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WEDNESDAY 7 APRIL 2021 CocoC Gauff plotting own path to glory

I think you want results to happen fast, but I’m also still ddeveloping my game and figuring out how I want to play on thet court and how I want to construct my points.

Coco Gauff Sport | 10

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES: QUARTER-FINALS FC Porto vs Chelsea, FC Bayern Munich vs Saint-Germain (10:00pm) Real down Liverpool; City edge Dortmund REUTERS – MADRID PSG not out for revenge Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. scored twice as they against Bayern: Pochettino punished a sloppy Liverpool side to win 3-1 at home in REUTERS – MUNICH yesterday's Champions League quarter-final first leg. Paris St Germain will not have revenge on their minds when they The 20-year-old Brazilian play Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final after fired the 13-times European losing to the German team in last season’s decider, manager champions into the lead in the Mauricio Pochettino said yesterday. 27th minute at the Alfredo di Bayern beat PSG 1-0 in the final last year to seal a treble but Stefano stadium after con- Pochettino, who replaced manager Thomas Tuchel midway through trolling a long diagonal pass this season, said this time would be different as they were playing from Toni Kroos from his own a two-legged tie. half which flummoxed the Liv- “The final is not a benchmark match for us, we weren’t there erpool defence. with my staff, we were just spectators,” Pochettino told reporters Marco Asensio put the hosts ahead of Wednesday’s first leg in Munich. further at ease by scoring in the “In addition, it’s going to be played over two matches, the context 35th after a Kroos pass again is different. Revenge exists in sport but for us it’s more of a chal- caused havoc among the vis- lenge to beat such a strong team, maybe the best in the world. It’s iting backline but Liverpool a source of motivation.” looked more settled after the Both sides will be missing key players, with PSG striker Mauro interval and a scrappy Icardi out with a thigh injury while Marco Verratti and strike pulled his Italy team-mate Alessandro Florenzi both tested positive for them back into contention early COVID-19. Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski is sidelined with in the second half. a knee injury while winger Serge Gnabry tested positive for But they failed to build on COVID-19 but Pochettino said the German league leaders had their momentum and Vinicius enough squad depth to remain competitive. struck again in the 63rd Real Madrid’s Vinicius “The strength of Bayern is in its collective,” Pochettino added. minute to repeat the scoreline Junior (right) celebrates “When you win the Champions League and the Club World Cup, of the 2018 Champions League after scoring their third it’s because you have a very good group, not just 11 performing final and put Zinedine goal with Casemiro. players.” Zidane's side in pole position for next week's second leg at Anfield. Manchester City's Phil Manchester City's Phil then had a penalty awarded but rescue early in the second half, Foden (right) scores Foden grabbed a last-minute correctly overturned by VAR saving from Erling Haaland with their second goal. winner as they beat Borussia after a challenge by Can on an outstretched foot as the Dortmund 2-1 in their Cham- Rodri and Dortmund, buoyed German side continued to cause pions League quarter-final first by the reprieve, found some City problems. leg on Tuesday after Marco Reus attacking verve. City had several chances to had netted a late equaliser for Romanian referee Ovidiu extend their lead and paid the the German visitors. Hategan was at the centre of price for their uncharacteristic City took a 19th minute lead things again when City keeper lack of precision in front of goal with a classic counter-attacking Ederson hesitated and Dort- when Dortmund struck six move finished off by Kevin De mund's Jude Bellingham nipped minutes before the end. Bruyne after Dortmund's in and slotted the ball into the Haaland's clever pass on the former Liverpool midfielder net but the 17-year-old was half-turn found Marco Reus, Emre Can had given the ball harshly ruled to have fouled the who had timed his run perfectly away on the halfway line. Brazilian. and beat Ederson with a com- Pep Guardiola's City side Ederson came to City's posed finish. Al Sadd edge Al Rayyan in ‘Clasico’ to stay unbeaten; 10-man Qatar SC hold Al Ahli

FAWAD HUSSAIN Al Sadd's Baghdad THE PENINSULA ROUND 21 Bounedjah shoots at the YESTERDAY'S goal during the match Spaniard Santiago Cazorla scored against Al Rayyan yesterday. RESULTS the winner as champions Al Sadd Qatar SC 1-1 Al Ahli edged Al Rayyan 2-1 in a thrilling Al Sadd 2-1 Al Rayyan ‘Qatar Clasico’ to maintain their Al Khor 1-1 Al Duhail unbeaten streak in the QNB Stars TODAY'S FIXTURES League (QSL). Al Rayyan despite the defeat at 6:15pm: Umm Salal vs Al Sadd Stadium last night will keep Al Sailiya at Al Ahli third spot with 34 points, going into Stadium the final round after Al Ahli (33 8:30pm: Al Arabi vs Al points) and Qatar SC (32 points) Kharaitiyat at Al Ahli played out a 1-1 draw, earlier at the Stadium same venue. Coaches Xavi Hernandez and Also yesterday at the Al Ahli hug each other Stadium, Al Khor snatched a point after the match. against runners-up Al Duhail with a 1-1 draw, and are now just two points behind 10th placed Umm Salal with 16 points. Although, the title winners have already been decided, all eyes were on the ‘Qatar Clasico’, which lived up to expectations producing fire- works from both Qatar’s football despite securing the league title is header in a 28th minute corner as Bashar Resan Bonyan fired giants. amazing. We will play the final both teams returned to the dug-out equaliser for Qatar SC in the 74th Al Rayyan, coached by round match against Qatar SC with after an evenly-poised first half, minute after Abdulrasheed Ibrahiim Frenchman Laurent Blanc, knew the same approach,” he added. though Al Sadd had an edge in the grabbed lead for Al Ahli in the 40th that they had to come up with a Al Sadd, playing at their home ball possession. minute. Following the hotly-con- special performance to beat Xavi turf, took the lead in the fourth with Al Rayyan made more attacks tested match, Al Ahli stayed fourth Hernandez-coached Al Sadd, who scoring an in the second half but a good with 33 points, maintaining a one- now have 18 wins and three draws opener with a hit in the fourth defense by Al Sadd, particularly point lead over fifth-placed Qatar SC. against their name. ‘The Lions’ put minute, receiving a superb pass marking on captain Yacine Brahimi, Qatar SC played the last 30 up an