NNBABA | Page 5 Harden drops 42 in Rockets’ win, Raptors lose in OT

Tuesday, March 5, 2019 FOOTBALL Jumada II 28, 1440 AH Ask Julia Roberts GULF TIMES who should coach Real, says Solari SPORT Page 2

QOC CHIEF HONOURS CAMEL RACE WINNERS

Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani awards winners during the HH the Father Emir Sword Camel Racing Festival at the Al Shahania camel racing track yesterday.

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Sadd and Duhail Al Rayyan stumble at face tough openers fi rst hurdle in Champs League ‘Opening games are always tough but we are ready for it and we will play for the win’

By Sports Reporter Doha

atari giants Al Sadd and Al Duhail begin their 2019 AFC Champions League campaign today, with both sides facing toughQ opening matches. While Sadd are Gonzalo Vieira (R) of Qatar’s Al Rayyan celebrates his goal against away to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, Duhail Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad during their AFC Champions League foot- host Iran’s Esteghlal. ball match at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah yesterday. Al Sadd reached Jeddah on Sunday for the Group D game and head coach Jesu- AFC placed his shot into the bottom aldo Ferreira said he expected a tough en- Jeddah corner to draw Al Ittihad level. counter at the King Abdullah Sports City. Before Al Rayyan could re- The two sides met in the round of 16 last cover, Younis was picking the year, with Sadd winning at home before ahad al-Muwallad net- ball from the back of his net holding the home team in the return leg ted a brace as Al Ittihad again. Al Aryani had turned and advancing to the quarters. came from behind to from provider to scorer, con- Al Sadd were the last team from West romp to a 5-1 victory verting Khaled al-Samiri’s Asia to win the AFC Champions League, overF Qatar’s Al Rayyan at King squared pass past the wrong- when they lifted the trophy in 2011. Last Abdullah Sport City Stadium footed goalkeeper to turn the year they reached the semi-fi nals before in Group B of the 2019 AFC tables on the Qataris just be- a narrow 2-1 aggregate defeat to Iran’s Champions League yesterday. fore the half-time break. Persepolis. The visitors opened the Coach Jose Luis Sierra’s men The Doha side are enjoying a fabulous scoring halfway through the picked up from where they left QNB Stars League season and, after de- opening period. Korean mid- off after the restart. Three feating Qatar SC 8-1 last week, are four Al Duhail players during a training session in Doha yesterday. They will take on Iran’s Esteghlal in their opening Group C match today. fi elder Koh Myong-jin recov- minutes into the restart, sub- points clear at the top of the standings ered an aerial ball in Al Itti- stitute Carlos Villanueva sent having won their past 10 league games. As for playing in front of a huge crowd, “Xavi is not just a star but an exam- The defending QNB Stars League had’s half and the ball fell to an out-swinging cross from Al Ahli, who were runners-up in 2012, Ferreira said: “Al Sadd players are used ple for the team and the players. But in champions currently sit second in their Gonzalo Viera. The Uruguayan the corner for are currently fi fth in the Saudi Pro League to playing in front of big crowds and this the last four years, we have tried to work domestic league and go into their conti- took it on the half-volley from al-Harbi whose header was and go into the match on the back of a 1-1 won’t be a problem for them. They have as an organised group and not focus on nental opener on the back of a 6-0 vic- well outside the box into the helped into the back of the net draw with city rivals Al Ittihad on Friday the experience and capability to face one player. I am proud of all the players tory over Al Ahli last week. top corner. by fellow defender Ziyad al- in a game that saw their star striker Omar this.” who have developed over the recent pe- Esteghlal, who will be without the sus- Left-back Mansour al- Sahafi to make it 3-1. Al Soma score an outstanding overhead Al Sadd will miss the services of their riod, especially the young ones,” Ferreira pended Roozbeh Cheshmi, also reached Harbi responded with a long- The Tigers continued to kick. captain and midfi eld maestro Xavi Her- added. the quarter-fi nals in 2018 before elimina- range piledriver, but goalkeep- push forward, and the Al Ferreira said it was important to start nandez but Ferreira was optimistic other Meanwhile, Duhail will be keen to make tion at the hands of another Qatari side, er Fahad Younis was alert and Rayyan defence yielded to the the Champions League on a winning players will step in for the big match. amends for last year’s disappointment. Al Sadd, and they return for a third year made the save. sustained pressure once more note, but said it would be diffi cult to Al “Yes, we will miss Xavi as he is a star Duhail were one of the stories of the 2018 in a row after winning the 2017-18 Hazfi There was little Younis in the 70th minute. Villanueva Ahli. “Starting well is very important in player but I am happy with the work of season as they went on a nine-game win- Cup. could do in the fi nal minute of supplied a defence-splitting the Champions League but Al Ahli are the current group. We look forward to ning run to equal Ulsan Hyundai’s record The Tehran side have won three games the fi rst half when al-Muwal- through pass to al-Muwal- a strong and excellent team. Opening his return as soon as possible so that he set in 2012. But they exited at the last in a row and are fourth in the Iran Pro lad and Abdulaziz al-Aryani lad who attempted to round games are always tough but we are ready can be a great addition to the team in the eight stage after Iranian side Persepolis League, with last week’s 3-1 victory over exchanged a one-two sending Younis, but the Al Rayyan for it and we will play for the win,” the upcoming matches, both at home and in dealt them a fi rst defeat in the second leg Foolad Khuzestan continuing their fi ne the former through on goal. goalkeeper brought him down Portuguese manager said. Asia,” said of the quarter-fi nals. recent run of form. The Saudi international calmly inside the box. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, March 5, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT BALE’S AGENT BLASTS REAL MADRID FANS OVER TREATMENT OF WELSH STAR

London: Gareth Bale’s agent His reaction drew only ambiva- Ask Julia Roberts yesterday branded Real Madrid lent backing from his manager fans’ treatment of the Welsh and ferocious criticism in the international “a disgrace” after Spanish press. he was booed during the defeat However, Real midfielder by Barcelona. Luka Modric, who also played Real boss Santiago Solari alongside Bale at Tottenham, has consistently relegated Bale said the Welshman still had to the bench in recent weeks plenty to off er despite the who should coach while off ering only tepid sup- recent turbulence. “He looks port in the face of heavy criti- happy to me and with the cism in the Spanish press. desire to do well,” Modric said Bale was jeered by the home ahead of today’s Champions crowd on Saturday when League second leg against replaced by Marco Asensio Ajax. as Real suff ered their second “We all know him and we defeat to Barcelona in just can’t forget what he’s done for Real, says Solari four days. “This generation of this team, it seems that people Real fans will be talking about forget everything very easily Gareth’s goals for years to and you can’t forget what he’s come,” Jonathan Barnett told done, even if he’s not in his best Solari took over earlier this season and has a contract until 2021 Sky Sports News. in form at the minute. He works “Frankly they should be hard, he’s got the desire and AFP ashamed of themselves. Gareth he wants to return to the usual Madrid deserves the greatest of Bale and help the team for the respect. The way the Real fans rest of the season,” he added. have treated Gareth is nothing Bale’s limited integration eal Madrid “has always been short of a disgrace. In the six into Spanish life has also drawn more courted than Julia Rob- years he has been in Spain, he fire. He has not mastered the erts”, said coach Santiago Solari has won everything. He’s one language and would rather yesterday about rumours of a of the best players in the world. watch golf on television than La possibleR return of Jose Mourinho. Solari Those fans should be kissing Liga matches involving future took over earlier this season and has a his feet.” opponents. But Barnett added: contract until 2021, but has just lost two Bale has won four Cham- “Despite what the Spanish Clasicos at home. pions League trophies and press are reporting, he’s happy, He was speaking at a press conference scored 101 goals in 218 appear- he speaks reasonable Span- ahead of today’s meeting with Ajax at the ances since joining Real from ish and there is no problem Bernabeu in the Champions League, a Tottenham for £85mn ($112mn) between him and the rest of the competition Real have won the last three in 2013. But he has failed to Real players. The people writ- years and is the club’s only hope of a tro- grab his chance to become the ing these things know nothing phy this season. Mourinho managed Real main man at the Bernabeu after about him. for three stormy seasons from 2010 to the departure to Juventus of “There has not been one 2013. Over the weekend he was a guest Cristiano Ronaldo. single discussion about Gareth pundit on Qatar-based beIN Sport where Last week, the 29-year old leaving Madrid. He isn’t going he analysed Real’s latest loss to Barcelo- grabbed the headlines after anywhere this summer. Despite na. “Return to a club that I have been be- refusing to celebrate his winner what’s been reported, he’s con- fore?” said Mourinho, who had two stints at Levante, brushing off the tent, he wants to stay at Real at Chelsea and was fi red by Manchester congratulations of teammates. and they want him.” United in December. “If I think the right club, the right structure, the right am- bitions, I will have no problem at all. I think it’s really a reason of pride when a club where you worked before wants you back,” said Mourinho. Solari responded with a joke about Roberts at his press conference yesterday. When asked whether the actress would prefer himself or Mourinho, the Argen- tine smiled. “Good question,” he said. “You should ask her. It is true that we have had lots of chances in recent match- es, except in the last one, and we have to take them,” said Solari. “The dressing room is strong, these players have a lot of experience and a lot of character,” Solari said. “That does not mean we’re happy with what’s happen- ing. We want to win every game. When we do not win we are not happy, but tomor- row we have another game,” he added. Luka Modric, the veteran midfi elder who joined Real before Mourinho’s last season at the club, also spoke to the press and was more interested in talking about strikers than actresses or coaches. “We do not pay much attention to ru- mours, we are focused on ourselves,” the Ballon d’Or winner said. “In the world of Real Madrid, there is always talk about these things, we cannot prevent it. Peo- ple are always giving Real up for dead, Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari watches his team train yesterday, on the eve of the Champions League match. (Reuters) but Real always come back,” the Croatian said. “In 2015 we won nothing. People match for this season,” he said. “We want is almost impossible,” he said. “Cris- dric said, “has put faith in other players said Real were dead, but you know what to be in the quarter-fi nals. Our problem tiano scored 50 goals and you cannot fi nd like Gareth (Bale), (Marco) Asensio and happened next. We started winning this season is lack of continuity and a lack someone today who will score so many.” Karim (Benzema).” He added that Real again. We have to trust ourselves.” of goals,” Modric said. He acknowledged Modric said he had hoped “two or three had bought Mariano Diaz and that teen- Gareth Bale was jeered by the home crowd on Saturday when Modric said the pressure was on to beat that the club was missing Cristiano Ron- players would score 15, 20 or 10 goals and ager Vinicius Junior “is doing very well replaced by Marco Asensio as Real Madrid suff ered their second Ajax, with the holders leading 2-1 from aldo. “He is a player any team would miss that has not happened and I think it’s our for his age. But sometimes things do not defeat to Barcelona in just four days. (AFP) the fi rst leg in Amsterdam. “It’s a key and fi nding a replacement for Cristiano biggest problem this year.” The club, Mo- go as we want.”

