bros for their generous sponsorship of the President. “Eventually you will have Sword last year. Sheikh Ali and Qatar’s this sponsorship of this immensely pop- main event on our riding calendar - the “We are proud to be part of this mega specialist coaches as well (as top rider Bassem Hassan are away in ular championship grows further,” Al Emir’s Sword Festival. We look forward event at QEF. We feel it is our duty to sup- players). That will obviously Europe competing at top international Attiyah said. to cooperation in the future also,” Al Dar- port such sports events in Qatar. We at Al be a discussion with higher events,” QEF President Al Attiyah Salem Al Nuaimi, Acting General Man- wish said. “Without their support, it would Emadi and Al Hazm are feeling happy to levels, with (ECB director of informed yesterday. ager at QNB’s Group Communications, not have been possible to raise the stand- be associated with this key event on the cricket) Andrew Strauss and “These two riders are battling for FEI said: “We congratulate Mr Hamad bin ard of the championship to where it is show jumping calendar. We hope the rid- people like that. Classification points and are out of the Abdulrahman Al Attiyah on being elected today,” he added. ers excel on the field of play and that we “Obviously, Paul Far- country,” he added. President of the Asian Equestrian Feder- “We’re pleased to be part of this pop- get to see some memorable performances brace, I think, would do a The QEF President added that the ation. We also wish good luck to the ular event. We wish all the success to the over the next three days.” grand job. When I was a QR1m championship will be held over participants this week.” organisers and to the riders this week. QEF President Al Attiyah said: “We number two, years ago, a three days starting from tomorrow with Also yesterday, QEF Secretary Gen- We’re looking forward to some quality would like to thank Mr Mohamed Al bloke said to me the role of the participation of more than 50 Qataris eral Al Darwish signed a partnership deal action this week,” Murugan said. “We are Emadi for their support. They have been the number two is to make riders. with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros in the proud partners of this event,” he added. associated with us in the past also and we the number one look good. I “We expect a stiff competition among presence of their Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Abdulkarim Al Emadi, value their sponsorship.” think he’s done a good job in that respect.” England were knocked out of the T20 tri-series on Sunday. Bayliss said he has been considering stepping down as T20 coach because of the QEF Secretary increasing demands of the job General Badr Al across the three formats. Darwish with “From the start of May Chief Executive last year, I think we have 21 Officer of months of cricket out of 23 - Abdullah and we’re halfway through Abdulghani that,” he added. & Bros RK “It’s tough and that’s what Murugan, we’re paid for and we love in Doha QEF President Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah shakes hand with Mohamed doing it. But it doesn’t make yesterday. Abdulkarim Al Emadi, Executive President, Al Hazm Mall, in Doha yesterday. it any easier.” Stosur’s struggles continue as she crashes out in round 1 AFP time in eight meetings with Stry- American CiCi Bellis Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit returns the ball to cova. “It’s always tough to play advanced past Belgium’s Aus- Samantha Stosur of Australia during day two of DUBAI: Former US Open cham- her, but I was just focusing on tralian Open semi-finalist Elise the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship pion Samantha Stosur crashed my game,” the ninth-ranked Mertens 6-3, 6-3 while Wang at the Dubai Tennis Stadium yesterday. out yesterday in the first round Kerber said. “I was playing Qiang of China beat Kiki Bertens of the Dubai Championship 1-6, aggressive and going point by 6-3, 6-0 in 55 minutes. Spain’s 6-2, 6-4 to Estonian Anett point. “I’m feeling great so far Carla Suarez Navarro beat Rus- Kontaveit. this season, winning matches is sia qualifier Sofya Zhuk 6-2, 6-2. After winning the opening really a great feeling, it’s always Wild card Bellis earned a set, Stosur lost the second and important for me.” date with second seed and cur- then trailed 2-5 in the third, Stosur had been forced to rent Wimbledon winner Garbine reaching 4-5 but double-fault- qualify into a tournament for the Muguruza a week after beating ing on a Kontaveit match point first time since Zurich in 2008 US Open finalist Madison Keys to go out. and won three times over the and Karolina Pliskova in Qatar. Former number one Angel- weekend to reach the main “I’ve never played her ique Kerber shrugged off a break draw. Before arriving in Dubai, before. It’s definitely going to be in the first game of her match the 33-year-old Australian had a new experience for me. It will against Czech Barbora Strycova lost five matches and only won be fun. She’s an unbelievable and won 6-2, 6-1 to move into twice in 2018. Stosur was player,” Bellis said. “She’s been the second round. plagued by eight double faults, at the top of the game for a while Kerber, Sydney champion was broken four times and man- now. It will be great for me just and an Australian Open semi- aged a single ace as she lost in to see where my game lines up finalist this season, took 50 an hour and three-quarters at against another one of the top minutes to win for the seventh the Aviation Club. players.” WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018 SPORT 31 India aim to seal the deal in 2nd T20 today IANS Pandey, Mahendra Singh Dhoni wrist-spinning duo Yuzvendra The bowling department, and Hardik Pandya failed to pro- Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, will featuring Andile Phehlukwayo, CENTURION: After a compre- vide the expected final flourish. try to make a mark in the short- Dane Paterson, Morris along hensive victory in the first Pandey struggled to score big, est format. with chinaman Tabraiz Shamsi Twenty20 International, India scoring 29 not out in 27 Pacers Jasprit Bumrah and will have to come up with some- will aim to seal the three-match deliveries. Kumar will only add depth to the thing special in order to get rid series when they take on South It will be interesting to see formidable Indian bowling of the flamboyant Indian Africa in the second match here whether the Karnataka right- line-up. batsmen. at the SuperSport Park today. hander gets another chance. However, the Proteas, led by Squads: In the first game, a brilliant Bolstered by terrific spell by Jean-Pau Duminy, in the India: Virat Kohli (captain), all-round show helped visitors Kumar, who was adjudged the absence of Faf du Plessis, will Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, beat hosts South Africa by 28 Man of the Match, India will look to hit back at India in the Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, runs at the New Wanderers hope to create havoc once again second game, especially after a Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Stadium. to seal the issue. 1-5 thrashing in the One-Day Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Put in to bat, Shikhar Dha- In the batting department, Internationals (ODIs). Manish Pandey, Axar Patel, Yuz- wan (72) hammered the South alongside skipper Kohli, bats- Reeza Hendricks was the vendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, African bowlers all around the men Rohit Sharma, Dhawan, only one who defied the Indian Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit park and helped India post a Dhoni and Pandya will look to bowling in the first innings. Bumrah, Jaydev Unadkat, Shar- massive 203/5 before pacer Bhu- make the most of their capabil- But middle-order batsman dul Thakur. vneshwar Kumar (5/24) wreaked ities this time also. David Miller and Chris Morris, South Africa: Jean-Paul havoc in the South African bat- Batsman Suresh Raina, who who failed to click in the first Duminy (captain), Farhaan ting line-up to take a crucial 1-0 made a comeback in the T20Is match, have to pull up their Behardien, Junior Dala, AB de lead. will act as an vital cog in the socks this time to support the Villiers, Reeza Hendricks, Chris- The Virat Kohli-led India will middle-order and will look to lower order which failed tiaan Jonker, Heinrich Klaasen hope to repeat the performance prove his mettle after his seven drastically. (wk), David Miller, Chris Morris, but with middle-order batsmen balls 15 runs in the first match. Expectations will be high on Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, also playing their part this time. The bowling department, Heinrich Klaasen and Farhaan Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz In the last match, Manish which looked lethal with Behardien. Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts. Kohli bags rare ICC double; Rashid, Bumrah top bowlers IANS Test list last month. wickets in the series against Zimbabwe which India’s Kohli is now seventh in the ODI list of all- Afghanistan won 4-1 to become the youngest batsman Virat DUBAI: India skipper Virat Kohli achieved a time rankings that is led by Vivian Richards to attain top ranking. Kohli watches rare feat yesterday when he crossed the with 935 points. Rashid’s 51 runs in two innings in the series, the ball after 900-point mark concurrently in Tests and Kohli is now a good 22 points clear of including a brisk 43 in the final match in Shar- playing a One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in the latest Sachin Tendulkar, whose ODI career high of jah on Monday, also helped him break into the shot during ICC ODI Player Rankings. 887 points came against Zimbabwe in Janu- top-five in the list of all-rounders while he has the first T20I Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan and ary 1998. Kohli’s aggregate is the best since also moved up 11 slots to take 114th place cricket match India pacer Jasprit Bumrah also took joint-top Brian Lara reached 911 points in March 1993. among batsmen. against South position among bowlers, an International Meanwhile, India opener Shikhar Dhawan Other Afghanistan players to gain in the Africa at the Cricket Council (ICC) statement said. is another notable gainer in the latest rankings latest rankings include batsmen Rahmat Shah Wanderers Kohli’s purple patch with the bat saw him even as a host of Indian bowlers made rapid (up 39 places to 42nd), Javed Ahmedi (up 18 Cricket become only the second batsman after South strides in the rankings, including the wrist- places to 83rd) and Najibullah Zadran (up 23 Stadium in Africa’s AB de Villiers to attain the 900-point spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuleep places to 93rd) and off-spin bowler Moham- Johannesburg mark concurrently in both forms of the game. Yadav. Leg-spinner Chahal has moved up eight mad Nabi (up seven places to 11th). in this He is one among only five to have crossed slots to 21st position with 16 wickets in the Afghanistan also leapfrogged Zimbabwe February 18, 900 points in both forms of the game as he South Africa series while Chinaman bowler in the ODI Team Rankings by gaining four 2018, file consolidated his top position with 558 runs in Yadav’s 17 scalps saw him move up 15 posi- points to take 10th position with 55 points. Zim- photo. the 5-1 series win over South Africa, during tions to take the 47th position. babwe lost three points to be on 50 points. which he notched up three tons. Bumrah’s eight wickets moved him two For South Africa, Faf du Plessis’ 120-run The 28-year old moved ahead of West places to take the joint-first position. knock in the first ODI against India, after which Indian great Brian Lara in the all-timers’ list, Coming to Rashid, the 19-year old highly he was ruled out due to injury, has seen him having also overtaken him in the all-timers’ rated leggie joined Bumrah at the top with 16 gain one slot to reach eighth position. New Zealand Cricket backs Eden Park for T20 final AFP wicket win. Anthony Crummy said the gov- The sight of mis-hits sailing erning body “absolutely” backed WELLINGTON: New Zealand over the boundary for six Eden Park as a venue. Cricket (NZC) defended Eden Park prompted veteran Australian “It’s unique, you can’t deny yesterday amid criticism the commentator Jim Maxwell to call that, a lot of cricket grounds are,” Auckland venue is too small to the venue “a joke” that should not he told Radio Sport. host international fixtures such host international cricket. Eden “We think it adds to the col- as the T20 tri-series final. Park is best known as a rugby our of the international schedule The decider today features ground and its boundaries fall when players have to adapt (to a New Zealand and Australia, who well short of the International smaller ground).” produced a run-fest at the same Cricket Council’s 59.5-metre (65- Crummy also pointed out that ground on Friday that left some yard) minimum. Eden Park did not always produce purists fuming. The situation is allowed to high-scoring slog-a-thons, say- A total of 488 runs were stand because the Auckland sta- ing a number of matches there in FROM LEFT: Captains featuring in the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Imad Wasim scored at 12.7 an over as the sides dium hosted international cricket recent years had been low-scor- of Karachi Kings, Sarfraz Ahmed of Quetta Gladiators, Darren Sammy of Peshawar Zalmi, Misbah smashed 32 sixes before Australia before the ICC regulations were ing, tight affairs. “It hasn’t failed Ul Haq of Islamabad United, Brendon McCullum of Lahore Qalandars and Shoaib Malik of Multan completed a world-record run introduced in 2007. to deliver great contest after great Sultans pose for a group photo ahead of the start of the six-team event. PSL 3 starts tomorrow. chase of 245 to claim a five- NZC chief operating officer contest,” he said. Hales turns back on Test cricket

AFP includes five-day Test matches, in favour ball game wasn’t taken lightly or on the of playing in lucrative domestic Twenty20 spur of the moment, it’s one I’ve thought LONDON: Alex Hales announced yester- competitions around the world. long and hard about. It’s also one I’ve dis- day he is turning his back on Test cricket The opening batsman proved crucial cussed at length with the Notts after signing a new limited-overs contract in Nottinghamshire’s domestic white-ball management.” with county side Nottinghamshire follow- double in 2017 and is a regular in Eng- Hales, who has registered 13 centu- ing a similar decision by England land’s limited-overs set-up with 58 ries in 107 first-class appearances, is team-mate Adil Rashid. one-day and 52 T20 international slated to feature in the upcoming Paki- Rashid last week said he intended to appearances. But the 29-year-old’s deci- stan Super League with Islamabad United focus solely on shorter, white-ball cricket sion seemingly ends his hopes of adding following England’s one-day series in for Yorkshire this season and Hales has to his 11 Test caps, the last of which he New Zealand. penned a deal until the end of the 2019 earned in August 2016. “Alex is entitled to make himself season that will see him feature only in “For the next 18 months I’m excited available for whatever format he wants 50-over and 20-over formats of the to focus entirely on limited overs cricket to play, and we respect his decision,” said game. and want to be part of a Notts team that Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Hales’s decision is likely to strengthen retains the white ball double and a World Newell. “He’s an outstanding white ball A fan takes a one-handed catch to win 50,000 New Zealand dollars ($37,100) fears that England’s top limited-overs Cup winning squad with England,” he said player and we look forward to him help- during a Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and internationals could abandon first class, in a statement on Twitter. ing us win more trophies in that format or red-ball, cricket, which “The decision to focus on my white of the game.” Australia at Eden Park in Auckland in this February 18, 2018, ﬁle photo. 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018 WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018 SPORT 33