impressive performance, par- from Hashim Ali. It was the Alge- kept them away from leveling the minutes without Cristian Prieto, ticularly in the first half but missed rian’s 21st goal of the season. match after Cazorla’s match- who was sent off for kicking Hernan chances, which proved costly for The match, which already got winning spot-kick in 66th minute. Perez on his chest as the pair fought them. off to a fast start, gained further pace Al Sadd won the penalty kick after for the ball. “We played a very good match with both teams exchanging attacks. committed a foul inside Elsewhere, Giannis Fetfatzidis’ against a great team, and we Yohan Boli was influential in most the box, with Spaniard scoring a spot-kick in the 65th minute gave deserved to win,” Xavi said after Al of Al Rayyan’s attacks while ‘The clean strike beating a diving Fahad Al Khor a 1-1 draw, cancelling Sadd’s win last night. Wolves’ were relying on Bounedjah, Younis to his left. Dudu’s 49th minute goal. “The players were impressive Cazorla and captain Hassan Al Earlier at the same venue, In today’s remaining Round 21 both in attack and defense and I am Haydos, who saw two of his goals 10-man Qatar SC played out a 1-1 matches, Umm Salal will take on Al Al Duhail's Ali Afif vies for the ball possession with an very happy with the victory. The disallowed in the first half. draw against Al Ahli in a crucial Sailiya while Al Arabi will meet Al Al Khor player. team’s commitment to win matches Boli levelled the score with a Round 21 clash. Kharaitiyat at Al Ahli Stadium. WEDNESDAY 7 APRIL 2021 SPORT 11 Man City post losses of Roca out, Gnabry doubtful £126m due to COVID-19

REUTERS – MANCHESTER such as Leroy Sane to Bayern as Bayern take on PSG Munich for a reported €45m Manchester City posted net ($53m), were also delayed and losses of £126m ($175m) for the do not appear in the 2019-20 REUTERS – MUNICH 2019-20 season after their accounts. finances took a huge hit from But the club expects to post Bayern Munich midfielder Marc the COVID-19 pandemic, the profits in 2020-21, given the Roca has been ruled out of their Premier League club said deferred revenues and the sub- of their Champions League yestrerday. siding impact of the quarter-final first leg against Paris Revenue dropped 11% to pandemic. Saint Germain today, while £478.4m during the 2019-20 “The 2019-20 accounts in winger Serge Gnabry is unlikely campaign, which was halted in isolation are not the best rep- to feature either, coach Hansi March and resumed behind resentation of the reality of the Flick said yesterday. closed doors three months later. season,” chief executive Ferran The Bavarians are brimming The losses were a result of Soriano said. with confidence, even without a decline in matchday and “A better financial picture injured top striker Robert broadcasting revenues, while of the COVID years will be pro- Lewandowski, having beaten the late finish to last season vided at the end of the 2020-21 second-placed RB Leipzig 1-0 on meant revenue from almost a season, when the two seasons Saturday to open up a seven- quarter of Premier League are combined and normalised.” point lead at the top of the Bun- matches and the latter stages In contrast, Chelsea recorded desliga table. of the Champions League and a profit of £32.5m in the last Bayern have also won their FA Cup would be deferred to financial year, while north last seven games in all competi- next year’s accounts. London rivals Arsenal reported tions and scored 23 goals. Revenues from player sales, a loss of £47.8m. Flick, who has led the Paris Saint Germain President Nasser Al Khelaifi greets a Bavarians to six titles in the last player during the team's final practice session at Ooredoo 10 months including the Cham- Centre in Paris ahead of their departure for Munich. pions League, said Spaniard Roca Bernardeschi becomes sixth suffered an injury on Sunday and was out. Gnabry has a sore throat and is Kylian Mbappe if they lose possession. Italy player to test positive unlikely to be included, said Flick. “There is this enormous quality they The two sides met in last year’s Cham- have, and if we lose possession then we REUTERS – TURIN isolation and asymptomatic, pions League final with Bayern winning have to stop them quickly. We also have follows Cagliari goalkeeper the trophy but that counts for little now, to put them under pressure early.” Juventus forward Federico Alessio Cragno and Paris St said Flick. Even though PSG are missing half a Bernardeschi has become the Germain defender Alessandro “Paris are a new team with a new dozen players, including Alessandro sixth Italy player to test positive Florenzi as players to have con- coach,” said Flick. Florenzi and fellow Italy international for COVID-19 since the inter- tracted the virus, after their “I don’t think that game matters Marco Verratti through coronavirus infec- national break, the Serie A positive results were revealed anymore. We want to reach the semi- tions, Bayern will need to be sharper in champions said in a statement on Monday. finals and the final. That is our aim.” attack than against Leipzig. yesterday. Florenzi’s PSG team mate “They have a solid defence, a very “We have to be confident in our There are growing concerns and fellow Italy international good goalkeeper, but up front they have attack, a bit more decisive than Leipzig over the number of cases Marco Verratti will also miss enormous quality.” and also be strong from the start. We among the Italy squad, who the Champions League quarter- Flick said Bayern would have to press will get our chances but we have to play PSG's Neymar Jr during the practice session. played three World Cup qual- final first-leg clash with Bayern the French quickly when they attacked them out better than against Leipzig,” Pictures: Twitter/@PSG_English ifiers in the last two weeks. Munich today, after testing pos- and beware of the speed of Neymar and he said. Bernardeschi, who is in itive on Friday. Kudela to Pirlo says Juve ready to miss Arsenal play Napoli but would trip due to respect any COVID delay Lionel Messi poses for suspension REUTERS – TURIN (health authority) says and a photograph with his REUTERS – PRAGUE decides,” Pirlo told a news con- family members before Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo ference ahead of Wednesday’s Monday's LaLiga match Slavia Prague defender Ondrej (pictured) said his team are match. against Valladolid after he received an award for Kudela, who is being investi- ready to play their Serie A match “We will do as we have breaking Xavi Hernández’s gated by UEFA and Police against Napoli today but added always done and prepare in the record of 767 appearances Scotland over alleged racial that he would respect any best way