Sport

WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL 2021 Japan'sJap Matsuyama - A reluctant star hheadse home with the green jacket Hopefully,Hop I’ll be a pioneer in this and many other Japanese willwill follow. I’m glad to be able to open the floodgates. Hope- fully,fully and many more will follow me.

Hideki Matsuyama Sport |08

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: QUARTER-FINALS (SECOND LEG) Borussia Dortmund vs Man City (1-2), Liverpool vs Real Madrid (1-3) Parisians beat title holders on away goals; Chelsea see off Porto PSG edge Bayern, reach CL semis REUTERS – PARIS last week's first leg but he provided an emphatic response in a cagey game Paris Saint-Germain reached the with his acrobatic strike deep into Champions League semi-finals despite added time. a 1-0 home defeat by Bayern Munich Thomas Tuchel's side had a healthy yesterday as the title holders bowed lead from last week's away game in out on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate Seville and had to withstand an intense result. start from Porto in their home leg back Eric Choupo-Moting scored the at the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, the only goal of a mesmeric encounter venue of both games due to Portugal's before the interval but it was not coronavirus restrictions. enough to overturn the German side's Porto's Jesus Corona closed down 3-2 loss in last week's first leg. Chelsea's Edouard Mendy early on but PSG, who had struggled at times in failed to make the most of the keeper's Munich, had the clearest chances but botched pass. The Mexican winger lacked efficiency, with Neymar hitting missed another good chance later in the woodwork twice and Kylian the half when he shuffled past Ben Mbappe's speed again proving tough Chilwell in the area only to blast over to handle. the crossbar. Mauricio Pochettino's PSG side, Chelsea's Mason Mount and however, kept their composure in a Christian Pulisic each came close to nerve-wrecking finale to book their breaking the deadlock after the interval spot in the last four against Manchester but the Londoners were more focused City or Borussia Dortmund as they look on keeping Porto at bay. to reach the final for the second year Taremi's last-gasp strike prevented in a row. them from keeping a clean sheet but Their home form has been cause Chelsea still managed to reach the for concern this season, but this time semi-finals of Europe's top competition PSG did not freeze as they proved Paris Saint-Germain’s coach Mauricio Pochettino celebrates with Neymar for the first time since 2014. extremely dangerous on the break and his team-mates after the match against Bayern Munich yesterday. Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Zin- throughout the match. edine Zidane has said his side will not In the absence of injured captain seek to just cling on to their 3-1 lead Marquinhos, Danilo started alongside denied Neymar in a one-on-one after the German champions the lead on the Hansi Flick's team created danger when they visit Liverpool in today's Presnel Kimpembe in central defence the Brazilian had been found unmarked night five minutes before the break. in the box repeatedly in the closing quarter-final second leg despite for the French champions while Bayern by Mbappe. PSG were close again early in the stages but the home side's defence held recently admitting his players are were without Leon Goretzka in the Neymar was at it again three times second half when Angel Di Maria con- firm as they avenged last year's 1-0 exhausted. midfield. in a handful of minutes with a pow- trolled Mbappe's cross splendidly and final defeat by Bayern. "We're not going to try and manage Bayern applied the pressure early erful shot that Neuer deflected onto his passed the ball past a flying Neuer Elsewhere, in Seville, Mehdi Taremi our effort levels, we've come here to on but PSG threatened on the counter post, a superb curled effort that crashed across the face of goal, only for Ney- scored a stunning overhead kick to win and that's what we'll try to do," with Mbappe and Neymar having the against the bar and another attempt mar's stretching effort to slide it home hand Porto a 1-0 victory over Chelsea Zidane told a news conference. early chances in an error-strewn start. that hit the post after he was played being a few inches too short. but it was not enough to prevent the "A lot of things have happened to The visitors had their first attempt through by Mbappe. Mbappe thought he had equalised Premier League side from progressing us this season, we are missing a lot of in the 25th minute when Leroy Sane's However, Bayern then went in in the 78th minute after being played to the last four with a 2-1 aggregate players right now and, while I'd love curled short from outside the box went front as Choupo-Moting headed home through by Neymar from just inside win. to have them all available, we're going just wide. after PSG keeper Bayern's half, but a VAR review con- The substitute had been respon- to make sure we put in our best per- PSG came close on a quick break deflected David Alaba's shot into the firmed Italian referee Daniele Orsato's sible for his side's only attempt on formances with the players we have," as Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer path of the former PSG player, giving decision to rule it out. target as they chased a 2-0 deficit from Zidane added. AFC CHAMPIONS Al Rayyan, Goa LEAGUE TODAY'S FIXTURES open ACL quest GROUP B DOHA Pakhtakor (UZB) vs Tractor FC (IRN) THE PENINSULA/AFC– Sharjah Stadium (Sharjah) Qatar football giants Al Rayyan will be out to spoil FC Goa's historic appearance in the AFC Cham- Sharjah (UAE) vs Air Force Club (IRQ) pions League (ACL) when the two teams begin their Sharjah Stadium (Sharjah) Group E campaigns today at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. GROUP D The match kicks off at 8:00pm Qatar time. Al Sadd SC (QAT) vs Foolad The hosts Goa become the first Indian side to Khouzestan FC (IRN) play in the ACL group stage, while Al Rayyan will King Fahd International Stadium (Riyadh) Al Sadd players in action during be looking to make the knockout stage for the Kick off at 9:00pm Qatar time a training session in Riyadh first time. Al Rayyan, who finished third in the 2020-21 yesterday. Al Wehdat (JOR) vs Al Nassr (KSA) QNB Stars League, will be making their 12th King Saud University Stadium (Riyadh) appearance in the continental event. “My team has prepared well for this match GROUP E leads Al Sadd into against FC Goa and they are ready. This will be my Persepolis FC (IRN) vs Al Wahda FSCC first time coming here and playing in this stadium,” (UAE) Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc said yesterday. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Goa) Asian Champions League “We will give our best and it’s good to be here. “I want my team to play their best in this com- AP – RIYADH Al Rayyan SC (QAT) vs FC Goa (IND) “The toughest tournament progress to the knockout stage. petition. This season is going to be very tough con- awaits us,” the former star mid- In order to reduce travel in sidering the rest days between the matches," the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Goa) Xavi Hernandez was touted as fielder said. the global pandemic, the Asian Frenchman said. Kick off at 8:00pm Qatar time a future coach of Barcelona even “We are in an excellent Football Confederation (AFC) "We all have our targets and ambition but our before leading Al Sadd to the period and fully ready to decided in March that each focus is on Goa FC and they are not an easy team Al Duhail players take part in a training Qatar Stars League title unde- compete.” group will be staged in one city to beat,” the former PSG coach said. session ahead of tomorrow's match against feated earlier this month. His Xavi took over Al Sadd in with each team playing six Goa's headd coachcoach JuanJuan FFer-er- Al Shorta of Iraq. chances will only improve if he May 2019 but even with former games in just 15 days. rando, who hasas the likes ooff can add the Asian Champions Arsenal star in Al Sadd will play all its Ivan Gonzalez,z, cacaptainptain League title to his accomplish- strong form, the 2021 tour- games in Riyadh, home of Al Edu Bedia andd JorgJorgee ments this year.a. namenta e tw will be beabgge a bigger cchal- a Nassr. Ortiz at his dis-dis- The group stage of the con-con- lenge than usual.usual. EElsewhere,lsewhere, 2019 championcha posal, will be tinental competitionpetition kicks ooffff TheThe nnumberumber Al Hilal is hosting GroGroupu A in banking onn home today in the western zone ofof teams has Riyadh with two teateamsm from advantage att a venue which includeses Al Sadd. beenbeb e n CentralCentral AAsiasia - AAGMKGM of where they hhaveave been The side plays Iranian expandedexpanded Uzbekistan and TajikistanTajikista pow- dominant in the Indian side Foolad in itsits fromfrom 3232 to erhouse Istiklol - makingm Super Leaguee (ISL). opening Groupoup D 40 wwhichhich meansmeans theirtheir first appearances.appeara “This matchatch isis thethe match. tthathat only the 10 TheThe easteeasternr zone, most importantant moment Al Sadd werewere groupgrg oup winners and whichwhich featuresfe for the club aandnd IIndianndian dominant thisis year sixsix best rrunners-unners- teams fromfrom Japan, football. We areare under the 41-year-oldyear-old up will SouthSouth Korea, working hard Xavi, who wonwon thethe CChinahina and because we knowknow World Cup withith SpainSpain in AAustralia,ustra is about the oppo-po- 2010. Al Sadd finifinishedshed firstfirst in scheduledsched to nents and theireir Qatar’s 12-teamteam League, startstart inin June, level of winning 19 outut of 22 games althougalthoughh the football,” Fer-- and scoring 77 goalsgoals hhostingosting venuesvenue have rando said Xavi Hernandez Laurent Blanc while concedingng just 14.14. not beenbeen decdecided.ided. yesterday. WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL 2021 SPORT 11

