MONDAY 1 APRIL 2019 SPORT 07 She played well and I was super tired. The conditions Karolina Pliskova were different to the night after losing the Miami FOOTBALL FOOTBALL matches I played. For sure Open final to Ashleigh Premier League: Ligue 1: I could play better but she Barty. Arsenal Saint-Etienne vs vs Newcastle United Nimes ACTION

went for it in the tie-break. TODAY’S Lisicki eyes Barty clinches Miami Open title unlikely

AFP Wimbledon MIAMI comeback Ashleigh Barty’s transformation is complete after the Australian I was an average AFP defeated Czech fifth seed cricketer and I’m BERLIN Karolina Pliskova 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 becoming a better on Saturday to win the biggest The 2013 Wimbledon finalist singles title of her career at the tennis player. I feel Sabine Lisicki has said she is WTA Miami Open. like when I play my hoping to make an unlikely The 22-year-old Aussie quit best, I’m good enough return to the All Club tennis five years ago after finding this summer after a dramatic the mental grind of the tour too to match it with decline in recent years. much to bear, turning to profes- the very best in the Lisicki, 29, has battled a sional cricket in a bid to find world: Ashleigh Barty string of injuries and plum- sporting happiness. meted to 298th in the world Barty, however, knew she When the Australian double rankings since losing the Wim- had the tennis skills to compete faulted at 1-1 to hand Pliskova bledon final in straight sets to at the very top and after an early break, it wasn’t the start Marion Bartoli. returning in February 2016, has Barty sought and more errors in She was knocked out in the taken her career to an elite level, the following game allowed first round of Wimbledon in culminating in her first-ever Pliskova to extend her lead. 2017, and failed to qualify in WTA Premier Mandatory title to Barty then began to settle 2018. follow on from the US Open down and crisply struck a Yet in an interview with doubles crown she won last forehand winner to break Bild yesterday, the German September. Pliskova for the first time. tennis star said that she is Barty, a junior Wimbledon The Aussie started superbly determined to return to the winner at age 15, will rise from in the tie-breaker, moving 5-1 biggest stage. Ashleigh Barty of celebrates with the trophy after defeating Karolina Pliskova of Czech 11th to number nine in the world ahead before Pliskova hit long “I have unfinished business Republic in the Miami Open final on Saturday. rankings and become the first to seal the set for Barty, who at Wimbledon, and it would be Australian woman since Sam broke early in the second set to great if I can be there this Stosur in June 2013 to crack the player. I feel like when I play my fourth in the rankings despite a won.It was tough to fight in the signal it would be her day. summer,” said Lisicki. top 10. best, I’m good enough to match disappointing final, badly second.” “It’s been an amazing fort- She will return to WTA tour “It feels like it’s a long time it with the very best in the struggled with her serve and The 27-year-old Czech , who night of tennis and it’s pretty cool action this week, having been ago now since I took the break world.” movement, off the pace mentally beat Barty 6-4, 6-4 in the round to have played a good match on granted a wild card for the and since I came back,” said Barty hit 15 aces and 41 and physically after reaching the of 16 at last year’s US Open, came such a big stage. Charleston Open. Barty, who also reached the winners compared to 22 from an quarter-finals or better in her into the final with 31 aces, most “It was always going to be a “There are plenty of good doubles semi-finals at the Hard out-of-sorts Pliskova. five prior tournaments this year. in the women’s draw, but she match of small opportunities so players who are older than 30 Rock Stadium with Victoria “I had to keep it physical, “She played well and I was won only 65% of points on her getting the first set was massive. and are celebrating the biggest Azarenka. make as many balls as possible super tired,” said the Czech. first serve compared to 86% from “There were zero expecta- successes of their careers,” she “It’s been a few years now, and keep my running shoes on,” “The conditions were dif- Barty. tions coming into this tour- said. but I certainly feel like I’m a very Barty said. ferent to the night matches I “She served great,” said nament, I just saw it as an oppor- Lisicki claimed that she had different person. I feel like I’m a Barty’s victory means that for played. For sure I could play Pliskova who defeated Simona tunity to get better every day but now returned to full fitness and more complete player, I’m a the first time ever there have better but she went for it in the Halep in the semi-finals and I have grabbed my chance with had never thought about calling better player. been 14 different winners in 14 tie-break. denied the Romanian the chance both hands. time on her career. “I was an average cricketer WTA events so far this season. “The first set was key for the to reclaim the world number one “I am proud of myself,” she “Giving up is not an option and I’m becoming a better tennis Pliskova, who will rise to match and one I should have ranking. said. for me,” she said.

In-bee seizes Bjerregaard stuns Woods at Match Play

LPGA Kia REUTERS and it did the same thing. Just WGC-MATCH PLAY RESULTS AUSTIN one of those weird spots.” Bjer- Classic lead regaard’s birdie at the first gave Quarter-finals Dane Lucas Bjerregaard pulled him the early lead but three Kevin Kisner (USA x48) bt Louis AFP off a stunning victory over idol consecutive birdies from the Oosthuizen (RSA x19) 2&1 LOS ANGELES Tiger Woods in the quarter- third put Woods 2 up. Francesco Molinari (ITA x7) by Kevin Na finals of the WGC-Dell Tech- “Tiger had a great stretch (USA x57) 6&5 South Korean Park In-bee drained nologies Match Play in Texas on the front nine where he Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN x50) bt Tiger a long birdie putt at the 18th hole on Saturday. stiffed a few and made a couple Woods (USA x13) 1-up

on Saturday to grab a one-shot Woods had beaten Rory of good putts,” the Dane said. Matt Kuchar (USA x23) bt Sergio Garcia