FOCUS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ‘Spurs must step up when pressure is on’ Reus urges Dortmund to AFP ter-fi nal appearance since 2011. That would London leave Tottenham within touching distance write history against Spurs of their fi rst European semi-fi nal since win- ning the UEFA Cup in 1984. AFP arry Kane says Tottenham Hot- “It’s not going to be easy, but it’s down to Dortmund, Germany spur need to start delivering when us to put a performance in and we will never the pressure is at its most intense have a better chance to get to a quarter-fi - if they are to take the fi nal step and nal,” he said. arco Reus has called Hbecome trophy winners. Mauricio Pochetti- “I wouldn’t say we are one of the favour- on Borussia Dort- no has led Spurs towards the top of the Eng- ites to go and win it. I think we have shown mund to write histo- lish game, challenging for league titles and in certain games, like this year and last year ry today as the Bun- domestic cups during his spell of nearly fi ve against Real Madrid and Barcelona, that we Mdesliga leaders attempt to turn years at the helm, but they have so far failed can beat big teams.” around their Champions League to land silverware. Progressing in Europe’s elite club com- tie at home to Tottenham Hot- The club have a tendency to fall short petition could be essential for Tottenham spur. After losing 3-0 to Spurs when it really matters and Kane knows that to convince Kane that they can provide him at Wembley in the fi rst leg of the has been holding them back. There was with the platform to win major honours. last 16, Dortmund face a monu- more evidence of that last week as they Without a top trophy since the 2008 League mental task against Mauricio Po- lost back-to-back Premier League games Cup, Tottenham’s barren spell is reportedly chettino’s team at Signal Iduna Dortmund’s coach Lucien Favre (left) and forward Marco Reus give a against Burnley and Chelsea before drawing weighing heavily on Kane, who was said to Park in the return fi xture. press conference in Dortmund, western Germany. (AFP) at home to Arsenal — when they had been in be “devastated and angry” following their Only three clubs, Barcelona, a position to put themselves fi rmly back in 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday. Roma and Deportivo La Coruna, Dortmund head coach Lucien strugglers Augsburg in the Bun- the title picture. Ironically, Tottenham’s form has dipped have ever managed to progress in Favre off ered a more modest per- desliga on Friday, Dortmund “The thing for us now, kind of like this at the exact moment Kane returned from an the Champions League knock- spective. “We know that it’s go- have just one win in seven games. week, when the pressure is on and we need to ankle injury. The 25-year-old is back ahead out phases after losing the fi rst ing to be diffi cult, but you never After four weeks out with step up, we need to fi nd a way to get it done,” of schedule, prompting some to suggest leg by three goals or more. “I know,” said Favre. Signal Iduna a thigh injury, Reus says he is the England captain said. “We haven’t done he has rushed back too soon. Bu Kane has think there have already been Park has seen some big nights ready. “I feel good, it was clear that in recent years, we haven’t done that scored in two of his three games over the last some games in the stadium in Europe, most recently when I wouldn’t play the 90 minutes this week and that will be the diff erence. week, taking his goal tally for the season to where history has been writ- Atletico Madrid were routed 4-0 against Augsburg,” said Reus, That is the turning point that we need to try 22. To claim the 2018 World Cup top-scorer ten — we can do it,” said Reus, in the group stage last October. who managed 66 minutes in Fri- and achieve.” is an impediment to Tottenham in any way Dortmund’s top-scorer and cap- And no Borussia fan could forget day’s defeat. Pochettino said last week that Spurs’ would be met with derision from Pochetti- tain who missed the fi rst leg with Poland striker Robert Lewand- “But we’ll see how tomorrow shortcomings meant it could be another fi ve ing, every team is strengthening, every team no. The Argentine is adamant Kane is one of injury. “But we need a top per- owski, now at Bayern Munich, goes, I am ready — ready to go for years before they were putting serious sil- is getting better year-by-year so it’s impor- the world’s best strikers and his Champions formance and have to score at the scoring all of Dortmund’s goals the 120 minutes.” verware in their trophy cabinet. Kane hopes tant for us that we don’t fall behind that.” League record supports that belief. right moment.” when Real Madrid were routed Having been nine points ahead it will not take that long, but also accepts his Spurs have a chance to make progress in Kane, who missed the Dortmund fi rst leg, Dortmund will be at near full 4-1 in the semi-fi nals in 2013. of Bayern Munich in the Bundes- side have some catching up to do. the Champions League when they head to has 13 goals in 16 appearances in the compe- strength, with only wing-back However, the home side must liga in December, Dortmund’s “I don’t think it’s far away but I think what Borussia Dortmund for today’s last-16 sec- tition. His confi dence in his own ability is so Lukasz Piszczek sidelined by in- bounce back from a dreadful lead has eroded and Bayern drew the gaff er was saying was it’s not a guarantee ond leg with a 3-0 advantage. Tottenham strong that earlier this season he made it his jury. Spurs were the last team to run of results to have any chance level on 54 points at the weekend. that if you improve you are still going to win Now must fi nish the job against Dortmund aim to eventually score more European goals win a Champions League game at of overhauling Spurs. Having Dortmund only top the table on things,” Kane said. “Every team is improv- to book their fi rst Champions League quar- than Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. Dortmund, in November 2017. crashed to a shock 2-1 defeat at goal diff erence. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 5, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Striker dies aft er collapsing in Juve put one hand on Gabon league Libreville: A player in the Gabonese first division, Her- man Tsinga, has died after collapsing during a game in Li- breville, local media reported title aft er win over Napoli yesterday. Tsinga, a striker for Akanda FC, collapsed in the 23rd minute of the match with Missile FC on Saturday, In a stormy top-of-the-table clash both teams had a player sent off and Insigne missed a late penalty The Union daily newspaper reported. AFP The 30-year-old received a Rome cardiac massage by a military doctor, but died on his way to hospital. An amateur video uventus closed all talk of a chal- posted on Twitter showed the lenge to their Serie A dominance confused reaction after Tsinga after coming through a second- collapsed on the edge of the half onslaught at Napoli to win centre circle. 2-1J in an engrossing match that saw According to The Union, each side have a man sent off and stretch neither of the two ambulances their lead at the top to a huge 16 points. at the scene had the defibrilla- Massimiliano Allegri’s unbeaten tor or oxygen mask necessary leaders have now as good as sealed “to save the life of the player”. their eighth straight Serie A title after The death was the seventh in a match that looked dead at half-time 12 years in Gabonese football, with Juve two goals and a man up, but The Union said. sparked back into life when goalscorer The match was part of the Miralem Pjanic was sent off for han- second round of the cham- dling a Napoli pass and picking up a pionship, which was able to second yellow card just after the break. resume in February after a “I fell asleep, I should have replaced gap of eight months when Pjanic when he had the fi rst card. He Gabon Oil Company agreed to was at risk, but I didn’t expect him to sponsor the competition. handle,” said Allegri, whose future at Juve is uncertain after what will be fi ve SNODGRASS CHARGED seasons in Turin. “I already said we’ll sit BY FA FOR ABUSING down to talk about this season and the ANTI-DOPING OFFICIALS next. I am very happy to be at Juventus.” West Ham United midfielder Midfi elder Pjanic swept home his Robert Snodgrass has been free-kick opener in the 28th minute, charged for allegedly abusing which came immediately after Na- anti-doping off icials at the poli were reduced to 10 men thanks to Premier League club’s training goalkeeper Alex Meret slicing down ground, the FA said. Scotland Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese international Snodgrass, nipped in to intercept a terrible Kevin 31, could be banned for Malcuit backpass. one match and fined 8,000 Emre Can added the second from a pounds ($10,546.40) if he corner 11 minutes later after substi- admits the charge, in line tute David Ospina tipped away Pjanic’s with the FA’s standard penalty stinging shot, but the Bosnian’s red guidelines. card gave Napoli a glimmer of hope. “Robert Snodgrass has They were back in the game in the 61st been charged with a breach minute when Jose Callejon tapped home of FA Rule E3(1),” the FA said a pinpoint Lorenzo Insigne cross, and in a statement. “It is alleged then piled the pressure on a suddenly the player used abusive and/ creaking Juve, with Piotr Zielinski twice or insulting words towards UK forcing fi ne saves from countryman anti-doping off icials who were Wojciech Szczesny. It looked as though Juventus’s players celebrate after their win over Napoli in the Italian Serie A at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples on Sunday night. (AFP ) visiting West Ham United’s the hosts were set to launch a fi nal as- training ground on 06 Febru- sault when they were given a penalty tina captain, who died in his sleep aged hopes of Champions League football will close to his family as we have been rock-bottom Chievo by the same score ary 2019 to conduct out-of- six minutes before the end for a contro- just 31 on March 4 last year. alive thanks to goals from Josip Ilicic, for the last year,” said Fiorentina coach on Sunday. Two points further back are competition testing.” versial handball decision against Alex Astori’s name was chanted by fans of Alejandro Gomez and Robin Gosens. Stefano Pioli. Gian Piero Gasperini’s Sampdoria, thanks to 36-year-old Fa- Snodgrass, who has scored Sandro given by VAR, only for Insigne to AC Milan, where he came through as a Atalanta playmaker Ilicic, who played fl amboyant Atalanta are six points be- bio Quagliarella joining Ronaldo at the four goals in all competitions crash his spot-kick against the post and youth player, during a 1-0 win over Sas- alongside Astori at Fiorentina, broke hind fourth-placed Inter Milan after top of the scoring charts with 19 goals this season, has until March 18 let the champions off the hook. suolo on Saturday that took Gennaro down in tears when played stopped, winning the second spectacular clash following a brace in his side’s 2-1 win at to respond to the charge. As elsewhere across Serie A this Gattuso’s side third and a point above while away fans held up “Astori” signs with Fiorentina in a matter of days after struggling SPAL. “I don’t feel like any- West ham beat Newcastle weekend, play at the Stadio San Paolo Inter, who lost 2-1 at Cagliari amid a and the home fans showed appreciation their thrilling 3-3 Coppa Italia semi- one special,” said modest Quagliarella with a blistering first-half stopped in the 13th minute to honour public contract dispute with absent star for a player born and raised in the prov- fi nal draw midweek. after the match. “I’m not the star man, performance with Declan Rice the memory of deceased former Italy striker Mauro Icardi. But the most emo- ince of Bergamo, where the hosts are They are level on 41 points with I’m part of a team that works towards a and Mark Noble scoring at international Davide Astori, with fans tional scenes came during Fiorentina’s based. “This situation has taken over a Lazio, 3-0 winners over Roma in Satur- single objective, everyone is useful and London Stadium on Saturday. of both sides applauding the ex-Fioren- 3-1 defeat at Atalanta, who kept their huge part of us this week. Tomorrow we day’s Rome derby, and Torino, who beat no-one is indispensable.”

