SPORT Wednesday 21 March 2018 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 32-33 PAGE | 35 SA get Rabada QSL Champions Match Play: reprieve as focus Al Duhail hungry Spieth, Reed in shifts back to cricket for more same group Tri-series: Qatar seek wins as football returns to RIZWAN REHMAT QATAR SQUAD FOR THE PENINSULA THREE-NATION FRIENDSHIP TOURNAMENT BASRA: Qatar will be aiming to make the most of their opportunity Saad Al Dosari, Hassan to play international football matches when they face hosts Iraq Al-Haydos, Akram Afif, Pedro and in a historic Three-Nation Miguel, Salem Al Hajri, Abdul Friendship Tournament to be played Karim Hassan, , Karim this week, a team official said Boudiaf, Ismail Mohammed, yesterday. Bassam Al-Rawi and Sultan Coached by Felix Sanchez, Qatar Al Barek, Abdul Aziz Hatem, team arrived in Basra yesterday Youssef Hassan, Assem Madabo, ahead of their matches against Iraq Ahmed Alaa, Moayad Hassan, and Syria. The team was warmly Mohammed Alaa, Mohammed received by Iraq Football Association Al-Bakri, Ahmad Fathi, Ahmed (IFA) officials. Moin and Tariq Sulaiman. “There are two more interna- Coach: Felix Sanchez tional matches on our calendar. We are delighted to get more match Qatar football players and officials pose for a photograph with Iraq Football practice as we prepare for 2019 Asian Association (IFA) officials and fans upon arrival in Basra yesterday ahead Cup to be held in the UAE,” Ali Salat, of their matches against Iraq and Syria yesterday. the team’s media chief, said yesterday. “This is a big opportunity for us series of football matches since FIFA’s Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani. to compete against Iraq, one of the decision to lift ban on hosting of The IFA note said: “On behalf of toughest teams in Asia. Two of the games on Iraqi soil. the members of the Board of best teams in Asia are here,” Salat “We are allowing international Directors of the Iraq Football Asso- said. matches to be staged in the cities of ciation, and Iraqi sports fans, I “Also it will be a very important Arbil, Basra and Karbala,” FIFA pres- extend my thanks and great grat- tournament for us to test our players, ident Gianni Infantino told reporters itude to your efforts and your con- to test their fitness and their form. last Thursday after a meeting of the tinuous and unlimited support of They will be playing tough matches FIFA Council in Bogota. Iraqi football, which culminated in here against Iraq and Syria,” he Two days ago, IFA President the decision of FIFA to allow us to added. Abdul Khaleq Masoud praised the host matches in Basra, Karbala and “The coach thinks thanks Iraq for efforts made by Qatar Football Asso- Erbil. “ their warm welcome. He feels this will ciation (QFA) in convincing FIFA to The three cities had been hosting be a great atmosphere by getting to see lift the ban on holding official friendlies throughout last year as a their own team playing on their home matches in Basra, Karbala and Erbil. test run, reports said on Friday. soil,” Salat said. The QFA received a message This week’s tri-series is the first Qatar take on Iraq on March 21 from IFA who thanked the for Qatar since their first-round exit followed by a clash against Syria on ‘excellent and great support’ at the Gulf Cup held in December in March 24. extended by QFA under the chair- Kuwait. Qatar will host the 2022 FROM LEFT: Syria’s head coach , Iraqi coach and Qatar coach The tri-series is the first official manship of Sheikh Hamad bin FIFA World Cup, the region’s first. Felix Sanchez pose for a photograph following a press conference held in Basra yesterday. Top gymnasts eye glory as FIG World Cup begins in

FAWAD HUSSAIN a medal in the first interna- A gymnast in action during THE PENINSULA tional competition of the year. last year's FIG Artistic I’ll be competing in Doha with DOHA: Top gymnasts from a lot of confidence after Individual World Cup in around the world are ready to winning a bronze in Baku,” Doha in this file photo. showcase their skills with an Ferhat said ahead of the This World Cup is eye on glory as the FIG Artistic event. Individual World Cup begins Ferhat’s team-mate very special for in Doha today. Ibrahim Colak also had an us as it will also The star-studded line-up impressive outing in Baku, serve as the test taking part at state-of-the-art where he won silver medal in Aspire Dome includes several rings. event for World Olympic and World cham- Colak, who won a bronze Championships pions as gymnasts from as in rings at the 2015 European this year. All the many as 40 countries are Games, will lead his country’s preparations for taking part in the four-day challenge in Doha. annual championship. “I had a mild discomfort on the event have The stellar line-up the knee and a neck injury been completed includes world champion Xiao almost ruled me out, but in the and we are looking Ruoteng of China and Japanese end I could finish second. We forward to a legend Kohei Uchimura, also have bigger goals as a team known as ‘King Kohei’. The this year. We will try our best very successful duo promises thrilling battle to win medals,” said Ibrahim, edition this year: in quest of a gold medal. who had also competed at QGF President In addition, world’s oldest 2014 FIG World Champion- and Chairman of Olympian, Oksana Chuso- ships in Nanning, China. vitina, 43 of Uzbekistan will The Qatar Gymnastics the Organising also be competing in Doha. Federation (QGF) has been Committee Ali Al Ferhat Arican, who hosting the Artistic Gymnastics Hitmi became the first Turkish male World Cup since 2008 but this gymnast after 108 years to year’s edition holds utter compete at the 2016 Rio importance as Doha will also Olympics, will also be seen in be hosting FIG’s showpiece action in men’s parallel bar event - FIG World Champion- Committee Ali Al Hitmi said. blockbuster as it will give us will be looking to impress and competition during the event. ships this year from October “All the preparations for huge confidence ahead of give cheers to home fans who Arican warmed up for the 25 to November 3. the event have been com- World Championships,” the are expected to turn out in Doha showdown with a “This World Cup is very pleted and we are looking QGF President said. good numbers. bronze medal in men’s parallel special for us as it will also forward to a very successful A couple of upcoming The first two days will bar at FIG Artistic World Cup serve as the test event for edition this year,” added Al gymnasts will also represent feature qualifying rounds for in Baku, Azerbaijan, last World Championships this Hitmi. the host country in the World men’s and women’s apparatus Sunday. year,” QGF President and “We will leave no stone Cup. The pair includes Jana while finals will be held over “It’s a great feeling to win Chairman of the Organising unturned to make it a Kiki and Ahmed Nabil, who the last two days. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 Formula One: Hamilton says racing is ‘ridiculously expensive’ in present era REUTERS