lead over ’s Nasa Hataoka in McIlroy 2&1 in their first match “So it looked a bit uphill (ESP x26) 2-up the LPGA Kia Classic. play meeting in the last 16 but there but I made some great Park, a seven-time major Bjerregaard completed a 1-up putts coming in.” champion seeking to end a year- victory over the former world Italy’s Francesco Molinari world number ones, building a long title drought, carded her number one when the will meet American Kevin three-hole advantage over second straight five-under par 67 American missed a short putt Lucas Bjerregaard (left) and Tiger Woods on the 16th Kisner in the other semi-final McIlroy by the 10th hole. at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, on the 18th hole. green during their quarter-final round on Saturday. at Austin Country Club. McIlroy rallied, however, California. “Just to get the chance to Molinari, the highest cutting the lead to 1-up before Her 14-under par total of 202 play against him today is pretty the semi-final. Bjerregaard, 27, 17-foot birdie putt at the last remaining seed at seventh, beat the Northern Irishman lost the put her one in front of Hataoka, special,” Bjerregaard told PGA eagled the 16th from 29 feet to only to have Woods lip out for American Kevin Na 6&5 and 16th hole and Woods closed out who had eight birdies without a Tour Radio. draw level with Woods and par from four feet to decide the Kisner saw off South African the match at the 17th. bogey in her 64 for 203. “I’m pretty proud to say I after both made birdies on the match. Woods admitted he Louis Oosthuizen 2&1. Na had “I played pretty consistent Park, seeking a 20th LPGA title beat Tiger Woods. Not many 17th, the Dane won the match misread the putt. knocked out second seed Justin the entire day,” said Woods. in this last event before the first people can say that.” at the last to complete a “We read it inside left, left Rose in the morning. “I felt like I didn’t give him major of the year, the ANA Inspi- The 50th seed will play stunning day after he beat centre, and the putt went left,” Woods, the 13th seed, never any holes and Rory didn’t make ration, said the key to her round American Matt Kuchar, who Swede Henrik Stenson 3&2. he said. trailed in the showcase opening any putts today. I think he was “a combination of consistency defeated Sergio Garcia 2 up, in Bjerregaard missed a “I went back and hit it again match between the two former made two birdies today.” and the putting.” “I holed some good putts, especially on the back nine,” she said. “Just the feel on the greens is really good this week and I really Gallacher wins Indian Open want to keep that going.” Hataoka, 20, is trying to add REUTERS The 44-year-old overcame of seven birdies more than compen- to the two titles she won last NEW DELHI a terrible quadruple-bogey sated for the dropped shots on a day season. eight on the seventh hole when low scoring was difficult. ’s Hur Mi-jung ’s Stephen Gallacher sunk to finish one-under-par Playing just his second event of made the most of them, firing a three birdies in his final four holes to 71 on a windy day at the the season after undergoing surgery tournament record 62 that complete a remarkable one-stroke DLF Golf and Country Club on an abdominal hernia, Suri had included seven of her 10 birdies victory at the Indian Open yesterday shown good form at the DLF Golf and on the back nine. for his fourth European Tour title. for a tournament total of Country Club, which is known for its “I got goosebumps,” she said. The 44-year-old overcame a ter- nine-under 279. tough layout. “So excited playing the back rible quadruple-bogey eight on the The 27-year-old, who is of Indian nine. (I) had great shots and great seventh hole to finish one-under-par descent, led by three strokes after 12 putts and made seven birdies in a 71 on a windy day at the DLF Golf and United States finishing tied for the holes on Sunday but his hard work row.” Country Club for a tournament total fourth place alongside South African was undone due to a quadruple- Her sparkling effort left her of nine-under 279. Christiaan Bezuidenhout at bogey on the par-four 14th. tied with world number one Park Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura six-under. England’s Callum Shinkwin, who Sung-Hyun (71) on 205 -- a stroke needed to hole his approach shot to The win ended a five-year wait had a two-stroke advantage behind ’s Thidapa the 18th green to force a playoff but for a European Tour title for the 2014 alongside Suri at the start of the final Suwannapura. ended up short and finished a stroke Ryder Cup player, who had shared round, carded 78 to finish tied for Thidapa, tied for the overnight behind on eight-under after a final the lead after the opening round, and sixth. lead with Park Sung-hyun, carded round 73. has his son Jack caddying for him this Finn Kalle Samooja scored the Stephen Gallacher of a 70 while the South Korean Spaniard Jorge Campillo was a season. third hole-in-one in the tournament Scotland poses with his posted a 71. shot further back in third with over- Gallacher also had bogeys on the when he aced the 12th with a pitching trophy. night joint leader Julian Suri of the third and the tricky 14th but a total wedge. 08 SPORT MONDAY 1 APRIL 2019