Number of Klopp urges caution against fans allowed to attend Euro matches in high-flying but depleted Real host cities

REUTERS — LONDON something desperately, as was the case (in the first leg),” he London, England Liverpool can mount another added. Liverpool manager * Venue: Wembley Stadium (Capacity: memorable Champions League Ramos tests positive for Juergen Klopp before 90,000) * Matches: Three group games, comeback at Anfield when they COVID-19 the EPL match against one last-16 game, both semi-finals and the take on a depleted Real Madrid Spain and Real Madrid Aston Villa on Sunday. final * Status: Minimum capacity of 25% in the quarter-final, second leg captain Ramos faced a new for the group matches and last 16, with a but they cannot afford any more setback in a season littered with decision on higher capacity for the semis defensive errors, manager injury problems when his club and final expected in early June. Juergen Klopp said yesterday. said yesterday he had tested Rome, Italy Down 3-1 from the first leg, positive for COVID-19. * Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Capacity: Klopp’s side find themselves in Ramos has been nursing a a near-impossible situation in Football is football, calf injury since April 1 which 68,000) * Matches: Three group games and one quarter-final * Status: Italian soc- the knockouts again and will anything is possible. We led him to miss his side’s 3-1 win seek inspiration from their 2019 over Liverpool in their Cham- cer federation (FIGC) president Gabriele semi-final comeback against speak about results but for pions League quarter-final first Gravina said the stadium would be filled to Barcelona when they 4-0 to me, the performance is leg and Saturday’s 2-1 victory at least 25% capacity. advance with a 4-3 aggregate much more important. We over rivals Barcelona in La Liga. St Petersburg, Russia score. have to play like ourselves. The central defender, 35, * Venue: St Petersburg Stadium (Capacity: With their backs against the who underwent knee surgery 61,000) * Matches: Three group games wall and no supporters in the in February, had already been and one quarter-final * Status: 50% capac- stadium to encourage them due Juergen Klopp ruled out of the second leg away ity with the possibility of increasing that to the COVID-19 pandemic, to Liverpool today and is not by the end of April. Klopp said they would have to expected to play again until the Munich, Germany create their own atmosphere as end of the month. * Venue: Football Arena Munich (Capacity: they look to overturn the deficit. His COVID-19 infection is 70,000) * Matches: Three group games “When you are 3-1 down it unlikely to halt his return to and one quarter-final * Status: Details have looks like we are already out - action, although it does mean not been made public but Munich’s mayor it means we have not a lot to he will be kept away from Real’s said he could not rule out preventing fans lose. The result showed they training ground until he pro- were better than us but it’s only duces a negative test. from attending games in June due to the the first half,” Klopp told Ramos has played 670 infection rate and protection orders in the reporters. games while scoring 101 goals Bavarian capital. “Football is football, any- for Real since joining from Baku, Azerbaijan thing is possible,” Klopp added so obviously they are in a good Carvajal, winger Lucas Vazquez we are the same,” Klopp said. Sevilla in 2005 but has an * Venue: Baku Olympic Stadium (Capacity: on the possibility of a comeback. moment.” and forward Eden Hazard are “The decisive part of the uncertain future with the 69,000) * Matches: Three group games “We speak about results but Real are struggling with sidelined, but Klopp said that season is now and I’m 100% Spanish champions as his and one quarter-final * Status: Azerbai- for me, the performance is injuries and fitness issues, will not stop Zidane’s highly sure Real will be 100% ready, current contract expires at the jan’s government and the local organising much more important. We have however, with Zinedine motivated side. not how they felt straight after end of June. committee decided to cap attendance at to play like ourselves. Zidane’s side suffering more “Real didn’t win the com- the Barca game. Real have suffered more 50% with fans from countries taking part “It’s important to defend at injuries than any other team in petition so often with Zidane “It’s a difference to watch injuries than any other side in allowed to attend if they present a nega- your highest level with the La Liga this season. because they’re not experi- Real and play them. The indi- La Liga this season but their tive COVID-19 test. ability Madrid have... Real beat Defenders , enced. They have had an vidual quality of the players is troubles have not affected their Amsterdam, Netherlands Barcelona (in La Liga) after us Raphael Varane and Dani intense season and injuries, really high if they want form lately. * Venue: ArenA (Capacity: 54,000) * Matches: Three group games and one last-16 game * Status: The Dutch Everton still football association (KNVB) said at least Guardiola a ‘failure’ if Manchester 12,000 spectators will attend matches. in the fight, Bilbao, Spain * Venue: San Mames Stadium (Capacity: says manager 53,000) * Matches: Three group games City lose in Champions League and one last-16 game * Status: Bilbao’s city Ancelotti hall told UEFA it is ready to stage games at AP — MANCHESTER “But maybe it’s something could be different for City 25% capacity (around 13,000 fans) but we are not too used to, going because of team’s improved REUTERS — LONDON Spain’s soccer federation said the Basque Pep Guardiola (pictured) This is a business, and behind, conceding or struggling. stability in defense has led to government’s conditions were “impossible