BANBURY: Britain is on top of the world in Formula One, with Lewis Hamilton beginning his quest for a fifth championship in Australia this weekend, but there is concern at grassroots level. With costs spiralling and some junior kart teams racing on six figure budgets, youngsters hoping to emulate Hamilton’s rise from social housing to stardom are being priced out of contention. Britain’s Motor Sports Asso- ciation says the number of MSA licence holders in karting -- where future champions learn their craft -- has fallen by 30 percent in the decade since Ham- ilton made his grand prix debut in 2007. Less than 12 percent of the total are under the age of 21. “I don’t think it’s an insur- mountable problem but it’s cer- tainly something we need to Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes is seen during pre-season testing at Circuit de Barcelon, address quickly,” David Richards, Catalunya, Montmelo, Spain, in this March 9, 2018, file photo. the former F1 team principal who was appointed chairman of the MSA in January, said. “Otherwise, where will the engineering company runs race road. “If there are such big bar- without money or connections, 10 engines to find the best one,” have activated a break clause in next Lewis Hamiltons come programmes for manufacturers riers to participation that we can’t to come through now. he said. their contract that means a from? including Aston Martin, recog- get the talent in the first place, “Right now racing is just “We can’t have motorsport farewell unless a new deal is “So it’s going to be one of our nised that Britain was still well that means we don’t get the best ridiculously expensive,” said the accessible only to the rich,” added struck. big focuses now over the next off compared to other nations. people in,” he said. 33-year-old. the businessman. “This sport has Richards, who has not been couple of years at the MSA, The country has produced a “I really do believe that at the “I think it’s much harder for got to be accessible to far more involved in negotiations so far, looking at karting and how we string of top drivers, boasts grassroots level today, those bar- anyone from a council estate in people.” said the race was a key asset that can make it more accessible, how world-class engineering and riers do exist.” Stevenage to get to Formula One The former Benetton and BAR the country should not let slip -- we can make it more affordable, most of the Formula One teams Speaking at the launch of his now. F1 team boss, who was also a particularly in the light of how we can stop it becoming too are based there. Mercedes team’s W09 car last “It’s pretty much impossible world rally champion co-driver impending Brexit. bureaucratic...” Richards was concerned, month, Hamilton doubted it because you don’t have the and whose company ran the “I think the opportunity to use Richards, whose Banbury- however, about what could would have been possible for money.” Subaru team that won titles in the a flagship event like the grand based Prodrive motorsport and happen five or 10 years down the someone from his background, Richards suggested electric 1990s, hoped to get more women prix to promote Britain at a time karts, which can be electronically involved at all levels and saw when we need to be promoting tuned to ensure they are evenly esport as something to be ourselves, our engineering matched, could be one way to embraced. expertise and our talent in this contain costs and level the The fate of the British grand country, shouldn’t be lost on gov- playing field. prix was another concern, with ernment,” he said. “We can look at ways in Silverstone hosting the first “We will do everything we which we make sure that the Formula One championship race can as a governing body to try karts are all equal and we don’t in 1950 but its future uncertain and find a way of retaining it and end up with this ridiculous situ- after 2019. are looking at the opportunities ation where people are buying Circuit owners the BRDC to do that.” Psychology not part of Verstappen’s make-up AFP in yourself and I had that from he has to produce - starting at karting,” said Verstappen. Albert Park on Sunday. LONDON: Max Verstappen says “I was never one of those kids “I do have big goals,” he told his remarkable success in a short saying: ‘Is it all going to be all reporters at the track yesterday. pace of time on the Formula One right?’ If you start doubting “I need to try and step up my circuit is not down to being yourself like that, thinking: ‘Am I game and want to start the season stronger mentally than others, good enough?’ -- maybe there is well here in Melbourne. Last year, but simply because he enjoys a reason you’re thinking that.” I was third in the race so for sure driving fast. Verstappen, who finished need to do better than that.” The Red Bull pilot -- who sixth in last year’s championship Before last year’s podium, aged 18 became the youngest with 168 points, says he is pleased Bottas had a pretty poor record driver to win a Formula One with what he has seen of this in Australia with 14th, eighth and Grand Prix in 2016 in Spain -- is year’s car and even dares to hope fifth places in his three races for gearing up for the curtain-raising it is better than the one which former team Williams. race of the season, the Australian saw him finish last season with He failed to even start the GP in Melbourne this weekend. two victories in the last six races. 2015 race in Melbourne after suf- Verstappen -- who added “I hope it will be better than fering a back injury in qualifying two further victories to his tally that,” said Verstappen. which required an overnight stay in last year’s championship to “I’m very happy with the in hospital. sweeten the frustrations of seven progress but we have to wait until “I haven’t found it to be one retirements -- told The Guardian Melbourne to see where we are.” of my strongest circuits in the he never pauses to consider how As for whether he will one past,” he added. “You know, I’ve strong he is feeling mentally. day be crowned world champion, always had a bit of mixed results “I never even think of the he is more circumspect. but that’s something I want to mental side of things because I “I always think if I have the change. I can’t have bad races for never had any issues,” said Ver- right car, the fastest car, then I myself. stappen, who is now 20. can become world champion,” “I want to be consistent in “If you are a bit weak in your said Verstappen. every place, so I think there were head maybe you can train your “But you need to have that car some positives in the race last mind but it will never be your and so far I haven’t had the fastest year, so hopefully we can build strong point. package.” on that and be quick in the qual- “Many people ask: ‘What do Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas ifying as well.” you need mentally to succeed in knows he needs to step up his His team mate Hamilton has F1?’ I say: ‘What do you mean game from last season if he is to won only twice in Australia and mentally?’ I just enjoy it and drive have any chance of keeping his finished second for the second as fast I can. place at Mercedes and has tar- year in a row last season on his “But so many people think geted a top-two finish at this way to his fourth world title. your psychology is such a massive weekend’s season-opening Aus- Bottas is very much aware thing. For me, it’s not tralian Grand Prix. that his primary function as Mer- necessary.” The 28-year-old won only cedes chase a fifth successive Verstappen, whose father Jos three races last year despite constructors’ and drivers’ title also competed in Formula One, getting a drive for the dominant double is to step into the breach had an incredible record in Mercedes team alongside world should something go wrong for karting racing of 68 wins in his champion Lewis Hamilton. the Briton. first 70 races. He says that early With a host of other drivers “If Lewis is having a bad day, success shaped his enormous coveting the Mercedes seat for or bad race for any reason then I self-belief. next year when Bottas’s contract need to be able to fight for the “You always have to believe is up, the Finn knows this term win of the race,” he said. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 SPORT 31

FACTBOX (3RD TEST) WHERE? SA get Rabada reprieve as Newlands, Cape Town - Capacity: 25,000 One of cricket’s most picturesque venues, nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain, although the malty smells omitted by the next door brewery spoil the experience at focus shifts back to cricket times. Cape Town is the grips of a drought which REUTERS has seen club cricket in the city cancelled but Newlands have used their own CAPE TOWN: The focus will groundwater to prepare the venue for the switch back to cricket as South Test. Africa and Australia clash in the third Test tomorrow, with the Australia have won an astonishing 10 world’s number one bowler times in 13 Tests against South Africa at Kagiso Rabada handed a reprieve Newlands, losing the other three. to bolster the home side in a South Africa barely have a winning record pivotal moment in the tempes- in Cape Town with 24 triumphs to 20 loses tuous series. in 55 past Tests. The other 11 were drawn. With the four-game series poised at 1-1, Rabada’s availa- WHEN? bility after he overturned a sus- March 22-26. Play starts at 1030 local time pension is a huge boost for the (0830 GMT) SOUTH AFRICA (World rank- hosts on what is expected to be ing: second) Squad - Faf du Plessis (cap- a lively Newlands wicket similar tain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, The- to the surface used for the Test unis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, AB de against India in January which lasted only nine sessions. Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Kes- That pitch was praised by hav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Mor- both sides for setting up a good kel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungisani sporting conTest as South Africa Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, claimed a 72-run win, though it Kagiso Rabada. heavily favoured the seam Coach: Ottis Gibson AUSTRALIA (World bowlers. “The groundsman says ranking: third) Squad - Steve Smith (cap- wicket will be the same as for the tain), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Pe- last one, so we expect both teams ter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Hol- to go hard at each other on the land, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, field,” South Africa coach Ottis In this file photo taken on March 1, 2018 South Africa’s bowler Kagiso Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Gibson told reporters Rabada delivers the ball during day one of the first Test against Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell yesterday. “The way the series has been Australia in Durban. Starc, Warner. Coach: Darren Lehmann played, there has been a lot of HISTORY really good cricket.” Previous South Africa vs Australia Tests at Rabada’s availability is key the day,” Gibson added. “We for Temba Bavuma who is fit “We sat down and had a good decision and we respect it, that’s Newlands Matches: 13 South Africa wins: 3 to South Africa’s chances as he have made him aware of respon- after a finger injury. debrief. If I am honest I thought their job. It’s not for me to sit here Australia wins: 10 1902 Australia 10 wick- has 15 wickets at an average of sibilities for the team, he is a very “We are still putting together we played at about 40 percent in and say whether it is right or ets 1921 Australia 10 wickets 1936 Austral- 16.80 in the series, comfortably important player.” Gibson was the final XI at this stage, we don’t PE. Another 100 runs and it wrong. We have two massive test the most effective bowler on less sure of the final make-up of know where we will try to make would have been a helluva Test matches to come and we will ia an innings and 78 runs 1950 Australia either side. his side, whether they stick with a change. We are trying to win a match,” Lyon said. have to play at our best to beat eight wickets 1957 Australia an innings “We are very happy he is an extra batsman and if middle- series, we will select a team to do “We will have a team meeting South Africa.” and 141 runs 1967 Australia six wickets allowed to play, we all believe it order batsman Theunis de Bruyn that,” Gibson said. to sit and discuss where we can Lyon had an excellent 2017 1970 South Africa 170 runs 1994 Australia is the right decision at the end of retains his place or makes way All-rounder Mitchell Marsh better. The pitch is interesting, it during which he took 63 wickets nine wickets 2002 Australia four wickets (groin) and fast bowler Mitchell looks a pretty good wicket. at an average of 23.55, but in 2006 Australia seven wickets 2009 South Starc (calf) have shrugged off “It’s a helluva series with two this series each of his six dis- injury concerns to be available top teams going at it.” missals have cost him close to Africa an innings and 20 runs 2011 South as Australia also ponder changes He said his team was excited 40 runs despite favourable Africa eight wickets 2014 Aus 245 runs having followed a comprehensive to play against Rabada. conditions. CURRENT TOUR We are very happy Rabada is allowed to play, 118-run victory in the first Test “It’s exciting, as Australian “I think I have played my role First Test in Durban Australia won by 118 we all believe it is the right decision at the with a six-wicket defeat in the cricketers we always want to play (in the series), but credit to South runs Second Test in Port Elizabeth South second. against best and he is the number Africa, they have played me well Africa won by six wickets Remaining Test: end of the day. We have made him aware Spinner Nathan Lyon says one bowler in the world, so it will on spinning wickets. I am just