Manchester United’s English midﬁelder Scott Barcelona CHAMPIONS LEAGUE McTominay (centre) and Romelu Lukaku (right) SEVILLA VS MANCHESTER UNITED take part in a training session with team-mates War-hit Shakhtar brush off at the club’s training complex near Carrington, wanted to PREVIOUS MEETINGS: west of Manchester yesterday. This will be the first ever meeting of the avoid Chelsea, sides in European competition. GROUP STAGE PERFORMANCES: upheaval as they face Roma Sevilla - second in Group E behind Liver- says Valverde pool with nine points, the lowest tally of AFP Shakhtar, the only club any qualifier. from the eastern Europe Manchester United - winners of Group A KIEV: War refugees Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League REUTERS ahead of Basel head into today’s Champions League LEADING SCORERS IN ALL clash with Italian side AS Roma in high knockout stage, will host LONDON: Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde COMPETITIONS: spirits despite a lack of signings and Roma at the 40,000-seat has said he wanted to avoid meeting Chelsea in Sevilla: Wissam Ben Yedder (17 goals) sparse match practice. Metalist Kharkiv Stadium the first knockout stage of this season’s Champi- Manchester United: Romelu Lukaku (21 The war in eastern Ukraine which is located 250 ons League and wished the London side had won goals) between government forces and Rus- their group. sian-backed separatists has forced kilometres northwest of EUROPEAN CUP/CHAMPIONS LEAGUE “The Premier League teams are having a great Shakhtar to play their home games far their native Donetsk. BEST PERFORMANCES: Champions League and we can’t forget we are from their state-of-the-art Donbass playing against the current English league cham- Sevilla - quarter-finals 1958 Arena Stadium for the past four years. pions,” Valverde told during a news Manchester United - winners 1968, 1999, In 2014, the club moved to Lviv, are worthy and it won’t be easy,” he conference. 2008 close to Ukraine’s western border with told the club’s website. “This is a per- “English teams this year are in incredible form, QUICK FACTS Poland, but the local crowd -- that fectly organised team that copes much better than in previous years. Chelsea might This will be Sevilla’s fourth double favours their own top-flight side, Kar- wonderfully with the tasks it is set.” be the same. confrontation with a Premier League paty -- was often openly hostile to the The club’s only new signing in the “We know that, because the English have such side in three seasons. They lost twice Donetsk team or ignored their games winter transfer window was 19-year- a strong league, they’ll all be up there to Manchester City in the 2015/16 group all together. old Brazilian right back Dodo, who competing.” stage, were knocked out by Leicester Last year Shakhtar’s owners helped to fill the gap after former skip- There are five English sides in the last 16 with City in the last 16 last season, and drew decided to switch their “home” venue per Darijo Srna was suspended last year Manchester City and Liverpool having taken big to the eastern city of Kharkiv, 250 kil- after failing a doping test. twice with Liverpool in this season’s leads in their away legs while Tottenham Hot- ometres (155 miles) northwest of their Shakhtar regained the Ukrainian group stage. spur earned a 2-2 draw at Juventus. native Donetsk. title last year afer a two-year hiatus “We wish Chelsea had finished first in their Sevilla won three straight Europa Shakhtar, the only club from the have won 14 times this season to hold group so we didn’t have to play them,” added Val- Leagues between 2014 and 2016, but eastern Europe in the Champions the lead in the Ukrainian league, three verde on the eve of Tuesday’s mouthwatering they have never gone past the round of League knockout stage, will host Roma points ahead of bitter rivals Dynamo first leg clash at Stamford Bridge. 16 in the Champions League, losing at the 40,000-seat Metalist Kharkiv Kiev. Shakhtar have had a lack of match Chelsea came second in Group C behind Roma three times at this stage in the last stadium. practice because of a two-month win- on the head-to-head rule, while Barca finished decade. The Ukraine conflict has caused ter break but warmed up for the ahead of Juventus in Group D. United manager Jose Mourinho won Shakhtar’s billionaire owner Rinat Champions League meeting in style by Valverde has also taken his side seven points seven and lost just once in eight meet- Akhmetov to lose control of dozens of thrashing Chornomorets Odesa 5-0 on clear in La Liga and into the Spanish Cup final, ings with Sevilla during his three years his coal mining and metallurgical enter- Friday when the domestic league while they are also among the favourites to win in charge of Real Madrid from 2010 to prises located in the eastern rebel-held resumed. Europe’s elite club competition. 2013. He enjoyed 6-2 wins there in La territories. That has seriously lightened “I am happy that we’ve got back “The Champions League has a special aura the tycoon’s wallet, hampering the sign- into the season so well. I am happy with Liga on two occasions in 2011. and that means everyone is looking forward to ing of new players and forcing the club’s this victory and the fact that I helped playing in games like this one which will be a bosses to focus on retaining their exist- my teammates,” said Brazilian mid- tough tie against a difficult opponent,” he said as ing foreign players and fusing them fielder Marlos, who scored twice. he anticipated locking horns with Chelsea’s Anto- with young homegrown talent. Despite their hardships, the nio Conte. Shakhtar’s Portuguese manager Donetsk side produced some unex- “He is one of the best coaches in the world Paulo Fonseca, who replaced Roma- pected results on their way to the with an extraordinary CV, not just with Chelsea nian Mircea Lucescu at the helm in knockout stage. but also with Juventus and the Italian national ‘Brave’ Sevilla eye strong reply 2016, said he was pleased to avoid They finished runners-up to Group side,” added Valverde. “such great clubs as Barcelona and PSG” F winners Manchester City, beating the “His teams are always hard working and they in the last 16. English Premier League leaders 2-1 at Shakhtar Donetsk’s Yaroslav Rakitskiy takes part in a knew what they have to do. For me it’s a great Fonseca warned however that the home in their last and crucial group training session at a training ground in Kiev yesterday challenge to come up against one of his sides,” back-in-form Serie A side would be a encounter. ahead of the UEFA Champion League football match added the Barca coach. against Man United’s defence tough proposition. In doing so, Shakhtar broke Pep Guar- against AS Roma which will be played today. Like his opposite number, Valverde has been “We are aware that the opponents diola’s side’s 28-match unbeaten run. carefully studying Chelsea’s tactical system and hopes to outwit Conte. AP “Chelsea have a unique style of football and know their own game. The English style of foot- MADRID: It seems simple to Sevilla coach Vincenzo ball is very unique, very physical, but they play Montella. His forwards better get their act together good football as well. or his team won’t have a chance against Manches- Third-tier Wigan stun Man City “They have a defined way of playing and we ter United in the last 16 of the Champions League. have to take that into account,” he said. Sevilla has three wins in a row entering the first “The mechanisms are different, the same way leg today, but Montella is not happy with the many REUTERS Wigan Athletic’s Dan Burn (centre) celebrates with fans they will have to take into account our way of chances wasted on attack. on the pitch after their English Premier League match playing.” And they can’t afford to be inefficient against the LONDON: Manchester City were sensa- against Manchester City which Wigan won 1-0. English Premier League’s best defenc e. tionally knocked out of the FA Cup on “We need to be capable of finishing off the Monday by third-tier Wigan Athletic who chances we create,” Montella said after Sevilla beat beat the 10-man Premier League lead- Las Palmas 2-1 in the Spanish league on Saturday. ers 1-0 in a stunning fifth round upset Tottenham can “We had six, seven, eight opportunities to score and with a late goal by their talisman Will we didn’t. I’m not happy with that.” Grigg. win title, Sevilla has five goals in its last three matches, On a magical night in the world’s old- and it has scored at least once in its last nine games, Sevilla’s Italian coach Vincezo Montella (centre) gives est cup competition, Grigg secured one but Montella thinks that isn’t enough considering instructions to his players during a training session on of the biggest shocks by slotting the ball says Moura how well the team has been playing. the eve of the UEFA Champions League match against home from the edge of the box in the 79th “We must be able to capitalise on our chances Manchester United. minute after a misjudgement by City sub- because games can change in a second,” Montella stitute Kyle Walker. REUTERS said. “I liked the team’s spirit, but we need to Chants of ‘Will Grigg’s on Fire’ ech- improve technically and we need to score more.” oed around the DW Stadium. LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur have the right mix Jose Mourinho’s United have conceded 19 goals The visitors had played the entire sec- to win their first ever Champions League title this in 27 Premier League matches, better even than How to stop Sanchez? We can lift Champions ond half with 10 men after midfielder campaign, the Premier League club’s winger Lucas runaway leader Manchester City. Fabian Delph was sent off in the 45th Moura has said. Sevilla have a respectable attack which last minute for a sliding challenge on Max The north London outfit are unbeaten in month was boosted by the signing of former Bar- Tie him up: Montella League title: Young Power. Europe this season, finishing top of their group, celona