MONDAY 25 MARCH 2019 SPORT 07 I just think I got too emotional, which is something I did in last Naomi Osaka after FOOTBALL FOOTBALL match, too. I would just say, I suffering a shock loss to European Championship European Championship was kind of immature today. I Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei at qualifying: Montenegro qualifying: France vs was thinking too much. ACTION Miami Open. vs England TODAY’S Iceland Pacquiao polls Twitter on who to fight next Facebook AFP Pacquiao, who has 2.51 linked to Pacquiao’s route. But the unbeaten May- challengerchallenger Garcia in a match MANILA wall, has 18 more hours to run. weather, officially retired, has betweenbetween two previouslypreviously million followers on It did not indicate how the been non-committal. undefeatedundefeated boxers on Philippine boxing legend Manny Twitter and 11.76 million voting had gone so far. Many Facebook users urged Saturday.Saturday. “Show“Show thisthis Pacquiao took to social media on Facebook, is known Pacquiao, who has 2.51 Pacquiao, who has 61 wins young guys why u r a to poll millions of fans on who to have been angling million followers on Twitter and including 39 knockouts against livingliving legend,” Meg they think should be his next for a rematch with 11.76 million on Facebook, is seven losses and two draws in OshOsh Tin Oniuqa said. opponent, having brushed off Mayweather, who beat known to have been angling for a 24-year career, to fight calls to hang up his gloves after a rematch with Mayweather, Mayweather. Manny Pacquiao turning 40. the Filipino on points in who beat the Filipino on points “Floyd of course then retire,” “Who should I fight next?” the world’s richest prize in the world’s richest prize fight Carlos De Luna Lagunsad added. the world’s only eight-division fight in 2015. in 2015. But another fan urged the champion asked in a Twitter Pacquiao’s decisive victory 40-year-old to face Interna- survey that drew 27,380 votes over American fighter Adrien tional Boxing Federation wel- after five hours and listed Floyd Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter Broner in January was supposed terweight champion Errol Mayweather, Keith Thurman, as the choices. The poll, also to have opened the door to that Spence, who easily beat Reds revival NBA: Doncic, Nowitzki help rolls on as Brumbies Mavericks thrash Warriors suffer loss

AFP motivated to play the AFP LOS ANGELES Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic grabs Mavericks. BRISBANE a rebound against the Golden State Warriors “Sometimes playing against Luka Doncic had a triple double during the second half on Saturday. that team doesn’t get you up so A revival by the Queensland and Dirk Nowitzki underlined his we had to find energy from Reds gathered pace yesterday final game at Oracle Arena with somewhere else and we didn’t,” with their second win in a row, a throwback performance as the Green said. storming past a tired and Dallas Mavericks handed the Durant is looking to their outplayed ACT Brumbies 36-14 Golden State Warriors their next game on Sunday against in energy-sapping conditions. worst loss of the season on Detroit. The Brisbane-based team Saturday. “The guys have been part of crashed to defeat in their Doncic finished with a game terrible games before and great opening three Super Rugby high 23 points, 11 rebounds and ones. We play tomorrow night,” games, but stunned the Sun- 10 assists and Nowitzki, who is he said. wolves in Tokyo last weekend likely in his final NBA season, Elsewhere, Kemba Walker with a gritty 34-31 win and scored a season high 21 points in scored 18 of his game-high 36 dominated the Brumbies. a 126-91 blowout victory by the points in the fourth quarter and Scott Higginbotham, Chris visiting Mavs. the Charlotte Hornets kept their Feauai-Sautia, Tate McDermott, “The last few games I didn’t slim playoff hopes alive by ral- Brandon Paenga-Amosa and have a good shooting rhythm,” lying to beat the Boston Celtics Bryce Hegarty all scored tries said the 40-year-old Nowitzki, 124-117. for a bonus-point victory. who started after coming off Walker added 11 rebounds It was testament to their the bench for most of the and nine assists in his 23rd game fitness levels in a game played season. “Today, I had it early this season scoring 30 or more in stifling 34 Celsius (93 Fahr- and often.” points. enheit) heat and high humidity Germany’s Nowitzki scored Rookie Miles Bridges scored that saw the Brumbies flag in 10 of the game’s first 16 points, a career-high 20 points, Marvin the second half. helping Dallas seize a 14-2 early introductions by the crowd at The loss on their home floor one down the toilet and move on Williams and Malik Monk added “Really pleased with how lead. Oracle, which is scheduled to came on a night when the War- to tomorrow, not much else to 13 points apiece and Dwayne we started, it’s something we’ve He was cheered loudly in the close at the end of the season. riors chose to sit out Stephen do.” Bacon scored 11. been working on for the past “I really enjoyed my time Curry. The Mavericks had a Charlotte won its second few weeks,” said dynamic Reds NBA RESULTS here. I played against some great The 35-point margin of 50-point win over Utah and a straight, improved to 33-39 on skipper Samu Kerevi. players,” said Nowitzki, adding defeat was the largest of the 38-pointer over Charlotte earlier the season. “Really proud of the boys,” Atlanta 129, Philadelphia 127 he scored his first NBA basket at season for Golden State, eclipsing in the season. Kyrie Irving led Boston with he added, saying their “intent” Washington 108, Miami 113 the venue. a 33-point rout by the Boston Kevin Durant had 25 points 31 points. Jaylen Brown added throughout the entire 80 Portland 117, Detroit 112 Nowitzki had five three Celtics. in 29 minutes for the Warriors, 29 points and Marcus Morris 15. minutes was what pleased him Sacramento 112, Phoenix 103 pointers and Doncic and Maxi “We just couldn’t pull who had won four of their pre- Also, Trae Young scored 32 most. Chicago 83, Utah 114 Kleber each drained four as together after that slow start and vious five games. points, including a last-second, The Brumbies opened with Memphis 99, Minnesota 112 Dallas outscored the Warriors we never could get any traction Durant missed all eight of his go-ahead clutch basket, as the a period of intense pressure

Charlotte 124, Boston 117 63-12 from beyond the arc to in the game,” Warriors coach three point attempts. Atlanta Hawks snapped the Phil- with virtually the entire first 10 Golden State 91, Dallas 126 earn their first win in Golden Steve Kerr said. Draymond Green said the adelphia 76ers six-game winning minutes played in the Reds’ State since 2012. “So we just kind of flush this Warriors have trouble getting streak with a 129-127 win. half, including an epic 27-phase play from the hooter. But the home team’s defence was rock solid and Connor bags hat-trick as Jets clinch play-off spot they soon took the attack to their Canberra rivals, with Higginbotham wriggling his REUTERS their first-ever division title. way over the line from a ruck WINNIPEG, MANITOBA Nashville (42-28-6, 90 points) five metres out to open the has lost two in a row and missed scoring. Kyle Connor recorded his first a chance to clinch its own play- It was the ever-reliable career hat trick, Kevin Hayes off spot. number eight’s 39th Super tallied four points, Connor Helle- Hellebuyck now has shutouts Rugby try, extending his own buyck made 33 saves and the in consecutive starts. record as most ever by a Winnipeg Jets notched a 5-0 He improved to 4-0-0 with forward. shutout over the visiting Nash- a.959 save percentage over his Hegarty slotted the con- ville Predators on Saturday. last five appearances. version, then a penalty as the The victory clinched a posts- Bruins 7, Panthers 3 Reds began to dominate, going eason berth for Winnipeg, which Visiting Boston scored five into half-time with a 10-0 lead is in the Stanley Cup play-offs for times in the second period en in front of Wallabies coach just the fourth time in the route to defeating Florida. Michael Cheika. 