Fourth Test March 30-April 3 (1000) Wan- of responsibilities for the team, he is a very they have assessed their short- be a challenge for all of us that trying to hold up an end up and derers, Johannesburg important player: SA coach Gibson comings and he expects an have to bat,” Lyon said. challenge these guys’ defences,” improved showing. “The ICC has made their Lyon said. Australia’s Agar signs for Stokes shakes up England for Middlesex pink-ball Test against Kiwis AFP FACTS ABOUT PINK-BALL TEST Wood sharing the responsibility with LONDON: Australian all-rounder Ashton Agar Anderson in a warm-up match in will play for English county Middlesex in their - Home advantage - Hamilton that was played with both Ben Stokes T20 campaign this season the club announced Sri Lanka are the only team to win a day-night Test a pink and a red ball. yesterday. away when they beat Pakistan by 68 runs in Dubai Anderson told Britain’s Sky Sports The 24-year-old -- who has been capped last year. The other seven have all been home- the decision appeared to be because four times at Test level and has made seven ground victories. Sri Lanka scored 482 and 96 captain Joe Root was contemplating appearances in T20 matches for his country against Pakistan who replied with 262 and 248. a future without the pair, who have a -- will join up after the completion of Australia’s combined 922 Test wickets between five match ODI series and one off IT20 fixture - Baggy Greens in the pink - them and consistently opened the against England at the end of June. Australia have played the most pink-ball Tests and bowling for the last decade. He will be available to play in all fourteen are also the most successful side under day-night “Obviously he’s disappointed, he’s South Group matches, and will remain with conditions with a 4-0 record. England and South a very proud bloke and we have Middlesex until the end of the Blast, should Africa have both recorded a win and a loss, while opened the bowling for a number of qualification to the knockout stages be secured. the only other successful teams are Sri Lanka (1-0) years,” Anderson said. “I’m thrilled and very grateful to have “He’s bowled first change in the signed for Middlesex for the upcoming Blast and Pakistan (1-2). past and I can see what Joe wants to campaign and look forward to the challenge - Making light of dusk - do with looking to the future but also of achieving success with them,” Agar said in Pakistan opener Azhar Ali showed changing light REUTERS additional fire-power as the batting having that experience coming on first a statement issued by Middlesex. conditions need not be a problem when he com- all-rounder with 141 runs at an change.” The 31-year-old Broad had “It’s a great opportunity to play with an piled an unbeaten 302 against the West Indies in WELLINGTON: All-rounder Ben average of 47. a poor 2017 and took just 30 wickets exciting group of players coached by Dan Dubai in October 2016. He batted for nearly 11 Stokes’ probable return is likely to be “It’s just having him in the side,” in 11 matches last year at 38.80. Vettori, a person I always looked up to as a a major determinant in the make up off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali However he has 399 Test wickets and young spinner and cricketer in general. hours for what remains the highest score in a day- of his under-fire England team as New told British media. “Knowing we’ve should become the 15th player to pass “I can’t wait to walk out at Lords, one of night Test. But he went for two in the second in- Zealand enters the pink ball era with got a much stronger side when he’s the 400-milestone at Eden Park. the most beautiful grounds in the world - it’s nings and five in the first innings of his next Test their first day-night Test at home at playing, it gives everyone else a good New Zealand’s lineup will also quite a privilege.” under lights against Australia two months later. Eden Park starting tomorrow. lift. undergo a shakeup with all-rounder Angus Fraser, Middlesex’s Managing - Pakistan pile on the runs - Stokes missed the 4-0 Ashes series “I know he’s ready to go, and Mitchell Santner ruled out for the next Director of Cricket, said Agar will fill an The highest score in a pink-ball Test is Pakistan’s loss in Australia while he awaited the ready to perform, and give back to the nine months due to knee surgery, important vacuum in the team. outcome of an investigation into an team.” Stokes, however, has been bat- while top-order batsman Ross Taylor “In conversations with Daniel Vettori it 579 for three declared in 155.3 overs when Azhar alleged assault. The 26-year-old tling a back injury sustained while is battling a thigh injury sustained became apparent that we required an all- performed his heroics against the West Indies. Pa- entered a plea of not guilty via video diving when fielding during the during the one-day series. rounder to strengthen our T20 side. Ashton kistan only managed 123 in the second innings -- link with a Bristol court on March 12. one-day series and pending a fitness Santner had occupied the number Agar’s name quickly came to the top of our when Devendra Bishoo took eight for 49 -- but England have retained much the Test may just play as a batsman, six batting slot and was the team’s list,” said Fraser. held on to win by 56 runs. same squad that lost the Ashes and necessitating the need for an extra first-choice spinner as New Zealand “Ashton is developing into a high-quality - Kiwis’ call - Stokes’ absence for that series was bowler. beat an under-prepared West Indies cricketer. evident not just across the Tasman Craig Overton and Mark Wood are side 2-0 in December. “He has shown that he can bat at the top of The first pink-ball Test was played between New but when he returned to England’s then likely to be competing to join The 26-year-old then produced the order and continues to be an effective Zealand and Australia at Adelaide Oval in Novem- one-day side against New Zealand Chris Woakes, Jimmy Anderson and arguably career-best form with the bowler. ber 2015. New Zealand won the toss, elected to bat earlier this month. Stuart Broad. bat during the one-day series against

“He is available for the entire tournament and ended up losing by three wickets. He was a major influence in the Anderson and Broad’s new ball England, scoring 216 runs in four and is a cracking young man,” added the former field, with several stunning catches partnership, however, looks like it innings at an average of 108 and his England pace bowler. and diving stops while he provided could be broken with Woakes and absence lengthens the home side’s tail. 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 SPORT 33

England football team training at St. George’s Park, Burton Upon Trent, Britain yesterday.

celebrates after scoring during a QNB Stars League match in this -led Al Sadd file photo. Al Duhail’s (right) runners-up after losing great chance

