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Wednesday, April 11, 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES Rajab 25, 1439 AH South Africa’s GULF TIMES Semenya smashes Zola Budd’s mark SPORT Page 6 FOOTBALL RALLYINGSPOTLIGHT Al Shamal qualify Asia Cup shift ed to for Emir Cup draw UAE over The main draw of Qatar’s richest tournament will be held today at a gala ceremony India-Pak cricket row Reuters Pakistan announces Kuala Lumpur probable team for Ireland, England tour ricket’s Asia Cup has been moved from In- Karachi: Pakistan yesterday dia to the United Arab announced its initial 25-mem- Emirates over Pakistan’s ber squad for the upcoming Crefusal to cross the border, as re- tours of Ireland and England, lations simmer between the arch with fast bowler Wahab Riaz rivals, the Asian Cricket Council out of favour and key spinner said yesterday. Yasir Shah ruled out with injury. The biennial event was due to The probable team members be held in India in September, will join a training camp in sparking protests from the Pa- Lahore from April 18-22 before kistan Cricket Board (PCB) who leaving for the UK a day later called for the event to be relo- to acclimatise ahead of what is cated. “This year’s Asia Cup is expected to be a tough series. moved out of India to UAE and Pakistan will play Ireland in will be held from September 13- the only Test in Dublin from 28,” Sultan Rana, the Asian Crick- May 11-15 — Ireland’s first since et Council (ACC) development being granted Test status last and event manager, told AFP. year — before playing two Tests India has suspended bilateral against England, starting at cricket ties with Pakistan since Lord’s from May 24 with the the 2008 attacks in Mumbai, second at Leeds from June 1. which New Delhi blamed on mili- Team (probable): Sarfraz tants based across the border. Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, However India has contin- Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar ued to square off with Pakistan Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman in international events like the Salahuddin, Fawad Alam, Saad Al Shamal players celebrate their second goal against Muaither at the Qatar Sports Club stadium yesterday. At bottom, Muathier coach Philippe Burle shows his frustration. 2016 Asia Cup in Bangladesh, the Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Bilal Asif, World Twenty20 at home and Mohamed Asghar, Shadab By Sports Reporter big guns, although it’s rare for a non top- ni and Jose Nunez Montiel constantly the 2017 Champions Trophy in Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohamed Doha fl ight team to actually lay their hands on threatened the Muaither defence with England. The Asia Cup has been Amir, Mohamed Abbas, Hasan the prestigious trophy. some clever thinking and crisp passing. marred by strained Indo-Pak re- Ali, Rahat Ali, Mir Hamza, Mo- Al Shamal were clearly the dominant One such move produced the Al lations since its inception when hamed Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, econd division team Al Shamal side yesterday as they made their inten- Shamal’s second goal when Paraguayan the UAE hosted it in 1984. Two Hussain Talat, Shaheen Shah qualifi ed for the main draw of HH tions clear right from the start and tested Montiel struck from close off an assist years later, India pulled out of the Afridi, Musa Khan. The Emir Cup with a 2-0 win over the Muaither defence at regular intervals. from al-Shibani in the 53rd minute. event in Sri Lanka, while Pakistan fellow minnows Muaither at the But after going close on a number of Muaither produced a brief a brief pur- refused to send its team to India QatarS Sports Club stadium yesterday. occasions, Al Shamal were able to break ple match in the midfi eld but were unable when it hosted the cup in 1991. earlier this month when India re- HH The Emir Cup, the main draw of through only in the 38th minute with to breach the Al Shamal defence. With Pakistan and India unable fused to send their team to Paki- which will be held at a gala ceremony to- Mohamed Hares scored with a power- Al Shamal coach Silvio Diliberto was to host, Bangladesh held three stan to compete. day, is the most lucrative domestic foot- ful right-footed shot from just inside the pleased with his team’s performance. straight Asian Cups from 2012 to “Emerging Cup will now be ball tournament and brings down the penalty area. Muaither hardly made their “I am very happy with the performance 2016. hosted jointly by Pakistan and Sri curtains on the nine-month long football presence felt in terms of goal-worthy of the boys. We played to a plan and we Rana said six Asian teams will Lanka in December this year,” said season in Qatar. moves and in a sense were fortunate to go stuck through by dominating possession. compete in the 50-over Asia Cup. Rana. The event off ers a chance to lower divi- down by just two goals. Now we hope to have a favourable draw Meanwhile, the ACC Emerg- India will play its Emerging sion teams to test their mettle against the The Shamal trio of Hares, Ali al-Shiba- when it is held tomorrow,” said Diliberto. ing Asia Cup was also jeopardised Cup matches in Sri Lanka.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Ronaldo looking better than ever at age 33 AFP “Cristiano is Cristiano, it’s always been like a Madrid derby, without any protest, is a meas- Madrid that,” coach Zinedine Zidane said after Ronaldo ure of how the Champions League is now all- opened the scoring against Atletico Madrid on encompassing for Los Blancos. Sunday. “There’s no other player in the team “He is intelligent,” Zidane said about Ron- ristiano Ronaldo has already bro- that scores like he does.” aldo’s substitution. “There are moments where ken one record in this year’s Cham- There is no doubt Ronaldo’s game is now he does not play and others where he does. He pions League but against Juventus in more streamlined and therefore more geared needs it, he knows that and he is better every Ctheir quarter-fi nal return today he towards goals than perhaps it has ever been be- day.” can edge closer to beating a bigger milestone of fore. To preserve his fi tness and energy, he ac- Luka Modric and Karim Benzema were also his own. Ronaldo’s bicycle kick in Real Madrid’s cepts less touches and covers less ground. left out of the starting line-up at the Santiago 3-0 fi rst leg victory last week ensured he passed The touches he takes and the spaces he fi nds Bernabeu while Bale played 90 minutes, an in- Ruud van Nistelrooy’s feat by scoring in 10 con- are aimed at creating the greatest chance of dicator the Welshman is set for another Euro- secutive Champions League games. hitting the net. Even Zidane’s system is suited pean snub in midweek. But the Portuguese also now stands just three to accommodating this predatorial Ronaldo, a Bale’s fi rst choice is still to regain favour un- goals short of his best ever tally in a single Eu- 4-4-2, with Karim Benzema playing the sup- der Zidane and then stay at Real this summer ropean campaign, an achievement that would porting role and wingers, instructed to supply but his coach is showing little sign of softening. suggest this Ronaldo, aged 33, may even be the deliveries into the box. Zidane made three substitutions last week in fi nest version yet. His 14 goals so far have come When Ronaldo volleyed in from eight yards Turin but Bale remained rooted to the bench. If over nine matches and featured doubles against against Atletico, it was a simple cross to the Real score one, which they have not failed to do APOEL, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Ger- back post from Gareth Bale that provided it. In in 24 Champions League games, Juve will need main and Juventus. this mould, Ronaldo could be terrorising goal- four. “We do not cry to each other and we go to It means this is Ronaldo’s third most pro- keepers for a fair few years yet. Madrid with the desire to have a good race. In lifi c Champions League showing to date already Zidane withdrew his star player in the 64th football and in life you never know,” Juve de- and, with Real almost certain to reach the semi- minute last weekend, despite the match being fender Giorgio Chiellini said after a 4-2 win at fi nals, he is unlikely to fi nish here. When he delicately poised at 1-1 after Antoine Griez- Benevento on Saturday. “The game is long and posted 16 goals in the 2015-16 tournament and mann’s equaliser. The draw keeps Atletico four therefore we will need some balance but to do it his personal best of 17 in 2013-14, both times points clear of Real, and favourites for second will also take a pinch of healthy madness from Real were crowned champions. place in La Liga, but Ronaldo going off early in everyone.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 11, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Ronaldo a symbol of Real like Di Stefano, says Zidane Di Stefano was the face of Real’s domination during the 1950s and 1960s, when they won five European Cups