19-season history of the With the win, the Bruins sur- Seemingly revived by the Thrashers/Jets franchise. passed 100 points for the second break, the Brumbies quickly Winnipeg (45-26-4, 94 straight season and clinched a worked the ball to the Reds’ 22 points) also extended its Central playoff spot for the third straight Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (left) scores on Nashville Predators before sending it out wide to Division lead over Nashville to year. goaltender Pekka Rinne in the second period at Bell MTS Place on Saturday. Henry Speight who crashed four points as the Jets chase Boston, which has won four over, with Lealiifano nailing the straight games, got goals from conversion. The victory clinched a Noel Acciari, Brad Marchand, season sweep of Tampa Bay. Avalanche 4, Blackhawks 2 Compher and Derick Brassard But it was a futile effort postseason berth for Zdeno Chara, Karson Kuhlman, Robert Thomas and Alex- Colin Wilson scored the go- also tallied for the Avalanche, with two quick Reds tries reas- Winnipeg, which is in the Steven Kampfer, David Pastrnak ander Steen also scored in the ahead goal on a 5-on-3 who have won four in a row serting their authority. Stanley Cup play-offs for and Patrice Bergeron first period, and Brayden Schenn advantage in the second period heading into Sunday’s rematch For the first, Kerevi beat a just the fourth time in the (empty-netter). tallied in the second for the as host Colorado beat Chicago in in Chicago. Brumbies defender on the 19-season history of the Blues 4, Lightning 3 Blues, who improved to 4-0-1 in Denver in the opener of a home- Philipp Grubauer finished sideline and as space opened Vladimir Tarasenko capped their last five games. Rookie and-home series. Wilson added with 29 saves on Saturday and up offloaded to Feauai-Sautia Thrashers/Jets franchise. a three-goal surge in 75 seconds Jordan Binnington finished with an assist on Sven Andrighetto’s has turned aside 131 of 135 shots who ran unchallenged to the as host St. Louis completed a 39 saves. goal in the third period, and JT in his last four starts. line. 08 SPORT MONDAY 25 MARCH 2019 Fiery Finch guides Aussies to 2-0 lead

AFP SCOREBOARD 280-7 -- after winning the toss SHARJAH Pakistan -- to Mohammad Rizwan’s Focus on Imam-ul-Haq b Richardson ...... 0 maiden century. Aaron Finch struck back-to- Shan Masood c Marsh b Richardson ...... 19 Rizwan, only playing back centuries to lead Australia Haris Sohail c Carey b Finch ...... 34 because regular keeper and ODIs has to another thumping eight M Rizwan c Maxwell b Coulter-Nile ...... 115 skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has been wicket victory over a hapless Umar Akmal c Handscomb b Lyon ...... 16 rested for the series -- added 52 helped Pakistan in the second one-day Shoaib Malik c Maxwell b Zampa ...... 60 for the third wicket with Haris international in Sharjah F Ashraf c Handscomb b Coulter-Nile ...... 14 Sohail (34) and an invaluable 127 Imad Wasim not out ...... 19 England: yesterday. Yasir Shah not out ...... 1 for the fifth wicket with stand- The Australian skipper Extras: (b 1, lb2, w 3) ...... 6 in captain Shoaib Malik. Morgan smashed 143-ball 153 not out for Total; (for seven wkts; 50 overs) 284 Pakistan lost opener Imam- his 13th ODI hundred -- also his Did not bat: Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad ul-Haq without scoring off the REUTERS highest score in ODIs -- to Abbas fifth ball of the innings from fast LONDON anchor Australia’s comfortable Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Imam), 2-35 (Masood), bowler Jhye Richardson. chase of a 285-run target in 47.5 3-87 (Sohail), 4-112 (Umar), 5-239 (Malik), Shan Masood (19) and Sohail England’s limited-overs overs which gave them a 2-0 6-254 (Rizwan), 7-266 (Ashraf) -- who scored his maiden Bowling: Richardson 5-2-16-2, Coulter-Nile South African players celebrate the fall of a Sri Lankan wicket captain Eoin Morgan lead in the five-match series. hundred in the first game on 7-0-52-2 (2w), Stoinis 6-0-40-0 (1w), Lyon during their third Twenty20 in Johannesburg, yesterday. (pictured, above) said Finch, who scored 116 in 10-0-64-1, Zampa 10-0-57-1, Finch 10-0-41-1, Friday -- took the total to 35 switching focus to one-day Australia’s eight wicket win in Maxwell 2-0-11-0 when Richardson struck again, international (ODI) cricket the first game at the same venue Australia getting Masood caught at short had helped to raise the bar on Friday, put on a solid 209-run A. Finch not out ...... 153 mid-wicket. South Africa inflict of the sport in the country opening wicket stand with Usman Khawaja c Imam b Yasir ...... 88 But Richardson took 2-16 in with the team looking at Usman Khawaja who made 109- G. Maxwell run out ...... 19 his five overs and fell awkwardly the Ashes and World Cup ball 88. S. Marsh not out ...... 11 in the outfield and left the field second whitewash on home soil as equally Finch struck six sixes and 11 Extras: (b3, lb7, w4) ...... 14 in the 11th over. Initial reports Total: (for two wkts; 47.5 overs) ...... 285 important. boundaries in a dominating Did not bat: P. Handscomb, M. Stoinis, A. suggests he dislocated his England are the innings, improving on his pre- Carey, N. Coulter-Nile, J. Richardson, N. Lyon, A. shoulder and is doubtful for the on sorry Sri Lanka number-one ranked team vious highest one-day score of Zampa remaining three matches. in ODIs and are hosts for 148 against Scotland at Edin- Fall of wicket: 1-209 (Khawaja), 2-241 (Max- Rizwan, though, lifted REUTERS boosted by the elevation of all- the 2019 World Cup, a burgh in 2013. well) Pakistan after Umar Akaml fell JOHANNESBURG rounder Pretorius to number tournament they have The victory becomes more Bowling: Imad 8-1-60-0 (2w), Abbas 7-0-38- for 16, caught off spinner Nathan three in the batting line-up as never won, which begins memorable as it was 100th 0 (1w), Ashraf 9.5-0-45-0, Hasnain 9-0-54-0, Lyon. Dwaine Pretorius starred with he smashed 77 not out from 42 on May 30. “The two (Test one-day international match Yasir 10-1-60-1, Sohail 4-0-18-0 Rizwan improved on his pre- the bat and Andile Phehlukwayo balls, including three sixes. Result: Australia win by eight wickets and ODI) teams are between the two countries. vious best of 75 not out, against shone with the ball as South Pretorius put on 90 with building up to a big Pakistan had replaced fast Zimbabwe at Harare four years Africa completed a 3-0 sweep opener Reeza Hendricks (66) for summer and you have guys bowler Mohammad Amir with with a couple off Hasnain on his ago and completed his hundred of the Twenty20 International the second wicket and had an who are in both squads Mohammad Hasnain for rookie 97th ball, making successive with a single off 114 balls. He fell series against Sri Lanka with a unbeaten stand of 71 with that equally feel the impor- 18-year-old’s first one-day and hundreds for a second time in to Nathan Coulter-Nile to a 45-run victory via the Duck- captain JP Duminy (34 not out) tance of the Ashes and the that left them more deeply inex- his career. boundary catch. worth-Lewis-Stern method at to set up a formidable chase for World Cup,” Morgan was perienced, having already rested He scored consecutive hun- Coulter-Nile finished with The Wanderers yesterday. the visitors. quoted as saying by Sky six main players from the series. dreds against England in Aus- 2-52. Set a revised target of 183 in Seamer Phehlukwayo’s guile Sports. Finch and Khawaja thrived tralia last year. Malik also smashed three 17 overs after a Highveld and change of pace saw him “The recognition from against the novice attack, with Khawaja fell to leg-spinner boundaries and a six before downpour, Sri Lanka could record figures of 4-24 in three those players to say there Finch striking two sixs in the Yasir Shah with 76 needed while falling in the 45th over. manage only 137 all out in a overs, including the key wicket is not a lot of difference final overs while Khawaja’s Glenn Maxwell cracked two sixes The remaining matches are chase that always looked of all-rounder Isuru Udana (36 between the two, and that knock had eight boundaries. in his 19 before he was run out. in Abu Dhabi (March 27) and beyond them to succumb to an from 23 balls), who was caught it is a massive year and a Finch completed his hundred Pakistan owed their total of Dubai (March 29 and 31). eighth successive limited-overs on the extra cover boundary by once-in-a-generation loss to South Africa, who also David Miller. opportunity, shows there claimed the One-Day Interna- Sri Lanka lost their last four has been a shift in Australia’s Aaron Finch plays tional series 5-0. wickets in nine balls without emphasis to one-day a shot during the second ODI After being asked to bat, scoring a run as the run-rate cricket in this country. against Pakistan in Sharjah, South Africa posted 198 for two pressure forced them to go for “Our potential as a yesterday. in their 20 overs, the innings broke. team over the last four years has certainly moved SCOREBOARD forward, with the desire to South Africa T. Perera run out (Hendricks) ...... 