Lopez holds off Rockets down Kings; Thunder Yates brothers to win Tour of Catalonia and Spurs qualify for play-offs AFP BARCELONA AFP just try to win every game.” LOS ANGELES With Sacramento’s elimi- Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez nation all eight Western Con- of the Astana team withstood a James Harden’s 50-point triple- Obviously, this is the ference playoff teams were con- late attack by Briton Adam double powered the Houston NBA and teams are firmed, with the San Antonio Yates aided by his brother Rockets to a 119-108 victory over Spurs and Oklahoma City Simon to claim victory in the the Sacramento Kings on going to make shots. Thunder -- both idle Saturday -- Tour of Catalonia yesterday. Saturday that sent San Antonio when it’s time to get the last two to clinch. Lopez seized control of the and Oklahoma City into the NBA stops, we do a really In the East, the battle rages Tour on Thursday’s summit- play-offs. good job of that. for the last three play-off finish and the 25-year-old adds Harden, the reigning NBA berths. this to the Tour of Colombia he Most Valuable Player, scored 50 That’s something we The sixth-placed Pistons won in impressive fashion in points, pulled down 11 rebounds can hang our hat on: helped their cause by ending February. and handed out 10 assists as the James Harden Portland’s six-game winning “I’m tired but very happy,” playoff-bound Rockets fended streak. Reggie Jackson scored 28 the climb specialist said under off a Kings squad that was offi- points and Andre Drummond a photo of himself on Instagram cially eliminated from post- saw the Rockets take a 98-95 added 22 with 19 rebounds as the smiling broadly on his team bus. season contention with the lead, and it was nip-and-tuck Pistons overcame the absence of The day’s racing was defeat. until Harden scored all 10 points Blake Griffin, who was a late marred by a heavy crash of Harden had his 42nd career in a 10-2 Rockets run that gave scratch with a sore left knee. around 20 riders. The great triple-double -- reaching double them a 111-102 lead with 3:13 The Pistons remained half a French hope Romain Bardet digits in three key statistical cat- remaining. game ahead of the seventh appeared to break a collarbone, egories -- and his NBA record From there the Kings placed Brooklyn Nets, who beat Simon Geschke and Gari Bravo fifth with 50 or more points. wouldn’t get the deficit below the playoff-bound Boston Celtics were all taken to hospital for “I just tried to be aggressive, seven points, as the Rockets 110-96. treatment, while Marc Soler whether it was making assists or turned the defensive screws -- D’Angelo Russell scored 20 also pulled out. into the basket,” said James. limiting Sacramento to 15 points of his 29 points in the third Lopez went into the seventh Houston Rockets It was his third 50-point in the final frame. quarter as the Nets broke open and final stage with a slender guard James Harden game in the last six and his seven James said the defensive a close game and ended a two- 14sec overnight lead over three-pointers saw him become effort was crucial -- and some- (13) dribbles against game skid. Mitchelton-Scott rider Yates, the ninth player in league history thing the Rockets must cultivate the Sacramento Kings The Miami Heat kept their who along with his brother the to reach 2,000 career for a deep play-off run. in the first quarter tenuous hold on the eighth and Vuelta a Espana winner Simon three-pointers. “Obviously, this is the NBA of their NBA game final Eastern berth with a 100-92 launched a late but eventually The Rockets needed every bit and teams are going to make at Toyota Center on victory over the Knicks in New doomed attack that gave the of that output to put away a shots,” he said. Saturday. York. Dion Waiters led Miami Briton a brief glimmer of hope. Kings team fighting for their “But when it’s time to get with a season-high 28 points, Eventually a reduced group playoff lives. stops, we do a really good job of while Goran Dragic added 10 of around 10 contenders all fin- Harden, who scored 31 points that. That’s something we can improved to 49-28 and edged win,” Rockets guard Eric Gordon points and 10 assists. ished about 55sec behind the in the first half, got 12 in the final hang our hat on.” into third place in the Western said. “We understand, obviously, solo winner Bora-Hansgrohe six minutes as the Rockets came Point guard Chris Paul added Conference when the Portland “You know we’re trying to every game it means something rider Davide Formolo of Italy. back from a 93-91 deficit 22 points and Clint Capela Trail Blazers lost 99-90 to the win the rest of these games for in the standings of the playoff Yates’ runner-up spot heading into the fourth quarter. chipped in 24 points with 15 Detroit Pistons to fall to 48-27. the rest of the year. Just try to push,” Heat veteran Dwyane follows fast on the heels of his A 7-2 spurt from Houston rebounds for the Rockets, who “This was a much-needed build championship habits and Wade said before the game. gut-wrenching second place, by a single second to Primo Roglic, at the Tirreno Adriatico two weeks ago. After Chris Froome fell Islanders edge Sabres, early in the Tour Sky nominated the 22-year-old Colombian Egan Bernal as leader and the all rounder came third overall. clinch play-off spot Top Colombia climber Nairo Quintana of Movistar fin- REUTERS the Coliseum. Should New York Montreal Canadiens, but holds ished fourth, Canadian all NEW YORK advance, it will head back to the second wild-card spot with rounder Michael Woods fin- Barclays Center for home games the tiebreaker. ished sixth whilst defending Anthony Beauvillier scored twice in subsequent rounds. Nashville’s two-game champion Alejandro Valverde on Saturday night for the New Hurricanes 5, Flyers 2 winning streak was snapped on ended 10th. York Islanders, who capped one Carolina scored twice on power a night the Predators (44-29-6, The stage, a hilly 143km ride of the most remarkable stories plays in a victory in Raleigh, N.C., 94 points) failed to take that started and ended in Bar- of the NHL regular season by which eliminated Philadelphia advantage of an opportunity to celona, culminating in seven clinching a play-off berth with from playoff contention. claim the top spot in the Central laps of the coastal city and its a 5-1 win over the visiting Teuvo Teravainen, Dougie Division. steep climb to Montjuic. Atletico Madrid’s Thomas celebrates scoring their fourth goal Buffalo Sabres. Hamilton, Justin Faulk, Jaccob Canadiens 3, Jets 1 with team-mates against Deportivo Alaves in the Estadio Jordan Eberle, Michael Dal Slavin and Brock McGinn scored Joel Armia, Jeff Petry and Colle and Ryan Pulock also for the Hurricanes, who Jordan Weal all scored as visiting Mendizorroza, Vitoria-Gasteiz, on Saturday. Gvozdyk scored for the Islanders (46- strengthened their hold on the Montreal held on to claim a win 26-7), who will return to the top Eastern Conference wild- over Winnipeg that was crucial play-offs for the first time since card spot. to their playoff hopes. retains WBC 2016 thanks to a raucous victory The Hurricanes scored two Montreal goalie Carey Price Atletico crush in a building they thought they’d goals in a 21-second span in the stopped 23 shots in a victory that belt as left in the spring of 2015. first period to wipe out a one- keeps his team in the thick of the The Islanders moved from goal deficit and later added two playoff race, along with fellow Ngumbu hurt Nassau Coliseum to Brooklyn’s empty-net goals. wild-card candidates Carolina Alaves to retain Barclays Center following the Blue Jackets 5, Predators 2 and Columbus. AFP 2014-15 season but began Cam Atkinson scored twice to Montreal (42-29-8, 92 WASHINGTON splitting their home schedule tie the franchise record for goals points) is on a 5-1-1 roll, though faint title hopes between the two arenas this in a season, and Artemi Panarin the Canadiens have one fewer Unbeaten Oleksandr Gvozdyk season as they wait for con- collected four assists to set a game remaining than the Hur- retained his World Boxing REUTERS struction to begin on a proposed team record for points in a cam- ricanes and Blue Jackets. BARCELONA games, we have to try and keep Council light heavyweight title hockey-only building at the paign as visiting Columbus beat Senators 4, Maple Leafs 2 the league title dream alive. All on Saturday with a fifth-round Nassau/Queens border. Nashville to remain in a playoff Anthony Duclair scored twice, we can do is keep fighting to technical knockout of Doudou The Islanders are 12-6-2 at spot. including an empty-netter, as Atletico Madrid thrashed try and win the league, we Ngumbu, who was halted by a the Coliseum and will close out Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 23 Ottawa defeated visiting Alaves 4-0 on Saturday to keep have to do that for the fans.” right leg injury. their home schedule there today. shots for the Blue Jackets (44- Toronto, which missed a chance alive their faint hopes of After Champions League elim- Ukraine’s Gvozdyk, making They will be hosting the Toronto 30-4, 92 points), who have won to clinch a playoff berth. winning the La Liga title as ination by Juventus and defeat his first defense of a title he Maple Leafs and former four straight and are one point Craig Anderson made 42 they stayed 10 points behind by Athletic Bilbao last won with a devastating teammate John Tavares in the back of the Hurricanes for the saves for the last-place Senators, leaders Barcelona in second weekend, Atletico were back knockout of Adonis Stevenson home finale. All first-round first wild-card spot. who improved to 6-7-1 under place in the standings. to their ruthless best. in December, improved to 17-0 home games will be played at Columbus is tied with the interim coach Marc Crawford. Diego Simeone’s side dom- Saul drilled home the with 14 knockouts. inated at Mendizorroza and tri- opener at the near post in the Although Gvozdyk had umphed with goals from Saul fifth minute after Antoine some trouble with Ngumbu’s Niguez, Diego Costa, Alvaro Griezmann found him on the awkward style, he connected Morata and Thomas Partey. left of the box. with a hard right in the first Costa’s strike was the pick Costa soon added the round and a left hook in the of the bunch, a curling effort second with an unstoppable fourth. in off the far post from outside effort, giving Atletico a com- The champion was leading the area, until Thomas struck fortable lead. The former on the cards when the pro- a sublime shot into the top Chelsea forward was taken off ceedings at the 2300 Arena in corner from distance. with an injury but Morata, on South Philadelphia came to an Hosts Alaves, fifth in the loan from the same London anti-climactic ending as Con- table, spurned the chance to club, extended Atletico’s lead golese-born French fighter climb into the Champions in the 59th minute after being Ngumbu suddenly pulled back League qualifying positions by sent through on goal by sub- in the fifth round and limped overtaking fourth-placed stitute Thomas Lemar. into a corner. Getafe, who earlier lost 2-0 to The French winger The bout was paused for a Leganes. impressed and set up a chance few minutes before referee Eric “Today we were excellent, for compatriot Griezmann, Dali finally called a halt at 58 tactically from the start we who lobbed Fernando Pacheco seconds of the fifth round. were superb, we were on our but saw the ball strike the post. A distraught Ngumbu, his game,” Saul said. “We have to The goalkeeper could do first world title challenge in fight, that’s all there is to it. nothing about Thomas’s ruins, wept in his corner after The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a third period goal by forward Sam Gagner (89) against the Anaheim “We have to keep winning missile. falling to 38-9 with 14 Ducks at Rogers Place during the NHL game on Saturday. knockouts. MONDAY 1 APRIL 2019 SPORT 09 Al Khelaifi wins third straight QTCC title