AFP “There are diffi cult times but in the Madrid Champions League, when you look at the trajectory of this club, it is impres- sive and nobody has reached this level. inedine Zidane believes Cris- It is what this club has.” tiano Ronaldo will be remem- Real have hit a golden patch in recent bered at Real Madrid in the weeks, losing only one of their last 15 same glowing terms as Alfredo matches and scoring 20 goals in their ZDi Stefano. Di Stefano was the face of last seven. “When we scored again, Real’s domination during the 1950s with three or four goals, you cheer up, and 1960s, when they won fi ve Euro- you feel better, you have your confi - pean Cups and he scored more than dence back,” Zidane said. “But it annoys 300 goals. Ronaldo is now trying to lead me when people say we are favourites in another prolonged period of European the Champions League. We are a great success, with Real gunning for their team but we have won nothing yet.” third consecutive Champions League Real will be without the suspend- triumph, and fourth in fi ve years. They ed Sergio Ramos for the return game take a 3-0 lead into Wednesday’s quar- against Juve, meaning 21-year-old ter-fi nal second leg at home to Juventus defender Jesus Vallejo could come in after the Portuguese scored twice last alongside the more experienced Rap- week in Turin, a double that included a hael Varane. Varane insists he will not sensational bicycle kick. look to make up for the loss of Ramos’ Ronaldo already has 14 goals in this leadership at the back. year’s tournament, three short of his “My preparation for the match does best ever 17, which he posted when Real not change,” Varane said. were crowned champions in 2014. “I “I have my personality, I know how to do not think of playing without Cris- guide my partners, to speak to the team. tian, we have him and we are happy,” But I will not transform into someone Zidane said. “There are many people who will bark orders. I will do it with who remember Di Stefano, it is normal personality, as usual, and the important — many people, and I am one of them, thing is that the team can rely on me.” will now remember Cristiano with this Juventus, meanwhile, are without club. We have him and it is necessary to Argentine forward Paulo Dybala, who take advantage of this. All the teams in was sent off in Real’s 3-0 win in Turin the world would be happy to have this last week, and midfi elder Rodrigo Ben- player.” tancur, who is also suspended, while Barring a huge collapse at the San- veteran defender Andrea Barzagli is an tiago Bernabeu, Real will take their injury doubt. place in next month’s semi-fi nals but “The result from the fi rst leg changes their domestic season has been far less nothing for us, tomorrow is another impressive. Real sit fourth in La Liga, 15 story, another game and we want to points behind Barcelona, while a shock put in another great performance,” defeat to Leganes in the Copa del Rey said Zidane. Real defender Varane also means they have only one chance of a dismissed any suggestions his side major trophy. “The explanation I do not would play cautiously against the Se- have,” Zidane said. “Sometimes this rie A leaders. “It will be a diffi cult game year our consistency has not been very against a great team,” said the French good. We have had moments of diffi - defender. “They know that anything is culty, now we are better, but there is no possible in football so they’ll come here explanation. If you ask me, I have more to attack and win. We aren’t going to go motivation than I can ever remember to our and play for a 0-0 draw, we want to win the league. It is the hardest thing to try and win what we know will be a de- Real Madrid’s coach Zinedine Zidane (right) looks at star forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the Valdebebas Sport City in Madrid yesterday, on the eve of the UEFA Champi- do, it is what the player wants. manding game.” ons League quarter-final second leg match against Juventus today. (AFP)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND-UP Bayern Munich wary of Welbeck motivated by competition rsenal forward Danny Liverpool are expected to pay Welbeck has been 70mn euros ($86.5mn), includ- ‘last dice roll’ for Sevilla motivated by the ing bonuses, for the Guinea competition for fi rst midfi elder, who has consistently teamA action with Pierre-Emerick been Leipzig’s midfi eld engine. Aubameyang and Alexandre He has scored fi ve goals and Lacazette but believes he can provided fi ve assists in 23 league also fi ll the void left in the lineup appearances this season. by Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s injury. Welbeck enjoyed a productive MUNIR APPEALS TO CAS outing in Arsenal’s 3-2 Premier IN BID TO SWITCH FROM League win over Southampton SPAIN TO MOROCCO on Sunday, scoring two goals and Deportivo Alaves forward Munir earning praise from manager Ar- El Haddadi has appealed to the sene Wenger for showing signs Court of Arbitration for Sport of his best form following three (CAS) in his bid to switch al- injury-hit seasons. legiance from Spain to Morocco. The 27-year-old England CAS said in a statement that international had been expected Munir had appealed jointly with to compete with recent sign- the Moroccan Football Fed- ings Lacazette and Aubameyang eration (FMF) after FIFA turned for game-time but the striker down his request on March 13. suggested he can play alongside tion tour of the United States, each. The United States will host The appeal included a request the pair. “As you’ve seen, I can Canada and Mexico on Monday all knockout games from the for a decision by mid-May “in play with Pierre and with Laca,” as the bidding battle for the quarter-fi nals onwards. order for the player’s sporting Welbeck told British media. 2026 World Cup enters the home Although the North American nationality to be decided prior to Bayern Munich players train in Munich yesterday. (Reuters) “It is nice. It gives you that straight. With just over two bid is the favourite, Morocco’s the commencement of the FIFA added motivation. The competi- months to go before the vote that has attracted support in Europe. 2018 World Cup,” said CAS. FIFA AFP Heynckes. “If you lose 2-1 at home, you have to tion is there so you are going to will decide the hosts for the fi - French Football Federation rules bar players from switching Munich, Germany take the initiative — and that is certainly what Se- improve and better yourself. I’ve nals in eight years time, the FIFA president Noel Le Graet said allegiance once they have played villa will do. They have to take risks and score two had that throughout my whole delegation kicked off its North he expected to register his vote a competitive international even goals in our stadium. They are a team who press career. Being at an academy American visit in Mexico City. in favour of Morocco when if they hold dual nationality. rjen Robben says Bayern Munich can really well, but we know what we can do. We’re in where players come from all over The delegation will inspect an delegates cast their ballots in Munir, 22, made a single take nothing for granted against Sevilla a good mood, we’re hungry and our big goal is to the world and it is the same here, array of proposed facilities for Moscow on June 13. appearance for Spain, in a Eu- in today’s home quarter-fi nal after the reach the semi-fi nals.” you are always going to have that the 2026 World Cup, including ropean championship qualifi er Spaniards already dumped Manches- The Bavarian giants have been merciless re- competition. It is healthy.” stadiums, training facilities and KEITA SET TO FACE against Macedonia in Septem- terA United out of the Champions League. Bayern cently at the Allianz Arena, demolishing both Welbeck is expected to play a potential team base camps. FIFA ber 2014, when he came on as a MARSEILLE DESPITE KNOCK have one foot in a seventh European semi-fi nal in Hamburg and Borussia Dortmund 6-0 in the last key role in the fi nal stretch of the offi cials will visit Atlanta, To- Liverpool-bound Naby Keita substitute and played less than 15 nine years after earning a 2-1 away win at Sevilla two home games. Heynckes is wary of the return season after Mkhitaryan suff ered ronto, New York and New Jersey is expected to face Marseille minutes. “This was my decision in last week’s fi rst leg. of midfi elder Ever Banega — the “heart” of the a knee-ligament injury in the 4-1 during the trip, which wraps up in tomorrow’s Europa League and I knew what I was doing. However, Sevilla have already given a clear Sevilla team — with the Argentinian play-maker win over CSKA Moscow in the on Friday. quarter-fi nal, second-leg, Since I was young I have played demonstration of how dangerous they are away back from suspension. With one eye on a poten- fi rst leg of their Europa League The North American joint despite limping off against in the in Spain and this was my idea,” from home in Europe. After a goalless draw in Se- tial semi-fi nal, Bayern’s stars must be careful. quarter-fi nal last week. bid is widely seen as the front- Bundesliga. “Thankfully, it’s just said Munir at the time. “I spoke ville in the last 16, they dumped Jose Mourinho’s Top-scorer Robert Lewandowski, who has netted “We all wish him a speedy runner for the 2026 race, with a hip bruise, so hopefully there with people in Morocco and told United out with a 2-1 win at Old Traff ord last 35 goals in 39 games for Bayern this season, is just recovery. Hopefully, he is avail- Morocco the only other candi- is no threat for Thursday,” said them that I wanted to play here month with French striker Wissam Ben Yedder one yellow card from a ban. The same applies to able as soon as possible, but it date for the expanded 48-team Leipzig’s relieved coach Ralph instead.” netting both goals. Robben warns Bayern must Franck Ribery, Joshua Kimmich, Corentin Tolisso, is the manager’s decision who tournament. Hasenhuettl. Munir, who was born in Spain be on their guard, especially given their history Jerome Boateng and Sebastian Rudy. he wants in the team,” Welbeck The US-Mexico-Canada bid Keita, who will join Jurgen and has a Moroccan father, was of elimination by Spanish teams in the knock-out Heynckes said Boateng is fi t despite a bruised added. “Obviously, with the has made an array of already- Klopp’s Liverpool next season, raised at Barcelona’s famous phases in each of the last four seasons. “We need foot. The Germany centre-back picked up the goals... I’ve staked my claim. existing, modern stadiums the came off late in Leipzig’s 4-1 loss youth academy where he made to be careful,” warned Robben. knock when Bayern were confi rmed Bundesliga Going into the game on Thurs- centre-piece of its bid, a key to Leverkusen on Monday. Keita, his professional debut and is “It’s the last roll of the dice for Sevilla and they champions for the sixth straight season with a 4-1 day, we want to get the win and consideration for FIFA chiefs a defensive midfi elder, collided currently on loan at Alaves. He will give it their all. Everyone is talking about the win at Augsburg on Saturday. get into the next round.” Arsenal anxious to avoid expensive with Leverkusen’s goalkeeper has also spent one season on semis, but if we win, then we can talk about that. However, Heynckes said both left-back David visit Moscow for the return leg ‘white elephant’ venues that Bernd Leno in the 74th minute at loan at Valencia. A 2-1 win away from home is always great, but it’s Alaba, back in training after a back injury, and tomorrow. have plagued previous World the Red Bull Arena and went off FIFA’s stakeholders committee not the same as 5-0 against Besiktas (in the last midfi elder Arturo Vidal, who has a knock, are Cup hosts. soon after. is studying a proposal to make 16). They (Sevilla) did brilliantly in Manchester unlikely to play. Bayern have reason for optimism FIFA COMMITTEE BEGINS North American bid offi cials Leipzig will fl y to Marseille for the rules more fl exible in such and we know we have to perform.” about going into the draw for the semi-fi nals on TOUR OF NORTH have said 60 of the tourna- a place in the semi-fi nals holding cases. Spain and Morocco have Bayern head coach Jupp Heynckes expects Se- Friday. Sevilla are winless in their four games AMERICA 2026 BID ment’s matches will be staged in a slender 1-0 lead after Germany been drawn in the same group at villa to attack from the fi rst whistle in Munich. since winning at Old Traff ord and crashed to a A FIFA evaluation committee the United States, with Canada striker Timo Werner scored the the World Cup alongside Portu- “They will certainly go on the off ensive,” said 4-0 league defeat at Vigo on Saturday. launched a fi ve-day inspec- and Mexico hosting 10 games only goal in last week’s fi rst leg. gal and Iran. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 11, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Japan coach vows PSG seem set to bet to build on ‘world class’ technique on unproven Tuchel AFP fi rst match against Colombia in Tokyo a tough World Cup pool that also includes Poland and Senegal. Tuchel is one of two frontrunners, together with Chelsea’s Antonio Conte Nishino boasts an impressive ar- apan’s newly appointed ray of domestic silverware and AFP national football manager masterminded one of Japanese Paris Akira Nishino said yes- football’s proudest moments: terday the Blue Samurai beating a Brazil side containing haveJ world-class technique and Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos 1-0 homas Tuchel is not a big-name vowed to build on their organ- at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. coach, he has won few trophies ised playing style ahead of the A former international mid- and has never managed a squad World Cup. Japan appointed fi elder who won 12 caps for his of stars, but French and German the 63-year-old veteran coach country, Nishino is best known Tmedia agree that he will probably succeed on Monday after sensationally for his stint at the helm of Gamba Unai Emery at Paris Saint-Germain. The dumping Vahid Halilhodzic only Osaka, which he steered to the German website SportBuzzer reports that two months before the tourna- team’s fi rst Asian Club Cham- the 44-year-old Bavarian has already ment in Russia. “(Japan) have pionship in 2008. This earned signed a two-year contract. had a lot of world-class aspects them the biggest match in their In France, the sports daily L’Equipe in terms of technique,” Nishino history, a World Club Cup semi- quibbled over the details, saying it is told reporters in his fi rst public fi nal clash with a powerful Man- “premature to say the deal is signed” but remarks since the appointment. chester United side featuring “it’s only a question of timing”, probably “The team can compete in Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs at the end of the season. Emery appears a well-organised, disciplined and Wayne Rooney, which they to be merely biding his time in the PSG way,” Nishino said. “It is so im- lost in a 5-3 thriller. hotseat after the crushing elimination portant to build that strength,” The tournament in Russia will from the Champions League at the hands he said, adding: “We will not be the sixth successive World of Real Madrid. seek what we don’t have but Cup appearance by the Blue Tuchel’s modest playing career peak- further improve what we have Samurai, who made it to the last ed early with a handful of matches for been building.” Nishino will 16 in 2002 when Japan co-hosted Stuttgart Kickers in the German second have only 70 days with the Blue the tournament with South Ko- division in 1992-93. He went on to coach Samurai before they play their rea and again in 2010. Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, winning the German Cup after succeeding the highly successful Jurgen Klopp. Tuchel would be the fi rst German to lead PSG. Tuchel has been without a club since his tumultuous departure from Dort- mund in May 2017 after a series of pub- lic disagreements with the club’s chief executive. Bayern Munich tapped up Tuchel recently as a possible successor to 72-year-old Jupp Heynckes, who insists he will not stay. But Tuchel “was already signed with a Thomas Tuchel left Borussia Dortmund in May 2017 but may return to the game at PSG. club,” said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. This interest from big the Premier League title to his collection working on what he needs to do at PSG. endured a frustrating season at Stamford clubs shows Tuchel’s standing despite his of titles. Guardiola has won the Champi- But history suggests he won’t have much Bridge, with the team in danger of losing lack of trophies. That German Cup run ons League. Tuchel has never progressed time to show he can do better than Lau- out on a Champions League place for next included a 3-2 victory over Bayern Mu- beyond the last eight of the trophy PSG’s rent Blanc who took PSG to the Cham- season. nich in a crazy semi-fi nal. owners most covet. Emery arrived in pions League quarter-fi nals in 2015 and Chelsea were eliminated by Barce- He also led Dortmund to second behind Paris with three Europa League titles 2016 and was fi red in June 2016. lona in the Champions League and their Bayern in the Bundesliga in 2016. Tuchel but remains the man responsible for the For PSG, Tuchel represents another only chance of silverware is the FA Cup, is famed for his passion for tactics. Niko “Remontada” when PSG blew a 4-0 lead long-odds bet, but the prize, for both in which they play Southampton in the ARSENAL’S ELNENY Kovac, who manages Eintracht Frankfurt, against Barcelona, losing the second leg sides, remains huge. semi-fi nals on 22 April. Conte has hinted the losing team in last year’s German Cup 6-1 last March. Tuchel is one of two frontrunners, to- at his frustration with the club’s trans- HAS BAN OVERTURNED fi nal, called Tuchel a “chorus master” One reason off ered for Emery’s dif- gether with Chelsea’s Antonio Conte. fer policy throughout the season and re- and praised his “genius for playing diff er- fi culties in Paris is a lack of experience The club’s president, Nasser al-Khelaifi , cently said he was “very angry” and “very London: Arsenal midfielder Wilshere after the Arsenal star ent systems week after week.” handling a squad of stars. Tuchel had is also keen on seeing whether there is sad” about the current situation. Mohamed Elneny had his red ripped his shirt. Tuchel also has a reputation for man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a star with any possibility of prising José Mourinho “Those who know me very well know card against Southampton The FA accepted Arsenal’s management, especially with younger a big ego in Dortmund who is now at Ar- or Massimiliano Allegri from their re- I am trying to put all of myself to change overturned by the Football As- claim of wrongful dismissal, players, and attracted attention at Dort- senal, but PSG has a dressing room full spective clubs, Manchester United and this situation because I have great re- sociation yesterday. meaning Elneny will not serve mund for the spectacular way he devel- of divas. Neymar’s entourage reportedly Juventus, but there is a realisation within sponsibility,” he said in the buildup to Elneny was dismissed in the a three-match suspension. “Mo- oped such rising stars as Ousmane Dem- pushed for Luis Enrique, the former Bar- the club that that will be extremely dif- Sunday’s 1-1 home draw against West closing moments of Arsenal’s hamed Elneny will be available bele, now at Barcelona, US international celona coach who won the Champions fi cult. Mauricio Pochettino has also been Ham. “I feel great responsibility for my 3-2 win at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal’s next three games Christian Pulisic and Julian Weigl. League with the Brazilian in his team in mentioned as a possible replacement for work, for my family, for everything. on Sunday after the Egyptian after an Independent Regula- But Tuchel reportedly had diffi cul- 2015. Meanwhile veterans such as Thiago the Spaniard, whose contract runs out in When I go to my house, it’s not that I am pushed Southampton defender tory Commission accepted ties with veteran players he wanted to Silva, and the Italian playmaker Marco the summer. relaxed but I know that I gave everything Cedric Soares. The incident that he was wrongly dismissed phase out. This profi le as a tactician and Verratti, have let it be known that they fa- The club have already held talks with and am giving everything for this club, came just after Southamp- for violent conduct against demanding, even authoritarian, coach voured the return of Carlo Ancelotti, who Conte’s representatives, although no 120%, every day, every day. Sometimes, ton defender Jack Stephens Southampton on Sunday, April calls to mind Pep Guardiola who works managed the Paris club from 2011 to 2013. formal approach or off er has been made it’s very diffi cult to sleep with these types was sent off for shoving Jack 8, 2018,” an FA statement read. at Manchester City and is poised to add SportsBuzzer says Tuchel is already to the Chelsea manager. The Italian has of problem.”