expects to be labelled a “failure” business is business. Because we are used to always only two goals being conceded Everton manager Carlo Ance- to meet” in time for the start of tourna- if Manchester City doesn’t reach dominating the game, having in nine games so far this lotti said Monday’s 0-0 draw Business is winning. If we ment. the semi-finals of the Cham- possession … Mistakes are campaign. with Brighton & Hove Albion Bucharest, Romania (Capacity: pions League for the fifth don’t win, I will be a normal. Just trying to deal with “I feel like we are much had dented their hopes of 54,000) straight year since he joined the failure. If we win, it will be it is the only thing that was a more stable at the moment, European football next season * Venue: National Arena Bucharest English club. ‘Oh, how good is Pep. little bit missing.” especially defensively. We are but with eight games left his * Matches: Three group games and one City hold a 2-1 lead over City showed some defending quite well and I think side are of the running. last-16 game *Status: Romania’s Ministry Borussia Dortmund heading backbone in the first leg, the more you proceed in the Ancelotti’s side are eighth of Youth and Sports said a maximum of into the second leg of the quar- Pep Guardiola responding to conceding an competition, the more on 48 points, four points 13,000 spectators (around 25% capacity) terfinals on Wednesday, so the equalizer by Marco Reus in the important that gets as well,” he behind sixth-placed Liv- team has its best chance yet of 84th minute by scoring a said. erpool and seven behind will be allowed. reaching the semifinals for the each ooccasion.ccasion. IlkayIlkay GunGundogandogan winnerwinner in thethe 90t90thh throughthrough PPhilhil “Obviously“Obviously it gives you a fourth-placed West Ham, Copenhagen, Denmark first time under Guardiola. joined CitCityy at tthehe same time as Foden.Foden. ssafeafe feelinfeelingg wwhen you know who have both played a * Venue: Parken Stadium (Capacity: The Spanish coach hasn’t Guardiola,diola, anandd tthehe GermaGermanyny Indeed,Indeed, thatthat yyourour dedefensive line is game more. 38,000) *Matches: Three group games and won the competition - or even midfielderelder believesbelieves tthehe team’s GundoGundogangan wworkingorking great,gr your goal- “Of course, the fight is one last-16 game *Status: The Danish gov- reached the final - since cap- domesticstic ddominanceominance in tthathat has a keeperkeeper is great, you are more difficult now, but we’re ernment announced at least 12,000 fans turing the second of his titles periodd hhasas its ddrawbacksrawbacks wwhenhen ffeelingeel ing workingworking aas a team defen- still in the fight,” Ancelotti told will attend matches (30% capacity). with Barcelona in 2011, with it comesmes to pplayinglaying against ththisis sivelysively rereally well,” he reporters. Dublin, Republic of Ireland critics blaming him for over- tougherer opponents anandd witwithh seasonseason added.added. “It’s a point through good * Venue: Dublin Arena (Capacity: 51,000) thinking his tactics in the big biggerr pressure in the Cham-Cham- ThatThat ddoes not mean team spirit... although with the * Matches: Three group games and one knockout matches at not only pions LLeague.eague. Put simply, City City will headhe to Dortmund ball we could do better, we had last-16 game *Status: Ireland’s FA said it was City but when in charge of is not used to havinhavingg to lookinglooking to ssimply defend its difficulties to build up from the “not in a position at this point to provide as- Bayern Munich from 2013-16. respondnd to setbacks. lead.lead. GuarGuardiola’sd intention, back, we missed a lot of surances on minimum spectator levels”. “This is a business, and “WeWe nneedeed to as usual, is tot win the game. passes. We weren’t able to Glasgow, Scotland business is business. Business learn that it’s “If“If yyouou tthinkh in this type reach our strikers with * Venue: Hampden Park (Capacity: is winning,” said Guardiola, who normalal to ofof gamegame aboutab the conse- efficiency. 51,000) * Matches: Three group games was in an animated mood at a struggle,”ggle,” quences,quences, or ttheh goals you have “Now in the next eight and one last-16 game * Status: The Scot- news conference yesterday. Gundogand o g an toto score or ccana concede, you games that we have to play, “If we don’t win, I will be a said. “AtAt thisthis forgetforget what youy have to do,” there’s a lot to play for and tish government has given approval to al- failure. If we win, it will be ‘Oh, stage, pplayinglaying GuardiolaGuardiola sasaid.id teams are really close to us,” low spectators up to 25% of capacity how good is Pep.’” againstst the GundoganGundogan agreed, adding: he said. (around 12,000 fans). Since Guardiola joined in best teamseams in “For“For us, the bebest case is always Everton were without top- Budapest, Hungary 2016, City was eliminated by Europe,pe, itit’s’s goinggoing into a gameg feeling we scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin * Venue: Puskas Arena (Capacity: 68,000) Monaco in the last 16 before normal.al. EveryoEveryonene wwantant to winwi the game. due to an abductor problem * Matches: Three group games and one losing in the quarterfinals in has qualityuality and Defending a resultre I don’t feel and lost Yerry Mina to injury last-16 game *Status: Aiming to host three straight seasons, to Liv- it’s alsoso normalnormal it fits us. It’s theth way we are as during the game, ruling him matches at full capacity subject to fans “ful- erpool, Tottenham and Lyon. to concedencede a players.players. It’s nnot the way we out of Friday’s visit of Tot- filling strict stadium entry requirements”. City was the favourite on goal. play as a teamteam.” tenham Hotspur. Golf: Diplomats win big at milestone QGL tournament