possible to be ready to for the Catalan club. Pic: abuse, has been provisionally COVID-19 postponement forced play the game.” Napoli did not Twitter/ @FCBarcelona suspended for one game ahead on them by the local health travel to Turin for the Juve game of a hearing, Europe’s soccer authority in Turin. on Oct 4., saying their local governing body said yesterday. The Turin health authority health authority had told the Rangers midfielder Glen said the match was not at risk players to stay home after two Kamara complained of being despite recent COVID-19 cases members of the squad tested racially abused by Kudela in at Juventus, with three players positive for COVID-19. their last-16 match, when the testing positive after returning Serie A turned down Scottish club was knocked out from international duty. Napoli’s request to call the game in the second leg, which Leonardo Bonucci, Merih off, however, resulting in bizarre included a melee on the pitch Demiral and Federico Bernar- scenes at the Allianz stadium as and clashes in the tunnel deschi tested positive this week Juventus named their team and Dembele volley takes Barca afterwards. and will miss the rescheduled then waited until 45 minutes Kudela denied the alle- Napoli match, which was orig- after the scheduled kickoff time gation and his club stood by inally postponed in October. before the game was officially him, lodging an official com- “We respect the protocol as abandoned. one point behind Atletico plaint with the Scottish police, always but we respect what the The rearranged match is via the Czech Embassy in crucial for champions Juventus, REUTERS – BARCELONA helping hand when Valladolid’s Saturday with the chance to go London, alleging a “physical who sit fourth in the Serie A Oscar Plano was shown a top of the table a day before assault” on the 34-year-old standings, 12 points behind Barcelona forward Ousmane straight red card in the 79th Atletico visit Real Betis. defender. leaders , with their Dembele struck in stoppage minute for a tackle from behind “My sensation from the UEFA said its Control, hopes fading fast of a 10th suc- time to snatch a vital 1-0 win at on Dembele. dugout was that we were Ethics and Disciplinary Body cessive Scudetto. home to in La The sending off was fiercely always capable of winning the (CEDB) was looking into Reports in various Italian Liga on Monday to pull his side protested by the visitors, who game right until the end. The Kudela for a potential violation newspapers suggest Pirlo, in his one point behind leaders had appealed for a penalty players proved that they always of UEFA regulations over first season in charge at Atletico Madrid. earlier in the second half when had faith until the last minute,” racism and other discrimi- Juventus, could be sacked Valladolid produced a dis- the ball struck the hand of said Barca coach Ronald natory conduct, and for mis- should his side lose to Napoli. ciplined yet bold performance Barca defender Jordi Alba. Koeman. conduct such as insulting But the rookie coach is deter- and could have taken an early However, the referee decided “Sometimes you have to players. mined to turn things around. lead when headed the handball was accidental really suffer to win and that’s “The CEDB today decided “I feel great confidence from against the bar, while Roque after a VAR review. good too. is also about to provisionally suspend Mr. the players,” Pirlo added. “They Mesa had two clear sights at Barca finally took advantage suffering.” Ondřej Kúdela for the next (1) give me great confidence in goal from outside the box but of having an extra man when The Dutchman also heaped UEFA club competition what I want and what we are failed to hit the target each time. French forward Dembele caught praise on Dembele, who was match,” it said in a statement. doing. The players follow me, Barca came close to scoring a loose ball in the air with his left beset by injuries and criticised UEFA also added that pro- they are the first to be sad about right before halftime when their foot, slamming it inside the near for lacking professionalism in ceedings have also been this situation we are in. former goalkeeper post. his first few years at Barca but opened against Kamara to “It is normal that the results palmed a strike from Pedri on A sixth consecutive league has hit the best form of his assess if he is guilty of assault, change the coach’s job, it’s up to the post. win took Barca back into career this season. which could see him receive a to me to prove that I can be next The keeper thwarted second place and moved them “It’s vital for us for him to five-match suspension. year’s coach.” Pirlo also Dembele in the second half and on to 65 points, two above be at the top of his game, he Earlier yesterday, Slavia revealed that Argentinian striker then watched on in relief as third-placed Real Madrid and gives us a lot when it comes to Prague’s assistant coach Paulo Dybala is fit to face Antoine Griezmann headed the one behind Atletico, who were taking on opponents and he can Zdenek Houstecky said Kudela Napoli. The 27-year-old has not rebound just wide. beaten 1-0 at Sevilla on Sunday. play all across the front line,” would not be travelling to played for Juve since January. The Catalans were dealt a Barca visit Real Madridrid nenextxt KoemanKoeman ssaid.aid. London to play Arsenal in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg due to illness and a nose injury. Rudiger, Kepa won’t be punished, says Tuchel Wales forward Gareth Bale LONDON had elbowed the player in the REUTERS – not be punished. “We calmed the situation Champions League quarter-finalnal tie against face while competing in an immediately. They can happen because eve- FC Porto today. aerial duel during a World Cup Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel yesterday ryone is competitive in training,” Tuchel told “We got a big slap in the face,ace, and it was qualifier against the Czech praised defender Antonio Rudiger and goal- a news conference. required to remind us how toughgh it is to keep Republic last week. keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for burying the “They cleared the air and there was winning,” he added. “I have thehe feelingfeeling we Kudela did not play in hatchet after the pair were involved in a nothing left afterwards. They solved it in an can overcome Porto but it will be tough. Slavia Prague’s goalless league training ground bust-up on Sunday. honest and humble way... For this situation, They are very experienced, butbut we draw against Zbrojovka Brno German defender Rudiger was sent to the there will be no punishment.” are strong enough and believeve in over the weekend. changing rooms after he clashed with the Chelsea’s 14-game unbeaten run in all ourselves.” Tuchel confirmedmed Houstecky said centre Spanish goalkeeper following a late challenge, competitions under Tuchel came to an end winger Christian Pulisic was in tthehe back Simon Deli would not be with the two having to be separated by team on Saturday in a 5-2 thrashing at the hands squad after suffering a hamstringng travelling either, after the mates. of West Bromwich Albion. scare against West Brom, whilee Ivorian returned a positive Tuchel said that the incident was serious But the German insisted there was no midfielder N’Golo Kante is only COVID-19 test. but that Rudiger and Kepa would panic heading into the first leg of their fit enough to make the bench. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 7 APRIL 2021 AFC Champions League, AFC Cup play-off rounds kick off