QNB STARS LEAGUE DUHAIL CLINCH QATARGAS UNDER-23 TITLE Brothers shine in QNB Stars League he 2017-18 season QNB and left-back Khalid in new with a cruciate ligament injury. Stars League was also champions Al Duhail. They Ahmad and Saif Hassan al- noted for the strong both started their career with Al Mohannadi appeared in some presence of eight pairs Wakrah, now the Second Divi- league matches for Al Khor. Tof brothers. sion runners-up. Next were Mohammed (Al They were siblings off the Al Duhail also have Ali Afi f, Khor) and Ahmad Badr Sayyar fi eld, but fi ghters on it, true to while his younger brother (Al Sadd). While, Mohammed the sportsmanship and values Akram dons the jersey of Al was a regular, Ahmad played of the game. As the world cel- Sadd. Ali was one of the main only in some games. ebrates Siblings Day yesterday, players in Algerian coach Goalkeeper Mohamed Mu- here is a look at them. Djamel Belmadi’s scheme of barak and defender Meshaal Among them, the goalkeeper things before he got injured, Mubarak both represented Al duo is Muhannad Naim (Al Ara- while Akram, who joined The Ahli this season. Meshaal an- bi) and Yazan Naim (Al Ahli). Wolves from Spanish club Vil- nounced his retirement after Both had a good season, espe- larreal in the January transfer their last league match against cially Muhannad who did well period, is faring very well. Al Rayyan. He played for four with the national team as well. Abdulmajid Anad (Al Ghara- clubs in all. Al Gharafa forward Ahmed fa), Abdulhamid Anad (Al Of them, three sets of broth- Alaaeldin and Al Rayyan right- Rayyan) and Abdulrahman ers will have the chance to play back Mohamed played key roles Anad (Al Arabi) form the trio in the elite Qatar Cup, featuring for their teams. They also ex- of brothers in the QNB Stars the top four clubs in the QNB celled in both QNB Stars League League, although they did not Stars League. They are Ahmed and AFC Champions League. appear much with their clubs. and Mohammed Alaaeldin, Yu- Then there are right-back Abdulrahman was out of action suf and Khalid Muftah and Ali Yusuf Muftah in Al Gharafa from the start of this season and Akram Afi f.