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Angadi and Partho Saha fought tooth and nail against 8 Teams to rake up Qatar Golf Lovers (QGL), Qatar’s oldest an incredibly low Team Score of 28.7, and largest Golf Society, which is cele- but they eventually lost by the nar- brating its 20th Anniversary this year, rowest of margins to the Winning hosted its milestone 200th Tour- Team comprising of QGL Captain nament amidst strict COVID-19 Clark White, Navid Bukhari, Xavier restrictions, where the Indian Dhanaraj (First Secretary Consular & Diplomats took away the major Community Affairs at Indian Embassy), honours. and PK Viswanath, who eventually fin- As many as 32 golfers participated ished with the lowest net score of 28.6 in a Four-Person-Team Texas Special prizes went to Vilas Scramble Tournament that was unique Sangam for ‘nearest to rope’, Sanjay because 50% of each Team comprised Jain for ‘nearest to pin’, Clark White of fresh graduates from the QGL Golf for ‘longest putt’, and Cherehzade Academy who were inducted into Boocha Pedder for the ‘longest drive’. competitive golf under the guidance Following DGC’s COVID-19 pro- of experienced team mates. tocols, the presentation ceremony has The Team comprising Indian been scheduled to take place after Ambassador Dr. Deepak Mittal, Team Ramadan. Captain Mohan Atla (Defense Attaché Information on upcoming events FROM LEFT: Partho Saha, Captain Atla, Ambassador Mittal and Chandrashekar Angadi pose for a photo. at Indian Embassy), Chandrashekar is available on www.myqgl.com 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL 2021

Mumbai Indians' celebrates after dismissing Kolkata Knight Riders Sangakkara backs opener Nitish Rana. PIC: WWW.MUMBAIINDIANS.COM captain Samson after Rajasthan’s narrow loss

REUTERS – MUMBAI

Rajasthan Royals team director has given Archer his backing to captain Sanju Samson after he turned down a single against Punjab Kings on the penultimate ball to retain cleared to strike but failed to hit the winning runs on the last ball in Monday’s game. Rajasthan needed five runs from the last two balls of the final train again over at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, with Samson unbeaten on a brilliant 119 in their thrilling chase of 222. after surgery Having hit seamer Arshdeep Singh for a six on the fourth ball of the over, Samson refused to take a run on the next and sent REUTERS – LONDON back a shocked Chris Morris, leaving Rajasthan needing five runs to win. England pace bowler Jofra Right-hander Samson then failed to clear the boundary on Archer has been cleared to the last ball as Deepak Hooda took the catch a few yards inside resume light training following the rope, sparking celebrations among his Punjab team mates. surgery for a freak hand injury But far from reading with no timeline for his return Samson the riot act, Sri to competitive action, the Lankan batting great San- England and Wales gakkara said he was pleased I think Sanju backed Board (ECB) said yesterday. to see him take the responsi- Archer underwent surgery bility on his shoulders. himself to get the job done to remove a glass fragment Mumbai pull off 10-run “I think Sanju backed and he nearly did. He was from a tendon on his right hand himself to get the job done five or six yards short of after an attempt to clean his and he nearly did,” San- fish tank went wrong. gakkara told reporters. hitting the last ball for a six The 26-year-old sustained win against Kolkata “He was five or six yards and sometimes when you the injury at his home in short of hitting the last ball for know you’re hitting the January and the operation was AP – CHENNAI captain Sharma (43) added 76 Kolkata a solid start of 72 runs a six and sometimes when you carried out while he was still runs for the second- off 53 balls before Chahar’s know you’re hitting the ball ball well and you’re in form undergoing treatment for a Reigning champion Mumbai stand but Yadav’s dismissal in introduction in the ninth over well and you’re in form and and you believe that you long-term elbow injury. Indians pulled off a 10-run win the 11th over saw Mumbai gave Mumbai a sniff. you believe that you can do it, can do it, you’ve got to “... Archer has been given against Kolkata Knight Riders struggle for runs in the latter Chahar claimed four you’ve got to take that the all-clear by his hand con- for their first points in the half of the innings. in each of his four overs responsibility. take that responsibility. sultant to resume training after Indian Premier League Bangladesh’s seasoned with Rana getting after “AndAnd it was really encouencour-r And it was really his right hand continues to heal yesterday. spinner Shakib Al Hasan had scoring his second successive agingaging to see SanSanjuju do that.” encouraging to see SanjuSanju do following his operation,” ECB Kolkata was well placed at Yadav’s 36-ball knock ended half century off the leg-spin- South AfricanAfrican all-rounderall-rounder said in a statement. 122-4 at the end of 15th over to as the batsman skied a catch to ner’s final delivery. MorrisMorris hhadad ffacedaced just fourfour that:that: Kumar SangakkaraSangakkara “He will return to light overhaul 153-run target before long on after hitting seven fours Russell was twice let off the balls while Samson had training this week, working Mumbai roared back through and two sixes. Pat Cummins hook in his struggling knock of alreadyalready hit 12 fours and seven closely with the Sussex and its spinners and pace to restrict had Sharma cleaned bowled off 9 off 15 balls before Boult sealed sixes.sixes. England men’s medical teams. Kolkata at 142-7. a slower delivery in the 16th the game by having the West “We“We can alwaysalways talk about It’s hoped that he will be able Left-arm spinner Krunal over before Russell picked up Indian all-rounder caught off his a missemissedd sinsinglegle hhereere or ttherehere bubutut to up his intensity with his Pandya gave away only four all his five wickets off a short own bowling in the final over. thethe cruciacruciall tthinghing fforor me is thethe bowling from next week. runs off his last two overs two-over spell. Mumbai, which lost its players’players’ bbeliefelief in attituattitudede anandd “No decision has been before chipped in Russell picked up two opening game against Royal commitmentcommitment and they know wwhathat made as yet on when Archer is with two wickets off the final wickets in his first over when Challengers Bangalore, have their strengthsstrengths are,” SaSangakkarangakkara due to return to playing.” six balls which went for only he had caught two points while Kolkata also added. Archer’s hand injury was four runs. behind off a thick outside edge has two points after beating “... but the nnextext ttimeime I’I’llll belbelieveieve managed by England during "It was a great fightback and Marco Jansen was caught Sunrisers Hyderabad in its first he’llhe’ll hhitit it tthathat 10 yaryardsds ffurtherurther to their recent Test and T20 series considering where the game at deep cover. match. winwin us thethe game.”game.” in India. was while they were batting,” The West Indies all-rounder Brief scores: Indian Premier League side Mumbai skipper then bowled an impressive last : 152 all Rajasthan Royals, who first said. over and picked up the wickets out in 20 overs (S Yadav 56, R bought the Barbados-born Earlier, after being sent in of tailenders with short pitch Sharma 43, A Russell 5/15, P paceman for 72 million Indian to bat, Andre Russell’s (5-15) deliveries as Mumbai fielders Cummins 2/24) rupees ($955,109) in 2018, said maiden five-wicket haul in held onto their catches in the Kolkata Knight Riders: that they were hopeful he can Twenty20 bowled out Mumbai outfield. 142/7 in 20 overs (N Rana 57, S play a part in the current for 152. Nitish Rana (57) and Gill 33, R Chahar 4/27, T Boult campaign. (56) and Shubman Gill (33) provided 2/27)