QNB STARS LEAGUE LIGUE 1 Afi f, Ferreira named best player and coach Balotelli posts goal celebration

By Sports Reporter Doha video on social media mid-match

AFP before fi lming the video with his the Champions League last 16 l Sadd’s Akram Afi f and Jesualdo Paris laughing teammates and posting against Barcelona, continued Ferreira were named as the QNB it on his Instagram story. their strong season by moving Stars League’s best player and The 28-year-old then car- six points clear of fourth-placed coach respectively for the month ario Balotelli showed ried on playing. He was not the Saint-Etienne. ofA February. Akram scored eight goals and off a new goal cele- fi rst player to produce a selfi e- Lille remain second behind gave three assists in three matches during bration on Sunday as based celebration, after Roma Paris Saint-Germain after Chris- the month, playing crucial roles in the vic- he took a selfi e video great Francesco Totti took a tophe Galtier’s men claimed a tories against Al Khor (6-2), Al Rayyan (4-0) Mwith his Marseille teammates and picture of himself after scoring narrow 1-0 win over struggling and Qatar SC (8-1) in that order. posted it on social media during against Lazio in the capital-city Dijon. With PSG still 17 points The wily striker, who bagged the award Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira (left) and forward Akram Afif. their 2-0 win over Saint-Etienne. derby in 2015. Marseille doubled clear at the top with a game in for the fi rst time, hit hat-tricks against Al The Italian scored his fourth goal their advantage nine minutes hand, Lille are well-placed to se- Khor and Qatar SC, and a brace against Al Bounedjah (34 goals). The technical analy- covered a total distance of 9,760.5 metres in six Ligue 1 games since joining later through a Thauvin pen- cure a return to the Champions Rayyan in the Qatar Clasico. Akram, a key sis of Akram released by STATS, the offi cial with a high speed distance of 624.0 and very Marseille from Nice in January by alty and closed out the win with League group stage for the fi rst member of Qatar’s Asian Cup-winning statistics and fi gures provider for the QNB high speed distance of 317.7. Under the Por- hooking home Florian Thauvin’s ease. Rudi Garcia’s men have time since 2012. squad recently, also emerged as the QNB Stars League, showed he spent 274.0 min- tuguese manager Ferreira, Sadd have scored 12th-minute corner with an ex- now taken 13 points from their Dijon, who remain fi ve points Stars Leagues second-best scorer with 22 utes on the pitch. He made an average of 67.6 18 goals while conceding just three, with 26 cellent acrobatic volley. last fi ve league matches to leap- from safety in 19th spot, made goals. He surpassed last two seasons’ top passes, of which 56.4 were successful. He shots on target and 12 against it. Ferreira had “Balotelli takes the pres- frog Saint-Etienne into fourth, life tough for Lille at the Stade scorer Yousef El Arabi of Al Duhail (21 goals) scored all his goals from inside the box. The won the award twice before this season (Au- sure, he takes the limelight. He just fi ve points adrift of Lyon in Pierre-Mauroy until Wesley and is only behind his teammate Baghdad physical aspects revealed that the ace striker gust and November/December combined). reminds me of (Zlatan) Ibrahi- the race for the third and fi nal Lautoa put through his own net movic and he scored an Ibrahi- Champions League spot. in the 72nd minute. movic goal,” said Saint-Etienne Earlier on Sunday, Mous- Elsewhere, Patrick Vieira’s PREMIER LEAGUE coach Jean-Louis Gasset. “He sa Dembele scored twice as Nice boosted their hopes of has brought back the public, Lyon thrashed Toulouse 5-1 to qualifying for next season’s Eu- the confi dence, and many of his strengthen their grip on a top- ropa League as Youcef Atal’s teammates will raise their level three spot. Bruno Genesio’s 20th-minute strike was enough Sanchez may be out for rest of season of play.” As he celebrated his vol- Lyon, who are also through to to see off Strasbourg 1-0. Nice are ley, Balotelli took a phone from the French Cup semi-fi nals and seventh in the table, four points The Guardian last April when he damaged cruciate and the cameraman behind the goal claimed a 0-0 fi rst-leg draw in adrift of Marseille. London medial ligaments, plus the tendons to his hamstring, in the Champions League semi- fi nal fi rst leg against Roma. The severity of lexis Sanchez’s season could be the injury was kept from teammates at the over as the Manchester United request of Oxlade-Chamberlain until their forward faces up to eight weeks European campaign was over. out – according to Chile’s national Jurgen Klopp admitted last July it would teamA physiotherapist, Pedro Onate. Sanchez be a bonus should the 25-year-old make a damaged ligaments in his right knee dur- competitive appearance for the club this ing the 3-2 home win against Southampton Sanchez may not be selected again by Ole season but he is on course to beat the an- on Saturday and the 30-year-old could be Gunnar Solskjaer even if the forward makes a ticipated 12-month lay-off . “He has been unavailable for the next two months, Onate full recovery in time. Solskjaer is expected to training with the fi rst-team squad for sev- claimed. “We communicated with Sanchez, give an update on Sanchez today during the eral weeks – “70% of team training then he he has had his scans and that’s the injury – buildup to the following day’s Champions leaves a bit early to do something else and there will be no problems for him to play in League second leg at Paris Saint-Germain. the things he needs,” Klopp said last week. the Copa América [this summer] because United trail 2-0 in the last-16 tie. Liverpool had considered Oxlade-Cham- it will be six to eight weeks without play- berlain for the “mini-derby” with Everton ing,” Onate told the El Mercurio newspaper OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN TO RETURN last night but opted against a comeback in in Chile. “The medial ligament is a trouble- WITH LIVERPOOL UNDER-23S a more charged contest with local rivals. some injury but not so complex.” Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is scheduled to The midfi elder will be involved for Neil United have a minimum of 11 matches left take a signifi cant step in his recovery from Critchley’s team at Derby instead as he eyes and if Onate is correct Sanchez will be unable a serious knee injury with an appearance making an unexpected but much welcome to play in nine. Given a disappointing season for Liverpool Under-23s against Derby on return before the end of Liverpool’s title- Marseille’s Mario Balotelli (left) takes a selfie with teammates after scoring during the French Ligue 1 in which he has struggled for a starting berth Friday. The midfi elder has been out since chasing season. match against Saint-Etienne at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, southern France, on Sunday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, March 5, 2019 CRICKET

SECOND ODI PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Cricket to make Asian Games return Hosts India seek to at Hangzhou 2022