Duhail were crowned Qatargas under-23 football champions yesterday. In the last league match played yesterday at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Duhail lost to Al Sadd 0-1. But they had done enough to seal the title. An 83rd minute goal by Hassan Ahmed was the winner for Al Sadd. Duhail won 17 matches, lost three and drew two en route to the title. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil

Qatar Stars League Management CEO Hani Ballan presents the Al Gharafa forward Ahmed Alaaeldin (right) and Al Rayyan right-back Mohamed played key roles for winners’ trophy to Duhail captain. their teams. They also excelled in both QNB Stars League and AFC Champions League. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 11, 2018 SPORT

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE MOTORSPORT Red Bull failing to get the max out of Billings, Watson help Verstappen: Hamilton

Reuters and started 15th, had “fantastic London pace” but young drivers did not always make the right decisions. Red Bull are fourth in the ormula One world championship after two races, Chennai pull off champion Lewis Ham- behind Renault-powered rivals ilton believes Max Ver- McLaren, despite having a car stappen’s inexperience that looked in testing to be on hasF cost Red Bull precious points a par with Ferrari – winners in this season. Australia and Bahrain. The Mercedes driver clashed The team’s other driver, Aus- with the 20-year-old on the sec- tralian Daniel Ricciardo, retired ond lap in Bahrain last weekend, early on in Bahrain with an elec- heist against Kolkata each blaming the other for an trical failure. incident that led to the Red Bull Vertappen won two races Andre Russell’s ruthless knock (36-ball 88) for Kolkata Knight Riders goes in vain driver’s race retirement. last season, ending the season Verstappen is the rising star of strongly. IANS Formula One, already the winner Hamilton fi nished third in Chennai of three races and a driver Ham- Bahrain, after starting ninth due ilton rates as a future champion, to a grid penalty for a gearbox but the Briton was critical of change, and he suff ered com- am Billings’ 23-ball 56 how the Dutchman drove at Sa- munications problems during coupled with Shane khir on Sunday. the race. Watson’s 19-ball 42 “They (Red Bull) have a car The Briton said that was helped Chennai Super which should be getting good re- something the team needed to KingsS pull off a heist as they beat sults, but through inexperience, address and would discuss ahead Kolkata Knight Riders by fi ve or not mature decisions, they are of this weekend’s race in Shang- wickets in a thrilling IPL game, not,” Hamilton told reporters. hai. held amidst strong protests on the “Max should have had a de- “I was driving around in kind issue of Cauvery waters yesterday. cent race. If (McLaren’s) Fern- of no-man’s land for a while, but Needing 17 runs in the last ando (Alonso) was in their car, that’s just something we need to over, Ravindra Jadeja 11 (not out) he would have got points for Red work on. The radio wasn’t work- hit a six off R Vinay Kumar with Bull. If I was in their car, I would ing properly. And in the heat of four runs and one ball remain- have got points for Red Bull. the moment, it’s very diffi cult ing as Dwayne Bravo (11 not out) “I hope he (Verstappen) is to know what information you watched from the other end. learning through these situa- need to give,” he said. Chasing 203, Watson and Am- tions. I went through that when I “They couldn’t hear me, I bati Rayudu (39 off 26; 3x4, 2x6) was younger so I know how it is. could hear them. But they would gave CSK a dream start before It is easy to get ahead of yourself always come back saying ‘I can’t they got out and KKR reined in and forget to respect the other hear you’. with a one more wicket. guys that you are racing against.” “And obviously then when But Billings and skipper M S Hamilton, 33, said Verstap- you do try to give feedback on a Dhoni (25 off 28; 1x4, 1x6) kept pen, who crashed in the fi rst corner, you’re taking your mind their chances alive with a 54- phase of qualifying in Bahrain off driving a perfect line.” run stand for the fourth wicket and after Dhoni got out Billings cut loose.The England top-order CRICKET batsman brought up his 50 in 21 balls, sweeping Tom Curran (2/39), whom he took for 17 runs in the 15th over, to the leg side to Australia, Pakistan bring up the landmark. Curran got his wicket in the same over but Jadeja and Bravo head for tri-series ensured the job was done. Chennai Super Kings’ Sam Billings plays a shot during the IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai yesterday. (AFP) CSK got off to a yingfl start. Watson made his intentions clear in Zimbabwe from the off , spanking R Vinay Protesters descend on Chennai stadium ahead of match Kumar for a two fours and a six Reuters tional series against Zimbabwe in the fi rst over. At the other end, Protesters burned merchandise and jostled Harare at the Queens Club in Bulawayo Rayudu (39 off 26; 3x4, 2x6) took with police outside a cricket stadium in between July 13-22. Zimbabwe a liking to Piyush Chawla hitting Chennai yesterday, demanding Indian Pre- failed last month to qualify for the wrist-spinner for two sixes mier League matches be cancelled as the ustralia are to return next year’s World Cup in Eng- and a four in the fourth over. southern city reels from a water crisis. to Africa in July, three land, despite hosting the quali- The pair added 75 runs for the Hundreds of demonstrators, some wearing months after their con- fying competition. opening wicket before Watson black T-shirts and waving black balloons, troversial tour of South holed out to Rinku Singh at cow Africa,A when they take part in a Morkel joins Surrey gathered near the venue shouting slogans corner trying to pull Curran. ahead of the Chennai Super Kings’ match triangular Twenty20 series with on two-year contract After the Powerplay, CSK were against Kolkata Knight Riders. Police tried Pakistan in Zimbabwe. Surrey have signed South well on course at 75/1. to force protesters on to buses outside the Australia lost 3-1 in their four- Africa fast bowler Morne Mor- Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav stadium in Chennai, the capital of Tamil test series against the Proteas in kel on a two-year contract, the 1/27) then removed the set Ray- Nadu state, where the Kings are to play March and April, overshadowed former English county champi- udu with a lofted delivery out- their first home match since a two-year ban Members of the Tamil ethnic group burn match tickets outside MA Chidhambram Stadium during by a ball-tampering scandal ons announced yesterday. side off -stump which went to for illegal gambling was lifted. The drought- a protest against the IPL amid ongoing demonstrations over water rights in Chennai yesterday. which led to the suspensions of Morkel quit international substitute Shivam Mavi at ex- prone state has witnessed mounting captain Steve Smith, Cameron Cricket after South Africa’s re- tra cover as the batsman played protests in recent weeks over a disputed recommended IPL games be moved out of between April 10 and May 20. The Super Bancroft and David Warner and cent 3-1 home test series win away from his body. accord with neighbouring Karnataka on Chennai because of the protests but said Kings have also told the sellout crowd that the resignation of coach Darren over Australia and the 33-year- From that point, CSK’s surge how to share water from the key Cauvery they would provide security if they went they will not be allowed to take mobile Lehmann. old will add plenty of experi- took a dip and the asking rate river, a hot-button issue in southern India. ahead. “Around 4,000 police personnel phones, bags or other electronic devices Warner was captain of Aus- ence having played 86 tests, 117 started shooting up. Suresh “We want all seven IPL matches in Chennai will stand guard around the ground. We into the ground. tralia’s T20 team but is suspend- one-day internationals and 44 Raina (14), who was dropped by to be cancelled until our demands are met. have covered all bases to make sure that Some state politicians and activists have ed for 12 months and from ever Twenty20 internationals. Curran on 6, could not capitalise We will also ask the spectators to boycott nothing goes wrong,” a Tamil Nadu police lashed out at the BCCI for holding IPL being captain of any Australian “It is a real honour that Surrey on it and with cramps aff ecting the match,” said one protester sporting a spokesman told AFP. The Chennai stadium matches in the state at a time when senti- team again after the incident in have asked me to join their club him, pulled a Narine delivery to black T-shirt. The state government had is scheduled to host the IPL matches ments were running high. Cape Town last month. after my retirement from inter- Vinay Kumar at long on. Each team will play four national Cricket,” Morkel, who Dhoni and Billings - given a matches in a round-robin for- has taken 544 wickets across second life by Robin Uthappa edged to Karthik who took a sharp catch Earlier, Andre Russell smashed an unbeat- beginning. mat from July 1-6 with the top all formats of the game, said in who dropped him at mid off - behind the stumps. The match was not over en 36-ball 88 to help Kolkata Knight Riders Brief scores: Chennai Super Kings 205/5 in two sides meeting in the fi nal on a statement to Surrey’s website fought well. Chawla broke the though with Billings continuing his big- recover from early jitters and post a mam- 19.5 overs (Sam Billings 56, Shane Watson July 8. All fi xtures will be hosted (www.kiaoval.com). stand just the home side looked hitting before Curran got his revenge on his moth 202/6 in 20 overs. Russell was ably 42; Tom Curran 2/39) beat Kolkata Knight at the Harare Sports Club. Morkel will be available for to be making a fi ght out of it with international teammate as the England bats- supported by skipper Dinesh Karthik (26 off Riders: 202/6 in 20 overs (Andre Russell 88, Pakistan then stay on for a Surrey in all forms of the game as a low ball that Dhoni feather- man holed out to Uthappa at long off . 25 balls) and Uthappa (29 off 16 balls) at the Robin Uthappa 20; Shane Watson 2/39) fi ve-match One Day Interna- a Kolpak registered player.