Medvedev tests positive Italy’s Fabio Fognini in action against Serbia’s Argentina’s Miomir Kecmanovic for COVID-19, out of during the ATP Masters Feitt handed 1000 - Monte Carlo Monte Carlo Masters Masters in Roquebrune- life ban for Cap-Martin, France, yesterday. REUTERS – MONACO match-fixing

World number two Daniil Medvedev of Russia has tested REUTERS – LONDON positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from this week’s Monte Carlo Masters, the ATP said yesterday. Argentinian tennis player Medvedev, who was seeded second behind top-ranked Franco Feitt has been handed Novak Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 event on clay, has a lifetime ban from the sport been put in isolation and is being monitored, the men’s tennis for his involvement in governing body said in a statement. multiple match fixing activ- “It’s a big disappointment not to play in Monte-Carlo,” said ities between 2014 and 2018, the 25-year-old Medvedev. the International Tennis “My focus is now on recovery and I look forward to getting Integrity Agency (ITIA) said back out on Tour as soon and as safely as possible.” The ATP yesterday. on Monday posted a video of Medvedev’s practice session in Feitt, who had a highest Monte Carlo with Spaniard Rafa Nadal. The governing body ATP singles ranking of 920, did not respond to a request for comment on Nadal’s partic- admitted to nine breaches of ipation in the tournament. the Tennis Anti-Corruption As a Monaco resident, Medvedev was allowed to stay at Program rules, including five his home as per tournament protocols while other players are counts of attempting to con- staying in bio-secure bubble accommodation. trive the outcome or any other Players living at home are required to test daily for the aspect of any match. The virus while those in the restricted environment are tested Fognini, Sinner advance in 28-year-old was also found every four days. guilty of three instances of Nadal, who is chasing a record-extending 12th title in Monte soliciting other players not to Carlo, and his team were tested on Monday as per protocols use their best efforts and one and all results were negative, the Spaniard’s publicist Benito straight sets at Monte Carlo failure to report corrupt Perez-Barbadillo told Reuters yesterday. approaches to the ITIA “Nadal is absolutely fine,” Perez-Barbadillo said on phone AP – MONACO “I was practicing here since I was confident. I am playing well,” officials. from Monte Carlo. 14 years old. I have a lot of mem- Nadal said. The ITIA said Feitt has “As we understand the virus does not anyways show before Fabio Fognini opened the ories here.” “It’s true that I didn’t play been permanently banned three-four days. The next scheduled testing is in three days.” defense of his Monte Carlo Fognini will face Australia’s much. At the same time, (it) is from participating or Nadal, the winner of 20 Grand Slam singles titles, has not Masters title with a 6-2, 7-5 Jordan Thompson in the second true that I had good success in attending any tennis event played since his Australian Open quarter-final defeat in Feb- victory over Miomir Kecmanovic round. the past without playing much.” authorised or sanctioned by ruary byby GreekGreek SStefanostefanos TsitsipasTsitsipas ddueue to a bback issue. yesterday as second-ranked Italian teenager Jannik Earlier, second-ranked the governing bodies of TheThT e 34-34-year-oldyear-old has a first round bye Daniil Medvedev withdrew from Sinner, who was runner-up in Daniil Medvedev withdrew from tennis. He was also fined thistht is week and wwill open his cam- the clay-court tournament after Miami this year, also progressed the first major clay-court tour- $25,000. paignpap ign at the ppicturesquei Monte- testing positive for COVID-19. to set up a mouth-watering nament of the season following CarloCCarlo CountryCount Club on the The 15th-seeded Fognini was contest with top-ranked Novak a positive COVID-19 test. Organ- Feitt admits to nine French RivieraRivie against Argen- set to start his campaign Monday Djokovic. Sinner defeated 2017 izers said Medvedev was placed breaches of the Tennis tina’stina’s FederiFedericoc Delbonis, who but rain delayed his return by a runner-up Albert Ramos-Vinolas in isolation. Anti-Corruption Program defeateddefeated FrFrenchmane Adrian day. Back on the stage of his 6-3, 6-4. “It’s a big disappointment not rules, including five counts Mannarino 7-5,7 6-1 yesterday. biggest success two years earlier, Djokovic will be playing for to play in Monte Carlo,” of attempting to contrive Medvedev,Medvedev who had a first Fognini advanced to the second the first time since winning his Medvedev said. the outcome or any other round bybye,e, wwas scheduled to round after hitting 27 winners. ninth Australian Open title in “My focus is now on recovery play the winwinnern of the match The Italian baseliner tri- February. and I look forward to getting aspect of any match. between SerbianSerbia Filip Krajinovic umphed on the Riviera in 2019, Nadal is also playing in the back out on Tour as soon and as The 28-year-old is also and Nikoloz BasilashviliBasil of Georgia beating 11-time champion Rafael tournament, chasing a record- safely as possible.” guilty of three instances but tested ppositiveositiv on Monday. Nadal on his way to the title. The extending 12th title here. He has Fourth-seeded Stefanos Tsit- of soliciting other players TheThe RussRussian was replaced tournament was canceled last recovered from a back injury sipas advanced to the third not to use their best efforts in the dradraww by Argentinian year because of the pandemic. and will be playing in only his round with a 6-3, 6-4 victory and one failure to report lucky llosero Juan Ignacio “It is really special because I second tournament of the season over Aslan Karatsev and will corrupt approaches to the LonderoLond while he was was born here, I was born in following a quarter-final exit at take on either John Millman or alsoals withdrawn from (nearby) San Remo,” said the Australian Open. 16th-seeded Cristian Garin for a ITIA officials. Daniil Medvedev doubles.d Fognini, reflecting on his return. “I am good. Honestly, I am spot in the quarter-finals. WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL 2021 SPORT 09