8 make 50-over cricket a A. Markram c Malinga b Lakmal ...... 15 I. Udana c Miller b Phehlukwayo ...... 36 priority, as opposed to an R. Hendricks b Vandersay ...... 66 A. Dananjaya c Markram b Sipamla ...... 9 D. Pretorius not out ...... 77 L. Malinga c Morris b Phehlukwayo ...... 0 afterthought. That has ben- J. Duminy not out ...... 34 S. Lakmal b Sipamla ...... 0 efited not just our team, Extras (lb2, w4) ...... 6 J. Vandersay not out ...... 0 but the game too, and Total (2 wkts, 20 overs) ...... 198 Extras (lb8, nb1, w12) ...... 21 helped to raise the bar.” Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Markram), 2-127 (Hen- Total (15.4 overs) 137 Five players, including dricks) Fall of wickets: 1-42 (De Silva), 2-55 (Dickwel- Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Bowling: Malinga 4-0-40-0 (2w), Udana 4-0- la), 3-57 (Fernando), 4-61 (Mendis), 5-79 (A. Jonny Bairstow, are cur- 36-0 (2w), De Silva 1-0-5-0, Lakmal 4-0-38-1, Perera), 6-96 (T. Perera), 7-137 (Udana), 8-137 rently playing in the IPL Dananjaya 4-0-42-0, Vandersay 3-0-35-1 (Malinga), 9-137 (Dananjaya), 10-137 Lakmal Did not bat: D. Miller, S. Qeshile, A. Phehlukwayo, Bowling: Morris 3-0-22-0 (1w), Dala 3-0-29-2 “The preparation they C. Morris, J. Dala, L. Sipamla, T. Shamsi (1w), Phehlukwayo 3-0-24-4 (1nb, 5w), Preto- will have out there by Sri Lanka rius 1-0-12-1, Shamsi 4-0-20-0 (4w), Sipamla competing against some of (Target 183 in 17 overs) 1.4-0-22-2 the best players in the N. Dickwella c Qeshile b Phehlukwayo ...... 38 Result: South Africa won by 45 runs (Duck- world in a high-pressure D. de Silva lbw b Pretorius ...... 8 worth/Lewis/Stern method) environment is absolutely A. Fernando lbw b Phehlukwayo ...... 1 Series: South Africa won the three-match series outstanding,” Morgan Kamindu Mendis c Miller b Dala ...... 1 3-0 added. A. Perera c Miller b Dala ...... 15 Toss: Sri Lanka IPL: Russell powers KKR to win; Capitals sink Indians

IANS unbeaten cameo (40; 24 b; 2x4, Warner, whose 53-ball 85 KOLKATA Brief Scores 2x6) to help the visitors post was laced with nine fours and 181/3. three sixes, looked in the zone Andre Russell spoilt David KKR lost destructive opener from the word go and brought Warner’s dream return to the Kolkata Knight Riders Chris Lynn early with the Aus- up his 37th IPL 50 off just 31 balls Indian Premier League (IPL) with 183/4 in 19.4 overs (Nitish tralian failing to tackle a Shakib’s with an upper cut over third man a 19-ball 49 as Kolkata Knight Rana 68, Andre Russell arm-ball and giving Rashid Khan off Andre Russell in the ninth Riders (KKR) defeated Sunrisers 49 not out; Rashid Khan an easy catch at cover. over. Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets 1/26) beat Sunrisers Robin Uthappa and Rana Warner now has the most in their campaign opener at the Hyderabad 181/3 in 20 then stitched together 80-run 50-plus scores (40) in the IPL Eden Gardens, here yesterday. stand off 58 deliveries for the history, ahead of Virat Kohli (38). Russell (4x4, 4x6) came in to overs (David Warner 85, second wicket to keep KKR’s The Aussie also has three tons to bat with KKR needing 68 off 27 Vijay Shankar 40; Andre chances alive before Uthappa, his name. balls. It chased 182 for victory in Russell 2/32) by 6 wickets dropped on 20 by Yusuf Pathan, Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant’s the 16th over just after a set departed with his off-stump flat- 27-ball 78 guided Delhi Capitals Nitish Rana (68; 47b 8x4 3x6) Delhi Capitals 213/ 6 tened by Siddharth Kaul. to a 37-run win over Mumbai was removed by Rashid Khan. (Pant 78, Ingram 47, Skipper Dinesh Karthik (2) Indians in their Indian Premier Rana was sent to open the did not last long chipping a League opener in Mumbai. innings as Sunil Narine faced Dhawan 43) beat Mumbai slower one from Sandeep Sent into bat, Delhi were fitness issues. Indians 176 (Yuvraj 53, Sharma straight to his coun- helped by Colin Ingram’s 32-ball The T20 specialist then took Krunal 32, Rabada 2-23, terpart Bhuvneshwar Kumar at 47 and Shikhar Dhawan’s 43 at Siddharth Kaul for 19 runs in the Ishant 2-34) by 37 runs cover. the Wankhede Stadium, before 18th over, followed by 21 off Sun- In came the big-hitting Andre Pant smashed the Mumbai Kolkata Knight Riders’ Shubman Gill (left) celebrates with team- risers stand-in skipper Bhuv- Russell with KKR still needing 87 bowlers for seven sixes and as mate Andre Russell after winning the IPL game against Sunrisers neshwar Kumar, to bring the chase for the home team with off 44 as the brilliant Rana many fours to power them to 213 equation down to 13 off the last two balls to spare. KKR finished brought up his sixth IPL 50 by Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata, yesterday. for six. over. with 183/4 in 19.4 overs. picking a single of Sandeep in the In reply, MI were stopped at Shubman Gill (18 not out) -- Earlier, Warner, returning 13th over. reverse-swept Rashid Khan for about Warner’s dream return as 176 in 19.2 overs as an injured who joined hands with Russell from a one-year ban in the IPL, Rana seemed unstoppable as a four before a tower at the high the 32-year-old took the KKR Jasprit Bumrah failed to turn up for a 65-run fifth wicket stand -- cracked 85 off 53 deliveries (9x4, the former Mumbai Indians court end lost some lights and bowlers to the cleaners, not even with the bat. Veteran Yuvraj then hit two sixes off Shakib Al 3x6) while India all-rounder batsman smashed Sandeep for play was stopped for 12 minutes. sparing the generally economical Singh top-scored for the hosts Hasan to complete a remarkable Vijay Shankar played a useful a six and in the next over In the first innings, it was all Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav. with 53 off 35 balls. MONDAY 25 MARCH 2019 SPORT 09

Osaka left Ferrer stuns top gun Zverev as to regret ‘immaturity’ Federer fights back in Miami in loss to young Hsieh REUTERS the third round but it was far winning return to competition MIAMI from plain sailing for the with a 6-4 3-6 6-3 victory over 37-year-old against the world rising Spaniard Jaume Munar. AFP MIAMI David Ferrer is set to retire from number 46. After more than two months professional tennis in May but “I expected a player with a away from the court with an the Spaniard showed he still has great attitude, which he showed,” elbow injury, the world number World number one Naomi the tools to bring down the Federer said. “I have a lot of seven smashed 17 aces en route Osaka berated herself for a biggest names in the game after respect for those types of players to the second round win over the lack of maturity and focus as a stunning 2-6 7-5 6-3 win over who don’t have the size, have to 21-year-old Munar. she fell in three sets to world No. 3 Alexander Zverev at find a different way to win. He’s It was Anderson’s first tour- Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-Wei in the the Miami Open on Saturday. a great, great player. I was nament appearance since the third round of the Miami The victory clearly meant a impressed.” Australian Open in January and Open. lot to the 36-year-old, who will Federer was stunned by he said he