INTERVIEW ‘Home success stepping stone to winning abroad’ Reuters when it comes to overseas victories. side India. “Things will fall in place. diff erent countries come and play Mumbai Yes overseas victories are important There are certain things we need to during the IPL while the national team but you have to win at home fi rst then improve as a group. I am sure we can players are from your own country. you win overseas. take the learning from what happened “Your managing of the players, your ndia’s excellent record at home “It is important for us to win every in South Africa with us when we go to strategies, planning remain the same. is under-appreciated but it is an game, in every country. Any country England.” All you need to change is your behav- important stepping stone to win- we go to play we have to try and win.” iour and acknowledgement towards ning matches abroad, batsman With trips to England and Australia CAPTAINCY the players when it comes to IPL.” IRohit Sharma told Reuters in an in- pencilled in for later in the year, crit- The right-handed batsman also In the shorter version of cricket, terview. ics believe 2018 will be the real test for leads India in limited-overs matches Sharma is almost unstoppable. He can Under talismanic captain Virat Kohli’s men in the longest format. in the absence of Kohli and recently clear boundaries at will and destroy Kohli, India won nine consecutive test Often hailed as the next big thing skippered them to victory in last the statistics of the most mercurial series dating back to 2015 before the to come out of Mumbai since Sachin month’s Twenty20 tri-series in Sri bowler when he is on song. 2-1 series loss in South Africa in Janu- Tendulkar, Sharma is an automatic Lanka, also featuring Bangladesh. Sharma, whose 264 against Sri ary halted their juggernaut. choice in the limited-overs side and “The experience has been... a great Lanka in 2014 remains the highest The stellar run fi rmly cemented the only batsman to score three one- learning curve,” said Sharma, who has ODI score, averages 44.55 in one-day- India’s place on top of the world test day international double centuries. led the Mumbai franchise to three In- ers with 17 hundreds. He also has two rankings but the bone of contention His batting form in whites, how- dian Premier League titles. centuries in the shortest T20 format. has been that out of the nine, six came ever, pale in comparison. Since reg- “Whatever time I have spent cap- “I am a batsman fi rst and then a at home while two of the away victo- istering two centuries in his fi rst two taining for Mumbai, that experience captain. My primary job is to go out ries were in Sri Lanka with the other tests - against West Indies in 2013 - he really helped me while leading the na- there and score runs and make those in West Indies. managed his third against Sri Lanka at tional team.” big contributions. And then the cap- “It’s just a general perception of home in November. For Sharma, most things are simi- taincy comes in,” said Sharma, who people that we have to win away “There are challenging tours that lar when it comes to leading an Indian also skippered the Indian team in the games. As long as you are playing the are coming up which we have to do team or captaining the Mumbai side limited-overs series at home against game, you have to win everywhere,” well in,” said Sharma, who averages a in the popular Twenty20 league. Sri Lanka in December. the 30-year-old Sharma said yester- shade under 40 in 25 tests. “Things are not very diff erent when “Both have to go hand in hand for us day. “If you look at the South Africa you lead a franchise or a national to have the success. I have to lead from “It doesn’t matter where you win. tour, we almost won the fi rst test team,” he said. “All you need to do is the front. How will I do that? It’s by People obviously fi nd it more inter- match and won the third. We are com- train your mind according to that. The scoring runs and making sure I send esting to write something diff erent peting really hard as a team even out- only diff erence is that players from the right message.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 11, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Internationals Simmons, Jokic Westbrook triple sweep Player of as Thunder seal the Week awards play-off position

‘It’s what we wanted. We wanted to come off the road trip 2 & 0 and we did that. We’ve got one more to close it up at home and get ready for these playoff s’

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (C).

Reuters said on Monday he had his eyes Philadelphia on an even bigger prize than the Player of the Week or even Rook- ie of the Year honours. ustralian Ben Simmons “Championships,” Simmons and Serbian Nikola Jo- said. “I want to be the Defensive kic were announced as Player of the Year... MVP. There’s the NBA Players of the a lot of accolades I want to get, WeekA yesterday, the fi rst time but I ultimately want to win a two international players have ring.” swept the awards in four years. It is the second time the The 21-year-old Philadelphia 23-year-old Jokic has won the 76ers forward Simmons averaged award this season after also do- 18.5 points, 10 rebounds and 8.8 ing so in the week ending Nov. 12. assists in his team’s four wins Monday marks the fi rst time last week to secure the Eastern two international players have conference award and further won the awards in the same make his case for Rookie of the week since Montenegro’s Nikola Year honours. Vucevic won it for the Eastern The big Denver Nuggets for- conference’s Orlando Magic and ward Jokic narrowly missed av- the US Virgin Islands’ Tim Dun- eraging a triple double en route can for the Western conference’s to the Western conference hon- San Antonio Spurs during the our, averaging 23 points, 10.3 2013-2014 season. rebounds and nine assists as The award is the latest sign of his team went 3-0 to keep their the impact players from outside playoff hopes alive. the US are having on the New Simmons, who sat out all of York-based league, with a record last season with a broken foot, number of international players has played a key role for the expected to compete in the play- overachieving 76ers, who have off s when they tip off on April 14. won 14 straight matches and sit The playoff -bound 76ers and third in the conference with two Utah Jazz have the most foreign games left to play in the regular athletes on their rosters, with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives the ball around Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the first half of their game on Monday. season. each team sporting seven play- PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Yet the ambitious Australian ers.

AFP Whiteside had 16. The defeat saw Miami clinch on Monday, with the Pelicans second round. Los Angeles slide back to seventh place in the Eastern trouncing the Los Angeles Clippers 113- Love, who led the Cavs scoring with Conference, a half-game ahead of Wash- 100 at the Staples Center on the back of 28 points and grabbed fi ve rebounds, said ington.George said the Thunder would a 28-point display from Anthony Davis. the team was fi nding form at the right Villanova’s Bridges aul George scored 27 points and now aim to fi nish with a win in front of Elsewhere Monday, Kevin Love and Le- time. Russell Westbrook bagged a tri- their home fans today, when they host the Bron James combined for 54 points as the “Heading into the playoff s we always enters NBA draft ple-double as the Oklahoma City Memphis Grizzlies. Cleveland Cavaliers kept alive their hopes want to get better, and we feel like we’ve PThunder overcame an 18-point “It feels great. We’ve got one more to of snagging third place in the Eastern done that,” Love said after Monday’s road Miami: Villanova All-American defi cit to clinch a playoff berth with a 115- go, we’re heading in the right direction,” Conference with a 123-109 win over the win at Madison Square Garden. Mikal Bridges is entering the 93 victory over the Miami Heat on Mon- George said. New York Knicks. “It just felt like we moved the ball a lit- 2018 NBA Draft. day. “It’s what we wanted. We wanted to With just one regular season game re- tle bit better. For 48 minutes it felt like we Bridges, a junior who won the Westbrook fi nished with 23 points, 18 come off the road trip 2 & 0 and we did maining, the Cavaliers will likely need to did a good job of that. A lot of contribu- national championship with the rebounds and 13 assists in a dynamic per- that. We’ve got one more to close it up at defeat New York again today if they are tions, a lot of guys playing well, it’s always Wildcats twice in three seasons, formance which assured the Thunder of home and get ready for these playoff s.” to have any chance of sneaking past the fun to play Madison Square Garden.” made the announcement Tues- a postseason berth and kept them in the The Thunder were joined in the play- in-form Philadelphia 76ers for the third James fi nished with 26 points and con- day. He is projected as a top-15 hunt for home-court advantage in the off s by the San Antonio Spurs, who sealed seeding. tributed 11 assists in a comfortable win pick because of his position fi rst round. their 21st consecutive appearance in the The Sixers will be assured of third for the 2016 NBA champions. flexibility at 6-foot-7. The Thunder improved to 47-34 with postseason with a 98-85 win over the if they win their two remaining games “There’s space in the NBA on the win, leaving them level on wins in Sacramento Kings. against Atlanta and Milwaukee. RESULTS the floor, and there’s this move the Western Conference standings with The Spurs advanced after strong per- However, Cleveland’s win on Monday toward position-less basketball fourth-placed Utah, who have played a formances off the bench, with Manu handed them the tie-breaker over the LA Clippers 100 New Orleans 113 that I fit into,” Bridges told top small forward in college game fewer. Ginobili chipping in with 17 points and Sixers, meaning that should Philadelphia San Antonio 98 Sacramento 85 ESPN. “I can shoot the ball. I basketball. George and Westbrook were backed by Rudy Gay 18 points. slip up against the Hawks on Tuesday or Brooklyn 114 Chicago 105 can defend. I can move without Bridges redshirted his first year Carmelo Anthony, who fi nished with 11 It remains to be seen where San Anto- the Bucks on Wednesday, the Cavs will Miami 93 Oklahoma City 115 the ball. I’m progressing in my on campus and was the MVP of points, while Jerami Grant contributed 17 nio will start in the playoff s however, with fi nish third. New York 109 Cleveland 123 game, getting better through the Big East tournament. He av- off the bench as the Thunder overcame a the Spurs one of four teams locked on 47 Whichever team sits in third has a po- Denver 88 Portland 82 work every day.” eraged 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds determined Miami side. wins heading into the fi nal rounds of the tentially easier route to the Eastern Con- Milwaukee 102 Orlando 86 In 2017-18, Bridges won the and shot 43.5 % from 3-point Josh Richardson led the scoring for regular season. ference fi nals, with a series against the Minnesota 113 Memphis 94 Julius Erving Award as the range as a junior. the Heat with 18 points while Hassan New Orleans were the other team to injury-hit Boston Celtics likely in the Detroit 98 Toronto 108