NFL: Patriots' Curry becomes ' all-time Edelman announces leading scorer in win over Nuggets retirement

REUTERS — NEW YORK who was 8 of 9 from long range AP — BOSTON in the first half, finished 8 of 12 Stephen Curry became the before fouling out with 44 For more than a decade Julian all-time leading scorer in seconds left in the fourth Edelman lived the ultimate Golden State Warriors history quarter. NFL underdog story, going with the ninth 50-point game Spurs 120, Magic 97 from undersized college quar- of his career, exploding for 53 DeMar DeRozan scored 19 terback to a favourite option in a 116-107 victory over the points in three quarters of play of Tom Brady on three Patriots’ visiting Denver Nuggets on and Dejounte Murray added 17 Super Bowl-winning teams. Monday night. as visiting San Antonio rolled to He says he’ll leave the The Nuggets might have lost a big lead early and swamped league after giving everything Golden State Warriors more than just a second straight Orlando. he had to the sport. guard Stephen Curry game, as standout guard Jamal The Spurs roared to the Citing a knee injury that Murray went down with a left in action. Curry began the game with front with an 18-0 run in the cut his 2020 season short after knee injury with 50.6 seconds 17,765 points in his Warriors first quarter and never looked just six games, Edelman remaining in the game. back, overwhelming Orlando announced that he is retiring Murray, who missed the career, needing 18 to equal while building a 28-point lead from the NFL after 11 seasons. previous four games with a sore Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time after three quarters. The win “Nothing in my career has right knee, was escorted straight franchise record. He got was the second straight for San ever come easy. And no sur- to the locker room after the fall, there in the first quarter, Antonio. prise, this isn’t going to come which came at the end of a then went on to finish the Grizzlies 101, Bulls 90 easy either,” Edelman said 17-point night. Coach Michael Jonas Valanciunas recorded fighting back tears in a video Malone said post game that night with 10 3-pointers. his franchise-record 15th con- posted to Twitter. “I’ve always Murray would undergo an MRI secutive double-double with 26 said I’m going to go until the exam. points and 14 rebounds to lead wheels come off. And they Curry began the game with host Memphis past Chicago. finally have fallen off.” 17,765 points in his Warriors The teams committed a Earlier in the day, the career, needing 18 to equal Wilt Westbrook scored 25 points, Randle thrived against his throw line in only 26 minutes. combined 37 turnovers, 20 of Patriots terminated the con- Chamberlain’s all-time fran- dished out 14 assists and grabbed former team by shooting 13 of Furkan Korkmaz added 20 them by the Grizzlies. tract of the Super Bowl 53 MVP chise record. He got there in the 14 rebounds to help the Wizards 23 from the field as the Knicks points in just 18 minutes off the Dillon Brooks added 17 after the receiver failed a first quarter, then went on to beat the Jazz for the second time shot 47.2 percent overall and bench while Tobias Harris and points for Memphis, Grayson physical. It brings an abrupt end finish the night with 10 in a month. Utah had won 11 of overcame missing 22 of 27 Shake Milton contributed 10 Allen had 14 and Ja Morant con- to the 11-year New England 3-pointers. 13 games since falling at Wash- 3-point tries. Elfrid Payton each for the Sixers. tributed 13 points and 10 assists. tenure of the 34-year-old, Wizards 125, Jazz 121 ington on March 18. added 20 points and reserve Suns 126, Rockets 120 Pelicans 117, Kings 110 whose fingertip catch helped Bradley Beal scored 34 Knicks 111, Lakers 96 Derrick Rose chipped in 14 to Jae Crowder made a career- Brandon Ingram scored 34 complete the Patriots’ historic points, Russell Westbrook com- Julius Randle scored 34 help the Knicks win their third high eight 3-pointers, fueling points and Zion Williamson Super Bowl 51 comeback win piled his fifth consecutive points and grabbed 10 rebounds straight. Phoenix’s franchise-record 25 added 30 as host New Orleans over the Atlanta Falcons. triple-double and Washington as New York took control in the 76ers 113, Mavericks 95 made shots beyond the arc, in defeated Sacramento. “By any measure of what overcame a tough start to upset third quarter, fended off a Joel Embiid had 36 points a victory over visiting Houston. Eric Bledsoe added 13 constitutes an elite NFL career Utah in Salt Lake City. This comeback attempt in the fourth and seven rebounds to lift Phil- The Suns made 25 of 45 points and Kira Lewis Jr. and - wins, championships, pro- result snapped the Jazz’s fran- and recorded a double-digit adelphia past host Dallas. (55.6 percent) from 3-point Wes Iwundu had 11 each as the duction - Julian has it all,” chise-record, 24-game home victory over visiting Los Embiid shot 10 of 17 from the range to top the mark set less Pelicans won their third Patriots coach Bill Belichick winning streak. Angeles. field and 14 of 15 from the free- than two months ago. Crowder, straight. said in a statement.