THE PENINSULA Al Sadd can still look

DOHA: Al Sadd were very much in the forward to many QNB Stars League (QSL) title race till tournaments such as the the Week 19 action, but the 3-4 defeat , Emir’s Cup and to Al Duhail after a thrilling game dashed their hopes. AFC Champions League. It was a last-moment goal by Ashley Young Moroccan striker Youssef El Arabi, who tops the scoring chart with 26 goals, They made very limited changes to that did them in. their squad this season, with all four Man United The Wolves then completely lost professional players — former Barce- out after losing 1-2 to Umm Salal in lona superstar and World Cup winner Week 20, where Al Duhail defeated Al Xavi Hernandez of Spain, Algerians extend Kharaitiyat 5-0 to become Bounedjah as well as Jugurtha champions. Hamroun and Iran international Young’s deal Al Sadd went on to lose 0-1 to Al Morteza Mohammed — staying. England struggle in key Khor in Week 21, where Al Duhail beat Al Sadd recruited a number of play- Al Markhiya 4-2. ers during the winter transfer window, by a year However, Al Sadd ensured the run- namely Hamed Ismail, Ali Faridoun, ners-up position with 46 points so far, Sami Sabit, Abdulkarim Hassan and REUTERS 11 less than Al Duhail, ahead of their . areas as World Cup looms final-week clash against Al Al Sadd won the most number of MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Manches- Kharaitiyat. games (15), after Al Duhail (18). At the ter United have extended Ashley Had Al Sadd beaten Al Duhail, same time, they have the best defence, AP England’s defender Joe Gomez heads experienced Gary Cahill not cur- Young’s deal for an extra year by trig- things might have been different as only conceding 24 goals, one less than Al the ball during a training session at St rently in Southgate’s thoughts. gering a one-year option in the two points separated them going into Duhail. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: With George’s Park in Burton-on-Trent, Britain versatile England wing back’s contract, their face-off. They were the second best in terms less than three months to go, at yesterday, ahead of their international CENTRAL MIDFIELD British media said on Monday. Interestingly, Al Sadd (27) were two of the number of goals scored (59) com- least half of England’s starting friendly football matches against the This was once a position of The 32-year-old Young, who is in points behind Al Duhail (29) at the end pared to Al Duhail’s 81. lineup for its opening match of the Netherlands and Italy. strength for England - remember Gareth Southgate’s England squad for of the competition’s first phase. Al Sadd can still look forward to World Cup remains uncertain. when Steven Gerrard, Frank Lam- their next two friendlies, has been in There is no doubt that Al Sadd many tournaments, such as the Qatar It makes the upcoming friend- pard, Paul Scholes and Michael fine form for United, keeping left-back Champs Al Duhail gained much from their campaign. They Cup, Emir’s Cup and AFC Champions lies against Netherlands and Italy Carrick were competing for start- Luke Shaw out of the side. performed consistently well through- League. pivotal for England coach Gareth ing spots? - but it is now a sea of The former Aston Villa winger’s out the tournament. They are the defending champions Southgate - and also for a slew of mediocrity, at least when com- deal at Old Trafford was due to finish There had been a remarkable in the Qatar Cup and Emir’s Cup, and players who might otherwise have pared to the world’s biggest soccer this season but his performances improvement in their game technically will take on Al Rayyan in the former’s viewed the matches as a distrac- nations. under Jose Mourinho saw him recalled under much-experienced Portuguese semifinal that features the elite four tion amid a crucial stage of the Southgate experimented with to the national team squad in hungry for more coach Jesualdo Ferreira. from the QSL. season at club level. a five-man defense in England’s November. Gone are the days when the friendlies against Germany and Young was on the bench for Sat- England team was filled with Pre- Brazil in November, meaning he urday’s 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win THE PENINSULA next with 59. And their players, merging Lekhwiya with El Jaish. Al Duhail achieved mier League superstars and the fielded two deep-lying centre mid- at home to Brighton & Hove Albion Moroccan striker Youssef El Arabi Four of them (2010-11, 2011-12, their sixth QSL title lineup often picked itself. fielders in Dier and Jake but was brought on at halftime for DOHA: Al Duhail sealed the 2017- (26) and Tunisian midfielder 2016-17 and 2017-18) came when The starting XI for its most Russia. These are the last friend- would be a massive leap of faith Livermore. There is also compe- Shaw, whose future at United appears Al Sadd skipper 18 season QNB Stars League (QSL) Youssef Msakny (25) are compet- Algerian was at and first after they recent match - a friendly against lies before Southgate names his to start him. tition from Jordan Henderson, Jack uncertain. Xavi Hernandez title with a 5-0 victory over Al ing for the top-scorer award. the helm. They had also triumphed Brazil on Nov. 14 - contained only World Cup squad and one good “Clearly the No. 1 jersey is up Wilshere and newcomer Lewis Shaw has played just 15 games for were formed by (left) celebrates Kharaitiyat in Week 20, having They also have the second- under Eric Gerets (2013-14) and five players who would be consid- 90-minute display could be all it for grabs,” Southgate has said. Cook, but this department appears United this season, and only seven with team-mates merging Lekhwiya takes. taken an unassailable lead after best defence as they have current Al Rayyan coach Michael after scoring a goal ered regular starters for their It could still be Hart’s jersey to to be another area of weakness for times in the Premier League, with nearest challengers Al Sadd lost conceded only 25 goals, one more Laudrup (2014-15). with El Jaish. during a QNB Stars clubs: Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, lose, which is something of a con- England. Young, who joined the club from Villa 1-2 to Umm Salal. than the number of goals against Al Duhail’s ambitions do not League match in Ryan Bertrand, Eric Dier and Jamie GOALKEEPER cern for England fans. The options for the attacking in 2011, preferred in a wing back role. Nevertheless, Al Duhail Al Sadd. stop there. They are also keen on this file photo. Vardy. Maybe England’s biggest area playmaker role look slightly England visit the Netherlands on showed no let-up and defeated Al Al Duhail had stability in terms doing extremely well in the Qatar Go back to England’s last com- of concern. CENTRE BACK stronger, with Dele Alli and Jesse Friday and host Italy on Tuesday in Markhiya 4-2 in Week 21 to of the presence of professional Cup, Emir’s Cup and AFC Cham- The Red Knights’ petitive game and the situation Joe Hart has been England’s It would help whoever is Lingard now probably ahead of their build-up to the World Cup in increase their points to 57 ahead players as except Chico Flores, pions League. was the same. For the World Cup No. 1 for most of this decade but selected in goal to have an expe- Adam Lallana after his injury-hit Russia in June. of the final round of matches, who was replaced by Lucas They have players with great triumph was so qualifying win over Slovenia on has struggled for confidence since rienced centre back partnership season at Liverpool. where they will take on Al Sailiya Mendes, all other players -Msakny, potential, both junior and experi- special that they Oct. 5 that clinched England a spot being let go vy Pep Guardiola at ahead of him. That won’t be case, and be crowned in front of home El Arabi and Nam Tae-Hee enced ones, to deliver the goods. achieved it with an in Russia, only five starters were Manchester City in August 2016. A however. BACK-UP STRIKER fans. - stayed. Meanwhile, Al Duhail are the first-choice at their clubs: Walker, loan spell at Italian club Torino last Of the five players in South- With out because Cook rules out The Red Knights’ triumph was Bersides, they have an out- only side to have won the first unbeaten record, Bertrand, Dier, Raheem Sterling season featured plenty of mistakes, gate’s latest squad who can play of an ankle injury, the upcoming so special that they achieved it standing array of Qatari players four games so far in the AFC the only team to and Harry Kane. while he was relegated to backup in central defence, there are just games will offer clues about who with an unbeaten record, the only such as Karim Boudiaf, Almoez Ali, Champions League group stage, Consequently, Southgate is keeper at West Ham from late 27 international appearances - and Southgate regards as his leading jitters ahead team to do so thus far this season. Bassam Al Rawi, Ismail Mohamed, thereby becoming the first team do so thus far this going to have to rely on a number November until being recalled for John Stones has 23 of them. backup striker heading to the They won 18 matches and drew Luiz Martin, Mohamed Moussa and to qualify for the Round of 16 from season. They won 18 of players who won’t exactly be its last game. However, Stones is currently World Cup. three. Sultan Al Berik, Group B. match-sharp for the World Cup. Of the possible replacements fourth-choice center back at Man- Marcus Rashford is among the of England Al Duhail have a fierce front- Al Duhail thus achieved their They are well on course to go matches and drew Considering England’s squad often for Hart, Jack Butland (Stoke) and chester City. Joe Gomez is the striker options but has barely line and have scored 81 goals, the sixth Qatar League title and first further in Asia’s premier compe- three. turns up at major tournaments Jordan Pickford (Everton) have subject of rotation at Liverpool, played in that position all season, ‘dream’ most by any team. Al Sadd come after they were formed by tition for clubs. burnt out from a gruelling domes- made errors in recent Premier where he plays at right back, while instead featuring sporadically as a tic season, it might not necessarily League games and also play for James Tarkowski (Burnley) and winger at Manchester United. be such a bad thing. teams who have been in poor form Alfie Mawson (Swansea) are new- Injury-prone Danny Welbeck REUTERS It also means there is plenty at in the last few months. Southgate comers to the squad. Maguire is is a fringe player at Arsenal these stake over the next week for play- called up uncapped Nick Pope, the other option and is looking days, so Jamie Vardy looks to be LONDON: Bournemouth midfielder Al Rayyan... A plot lost in second phase ers looking to impress Southgate who has been superb for Burnley, increasingly like a World Cup best-placed to benefit from Kane’s Lewis Cook is confident he can over- and earn a place on the plane to for the upcoming friendlies but it starter, with Chris Smalling and the absence in the short term. come the jitters and make the most of his England debut if given the THE PENINSULA chance to play in the team’s upcom- ing international friendlies. DOHA: Al Rayyan were very much in the QNB The 21-year-old, who captained Stars League (QSL) title race, especially till the Pogba can’t be happy at United: Deschamps the England youth team to the under- end of first phase of the campaign when they 20 World Cup title last year, was and Al Sadd were almost neck and neck, with named in manager Gareth South- the duo being close behind leaders Al Duhai. AFP United from Juventus in 2016 for a “I don’t know why that is,” Des- gate’s squad for the friendlies against Al Rayyan had 25 points, two less than Al then-world record fee of £89m champs told a press conference Netherlands on Friday followed by Sadd and four adrift of Al Duhail, when the PARIS: France coach Didier (€105m). ahead of France’s friendly interna- Italy four days later. League was halfway through. The Lions had Deschamps on Monday said that But he was an unused substi- tionals with Colombia and Russia. “There are always a few nerves many positive results to show for their efforts, Manchester United midfielder Paul tute in Saturday’s FA Cup win over “I have not spoken to Paul yet, but I think I’m just excited.” including their 2-1 first-phase Qatar Clasico Pogba “can’t be happy” with his Brighton after being left out of the I’m sure I’ll hear more about it. But “If I get the chance to play, I am victory over Al Sadd. current situation at Old Trafford. starting line-up for the Champions of course it’s a situation he won’t going to give my all for the team and However, they went completely out of con- The 25-year-old arrived at League loss to Sevilla. be enjoying. try to implement my style of play and tention following their 0-2 defeat at the hands “As to why or how things came adjust to how they play as well,” Cook of Al Sadd in the second-phase Qatar Clasico to this, there may be many is quoted as saying by the Bourne- in Week 16. Al Rayyan’s reasons.” France coach Didier Deschamps mouth Echo. Nevertheless, Al Rayyan ensured that they (right) celebrates with a Deschamps played down any “I have a lot of learning to do but would finish third as they already have 40 team-mate after scoring a QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS potential rift between the player Dembele is back in the France I have to enjoy it as well.” points ahead of their Week 22 match against goal in this file photo. and Mourinho. squad after recent struggles with Cook was previously called up to Al Ahli. POSITION/CLUB MATCHES WIN LOSE DRAW GF GA GD POINTS “I have a great deal of talks with injury, having finally scored his first England senior team for a friendly Al Rayyan had recorded eight wins in the players at our training camps, to goal for the Catalan giants against against Brazil in November but did first phase while drawing one and losing two this season. The most prominent among them who joined Al Rayyan from Al Duhail, goal- 1: Al Duhail 21 18 0 3 81 25 56 57 gauge their feelings. It’s not just Chelsea after signing last year from not play in the stalemate. games. And they had scored 27 goals and con- is Moroccan striker Abderrazaq Hamdallah, keeper Saoud Al Khater, who came good in 2: Al Sadd 21 15 5 1 59 24 35 46 Paul.” Borussia Dortmund for €105m. The midfielder says he is focused ceded 17 to be on 25 points after Week 11. the third-best scorer with 18 goals after Al some matches, and South Korean medio Koh 3: Al Rayyan 21 12 5 4 50 38 12 40 Pogba has started just 24 Deschamps said he has been solely on making a mark in the However, things did not go their way once Duhail’s Youssef El Arabi (26) and Youssef Msa- Myong-Jin. 4: Al Gharafa 21 9 7 5 40 34 6 32 matches for United this season, encouraged by the 20-year-old’s friendlies rather than worry about the second phase started. From 10 rounds, they kni (25). The team hit the headlines in the winter 5: Umm Salal 21 8 5 8 32 33 -1 32 with manager Mourinho preferring form since his return to Enersto his chances of being selected to play could win only four games while drawing three Their playmaker Rodrigo Tabata, who transfer window by roping in defender Ahmed 6: Al Sailiya 21 8 9 4 38 37 1 28 Marouane Fellaini and youngster Valverde’s side. in the World Cup finals in Russia in matches and losing as many. grabbed the attention with outstanding per- Yasser from Spanish club Cultural Leonesa, 7: Al Arabi 21 6 9 6 29 40 -11 24 Scott McTominay in recent weeks. “He has come back well, he’s June. Al Rayyan’s total tally is 50 goals for, 38 formances, is also in the list with 13 goals even where he was on loan from Al Duhail. 8: Al Ahli 21 6 11 4 24 39 -15 22 Deschamps’ France, one of the been able to play several matches “If I get the chance to play in these 9: Qatar SC 21 6 11 4 24 43 -19 22 against, 12 victories, four draws and five defeats. though his form slightly declined towards the Al Rayyan also made big strides on the tech- France’s midfielder Paul Pogba controls the ball during a training favourites for the World Cup in over the last three weeks and he’s games, I need to do what I do here 10: Al Khor 21 6 12 3 22 38 -16 21 The runners-up position would have guar- end. nical front under Danish great . session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, southwest of Paris, on Monday, Russia, face Colombia in Paris on better than he was a fortnight ago,” and enjoy it,” Cook added. 11: Al Kharaitiyat 21 4 13 4 28 53 -25 16 anteed them participation in next year’s AFC Other players who shone among the Al In hindsight, they would have been in the title as part of the team’s preparation for the friendly football matches Friday before travelling for a match said Deschamps. “If (going to the World Cup) hap- 12: Al Markhiya 21 2 13 6 18 41 -23 12 Champions League as well. Rayyan ranks are right winger Mohamed race till the end had it not been for some defen- against Colombia and Russia. in St Petersburg on March 27. “He must still assert himself to pens, it happens but I am focused on A number of players excelled for Al Rayyan Alaaeldin, defender Ahmed Abdelmaqsoud, sive mistakes. Barcelona winger Ousmane be more decisive.” this camp now and giving my all.” 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 James propels Cavs over Bucks