Reuters Lumpur but has not featured Mumbai in the quadrennial competition since then. The ICC has submitted a bid ricket will return to the for the inclusion of women’s consolidate lead next Asian Games at Twenty20 in the 2022 Com- Hangzhou 2022 after monwealth Games in Birming- the Olympic Council of ham. Singh, who has been ap- AsiaC (OCA) added it to its sports pointed as the chairman of the programme for the next edi- coordination committee for tion of the continental event. the Asian Games, said he visit- Cricket has struggled to grow ed Hangzhou last month to see beyond its traditional bases and venue options to host Cricket. against Australia was last played at the Olympics “They showed us grounds in the 1900 Paris Games. which were a bit small. We India lead the 5-match ODI series 1-0, having won the Hyderabad tie by six wickets The International Cricket asked options for bigger Council (ICC) has been push- grounds,” he added. IANS ing for the game’s Olympic re- The International Olympic Nagpur turn with the shortest 20-over Committee (IOC) is open to format and hopes it will fi nd a Cricket’s inclusion provided all place at the 2028 Games in Los top teams compete but the In- he Indian top order will Angeles. The Asian Games re- dian Cricket board (BCCI), the look to get runs while mains the largest multi-sports game’s richest and most infl u- the World Cup hopefuls event that features Cricket and ential, has been rather reluc- will strive to seal a berth, Guangzhou 2010 and Incheon tant. The powerful BCCI fears Twhen India take on Australia in 2014 included both men’s and it might lose its autonomy and the second ODI today. women’s competitions. be answerable to the country’s The Virat Kohli-led side beat Cricket was, however Olympic committee. Australia by six wickets in the dropped for the Games in Ja- The BCCI did not al- series opener on Saturday. It was karta-Palembang last year but low its teams to participate a welcome win for India after was added back for Hangzhou in Guangzhou and Incheon losing the T20 series 0-2. at the OCA general assembly in blaming a packed international The bowling unit did well to Bangkok, where Sheikh Ahmad schedule but the Indian Olym- restrict the Aussies to a modest al-Fahad al-Sabah was re- pic Association was hopeful score and what would be pleas- elected president of the OCA they would be able to convince ing for the team management is unopposed for an eighth term. the board for 2022. that when pace spearhead Jas- “Cricket will return at “We will send a letter to the prit Bumrah had an off day, Mo- Hangzhou,” OCA honorary life BCCI requesting them to send hamed Shami stepped in to pro- vice-president Randhir Singh a team for Hangzhou 2022. We duce a fi ne show. told Reuters. welcome the OCA’s decision India looked to be making Cricket made its maiden to include Cricket for the next heavy weather of an easy chase appearance in the Common- Games,” IOA secretary general when their top order was re- wealth Games in 1998 when Rajeev Mehta told Reuters from moved early, but Kedar Jadhav the South African men’s team Bangkok. The BCCI offi cials underlined his value in the team won the gold medal in Kuala were not available for comment. with a street-smart 81 in the company of veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni who held the fort PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE with an unbeaten 59. With only four ODIs remain- ing before the World Cup, the hosts will look to fi nalise the Watson, Shehzad “two available spots” in an oth- erwise settled squad. Opener Shikhar Dhawan did lead Gladiators not get runs in the fi rst rubber but the team management is likely to stick with the southpaw India captain Virat Kohli (right) interacts with Vijay Shankar during the training session at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur into play-off s and not replace him with K L yesterday. (AFP) Rahul, who stacked a claim with hane Watson and the opponents to totals which good shows in the two T20s. Ahmed Shehzad we can chase and great to see Skipper Kohli looked good for Williamson narrows gap with table-topper Kohli in ICC Test rankings slammed solid half Shane and Ahmed play so his 44 on Saturday and so did centuries to help Quet- well.” Rohit who has the ability to take taS Gladiators become the fi rst Peshawar skipper Darren New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has by any New Zealander in Test cricket with wicket haul in the first innings. any attack to cleaners on his day. reached the career-best 915 rating points Richard Hadlee the only other player from For Bangladesh, left-handed opener Tamim team to qualify for the HBL Sammy said his bowlers had an At No 4, Ambati Rayudu failed and narrowed the gap with the table topper his country to cross the 900-point mark with Iqbal has gained 11 slots to reach 25th posi- Pakistan Super League (PSL) off day. in the fi rst game and it remains India skipper Virat Kohli (922 points), ICC an- a best of 909 points in bowling. tion after scores of 126 and 74, overtaking play-off s with a comfortable “Yes, tough game. I think to be seen whether the team nounced yesterday. Openers Tom Latham and Jeet Raval have Shakib Al Hasan to become the top-ranked eight wicket win over arch- bowlers had an off day and they management reposes faith in Williamson’s 200 not out against Bangladesh also made good progress after their centu- batsman from his country in this format. rivals Peshawar Zalmi in Abu did not bowl as we have want- him or not. in Hamilton has lifted him from 897 points to ries in Hamilton. Mahmudullah has moved up 12 places to Dhabi yesterday. ed,” said Sammy. With Dhoni showing that he within 7 points of Kohli. With two more Tests Among their bowlers, Trent Boult (down two reach a career-best 40th after scoring 22 and Watson smashed six sixes Watson and Shehzad added is not fi nished just yet, the mid- to go in the series, Williamson has a chance places to eighth) and Tim Southee (ninth) re- 146, while Soumya Sarkar’s one and 149 in and as many boundaries in his a match winning 129 runs for dle order looks in a better shape to regain the top spot, which he occupied main in the top 10, while Neil Wagner is mov- Hamilton have lifted him 25 places to 67th undefeated 55-ball 91 not out the second wicket as a formi- than what was thought. briefly towards the end of 2015, according to ing in the right direction, gaining three places position. while Shehzad cracked fi ve dable Peshawar pace attack Today, the Indian team could an ICC website. and reaching 11th position after finishing with Mahmudullah has also gained three places to boundaries in his 45-ball 50 found wickets hard to come by bring in the Rishabh Pant in Williamson’s rating points are the highest seven wickets in the match, including a five- reach 63rd position among bowlers. as Quetta overhauled 166-run after Sameen Gul trapped Ah- place of all-rounder Vijay target in 17.4 overs. san Ali for just one. Shankar who had an off day with of 0 and 8 in the T20 series con- Nathan Counter-Nile were also Ambati Rayudu, Mahendra tain), D’Arcy Short, Shaun Marsh, Kamran Akmal cracked 50- When Shehzad was dis- the ball on Saturday. tinued his bad run in the fi rst good in the beginning, but once Singh Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja, ball 72 with seven boundaries missed, bowled by Umaid Asif, Australia, on the other hand, ODI. The visitors can be pleased Dhoni and Jadhav got going they Vijay Shankar, Jasprit Bumrah, Alex Carey, Peter Handscomb, and four sixes to help Peshawar Quetta needed only 29 for would look to sharpen their bat- with their bowling eff ort, espe- lost their rhythm. Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Ya- Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa, to 165-4 in their 20 overs after victory. Rilee Rossouw gave ting skills. For their coach Justin cially leg-spinner Adam Zampa dav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rishabh Jason Behrendorff , Jhye Rich- they were put into bat. Watson good company during Langer, out-of-form skipper who have troubled the Indian TEAMS (FROM) Pant, Siddarth Kaul, KL Rahul, ardson, Pat Cummins, Andrew With the victory - their sixth his four-ball 12 with one six Aaron Finch would be a defi nite batsmen. India: Virat Kohli (captain), Ravindra Jadeja. Tye, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Nathan in 12 games against Peshawar - and a boundary. concern. Finch who had scores Pacers Pat Cummins and Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Australia: Aaron Finch (cap- Lyon. Quetta qualifi ed for the play- Peshawar’s Hasan Ali failed off s. They have with six wins in to get a wicket after his 18 eight games and 12 points. wickets made him the highest FOCUS Peshawar are second with wicket-taker in the league. ten points in eight matches, When Peshawar batted they having won fi ve and losing were given a brisk start of 38 three. Islamabad United are by Kamran and Andre Fletcher third with four wins and as who made 28-ball 26 with two many losses in eight games fours and a six. But once Kam- Tahir to end ODI career aft er WC while Lahore Qalandars are ran was dismissed only Kieron AFP and going forward I decided that fourth with six points (three Pollard found the scoring fast, Johannesburg I would fi nish at the World Cup, wins and four losses). smashing 21-ball 44 not out that is why I am contracted until Karachi Kings, who play with seven fours and a six. then. After that, Cricket South Multan Sultans later, are fi fth Quetta Gladiators beat Pe- eteran leg-spinner Im- Africa has allowed me to go and (three wins, four losses in sev- shawar Zalmi by eight wickets. ran Tahir said yesterday play around the world in vari- en matches) are fi fth and Mul- he would retire from ous leagues but I would also love tan are sixth with two wins and BRIEF SCORES one-day international to play T20 cricket for South six losses in eight matches. Quetta Gladiators 166-2 in Vcricket after the World Cup in Africa.” Quetta captain Sarfraz 17.4 overs (S. Watson 91 not England and Wales, which ends Tahir said retiring from one- Ahmed was happy with his out, Ahmed Shehzad 50) bt on July 14. day internationals was a diffi cult team’s progress. Peshawar Zalmi 165-4 in 20 But he said he would like to decision. “I would love to play “We have done well so its overs (Kamran Akmal 72, K. continue playing for South Af- for as long as I can,” he said, “but great to be in the play-off s,” Polard 44 not out). rica in Twenty20 internationals. there is a stage in your life where said Sarfraz. “We try to keep PSL Tahir, who will turn 40 later you have to make big decisions.” this month, played a starring role He said, though, that he would for South Africa, taking three for like to play for South Africa in 26, in their eight-wicket win in the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup the fi rst one-day international in Australia. Skipper Du Plessis against Sri Lanka at the Wander- praised veteran Tahir for ensur- ers Stadium on Sunday. ing South Africa chased a mod- His performance drew atten- est total in fi rst ODI against Sri tion to the fact that he was not Lanka by making crucial break- on the list of contracted players throughs with fi gures of three for the 2019/20 year released by for 26 from ten overs. Cricket South Africa last week. “He is probably my biggest But he revealed yesterday that weapon as a captain over the he had reached an agreement years,” Du Plessis said of Tahir. with CSA for his contract to ex- Tahir, who has taken 156 wick- pire at the end of July, extending ets in 95 one-day internation- his 2018/19 contract by three als, played in the 2011 and 2015 months. In a statement released World Cups. He also played in by CSA, Tahir said he would re- the 2014 and 2016 World T20 assess his freelance future after tournaments. the World Cup. “I have always wanted to play South Africa’s Imran Tahir bowls in the World Cup,” he said. during the first ODI against Sri “I have a mutual understand- Lanka at the Wanderers Stadium, Quetta Gladiators’ Shane Watson in action during their Pakistan ing with Cricket South Africa Johannesburg. (AFP) Super League match against Peshawar Zalmi. PICTURE: PCB Gulf Times Tuesday, March 5, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Fresh off Spurs’ buyout, Gasol Harden drops 42 in signs with Bucks