THE PENINSULA Top three drivers of the Qatar Touring Car Championship, Abdulla Al Khelaifi, Ghanim Al Maadheed and Mohamad Al Khaiat pose for a photograph with Qatar Motor DOHA and Motorcycle Federation President Abdulrahman Al Mannai, Vice President and General Manager of Losail Circuit Sports Club, Khalid Al Remaihi and other officials at the Losail International Circuit, on Saturday. Qatar’s Abdulla Al Khelaifi clinched his third straight Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTCC) title in style winning again both races in the final round of the series at the Losail International Circuit on Saturday. Al Khelaifi had already secured the title in the penultimate round, so with no pressure, his goal was to win both races to have a perfect score and he finished the season with 160 points in the final standings. However, the fight was on for the second position, with Mohamad Al Khaiat, Ghanim Al Maadheed, Hamad Al Sulaiti and Hamad Al participate throughout all the Asam for the runner-up in the season to get better results and try QatarQatar TouringTouring CarCar championship going into the final to be more reliable with the cars as ChampionshipChampionship winwinnerner round. this is the key for winning In the first race, Al Khelaifi took championships’ AbdullaAbdulla Al KhelaifiKhelaifi the lead from the beginning and For the runner up of this ccelebrateselebrates afterafter th thee crossed the checkered flag followed season, Al Maadheed, this was his final roundround ofof thtthee by Al Maadheed and Al Asam. first season and was very happy seriesseries oonn SaSaturday.aturdtu ay. “It was a really good round for with his result. me. I had some small issues but I “This is my first season in the managed to solve them really championship. It was a great and I quickly, and I won the first race with had a good competition with all the that technical issue,” Al Khelaifi said driver. I hope it will be better next after the first race. year for me, we can be more pre- With the reverse grid in the pared for the next season but overall AllKl KKhelaifihelahlhelael ififi t takingakinakakikkikingthg thttheheeleel leadlel adaddd dduringurinuririnng Saturday’sSaS turdurdurday’say’y’sy’y’’ss RRacRaRaceacacee2.e2 2.2 second race, Hamad Al Asam took this season was fantastic. I want to the lead during the first four laps thank Mansour Al Hajri for his but in the middle of the race, Al support during all the season, he championshipchampionshipp and thithiss is amaamazingmazinngng Khelaifi took again the first position was with me all the time, giving me as I waswas backback to sixthsixth beforebeforfororre thisthhisis and another victory in the champi- advice and working with the car and lastlast round,”round,” AAll Asamm said.sais d.d onship. Al Asam finished second and without him, I wouldn’t be here TrophiesTrophies werewereep presentedpreseesenntedtet by,y Al Maadheed third in the podium of today,” he said. QatarQatar Motor andand MotorcycleMotootoorcycrccycycy lele Fed-Fedd- the second race. For Al Khaiat it was also the first erationeration PresidentPresiddent AbdulrahmanAbdulrdulullrrahmahmam nnAnAl All “Second race was smooth, I time to take part in the champi- MannaiMannai aandnd ViceVice PresPresidente idenididendenntant anandnd tried not to push in the beginning onship and finished third overall. GeneralGeneral ManagerManaManagegereerr offfL LLosailosoosaosaisasaisaaiillCilC CCiCircuitircurcuircuicuuiit to stay out of trouble and leave the “Out of 10 races we missed 3, SportsSports CClub,lub, KhalidKhK alidlidi AlAlRl RRemaihi.emmaimam hi.i guys having their fight for the once disqualified and 2 mechanical second place. Once the fight in front issues. Even so facing these issues was almost over and it was safe for we won 3rd place overall in the me to pass them I overtook them 2018-2019 QTCC Season. It was a one by one until I managed the lead great experience. Be ready for the until the end of the race,” Al Khelaifi next season, the game has just said. started,” Al Khaiat said at the end With the two podiums Al of the competition. Maadeed, secured the second place The fourth place in the standings in the standings with 89 points and was for Al Asam, who ended with the third place was won by Al Khaiat 68 points with 77 points. “I was not very lucky this A smiling Al Khelaifi said ‘This season but I am really happy to season was a very competitive and finish the last round with two winning all the races doesn’t mean podiums. I had a lot of problems that it was easy for me. I had a really with the car, it is a new project, I good fight with many drivers but risked a lot and hopefully now the the issue with them was the lack of car is perfect for the next season. I consistency so I encourage them to finished fourth in the