AFP Two-time All-Star Giannis his ninth triple-double of the Antetokounmpo led the Bucks, season as the 76ers defeated the LOS ANGELES: LeBron James posting his 23rd 30-point game Charlotte Hornets 108-94. unleashed his 16th triple-double of the season with 37 points, 11 Simmons scored 11 points of the season Monday as the rebounds and five assists. with 15 assists and 12 rebounds. Cleveland Cavaliers welcomed Cleveland, trying to get back His 19th game with 10 or more Kevin Love back from injury with to the NBA Finals for a fourth assists saw him pass Hall of a 124-117 NBA win over the straight year, maintained their Famer Allen Iverson’s franchise Milwaukee Bucks. hold on third place in the Eastern rookie record. It was an upbeat ending to a Conference. The Indiana Pacers Joel Embiid scored a game- difficult day, with the Cavs were just half a game behind high 25 points and tied his career announcing earlier that head Cleveland after a 110-100 victory high with 19 rebounds for Phila- coach Tyronn Lue was taking over the Los Angeles Lakers. delphia, who are in sixth place in some time off to deal with health Trailing by two points at the East -- just half a game concerns. halftime, the Pacers out-scored behind the fifth-placed Wash- Love, a five-time All-Star, the Lakers by 14 points in the ington Wizards and a game played his first game since third quarter to snap a two-game behind the Pacers. breaking his left hand on January skid and strengthen their position There was drama in Miami, 30, scoring 18 points and pulling in the tightly bunched East. where the Heat beat the Memphis down seven rebounds. Five Pacers players scored in Grizzlies 149-141 in double- “He gives us that real inside double figures, led by Myles overtime to move into seventh presence along with his ability to Turner’s 21. Victor Oladipo added place in the East -- half a game shoot the ball from the outside,” 20 -- including an impressive ahead of the eighth-placed Bucks. coach Larry Drew, standing in for put-back dunk that was part of Lue, said. “More than anything, I Indiana’s third-quarter surge. NBA RESULTS think we’ve really missed being Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) grabs a rebound over Cleveland Cavaliers “They were kind of cutting us Results from the NBA games on Monday able to go to someone else inside guard Jose Calderon (81) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on Monday. in transition a little bit and we did Cleveland 124 Milwaukee 117 other than LeBron.” a great job of slowing that down,” Indiana 110 LA Lakers 100 But as so often for Cleveland, Oladipo said of the Pacers’ Philadelphia 108 Charlotte 94 James was the real difference of his career -- as Cleveland won scoring run that trimmed the Cleveland’s Jordan Clarkson second-half adjustments. “In the Brooklyn 118 Memphis 115 maker. He scored 17 of his 40 for the third time in their last four deficit to six. added two free throws to push second half, I think we did a great Miami 149 Denver 141 points in the third quarter as the games. But James never relented. the lead to 121-113, the Cavs job of getting stops and defending New York 110 Chicago 92