was happy with the The Japanese star was left bring the curtain down on his Thanasi Kokkinakis in his way his elbow felt. floored by the battling career at the Madrid Open. opening match of the Miami “To get through in three sets, instincts of the world number “It’s a special day because it’s Open last year and another early it felt really good to be back out 27, who brilliantly came from the last year of professional exit was beckoning when he there. I’m happy with how the a break down in the final two tennis for me. Winning these dropped the first set on elbow responded. I feel like I’m sets for a 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 type of matches against a top 10 Saturday. hitting the ball great,” the sixth victory, making amends for player like ‘Sascha’ is a gift,” he However, the Swiss battled seed added. I expected a losing a dramatic encounter said. back to break Albot while leading Two Russian prospects, at the Australian Open earlier “I’m very happy and I’m 6-5 in the second with a Karen Khachanov and Daniil player with a great this year. trying to enjoy every point and backhand volley winner to Medvedev, had different fates on attitude, which Osaka was dejected but, every moment.” square the match. Saturday. he (Radu Albot) to her credit, laid bare her Ferrer will next face 21-year- Albot could not convert a The 10th seed Khachanov showed. I have a lot frustrations afterwards, old American Frances Tiafoe break point in the deciding set was beaten by Australian Jordan insisting she lacked mental who fought past Miomir Kec- when tied a 3-3, and Federer Thompson 6-2 6-3 while his of respect for those clarity and the ability to deal manovic 7-6(6) 7-6(5). took command from there to friend Medvedev, the 13th seed, types of players with the pressure of being the Roger Federer, a year older wrap up a match that lasted two toppled France’s Adrian Man- who don’t have the best in the world. than Ferrer but enjoying a career hours and 10 minutes. narino 6-2 6-1. size, have to find Hsieh, who completed one renaissance, rallied from a set Three-times Miami Eighth seed Stefanos Tsit- of the best wins of her career down to beat Moldovan surprise champion Federer finished with sipas beat Mackenzie McDonald a different way to in two hours and 18 minutes, Roger Federer package Radu Albot 4-6 7-5 6-3 38 winners but had to overcame 7-6(4) 6-1. win. He’s a great, will now play Denmark’s of Switzerland in a stuttering start to the 41 unforced errors to defeat In other early action, Belgian Caroline Wozniacki for a place hits a backhand great player. I was 20-times Grand Slam cham- Albot, who earned an ovation David Goffin, the 18th seed, impressed.” in the quarter-finals and put pion’s Miami Open campaign. from the crowd for his efforts. defeated Spaniard Pablo Andujar against Radu Albot to rest memories of being a set Federer, beaten by Dominic Federer will next face Ser- 6-4 6-1, while Canadian 20th of Moldova (not and 4-1 up at Melbourne Thiem in last week’s BNP Paribas bia’s Filip Krajinovic today. seed Denis Shapovalov came pictured) in the Roger Federer before losing to eventual Open final, smashed 14 aces and Earlier on Saturday, South from a set down to beat Britain’s second round of champion Osaka. broke Albot twice to advance to Africa’s Kevin Anderson made a Dan Evans 4-6 6-1 6-3. the Miami Open. For two-time Grand Slam winner Osaka, however, there was severe disappointment. Osaka had won the first Miami Open WTA / set and gone up a break in the second when Hsieh rallied. ATP collated results Hsieh beats World No.1 Osaka had complained about “getting too emotional” in a less than impressive Men’s 2nd Round second round win over Kevin Anderson (RSA x6) bt Belgian Yanina Wickmayer Jaume Munar (ESP) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 Osaka in 3 gruelling sets on Friday and admitted Joao Sousa (POR) bt Steve history repeated itself at the Johnson (USA x31) 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 REUTERS of the streak coming to an end. Hard Rock Stadium just 24 Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x24) bt MIAMI “I know that record. I was hours later. Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 6-1, 6-3 thinking about it right after I “I don’t know why this is The Miami Open lost two of its lost.” happening,” the 21-year-old Jordan Thompson (AUS) bt Karen biggest drawcards on Saturday Asked if she might have said. “It’s unusual for me, I got Khachanov (RUS x10) 6-2, 6-3 with world number one Naomi underestimated Hsieh, Osaka ahead of myself. There were Daniil Medvedev (RUS x13) bt Osaka suffering a shock third- said: “I don’t think I ever under- some times when I was Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 6-2, 6-1 round loss to Taiwan’s Hsieh estimated her because all the returning I felt myself getting Reilly Opelka (USA) bt Diego Su-wei after eight-times times I played her was three sets. relaxed because I thought I Schwartzman (ARG x21) 6-4, champion Serena Williams In Australia, honestly she should would be able to serve it out 3-6, 6-4 withdrew due to a knee injury. have won but I found a way to anyway. I just need to focus Filip Krajinovic (SRB) bt Stan The 33-year-old Hsieh came win it. more and know that I can’t from a set down to prevail 4-6 “I think maybe today I over- just turn it on or off. Wawrinka (SUI x30) 5-7, 6-2, 7-6(4) 6-3 as her unorthodox estimated myself maybe in a “I knew it would be a 7-6 (7/5) style frustrated, perplexed and way.” tough match playing her. She Roger Federer (SUI x4) bt Radu finally wore down U.S. and Aus- The stunning upset came is unpredictable, hitting down Albot (MDA) 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 tralian Open champion Osaka. after the tournament had earlier the line when I thought she S Tsitsipas (GRE x8) bt M Osaka, who lost in the fourth lost American great Williams to would go cross court. McDonald (USA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 round at Indian Wells and could a left knee injury. “I was kind of immature Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Guido lose her number one ranking It is the second consecutive because I was thinking too depending on how others do in WTA event she has been forced much, like everything was on Pella (ARG x26) 6-2, 6-4 the tournament, said the mental to retire from after she withdrew my racquet. Denis Shapovalov (CAN x20) bt side of her game had let her from last week’s tournament in “Of course I want to win Daniel Evans (GBR) 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 down. Indian Wells with a viral illness every match and I think I have Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt Marin Cilic “I just think I got too emo- Earlier, world number two dealt with people always (CRO x9) 6-4, 6-4 tional, which is something I did Petra Kvitova needed three sets asking me if I am going to win Marco Cecchinato (ITA x14) bt last match, too,” she said. “I and more than two and a half because I have number one Damir Dzumhur (BIH) walkover would just say I was kind of hours to beat Croatia’s Donna next to my name. immature today. I was thinking Vekic 6-4 3-6 6-4 in a clash of “I thought I was doing fine David Goffin (BEL x18) bt Pablo Su-Wei Hsieh of Taipei too much.” heavy hitters. with that but I guess I am not,” celebrates defeating Andujar (ESP) 6-4, 6-1 Hsieh had lost her two pre- The two-time Wimbledon she added. Naomi Osaka of Japan at Frances Tiafoe (USA x28) bt vious matches with Osaka, champion will meet Caroline “I didn’t underestimate the Miami Open. Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) 7-6 including a hard-fought contest Garcia in the fourth round after her, maybe overestimated (8/6), 7-6 (7/5) in Melbourne in January, but the Frenchwoman knocked out myself. All the times I played David Ferrer (ESP) bt Alexander came back from a break down to take it to a tiebreak before lev- another break and the victory 15th seeded German Julia her was three sets. In Australia, Zverev (GER x2) 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 in each of the last two sets, elling the match with a lovely after two hours and 18 minutes Goerges 6-0 7-5. honestly, she should have won saving eight of the 12 break passing winner. of play. Osaka had won 63 Canadian Bianca Andreescu but I found a way to win it. points she faced. At 3-3 in the third set, Hsieh straight matches after taking the continued her rapid rise with a “I think there’s a Women’s 3rd Round The Taiwanese had knocked took advantage of Osaka’s inef- first set but Hsieh’s victory 6-4 4-6 6-1 victory over former difference between having Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE x27) bt Naomi out then world number one fective serve and mounting error brought that run to an end and world number one Angelique confidence and getting ahead Osaka (JPN x1) 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 Simona Halep at Wimbledon last count to get a key break and had set up a fourth round meeting Kerber. of yourself,” she said. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x13) bt year and again demonstrated her no trouble holding for a 5-3 lead. with Caroline Wozniacki, who Andreescu took a medical “It wasn’t that I had a big Monica Niculescu (ROU) 6-4 range of clever shot making A delightful dropshot winner beat Romanian qualifier Monica timeout after seven games to head, I just wasn’t thinking 7-6 (7/4) against a much more powerful finally put paid to an exasperated Niculescu 6-4 7-6(4). receive treatment on her right about everything that was Anett Kontaveit (EST x21) bt Ajla opponent. Osaka’s resistance, sealing “It’s depressing,” Osaka said arm. happening.” Tomljanovic (AUS) 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, “It’s always great to pick up “Biggest drama queen ever,” There were, however, some a better level during the match,” Kerber told Andreescu while pluses for the Japanese to take 7-6 (7/4) Hsieh said. offering only a brusque hand- moving forward to the clay Petra Kvitova (CZE x3) bt Donna “Every time you’ve made it shake following the match. court season and preparations Vekic (CRO x26) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 and you beat a good player, you Andreescu, an 18-year-old for the French Open. Caroline Garcia (FRA x19) bt Julia feel: ‘Wow, this is everything. Canadian, defeated Kerber in the “I think my serve has Goerges (GER x15) 6-0, 7-5 This is so amazing, and I’ve made Indian Wells final for her first improved,” Osaka said. “I have Ashleigh Barty (AUS x12) bt it.’” career title. been working on it and was Samantha Stosur (AUS) 6-0, 6-3 Osaka looked on course for Kerber was seeded eighth at counting on it today which is a straightforward win after she Miami, while Andreescu is a big plus. Kiki Bertens (NED x7) bt Viktória Naomi Osaka broke for a 5-4 lead in the unseeded. The win was “She was being aggressive Kuzmova (SVK) 3-6, 6-0, 6-1 of Japan looks opener then delivered an ace to dejected in her Andreescu’s 12th in 2019 against on my second serve which is Bianca Andreescu (CAN) bt serve out the set. match against a top-50 player. She had only something I need to work on. Angelique Kerber (GER x8) 6-4, Serving for the match at 5-4 Su-Wei Hsieh of one before this year. “I think I played pretty 4-6, 6-1 in the second, Osaka’s charge Taipei at the Miami Seventh seed Kiki Bertens good if I get over the fact that began to wilt and Hsieh fought Open. also prevailed over Viktoria I lost.” back with some brilliant tennis Kuzmova 3-6 6-0 6-1. 10 SPORT MONDAY 25 MARCH 2019

2019 Qatargas Chess Tournaments conclude in Doha France’s Guidez grabs top honours at Al Mirqab Mall

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Yann Guidez of France yesterday emerged winner of the 6th Qatargas Blitz Open Chess Tournament with a top score of 8.5 from nine rounds at Participants at the Qatargas Chess Tournament are seen planning their next moves the Al Mirqab Mall in Doha. during the three-day events held at Al Mirqab Mall in Doha. Guidez defeated eight of his oppo- nents but Hassan Abdelmunim from the Philippines forced a draw against the winning Frenchman in the third Popularity of chess round. In the final rankings, Mauritania’s Sidi Boidiya, who lost just one out of his nine games to bag eight points, fin- events growing: Official ished second as Abdelmunim clinched FROM RIGHT: Hamad Ali Al Awai, Acting PR Manager, Qatargas, Yann Guidez of the remaining podium spot with a THE PENINSULA tournament is very popular in the country,” France, Mohamed Al Mudahka, President of Qatar Chess Federation and Fahim score of 7.5. Loyola Rolenson (PHI) and DOHA Hamad Ali Al Awai, Acting PR Manager, Jha Shatrughan (IND) completed the Matabdin, Senior Marketing Manager for Al Mirqab Mall, in Doha yesterday. Qatargas, said yesterday. top five. The increasing number of participants at “We associated ourselves with this Salem Ali Abdallah, who finished this week’s Qatargas chess tournaments sport because we believe strongly in our in the 11th spot in the overall rankings, 6th Qatargas Blitz Open Chess Tournament indicate the growing popularity of the social responsibility programs at Qatargas. was named Best Male Qatari Player sport, an official of sponsors said yesterday. We want to engage young people through while Kholoud Al Khelaifi won the Final Ranking after 9 rounds (Top 10) Qatargas joined hands with Qatar sports and aligning ourselves with Qatar award for Best Qatari Female Player. 1: Yann Guidez (FRA) Chess Federation (QCF) to stage two events Chess Federation, we are able to do that,” Kholoud was the only female 2: Sidi Boidiya (MRT) over the weekend at Al Mirqab Mall - the he added. player among the top 44 in the overall 3: Hassan Abdelmunim (PHI) U-16 and Open tournament from Mar 21 “Every year we assess which are the standings. 4: Loyola Rolenson (PHI) to 23. sports events we would like to be part with India’s Jayitha Kottalappilly was “It was a very successful event. It was and chess is one of those sports. I have to named Best Female Non-Qatari Player. 5: Jha Shatrughan (IND) the sixth edition since we launched tour- say we would not have achieved success The Blitz Open Tournament was 6: Sanjid Latheef (IND) nament with Qatar Chess Federation in without the help and assistance of Qatar part of the annual Qatargas Chess 7: Alvin Ping (PHI) 2014. You can see from the increasing Chess Federation. Championship, organised by the Qatar 8: Florian De Joya (PHI) number of participants every year that this “The federation helps us reach our Chess Association. 9: Alexander Angelito (PHI) goals and we are happy with our associ- The three-day tournament also 10: Ahmed Battah (SYR) ation with them,” he said. saw the youth (u-16) competing in the “This year’s edition saw all emotions Rapid Chess Tournament on the first Special award winners you see at every event of ours. The winners two days. Best Qatari Female Player: Kholoud Al Khelaifi were happy and the ones who could not India’s Gowtham Ramamoorthy Best Qatari Male Player: Salem Ali Abdallah do well are now aiming to do better next who clinched the Rapid Chess title on Best Female Player Non-Qatari: Jayitha Kottalappilly time,” Hamad said. Friday, won the award for Best Non- 2nd Best Female Non-Qatari: Ailen Magallanes The Qatargas official lauded the idea Qatari Boy U-16 while his compatriot of staging the event at Al Mirqab Mall. Amulya Guruprasad was named the Qatargas Rapid Chess Tournament “It was a good idea to stage this year’s Best Non-Qatari girl U-16. event at Al Mirqab Mall. The visibility factor Best Qatari Girl U-16: Rawda Qassabi Ali Al Saadi and Rawda Qassabi convinced us to back the event being clinched the Best Qatari Boy and Girl Best Qatari Boy U-16: Ali Al Saadi staged at Al Mirqab Mall,” Hamad said. awards respectively. Best Non-Qatari Girl U-16: Amulya Guruprasad “It is easy to get registered and then Mohamed Qassabi and Layan Best Non-Qatari Boy U-16: Gowtham Ramamoorthy participate in the tournament. We saw that Qassabi and won the Best Qatari Boy Best Qatari Girl U-12: Layan Qassabi at the event this week. I am satisfied how and Girl awards for the U-12 age group Best Qatari Boy U-12: Mohamed Qassabi the event was conducted and held at Al