Dane in action IAAF, Athletics Kenya reach during the men’s singles final of the Yonex-Sunrise Open 2019 agreement on in New Delhi. Axelsen outplayed IAAF Athletes compete in the men’s 5,000m event during the IAAF Athletics Diamond League meeting home favourite MONACO at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, Switzerland in this file photo. Kidambi Srikanth in the final IAAF President Sebastian Coe and yesterday. CEO Jon Ridgeon have reassured Athletics Kenya that changes to the IAAF Diamond League format next year will not disadvantage African athletes. Coe, Ridgeon and Athletics Kenya president Lt. General (rtd) Jackson Tuwei met during the Dane Axelsen overcomes World Cross Country Champion- ships in Aarhus in order to avoid Srikanth in final any misunderstanding between the two organisations over the new Diamond League format AFP a bang after taking the first approved by the IAAF Council in NEW DELHI game. Doha earlier this month. But Srikanth, who played his Athletics Kenya was particu- Danish giant Viktor Axelsen first final of a BWF world tour larly concerned by the exclusion outplayed home favourite event in 17 months, came back of any event longer than 3000m Kidambi Srikanth in straight in the second game to match the from the Diamond League pro- games to clinch the India Open Dane with some good returns as gramme next year and the title yesterday. he led 20-18. reduction in the number of Ridgeon explained that the As a consequence, distance redesign the global calendar.” Axelsen pulled off his shirt Axelsen saved the two game meetings from 14 to 13. IAAF’s market research showed runners will have the option of This he affirmed will increase in jubilant celebration as he beat points and went on to win his Tuwei sought, and received, that producing a series that con- running up to seven 3000m races opportunities for the athletes to Srikanth 21-7, 22-20 in 36 second India Open title after his assurance that Kenyan and other sistently featured the best athletes (including the Diamond League compete. minutes at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi 2017 triumph. East African athletes, who feature competing against each other was Final), plus additional 5000m Ridgeon also emphasised the Indoor Stadium. Srikanth, a former world prominently in 5000m races, a key factor in improving the races, across the season. IAAF’s intention to review the In the women’s singles, number one and 2015 champion, would not lose competition appeal of the Diamond League “We believe that ultimately new format at the end of the 2020 Thailand’s said, “I haven’t played anything opportunities due to this process. for broadcasters and fans. these changes will be beneficial season and make any adjust- served past He Bingjiao of differently and so I lost. I should He also sought to understand At the same time the 5000m not only to Kenyan and East ments to the programme that 21-15, 21-14 to claim her third have tried something the reasons why the new format runners, coaches and agents con- African distance runners, but to were required. Indian title of the BWF World different.” was being introduced. sulted during the process indi- our leading athletes around the Tuwei responded: “I am sat- Tour Super 500 tournament. Earlier the fourth-seeded Coe confirmed that the cated that they were unlikely to globe, because it will result in a isfied that our athletes will But it was the men’s singles Intanon registered her first win absence of the 5000m from the run six races over that distance stronger, higher-profile, com- receive sufficient opportunities that drew maximum interest against He, ranked seventh in official Diamond League pro- during the Diamond League mercially-successful annual to compete internationally in with Srikanth being the lone the world, in five women’s gramme would not preclude indi- series (last year no leading athlete showcase series for our sport,” 2020 and I am reassured by the Indian hope in the $350,000 singles meetings. vidual Diamond League meetings ran more than two 5000m races Coe said. IAAF’s undertaking that the event after women’s star PV The Thai player bounced from running the event outside of during the regular Diamond “And it’s important to impact of these decisions will be Sindhu lost in the semi-finals. back after losing the first game the 90-minute international League season). The 3000m dis- remember that the IAAF will be considered again at the end of Axelsen, who was top seed to upstage He who had taken broadcast window and that several tance was selected because it was creating other continental com- each season and Member Feder- by default after the last-minute down last-year’s champion meetings had already shown more likely to attract the best dis- petition opportunities outside ations consulted about any pullout of defending champion Zhang Beiwen in the interest in hosting the 5000m. tance talent more regularly. the Diamond League as we changes that might be needed.” Shi Yuqi of China, started with quarter-finals. 10 SPORT MONDAY 1 APRIL 2019 Hamilton wins after Leclerc heartbreak AFP “It happens,” said a calm BAHRAIN GP retired his Haas, the order settled SAKHIR Leclerc afterwards. with Leclerc in control ahead of “It’s part of motor sport. It’s a Hamilton takes his first Hamilton, struggling with his rear Defending world champion Lewis very hard one to take, but I am sure win of season in Bahrain. tyres, Vettel and Bottas. Hamilton took advantage of Ferrari we will come back stronger.” Hamilton, on softs, struggled new boy Charles Leclerc’s Four-time champion to stay in touch with the Ferraris, wretched misfortune yesterday Sebastian Vettel finished fifth in the Leclerc third for Ferrari both on medium compound tyres. when he claimed a dramatic second Ferrari, after a late spin had after leading the race. By lap 27, Leclerc led Vettel by 8.3 victory for Mercedes in the Bahrain damaged his front wing during a seconds and Hamilton was a Grand Prix. duel with Hamilton, ahead of further three seconds adrift, The five-time champion, who British rookie Lando Norris who Loss of engine power knowing he had to hang on. looked to be heading for second scored his first points for McLaren denies Monegasque a He pitted again after 35 laps, behind the 21-year-old Mon- in sixth. first win of his career. re-joining fourth on medium. egasque, gained the lead with 10 Kimi Raikkonen, 39, was Vettel pitted a lap later and, on laps remaining when Formula seventh for Alfa Romeo ahead of Ferrari’s Vettel finished resumption, was soon locked in One’s new star, who claimed a Pierre Gasly of Red Bull, Thailand fifth in the race. battle with Hamilton. record-breaking pole position for rookie Alex Albon of Toro Rosso, The Briton’s first attempt to Ferrari on Saturday, was hit by who also had his first points finish, pass was resisted, but a on lap 38 engine problems. and Mexican Sergio Perez of Vettel into Turn One to regain the he swept round the outside of Turn As he slowed, Hamilton hunted Racing Line. initiative, resisting a counter- Four to pass. Vettel, his front wing him down to claim his first win of It was Leclerc’s first podium attack in a thrilling duel that damaged, spun, recovered and the season, his third at the Bahrain finish in F1 and he also scored a proved new team boss Mattia limped back to the pits. International Circuit and the 74th point for fastest lap. Binotto was as good as his word -- By then, Leclerc had pitted of his career ahead of Mercedes His finish made him the first the Ferraris raced wheel to wheel. again and led Hamilton by 10 team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who Monegasque driver to take a A lap later Leclerc and Ham- seconds with Bottas third and Ver- won the season-opening Aus- podium since Louis Chiron in the ilton also came in, the English- stappen fourth, ahead of tralian Grand Prix. 1950 Monaco Grand Prix. man’s move acting as an “under- Hulkenberg. Vettel soon re-joined Leclerc came home third as As the lights went out, it was cut” to Vettel, who stayed out on and passed his compatriot’s the race finished behind a Safety Vettel who gained most traction to older tyres. It was costly for the Renault for fifth. Car, following the spectacular late launch his car into the lead as they German as Hamilton breezed by With 11 laps remaining, it exit of both Renaults at Turn Two, raced to Turn One, Bottas following before he re-joined following after appeared that Leclerc was heading Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the ahead of Max Verstappen of Red the German to secure second. lap 14. to his maiden victory before his car podium after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix, yesterday. Bull. On lap six, Leclerc swept past Finally, as Romain Grosjean lost power. IPL: Warner, Bairstow Australia complete Pakistan combine in record stand as Sunrisers thrash RCB whitewash despite Haris ton IANS BRIEF SCORES HYDERABAD AFP Australian cricketers celebrate the DUBAI Sunrisers Hyderabad: 231 dismissal of Pakistan’s Umar Akmal Jonny Bairstow and David Warner for 2 in 20 overs (J Bairstow during the fifth ODI in Dubai. struck whirlwind centuries as World champions Australia 114, D Warner 100 not out; Y Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) completed a 5-0 whitewash Chahal 1/44); Royal Challengers cantered to a 118-run victory over over Pakistan with a clinical Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Bangalore 113 (Colin de 20-run win in the fifth and final in an Indian Premier League (IPL) Grandhomme 37; Mohammed one-day international despite clash yesterday. Nabi 4/11; Sandeep Sharma 3/19) a brilliant hundred from Haris RCB skipper Virat Kohli’s Sohail in Dubai yesterday. decision to field first backfired as Chennai Super Kings 175/5 Sohail scored a 129-ball 130 Sunrisers -- sans regular captain (MS Dhoni: 75*, Suresh Raina: for his second one-day inter- Kane Williamson -- were on fifth 36, Jofra Archer: 2-17) beat national hundred but failed to gear from ball one thanks to Rajasthan Royals 167/8 (Ben take Pakistan past Australia’s Bairstow (114; 56b; 12x4; 7x6) and Stokes: 46, Rahul Tripathi: 39, imposing 327-7, finishing at Warner (100 off 55 balls not out; Deepak Chahar: 2-19) by 8 runs. 307-7 in 50 overs. 5x4; 5x6) as the duo recorded the Australia’s total was built highest IPL-opening wicket part- Colin de Grandhomme was around Usman Khawaja’s 98 nership of 185 runs. their top-scorer with a 32-ball 37. and a fiery 33-ball 70 by Glenn Previously, Kolkata Knight In yesterday’s second match, Maxwell coupled with Shaun Riders’ Gautam Gambhir and Chris Chennai Super Kings registered Marsh’s 61 and skipper Aaron Lynn held the record with a their third consecutive victory as Finch’s 53 in a dominating 184-run partnership against they beat Rajasthan Royals by 8 batting show. Gujarat Lions in the 2017 edition runs. The series win gives Aus- of the tournament. Chasing a total of 176, tralia an eighth straight Masood (50 off 54 balls) and overs. He was finally bowled matches in Sharjah by identical In reply to the SRH’s 231, the Rajasthan had a substandard one-day victory following another 102 with Umar Akmal by paceman Junaid Khan who margins of eight wickets before RCB gave a poor account of them- beginning as they gave away three their 3-2 series win in India (44-ball 43) before Australia hit finished with three wickets for winning the third in Abu Dhabi selves, being bowled out for 113 in wickets swiftly on just 14 runs. after losing the first two back with two wickets in the 63. by 80 runs and fourth in Dubai 19.5 overs, with the likes of Kohli Captain MS Dhoni played key matches. space of one run. Australia won the first two by six runs. (3) and AB De Villiers (1) failing to role in the victory with an unbeaten It gives them a sixth suc- Umar holed out to off- make a mark. knock of 75 runs. cessive series win over Pakistan spinner Nathan Lyon and a run SCOREBOARD since losing in 2002 (in Aus- later Sohail’s innings was ended Australia Pakistan tralia) and fourth whitewash by Kane Richardson. Usman Khawaja c Yasir b Shinwari ...... 98 Shan Masood lbw b Zampa ...... 50 over their opponents -- 1998 Stand-in skipper, depu- A. Finch b Shinwari ...... 53 Abid Ali c Carey b Behrendorff ...... 0 (3-0 in Pakistan), 2010 (5-0 in tising for injured Shoaib Malik S. Marsh c Ali b Junaid ...... 61 Haris Sohail c Lyon b Richardson ...... 130 Sunrisers Australia) and in 2014 (3-0 in (captain for the series), hit a G. Maxwell b Junaid ...... 70 Mohammad Rizwan c Lyon b Maxwell ...... 12 M. Stoinis b Shinwari ...... 4 Umar Akmal c Behrendorff b Lyon ...... 43 Hyderabad’s United Arab Emirates). 340-ball 50 not out with six Jonny Bairstow P. Handscomb lbw b Shinwari ...... 8 Saad Ali c Marsh b Behrendorff ...... 4 Australia’s resurgence -- boundaries and a six but it A. Carey lbw b Junaid ...... 0 Imad Wasim not out ...... 50 (left) and his after winning just three of their proved futile. J. Behrendorff not out ...... 6 Yasir Shah c Finch b Behrendorff ...... 11 team-mate 18 matches between January Pakistan had lost Abid Ali K. Richardson not out ...... 5 Usman Shinwari not out ...... 0 David Warner 2018 to the first two matches -- who made a debut hundred Extras: (b 1, lb 6, w 15) ...... 22 Extras: (w 7) ...... 7 run between the in India earlier this month -- in the last game -- for nought Total: (for seven wkts; 50 overs) ...... 327 Total: (for seven wkts; 50 overs) ...... 307 wickets during could not have been more per- in the first over. Did not bat: N. Lyon, A. Zampa Did not bat: Junaid Khan, Mohammad Abbas the IPL match fectly timed as they defend Earlier, Khawaja and Fall of wickets: 1-134 (Finch), 2-214 (Khawa- Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Ali), 2-109 (Masood), against Royal their World Cup title in England Maxwell made merry against ja), 3-274 (Marsh), 4-299 (Stoinis), 5-309 3-136 (Rizwan), 4-238 (Umar), 5-239 (Sohail), Challengers (Maxwell), 6-314 (Carey), 7-318 (Handscomb) 6-255 (Saad), 7-303 (Yasir Shah, 48.6 ov) in two months. Pakistan’s bowling attack in the Bowling: Abbas 10-0-71-0 (4w), Junaid 9-0- Bowling: Behrendorff 8-0-63-3 (1w), Richard- Bangalore, Sohail, who hit 11 bound- last ODI. 73-3(7w), Wasim 10-1-51-0 (1w), Shinwari 10- son 10-0-61-1 (2w), Lyon 10-0-50-1, Maxwell yesterday. aries and three sixes, had set It was Maxwell’s ten fours 0-49-4 (1w), Yasir 10-0-63-0 (2w), Sohail 1-0- 10-0-45-1, Zampa 9-0-68-1 (4w), Stoinis 3-0- up the chase during a second and three sixes that helped Aus- 13-0 20-0 wicket stand of 108 with Shan tralia to 107 runs in the last ten Australian bowlers deny report of Warner riftift