Montreal Canadiens left wing Tomas Tatar (left) scores a goal against . NHL: Stolarz’s 46 saves help Ducks dump Sharks

REUTERS — SAN JOSE winning streak end. Campbell Bernier, who made 37 saves, stopped 21 of 24 shots but saw was nearly six minutes away Anthony Stolarz made a career- his NHL-record streak of 11 from his first of the high 46 saves in his third start consecutive victories to begin season before the Hurricanes of the season as the visiting a season come to an end. scored. Avalanche 4, Coyotes 2 defeated the Blackhawks 4, Blue Mikko Rantanen had two 4-0 on Monday. Jackets 3 (OT) goals, Nathan MacKinnon The save total was the Brandon Hagel scored 1:25 added a goal and an assist, and highest in franchise history into overtime as Chicago beat Colorado held on to beat during a shutout. The old mark host Columbus for a fifth Arizona in Denver. of 45 saves was set by Dominic straight time to move within Brandon Saad also scored, Roussel in a 1-0 road win over two points of a playoff spot. Cale Makar had two assists and the Colorado Avalanche on Dec. Amid a three-on-two situ- Philipp Grubauer stopped 35 22, 1998. ation, Hagel took a pass from shots for the Avalanche, who are Stolarz earned his first Kirby Dach and drilled the puck 16-1-2 since March 10. Michael shutout since a 1-0 win against past Columbus netminder Bunting and Johan Larsson the visiting Joonas Korpisalo for the scored goals and Ivan Prosvetov on Jan. 29, 2019, when he winner. It was the Blackhawks’ made 16 saves for the Coyotes, played for the Philadelphia second win in three nights at who have lost four in a row. Flyers, and the third of his NHL Columbus, and it moved them Senators 4, Jets 2 career. He has made 20 NHL two points behind Nashville for Connor Brown ran his goal- starts spread over four seasons the fourth and final play-off scoring streak to eight games, while appearing for Phila- spot in the Central Division. Brady Tkachuk scored twice delphia, Anaheim and the Golden 4, Kings 2 and Evgenii Dadonov’s third- . Alex Tuch scored the go- period tally completed the Canadiens 4, M. Leafs 2 ahead goal on an end-to-end comeback as host Ottawa Tomas Tatar scored two rush early in the third period as ended a four-game losing skid goals and Paul Byron had two Vegas rallied from a two-goal with a win over Winnipeg. assists as host Montreal deficit to win at Los Angeles. Kyle Connor and Nikolaj defeated Toronto and handed Mark Stone had a goal and Ehlers replied for the Jets, who goalie Jack Campbell his first an assist and Nicolas Roy and had their three-game winning loss in 12 games this season. Max Pacioretty also scored for streak snapped. Connor Helle- The Canadiens snapped the Golden Knights, who won buyck stopped 20 shots, but his their three-game losing streak their third consecutive game. glaring miscue led to the and improved their record to Shea Theodore had two assists, game-winner. 2-3-1 against first-place Toronto and Robin Lehner With the score tied just past this season. Goaltender Jake made 26 saves. the midway point of the final Allen stopped 23 of 25 shots and R. Wings 3, Hurricanes 1 frame, Hellebuyck mishandled won for just the second time Adam Erne and Filip Zadina Thomas Chabot’s long, bounding (2-5-4) in his past 11 games. scored goals early in the third dump-in right to him. Dadonov The Leafs took their first period and Detroit held on to chipped the loose puck into the regulation loss in 11 games defeat Carolina in Raleigh, N.C. net for his 12th goal of the (9-1-1) and saw their six-game Red Wings goalie Jonathan season. Sport WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL 2021 08 Spieth continues charge up Ryder Cup standings