forward Sandro Ramirez. Montella has The defeat was City’s third of the sea- and earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Italian options in attack, including Luis Muriel, Nolito, and son, and ended their hopes of an champions Juventus in the first leg of their last- Wissam Ben Yedder. His attacking midfielders unprecedented quadruple of trophies this 16 tie in Turin last week. include Pablo Sarabia, Jesus Navas and Joaquin AFP REUTERS campaign. Brazilian midfielder Moura, who joined Spurs Correa. Manager Pep Guardiola said his from Paris St Germain last month, urged his team Montella says he regards Mourinho as a refer- SEVILLE: Sevilla coach Vincenzo Montella joked he might have to use LONDON: Winning the Champions League this season is not beyond expensively-assembled side had done mates to maintain their momentum. ence for coaches. a novel approach to dealing with the threat of Alexis Sanchez when his Manchester United but the Premier League club must take it one game everything they could but paid the price “I am 25 years old but I think I gained a lot of “I studied him as I was beginning as a coach,” team come up against Manchester United in the Champions League today. at a time, wing-back Ashley Young has said. for one mistake. experience with PSG and I think I can help Tot- the 43-year-old Italian coach says. “It’s gratifying “Manchester have fantastic players and Sanchez has improved hugely United have progressed to the Champions League knockout stages “That kind of game is like a final and tenham. I think we have a lot of quality and a to prepare for matches like these. Not because you over the course of his career,” said Italian Montella, who knows the for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign but Manchester City, Spain’s always the teams can punish you,” he told touchline. The Spaniard, already frus- versatile right back Kyle Walker for great structure...,” Moura told British media. can defeat Mourinho, but because it’s a huge match.” Chilean from the time he spent in Serie A with Udinese. Barcelona and Real Madrid along with Paris St Germain are considered the BBC. trated by his side’s failure to break winger Leroy Sane at the start of the sec- “The Champions League is the most difficult Sevilla, a five-time Europa League winner, is “How do we stop him? I don’t know. We’ll have to tie him up!” favourites for the title. “OK. So accept the defeat. Congrat- through the hosts’ sturdy defence, had ond half. cup but I think we have the capacity to win it if trying to advance past the round of 16 of the Cham- Another player Montella knows from Serie A is Paul Pogba, although United, who won the Europa League last season, make a trip to Sevilla ulations to Wigan,” added the Spaniard, to be kept apart from Cook as they He then introduced midfielder Kevin we always think in positives and always work pions League for the first time. It was eliminated it is not certain the former Juventus midfielder will even start in the last in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday and England interna- whose side enjoyed 82 percent of pos- It feels great, doesn’t it. headed down the tunnel at the break. De Bruyne in place of David Silva in the hard. by Leicester City at this stage last year. 16, first leg at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan amid reports of an uneasy tional Young believes they can prove their doubters wrong. session in the second half. It’s such a severe test, There were also some ugly scenes 65th, with the Belgian immediately pil- “We did a big game against Juventus away. It United, the defending Europa League cham- relationship with his manager Jose Mourinho. “Of course (we can win the Champions League),” Young told the Brit- Wigan will host another Premier they’re such a strong side after the final whistle, with missiles ing the pressure on Wigan’s defence. was a good result in Italy and I am sure we can pion, is back in the last 16 of the Champions League “He is a complete player, strong, technical and scores goals. He is ish media. “You don’t enter a competition not to win it. That’s what we League team Southampton in next - tonight we had to ride thrown and fans hurling advertising But still City, 16 points clear at the top do a good game with our fans and continue. It’s for the first time since 2014. fantastic,” Montella told reporters at Sevilla’s stadium yesterday. will be looking to do and take each game as it comes. month’s quarter-finals having now boards onto the pitch. of the Premier League, heading for the always important to win. Every player wants to United is a distant second in the Premier League, “He was the most expensive player in history before Neymar. I hope “The next one is against Sevilla. That’s a tough away game like Hud- beaten three top-flight sides in their fair- our luck at times. But that’s Media reports said City’s Argentine last eight of the Champions League and win trophies... and I think we can dream with the and the team has been inconsistent in recent weeks, he doesn’t play!” dersfield, like Newcastle away. That’s what the stadium is like. We just ytale Cup run. what makes the FA Cup so striker Sergio Aguero was also goaded looking forward to Sunday’s League Cup Champions League.” winning two and losing two of its last four games in Montella was appointed during Spain’s winter break following the have to concentrate on ourselves.” “It feels great, doesn’t it,” said their special: Wigan Manager by a Wigan fan and had to be escorted to final against Arsenal, failed to find a way Tottenham are competing in the Champions all competitions. controversial sacking of Argentine coach Eduardo Berizzo, who had After a shock league defeat to Newcastle United this month, Jose manager Paul Cook. “It’s such a severe Paul Cook safety. through. League for the first time since the 2010-11 cam- “We are not afraid of United,” Sevilla defender just undergone surgery for prostate cancer. Sacked by AC Milan in Mourinho’s side received a confidence boost with a 2-0 win over Hud- test, they’re such a strong side... tonight “There’s no problems,” said Wigan’s Walker then let the ball run past him paign, when they were knocked out in the Clement Lenglet says. November, Montella will be taking charge of only his second Champi- dersfield Town in the FA Cup on Saturday. we had to ride our luck at times. But that’s Cook of his half-time exchange with without realising Grigg was lurking to quarter-finals by 12-time winners and Ronaldo- “They have a lot of quality but we do as well. We ons League game when he comes up against United. Striker Romelu Lukaku scored both goals for United with Juan Mata what makes the FA Cup so special.” Guardiola. seize the chance to finish with a led Real Madrid . will have to play at a very high level to score against He previously oversaw Roma’s defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the and Alexis Sanchez bagging an assist each. On a night of stirring memories for That only increased when referee “He’s an outstanding manager. We flourish. Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s side play Crys- a team that concedes very few goals. We can be moti- second leg of the last 16 in 2011, while Jose Mourinho has vast experi- “When you have a striker scoring goals, it’s always important. His the home fans, whose unfancied side beat Anthony Taylor, a yellow card already in hope he goes on and wins Champions “I’m scoring every week now so it’s tal Palace and Huddersfield Town in the league vated by the fact that not a lot of people think that ence of the Champions League, a competition he has won with both FC (Lukaku) hold-up play, his all-round game was fantastic at Huddersfield, City in the 2013 FA Cup final and also in his hand, reached for the red. Leagues and Premier Leagues because nice and easy,” joked the Northern Ire- and host an FA Cup replay against Rochdale before we will advance. We want to show that we can com- Porto and Inter Milan. and he’s done that all throughout the season,” Young said. the quarter-finals a year later, there was Delph looked stunned, his angry they deserve that.” land international, now the competition’s the return leg of their Champions League tie pete against any team.” always electricity and the hint of a shock team mates swarming around the offi- Guardiola reacted to the setback of top scorer with seven goals. against Juventus on March 7. The second leg is on March 13 in Manchester. in the air. cial, while Guardiola seethed on the going down to 10 men by bringing on “The FA Cup has been brilliant to me.” 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Kings hold off Blackhawks for win