QNA – KUALA LUMPUR will face Iraq’s Al Zawraa at Al Nahyan Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In the winner meets Bangladesh’s May 14 with both competitions played Stadium in Abu Dhabi. the AFC Cup, Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army Abahani Limited Dhaka. in centralized venues. The 2021 AFC Champions League and In Makkah, Al Wehda of Saudi FC will face Sri Lanka’s SL Police SC in The first of the AFC Cup play-offs In the East Region, the AFC has the 2021 AFC Cup play-off rounds will Arabia hope to qualify for the AFC the Preliminary Stage at the Dashrath will be between Palestine’s Al Ama’ari postponed the AFC Champions League kick off today. Champions League group stage when Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal with the Center and SC which will take Group Stage matches, which are now In Doha, FC AGMK of they host Iraq’s Air Force Club at the winners facing India’s JSW Bengaluru place at the Faisal Al-Husseini Stadium scheduled to take place from June 21 seek to reach the AFC Champions King Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium. FC on April 14. on April 20. to July 11, taking into consideration the League group stage when they take on On Saturday, Foolad Khouzestan Also, Club Eagles of Maldives will The AFC Champions League (West) existing travel restrictions and quar- Qatar’s Al Gharafa at the Suheim bin FC of Iran will take on Al Ain FC of play against Bhutan’s Thimphu City FC Group Stage will start on April 14 while antine challenges posed by the Hamad Stadium while UAE’s Al Wahda the UAE at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd at the National Stadium in Male where the AFC Cup Group Stage begins on COVID-19 pandemic. AFC bans Al Gharafa and AGMK target Jaja for four years over doping place in ACL group stage violation THE AFC – DOHA opponents in Pakhtakor in the Round of 16. Clemerson Araujo’s REUTERS – KUALA LUMPUR FC AGMK are hoping to become goal was the difference as Al the seventh different side from Gharafa advanced into the The Asian Football Uzbekistan to reach the AFC quarter-finals where they came Confederation (AFC) has Champions League (ACL) group close to reversing a 3-0 first-leg banned Chiangrai United stage when they travel to Doha defeat against Al Hilal of Saudi striker Jaja from all soccer- to face Qatar’s Al Gharafa in the Arabia, but ultimately fell short, related activity for four 2021 play-off today. losing 5-4 on aggregate. years after he violated AGMK qualified for the 2021 That 2010 Round of 16 game anti-doping regulations, ACL play-off after finishing was the last of three matches Al Asian soccer’s governing third in last season’s Uzbekistan Gharafa played against Uzbek body said yesterday. Super League. Should they opponents, all being against The AFC said the Bra- come away from Suheim bin Pakhtakor. The two sides had zilian, whose full name is Hamad Stadium with a win, been drawn in the same group Jakson Avelino Coelho, they would join FC Pakhtakor, in 2008 with the spoils shared was found guilty of the FC Bunyodkor, PFC Lokomotiv, in a 2-2 draw in Doha and violation following tests FC Nasaf and FC Neftchi Al Gharafa players Pakhtakor emerging 2-0 conducted at the 2020 AFC Fergana as clubs that have rep- celebrate after winning a winners in . Champions League group resented Uzbekistan in the match in this file photo. Al Gharafa’s rally to third stage game between the competition. place last season was propelled Thai side and Melbourne For Al Gharafa, victory on by the partnership of Qatari Victory on Nov. 30. home soil would signal a return Rayyan in third with two games with seven points collected Al Gharafa were perennial international Ahmed Alaeldin The governing body to the group stage for the first to go. from their opening four ACL participants in their heyday and Ivorian striker Jonathan said he violated Article 6 time since 2018 for a club that A major concern for the matches. in the second half of the 2000s, Kodjia. The pair combined to of its anti-doping regula- once appeared in five consec- Qataris will be their recent form Starting the season with an appearing in all but one edition score 17 league goals in 2019-20 tions of 2019 and that the utive editions of the ACL. heading into the AGMK tie. important win over Lokomotiv, between 2006 and 2012. and have been equally as influ- ban covered domestic, Al Gharafa qualified for the Head coach Slavisa Jokanovic’s AGMK dropped four points from However, they found success in ential this campaign. international, friendly and play-off after finishing fourth men lost their last three league their next two games, drawing the competition difficult to Growing into his creative official fixtures. in the 2019-20 QNB Stars games and have just one win in away to Nasaf and losing 3-0 at come by, progressing past the role at the club is Korea Republic “The AFC remains League. Since then, their form their last six. home to Pakhtakor, but they group stage on only one midfielder Koo Ja-cheol who committed in its stance to has dipped slightly and they Whereas the QSL is two bounced back with a win over occasion. will be looking to channel his keep football free from currently find themselves sixth matchdays away from con- PFC Navbahor to lift their The Qataris best campaign experience of nearly a decade doping and in upholding in the league table, but ACL clusion, AGMK’s domestic morale ahead of the continental was the 2010 ACL. Back then, in European football spent in the integrity of the sport,” qualification hopes remain alive season has just begun, and they clash. they topped Group A and found Germany to support his team’s it said in a statement. as they sit four points behind Al find themselves in fourth place The continental history themselves facing Uzbek cause in the ACL Teenage prodigy Gauff Britain without Konta plotting own path to glory for Billie Jean King Cup tie vs Mexico REUTERS – MIAMI