BASEBALL Richard’s homer helps Padres outlast Rockies

Reuters Max Scherzer threw a two-hitter loaded, one-out threat in the Twins’ out in the inning by Greg Holland (0- low freezing for most of the night, strong innings as visiting New York New York and struck out 10, and Howie Kend- eighth, inducing a 6-3 double play 1), making his Cardinals debut after but that didn’t stop Cleveland ace won its sixth consecutive game, de- rick hit a two-run double in the first from Rosario to preserve the lead. Ken being signed on Opening Day. Corey Kluber from heating up against feating Miami. Syndergaard (2-0) al- inning as Washington defeated visit- Giles got the final out in the ninth for Matt Albers (2-0) got the win de- visiting Detroit. Kluber (1-1) tossed lowed five hits, two walks and two eft-hander Clayton Richard ing Atlanta in the series opener. his first save. spite allowing Dexter Fowler’s game- eight dominant innings to lift the runs, one earned. He struck out five hit a three-run homer to help The victory snapped a five-game tying sacrifice fly in the ninth. Indians. He fanned 13 batters, the for the first-place Mets. post his first win of the sea- losing streak for Washington, which ROYALS 10, MARINERS 0 most strikeouts he has ever recorded Miami was led by left fielder Derek son, and Padres relievers Craig got swept by the New York Mets this Jakob Junis allowed one hit in seven DIAMONDBACKS 2, GIANTS 1 against the Tigers, walked one and Dietrich, who went 3-for-4 with a StammenL and Brad Hand retired nine past weekend. Atlanta had won four scoreless innings, and Mike Mousta- Zack Godley pitched seven shutout allowed just two hits. Andrew Miller double, an RBI and a hit-by-pitch. consecutive Rockies to protect a one- out of five coming into this series and kas homered as the Kansas City rolled innings and Paul Goldschmidt tripled threw a hitless ninth inning for his run lead Monday night as San Diego was the top offensive scoring team to a victory against visiting Seattle. in the middle of a two-run first in- first save. BLUE JAYS 7, ORIOLES 1 defeated Colorado 7-6 in Denver. in the majors after this weekend’s Moustakas went 3-for-5 with three ning, sending Arizona to a victory at Francisco Liriano (1-1) made his Josh Donaldson slugged a grand Back-to-back, two-out homers by Ri- games. The Braves scored 62 runs in RBIs for Kansas City, which racked San Francisco. Coming off a four-hit, second strong start of the season for slam and Steve Pearce smacked a two- chard and Carlos Asuaje in the fourth their first nine games but could not do up 13 hits. Drew Butera and Alcides one-run outing over seven innings in the Tigers, going six innings and al- run homer to Toronto record a victory boosted the Padres to a 6-1 lead. much against Scherzer, who did not Escobar had two RBIs apiece for the a 6-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodg- lowing two runs, three hits, three over host Baltimore. Jose Pirela doubled home Eric Hos- issue a walk. Royals. Junis (2-0) gave up his lone ers on April 3, Godley (2-0) was just walks and striking out four. Blue Jays starter J.A. Happ (2-1) mer with the Padres’ final run in the hit with one out in the seventh in- as strong against the Giants, again al- struck out nine in six innings. Happ fifth. The Rockies narrowed the gap ASTROS 2, TWINS 0 ning. He struck out three, walked two lowing four hits but this time no runs PHILLIES 6, REDS 5 gave up one run, five hits and three on Chris Iannetta’s three-run homer Justin Verlander worked seven and hit three batters. Seattle’s Marco in the outing. He struck out nine and Nick Williams belted a pinch-hit walks. Pearce has homered in each of off Richard in the fourth and Carlos shutout innings in Houston’s win at Gonzales (1-1) lasted just 2 1/3 innings did not walk a batter. home run with two outs in the bottom the past three games. His third-in- Gonzalez’s disputed two-run homer Minnesota. Verlander (2-0) recorded and allowed four runs and eight hits. The Giants finally broke through of the eighth inning to lift host Phila- ning shot on Monday came on a 3-0 off Padres reliever Jordan Lyles in the nine strikeouts against just one walk against reliever Yoshihisa Hirano in delphia past Cincinnati. pitch from Dylan Bundy (0-1). sixth. Richard (1-1) got credit for the while allowing four hits. The game’s BREWERS 5, CARDINALS the eighth after a leadoff double by Williams’ blast landed 417 feet from Manny Machado homered for win despite allowing four runs on five only runs scored on a J.D. Davis sin- 4 (10 INNINGS) Brandon Crawford, who came around home plate. Rhys Hoskins and Scott Baltimore’s lone run. Trey Mancini hits, including Iannetta’s homer, with gle in the sixth inning and a Marwin Orlando Arcia’s bases-loaded walk to score on an infield out by Gregor Kingery each homered for the Phillies. went 3-for-4 with a walk and Mach- three walks and three strikeouts in Gonzalez double in the eighth. with one out in the top of the 10th in- Blanco. Tucker Barnhart hit a home run for ado reached base three times on two five innings. Houston right-hander Chris De- ning lifted visiting Milwaukee to a win the Reds. hits and a walk, but the Orioles were venski emerged from the bullpen and over St. Louis. INDIANS 2, TIGERS 0 METS 4, MARLINS 2 0-for-12 with runners in scoring po- NATIONALS 2, BRAVES 0 needed just one pitch to snuff a bases- It was the fourth free pass handed Temperatures may have been be- Noah Syndergaard pitched six sition. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 11, 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

SPOTLIGHT Semenya smashes Budd mark as controversy persists ‘I want everyone to know that South African athletes are here to stay. I’m proud to be a South African. We are a great nation’

AFP Makwala did press-ups on the Gold Coast, Australia track after winning the 400m in 44.35sec, Grenada’s Lin- don Victor won the decathlon aster Semenya smashed and New Zealand’s Julia Rat- Zola Budd’s long- cliff e shed tears of joy after she standing South African hurled 69.94m to take hammer 1,500 metres record at gold. theC Commonwealth Games yes- Jamaican debutant Ron- terday as her dominance on the ald Levy outstripped former track continued to be dogged by Olympic bronze-medallist controversy off it. Hansle Parchment to win Semenya, who has elevated the 110m hurdles in 13.19, while levels of male sex hormones, Kimberly Williams and Shanie- made her move on the last lap, ka Ricketts formed another overtaking Kenya’s Beatrice Jamaican one-two in the triple Chepkoech on the fi nal bend and jump. accelerating away to win in 4min In the pool, Australia rounded 0.71sec. off a golden meet with a haul The 27-year-old’s victory by of six victories, while Taylor more than two seconds sliced Ruck, 17, fi nished with a record- 1.1sec off Budd’s 1984 South equalling eight medals when African record and earned Se- she anchored Canada to silver menya her fi rst Commonwealth in the women’s 4x100m medley medal, to go with her swathe of relay. Olympic and world titles over The oldest competitor in the 800m. Games’ history, as well as a girl It was a victorious moment for thought to be the youngest, both Semenya, who called for assist- drew attention as they took part ance for an exhausted rival lying in shooting and table tennis re- on the track before setting off for spectively. a lap of honour wrapped in the Bob Pitcairn, a 79-year-old national fl ag. former pilot who once foiled the “I want everyone to know that hijacking of a passenger plane, South African athletes are here to came a respectable eighth of 16 stay. I’m proud to be a South Af- in the Queen’s Prize Pairs fi nals rican. We are a great nation and fullbore shooting. we want to display that to the Just as impressively, 11-year- world,” she said. old Anna Hursey completed her But Semenya has long endured stunning table tennis debut when scrutiny over her hyperandro- she bowed out of the women’s genism and this week, Australian singles against Malaysia’s Alice South Africa’s Caster Semenya holds her national flag after winning the athletics women’s 1,500m final during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the Carrara Stadium 800m runner Brittany McGowan Chang Li Sian. on the Gold Coast yesterday. (AFP) raised familiar concerns. “Nothing phases her,” said “It’s a tough one. It’s tough Hursey’s coach Stephen Jenkins, for a lot of women in the 800m, praising the Cardiff schoolgirl’s 400m and 1,500m at the mo- unfl appable nature. Ruck record as Aussie swimmers finish on high note ment to compare ourselves and English diving star Tom Da- be judged by our governing bod- ley suff ered a setback when he Hosts Australia produced two astonishing relay fight-backs Australia won six of yesterday’s seven finals as they pre- ies on those times,” McGowan withdrew from the individual on the final night of the Commonwealth Games swim- served a Commonwealth Games win streak in swimming reportedly said. Semenya’s em- 10 metres platform, citing a hip ming yesterday as Canadian teenager Taylor Ruck bagged that stretches back to Edmonton in 1978. phatic win comes with her future problem following surgery last a record-equalling eighth medal. Jack McLoughlin crushed fellow Aussie Mack Horton to again clouded after the Court of year. Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers mowed down England’s win 1,500m freestyle gold, denying the Olympic 400m Arbitration for Sport suspended Daley, the 2010 and 2014 Ben Proud on the final leg, the freestyle, as the Aussies champion a Games hat-trick. the IAAF’s hyperandrogenism individual winner, who suff ered won an absorbing 4x100 metres medley relay to finish McLoughlin’s clocked 14:47.09 to beat Welshman Daniel regulations, which now look set concussion in the build-up to with 21 gold medals on the Gold Coast. Jervis and Horton as Australia won the event they used to be changed. the Games, will still dive in the Chalmers stopped the clock in a Games-record three to dominate for the first time since Grant Hackett’s 2002 However, she is now eyeing synchronised platform with his minutes, 31.04 seconds, just seven-hundredths ahead of victory in Manchester. the world record in the 800m, in partner Dan Goodfellow. Proud, who led at the turn after strong legs from Adam Mitch Larkin won the 200m individual medley final in which she will be hot favourite Australia’s Cameron Meyer Peaty and James Guy, but just ran out of steam. 1:57.67 and, having already completed the backstroke tre- when the heats start tomorrow. won cycling’s men’s time trial The women’s medley relay was every bit as close, ble, ended the Games with five gold medals after leading Semenya’s appearance raises ahead of England’s Harry Tan- Canada’s teen sensation Ruck turning for home on the off the 4x100m medley relay. new questions at the Games, fi eld and Hamish Bond of New anchor leg almost half-a-second in front, only to be pipped Scotland’s Duncan Scott, who produced arguably the whose fi rst transgender athlete, Zealand – a double Olympic by Bronte Campbell as Australia won in 3:54.36. swim of the Games to win the blue riband 100m freestyle New Zealand weightlifter Laurel rowing gold medallist. “We watched Bronte come over the top of the other girls at the weekend, took silver for his sixth medal of a brea- Hubbard, dramatically injured Katrin Garfoot won the in that women’s race, so I knew that I wanted to do the kout meet. herself mid-competition on women’s time trial and bronze same thing,” said Chalmers. “To do it with these boys is Australian teenager Ariarne Titmus bagged her third gold Monday and later said her career went to England’s Hayley Sim- awesome.” medal by romping to victory in the women’s 400m free- may be over. monds, who took up cycling to Ruck, who prepares for races by drinking espresso, equalled style in a Games record of 4:00.93 - and won an unusual get in shape and has now end- countryman Ralph Hutton and Australian swimmers Susie bet she made with coach Dean Boxall. “Dean said if I won, Oldest to youngest ed up with a Commonwealth O’Neill and Emily Seebohm for the most medals captured he would get his hair in braids so I’m really excited,” said Elsewhere, Botswana’s Isaac medal. at a single Commonwealth Games - but apologised for be- the Tasmania-born teenager. ing too young to know who O’Neill was. “He said if I went under four minutes, he would shave his “I’m just so honoured to win that many medals,” Ruck told head - we will save that for another time!” 2018 CWG medals table (top 10) AFP. Canada’s Taylor Ruck poses with silver medal after the Rain begun to thunder down just before the women’s “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet and I don’t know when it will.” women’s 200m backstroke final during the 2018 Gold 50m backstroke final, won by Seebohm, who touched G S B T G S B T History-maker Chad le Clos, who completed a butterfly Coast Commonwealth Games at the Optus Aquatic just four-hundredths before treble-chasing Kylie Masse of 1 Australia 50 38 42 130 6 Canada 8 21 15 44 hat-trick on Monday to become the most decorated Centre in the Gold Coast yesterday. (AFP) Canada. 2 England 24 29 21 74 7 Wales 7 8 7 22 Commonwealth Games swimmer of all time with 16 Proud retained his 50m freestyle crown as he held off 3 India 11 4 6 21 8 Scotland 6 10 12 28 medals, was elated with his bronze in the 4x100m medley said the South African pin-up after picking up a 17th medal. South Africa’s Bradley Tandy to win England’s sixth swim- 4 New Zealand 9 10 7 26 9 Nigeria 4 4 0 8 relay. “It was a dogfight but we pulled our weight. It’s the best ming gold in 21.35, making up for last week’s disqualifica- 5 South Africa 9 6 6 21 10 Cyprus 4 0 2 6 “It was as important as important as the butterfly golds,” night for me for sure.” tion in the 50m fly.