while Rayyan Firdaus and Neeraj Best Non-Qatari Girl U-12: Neeraj Aakanksha Mirqab Mall. Aakanksha were named best in the Best Non-Qatari Boy U-12: Rayyan Firdaus “You can see how popular chess has non-Qatari category become,” he added. Doha events have become a benchmark Whitlock rues no for other venues to rival: QGF President perfect 10, mulls FAWAD HUSSAIN the hosting of these events are promoting scoring changes THE PENINSULA the sport in the whole region. “The gymnasts of our region are doing REUTERS Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) Pres- well now. The Arab gymnasts are progressing LONDON ident Ali Al Hitmi (pictured right) has said well and top-notch events hosted by the QGF Doha has become a benchmark for popular is playing an important role in their devel- sports venues around the globe to rival the opment. Gymnastics is becoming a culture Britain’s double Olympics gold-medal winning gymnast Max standards provided by the Qatari capital. in Arab world because of such events,” he Whitlock believes the sport’s “confusing” scoring system could The QGF hosted the FIG ART Individual added. switch fans off and says new innovations should be considered. Apparatus World Cup for the 12th consec- The QGF President also expressed satis- Nadia Comaneci’s perfect 10 on the uneven bars at the 1976 utive year and it turned out to be another hit, faction on the performance of Qatari gym- Montreal Olympics is one of sport’s iconic moments, but these witnessing full house at Aspire Dome during nasts in the event. days medals are decided by D-scores (difficulty) and E-scores the final two days of the four-day event (Mar Ahmed Al Dayani and Ahmed Mosa were (execution) that run to three decimal places. 20-23. joined by 17-year old debutant Saoud Raslen Recent dad Whitlock was taking a break from his usual routine As many as 128 male and 60 female gym- to represent Qatar. The trio failed to qualify this weekend at the Superstars of Gymnastics event at London’s nasts from 57 countries participated in the for any of the finals but they earned cred- O2 Arena where, along with American superstar Simone Biles, annual contest. Last year, the QGF also hosted itable scores during qualifications. he was thrilling crowds with an exhibition. the World Championships, which was hailed “It was a debut for Raslen and he did well. He and Biles were also acting as X-factor-type judges, running as the ‘best-ever’ edition. Our gymnasts have the talent to compete in the rule over routines performed by an international field of Several top officials of different gym- big events,” said Al Hitmi. gymnasts, before awarding an old school mark out of 10. nastics bodies, who were visiting Doha “The problem we face is that these gym- Gymnasts, including Olympic horizontal bars champion during the event earlier this week, were conclusion of FIG World Cup on Saturday nasts start well and at one stage they have Fabian Hambuchen, could use a “golden buzzer” option to max- impressed with the hosting and facilities at night. to chose between the sport and their studies, imise their scores on their favourite apparatus while they were Aspire Dome. “We have already set high standards and because of which we have to lose good talent. free to experiment with new moves and routines. “We have reached a stage when FIG and bringing improvement was a challenge for That’s not a problem for gymnastics only, Although it was not an official event, Whitlock, who with other gymnastics bodies compare organi- us but I am glad that we have made it happen. other federations also face the same wife Leah celebrated the birth of daughter Willow this year, said sation of other events with our competitions. This was not possible without teamwork. All challenge. it was a chance for gymnastics to engage with a wider audience Doha has become a benchmark for venues the members of our team worked hard and “But we will continue to back our young and for the sport to try out new gimmicks. around the world,” Al Hitmi said after the played their role,” Al Hitmi said before adding talent,” he added. “I think it’s very important that the sport can evolve,” the 26-year-old Whitlock, who became Britain’s first Olympic gold medallist in artistic gymnastics by winning floor and pommel in Rio, told Reuters. “Gymnastics is very confusing and no one really knows what a 15.355 really means. It’s hard to keep up with. That takes away from the atmosphere and means the audience doesn’t really get involved in the competition.” Whitlock got 15.633 from the judges in Rio for his floor routine and while it was a magical moment he regrets that the perfect 10 is not possible these days. “Events like the Superstars of Gymnastics are so simple with the scoring out of 10,” he said. “It would have been great to get a perfect 10 in my career. It would be hard to go back to that system now, but there are ways it could be simplified. “You look at football, swimming, athletics and it’s so clear who the winner is and I think gymnastics needs that a bit more. “Everyone needs to brainstorm, get their heads together and think of ways we can simplify the sport and push it to the next level because I truly believe gymnastics has huge potential to grow.” MONDAY 25 MARCH 2019 SPORT 11 Team Qatar promotes volleyball among students

THE PENINSULA present volleyball in its enticing Team Qatar’s volleyball team Volleyball Materclass DOHA form making it an appeal and a interacting with students of the Team Qatar’s volleyball choice of sport to the school team welcomed 50 high- In an effort to promote Sport for American Academy School at Al boys”. school students from the Life and provide students across Arabi Sports Club Stadium in Doha. Before the practice session, American Academy School Qatar the opportunity to connect students were encouraged to ask with professionals in the sport questions – some highlighted the to their training facility field – Team Qatar’s volleyball reasons behind the team’s choice at Al Arabi Sports Club members welcomed 50 high- to take up volleyball. Other ques- where they delivered an school students from the tions focused on the type of interactive masterclass. American Academy School to training and the different diet their training facility at Al Arabi routines the team follows. Sports Club where they delivered After the theory session, the with the Ministry of Education an interactive masterclass. athletes ran the volleyball mas- and Higher Education and During the visit, six-member terclass that demonstrated what national federations are Team Qatar volleyball athletes a regular training session looked arranging for 40 school visits this exhibited great team spirit in like for the team. The students year. Team Qatar’s school visits taking turns to explain the sport were divided into groups and will help QOC accomplish its and its rules. each Team Qatar athlete took mission to promote sport partic- Students from the tenth, lead in starting a warm up and ipation to the next generation eleventh and twelfth grades were diving into practice with his and the whole community. observing as the team illustrated group of students. QOC Secretary General the different positions held by To give students the full vol- Jassim Al Buenain has stressed each volleyball team member. leyball experience, Team Qatar’s on a refreshed image and The team also demonstrated athletes joined them for a quick strategy. QOC’s new approach the basic scoring guidelines team sports in general. Team today was an impactful expe- it is to always connect with and competitive match that then involves focus on uniting, when playing a game and laid Qatar’s volleyball team setter rience not only for the students younger aspiring people in Qatar brought the school visit to an end. inspiring and engaging the com- down the health benefits and Khalid Shamiyeh said: “Having but for us as a team. This – it definitely brought the best in The Qatar Olympic Com- munity through Team Qatar acquired skills from practicing school students visit our training reminded us of how important us. I hope we were able to mittee (QOC) in collaboration athletes.