Reuters New York

he Milwaukee Bucks, Rockets’ victory, recently rumoured to be interested in big man Pau Gasol, an- nouncedT his signing on Sunday. Gasol spent nearly three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs before agreeing to terms on a buyout on Friday. The Raptors lose in OT move came in time for him to be eligible for postseason play ‘It feels really, really good to kind of have a full roster and catch a rhythm’ with his new team. At 38, Gasol is in his 18th The All-Star centre also said AFP NBA season and won two ti- if he had to play now, he could, Los Angeles tles with the Los Angeles Lak- but the team preferred he take a ers a decade ago. The 7-footer cautious approach - something will add more size to the Bucks’ he has resisted in the past. The ames Harden continues to be the frontcourt, alongside Giannis 24-year-old is averaging 27.3 Houston Rockets’ driving force, Antetokounmpo for the team points and 13.5 rebounds in delivering his 24th 40-point per- that has the best record in the 54 games this season. “Right formance on Sunday while the Bos- league at 48-15. now it’s all about preserving, tonJ Celtics fell back into their bad habits. A six-time All-Star, Gasol all about the playoff s,” Embiid Harden fi nished with 42 points, in- has career averages of 17.1 said to reporters. cluding six three-pointers, as the Rock- points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.2 “I’ve said it in the past, but ets overcame a Celtics rally for a 115-104 assists per game. His min- I’ve matured a lot. I’ve learned victory in front of 18,600 at the Boston utes dwindled in San Antonio not to fi ght on stupid stuff . If Garden. (career-low 12.2 minutes per the team wants me to rest, I’ll The Rockets watched their 28-point game this season), and his of- listen, and if I feel good, I’ll lead dwindle to single digits. But they did fensive averages plummeted as play. But if I need some rest, at what they usually do by turning to Harden well to 4.2 points, 4.7 rebounds the end of the day, it’s all about - the main off ensive weapon behind their and 1.9 assists. being healthy. I understand it.” quest for a favourable seed in the Western Gasol tweeted that he is Philadelphia hosts the Or- Conference playoff s. “thrilled to begin this new lando Magic today, then plays “It feels really, really good to kind of chapter in my @NBA journey at Chicago tomorrow and at have a full roster and catch a rhythm,” with the great @Bucks. I look Houston on Friday before re- Harden said. forward to the challenge.” turning home to face the Indi- “This is a perfect time for it. Gasol was the third pick ana Pacers on Sunday. “We haven’t had an opportunity to overall in the 2001 NBA Draft, Atlanta Hawks forward push, push, push. This is a perfect time to selected by the Atlanta Hawks. Omari Spellman has a high push, push, push and catch a groove going The Hawks dealt his rights ankle sprain and will be re- into the postseason.” to the Memphis Grizzlies for assessed in about four weeks, The Rockets have now won fi ve straight, Shareef Abdur-Rahim. according to NBA.com. their longest winning streak since starting Gasol spent seven-plus sea- An MRI revealed the extent a six game win streak in late December. sons with the Grizzlies (2001- of the rookie’s injury, which Houston are in fi fth place in the West- 08), another seven-plus with occurred during a 168-161 ern Conference standings, a game behind the Lakers (2008-14), and two four-overtime loss to the Chi- the Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma with the Chicago Bulls (2014- cago Bulls on Friday. City Thunder. 16) before signing as a free Spellman had rejoined At- With 1:44 left in the fourth and Hou- agent with the Spurs before the lanta from the club’s G League ston leading 112-104, Harden fouled out of 2016-17 season. affi liate in January and has the contest - but by then the damage had Joel Embiid has missed the played in 46 games for the been done. Harden shot 14-of-31 from the last fi ve games, but the Phila- Hawks this season with 11 fl oor and went eight-of-nine from the delphia 76ers star expects to starts. He has averaged 5.9 free throw line. return from a left knee injury points and 4.2 rebounds in 17.5 Eric Gordon added 32 points and had sometime next week. minutes per game. eight three-pointers for the Rockets, who have been trying to maintain consistency despite a constant roster fl ux because of injuries. Abdul-Jabbar memorabilia “We’re catching a rhythm,” said Hard- fetches $3mn at auction en. “Throughout the course of the year, we’ve been having a lot of injuries, a lot of A trove of NBA memorabilia - including championship rings and ups and downs, but we’re fi nally catching MVP hardware from the hall-of-fame basketball career of Kareem a rhythm on both ends of the fl oor, and it Abdul-Jabbar, garnered nearly $3 million at an American auction feels great. on Sunday. “We’re fi nally healthy, and it feels good. The 71-year-old former Los Angeles Laker put hundreds of items We’re winning. Guys know their roles. Houston Rockets guard James Harden drives between Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving (left) and guard Marcus Smart during the up for sale with the New Jersey-based Goldin Auctions which We’re executing defensively. We’re help- first quarter at TD Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports fetched a total of $2.9 million. ing each other out. We’re talking. That’s The lots included four of his six championship rings and three of what it’s all about.” point range. Kyle Lowry fi nished with 35 points, sev- his most valuable player trophies. The Celtics fell behind by 28 points be- It doesn’t get much easier for the Celt- RESULTS en rebounds and fi ve assists for the Rap- The rings commemorating the Los Angeles Lakers’ titles in the fore going on a 17-6 run at the beginning ics, who play their next four games on the Cleveland 107-93 Orlando tors, who decided to rest all-star Kawhi 1980s accounted for four of the five highest sales at the auction’s of the fourth quarter to cut the defi cit to road, opening against the two-time de- Leonard and paid for it. close. Abdul-Jabbar’s 14K 1987 diamond ring sold for the most at 106-96. fending champion Golden State Warriors Detroit 112-107 Toronto Pascal Siakam had 21 points, nine $398,937. Kyrie Irving tallied 24 points, nine re- on Tuesday. Washington 135-121 Minnesota rebounds and fi ve assists, while OG His three MVP trophies (1976, 1974, 1972) all sold for more than bounds and six assists and Al Horford fi n- The one piece of good news is they trav- Oklahoma City 99-95 Memphis Anunoby and Marc Gasol added 13 points $120,000 each. He won six total MVP awards. ished with 19 points for the Celtics, who el to Staples Center to face the Los Angeles apiece. A signed ball from his final regular season game in 1989 went for Houston 115-104 Boston have lost fi ve of their last six games. Lakers, who despite having LeBron James Leonard has now missed 18 games this $270,000. The struggling Celtics were coming are struggling even more than Boston. Atlanta 123-118 Chicago season. Pistons reserve centre Zaza Pa- Abdul-Jabbar said “much” of the proceeds would go to his foun- off their fi rst win since the all-star game The Rockets next face the Toronto Rap- Portland 118-108 Charlotte chulia was ejected late in the third quarter dation which helps educate children. break on Friday over the Washington Wiz- tors, who fell in overtime to the Detroit for arguing with the offi cials. “Looking back on what I have done with my life, instead of gaz- Clippers 128-107 New York ards. Pistons. Also, rookie Landry Shamet scored 21 ing at the sparkle of jewels or gold plating celebrating something But any positive feeling was blunted Blake Griffi n scored 27 points and the Luke Kennard and Reggie Jackson had 19 points, Danilo Gallinari added 20 and the I did a long time ago, I’d rather look into the delighted face of a by Sunday’s loss to Houston as the Celt- Pistons scored the fi nal 10 points in over- points apiece for the Pistons, who have Los Angeles Clippers routed the New York child holding their first caterpillar and think about what I might ics fell back into their old ways, shooting time to beat the Raptors 112-107. won nine of their last 11 to reach the.500 128-107, sending the Knicks to their 50th be doing for their future,” he said. just 29 percent (eight-of-28) from three- Griffi n also had seven rebounds and mark. loss of the season.

NHL Senators stop seven-game skid on Balcers’ goal Reuters RESULTS Sunrise, Florida Washington 3-2 Rangers ookie Rudolfs Balcers’ power-play Philadelphia 4-1 Islanders goal pushed Ottawa to a 3-2 win Las Vegas 3-0 Vancouver over the Florida Panthers on Sunday Anaheim 2-1 Colorado in Sunrise, Fla., snapping the Sena- tors’R seven-game losing streak and giving in- Ottawa 3-2 Florida terim coach Marc Crawford his fi rst win. Winnipeg 5-2 Columbus Balcers, acquired in the Erik Karlsson trade Nashville 3-2 Minnesota with the San Jose Sharks last September, scored on the man advantage after Florida’s San Jose 5-2 Chicago Jonathan Huberdeau went off for high-stick- ing in the second period. ken. Anders Nilsson made 30 saves for Ot- The Latvian rookie redirected in Dylan tawa, and Luongo also stopped 30 shots. DeMelo’s shot for his fourth goal at 17:25 to Ottawa tallied fi rst when Smith cleaned up a break a 2-2 tie. Florida’s Mike Hoff man, who rebound of Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s shot from played seven seasons with the Senators, rang the slot. Smith popped in his seventh past the potential game-tying goal off the post Luongo at 5:10. Barkov scored his ninth goal with nine seconds left and Panthers goalie in his last nine games by defl ecting in a shot by Roberto Luongo off the ice for the extra at- Mark Pysyk. The Florida captain’s 28th marker tacker. Zack Smith and Brian Gibbons scored at 9:02 tied his career-high for a season. Brou- goals for Ottawa, which won for the fi rst time wer jumped up and gloved down a failed clear- since a 4-3 overtime decision against the Jets ing attempt by defenseman Thomas Chabot in Winnipeg on Feb 16. from Ottawa’s end, then executed a perfect The win also marked the 22nd consecutive give-and-go with Riley Sheahan. His ninth season that the Senators have earned a win goal at 15:36 gave Florida its fi rst lead at 2-1. in South Florida as the club won for the fi rst The Senators scored an even-strength goal time this season against the Panthers. Ale- in the second period to tie it at 2 before Bal- ksander Barkov and Troy Brouwer tallied for cers’ game-winner. Ottawa used good zone the Panthers, who lost their fourth straight time and pressure in Florida’s zone, and Gib- (0-3-1) and had their streak of four straight bons ended it by burying his third goal off a Ottawa Senators left wing Rudolfs Balcers (right) scores a goal against Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo as defenseman Aaron Ekblad looks on games ending in overtime or shootouts bro- pass from Cody Ceci at 5:06 for the 2-2 tie. in the second period of their NHL game at BB&T Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, March 5, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY TENNIS Aft er completing century, Federer Wales embarrassed rises in rankings