FOCUS Gold rush points to bright future for Aussie swimming AFP and South Africa, both on six golds. his move to bring the selection trials closer Gold Coast, Australia Australia also won seven more golds in to the Games competition in line with oth- the para swimming events for a combined er major nations. team tally of 73 medals. “Our aim was to make Australia proud pine-tingling wins in the fi nal- Australia have not lost in the pool at a and show Australia what we’re made of and night medley relays at the Com- Commonwealth Games since going down we succeeded in that,” said the Dutchman, monwealth Games yesterday to Canada at Edmonton in 1978. who used statistics to support his opti- crowned a spectacular showing in Mitch Larkin was Australia’s most suc- mism. theS pool for Australia that has raised hopes cessful swimmer with fi ve golds in fi ve “We’re hitting about a 65-percent rate in for future Olympic success. events, including a backstroke sweep, while terms of personal best times, season best Bronte Campbell, preferred to elder Chalmers won four titles – three in relays, times, and that’s a very good score,” he told sister Cate for the freestyle anchor leg, but had to settle for silver in the 100m free, reporters. “That’s double the Rio Olym- overhauled Canada’s Taylor Ruck to seal a the event he won at the 2016 Rio Olympics. pics.” thrilling victory in the 4x100m medley in The Campbell sister and rising teen star Verhaeren plans to put his swimmers Games record time. Ariarne Titmus fi nished with three golds through a training camp in tropical north “It’s pretty unreal, it’s very rare that and a silver. Queensland ahead of the Pan Pacifi c com- I get a swim in the medley relay at all,” petition in Tokyo this August – and use it Bronte said as the Commonwealth swim- ‘Great team’ as a preparation blueprint for the Tokyo ming competition wrapped up on the Gold “We’ve got such a great team,” said Lar- Olympics. Coast. kin, looking ahead to the 2020 Tokyo Ol- The Commonwealth gold rush has “We knew Canada was going to be really ympics. given Australian swimming a boost af- strong, but I’m just glad that the girls set “We just swam through our skin, we held ter a 10-medal haul at Rio that featured me up and we did a good job in the end.” our nerve, showed up in those pressure just three golds with a new generation of Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers then situations. swimmers, headed by Olympic champions reeled in England’s Ben Proud in a super- “We’ve had some tough years,” he added. Chalmers and Mack Horton at the fore- charged fi nal lap to win the men’s medley “But it sets us up with some great confi - front. relay by just nine hundredths in the fi nal dence heading into next year and hopefully “It’s great to win this amount of medals,” event of the six-day meet. on to 2020.” Verhaeren said. It left the host nation alone at the top Australia’s head coach Jacco Verhaeren “But in doing that you need performanc- Australia’s Bronte Campbell, Emily Seebohm, Georgia Bohl and Emma Mckeon pose with their gold medals and with 21 golds on the able-bodied swim- pointed to a greater number of personal es and medals – and from what I can see the flag after winning the women’s 4x100m medley relay final during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at ming medal tally, well ahead of England and season-best times as justifi cation for people love it, so we love it too.” the Optus Aquatic Centre in the Gold Coast yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, April 11, 2018 7 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Table tennis prodigy, 11, meets her match Heena wins gold in competition, helping Wales to AFP Gold Coast, Australia doubles wins against India and Sri Lanka.The schoolgirl, whose mother is Chinese and who n 11-year-old Welsh has training stints in China, is table tennis prodigy known for her attacking style who broke records and but Chang, 17, was able to absorb caused amazement at the pressure as well as Hursey’s women’s 25m pistol theA Commonwealth Games met noisy support from the crowd. her match yesterday when she “She has a lot of supporters India’s Pallikal and Chinappa come from behind to beat Pakistan’s Faiza and Madina in squash was ousted from the women’s but I don’t care about the outside singles. (noise), I just play my match,” Anna Hursey thrashed Ugan- Chang. da’s Halima Nambozo 4-0 but Hursey’s coach Stephen she came unstuck in her second Jenkins praised her composure pool match against Malaysia’s in the spotlight, saying: “Noth- Alice Chang Li Sian, who won ing phases her.” 11-8, 11-8, 11-3, 11-4. “She is really relaxed when she Despite the defeat, it has been plays and just enjoys it really,” a stunning debut for Hursey, Jenkins said. who stands just 1.60 metres (5ft “Anna herself says to me she 3in) tall and is thought to be the is not nervous, which baffl es me, youngest athlete in Common- because I’m like, ‘Surely you are wealth Games history. a little bit nervous?’” he said. Hursey, the youngest com- “Anna just thrives off , and petitor ever fi elded by Wales, feeds off the crowd really,” he also played in the women’s team added.

(L to R) Silver medallist Australia’s Elena Galiabovitch, gold medallist India’s Heena Sidhu and bronze medallist Malaysia’s Alia Sazana Azahari on the podium of the women’s Wales’s Anna Hursey hits a return against Malaysia’s Li Sian Alice 25m pistol shooting during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the Belmont Shooting Complex in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) Chang during their singles table tennis game at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the Oxenford Studios venue in Gold Coast IANS to emerge champion yesterday point in the ninth series, Heena lagging at the seventh spot with Later, the Indian pair out- yesterday. (AFP) Gold Coast, Australia despite an injury in her trig- held her nerves in the 10th 286. classed Pakistan’s Madina Za- ger fi nger, speaks volumes of and fi nal series to emerge Heena struggled with her far and Tayyab Aslam 2-0 (11-2, her determination and makes champion. opening couple of shots in the 11-3). ndian shooter Heena Sidhu the victory all the more credit- Earlier, Annu fi nished the Precision round with disap- In the women’s doubles English cyclist sheds half won gold in the women’s able. qualifi cation stage at the second pointing eff orts of 95 and 93 event, Dipika and Joshna Chi- 25 metre Pistol event at Annu Raj Singh, the other spot with a total of 584 points. before recovering somewhat nappa came from behind to beat bodyweight en route to medal the 21st Commonwealth Indian in the fray, fi zzled out in Heena was third with 579. with a 98 in her third and last Pakistan’s Zafar Faiza and Zafar An English cyclist who took up hobbies. “There have been IGames (CWG) yesterday. the fi nal after an excellent per- Xiu Hong Teh of Singapore attempt. Madina 2-1. the sport to get in shape and times I’ve wanted to go and eat Heena notched up a new formance during qualifi cation, topped the qualifi cation stand- Heena started the Rapid After going down closely 10- then shed nearly half her body- a big cake,” she said. Simmonds, CWG record of 38 points in the to take the overall sixth place. ings with 584. round poorly as well as she 11 in the opening game, the In- weight won Commonwealth who did a PhD in chemistry at fi nal to take the title in style. Elena was the fastest off the Annu had taken pole posi- could only manage a 95in her dian duo bounced back strongly Games bronze yesterday – and the University of Cambridge, Elena Galiabovitch of Aus- blocks in the fi nal and Heena tion at the end of the Precision opening attempt. But she saved to thrash the Pakistani pair 11- was overcome with emotion at will also go in the women’s road tralia scored 35 to take silver was trailing behind the Austral- round with 293. She managed her best for her last two shots, 0, 11-1. the finish line. A tearful Hayley race on Saturday, the penulti- while Malaysia’s Alia Sazana ian till the fi fth series. 291 in the Rapid round while fi ring consecutive scores of 99 In their next outing, Dipika Simmonds looked stunned mate day of the Games. Azahari got bronze with 26. Heena did well to close the Xiu scored 293. to zoom to the third spot. and Joshna will take on Wales’ when she placed third in the This was the 11th gold medal gap by scoring with all her fi ve Annu registered a series of It was a satisfactory day for Tesni Evans and Deon Saff ery women’s time trial, the result for India in this year’s CWG and shots in the fi fth series before 96, 99 and 98 in the Precision India at the squash events as all on April 11. of years of vigorous training Heena’s fi rst individual gold in another perfect score in the round. She was consistent in the three pairs came out victori- In the last event of the day, which saw her drop 45 kilos three editions of this quadren- sixth saw her take the joint lead. the Rapid round as well with ous in their respective matches. India’s second mixed double (100 pounds). nial event. The Indian took sole lead af- scores of 98, 96 and 97. In the mixed doubles event, pairing of Joshna and Harinder “I showed Julian (Julian Winn, Heena, who has a total of four ter the fi rst shot in the seventh Xiu, who was second after Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Gho- Pal Sandhu defeated Caroline her coach) a picture of me from CWG medals to her name, had series and subsequently in- the Precision round with 291, sal registered comfortable vic- Laing and Jacob Kelly of Cay- 2011 and he didn’t believe it bagged bronze in the women’s creased the gap. registered 96, 100 and 97 in the tories against Guyana and Pa- man Islands 2-0. was me, I lost like 45kg,” the 10m air pistol event on Sunday. With a two-point lead at the Rapid stage to snatch the lead. kistan to advance to the Round They outclassed their oppo- 29-year-old said. She had also won a gold in end of the seventh series, Heena Heena meanwhile, started of 16. nents 11-3, 11-6 and wrapped “As soon as I started doing time the women’s 10m air pistol found the target in four of the slowly before climbing up the In their fi rst game, Dipaka up the issue in 15 minutes at the trials my competitive nature pairs and silver in the individual fi ve shots in the eighth to be standings with an awesome and Saurav defeated Guyana’s Oxenford Studios here. took over, it’s been hard.” Sim- Hayley Simmonds poses with event at the 2010 edition in New ahead by three points. show in the Rapid round. Mary Fung-a-Fat and Jason- Joshna and Harinder will now monds, who now weighs 55kg, her individual time trial bronze Delhi. Although the Australian She was decidedly below par Ray Khalil 2-0 (11-3, 11-3) in just face Scotland’s Lisa Aitken and describes baking as one of her medal yesterday. (AFP) The fact that Heena managed managed to close the gap by one in the Precision round and was 13 minutes of play. Kevin Moran on April 11.