Cavaliers took control. Cleveland led by 17 points With 1:12 remaining he grabbed making five of six from the foul at a high level.” San Antonio 89 Golden State 75 James added 12 rebounds and with less than five minutes to play a rebound and raced the length line in the last 36.3 seconds to In Philadelphia, Australian Detroit 106 Sacramento 90 10 assists -- the 71st triple-double and weathered a 14-3 Milwaukee of the court for a dunk. seal the win. rookie Ben Simmons unleashed Atkinson scores to lift MLB hopes for Yanks-Red Sox Blue Jackets past Bruins series next year AP Boston Bruins left wing AP Brad Marchand (63) years with MLB and hope- BOSTON: Cam Atkinson scored controls the puck in front fully it will become a 2:55 into overtime to lift the of Columbus Blue Jackets NEW YORK: Major League reality,” Red Sox owner John Columbus Blue Jackets to a 5-4 centre Mark Letestu (55) Baseball is working to finalize Henry said in an email to victory over Boston on Monday during the second period a two-game series between The Associated Press. night for their eighth straight of their NHL game at TD the New York Yankees and MLB chose the June victory, spoiling a splendid NHL Garden. Boston Red Sox at London’s window because it is after debut for Bruins forward Ryan Olympic Stadium on June the Premier League season Donato. 29-30 in 2019, the sport’s first and before the stadium must Sonny Milano, Boone Jenner, regular-season games in be made available for Thomas Vanek and Artemi Europe. summer track and field Panarin also scored for the Blue The Red Sox have the events. MLB hopes to make Jackets. Nick Foligno had two option of having both games an announcement within the assists, nd Vanek and Jenner each be Boston home games, a next two months. added one. Joonas Korpisalo person familiar with the Each player would get stopped 34 shots. planning told The Associated $60,000 for participating in Atkinson cut in on the left Press. The person spoke on the games, according to the wing and fired a wrister past condition of anonymity collective bargaining Rask for the game-winner. Monday because no agreement. Columbus moved into a tie announcement had been “I think it would be a lot with Philadelphia with 85 points, made. of fun, to be honest,” but the Flyers hold the tiebreaker “I’ve never been to Yankees first baseman Greg for third place in the Metro- London,” Yankees manager Bird said. “I think the travel politan Division and the Blue Aaron Boone said. “So, if would be interesting, how Jackets hold the first wild card in Vanek tipped in a shot from Korpisalo 5:41 into the middle upper-body injury.... The Blue that’s true, maybe I’m going they set that up.” MLB is the Eastern Conference. the slot, tying it 5:38 into the period. Jackets entered with the league’s to London. Anytime you can playing regular-season Donato had a goal and two third, and Panarin put the Blue Donato, a Hobey Baker second-worst power play and grow our game, I think that’s games in San Juan, Puerto assists for Boston, which moved Jackets ahead off a faceoff with Finalist after leading Harvard in went 0 for 2 against the Bruins.... a pretty cool thing.” , and Monterrey, a point behind idle Tampa Bay 8:30 left in regulation. scoring this season, pushed Local Olympians, including eight Baseball officials have Mexico, this year. for first in the Atlantic. Riley However, Donato slipped a Boston ahead with a one-timer from the women’s Gold medal- long hoped for games on Baseball opened its Nash, Brad Marchand and David short pass from the right circle that slipped inside the near post winning hockey team, were London and settled last year season at Monterrey in 1999 Krejci also scored for the Bruins, to Krejci, who got the tying goal from the right faceoff circle at honored during a ceremonial on Olympic Stadium, which (Colorado vs. San Diego); the and Tuukka Rask finished with 20 seconds later while falling to 7:28. The leading scorer on the puck drop.... Bruins captain is in its second season as Tokyo Dome in 2000 19 saves. one knee. U.S. team at the Pyeongchang Zdeno Chara missed his third home of West Ham of the (Chicago Cubs-New York The Blue Jackets trailed by Jenner got Columbus on the Olympics signed a two-year, straight with an upper-body Premier League. Mets), 2004 (Tampa Bay- two late in the second period scoreboard first when he redi- entry-level contract on Sunday. injury.... Columbus D Seth Jones Because it originally was Yankees), 2008 (Boston- before scoring three consecutive rected Vanek’s pass by Rask 4:15 Nash’s power-play goal missed his second straight with built for a 400-meter track, Oakland) and 2012 (Seattle- goals to take a 4-3 lead. into the game. increased it to 3-1 as he banged an upper-body injury. it is wider than other large Oakland); and at Sydney, Just 25 seconds after Nash The Bruins scored three home a rebound from the top of UP NEXT Blue Jackets: At the stadiums in the London area Australia in 2014 (Los had give the Bruins a 3-1 lead, straight goals in the second to the crease with 3:28 remaining. New York Rangers on Tuesday. and can best accommodate Angeles Dodgers-Arizona). Milano redirected Ryan Murray’s take the lead. Marchand tied it NOTES: Boston F David Pas- Columbus won the only other the dimensions of a baseball The collective bar- slap-pass from the right point to with his team-leading 31st of the trnak got his 70th point on meeting, 3-1 at home on Oct. 13. field. gaining agreement had a pull Columbus within one with season when he got the puck at Marchand’s goal, matching his Bruins: At St. Louis on “This is something the provision for a 2019 opener just over three minutes the end of a 2-on-1 break, shifted career-high.... Bruins F Rick Nash Thursday in the first of a four- two clubs have discussed for in Toyko. remaining in the middle period. to his right and tucked it behind was a late scratch with an game road trip. New Zealand seek All Black magic against England AFP England quick bowler Chris day-night Tests, using a pink ball, “I love playing at Eden Park,” sure you put it in the right areas,” more in that twilight period over Broad, meanwhile, believed the favours the home side who have he said Tuesday. “A lot of guys he said. this part of the world than AUCKLAND: New Zealand’s first day-night cricket Test on won seven of the eight matches find it funny, being a rugby field But Broad, needing one more England. cricketers are drawing inspiration New Zealand soil could be played so far. Further troubling and with quite short wicket to join teammate James “The (Eden Park) drop-in from images of Richie McCaw decided in “one mad hour” -- less England is their recent Test form, dimensions. Anderson as the only England pitch generally has been really leading the All Blacks to Rugby time than it takes for a rugby having lost the Ashes 4-0 to Aus- - ‘You get goosebumps’ - “But players with 400 Test dismissals, good but with these pink-ball World Cup glory as they head into match. tralia in December and January. just the history of it, knowing believes the pink ball has a life of games you only need a one mad their first home day-night Test England have selection issues Eden Park’s short boundaries Richie McCaw and those guys ran its own in New Zealand. hour and you can break the Test against England on Thursday. as they ponder the workload Ben should favour batsmen, but that out there and won a (rugby) After 75 overs during an match open.” Despite some injury con- Stokes can handle with a trou- doesn’t worry Wagner who had World Cup. It’s a pretty special acclimatisation hit out in Ham- Broad is expected to drop cerns, New Zealand short-ball blesome back, while New match figures of eight for 126 place and when you walk out ilton last weekend the pink ball down to first change bowler for specialist Neil Wagner was Zealand are sweating on injured when New Zealand beat India at there you get goosebumps.” “still had the writing on, which is England, leaving Anderson and focused on performing at the senior batsman Ross Taylor and the ground in 2014 and took three Wagner sees no problems with unheard of,” Broad said. Chris Woakes to take the new Eden Park fortress where the All have former Test opener Martin wickets in a tense drawn Test the pink ball, saying the same “It consistently seems to do ball, with a question mark over Blacks are unbeaten in 40 rugby Guptill on stand-by as a middle against England the previous rules apply as when using a white more and I can’t put my finger on the remainder of the England Tests dating back to 1994. order option. The history of year. or red ball. “You’ve got to make it at all... I think it definitely does bowling line-up. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 SPORT 35 Match Play: Spieth, Reed in same group