AP Blackhawks banned four fans With Chicago’s Lance from their home games for Bouma in the penalty box for Anton Forsberg (31) of the Chicago CHICAGO: Torrey Mitchell and directing a racist taunt toward interference, Phaneuf beat Fors- Blackhawks makes a save against the Andy Andreoff scored during Washington’s Devante Smith- berg with another big slap shot Los Angeles Kings at the United Center Los Angeles’ dominant first Pelly. The team also apologized at 4:04 of the second. The big in Chicago, Illinois on Monday. The Kings period, helping the Kings beat to the forward and the defenseman also scored in his defeated the Blackhawks 3-1. the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 on Capitals. debut with Los Angeles on Monday night. Smith-Pelly was sitting in Thursday. Dion Phaneuf added his sec- the penalty box during the third Sharp’s rebound goal got ond goal in three games since period of Saturday night’s 7-1 Chicago on the board 1:42 in the joining Los Angeles in a trade loss to Chicago when the fans third, and the Blackhawks spent with Ottawa, and Jonathan yelled “basketball, basketball, much of the final period in the Quick made 27 saves in the basketball” toward the winger, Kings zone. Quick denied Bran- Kings’ second straight win since who is black. An off-ice official don Saad on a prime a three-game slide. Los Angeles sitting next to Smith-Pelly noti- short-handed chance about (32-22-5) also improved to 3-3 fied security and the fans were three minutes in, and also on its seven-game trip as it promptly ejected. stopped Artem Anisimov on a fights for playoff positioning in “Totally unacceptable in our power-play opportunity right in the Western Conference. game, in any sport and in soci- front. Last-place Chicago looked ety today,” Blackhawks coach NOTES: The Blackhawks awful for most of the night dur- Joel Quenneville said after the traded D Michal Kempny to ing its ninth loss in 10 games, morning skate before the Washington for a conditional and Quick turned away a pos- matchup with Los Angeles. third-round pick in the 2018 sible comeback early in the The Kings grabbed control draft. The Capitals will part with third. Anton Forsberg made 29 right at the start, outshooting the the higher selection between stops for the Blackhawks (25- Blackhawks 15-4 in the first. A their own third-rounder and the 27-8), and Patrick Sharp streaking Mitchell drove a slap Toronto pick they acquired from snapped an 11-game scoring shot from the high slot by a New Jersey as part of the Mar- drought with his seventh goal of screened Forsberg at 8:31, and cus Johansson trade.... the season. Andreoff made it 2-0 when he Blackhawks forward Patrick It was the first game at the tipped in Jonny Brodzinski’s shot Kane skated in his 800th NHL United Center since the with 3:23 left in the period. game.

France aim to Cavs, Warriors ready to chase bounce back in Six Nations in NBA’s sprint to the ﬁnish REUTERS

AP between Washington and Indi- ROME: Italy might be seen as ana, and positioning to be settled the perfect opponent for CHICAGO: LeBron James had a down the bottom of the bracket, France to bounce back from trophy in his hands and a smile where Milwaukee, Philadelphia their opening defeats in the on his face. and Miami hold the final three Six Nations, but their lack of That was Sunday at the All- spots. discipline, off the pitch this Star Game, when James again But the biggest question time, will make their task rose above the NBA’s best in win- might be the Celtics, who much harder as they trade in ning a game and MVP honors. slumped into the break with troubled waters. What he really wants is to be three straight losses after lead- Several players were left celebrating in the postseason, ing the conference most of the out of the squad after they not midseason. season, and now have one team went out following a 32-26 The NBA’s sprint to the fin- ahead of them and another defeat by Scotland in Edin- ish begins Thursday with James behind that has the burgh that came on the back riding high but starting again momentum. of the 15-13 loss to Ireland in from back in the pack as Cleve- “The Raptors have been the curtain-raiser. land tries to catch Toronto and playing really well. Cleveland has Although the French Boston in the Eastern been playing really well. But rugby federation did not Conference. we’ve got to get back to playing name the players who were “We just added four new really well, too,” the Celtics’ sanctioned, wing Teddy Tho- guys before the break, and we Jaylen Brown said. mas, who scored France’s all have a lot of work to do,” James “So as the season moves for- three tries in the first two said. “So I really don’t like to ward, we’re looking forward to matches, was missing in the think that too far ahead. But getting back to the top spot.” squad announced by coach obviously winning champion- Same with the Warriors, who Jacques Brunel. “With his ships is what it’s all about. That’s were hurt by the longer-than- qualities, of course I will miss what this league is all about and usual time it took to reach the him,” said Brunel, who added hopefully at the end of the road Paul George (13) of Team Lebron takes the stage during introductions before the start of the 2018 break. They were just 6-4 in their that the banned players then I have the Cavs there to NBA All-Star Game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Sunday. last 10 games and at 44-14 would be back “if those who actually compete for one, to be already have more losses than came in for them don’t take in a finals representing the East.” they averaged over the last three their place.” Les Bleus will The Golden State Warriors are earlier this month, and there’s Canada. “We would hope so, but top of the West but things are seasons (13). also miss a pair of centres in also in the unusual position of not a lot of time left to build we’ve got to get there,” Raptors tight well beyond that. Coach Steve Kerr made it Remi Lamerat and Louis pursuers, after red-hot Houston championship chemistry. All-Star guard Kyle Lowry said. San Antonio is just percent- clear that his team needed a rest Picamoles for Friday’s home passed them for the league’s best The Cavs went into the break “We’ve got to finish the season age points ahead of Minnesota and now that the Warriors had game in Marseille against the record with 10 straight wins with four straight wins, but strong.” Much of the work is for third while still hoping Kawhi it, they’re ready to try to reel in Azzurri. leading into the All-Star break. they’re still just third in the con- already done, since the NBA’s Leonard returns from his thigh the Rockets. Brunel, who will name his But nobody would count out the ference and couldn’t gain any earlier start to this season means injury, and it’s a gap of only 4 1/2 “We’ve got 20-something team today, recalled Mathieu Warriors, not with their star- ground on the Raptors, who have teams are well beyond the mid- games from there to 10th place, games before the playoffs to Bastareaud after his ban for studded group that has won two won seven straight to pass the way point of their schedules. where the Utah Jazz have won chase another championship,” homophobic comments in a of the last three titles. Celtics. Toronto is an NBA-best They will have about 25 games 11 straight. All-Star Stephen Curry said. Champions Cup game Cleveland is the unknown, 24-4 at home and could make remaining, with so much to sort The East has a close race for “So, ready to hit the expired, and the Toulon cen- even with James. The Cavaliers the Cavs’ NBA Finals plans diffi- out in both conferences. fourth place and home-court ground running when we get tre is expected to start added new pieces around him cult if they have to go through It’s a two-team race at the advantage in the first round back.” alongside Geoffrey Doumayrou. Regardless of the result against a team who have conceded 102 in their first two matches, captain Guilhem Golf: Universal world handicap Guirado believes France players need to be wary of their image.