REUTERS - NEW YORK

Making the 2021 United States Ryder Cup team appeared a pipe dream after Jordan Spieth plummeted to 92nd in the official world golf rankings after missing the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open in January. Two months later, Spieth is playing more consistently than any other American and appears to be a lock be part of the US squad that will take on Team Europe at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin this September. Spieth’s tie for third at the Masters on Sunday vaulted him another nine spots up the rankings to No. 29 -- the Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama plays out from the bunker onto the 18th green before winning The highest he has been since Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, US, in this April 11, 2021, file photo. June 2019. His solid showing at Augusta National came on the heels of his first victory since 2017, and Spieth has Matsuyama - A reluctant star reeled off seven top-15 results in eight events since that missed cut at Torrey Pines. He also moved up heads home with the green jacket another two spots to No. 11 in the US Ryder Cup team points standings. AP - AUGUSTA those closing holes Sunday, Spieth is still well outside Matsuyama was nearly flawless. of the top six automatic qual- His were the only pair of hands He’d spent most of Satur- Expert: Matsuyama’s win could be ifying spots. on the club. Millions of his day’s break hiding in his rental However, it’s almost countrymen will want a piece car, scrolling through his phone impossible to envision Steve of Hideki Matsuyama now. and stewing over his last shot, worth $600m in endorsements Stricker not using a captain’s Considering how much he a wayward drive at No. 11. He pick on the Ryder Cup values his privacy, it could be gave himself a pep talk, rea- AP - TOKYO veteran should Spieth not quite the interesting tug of war. soning things couldn’t get stroke over Will Zalatoris. He earned $2.07m move into automatic position Precious few people even worse. And he was right - up to for the win. by the end of the Tour knew Matsuyama was married a point. Hideki Matsuyama’s historic golf victory at the Matsuyama was also the first Japanese Championship. until he and his wife, Mei, wel- Matsuyama locked the car Masters on Sunday could be worth a staggering amateur to play at the Masters in 2011. World No. 1 Dustin comed a baby girl in early 2017. door and then promptly mowed $20m per year in endorsements, a sports “The Masters win is a game-changer,” Bill Johnson remains atop the US His response to the media down Augusta National’s final marketing expert told Sportico for a story Sanders told Sportico. Ryder Cup standings despite uproar back home was short eight holes in 6 under, crafting published yesterday. “Japan has a long history of endorsement failing to make the weekend and completely in character. a remarkable 65 and turning a Bob Dorfman told Sportico that Matsuyama, deals with Hollywood actors and athletes. The at the Masters. “No one,” Matsuyama said, two-shot deficit into a four-shot the first Japanese player to win a men’s golf upside might be limited in the US, but it should He is followed by Bryson “really asked me.” lead. Then came the hard part, major, could earn $600m in endorsements, in be an enormous windfall in Japan.” DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, That won’t happen again. At a trip to the interview room. total, over the rest of his life. Sanders, who managed the marketing career Collin Morikawa, Brooks the start of Masters week, he “I’m not sure how to answer “Barring any career-ending injury or of Chinese basketball star Yao Ming, down- Koepka and Xander was far from the most popular this in a good way,” he began, scandal, I’d say a Masters win is easily worth played the language barrier of Matsuyama. Schauffele in the top six. golfer in Japan. Matsuyama speaking through his trusted $600m for Matsuyama,” Dorfman of Baker “English doesn’t really matter for a full page Patrick Reed is No. 7, fol- knows that’s over, too. If only interpreter, Bob Turner. “But Street Advertising told Sportico. ad in GQ,” Sanders said. lowed by Tony Finau, Webb for the moment, he sounded being in front of the media is “He’ll be an icon in his golf-mad country.” Matsuyama has career earnings of $33.3 m Simpson and Daniel Berger ready. still difficult.” Matsuyama, 29, won the Masters by one on the golf course since turning pro in 2013. ahead of Spieth. “Hopefully, I’ll be a pioneer Turner makes that part of Another player squarely in this and many other Japanese Matsuyama’s job a little easier. on Stricker’s radar is PGA will follow,” he said. “I’m glad They became fast friends nearly two-dozen-strong Japanese 74-year-old Hall of Famer amateur and has been a rock Tour rookie Will Zalatoris, to be able to open the flood- a decade ago, when Matsuyama media contingent, like its larger Jumbo Ozaki, a gregarious soul star on that side of the world whose solo second at gates. Hopefully, and many was still in college and testing US counterpart, was drastically who won more than 100 tour- ever since. Augusta rocketed him up 11 more will follow me.” the waters on this side of the reduced because of COVID-19 naments yet rarely played That, and more, awaits Mat- spots to No. 23 in the Ryder The bar will be a lot higher Pacific. Turner, who walked the restrictions. But any number outside of Japan. Another pair suyama the moment he lands Cup standings. now. course Sunday tracking Mat- above zero was more than Mat- of old-timers, Isao Aoki and back home. Asked how he Outside of the top 500 in Matsuyama’s one-shot suyama’s progress, knows his suyama would have Tommy Nakajima, are still expected that to go, he broke the world just 14 months ago, victory and 1-over-73 final friend’s guarded nature and preferred. revered and in demand there, into a grin. Matsuyama rarely Zalatoris is now ranked No. round were actually a lot better takes pains to respect his “I’m glad the media are here too, in no small part because speaks English in public, but a 27, moving up another 19 than they’ll look in the history wishes. covering it, but it’s not my they played most of their golf widening smile made clear he spots. books. “I try to interpret his words favourite thing to do,” he con- close to home. understood the question before Masters champion Hideki He was more protective here,” Turner said, pointing to tinued, “to stand and answer Even Ryo Ishikawa, a Turner sent it his way in Matsuyama climbed 11 spots than proactive at the end, his heart, “instead of here,” he questions And so with fewer 29-year-old who like Mat- Japanese. to No. 14 in the world. bogeying three of the last four added, now pointing to his media, it has been a lot less suyama left home to test himself “I can’t imagine what it’s That’s just behind former holes to avoid even bigger head. stressful for me, and I’ve against the best, held a big edge going to be like,” Matsuyama No. 1 Rory McIlroy, who numbers. But from the restart And of course, it could have enjoyed this week.” over his contemporary. replied, “but what a thrill and dropped another spot to No. of Saturday’s third round - after been worse. Several reporters Until Sunday, pride of place Ishikawa won a Japan Golf honor it will be for me to take 13 after missing the cut. an hour-plus rain delay - until noted the usually back home belonged to Tour event as a 15-year-old the Green jacket back to Japan.”

Hideki Matsuyama has delivered golf-mad Japan the grandest and greenest prize of all. A decade after Matsuyama made a sterling debut as the best amateur at Augusta National, he claimed the ultimate trophy with a victory in the Masters. Matsuyama becomes the first Japanese winner of a men's major championship. He's just the second male from an Asian country to capture a major, following Y.E. Yang of South Korea at the 2009 PGA Championship. Moments before Dustin Johnson helped him into the green jacket, Matsuyama needed no interpreter in Butler Cabin when he said in English: "I’m really happy.” Never mind that Matsuyama bogeyed three of his last four holes, making him the first Masters champion with a final round over par since Trevor Immelman shot 75 in 2008. Yasuhiko Abe, who coached golfer Hideki Matsuyama during  Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama has his green jacket put on by previous his Tohoku Fukushi University years, holds special editions of All that mattered was that uphill walk to the 18th green. He winner Dustin Johnson of the US after winning The Masters at the newspapers featuring Matsuyama’s Masters victory as he speaks blasted out of the bunker and took two putts to seal a one-stroke Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, US, in this April 11, at a press conference in Sendai, Japan. victory over Masters rookie Will Zalatoris. 2021file photo. Australia hope to lure Masters champion Matsuyama Down Under

REUTERS - MELBOURNE Augusta National. Securing Matsuyama would Sergio the year that he won the Masters. That was was abandoned amid the pandemic. Australia be a major coup for Australia’s low-profile golf something we were very excited about. The fol- has virtually eliminated COVID-19, allowing pro- Australia hopes to lure Masters winner Hideki tour, four years after 2017 Masters winner Sergio lowing that (Matsuyama) would have in Australia fessional sport to resume in front of large crowds. Matsuyama to its national PGA Championship in Garcia was enticed to the Australian PGA through our Aussie fans but also the Japanese But the country’s strict border controls remain Queensland in December as part of plans to revive Championship. that live out here in Australia would be quite a major impediment to international sport, with its golfing calendar after the 2020/21 season was “We have a player strategy and Hideki will exciting.” visiting athletes required to spend two weeks in impacted by COVID-19. be part of that player strategy in working with Organisers confirmed yesterday the Australian hotel quarantine. Japan’s Matsuyama became the first player our partners to see what his schedule will be like PGA Championship will be held in front of crowds Australia’s slow vaccine rollout has also raised from an Asian nation to win the Masters on in Decenber 2-5 this year,” PGA of Australia Chief at Brisbane’s Royal Queensland Golf Club in a concerns that the country’s borders will remain Sunday after holding on for a one-stroke win at Executive Gavin Kirkman said. “In ‘17 we secured welcome return to normalcy after the 2020 event closed for longer than anticipated.