American teenage prodigy Coco Gauff (pictured) I think I was just trying not to be on social REUTERSR – LONDON says she is spending less time on social media now media as much because a lot of ppeopleeople have as she focuses on charting her own course to opinions on you and how they thinkhink yyouou Britain will be without their top-ranked player, success in tennis. should play. But I think it’s importantrtant thatthat yyouou , for their Billie Jean King Cup play-off Gauff has been in the spotlight ever since her focus on your journey, your path,, and you’reyou’re tie against Mexico as she continues to manage a knee astounding run as a 15-year-old at Wimbledon in problem, with Jodie Burrage selected in the squad for 2019, where she knocked out her idol and five- going to have a different path thanan other the first time. time champion Venus Williams after becoming players. That’s what I’ve been workingorking on World number 18 Konta, who retired from this the youngest player in the professional era to lately, is just focusing on my journeyrney and my year’s Australian Open due to an abdominal injury, survive the qualifying draw. path: Coco Gauff said last week that she would not be part of the as Her dream run at the grass court Grand Slam she gives her problematic knee time to adjust ahead continued until the fourth round, and the following of the clay-court season. year she reached the same stage at the Australian Burrage, 21, was rewarded on Tuesday for her Open on the hardcourts of Melbourne Park. journey and my path.” African-AmericanAmerican impressivei recent form which saw her capture an ITF Expectations for the now 17-year-old Gauff Gauff also emerged as a leadingg voice in titletit in Dubai over the weekend, when the Lawn Tennis have remained high, and she is constantly trying the fight against racial injusticestice in AssociationAsso named her in the squad. to live up to them. Part of that entails focusing America last year. HeatherH Watson, , and Katie on her tennis more and social media less, she Gauff, currently ranked 36thh in the BoulterBoult complete the five-member squad captained by Anne told reporters at the WTA 500 event in world - one spot below the career-bester-best Keothavong.Keot Charleston. ranking she reached last month,h, said “Heather“ has shown great commitment to the team and “I think I was just trying not to be on social she is ready to be patient in herer bid thethe ccompetition over the years, and and media as much because a lot of people have for success. HarrietHarr Dart have both shown their character in recent ties opinions on you and how they think you should “I think you want resultss to as wwell,” Keothavong said. play,” Gauff said. happen fast, but I’m also stillill “Along with Katie Swan and Jodie Burrage we have “But I think it’s important that you focus on developing my game and fig-g- a sstrongt group of players who I’m confident can do us your journey, your path, and you’re going to have uring out how I want to play oonn proud.”pro The tie will take place behind closed doors at a different path than other players. That’s what the court and how I want to con-on- theth LTA’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton on I’ve been working on lately, is just focusing on my struct my points,” she added. AprilA 16-17. 6th Qatar National Arabian Peninsula Horse Show for Individual Owners

The representative of Nabeel Al Rayyan celebrates after receiving the winner's trophy following the victory of Al Marroona Stud- owned stallion in Class SSC Senior Stallions Championship at the Mares 4-6 Years Old (Class 7A): Sharazad Al Waab (Abdulla Saed Mohammed Al Hajri) Yearling Fillies Championship (Class YFC): Dhuha Al Waab (Nasser Abdulla Al Mansouri) 6th Qatar National Arabian Peninsula Horse Show for Individual Mares 4-6 Years Old (Class 7B): Haouayel Al Shaqab (Nasser Abdulla Al Mansouri) Yearling Colts Championship (Class YCC): Mutabahi Al Waab (Ebrahim Yusuf Alromaihi) Owners, organised by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Mares 7-10 Years Old (Class 8): Safira Al Dohul (Al Nawasi Stud) Junior Fillies Championship (Class JFC): Rayana AlSraiya (Al Sraiya Stud) and held at Longines Arena At Al Shaqab yesterday. CENTRE: Mares 11+ Years Old (Class 9): Salomeh (Abdulla Salem Al Hajri) Junior Colts Championship (Class JCC): Auf Al Shaqab (Mohamed Jassim Al Kuwari) Representatives of Safira Al Dohul, winner of Senior Mares Stallions 4-6 Years Old (Class 10): Masrour Al Waab (Abdulla Saed Mohammed Al Hajri) Senior Mares Championship (Class SMC): Safira Al Dohul (Al Nawasi Stud) Championship, receiving their trophy. RIGHT: Nabeel Al Rayyan Stallions 7+ Years Old (Class 11): Nabeel Al Rayyan (Al Marroona Stud) Senior Stallions Championship (Class SSC): Nabeel Al Rayyan (Al Marroona Stud) WEDNESDAY 7 APRIL 2021 SPORT 09 North Korea drops out of Olympic Tokyo Olympics Games, dashing S Korean hopes organisers postpone test event SEOUL - REUTERS

North Korea said yesterday it TOKYO - AP would not take part in the Tokyo Olympics due to coro- Tokyo Olympic organizers yesterday postponed a water polo test navirus concerns, dashing event set for this weekend and said it might be rescheduled for South Korean hopes that the May or June. Games could be a catalyst to Reports in Japan say technical officials were unable to go to revive peace talks. Japan because of strict procedures to enter the country. It will be the first time North Organizers did not confirm that but said in a statement: “Con- Korea has missed a summer sidering the schedule of each stakeholder under the current global Olympics since it boycotted the COVID-19 conditions, it was felt that postponing the event was Seoul games in 1988, during the necessary.” Cold War. The news comes less than four months before the opening of South Korean President the postponed Olympics and could be a setback as organizers and Moon Jae-in had hoped the two the International Olympic Committee attempt to hold the Tokyo countries, still technically at Games in the middle of a pandemic. The Olympics are to open on war after their 1950-53 conflict July 23. ended in a truce, not a peace Two other test events also appear to be off. treaty, could field a combined Swimming governing body FINA said on its website that a team in Tokyo and rebuild diving World Cup event set for April 18-23 in Tokyo had been momentum for an cancelled, and it reported the same for an artistic swimming event improvement in relations. for May 1-4. The North’s withdrawal is FINA said it would issue a complete statement later this week. also a setback for Moon and FINA said the “decision of re-allocating the FINA Olympic qual- North Korean leader Kim Jong A cherry blossom trees street is cordoned