Euro 2020 Qualifying Results Group D At Tbilisi Ramos helps Spain edge Norway Georgia 0 Switzerland 2 (Zuber 57, Zakaria 80) REUTERS squad for this game and the trip to Malta At Gibraltar VALENCIA, SPAIN next Tuesday but there was a familiar feel Gibraltar 0 Republic of Ireland 1 (Hendrick to his starting line-up with the exception of 49) Spain captain Sergio Ramos scored another veteran Jesus Navas, who made a first start We have begun a new Group F “Panenka” penalty to give his side a 2-1 home for the national team since 2014. journey and what At Ta’ Qali, Malta win over Norway on Saturday in their Spain made a promising start in front of better way to start Malta 2 (Nwoko 13, Borg 77-pen) opening Euro 2020 qualifier but it was a far a near-capacity crowd and got their break- than with a win over Faroe Islands 1 (Thomsen 90+8) from convincing display from Luis Enrique’s through when Barca left back Alba played a team that made At Stockholm side. a one-two with Marco Asensio to cut down Sweden 2 (Quaison 33, Claesson 40) Spain made a slick start and took the the flank and play a simple cross to Rodrigo things very difficult Romania 1 (Keseru 58) lead at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium when who could hardly miss. for us despite the fact At Valencia, Spain Rodrigo Moreno volleyed in Jordi Alba’s cross The home side dominated possession we had the ball the Spain 2 (Rodrigo 16, Ramos 71-pen) Norway from close range in the 16th minute and con- but lacked a cutting edge in attack as Morata 1 (King 65-pen) tinued to dominate proceedings without missed a series of chances, drawing a couple whole time: Ramos Group J carving out many clear chances. of saves from Jarstein and failing to hit the Norway, who had done little in attack, target with a free header. At Sarajevo levelled in the 65th minute with a perfectly- Morata compensated for those misses Bosnia and Herzegovina 2 (Krunic 33, Milo- taken penalty from striker Joshua King, who by helping Spain restore their lead after King sevic 80) Armenia 1 (Mkhitaryan 90+3-pen) blasted the ball beyond David de Gea after had levelled against the run of play, darting At Udine, Italy Inigo Martinez had hauled Bjorn Johnsen to on to a through ball and colliding with the Italy 2 (Barella 7, Kean 74) Finland 0 the floor. desperate Jarstein, who was then fooled by At Vaduz Spain earned a spot-kick of their own the nerveless Ramos. Liechtenstein 0 Greece 2 (Fortounis 45+1, six minutes later when Alvaro Morata was Asensio should have sealed the victory Donis 80) tripped by Norway goalkeeper Rune Jarstein, when played through but his attempted chip Played on Friday who Ramos easily deceived by chipping the sent the ball over the bar. Group A ball down the middle of the goal to score a Norway pressed Spain back into their At London “Panenka” for the fifth time this season and area in added time but never looked like England 5 (Sterling 24, 62, 68, Kane 45+2- eighth in his career. finding another equaliser. pen, Kalas 84-og) Czech Republic 0 “We have begun a new journey and Spain joined Malta and Sweden on three Group B what better way to start than with a win points in Group F after those sides also At Luxembourg over a team that made things very difficult earned 2-1 wins in their opening fixtures. for us despite the fact we had the ball the Luis Enrique said his side should have Luxembourg 2 (Barreiro Martins 45, Rod- whole time,” Ramos told reporters. scored more goals but was happy with the rigues 55) Lithuania 1 (Cernych 14) “We knew it was going to be difficult performance. At Lisbon but we still played well and perhaps should “We have to appreciate all the positive Portugal 0 Ukraine 0 have had a bigger advantage at halftime. things we did today, I think we deserved to Group H Still, we reacted well to their equaliser and win 5-1 or 6-1, but in football goals is the At Shkoder, Albania the win will give us more confidence.” only thing that matters,” he said. Albania 0 Turkey 2 (Burak Yilmaz 21, Calha- Spain’s players had talked of the impor- “I’m happy with everything, the attitude, noglu 55) tance of making a flying start to the quali- the way we played after training hard all At Andorra la Vella fying campaign after their confidence had week and for creating chances against a Andorra 0 Iceland 2 (B. Bjarnasson 22, Kjar- been knocked by a dismal World Cup and a team who defended in their own half. It was tansson 80) disappointing finish in the UEFA Nations a shame we conceded the penalty but we Spain’s defender Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring a goal during the Euro 2020 group F qualifying match against Norway at the Mestalla Stadium At Chisinau League. found a solution, and we realised that if you Moldova 1 (Ambros 89) France 4 (Griezmann Luis Enrique had named an experimental want to win you have to suffer.” in Valencia on Saturday. 24, Varane 27, Giroud 36, Mbappe 87) Barella and Kean get Italy off the mark

AFP injury list. Kean became the first cross but firing wide in front of UDINE, ITALY player born after 2000 to start goal to the frustration of the for Italy. small contingent of visiting fans. Nicolo Barella and Moise Kean Kean has quality, The teenager formed a But the Azzurri doubled their scored in either half to get the three-man strike-force alongside lead midway through the second new-look Italy off to a winning enormous potential fellow Juventus forward Fed- half with Lazio’s Immobile start in their opening Euro 2020 and it all depends on erico Bernardeschi and Ciro bursting through midfield to set qualifier with a 2-0 victory over him, he has to work Immobile. up Kean, who made no mistake, Finland in Udine on Saturday. Kean’s only previous racing forward to slot in his first Barella, 22, rifled in on seven hard: Mancini appearance had come as a international goal. minutes with 19-year-old Kean second-half substitute last Serie A top-scorer Fabio marking his first start by dou- four-time world champions’ November in a friendly against Quagliarella came on for the last bling the Azzurri’s account in the shock failure to qualify for the the United States. ten minutes for the 36-year-old’s 74th minute, to the delight of the World Cup for the first time in But it was midfielder Barella first cap in over eight years to capacity crowd at the Stadio 60 years. And the former Man- who broke through minutes into thundering applause from the Friuli in north-eastern Italy. chester City manager’s first task the game after the Finnish crowd. The Sampdoria striker “It wasn’t easy because they is to get them through to the defence failed to clear a Marco has scored 21 goals in 28 Serie A closed down immediately, finals of the European champi- Verratti free-kick. games, two more than Portu- changing the way they play and onships, a tournament which the Cagliari player Barella guese star Cristiano Ronaldo. putting five defenders,” said Italy footballing giants have won just pounced to rifle in a low volley, And the veteran was twice coach Roberto Mancini. once, 51 years ago. leaving Finnish goalkeeper denied a dream return with Hra- “We made some mistakes Italy, now 18th in the FIFA Lukas Hradecky with no chance. decky saving, and minutes later early on, but did far better in the rankings, are favourites in a Cristiano Piccini hit the side his goal-bound effort clipping second half and created many Group J which also includes netting after a one-two with the post. Italy’s forward Moise Kean celebrates more scoring opportunities. Armenia, Bosnia and Kean, with Bernardeschi having “It’s a pity that it was almost after scoring during the Euro 2020 Group “Kean has quality, enormous Liechtenstein. a penalty appeal denied just the perfect dream,” said J qualifying match against Finland at the potential and it all depends on Mancini’s side had been hit before half-time. Quagliarella. “But there was a Friuli Stadium in Udine on Saturday. him, he has to work hard.” by injuries to forwards Federico Teemu Pukki missed a save and then I hit the bar. I had Italy are rebuilding under Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne with chance to equalise in the 65th two chances, it’s a shame they coach Mancini after the Alessandro Florenzi also on the minute, meeting a Robin Lod didn’t go in.” SPORT Monday 25 March 2019 PAGE | 09 PAGE | 11 Ferrer stuns Ramos helps Zverev as Spain edge Federer fights Norway in Euro back in Miami 2020 qualifier 2022 World Cup: Wenger impressed with Qatar’s compact and legacy plans