AP

AUSTIN: Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed go from being partners to opponents in match play. Spieth and Reed, who have a 7-2-2 record as partners in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, were drawn in the same four-man group for the Dell Technologies Match Play. The World Golf Champi- onship begins at Austin Country Club, where Spieth played when he was at the Uni- versity of Texas. Spieth has a 9-9-1 record Rory McIlroy in match play as a pro, going 0-5 in his singles matches at Jordan Spieth (pictured) and Patrick the Presidents Cup and Ryder Reed go from being partners to Cup. He is 9-4-1 in the Match Play. Reed has an 8-6-2 record, opponents in Match Play. Winning makes and is best known for taking down Rory McIlroy in the last Ryder Cup at Hazeltine. Mexico Championship, opens into singles. No. 2 seed (Jason Day) have McIlroy as good Spieth and Reed won’t play against Charles Howell III in Poulter’s lone victory in won. Anything goes with each other until Friday. Also in the first round. Howell has two America was the 2010 Match 18-hole matches, though their group are former Masters PGA Tour victories, one of Play in Arizona when it was having at least three matches as he already was champion Charl Schwartzel them in a playoff over Mick- single elimination. He was allows a player to recover from and Li Haotong of China. elson at Riviera. referred to as a “ninja” in a bad day. AP Round-robin play starts Tommy Fleetwood faces match play during the draw. Not that it makes it any notice. Most memorable was in Wednesday, with the winners Ian Poulter in an all-England “I’ve never gone up against easier to pick a favorite. 2012 when he missed the cut of 16 groups advancing to a match. Poulter has to advance a ninja in my life,” Fleetwood “This is as hard to win as AUSTIN: Rory McIlroy had his four times in five tournaments. weekend of single out of his group to have any said, who wondered if he could trying to pick the Kentucky first Arnold Palmer moment Two months later, he won the elimination. chance of moving into the top find a book called “Karate for Derby winner,” Pat Perez said. before the tournament even PGA Championship and consec- Dustin Johnson, the 50 and qualifying for the Dummies.” “I always pick the wrong started. utive FedEx Cup playoff events. defending champion, is the No. Masters. He was driving to St. horse.” He had just finished his Three times in his career, 1 seed for the second straight This is the final week for Andrews for the Dunhill Cup Among those skipping the pro-am round at Bay Hill and McIlroy has won in his next start year. players to earn a Masters invi- in 2012 and remembers well event are Henrik Stenson, was about to walk out of the after missing the cut. Five other He has longtime friend tation through top 50 in the Poulter’s heroics at Medinah. Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler and tunnel leading from the 18th times, he won after finishing out Kevin Kisner, Adam Hadwin of world ranking. “Hopefully, it’s just a Adam Scott, mainly for sched- green when a man asked him of the top 30. Canada and Bernd Wiesberger Poulter carried Europe to memory,” he said. uling reasons. Also missing is for a picture. McIlroy obliged, That’s why he wasn’t the of Austria in his group. a stunning comeback in the Rory McIlroy, coming of a US Open champion Brooks because he usually does. But this least bit concerned after missing The opening session Ryder Cup at Medinah in 2012 victory Sunday at Bay Hill, gets Koepka as he recovers from a was different. the cut at the Valspar Wednesday has some com- when he made five straight Peter Uihlein in the opening wrist injury. Joost Luiten The man handed him a Championship. pelling matches. birdies to win a fourballs match. Also in McIlroy’s group withdrew with an injury. black bolero hat and told “It’s such a fine line out here, Phil Mickelson, who hasn’t match, which ultimately swung are Brian Harman and Jhon- He was replaced by Julian McIlroy it was from his and I might have sounded crazy played since winning the momentum to Europe going attan Vegas. Suri, the No. 64 seed, who plays squadron when he served in the last few weeks when I was Matt Kuchar will face Zach Marc Leishman in the opening Vietnam. He didn’t want a selfie telling everyone it actually feels Johnson in the opening round. round. with McIlroy. He wanted a pretty close and I’m not that far They were partners one time, The groups were deter- picture of McIlroy wearing the away, and I’m putting up 72s losing a foursomes match in mined by the top 16 seeds, and hat that meant so much to him. and 73s,” he said. Spieth and Reed, who have a 7-2-2 record the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in then players from the next The hat looked awkward on him “And all of a sudden, it all 2014. three segments of the world with golfing attire, but McIlroy clicks into place and I end up as partners in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Since going to group play ranking were added by lottery didn’t mind. winning a golf tournament by Cup, were drawn in the same four-man group in 2015 at Harding Park in San - one from Nos. 17-32, one It’s all about giving the fans three shots and shooting 8 for the Dell Technologies Match Play. Francisco, two No. 1 seeds from Nos. 33 to 48, and one what they want. under on the last day. So it’s fine (McIlroy and Johnson) and a from No. 49 to 64. Then the 28-year-old from lines out here. I think you have Northern Ireland gave them to play the game to really appre- something even better with ciate that. It’s not as black and what McIlroy described as a white as some people make it “perfect round of golf,” certainly out to be.” Great Webb the closing stretch. He birdied He could think of only one five of the last six holes, capping time he was genuinely worried it off with a 25-foot putt on the about his game. granted 18th hole to win the Arnold McIlroy was 19 and in his Palmer Invitational. first full year as a pro in 2008. That ended his longest He had only two top 10s all year exemption drought without a victory in on the European Tour. He eight years, and it cast him in a wasn’t eligible for any of the new light with the Masters majors. to US Open approaching. He had missed three straight McIlroy had fallen to No. 13 cuts in Sweden, Holland and in the world when he missed the Scotland. He was concerned he AFP cut the previous week at the might lose his card. And then he Valspar Championship, his lost in a playoff in Switzerland, NEW YORK: Two-time US Women’s Open second missed cut in four PGA lost in another playoff in Hong champion Karrie Webb has been given a Tour events this year. He had Kong and won his first pro event special exemption into this year’s tour- not been that low in the ranking early in the next year. Bank Of Hope Founders Cup nament, the US Golf Association confirmed. since April 25, 2010. “And I was off and running,” The 43-year-old Australian will be making It’s not that he was for- he said. her 23rd straight appearance at the event, gotten; rather, attention was McIlroy reached No. 50 with which takes place at Shoal Creek, Alabama shifting to so many others that that playoff loss in Hong Kong, from May 31 to June 3. it was easy to feel overlooked. and he hasn’t fallen out since The seven-time major winner’s All it took was one victory for then. He’s had a few dips, sure, unbroken sequence of appearances at the the conversation to include his “but it’s not as if I’ve had to women’s showpiece is the longest active bid for a green jacket to com- panic.” streak by any player. plete the career Grand Slam. Palmer and McIlroy share Webb, who has not won a major since Michelle Wie “It’s huge for my confidence one other connection, at least the ANA Inspiration in 2006, won back-to- lines up a putt going into the next few weeks,” for now. They are one leg short back US Women’s Opens in 2000 and 2001. McIlroy said. of the Grand Slam. Palmer never on the 15th “As a past champion, I’m very grateful “I kept saying I didn’t need won the PGA Championship. green during and excited to accept the USGA’s special a win going into Augusta to feel McIlroy needs the Masters. the final round exemption into this year’s US Women’s like I had a chance. I just wanted When they had dinner at Bay of the Bank Of Open,” Webb said in a statement. to see signs of good golf. And Hill in 2015 - right before McIl- Hope Founders “I have always loved competing in the thankfully, I’ve been able to get roy’s first crack at the fourth leg Cup at Wildfire US Women’s Open and being tested on both.” Just don’t get the idea his of the slam - the topic never Golf Club some of the best courses in the country. confidence was lagging. came up. in Phoenix, I’m looking forward to playing in my 23rd McIlroy always says that “It’s amazing to think, all Arizona. consecutive championship and being when he’s playing well, it’s hard that Arnold did in the game, he RIGHT: tested again at Shoal Creek.” to remember ever playing never won that Grand Slam,” Jessica Korda Webb had a 10-year exemption into poorly. And when he’s playing McIlroy said. chips from the the Open following her 2001 win, which poorly, it’s hard to remember McIlroy at the Masters, Phil bunker on the expired in 2011. She has earned her place what it was like to play well. But Mickelson at the US Open and 15th green in the event through other exemption cat- he has a history of going through Jordan Spieth at the PGA Cham- during the final egories in subsequent years. She tied for spurts of mediocrity, and pionship each have a chance at round of the 44th in her most recent Open appearance coming out of it strong without the career slam this year. Bank Of Hope at Trump National in Bedminster, New Founders Cup. Jersey in 2017. WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 SPORT 36