off as part of efforts to avoid the spread of the ifiers planned in Japan is under review.” Un’s plan,, agreed in 20182018,, to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Seoul, South Korea, in this April 1, 2021, file photo. Tokyo organizers did manage over the weekend to pull off a pursue a jointjoint Korean bid to test event for Paralympic wheelchair rugby. host the 2032032 GaGames.mes. The BBC reported last week, citing a letter from FINA it had Whenn SouthSouth wantedwanted ttoo continue regions”. The International Sports Minister Kim Il Guk on viewed, that the diving event was cancelled because it “will not Korea hostedsted thethe dialogue.dialogu Olympic Committee (IOC) said March 25. properly ensure” athletes’ safety. Pyeongchanghang SouthSo it had asked the North Korean “The committee decided not Japan has attributed about 9,200 deaths to COVID-19. It has Winterer Korea’sKorea Unifi- organising committee several to join the 32nd Olympics handled the pandemic better than many countries, but not as well Olympicss in cationcati Min- times for a telephone con- Games to protect athletes from as most in Asia. 2018, Kim sent istryistr said ference to discuss the corona- the global health crisis caused The Olympics and Paralympics will involve 15,400 athletes his sisterr to SeoulSeo had virus situation in North Korea, by the coronavirus,” it said entering the country, and tens of thousands of officials, judges, head tthehe hopedhope the but North Korea had been yesterday. media and broadcasters. Fans from abroad have been banned national ddele-ele- TokyoTokyo Olympics unable to comply. North Korea says it has not from attending. gation, andd bbothoth wouldwould be a “The IOC has not received had any coronavirus cases since North Korea yesterday became the first country to drop out teams mamarchedrched chancechance tot “foster any official application from the the start of the pandemic. of the Tokyo Games because of coronavirus fears, a decision that under a unifiednified flflagag at peace and reconcili- NOC of DPRK (Democratic Peo- The March 25 meeting also underscores the challenges facing Japan as it struggles to stage a the openinging ation”atio and ple’s Republic of Korea) to be discussed ways to develop pro- global sporting event amid a raging pandemic. ceremonyn y exexpressed released from their obligation fessional sports technologies, A website run by North Korea’s Sports Ministry said its national and fieldeded a regretreg that it to take part in the Olympic earn more medals at interna- Olympic committee decided during a meeting on March 25 not combinedn ed couldcou not Games according to the tional competitions and expand to participate in the games to protect athletes from the “world women’ss iceice happen.happen. Olympic Charter,” an IOC public sports activities over the public health crisis caused by COVID-19.” hockey team.am. TheThe Tokyo spokesperson said. next five years, the ministry Last week the city of Osaka asked organizers to cancel a leg Tensionsons onon thethe OrganisingOrganisin Com- North Korea’s sports min- said. of the torch relay that is to go through the city on April 14. The Korean Peninsulaeninsula rosrosee mitteemittee saidsaid it would istry said on its website that the Kim, known to be a fan of city is experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases. last monthnth wwhenhen ththee “continue to preparepr the decision to pull out of Tokyo US , has expressed a The torch relay started on March 25 from northeastern Japan. North resumeddiiltt missile tests, bestb t possible ibl stage t tto welcome had been made at a meeting of desire to promote professional It is circulating the country and is to reach Tokyo on July 23. It although both sides said they athletes from all countries and its Olympic committee with sports in North Korea. involves about 10,000 runners. Mumbai Indians staffer Canterbury tests positive just days end Plunket Shield ahead of IPL start campaign

REUTERS - MUMBAI unbeaten

The Mumbai Indians scout and wicketkeeping consultant Kiran More NAPIER - REUTERS has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the new Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which begins on Friday. Canterbury drew their final Champions Mumbai said yesterday that former wicketkeeper More, match of the Plunket Shield 58, was currently not showing symptoms and has been isolated. season against Central The side led by Rohit Sharma are camped in Chennai where they Stags at McLean Park in will open their campaign against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Napier yesterday to end who are captained by India skipper Virat Kohli. their campaign unbeaten “Mumbai Indians and Kiran More have followed all the BCCI health in New Zealand’s domestic guidelines. The MI medical team will continue to monitor More’s health first-class competition. and abide by the BCCI protocols,” the team said in a Twitter post. Canterbury were According to the IPL protocols, asymptomatic cases or people with already assured of a first mild Covid-19 symptoms have to be isolated for a minimum of 10 days title since the 2016-17 in a designated area outside of the biosecure bubble. The isolation season with two rounds to begins from the time the symptoms are detected or from the date when play in the competition, the positive test is returned. which dates back to The person can return to the bubble only after clearing two RT-PCR 1906-07. tests on the last two days of the isolation period. In the case of players, Canterbury dismissed they must then undergo cardiac screening before resuming training. Stags for 207 in their first Players and staff are staying in a restricted health environment for innings and went on to this year’s IPL, which will be played across six venues in India, initially score 391. The champions without spectators. then reduced Stags to 299-5 before the match was called off at tea on the final day. England stumper Taylor Canterbury also won the one-day Ford Trophy competition, while their signs up for The Hundred women’s team won the Super Smash and one-day LONDON - REUTERS Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, the first time one Former England women’s international Sarah Taylor said yesterday club has won four of New she is excited about playing cricket again after joining Welsh Fire for Zealand’s five domestic the inaugural season of The Hundred. titles. The only trophy to The 31-year-old, one of the best wicketkeepers of all time, was part elude them this season was of the England sides that won the Twenty20 and 50-overs World Cups the men’s Super Smash, in 2009. which was won by She made 226 appearances for England, including 10 Tests, 126 Wellington. one-day and 90 T20 