AFP fi nal in Acapulco on Saturday Paris and on Monday climbed 16 places to 49th. Kenin rose two spots to 33. oger Federer’s 100th Sloane Stephens, the only in last loss to Scots, title lifted him three Top 20 player in action in Mex- places to fourth in the ico, lost in the second round. ATP rankings yesterday. That did not alter her fourth RStefanos Tsitsipas, the beat- place in an unchanged Top 20, en fi nalist as Federer made his- with Naomi Osaka still com- tory in Dubai also inched up. fortably at number one. The Greek climbed one place into the top 10. ATP TOP 10 says prop Evans Gael Monfi ls, a beaten semi- 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10,955 fi nalist, jumped four places pts ‘We’re not shying away from the fact it’s going to be a massive, massive game’ and back into the top 20 at 19. 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,365 The biggest mover in the 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) Reuters men’s rankings was mercu- 6,595 Cardiff Halfpenny in the mix but not expecting immediate recall rial Australian Nick Kyrgios 4. Roger Federer (SUI) 4,600 who beat two top three play- (+3) ers, No. 2 Rafael Nadal and No. 5. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) ales’s bid for a fi rst 3 Alexander Zverev as well as 4,585 (-1) Grand Slam in seven No. 9 John Isner on his way to 6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,295 years takes them to winning in Acapulco. Kyrgios (-1) Murrayfi eld on Sat- leaped 39 places to 33rd. 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,190 (-1) Wurday where they aim to avoid a Novak Djokovic took the 8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,800 repeat of an “embarrassing” Six week off but remains a long 9. John Isner (USA) 3,405 Nations defeat by Scotland two way clear at the top, though 10. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) years ago. both Nadal and Zverev gained 3,175 (+1) Wales have a perfect record a handful of points in Mexico. after three matches in this year’s Guido Pella, who won his WTA TOP 10 championship, including a 21-13 fi rst ATP title in Sao Paulo on 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6,871 pts victory over England last time Sunday also moved up. The Ar- 2. Simona Halep (ROU) 5,727 out, and will move closer to the gentine has the same number 3. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 5,605 title with another win over the of points as Kyrgios but is 4. Sloane Stephens (USA) 5,277 inconsistent Scots. ranked one spot lower at 34. 5. Karolína Pliskova (CZE) 5,145 Prop Rob Evans, however, re- 6. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,900 members the disappointment CHINA’S WANG JUMPS INTO 7. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4,885 of their last visit to Murrayfi eld, WTA TOP 50 8. Angelique Kerber (GER) a 29-13 defeat, and says his side With the top women miss- 4,880 must be ready for a battle against ing the only tournament of 9. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,565 a Scotland team with one win in the week, China’s Wang Yafan 10. Serena Williams (USA) the tournament. seized the chance to snatch her 3,406 “It was a tough day for us in fi rst WTA win and leap into the SELECTED 2017. We didn’t come out the top 50 in the rankings. 33. Sofia Kenin (USA) 1,564 (+2) blocks and if we’re honest Scot- The Chinese player beat 49. Wang Yafan (CHN) 1,142 land probably embarrassed us a American Sofi a Kenin in the (+16) little bit,” Evans told reporters. “We are obviously looking forward to the game, but it’s go- SPOTLIGHT ing be an incredibly tough one for us. We know what Scotland are like at home. They feed off the atmosphere there just as we Navratilova sorry do back in Cardiff . “We’re not shying away from the fact it’s going to be a massive, for transgender massive game.” Evans knows Scotland have the players to spring a surprise. ‘cheat’ claim “Their set-piece has been going pretty well I believe and AFP “I attached the label to a they’ve got some quality backs Paris notional case in which some- in there. I don’t know if (fl yhalf) one cynically changes gender, Finn Russell is fi t, but they have perhaps temporarily, to gain a got some exciting talent,” he Wales’s Leigh Halfpenny receives treatment from the physio after being knocked over by Australia’s Samu Kerevi during their Test match in artina Navratilova competitive advantage.” said. Cardiff on November 10, 2018. (Reuters) on Sunday apolo- Despite apologising, Na- Victories over France, Italy gised for describ- vratilova said that the issue and England have continued the Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny is not expect- penny in a Welsh television interview. ber. Halfpenny could make the match-day ing transgender of transgender athletes com- team’s record winning run under Mathletes wishing to compete in peting in women’s sports is ing a recall to the starting line-up for this “It has been a diff icult couple of months squad, as Wales look to stay on course for coach Warren Gatland, which weekend’s Six Nations clash against Scotland and it was not the best of injuries. It was the Six Nations title when they play at Mur- women’s sports as cheats. guaranteed to keep creating now stretches to 12 matches, but but is delighted to be playing again after a quite diff icult to deal with at times and a bit rayfield on Saturday, but admitted it would The tennis legend, an 18- competitive as well as ethi- Evans says there is no compla- lengthy lay-off which he said was diff icult to unpredictable.” be diff icult to dislodge Liam Williams, who time Grand Slam title winner, cal questions. But she believes cency in the squad. deal with. Halfpenny made his comeback at the end of was named man of the match in their last win was branded as “transpho- that trying to resolve the issue “Everyone’s pretty grounded The 30-year-old British & Irish Lion com- last month against the Cheetahs and played over England. bic” after writing in a news- by creating further separate and we realise where we are at pleted another 80 minutes for the Scarlets another 80 minutes in Saturday’s home win “We will see what the selectors go with, but paper column that allowing categories within any given the moment,” he said. in PRO-14 action at the weekend as he over Munster. looking at the boys there they have been trans athletes to compete with sport would lead to confusion. “I know we’ve had three wins, continued his comeback from a three-month They were his first appearances since a outstanding,” said Halfpenny. “That game women who were assigned fe- “First, we all need to realise but as I said this game with absence with concussion. shoulder challenge from Samu Kerevi left against England was awesome. There is a male at birth is “cheating and that there is no perfect solu- Scotland is going to be a mas- “It is great to be back and I am loving being him concussed during Wales’s 9-6 win over great feeling in camp and it is a massive unfair”. tion in which nobody will ever sive challenge for us. They em- back on the field with the boys,” said Half- Australia in their Test in Cardiff last Novem- game at Murrayfield for this tournament.” She was also dropped as an be wronged or disadvantaged. barrassed us last time by quite a ambassador for the Athlete The objective must be to fi nd hefty scoreline.” Ally group which campaigns policies that make women’s Coach Gregor Townsend has don Reid, who have also been back in action though, after he season, a 33-20 win over Italy for LGBT rights in sport. sport as inclusive and fair as Watson back for Scotland but been able to welcome back fi rst- called into the mix for the clash missed the 27-10 loss to France in the opening round, and face “I know that my use of the practically possible. Hogg misses out again choice fl ank Hamish Watson, at Murrayfi eld. Hogg has not in Paris last time out. George a formidable Welsh side on a 12- word ‘cheat’ caused particular “After all, if everyone were Scotland’s long injury list has lock Sam Skinner, prop Willem been considered as he continues Horne, D’arcy Rae, George Turn- game unbeaten run and still in off ence among the transgender included, women’s sports as been shortened this week Nel and hooker Grant Stewart his recovery from a shoulder in- er, Chris Dean, Alex Allan, Rob the hunt for the Grand Slam. community. I’m sorry for that we know them would cease to with the return of fi ve players to among the forwards, as well as jury picked up in Scotland’s 22- Harley, John Hardie and Duncan Townsend will hope his side because I certainly was not exist. Therefore, any sensible the squad to face Wales in the Six centre Staff ord McDowall. 13 defeat to Ireland in the second Weir have all been released from rediscover the form they showed suggesting that transgender policy must have some exclu- Nations on Saturday, but full- They are joined by loose- round of matches. the squad for this week. on Wales’s last visit to Edinburgh athletes in general are cheats,” sions. But which ones? Where back Stuart Hogg remains side- forward Matt Fagerson, fullback Townsend is hoping to have Scotland have just a single when Scotland cruised to a com- the 62-year-old wrote in a blog do you start and where do you lined and out of contention. Byron McGuigan and prop Gor- fi rst-choice fl yhalf Finn Russell victory in the Six Nations this prehensive 29-13 victory in 2017. on Sunday. end?”

FOCUS US thump Samoa to lift Vegas Sevens trophy AFP Argentina 33-19 in the other yourself out of against a team Los Angeles semi-fi nal to reach their fi rst like that,” said the United States’ Cup fi nal since Paris in 2016. Ben Pinkelman of a New Zealand It was a closer aff air in the team that beat the Americans in he United States steam- semi-fi nals, as Carlin Isles the fi nals at Dubai and Sydney. rolled Samoa 27-0 in the scored his third try of the match “We had to play pretty scrappy. Cup fi nal to win the Las after the siren to give the United It wasn’t wide open for us but Vegas Sevens Sunday, States a 24-19 triumph over the we stuck to our plan and we were Tseizing the World Rugby Sevens All Blacks Sevens. able to get the job done.” Series lead ahead of their semi- First-half tries from Sione The United States is now top fi nal victims New Zealand. Molia and Kurt Baker gave New the standings at the halfway Tied with New Zealand atop Zealand an early 12-0 lead, but stage with 98 points. the standings coming into the Americans had pulled ahead New Zealand – who had come the week, the Eagles beat the 14-12 at the break. through pool play unbeaten and Kiwis 24-19 in the semi-fi nals Folau Niua, however, fooled downed Fiji in the quarter-fi nals to reach their fi fth fi nal in fi ve his defenders with a rare race – kept it close at the top of the events so far this season - then away try up the middle to put standings with a victory over fi nally broke through for a win the teams on the board and the Argentina in the third-place to launch ecstatic scenes at Sam Americans fi nished the fi rst half playoff . New Zealand scored Boyd Stadium. with Isles striking off the break- three late tries to beat the South “If we were going to win one of down for a converted try. Americans and are fi ve back them, the one at home is the one Another Isles try stretched on 93 points heading into next we always wanted,” said a beam- the lead before a try from Kiwi weekend’s Vancouver Sevens. ing US captain Madison Hughes. captain Tim Mikkelson knotted Ben Pinkelman scored two the score at 19-19. But Isles came tries and there were tries from through again to give the United United States players celebrate the Matai Leuta, Hughes and Ma- States a chance to defend their team’s 27-0 Cup Final victory over ceo Brown along with a stifl ing Vegas title. Samoa at the USA Sevens Rugby defensive performance from the “We went down 12-0 real tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. hosts against Samoa, who beat quick and that’s tough to play (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, March 5, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETICS Britain’s Muir claims European Nicolas Hamilton Indoors double back on track and doing it his way