“If we win on Friday, I think the players will go and system to be introduced from 2020 ask Jacques if we can go out for a drink,” he told French sports daily L’Equipe on REUTERS Along with being applicable (CONGU), European Golf Asso- “Having a handicap, which is eas- as there will be a limit of Net Tuesday. to any course, the universal ciation (EGA), South African Golf ier to understand and is truly Double Bogey on the maximum Although Italy have never MIAMI: Golfers will be able to handicap would also include Association (SAGA), Argentine portable around the world, can hole score and a maximum beaten France away since a take a universal handicap to daily revisions that would take Golf Association (AAG) and the make golf much more enjoyable handicap limit of 54.0, regard- test match in Grenoble in courses around the world from into account course and weather USGA. The six bodies represent and is one of the unique selling less of gender. Previously, the 1997, victory is not guaran- 2020 in a shake-up of the system conditions. Other new features around 15 million golfers in 80 points of our sport.” A handicap USGA’s maximum limits, for teed as Les Bleus are on an announced by organisers yester- include social rounds counting countries who currently main- is a measure of a golfer’s ability. example, were 36.4 for men and eight-match winless streak day towards the handicap and an tain a golf handicap. It is used to calculate a net score 40.4 for women. “For some time, and beat the Azzurri by only Developed by the British average-based handicap which “We want to make it more in stroke play and therefore we’ve heard golfers say, ‘I’m not two points in the 2016 Six Open organisers The R&A and takes into account the best 8 of attractive to golfers to obtain a allows players of different abil- good enough to have a handi- Nations. France paid dearly the United States Golf Associa- the last 20 scores. The handicap and strip away some of ities to play against each other cap,’ or ‘I don’t play enough to for their lack of discipline tion, the new system aims to announcement comes after an the complexity and variation on more equal terms. have a handicap.’ We want to against Ireland and Scotland, streamline the current formats extensive review of the various which can be off-putting for new- Organisers hope that the make the right decisions now to and Guirado believes the task which are administered by six handicapping systems adminis- comers,” said Martin Slumbers, new system will encourage more encourage a more welcoming on the pitch is already hard existing handicapping authori- tered by Golf Australia, Council chief executive of The R&A, in a people of varying backgrounds and social game,” Mike Davis, enough that they don’t need ties from around the world. of National Golf Unions joint statement with the USGA. to take up the sport, particularly CEO of the USGA, said. to add off-field problems. WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018 SPORT 35 Canadians earn gold in ice dancing competition

AP a record 206.07 total, pushing Donato and goalie Ryan Zapol- France earned silver and Brita them just past their French rivals’ ski took almost simultaneous Sigourney of the United States PYEONGCHANG: Tessa Virtue overall score of 205.28. blows to the head, but both were won bronze. and Scott Moir were golden in “We didn’t know we had won, able to stay in the game. The Slovenian hockey player Ziga their final Olympic performance. that’s for sure,” Moir said with a Americans took advantage of the Jeglic became the third athlete at USA’s Joanne Firesteel Reid competes at the shooting range in The Canadian couple took the laugh. “We really committed to ensuing 5-on-3 power play with the Pyeongchang Games to test the mixed relay biathlon event during the Pyeongchang 2018 ice one last time and produced a our training because we knew a quick goal that pushed its lead positive for doping . winter Olympic Games yesterday. dramatic interpretation of “Mou- we’d have to be better than we’ve to 2-0. Zapolski stopped 21 shots The Court of Arbitration for lin Rouge,” flawlessly executing ever been.” in arguably his best game of the Sport said Jeglic tested positive their four-minute programme It was a triumphant final tournament. The US will play the for fenoterol in an in-competi- that earned them the gold medal Olympics for Virtue and Moir, Czech Republic in the quarterfi- tion test. Fenoterol is a drug in ice dancing yesterday. who also helped Canada win gold nals today. designed to open the airways to Also yesterday, the United in the team event earlier in the “We all had to show up,” the lungs. States men’s hockey team Pyeongchang Games. It’s their Zapolski said. “We know we have It’s the second straight inter- advanced to the quarterfinals third gold overall after winning to win now to keep moving on. I national tournament from which with a 5-1 win over Slovakia, and in Vancouver in 2010 and fifth think that’s something that shows Jeglic has been suspended. He Canadian skier Cassie Sharpe total medal after earning two sil- how strong this team is and how was banned two games at the won gold in the women’s free- vers at the 2014 Sochi Games. resilient we are. We had, I think, world championships last year style halfpipe. They briefly retired after our best game today.” after swinging his skate at a Swit- South Korea won a penalty- Sochi, but decided a few years Donato’s two goals helped zerland player. filled final in the women’s ago to compete in one more him tie his father, Ted, with four The other two athletes who 3,000-meter short-track relay Olympics. in a single Olympics. The elder have tested positive for doping and Martin Fourcade became the Papadakis and Cizeron - who Donato scored four goals in the are Japanese short-track speed- first athlete to win three gold overcame a wardrobe malfunc- 1992 Albertville Olympics. skater Kei Saito and Russian medals at the Pyeongchang tion in the short dance on Monday Norway beat Slovenia 2-1 in curler Alexander Krushelnitsky, Olympics when he anchored - earned the silver while Ameri- overtime - its first win in Olym- who won bronze in mixed dou- France to victory in the biathlon can siblings Maia and Alex pic men’s hockey since 1994 - to bles. The Russian delegation mixed relay. Germany swept the Shibutani won bronze after a reach the quarterfinals for the confirmed a second test for Nordic combined Large Hill event near-flawless free skate to “Par- first time. Krushelnitsky is positive for the podium with Johannes Rydzek adise” by Coldplay. They jumped Sharpe posted the top two banned substance meldonium. winning gold, Fabian Riessle tak- just ahead of American team- scores of the day in the women’s South Korea won the penalty- ing silver and Eric Frenzel earning mates Madison Hubbell and freestyle halfpipe, soaring to gold filled women’s 3,000-meter bronze. Zachary Donahue, who finished with a pair of thrilling runs. She short-track relay final while Italy Virtue and Moir needed their fourth. earned a 95.80 on her second set took silver and the Netherlands best performance after French Ryan Donato scored two - highlighted by a 1080-degree earned bronze. China and Can- Gold medallist Germany’s Johannes training partners Gabriella goals and Troy Terry had three spin - that was the highest-ever ada were penalized, meaning Rydzek celebrates after the nordic Papadakis and Guillaume Cize- assists to jumpstart the Ameri- score in the sport’s brief Olympic Italy moved from bronze to sil- combined men’s individual LH 10km ron broke the world record with cans’ offense in their impressive history. ver and the Netherlands was cross country event at the Alpensia ski a terrific free skate. The Canadi- hockey win over Slovakia. Women’s freestyle halfpipe elevated from the B final, which jump centre at the 2018 Winter Olympic ans responded with a The US had a scary moment debuted at the Sochi Games four they won in a world-record time Games in Pyeongchang. personal-best 122.40 points and in the second period when years ago. Marie Martinod of of 4 minutes, 3.471 seconds. Is South Korea now a hockey nation? South Korea’s players carry AP opportunity for growth. Hopefully the junior leagues. Having a place to play that there are discussions about build- their national Olympics, we’ll be able to use it as a for a country’s top players also is a ing a professional women’s team after ﬂag after the GANGNEUNG: The Korean women’s springboard, or some sort of platform, priority. the Olympics. match against hockey team, thrown together in a and really accelerate the growth of Rene Fasel, president of the Inter- Defenseman Lee Don Ku, who Finland at the historic combination of players from the sport here.” national Ice Hockey Federation, said plays on an Asian league team in Gangneung both North and South, will forever be South Korea built its men’s and China is working hard with a team in South Korea, said he sees some inter- Hockey Centre, a milestone that had ramifications women’s teams by tapping players the Kontinental Hockey League and est at the junior level but there are no Gangneung, beyond the Olympics. with ties to the country and the Jus- two other teams playing in Russia. official leagues. South Korea, Now only South Korea can decide tice Ministry was asked to fast-track Kunlun Red Star, featuring Finnish “But I hope that can change in the yesterday. if hockey truly takes root and the the naturalization of imported play- goalie Noora Raty, is an expansion future,” Lee said. nation becomes a regular on the inter- ers. Two hockey arenas and two team in the Canadian Women’s Only time will tell if fans who national stage - the