REUTERS Local media, however, importantly because it is false. Aaron Finch, but the board are selected for the Mayay MELBOURNE reported on Thursday that the “As a team we are all keen on ushering Warner and 30-July 14 World Cup inin bowlers had considered boy- focused on moving forward Smith - their bans ended on England and Wales andnd Australia’s four front-line cotting the match if Warner, together and helping the Aus- Thursday - back into the side as the Ashes series thatat bowlers, Mitchell Starc, Josh who was identified as the insti- tralian men’s team prepare for quickly as possible. follows. Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and gator of the plot for Cameron the World Cup and the Ashes.” CA have attempted to Both Warner andd Nathan Lyon, have denied a Bancroft to scuff up the ball with The statement is the latest smooth the pair’s return to the Smith are currentlyy media report they were sandpaper, was selected. episode in the long-running national side and published a playing in the Indiann prepared to boycott last year’s “We are extremely disap- scandal, which forced Cricket curated video on their website Premier Leaguee fourth test against South Africa pointed in an article (that) Australia into a major overhaul earlier this month in which they Twenty20 competition,n, if David Warner (pictured) was claims we intended to withdraw of its organisational culture and reunited with the team in the while Finch’s side finishh picked for the match. from the fourth test during last administration after a damning United Arab Emirates ahead of their five-match one-dayy Vice captain Warner was year’s tour of South Africa had review labelled it as ‘arrogant’ the one-day series against series against Pakistan inn suspended for the match in the David Warner been free to which had produced a ‘win-at- Pakistan. the UAE. immediate aftermath of a ball- play,” the four bowlers said in a all-costs’ mentality in the team. While pundits have ques- They already hold a tampering scandal in the third Cricket Australia statement That hyper-aggressive tioned whether the playing 4-0 advantage and havee test in Cape Town, which yesterday. mindset has disappeared under group are accepting of their now won their last sevenn resulted in a 12-month ban for “This claim is disappointing current test captain Tim Paine return, many have said they one-day internationals inn captain Steve Smith. on a number of fronts but most and his one-day counterpart would be welcomed back if succession. MONDAY 1 APRIL 2019 SPORT 11 ES , CAB ready for clash

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

Esperance Sportive de Tunis (EST) aim to put behind the African Super Cup loss to Raja Casablanca as they take on Club Athletique Bizertin (CAB) in the Tunisian Super Cup today at the Al Duhail Stadium. EST, who lost 2-1 to their Moroccan rivals in the Friday’s clash, will be hoping to pick the winners trophy and assistant coach Majdi Traore was upbeat on the eve of the clash. Traore while praising the efforts made by Doha in hosting the match said: “The match between the two Tunisian clubs will give fans in Qatar an idea and the level of Tunisian football. We are The players of Esperance Sportive de Tunis train in Doha on the eve of their Tunisian Super Cup clash against looking forward to winning the Club Athletique Bizertin which will be held at Al Duhail Stadium today. The match kicks off at 7.00pm Tunisian Super Cup after we lost in the African Super Cup. “The loss was not easy, Esperance. Traore Athletique Bizertin said they fought matches in the past and psychologically. We have hinted that they will have to had good preparations for the today’s match will not be any asked the players to forget make some forced changes. match and are ready for the different. what happened in the last “It’s important that we challenge. “Our goal was to win and match and to work hard to get make some changes to the “We have an important we had great confrontations the desired results…..the title.” squad and we try to take these opportunity to win the title and against Esperance in the The Tunisian Super Cup is changes into consideration,” we are looking forward to Tunisian League over the years an annual fixture between the he said. bagging the title,” said and we are ready for the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle EST player Sameh Al Louhichii. challenge.” 1 champions and the winners Darbali while talking to jour- “We want to win the title He also praised Doha for of the . Since its nalists said: “We hope to show for our fans. I have great con- organising the match and said return in 1994, the one-off a good performance, which fidence in my players abilities the impressive infrastructure, clash has been organised only hopefully will translates into a and we have played several world class stadiums gives the three times in 1994, 1995 and victory and that will help us to preparatory games in the city visitors a glimpse of what is in 2001. Esperance, won the title get a new title which will add of Bizerte before we come to store in Qatar in the years to in 2001 at the expense of Club to Esperance’s coffers.” Mon- Doha.” Louhichi said his team come as it prepares to host the Montassar Louhichi, coach of Club Majdi Traore, assistant coach of Sportif de Hammam-Lif tassar Louhichi coach of Club had many close and keenly 2022 FIFA World Cup. Athletique Bizertin Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