Reuters Dunsfold Aerodrome, England

icolas Hamilton, half-brother of five-times Formula One world champion Lewis, is back on the racetrack and keen to setN the record straight. The 26-year-old, who has overcome cerebral palsy to establish himself as a disabled racer, is set for a full season in the British Touring Car Champion- ship (BTCC) and feels he deserves some credit. “I made my announcement and peo- ple were saying ‘Oh, he’s only there be- Great Britain’s Laura Muir poses with her gold medal after win- cause of his brother and it’s all money ning the 1,500m final on Sunday night. talking,” he told Reuters. “Lewis hasn’t given me a penny to- Reuters bell and held off his rival around wards my motorsport so I want to start Glasgow the fi nal lap, winning in 3:42.85. telling that story because people need Jesus Gomez of Spain took to know. It’s so hard, people assume so the bronze. Lewandowski’s much. ritain’s Laura Muir won gold was one of fi ve won by “It’s just not how we are. I’m not the women’s 1,500 me- Polish athletes over the three- a person who uses people. Lewis has tres to complete a Eu- day championships, putting achieved what he’s achieved due to his Bropean Indoor Athlet- them on top of the medals ta- own abilities, with my dad being behind ics Championships double on ble ahead of the hosts.Cyprus’s him. The last thing I want to do is knock Sunday but Norwegian teen- Serbian-born Trajkovic upset him up for a couple of million quid and ager Jakob Ingebrigtsen missed the fi eld to win the 60 metres say come and support me racing.” out in the men’s event, beaten hurdles race in 7.60 seconds, Speaking at the recent launch of a by Marcin Lewandowski.Spain one-hundredth of a second Team BRIT racing academy for disabled won three gold medals while ahead of Frenchman Pascal drivers, Hamilton said he would never Milan Trajkovic claimed a fi rst- Martinot-Lagarde. put Lewis, Britain’s highest-earning ever gold for Cyprus at a Euro- Trajkovic only put a foot sportsman, on the spot. pean Indoors by winning the wrong after the race when he “I’m here standing today on my own, Brothers Lewis (L) and Nicolas Hamilton. men’s 60 metres hurdles. slipped on the stairs as he ran to I’ve done so well to get here in the first Home favourite Muir, who hug his girlfriend. place and the last thing I need is help,” wheelchair for five years. proper racing experience at the wheel of really know your limitations. You look also won the 3,000 metres on he added. The Briton, who did a few rac- “I just wanted to try and overcome a BMW M3 at a racetrack driving school. at riding a bike, for example, and think Friday, destroyed the fi eld to WORLD RECORD es in the BTCC in 2015, suspected Lewis my condition, with a lot of people tell- A season racing Renault Clios followed I have no core stability, I can’t pedal, repeat the double she won in New York: Ethiopia’s Yo- and father Anthony, who did help earlier ing me I couldn’t do things and the only in 2011, and led to a BBC documentary, that’s impossible to do,” he said. Belgrade two years ago. mif Kejelcha crushed the world in his career with funding, would rather thing I could do was sit in my wheel- but other opportunities have been spo- “You look at a race car and you’ve got The 25-year-old, who hails indoor mile record on Sunday he did something else. chair and get bullied. Which is what I radic. to be super-fit, very precise with your from Glasgow, led from the with a time of 3min 47.01sec at “I think deep down my brother or did,” he said. “It’s been very difficult. But, you inputs whether its throttle control or front, never looked under any the Bruce Lehane Invitational my dad wouldn’t like me to race but it’s “I always wanted to race but I never know, if it wasn’t for my condition I steering control or whatever. You look at threat and stormed home in in Boston. what I love, it’s what I want to do so I’ll thought it would be possible. My dad wouldn’t be here today,” he said. “It’s it and think ‘I’m never going to be able four minutes 05.92 seconds, The 21-year-old broke a always push,” he said. put me in a cadet kart when I was seven made me who I am and I’m proud of it.” to do that’. That’s exactly what I felt. more than three seconds ahead record that was older than he Hamilton was born two months pre- years old and I wasn’t strong enough to Hamilton drives with simple modifi- “But you really don’t know until you of Poland’s Sofi a Ennaoui with is — the mark of 3:48.45 set by mature and diagnosed with spastic hit the brake pedal.” cations to the car, a hand clutch on the put yourself in that situation and put Ireland’s Ciara Mageean in Morocco’s Hicham El Gerrouj diplegia. He was told he would not be His 34-year-old brother’s success steering wheel and two pedals. Racing, yourself where you’ve got to really over- third. on February 12, 1997. able to walk and that his right eye would put him more in the spotlight and gam- he said, was also a journey of discovery. step the mark and overcome these ob- “I set myself a big test this It was third time lucky for be severely deteriorated. He was in a ing provided an outlet before his first “As a disabled individual, you never stacles.” weekend, there was a lot of Kejelcha, who narrowly missed pressure,” said Muir. “So much out on breaking world indoor hard work goes into it. It’s day records in his two previous FOCUS after day and on this track. races. There’s a huge support network He fi nished just 0.01 outside behind me.” the world indoor mile record at Ingebrigtsen, meanwhile, the Millrose Games with a time was favourite to add to the of 3:48.46, and was then beaten 3,000 metres he won on Sat- to the world indoor 1,500m El Moutawakel, torch-bearer urday when he became the record in Birmingham one week youngest male gold medallist later when compatriot Samuel in the history of the champion- Tefera won in 3:31.04. ships. Kejelcha had set out in Bos- The 18-year-old moved to ton to break the indoor world for Muslim sportswomen the front with two laps to go but records for both the mile and defending champion Lewand- 1,500m, but his 1500m split was owski managed to stay with confi rmed at 3:31.25 — third- AFP him. The Pole waited for his fastest ever behind Tefera and Monaco moment, took the lead at the El Guerrouj.

awal El Moutawakel LOCAL CRICKET took just 54 seconds to go from the “dark to the light” when she Nbecame the fi rst Muslim woman Warriors Club, from Africa to win Olympic gold in the 400 metres hurdles at the 1984 Games. Royal Stars post The 56-year-old Moroccan has since forged a successful career as a sports administra- facile victories tor having twice been Minister of Sports, and is an infl uential By Sports Reporter moved fi ve players for a mere member of both the Interna- Doha 35 runs. His full-quota spell tional Olympic Committee (IOC) had two maiden overs as well. and the International Associa- Assad also excelled from other tion of Athletics Federations. mal struck another cen- end, dismissing three players “I consider myself a role mod- tury and fuelled Warriors for just 17 runs in his fi ve overs. el with my other Olympic cham- Club to a big 133-run win Imal, who also held three pions back home in Morocco,” over Kingspan Qatar in the catches, and Sajjad, shared the she told AFP. IPremier Division of the Qatar man of the match award. “I could have stayed and spent Airways Cricket Tournament In another match, Royal most of my life enjoying my glo- at the West Bay Grounds. Stars outclassed Commercial ry of 1984 but no, that’s wrong. Batting fi rst, Warriors Club Bank Qatar by 50 runs with “54 seconds allowed me to amassed 337 all out in 50 overs. Khwaja coming up with a fi ne go from dark to light, like I said Imal and Imraz scored the bulk all-round performance. from zero to hero. I would like to File photos of Nawal El Moutawakel celebrating after winning the 400m hurdles gold at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and speaking of their runs. Imal, who recent- He fi rst top-scored with an share every single moment with during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. ly cracked 106 against Al Feroz unbeaten 51 in his team’s 240 the younger generation.” Youngsters, followed it up with for eight in 50 overs. His 101- El Moutawakel, whose victory equally as men, and that’s why there is a son and daughter.” athletics so I was in an environ- glory, dying in a car crash in 126 runs. ball knock contained fi ve hits to in Los Angeles was marked by I felt growing up in an environ- El Moutawakel, a mother of ment that was very positive, early 1984 a week after she had Imal needed only 88 balls the rope. Asif also contributed the then King Hassan II ordering ment that was very supportive, two children, daughter Zineb very supportive,” she said. started university in the United and he blasted three huge 49 with six fours and two sixes. every girl born that day named very positive until today, so I and son Roda, certainly received “I never felt any resistance States, found the spotlight un- sixes and 13 boundaries. Im- When CBQ were chasing, man- in her honour, said the hurdles don’t think there is any resist- all the support she desired from (to her wanting to be an athlete) nerving. raz smashed run-a-ball 82 of-the-match Khwaja bowled on the track refl ected the chal- ance whatsoever.” her parents, especially her fa- whatsoever. “When I ran in 1984, my with fi ve boundaries. Naveed brilliantly and economically lenges she had faced in her life. El Moutawakel supports her ther Mohamed. “Until the day I won in 1984, coaches (Iowa University’s Ron grabbed fi ve wickets but con- to dismiss three players for 13 However, she always met claim by citing a passage from He allayed her fears of how August 8th, when many micro- Renko and Pat Moynihan) were ceded 82 runs in his 10-over runs in his seven-over spell. them head on, claiming “my the Holy Quran in Arabic. much bigger some of her rivals phones were placed in front of teaching me how to run, but spell. Omran picked up three Basharat also supported him victory meant no more just “Teach your children how to were by saying “rubies and dia- me, talking about this resist- they weren’t teaching me how to for 54. from other end and grabbed washing the dishes for women”. run, do horse-back riding, and monds come in small packages.” ance. speak,” she said. Kingspan Qatar failed to get three scalps for 43 to send the “In my religion, women were also swimming,” she said. “My father was a judoka, my “And I was like, what do you “So all of a sudden I had hun- going during their big chase rivals crashing to 190 all out never forbidden to compete,” “This is in our religion. He mum did physical activities at mean?” dreds of journalists with micro- and lost wickets regularly be- in 43.4 overs. Shan and Habib she said at the recent Laureus never said, teach your daughter, high school, we grew up fi ve El Moutawakel, whose great phones wanting me to speak, fore collapsing for 204 in 50 resisted the Royal Stars bowl- awards. or teach your son. It says ‘teach brothers and sisters, we were all regret is her devoted father did and I said ‘I have nothing to say, I overs. A big credit for this must ers bravely but they could just “Women could compete your children’, and in children, in the same club and we all did not live to see her moment of showed you in my performance’.” go to Tamoor Sajjad, who re- delay the inevitable.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Hamilton to attend MotoGP season opener in Qatar Al-Khelaifi excited by Doha: Five-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton will attend the season opener of the 2019 MotoGP season at the Losail International circuit. According to the autosport. com, Hamilton is a guest of the Petronas SRT Yamaha European prospects team, which shares a com- mon sponsor with his F1 team Mercedes. Hamilton is a self-confessed motorcycling 'It’s a great opportunity for me to participate and learn from the drivers on those tracks' aficionado and has suggested he will make more outings on two wheels this season, after he visits this weekend’s Qatar MotoGP season opener. It will mark his first visit to a MotoGP round since he at- tended the Catalan Grand Prix at Barcelona back at 2015, and follows his recent test on a World Superbike-spec Yamaha R1 at Jerez last December. Hamilton said he hopes to “learn a little bit” during his Qatar visit, and that he was “intrigued” to see the riders operate on a race weekend. “I’ve always been in love with the bike, I’m really excited,” said Hamilton at last week’s second pre-season F1 test in Barcelona. “I’m not going to see the whole race, I don’t think, but I’m really intrigued to just go and see how the riders operate, how diff erent qualifying is compared to our qualifying, the feedback they are working on. “I’ll be using it as an experi- ence to learn a little bit. But The Qatari ace driver is keen to be- don’t read too much into that, come the torch-bearer for young Qa- I’m too old to do MotoGP. I’m taris, who want to excel in motorsports. not bounce-proof like young “Hopefully I can inspire the youth to Marc Marquez! But I’ll still follow this event and I want to spread have some fun at some point the ‘motorsport mentality’ among the in the year.” Abdulla al-Khelaifi drives during the Qatar Touring Car Championship at Losail International Circuit. RIGHT: Al-Khelaifi poses with trophy after winning the QTCC title. youth of the country. Eventually I will Hamilton made his Jerez retire but we want to see new faces and run with the help of Yamaha’s By Sahan Bidappa member drivers’ and riders’ team, who experience,” he added. fortably then I don’t develop at all. So new talent. I am sure we will get better works WSBK riders Michael Doha will travel to Europe for the training and The fi ve-round 2019 TCR Europe this gives me great motivation. I know drivers than me or they will do more van der Mark and Alex Lowes, to participate in the regional champion- Touring Car Series will begin at the I won’t be competing for bigger things than I would ever accomplish. but said he felt unable to get ships. He said he is happy to get the op- Hungaroring, Hungary in April and in TCR but I know I have higher goals so “I started rather late. The younger on par with the two regulars. aving been the undisputed portunity to take part in the ‘most com- will end at the Autodromo Nazionale from diff erent competitors and that will drivers have a better chance to learn champion in the Qatar Tour- petitive series in the world’ and feels Monza, Italy in October. Al-Khelaifi will push me harder so that I become better,” more and faster. They develop faster. ing Car championship (QTCC) the Europe stint will be a steep learning take part in all the rounds and will train he added. Hopefully I can inspire people with for the last four years, it’s only curve for him. in between the races in Europe. Al-Khelaifi says his target is to com- what I do,” al-Khelaifi said. Hnatural that Abdulla al-Khelaifi is aim- “I am looking forward to this sum- “By end of April, this series will start pete at the FIA World Touring Car Cup Al-Khelaifi is yet to narrow down on ing to go to the next level. And the Qatari mer’s activities,” said the soft-spoken with the fi rst round to be held at Hun- (known as the WTCR). He has already the car he will drive in Europe. driver will be doing just that as he jets Qatari champion. “TCR championship garoring, a race track in Mogyorod, had a taste of World Touring Car Cham- “Still there is some debate on the car. off to Europe in late April to take part in is the most competitive series in the Hungary. That will be great. Before that pionship, which was held in Qatar until Most probably it will be Cobra CTR. It the TCR Europe Touring Car Series. world after WTCR. It’s a great oppor- – perhaps two weeks before the race 2017. The World Touring Car Cup is the is a great drive. There is another possi- Al-Khelaifi has shown that he is un- tunity for me to participate and learn – there will be a test session for me in highest class of competition for touring bility of ODTCR RS3. For now, it is the beatable in the QTCC as he has scorched from the drivers on those tracks. More order to get into shape. That would also cars. “I started from WTCC. Basically Cobra. I can’t believe that I am going to the Losail International Circuit in his than half of the tracks where this series be an opportunity to meet my team and I always want to go to the highest level feature in this championship. This was Honda S2000 in the last four years. And is contested are part of the motorsport team offi cials ahead of the fi rst round,” of competition which is the WTCR. We not on the table until last week. So it is the 29-year-old is excited about what world. It will be a great learning curve he said. had some rounds here in Qatar. My goal, unbelievable. It was only talks and there lies ahead in the coming months. for me, a steep learning curve. Hope- “One thing I learned from QTCC is eventually, is to reach WTCR. I want to was nothing certain. I am going to en- Al-Khelaifi will be part of Qatar Mo- fully I can manage to learn as I go along that I never better myself unless I have represent Qatar if we have one round joy and push myself and get maximum tor and Motorcycle Federation’s six and long-term I can compete using that some competition. If I am leading com- here,” he said. points,” he said.