women, sure, but practice rinks also were built to han- Hockey League. turned out to cheer, chant and sing in also the South Korean men’s team, dle all the games and practices in “To be sustainable we need a support of the Korean hockey teams which also made a somewhat quieter Gangneung. strong league, a domestic league,” keep watching. Olympic debut. Putting the men’s team together Fasel said. “We are actually working Playing better hockey certainly Men’s assistant coach Richard took four exhaustive years of work in China with that. We will also try to can help drive interest. Park believes hockey is poised for by Park and head coach Jim Paek get the Koreans on the same path.” The men’s hockey team lost all growth in South Korea and around among many, a steep climb in a nation Lee Hee-beom, president of the four games at the Olympics by a com- Asia, which will host the next Winter that in 2014 had little more than 100 Pyeongchang Olympic organizing bined score of 19-3, with a 2-1 loss to Olympics in Beijing in 2022. registered male hockey players. committee, noted South Korea has a the Czech Republic in the opener “I don’t know if you’re at any par- Building from here will mean junior women’s hockey team. proving to be their closest game. ticular stage where you can put a term more money and other resources and “When they grow up, this will be The women’s team lost all five on it like ‘the sleeping giant,’” Park it also means offering the sport at the much stronger than this lady ice games, but proved to be quick said. “There’s obviously an youth level and establishing strong hockey team,” said Lee, who added learners. Games should be reserved for the best athletes

AP “It’s not some adult Disney world where you “It doesn’t matter if you’re 43 years old and it France’s Martin Fourcade go to take selfies,” one responder wrote on doesn’t if there is no snow in Mexico and it doesn’t competes at the shooting GANGNEUNG: Liz Swaney deserves kudos for Swaney’s Instagram account. “The Olympics are a matter if you don’t have the money to pursue the dedication. showcase of the BEST athletes in the world and sport,” Madrazo said. “What matters is that if you range in the mixed relay And she had enough sense not to attempt any- Swaney made a mockery of that. She made a mock- want to do it, you can do it.” biathlon event during the thing on the halfpipe - and we mean anything - that ery of people’s life work. She made a mockery of That might be a heart-warming sentiment, but Pyeongchang 2018 Winter might’ve resulted in a serious injury. halfpipe skiing in general. She did this so she could imagine being one of those worthy athletes stuck Olympic Games yesterday. She had no business competing in the flaunt the title of Olympian. Unbelievable.” watching from home, knocked out of the games Olympics. While Swaney’s case is extreme - and should through legitimate qualifying methods. The same can be said for all those skiers rep- immediately lead to reforms that prevent it from The International Olympic Committee always resenting snow-challenged countries such as the happening again - she’s hardly alone in lacking the makes the claim that opening up spots to under- Philippines, Eritrea and Pakistan. world-class credentials that most Olympians are qualified athletes such as Flaherty and Madrazo Plucky underdogs like Eddie the Eagle, a expected to have. might spark interest in countries that have little to bespectacled daredevil flinging himself off the ski At least two North Koreans skiers who finished no winter sports heritage. jump, and Eric the Eel, flailing desperately to stay a combined 98 seconds behind the gold medalist But rest assured: Puerto Ricans will never have above water at the Olympic pool, aren’t that charm- in men’s giant slalom were part of a last-minute any interest in Alpine skiing; Mexico is not about ing anymore. delegation intended to bring a bit of reconciliation to become a cross-country skiing hotbed. The Games can do without them. to this divided land. If you had actually looked past shirtless, oiled- Swaney reignited the debate over just what it No such justification could be made for the skier up Pita Taufatofua when he marched into the should take to be an Olympian with her laugha- who finished just ahead of them, 17-year-old Amer- stadium during the frigid opening ceremony, Ton- ble, trick-free performance in women’s halfpipe ican Charles Flaherty, competing for Puerto Rico ga’s lone athlete at the Pyeongchang Games, you skiing at the Pyeongchang Olympics . and more than 38 seconds behind the winner. would’ve seen at least three well-bundled officials In a sport that’s supposed to feature all sorts of He took up skiing after watching the 2014 Sochi from the South Pacific island following behind him. death-defying flips and spins on a cylinder-like Games. Four years later, he was able to represent Taufatofua finished 114th in the 15K, beating course, Swaney turned in a leisurely run down the Puerto Rico - where his family moved when he out only Madrazo and Colombia’s Sebastian hill , gently rocking back and forth, doing nothing was 9 - at the Winter Olympics. Uprimny. While you can make a strong argument more than easing up to the edges before turning It should be harder than that to get here. that athletes such as Taufatofua and Madrazo, bring the other way. Of course, Flaherty is a grizzled veteran at his some much-needed diversity to these largely white Swaney was thrilled to simply make it to the craft compared to German Madrazo . Games, the same cannot be said of Swaney. bottom. The crowd looked on in stunned silence, The 43-year-old Mexican only took up cross- The Californian simply scammed a hugely no doubt wondering if they’d made a wrong turn country skiing a year ago, which was somehow flawed system, turning up at enough events to gain on the way to the course and wound up at the enough time to land a spot in Pyeongchang. Not an Olympic spot by doing nothing more than not bunny slope, watching some novice learn to ski. surprisingly, he crossed the line last among the 116 falling. She had no chance of qualifying for the US Her performance sparked much-deserved out- competitors who finished the 15-kilometer event team, but was able to represent Hungary because rage and derision on social media. - nearly 26 minutes behind the winner. her grandparents are from there. WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018 36 . SPORT The change in dates 10.45PM 10.45pM has enabled us to FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Hassan Al Naimi, Sevilla vs Shakhtar Donetsk accommodate more Qatar Golf Association, players this year President Manchester United vs Roma Wood seeks repeat of 2013 in Qatar

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA More Euro Tour events DOHA: Chris Wood is leading a galaxy of stars who are heading on the cards in ME to the $1.75m Commercial Bank Qatar Masters which tees off from tomorrow at Doha Golf ARMSTRONG VAS “With the addition of Club (DGC). THE PENINSULA Oman, we now have five Euro- The Englishman, who fin- pean Tour events being played ished second at last week’s NBO DOHA: The inclusion of golf in the Middle East in 2018, Oman Open, will be looking for as an Olympic sport is having which again highlights the a repeat of 2013 when he won its ripple effect on the ground importance of the region for the the Mother of Pearl trophy at the in the Middle East with a Tour and for golf in general,” European Tour event in Qatar. number of new events waiting Waters said. For the 30-year-old, DGC for the nod to join the European “It has a superb climate, has been a happy hunting Tour in the coming years. fantastic golf courses, and we ground having won his first of “We are looking at lots of are able to travel there when the three European Tour titles. different countries in Middle it’s difficult to play golf in Wood will be looking carry East generally and I think in Europe due to the weather. It forward his good form from the next two-three years there will has really been a great addition Oman tournament to Doha. In be three or four more countries to the Tour and contributed Muscat, Wood found himself will have golf tournament. I considerably to our ongoing narrowly edged out by friend think the Olympic impact is success,” he added. FROM LEFT: Gary McGlinchey, General Manager of Doha Golf Club, Fahad Nasser Al Naimi, General Joost Luiten to the second spot. now getting to start to have its On schedule of the new Secretary of Qatar Golf Association (QGA), Hassan Nasser Al Naimi, President of QGA, Hussein Al The new season has been an effect. It will be very interesting tournaments in the Middle East off-and-on one for Wood having Abdulla, Chief Marketing Officer at Commercial Bank and Keith Waters, Chief Operation Officer