games, before retiring from international cricket Meanwhile, Pakistan's in 2019 after a battle with anxiety. U-19 cricket team will now Her last domestic game was the same year, representing Surrey tour Bangladesh from Sat- Stars. urday 17 April instead of “There’s been a real buzz about The Hundred, and especially the the original 11 April women’s competition,” Taylor said in an England and Wales Cricket schedule. Board (ECB) statement. The tour has been “We’ve got the best players from around the world involved and delayed by six days due to the temptation to be part of it was too great to resist. I’m so excited at the ongoing lockdown in the prospect of playing again.” Bangladesh. The women’s season of the ECB’s franchise-based league begins Over the course of the with Oval Invincibles meeting Manchester Originals on July 21, a day last two days, the Pakistan before the men’s competition begins. Cricket Board and Bang- Several top women’s players, including Meg Lanning (Fire), Sophie ladesh Cricket Board Molineux (Trent Rockets) and Alyssa Healy (Northern Superchargers) worked out an alternate will be taking part of the tournament. schedule for the tour to The ECB has invested heavily in The Hundred, a competition it ensure the tour takes place hopes will attract younger audiences to the sport. Matches will com- in a safe and secure envi- prise 100 balls per innings with a change of ends after 10 deliveries. ronment (bio-secure The launch of the inaugural edition was postponed last year due bubble). to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sport WEDNESDAY 7 APRIL 2021 08 At the Masters, past champions Bubba Watson enjoys standard are welcomed back to field Augusta fare at AP – AUGUSTA

Fred Couples was playing a The Masters practice round at Augusta National this week, with the other members of his foursome AP – AUGUSTA all sharing a few things in common. Bubba Watson has a fancy dinner to attend tonight. It’s the Masters None of them was even half Club Dinner, otherwise known as the Champions dinner. his age. Dustin Johnson has chosen an elegant menu, including filet They all bombed their tee mignon. But for Watson, breakfast and lunch at the Masters tend shots past his. to be a bit more simple. Food is part of the charm of Augusta And they listened to every National, and Watson likes to partake of some of the same fare piece of advice he had. the patrons enjoy - particularly what’s known as the “Taste of the “Well, I’m old,” Couples Masters,” a trio of sandwiches that includes pimiento cheese, egg said. salad and some barbecue. Among the many perks that “I always eat the Taste of the Masters, but I actually take out come with winning the Masters the egg salad and I put in another barbecue slider, so I have two is this: Champions are invited barbecue sliders,” Watson said. “I have pimiento cheese and then back for life, and that means it I have French fries.” isn’t uncommon to see players The two-time Masters champion has been here for years, so compete into their 60s and even when Watson’s hungry, the staff at Augusta knows what he wants 70s at Augusta National. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Justin Thomas of the US walk to the without any further explanation. The sandwiches, slightly mod- There are 12 players in this 16th green during a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, yesterday. ified, are his lunch. His breakfast: two scrambled eggs, two pieces year’s Masters field who of bacon, two biscuits and hash browns. wouldn’t have otherwise qual- “I always say hash browns without all the fancy stuff in it,” ified had it not been for that storied history have had longer “I mean, obviously, the golf Vijay Singh, 58, is back this Watson said. “I just want the potatoes; I don’t want all the onions lifetime pass they got for streaks. Lyle, whose Masters course is beating us pretty well, year thanks to that lifetime and all that pretty stuff in there.” winning years ago. win came in 1988, will become but that is secondary at this time invite that came courtesy of his KOEPKA’S STATUS Bernhard Langer was 63 the 12th player to play in a total of our lives.” win in 2000. Brooks Koepka spent a good amount of time on the driving when he made the cut last fall, of 40 Masters. Langer is playing That said, there also may be So is 2003 champion Mike range Monday, as he continues to ramp up for the Masters less becoming the oldest ever to his 38th, Couples in his 36th. no course that rewards expe- Weir, 50. than a month after needing knee surgery. play the weekend at the There are no delusions. rience and institutional Three-time Masters winner The good news, from his coach Pete Cowen, is that Koepka’s Masters. They aren’t here expecting to knowledge of the place quite Phil Mickelson - still a PGA Tour swing is fine. The to-be-determined part of the equation is how The 1985 and 1993 have defending champion like Augusta National. Time regular even at 50 - wouldn’t the four-time major winner will be able to navigate the 4-mile champion is back this year, as Dustin Johnson slip a green teaches what to do at the be here this week had he not hike that is Augusta National -- a course that is daunting for many are fellow 63-year-olds Sandy jacket over their shoulders in Masters and, perhaps more been a past champion. reasons, steep hills and slopes relatively high on that list. Lyle and Ian Woosnam, Butler Cabin on Sunday importantly, what not to do at And it’s not just the 50-and- “He’s in great shape,” Cowen said. “The only problem is going 62-year-old Larry Mize and evening. the Masters. over set benefiting from that to be the walking. It’s a tough course to walk.” Couples - a 61-year-old who They’re here to play 36, “You learn a lot when you perk. THE CHAMPION went gray long ago and doesn’t maybe 72 holes if everything play previous Masters,” two- Zach Johnson is 45, 14 years Reigning Masters champion Dustin Johnson played nine holes exactly overpower with length goes right. time runner-up Lee Westwood removed from his win. Charl on Monday, then headed to the range and practice green to focus off the tee anymore. They’re here to see old said. Schwartzel, the 2011 winner, is primarily on chipping and putting. He played Monday with friends and make new ones. “That’s why I think you’ve 36. Danny Willett, a winner just His early assessment: Augusta National is ready, and it should Xander Schauffele, Max Homa They’re here to see the azaleas got a lot of repeat winners five years ago, is 33. Strange as present a different challenge from the one he conquered last and Patrick Cantlay. If they and tell stories at the Cham- around here and the likes of it sounds, if they hadn’t won at November. were hitting 9-iron into some pions dinner and hear those Fred Couples and Bernhard Augusta National previously, “It’s in really good shape,” Johnson said. “The golf course, I greens, Couples was hitting cheers echoing around one of Langer, people who have they wouldn’t have qualified think, is right where they want it to be on a Monday.” 