Forrest strikes as Celtic sink Liverpool back on top as late Rangers

AFP own goal secures 2-1 victory GLASGOW James Forrest capped an AFP pounced on a slack pass by his explosive Old Firm derby by LIVERPOOL England teammate Jordan Hend- English Premier League scoring the late winner with erson to power a volley that English Premier League both teams down to 10 men to Liverpool moved back top of the dipped just over the bar with results yesterday: give Celtic a 2-1 victory over Premier League in dramatic Spurs’ best effort of the first-half. Cardiff 1 (Camarasa 46) Rangers. fashion as Toby Alderweireld’s Virgil van Dijk had a great Chelsea 2 (Azpilicueta 84, Rangers lost Alfredo last minute own goal beat chance to double the hosts’ lead Loftus-Cheek 90) Morelos, who was sent off, yet Tottenham 2-1 at Anfield at the start of the second period, Liverpool 2 (Firmino 16, again, after 31 minutes. yesterday. but the Dutch defender headed Alderweireld 90-og) Celtic’s Dedyrck Boyata Jurgen Klopp’s side move over after a well-worked short Tottenham 1 (Lucas 70) limped off after 75 minutes with two points clear of Manchester corner between Trent Alex- Played on Saturday the scores level and the home City once more at the top of the ander-Arnold and James Milner. Brighton 0 Southampton team having made all three table, but City have a game in However, Liverpool were 1 (Hojbjerg 53) Burnley 2 substitutions. hand. thankful again to Robertson at (Coady 2-og, McNeil 77) The game ended in a brawl Liverpool’s hopes of ending the other end as he made a vital Wolverhampton Wanderers as Celtic moved 13 points a 29-year wait to win the title block to prevent Christian 0 Crystal Palace 2 (Milivojevic clear. looked set to be dealt a massive Eriksen firing home the rebound 76-pen, van Aanholt 88) Neil Lennon’s side had blow as Lucas Moura’s strike 20 after Alisson Becker was forced Huddersfield 0 Fulham 0 taken a first half lead through minutes from time cancelled out into his first save of the afternoon Man City 2 (B Silva 5, Aguero Odsonne Edouard before Ryan Roberto Firmino’s early opener. by Harry Kane. 27) Leicester 2 (Morgan 11, Kent equalised for 10-man Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring their first goal However, Hugo Lloris could When these two sides met at Vardy 82) Bournemouth 0 Rangers after the interval at against Tottenham Hotspur in Anfield, Liverpool, Britain, yesterday. only palm Mohamed Salah’s Anfield last season, Salah scored Manchester United 2 Parkhead. header into the path of the unfor- one his many goal of the season (Rashford 28, Martial 72) Morelos’s dismissal for an tunate Alderweireld to condemn by Moussa Sissoko five minutes from Salah, and Georginio candidates amidst an incredible Watford 1 (Doucoure 90) off-the-ball clash with Celtic’s Tottenham to a fourth defeat in from time when Liverpool were Wijnaldum teed up Sadio Mane 44-goal campaign. The Egyptian West Ham 0 Everton 2 Scott Brown made it five red five Premier League games. wobbling. The hosts had got off to curl just wide. still has a respectable 20 this (Zouma 5, Bernard 33) cards for the volatile Rangers Spurs are now in serious to the perfect start when Firmino Tottenham boss Mauricio season, but only one of those has Playing today (1900GMT) striker, although the first of danger of crashing out of the top headed home the opener on 16 Pochettino was serving the last come in the last 11 games and he Arsenal vs Newcastle those was rescinded on appeal four as they remain level on minutes from a delightful Andy of a two-game touchline ban and passed up a great chance to give earlier this season. points with Manchester United Robertson cross. without the guiding hand of the Liverpool some badly needing Celtic grabbed a late winner and could be usurped by north That was Robertson’s 12th Argentine, they lacked inspi- breathing space when his shot struck back. Kane’s quick when a poor back-pass from London rivals Arsenal into third assist of the season from left- ration in the final third. was blocked by Alderweireld thinking and excellent long- Rangers defender James Tav- should the Gunners beat New- back and the Scotland captain However, Liverpool were with Mane better placed and range pass picked out Kieran ernier unhinged the visitors. castle on Monday. was involved again in a flowing often causing their own problems begging for a pass. Trippier, who fed Eriksen and his Celtic exploited the opportunity And the visitors will be left move moments later as he forged by gifting away possession inside That missed opportunity scuffed shot fell perfectly for as Scotland winger Forrest to regret a huge missed chance down the left and neat touches their own half and Dele Alli looked costly as Tottenham Moura to turn home. stroked the ball home. Umm Salal script fighting win over Qatar SC

THE PENINSULA Almawas calmly headed the ball into themselves very much in the fear of DOHA the net, forcing a neat deflection to the relegation. right of Qatar SC goalkeeper Jassim Adel The match really came to life in the Umm Salal yesterday relied on a first- Al-Hail who produced a full-length dive second half following a barren first half strike to beat Qatar SC 1-0 in a but could not block the header by session, where Al Kharaitiyat played Round 20 clash at Suhaim bin Hamad Almawas. second fiddle to their rivals. Stadium. In the 72nd minute, Almawas Al Khor took the field after the break Mahmoud Kamal Almawas scored charged his way into the Qatar SC box as a transformed lot. The rout started the only goal of the match in the 21st but his powerful shot from close range with the red card to Al Kharaitiyat’s Ilyas minute. It was the sixth win of the season was palmed away keeper Al-Hail. Hassani in the 50th minute for fouling for Umm Salal. Elsewhere, Al Sailiyah beat Al Sha- Wagner. After a few feisty exchanges, Umm haniya 1-0 after a fighting show at Action from Qatar Al Khor took the lead eight minutes Sala grabbed the lead after Qatar SC Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium. Stars League match later through Tiago’s free-kick when were guilty of poor marking in the 21st Tiberkanine Rachid, the Moroccan between Al Khor Brazilian midfielder Wagner Ferreira minute. football giant, scored the only goal of and Al Kharaitiyat was fouled just outside the penalty box. Hossam Kamal Elsaid, Umm Salal’s the match in the first half. It was Al Saili- at Al Khor Stadium Helal doubled it with a long-range lone U-23 player in the match, found yah’s 11th win of the season. yesterday. shot that went in after hitting the right Mahmoud Kamal Almawas with a high Al Khor registered a crucial 4-0 upright. cross from the right wing. Almawas, victory over Al Kharaitiyat in Week 20 Tiago capped off his outstanding strangely enough was unmarked despite of the QNB Stars League at the Al Khor 70th and 82nd minutes) and Helal with their fourth victory, while Al form with two more goals as Al Khor the presence of four Qatar SC players Stadium yesterday. Mohammed (61st minute) were on target Kharaitiyat stayed on 12, with two made a big leap in their bid to stay away inside the box. Brazilian striker Tiago Bezerra (58th, for Al Khor. Al Khor moved to 18 points matches remaining and putting from the danger zone. SPORT Monday 1 April 2019 PAGE | 07 PAGE | 0909 Barty downs Qatari driverver Pliskova to Al Khelaififi wins clinch Miami third straightght Open crown QTCC titlee