It’s time to celebrate this, Del Potro on because I made the big effort beating Roger Federer 7.00PM 4:00PM to win it. And then be ready for and his preparation for FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Miami. It is one of my favourite Miami Open Qatar vs Iraq LIVE ON South Africa vs Angola tournaments on tour. friendly match TUBE friendly match

Special Olympics IX Mena Games: Qatari athletes shine in Abu Dhabi The winning Qatari athletes pose on the podium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Qatari squad displayed an impressive performance at the Special Olympics IX Mena Games winning a total of 11 medals including 5 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze.

Rugby: Ireland Bouchard passes captain Best extends contract

REUTERS first test in Miami “I feel I can continue to make a contribution to both AGENCIES: surgeries in 2016. On Monday, LONDON: Ireland captain Ireland and Ulster Rugby and Eugenie Bouchard of Canada Del Potro moved up to No. 6 in Rory Best extended his am delighted to have INDIAN WELLS: Canadian plays a shot against Allie Kiik the rankings. contract with the Irish Rugby extended my IRFU contract Eugenie Bouchard beat American during day 1 of the Miami Open “I don’t care about the Football Union (IRFU) to the next World Cup,” Best wildcard Allie Kiick 6-2, 6-2 to on Monday in Key Biscayne, numbers. I just want to keep yesterday in a deal that will said in a statement on the be among a parade of former top Florida. winning titles,” he said. see him stay on until the end IRFU website. (www. 20 players to win their first round Del Potro said something of the 2019 World Cup in irishrugby.ie) qualifying matches at the Miami changed for him in his career Japan. Meanwhile, England and Open on Monday. when he upset then world The 35-year-old hooker, Bath back Anthony Watson Bouchard, a former Wim- number one Djokovic in the first who led Ireland to a Grand will miss the rest of the bledon finalist who has fallen round of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Slam victory in the Six Nations season with an Achilles outside the top 100 in the world “After the Djokovic match, championship on Saturday, tendon injury, his club said rankings since reaching a career- my tennis life changed,” he said. has played 111 times for his on Monday. high fifth in 2014, fired seven “I feel happy again with my country, making him Ireland’s The 24-year-old player, aces as she dispatched Kiick. tennis life. third most-capped player. who has scored a total of 15 The 24-year-old Canadian, “I won the Davis Cup and I Best took the captaincy in tries in 33 tests for his who last month won a slip-and- say, ‘Okay, I don’t have any more 2016 and led the team to their country, left the field on an fall lawsuit against the US Tennis pressure to play tennis because first ever victory over New electric cart after 34 minutes Association over an incident at I won everything that I what.’” - Zealand as well as a first win of Saturday’s 24-15 Six the 2015 US Open that left her ‘Happy again’ - But there was still over the Springboks on South Nations defeat by Ireland at with a concussion, was playing one thing missing on his resume African soil. Twickenham. her first match since a first- and that was a Masters 1000 title round loss at Indian Wells two which he earned by beating weeks ago. Federer. Yanina Wickmayer, who “I have everything that I climbed to a career-high 12th in want, and I want to keep the rankings shortly after improving my game to see what reaching the Miami Open can I do,” he said. quarter-finals in 2010, also Federer goes to Miami licking advanced but needed nearly his wounds after losing his fourth 2-1/2 hours to earn a 6-4, 6-7(3), of six career finals to Del Potro. 6-4 win over Australia’s Olivia Overall he holds a commanding Rogowska. 18-7 lead but in finals it’s a dif- Andrea Petkovic, a former thrilling 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) his comeback from multiple ferent story, including the 2009 world number nine, booked her victory at the Indian Wells wrist surgeries. US Open which Del Potro won spot in the second round of qual- Masters. Federer was 17-0 on the 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. ifying when German compatriot With the win, combined with season heading into the Indian “Should I have won the US Sabine Lisicki retired. Petkovic injuries to Rafael Nadal, Novak Wells final which was a personal Open final I don’t know,” Federer was leading 4-6, 6-3, 3-1. Djokovic and Andy Murray, it is best for him. said. “I could have. Should have. Former French Open runner- now looking like Del Potro is the Del Potro said the first order I didn’t. Same today. up Sara Errani, who was ranked biggest threat to Federer’s rule of business when he gets to south “I am not sure why the final fifth in the world in 2013, fell at over the ATP Tour. Florida is to do some celebrating record is what it is. Most of them the first hurdle after being beaten “It’s time to celebrate this, with his team. have gone the distance. It’s been 6-4 5-7 7-6(2) by Czech Tereza because I made the big effort to “I cannot tell you,” he joked tough against him.” Federer said Martincova. win it,” Del Potro said. “And then of his party plans. “It will be he spent too much time second Meanwhile, the stars are be ready for Miami. It is one of Miami, maybe tomorrow, but guessing himself during Sunday’s finally starting to align for Juan my favourite tournaments on that’s enough.” Del Potro also match. Martin Del Potro who will be tour. won the title earlier this month “I let an opportunity like this seeking his third straight ATP title “Many Latino-American in Acapulco, where he beat three go by. Having him hit something at the Miami Masters this week. people are expecting my game top eight players in a row to past me, that’s very uncom- PSL: Zalmi edge Gladiators in Eliminator 1 The south Florida showcase there. That make me feel special. clinch his 21st singles crown. fortable for him, and you pick the Peshawar Zalmi’s Hasan Ali (left) celebrates a wicket of Quetta got an additional boost on I would like to keep surprising He is back in the top ten wrong side and you are like ‘Why Gladiators’ T Kohler-Cadmore during their Eliminator 1 of Pakistan Sunday when Del Potro saved myself and see how far I can go.” rankings this season for the first am I picking the wrong side?’ Is three championship points to Del Potro, 29, captured his time since 2014. He dropped to it him or me? You just don’t Super League (PSL) in Lahore, yesterday. Zalmi scored 157 all out hand world number one Roger second ATP title in a row and No. 1,045 before beginning his know. “Next thing you are and restricted their opponents to 156-8 to register one run victory. Federer his first loss of 2018 in a recorded his biggest victory since comeback from the left wrist shaking hands.