FOCUS COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS Lowes dominates Moto2 testing, Qatar’s leading lights looking to shine in European Tour event Fenati takes the spoils in Moto3 Both Ali al-Shahrani and Saleh boys 18-and-under team se- By Sports Reporter Doha al-Kaabi secured medals in the cured their fi rst ever medal in men’s division of last year’s GCC the event – silver – an unprec- Golf Championship in Oman, edented achievement. Secretary wo of Qatar’s most with al-Kaabi winning the gold General of Qatar Golf Associa- promising players – and Ali al-Shahrani the bronze. tion Fahad Nasser al-Naimi said: Saleh al-Kaabi and Ja- The National Team fi nished “This event is considered one of ham al-Kuwari – will rub third overall in the Men’s Cham- the strongest championships at Tshoulders with the elite of the pionship to take the bronze med- youth level because of the par- European Tour when the Com- al while the Junior Team took the ticipation of strong Arab coun- mercial Bank Qatar Masters gets gold with individual prizes go- tries in this game, and our youth underway on Thursday at the ing to Arnav Jain (silver) and Fa- team succeeded to secure the sil- Doha Golf Club. The progress had Rizwan Mir (bronze). In the ver medal for the fi rst time in the and quality of golf in Qatar con- Women’s Championship, Nada history of the tournament.” tinues to go from strength to Rizwan Mir fi nished in second Stars of the European Tour will strength with the support of the place individually to earn the sil- be arriving in Doha today as they Qatar Golf Association’s Junior ver medal. Additionally last year, prepare to compete in the 22nd Programme sponsored by Qatar- the National Team took the sil- staging of the Commercial Bank gas. A steady fl ow of low-hand- ver medal at the 38th staging of Qatar Masters, with the famous icap youngsters has come up the Arab Golf Championships at Mother of Pearl Trophy up for through the ranks from the grass Gammarth Golf Club in Tunisia, grabs on Sunday. The fi rst round roots and last year the Qatar Na- with Saleh al-Kaabi taking the is set for Thursday and entrance tional Golf Teams emphasised bronze medal individually. to all four days of competition at their progress by enjoying their At the Arab Junior Golf Cham- Doha Golf Club is free of charge Losail International Circuit is all decked up for this weekend's MotoGP season opener. most successful season so far. pionships in Morocco the Qatar for spectators.

resini Moto2’s Sam Lowes has 1:58.980 putting him 0.541 off Lowes, with of 2:05.899, the British rider sitting 0.131 thrown down the gauntlet ahead Day 1’s fastest rider Brad Binder (Red Bull ahead of seventh-placed Marcos Ramirez of the opening race weekend of the KTM Ajo) completing the top ten. (Leopard Racing). Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 season after ending the Moto2 and In Moto3, Romano Fenati (Snipers Team) Squadra Corse) was eighth, just ahead of GMoto3 Qatar Test quickest. ended the test at the top of the timesheets Sky Racing Team VR46 duo Dennis Foggia Lowes’ timing of 1:58.439 on the fi nal day after going quickest on the fi nal day, setting and rookie Celestino Vietti - it was ninth was enough to beat Tom Luthi (Dynavolt In- a best time of 2:05.285 to head teammate and tenth on the timesheets for the Italians tact GP) by 0.224 seconds. The entire top ten Tony Arbolino by 0.230. With many focus- respectively. on the combined standings set their quick- ing on a fast lap – and some on trying to get The MotoGp season will begin at the Lo- est laps on Day 3 at Losail International Cir- a tow – it was a frantic fi nal day of action. sail Circuit on Friday, with free practice ses- cuit, with Lowes’ time quick enough to put All of the lightweight class riders, except sion getting the ball rolling. Saturday’s on- him on pole for the MotoGP race that took the injured Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling track action takes on a new look this season. place at the venue in 2004! Gresini Moto3), went quicker on the third It begins as usual with all three FP3 ses- The aforementioned Lüthi was the Brit- and fi nal day of testing at Losail Interna- sions, before Moto3 adopt the Qualifying 1 ish rider’s closest rival, with Remy Gard- tional Circuit. But it was the Snipers Team and 2 format at 17:30 local time, like we see ner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) continuing duo who locked out the top two positions at in MotoGP. Moto2 then do the same, with his impressive preseason speed with third, the end of play, just like they have done on Q1 for the intermediate class beginning at 0.316 off P1. Fourth went the way of Augusto the previous two days. Their closest chal- 18:25, before the premier class ends Satur- Fernandez (Flexbox HP 40), his 1:58.775 lenger was Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max day with FP4, Q1 and Q2 – the battle for the leaving him just 0.002 two from Gardner, Racing Team), with 0.368 splitting him from fi rst pole position of the year gets going at with Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP) Fenati in third. 20:25 local time. just another 0.030 back in fi fth. Fourth fastest was Leopard Racing’s Race day begins at 14:40 with Moto3 Marc VDS’ Xavi Vierge ends the three- Lorenzo Dalla Porta, the only other rider Warm Up, before lights go out for the fi rst day test just ahead of Jorge Navarro (+Ego within half a second of Fenati, with Niccolo time in 2019 at 17:00 with the lightweight Speed Up) and Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) completing class riders going for glory. Moto2 launch at VDS) as the three Spaniards occupy sixth, a top fi ve covered by 0.507 seconds. 18:20, before the big one gets underway: the seventh and eighth respectively. Ninth goes John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) MotoGP race commencing at 20:00 under to Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46), his ended the test in sixth place with a best time the lights. Qatar’s Saleh al-Kaabi receives the trophy after his win at last year’s GCC Championship in Oman.