Chinese stars dominate at ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open Ma Long and Wang Manyu bag singles titles in Doha

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Chinese table tenniste star Ma Long yestyesterday capped his dreamdrea run with a powepowerfulr exhibition of attackingattack shots in six gamesgames to lift the Qatar Open title.title Ma Long,Lo coming off an injuryinjury lay-off,lay-o yesterday beat compatriotcompatriot , the no.2 seed, ttoo wrap up a 9-11, 8-11,8-11, 11-5, 11-5,11-5 11-9, 11-9 victory on the final day of the event at Ali Bin Hamad Al AttiyahA Arena. It was MaMa LLong’s fourth career ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open champion Ma Long (third left) and runner-up Lin Gaoyuan pose for title in QatarQatar wwhere Wang Liqin, a photograph with Khaleel Al Mohannadi (right), President of Qatar and Arab associations Ma Long (both fromfro China) Croatia’s and International Table Tennis Federation CEO Steve Dainton during the presentation ceremony. seals fourth ZoranZoran PrimorPrimoraca have won three career title in trophies in Doha.Doh Qatar with a fighting Ma Long,Long, wwinner in Doha in Gaoyuan, it was his fourth loss in Wang Manyu beat compatriot Liu In 2017, Wang Manyu won in 2013,2013, 2016 andand 2017, has now four a title clash. Shiwen 11-3, 10-12, 12-10, 11-6, Austria in addition to last year Chinese star Ma Long win against compatriot Lin Gaoyuan in the men’s final victories overove Gaoyuan. The Earlier, in December, he was 5-11, 11-5 in the final played in on home soil in China, as well as returns a shot to ChineseChinese starstar,, 3030, picked up the top the runner up at the Grand front of a big crowd. in Hungary and . his compatriot Lin prizeprize of $33,000.$33,00 Finals, on the ITTF World Tour Earlier in the day, China’s Meanwhile, for it Gaoyuan in the men’s Fourth seed Wang Manyu The ChineseChines legend now has in January he won in Hungary; 20-year-old table tennis player was her 28th ITTF World Tour final of the ITTF beats Grand Slam veteran 27 ITTF WorldWorld TourT men’s singles in February at the ITTF Challenge Wang Manyu, the no.4 seed, beat women’s singles final and the World Tour Platinum in all-Chinese final titlestitles to hihiss naname equalling the Series tournament in Portugal he Grand Slam veteran Ding Ning 15th time she ended up as the Qatar Open at the Ali to win the top prize recordrecord of VladimirVlad Samsonov of was the runner-up. 11-6, 11-1, 11-6, 11-4. It was Wang runner-up. Bin Hamad Al Attiyah in women’s singles crown Belarus.Belarus. In the women’s final, it was Manyu’s third successive win The five-day tournament Arena, yesterday. For the losing finalist another all-Chinese affair as over Ding Ning. The Chinese was staged for 24th time by the player won $33,000. Qatar Table Tennis Association From the very first game, (QTTA). Wang gave no chance to her top- Khalil Al Mohannadi, Pres- ranking counterpart with a 3-0 ident of QTTA, and First Vice- lead and finally wrapped up the President of the International game 11-6. In the second game, Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) she attacked even harder at and the Arab Table Tennis Fed- every opportunity, ending up eration, said: “The dominance of with a lop-sided 11-1. Ding Ning Chinese players is unques- tried but still failed to catch up tionable. Whether it is the men’s in the following games, and singles final or the women’s finally lost the semifinal to Wang singles final or any other title within less than 30 minutes. clash, Chinese players are always In the other semi-final yes- to the fore.” terday, Liu Shiwen beat Sun He added: “China have out- Yingsha 5-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, standing players and it almost 11-6, 11-5 to sign for the title clash feels natural for us to see them Women’s singles champion Wang eventually won by Wang Manyu. dominate world events. I take Manyu (centre) and her Chinese Success yesterday for Wang this opportunity to thank ITTF, compatriot, runner-up Ding Ning pose Manyu means that she collected the Local Organising Committee for a photograph with the officials. her fifth ITTF World Tour and my team for doing a great women’s singles title. job this week.” Marquez wins in Argentina Federer beats Isner to AFP TERMAS DE RÍO HONDO, ARGENTINA secure Miami crown World champion Marc Marquez won the Argentina MotoGP yesterday ahead of bitter rival AFP nerves and you now you in the 50th ATP Masters showpiece Valentino Rossi. MIAMI match, Federer said after lifting appearance. Honda rider Marquez his fourth Miami Open title. claimed his 45th career victory Roger Federer lifted the 101st title Isner appeared in the elite class, finishing 10 of his remarkable career to tell the trainer seconds ahead of Rossi on a yesterday, beating ATP Miami during a Yamaha. Open defending champion John medical Andrea Dovizioso, who won Isner 6-1, 6-4 in just 63 minutes. timeout the season-opener in Qatar, was Federer has been the form that he had third on a Ducati. player in South Florida and his “broken” Marquez, chasing a sixth performance against big-serving his foot, but Spanish rider Marc Marquez celebrates on the podium after winning MotoGP world title, now leads Isner proved it as the 33-year- his spirit was the MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix yesterday. the 2019 championship after two old home-nation hero was over- crushed after rounds of the 19-race series. whelmed by the Swiss star’s dropping the As Marquez was rarely circuit where 12 months ago he with Remy Gardner, the son of incredible consistency. first set in only threatened in yesterday’s race, had collided with Marquez and 1987 world 500cc champion An opening break sapped 23 minutes. the wheel-to-wheel action was crashed out. Wayne Gardner, taking second Isner’s confidence and allowed This was Roger Federer being ratcheted up behind him Australia’s Jack Miller on a place. 37-year-old Federer to gain Federer’s 154th celebrates with as Rossi and Dovizioso switched Ducati-Pramac was fourth, Alex Baldassarri, on a Kalex, made control of a match which he tour final places 12 times. Rins of Spain on a Suzuki was his push for victory four laps never looked like losing, espe- and his the trophy after But 40-year-old Rossi had fifth ahead of Ducati’s Danilo from the end at Termas de Rio cially after Isner was injured near defeating John the last laugh, pouncing on a Petrucci. Hondo to deny 21-year-old the end of the second set. Isner at the Miami Dovizioso error on the last lap to Earlier, Italy’s Lorenzo Bal- Gardner of Australia with Alex “Getting a break so early was Open men’s final take second place on the same dassarri won the Moto2 race Marquez of Spain in third. like a dream start. It relaxes your yesterday.