6-iron. golf’s most hallowed grounds played it over the years a lot, this year. The course was soft for much of last year’s first-ever fall Based on the results, again. can contend and can get them- They can come back for as Masters after a good amount of rain. There is some precipitation Couples - the 1992 Masters “I don’t think there’s still a selves into position - because long as they’d like. Nobody will in this year’s forecast, but players who were on the course Sunday champion - wasn’t exactly at a chance of winning, obviously,” you learn where not to hit it.” mind, the same way that and Monday are finding it in the customary fast and firm state. disadvantage. said 1994 and 1999 Masters Woosnam, the 1991 nobody minds that players like “The conditions are quite a bit different,” Johnson said. “The “We beat up on Xander and winner Jose Maria Olazabal, 55. champion, bid farewell to the Couples are at Augusta National weather, it had just rained a bunch in November. It was soft and Max,” Cantlay said. “There is not that chance, Masters two years ago and this year - and likely for at least played really long.... This time, instead of it landing and stopping, “Not surprising Fred birdied but it’s always fantastic to be believed he was retired. a couple more years, too. it just might bounce a little bit.” 16 and 18. We had a great time.” back here. But surgery to relieve back “The competition is for WISE MOVE The Masters embraces “This is a very special place pain made him think about myself to play the course the Carlos Ortiz, one of six first-time Masters participants in this history like few other sporting for anybody that has won here, returning at least one more best I can,” Couples said. “And year’s field, has a strategy when it comes to practice round partners events, paying respectful tribute and that’s what really brings us time, and he’s in the field this when that becomes havoc, then this week. His plan: Find guys who have won at Augusta National to players and winners from the here. week. I will have probably played my and learn. He was playing nine holes with Sergio Garcia on Monday past, and that’s one of the “The Champions dinner on “I’m just looking forward to last Masters.” and planned to connect for a round with Jordan Spieth. reasons players like Couples are Tuesday, seeing the place again, getting out there and enjoying He was asked what keeps “I’m going to try to get all the information I can,” Ortiz said. still held in such high regard. the flowers, the good weather two more rounds,” Woosnam him coming back. He could also ask his younger brother. Mize - the 1987 winner - this year. said. “The fact that they let me,” Alvaro Ortiz tied for 36th at the 2019 Masters, getting into the will play in his 38th consecutive “So there’s a lot of reasons “Hopefully, if it goes well, I Couples said. “You know, that’s field after winning the Latin America Amateur Championship. He Masters, Lyle in his 37th; only why we should be coming can maybe come back for a few an honour to be here. I can still closed with a final-round 69, one shot better than the score posted six players in the tournament’s here,” he said. more years.” play.” that day by Tiger Woods - who won the tournament. French cyclist Nacer RESULTS Bouhanni speaks out NBA Brooklyn Nets 114, New York Knicks 112 about racist abuse Toronto Raptors 103, Washington Wizards 101 Dallas Mavericks 111, AP – BRUSSELS Utah Jazz 103 Minnesota Timberwolves Nacer Bouhanni’s haters don’t care that he is a former French 116, Sacramento Kings 106 cycling champion, or even that he was born and raised in France. Detroit Pistons 132, The Arkea-Samsic team rider has been subjected to a torrent Oklahoma City Thunder 108 of racist insults over the past week, many of them urging him to Cleveland Cavaliers 125, leave France and go to Africa. San Antonio Spurs 101 Bouhanni has decided it’s time to speak out. Phoenix Suns 133, “Know that I was born in France and that I will file a com- Houston Rockets 130 plaint because I’ve been enduring this and kept silent for too long, but this time I will not let go,” he wrote this week. NHL Bouhanni, a hot-tempered rider with an history of race inci- dents, was disqualified following an illegal move at the one-day Cholet-Pays de la Loire on March 28. Cycling governing body UCI Winnipeg 4 Ottawa 3 cited him for dangerous conduct after he pushed Jake Stewart Montreal 3 Edmonton 2 into the barriers during the final sprint and referred the incident Philadelphia 3 Boston 2 to its disciplinary commission. Vegas 6 St Louis 1 Bouhanni admitted his mistake but said the move was not Colorado 5 Minnesota 4 intentional. Since then, racist insults have been flying. Toronto 5 Calgary 3 Bouhanni, a rider with North African heritage who won the Arizona 5 Los Angeles 2 French national championships in 2012, published screenshots of some of the messages he has received. His team has released MLB a statement, saying it “deplores and strongly denounces all these acts of racism.” American League In an interview with L’Equipe newspaper published yesterday, Minnesota 15 Detroit 6 Bouhanni said he has been abused throughout his career. He said Kansas City 3 Cleveland 0 he did not speak out earlier because the topic remains a “taboo,” Toronto 6 Texas 2 and for fear he would appear like someone trying to victimize NY Yankees 7 Baltimore 0 himself. But the latest series of insults - some of them calling him Boston 11 Tampa Bay 2 to a “terrorist” - were too much too take. “I was born in France. I love my country. I was French LA Angels 7 Houston 6 champion at the age of 21. When I was on the podium with La C White Sox 6 Seattle 0 Marseillaise, it was one of the most beautiful moments in my career,” said the 30-year-old rider. “It’s sad to read all this, people NATIONAL LEAGUE wanting me to end up in jail.” Asked whether he also suffered from racist attitudes in the St Louis 4 Miami 1 predominantly white peloton, Bouhanni said it had never hap- Cincinnati 5 Pittsburgh 3 pened “directly” and he had never had any such issues within the Philadelphia 5 NY Mets 3 various teams he rode for. C Cubs 5 Milwaukee 3 Bouhanni, however, filed a lawsuit against Stef Clement after S Francisco 3 San Diego 2 the former pro rider-turned-pundit claimed during the 2019 Tour de France that the French cyclist made his team pork free and INTERLEAGUE did not want to work with women on race days because of his LA Dodgers 10 Oakland 3 religious beliefs.