of for next five years… Your will Waters said:” It’s all about missed the cut in three tourna- European Tour during Qatar Master press conference at Doha Golf Club yesterday. be surprised to see how many logistics and club house… the Pic: Baher Amin/The Peninsula ments a far cry from the 2016, more countries are having golf courses are finished.” Mean- which saw him win the BMW tournaments in the next five while Qatar Golf Association PGA Championship and make Branden Grace, who achieved A strong representation of Tour, gained his invite spot by years,” Keith Waters, European President Hassan Nasser Al the Ryder Cup Team. the feat in 2015 and 2016. Two local and regional talent will mix winning the recent Qatar Open Tour Chief Operations Officer Naimi, said shifting the tourna- “You play poorly for six or other players have won the title with the stars of the European (Professional Division) with said here yesterday. ment from January to February eight months without ever on two occasions – Major cham- Tour as the DGC. scores of 70, 73 and 70. Golf was played as an has helped the organisers and thinking you’d put yourself in pions Paul Lawrie (1999 and The field consist of 138 Baig, won the Qatar Open Olympic Sport at the 2016 Rio the players. contention in a tournament and 2012) and Adam Scott (2002 and players including sponsor (Amateur Division), with a 54 Games and worlds’ top golfers “If you see last year we had then when you do you’re gutted 2008). invites to five local and regional hole total of three under par, 213. instead of taking home millions 120 players, this year we have when you don’t win,” wood said Wang secured his third players; Ali Al Shahrani (Qatar), The 19-year-old will also repre- of dollars took home either a 138 players, so we have been after Oman tournament. European Tour title with victory Ali Saleh Al Kaabi (Qatar), sent Pakistan at the 11th Faldo gold, silver or bronze medal. able to accommodate more The field in Doha includes in Doha last year, and in doing Shergo Al Kurdi (Jordan), Series Asia Grand Final to be The Olympic in the Bra- players with the change in the likes of Darren Clarke, so became the first player to win Ahmed Marjan (Morocco), Josh held at the Laguna Lang Co Golf zilian city was the first-time dates.” Robert Karlsson, Thomas Bjorn, the Commercial Bank Qatar White (England) and Ahmed Club in Danang, Vietnam, next golf was played at the Olym- “With days been short in Thongchai Jaidee, Jeunghun Masters on their debut appear- Baig (Pakistan). month. pics since 1904 and featured January we had less time and Wang, Julian Suri, Andy Sullivan, ance since Ernie Els in 2005. One Qatar invites have gone to Moroccans, Al Kurdi and only two events, the men’s and we could not take in more Nicolas Colsaerts, Paul Lawrie, man looking to replicate that feat both Al Shahrani and Al Kaabai. Marjan complete the invitee list. women’s individual events fea- players but this time of the year Matteo Manassero and Jordan is the in-form Shubhankar Sahrani has played five times in The 72 hole tournament has turing 64 players each. we have more daylight,” he Smith. Sharma. The 21 year old has the tournament andAl Kaabi also a cut to the leading 65 profes- Waters said the Oman added. Wang will be looking to suc- already notched up his first two five times with their collective sionals and ties after 36 holes Open, a new addition to the He informed that Al Kass cessfully defends his title and if European Tour titles in a stun- best score of 148, 4 over par on with the final rounds being desert swing is a good thing to TV will showing live action he does, he will become just the ning start to the 2018 season, and the challenging Peter Harradine played on Saturday and Sunday. happen for the game in the which will help in promoting second person to win the event will make his first appearance designed golf course. Entry is free and all specta- region. the game among the locals. in back-to-back seasons after at Doha Golf Club. White, from the MENA Golf tors are welcome.

Renault launch Qatar take on Morocco in World Schools F1 car and Handball Championships opener in Doha name Aitken as ARMSTRONG VAS same day at 10am. reserve driver THE PENINSULA A glittering opening ceremony has been lined up which REUTERS DOHA: The Qatari boys will will ‘combine the elements of open their campaign against Qatar’s identity and heritage’ LONDON: British-Korean Morocco in the 24th ISF World organisers of the event had said. youngster Jack Aitken will be Schools Handball Champion- The event, which will be held the Renault Formula One ships which kicks off tomorrow at three venues namely: Aspire team’s official reserve driver at three different venues in Doha. Academy of Sports Excellence, this season, replacing Russian The hosts are placed in Qatar Women’s Sports Com- Sergey Sirotkin, who has Group A, along with Denmark, mittee and Ali bin Hamad Al switched to a race seat with Austria, Poland and Morocco. A Attiyah Stadium in Al Sadd, is Williams. total of 18 countries are taking contested in both the boys and The Renault team made part in the boy’s section while girls section, will end with the the announcement on yes- 19 girls teams will be seen in closing ceremony on February terday after an online pres- action the tournament organized 28. entation of its new RS18 car. by Qatar School Sports Associa- “We’re proud to host the Aitken, 22, will also race tion (QSSA), in technical collab- competition and look forward in the Formula Two feeder oration with Qatar Handball to an interesting championship. series this season. Federation. It’s a prestigious event for the Renault will continue the The opening ceremony of the schools and we look forward to Russian connection with Championships will be held it,” said QSSA Secretary General Qatar School Sports Association Secretary General Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi addressing a press conference Artem Markelov, who is also tomorrow evening at 6pm at Ali Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi at a press ahead of the ISF World Schools Handball Championships which begins in Doha tomorrow. competing in F2 and has been bin Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium conference here on Monday. appointed as a test and devel- in Al Sadd with matches in the International School Sports Technical Commission President Germany, Czech Republic, Republic. Slovenia, Brazil, Sweden opment driver with an nine-day tournament kicking off Federation (ISF) Deputy Presi- Tom Christensen and tourna- Romania and Georgia complete and Greece complete Group C. emphasis on simulator duties at three different venues on the dent Stelios Daskalakis, ISSF ment manager Abdulrahman Al Group D. The Organizing Com- at the team’s Enstone factory Muftah were also present on the “Qatar has the potential to mittee have been holding in England. occasion. host top international tourna- periodic meetings to facili- The French manufacturer “The QSSA’s goal is to pro- ments and had hosted the 2015 tate its work and remove any finished sixth overall in last mote sports in the schools. I’m Handball World Championships. technical and organizational year’s championship, up from confident the competition will We always feel confident when glitches which may affect the ninth the previous season, be a good adver for the sport,” Doha hosts a major competition. tournament. and are aiming to close the said Al Hitmi, who is also the I hope the sport will get a major Meanwhile the Organizing gap further after significant President of Qatar Gymnastics boost in the country,” said Committee of the Championship investment in staff and Federation. The draw ceremony Daskalakis. have approached many schools facilities. was held here in December, with In the girls’ tournament, through the Ministry of Educa- Renault, who have Ger- defending champions Turkey which will be its 23rd edition, tion and Higher Education so many’s Nico Hulkenberg and clubbed with Brazil, Greece and defending champions Denmark, that students can attend the Spaniard Carlos Sainz as their Belgium in Group C. France, Croatia, Belgium and competitions. driver line-up, last won the France, the tournament’s Georgia are in Group D. The Committee has also con- championship with Spaniard most successful sides with six Group A has Turkey, Ger- tacted students of the Shafallah Fernando Alonso in 2006. The Swedish girls schools handball team upon titles and runners-up in the 2016 many, Romania and Bulgaria Center and people with special “We are a team on the arrival in Doha yesterday. edition, are with Croatia, Serbia while Group B consists of Hun- needs, to make the event a rise,” Renault Sport Racing and Bulgaria in Group C while gary, Austria, Serbia and Czech success. president Jerome Stoll said.