THE PENINSULA DOHA infrastructure which benefits com- munities across the country, including plans to repurpose some Legendary coach Arsene Wenger of the modular stadiums and I’m impressed with praised Qatar’s FIFA World Cup transform them into sporting preparations, along with the facilities. the quality of the country’s commitment to football “I’m impressed with the planning for the development, during a visit to the quality of the planning for the World Cup, including Supreme Committee for Delivery World Cup, including the thinking & Legacy. that is behind it,” said Wenger. the thinking that is The former Arsenal manager, “This World Cup is integrated behind it. This World who won ten major honours in the community and there are Cup is integrated in during 22 years with the Gunners, a lot of plans to make sure it is the community and spoke positively about Qatar’s not wasted after the tournament. World Cup plans, saying the 2022 The project for the event is fan- there are a lot of plans tournament would offer a new tastic – but the community will to make sure it is experience to players, fans and take advantage of it after the not wasted after the officials. World Cup, which is a great idea.” tournament: Wenger The Frenchman, who won a The longest distance between record seven FA Cups with stadiums in 2022 will be just Arsenal, also hailed Qatar’s recent 55km – meaning fans will be able many World Cups I’ve been to, AFC Asian Cup victory – which to attend more than one match a you always plan your flights. It he said was testament to quality day during the early stages of the will be a new experience for sup- education, planning and tournament. It will also mean a porters here – once you’re in coaching. lack of travel for fans, players and Qatar you just have to move from Wenger, 69, who also spent officials – which will provide a one stadium to another without seven successful years with French new experience according to taking a flight. For the players and club Monaco, was impressed with Wenger. delegations too – the national Qatar’s commitment to building “When I think back to the teams can stay at one place

Legendary coach Arsene Wenger is presented with a football jersey by Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy during his visit to SC headquarters at Al Bidda Tower.

during the whole World Cup and high-quality secondary school quality coaching, you get that will be a much more com- education. results,” said Wenger. fortable experience than before.” In recent years, youth “The most important thing is Wenger, who spent a season football has flourished in Qatar, that Qatar has won the Asian Cup. coaching Japanese side Nagoya with the country winning the Nobody, even in Qatar, could Grampus in the mid-1990s, also 2014 AFC U-19 Championship, have planned that when Aspire spoke about Qatar’s stunning before tasting success in the was opened. The most positive victory in the AFC Asian Cup. senior version of the tournament aspect, apart from the pride of Al Annabi’s starting 11 for the in the United Arab Emirates. The everyone in the country after final included seven Aspire ultimate goal is to develop winning such a huge competition, Academy graduates. Aspire players who will represent Qatar is the fact it’s encouragement for Academy was founded in 2004 at the FIFA World Cup. education and coaching young with the goal to find and develop “It’s a good lesson for every players. It’s a remarkable lesson Nasser Al Khater, Assistant Secretary General, Tournament Affairs, Supreme Committee for Delivery & the best Qatari athletes, while country. If you start with quality for all the countries that love Legacy (SC) interacts with Wenger, during his visit to SC headquarters at Al Bidda Tower. providing them with education, quality planning and football.” AFC U-23 qualifiers: Qatar trounce Nepal 5-0 to stay atop Group A

THE PENINSULA performance to overpower Nepal first half on the front foot, but break with a 1-0 lead after DOHA and secure a 5-0 win. their attacking forays often came Abdullah Al Ahrak sent a penalty While the hosts delivered an unstuck on the final pass, and into the top corner in the 25th Qatar and Oman are set for a impressive team performance, they only managed two shots at minute. showdown to decide the winners the match will be best remem- goal in the opening 45 minutes, Al Rawi - captaining the side of AFC U-23 Championship bered for the two sensational with Nepal unable to test their after his starring role in Qatar’s Thailand 2020 qualifying Group second-half goals scored by aim at all. AFC Asian Cup triumph two A, after both sides continued their Bassam Al Rawi. Despite the lack of goalmouth months ago - provided a moment winning starts to the competition Qatar spent almost all of the action, the hosts did go to the of outstanding quality in the 54th yesterday. minute, letting fly with an Oman kept their campaign extraordinary 35-yard half volley on track, recording their second which sailed beyond Nepali goal- successive narrow win with a 2-1 keeper Arpan Karki and into the victory over Afghanistan, while back of the net. Qatar trounced Nepal 5-0. An unfortunate Dinesh Second half goals to Ahmed Rajbanshi own goal extended the Al Matroushi and Muhsen Al lead further, before the brilliant Ghassani took the Omanis to six Al Rawi produced another points from two matches, setting stunner in the 80th minute, this up tomorrow’s match against time sending a wonderful group hosts Qatar to decide who 30-yard free-kick into the top takes the group’s direct qualifi- Action from the AFC corner. In a moment Karki would cation place in Thailand. Under-23 Group A match prefer to forget, Al Ahrak added Afghanistan’s defeat leaves between Qatar and Nepal the final coat of gloss, scoring on them without a point after two at Aspire Zone yesterday. the bounce with a speculative matches, meaning their qualifi- Pic: Hussein Sayed long-range effort in the dying cation hopes have been dashed minutes, as Qatar sealed a following Qatar’s win against thumping win. Nepal Superior goal difference Meanwhile, Qatar continued means Albert Caballeria’s side their trouble-free start to their will need only a draw against Qatari players celebrate a goal against Nepal during their AFC Under- campaign, producing a com- Oman to secure direct 23 Group A match at Aspire Zone yesterday. manding second half qualification.