HOCKEY India beat Malaysia 2-1 to enter semi-fi nals IANS feated Wales 4-3 in a high scor- Forced to defend in numbers sive goal in the closing stages of Gold Coast, Australia, ing encounter. Malaysia focussed on keeping the third quarter when he con- “We are happy to be on the out the Indian attacks and hit- verted a penalty corner with an winning side. I think the team ting back with the occasional excellent placing into the top left ndia qualifi ed for the semi- has improved since our fi rst counter-attack. corner that beat the Malaysian fi nals of the men’s hockey match against Pakistan. Though Malaysia found the equaliser custodian with its power and tournament after defeat- there are still certain areas we immediately after the start of precision. The fourth period saw ing Malaysia 2-1 in a Pool must get better with, this win the second quarter as a fast move the Indian continue to dominate IB match at the 21st Common- will give the team a good mo- down the right saw Faisal beat their opponents although the wealth Games (CWG) yesterday. mentum for the next match,” In- the Indian defence with an ex- Malaysians attacked desperately Harmanpreet Singh (3rd, 44th dia’s chief coach Sjoerd Marijne cellent run before receiving a de- in the fi nal few minutes to ensure minutes) converted a couple of said after the match. fence splitting pass which found a tense fi nish. penalty corner while the experi- “It’s not about the opponents him in a one to one situation with S.V. Sunil earned India a pen- enced Faizal Saari (16th) reduced but our own game. I am yet to India goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh. alty corner in the 57th minute. the defi cit for Malaysia immedi- see this team come up with a Faisal did well to control the ball But an alert Malaysian goalkeep- ately after the start of the second 7/10 performance in this tourna- before beating Sreejesh with a er came up with a brilliant save quarter. This is India’s second ment. If each of them manage to superb fi nish from a tight angle. to keep Harmanpreet Singh from consecutive win of their cur- play their role to perfection, I am Although the Indians contin- completing his hat-trick. rent campaign. India now top confi dent of a good show against ued to dominate ball possession, the pool table with seven points England,” he added. they found it tough to penetrate India’s eves enter semis from three matches. India got off to an ideal start the well-organised Malaysian The Indian women’s hockey They will play their last pool with forward Mandeep Singh defence. team defeated South Africa 1-0 match against second placed winning the fi rst penalty corner of The Indians did create a few in its fi nal Pool A game to enter England today. With the top two the match in the second minute. chances with Mandeep and Gur- the semi-fi nals. teams advancing to the last four Harmanpreet came up with a jant missing the target in the 21st Captain Rani Rampal’s 47th- stage, India are assured of a place perfect dragfl ick, improvising on and 28th minutes respectively. minute fi eld goal proved to be in the semi-fi nals as they will the injection and keeping the ball The Indians also did poorly the diff erence during the match. fi nish second in the pool in case low to his right to fi nd the gap and with the penalty corners as they Following the result, India re- of a loss. fetch India an early lead. squandered seven of the nine mained second in the Pool A However, England face a must Though Malaysia too won a set pieces they earned over the with nine points – same as top- win contest as a defeat will put penalty in the fi fth minute, Razie course of the match. India upped placed England but behind on their chances in jeopardy. Rahim’s fl ick was off the mark. their attack in the third quarter, goal diff erence. India had squandered a 2-0 Buoyed by the lead, the Indians pushing for the elusive lead. Dil- Third-placed South Africa lead to be held to a last gasp 2-2 dominated possession and kept preet Singh had a shot on goal have four points with a match draw by arch-rivals Pakistan in the Malaysian defenders on their but was saved by the Malaysian left. They will meet fourth- Harmanpreet Singh (right) of India is congratulated by his teammates after scoring his first goal during their opening match. The former toes with a constant stream of defence. placed Wales, who have three the men’s field hockey match against Malaysia at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on the Gold Olympic champions then de- attacks. Harmanpreet found the deci- points. Coast yesterday. (AFP)

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar pioneer in hosting Olympic School Program: QSSA chairman The 11th edition of the programme witnessed a massive response, with 3,000 students representing 192 schools

QNA Doha

hairman of the Qatar School Sports Association (QSSA) Ra- bia Mohammed al-Kaabi said that Qatar is a pioneer in host- ingC of the Olympic school programme, which was established 11 years ago. Al-Kaabi was speaking yesterday after the conclusion of the football competitions held at Aspire Academy for all school grades. The 11th edition of the programme witnessed a massive response, with 3,000 students rep- resenting 192 schools, of which 98% where state schools. Al-Kaabi praised the interaction of schools, students, and parents and said number of talents emerge every year, benefi ting clubs and teams. On whether the Organising Com- mittee intends to increase the number of sports in the next edition, al-Kaabi said: “The committee is in the process of a comprehensive evaluation of this year’s edition. The competitions were School children pose with off icials after the conclusion of the Olympic school programme’s football competitions held at Aspire Academy yesterday. held in 12 sports and the committee will see whether it is necessary to add new vidual development as all the benefi ts events next year. We will consult with that come from sports are goals for a Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and healthy and developed community as the federations concerned and then sports plays an important role in devel- take a decision.” oping social and educational systems.” In football, Newton school defeated QSSA Executive Director Abdulrah- Iqra school in the fi nal of the fi rst level man al-Muftah reiterated the success to clinch the title. In the second lev- of the 11th edition of the Olympic pro- el, Malik bin Anas defeated Jabir ibn gramme and thanked QOC and all the Hayyan school 5-4 via penalties to win entities that supported the implemen- the title. In the third level, Yarmouk tation of the programme in a unique triumphed after defeating Abu Bakr way, which, he said, would undoubt- Assedeeq 3-0 in the fi nal match. For the edly benefi t the students greatly. fourth level title, MES Indian School Al-Muftah added that the interac- won 1-0 against Birla Public School. tion of school and entities confi rms Meanwhile, QSSA Secretary-Gener- that the programme is achieving its al Ali al-Hitmi said the football fi nals required goals which includes fi nd- achieved their goal in this edition of the ing talent and encouraging students to programme. He congratulated the win- make sports a way of life due to its im- ning teams, stressing that the Olympic portance and benefi ts. He added that Program covers all the schools in Qatar. sports also helps them create a per- Al-Hitmi said: “The wise leadership sonality that benefi ts the community. of the country believes that invest- Sport has gained great importance in ing in human resources and genera- harnessing the eff orts of societies to tions through sports is one of the main achieve their development goals at the methods to achieve development goals. social, economic and cultural levels and Qatar is one of the fi rst countries to do tions manager at Aspire Academy and pic Program was unique, was crucial in programme where all clubs will be in- Sport is capable of becoming one of the paying attention to sport is a charac- that, al-Muftah said. the Olympic Program’s football super- discovering talents. He added that 70 vited to recruit players. main ways of achieving social and indi- teristic unique to modern societies, and Saeed al-Marri, football competi- visor, said the 11th edition of the Olym- players were chosen to join a three-day

Farhoud Al Shaqab named champion stallion SHOOTING Qatar win double trap silver at the Arab Championship By Sports Reporter Doha

atar’s men’s team com- prising former Asian Games bronze medal- list Hamad al-Marri, AbdulbasitQ Mohsen al-Saadi and Rashid al-Athbi won the dou- ble trap silver medal at the Arab Shotgun Shooting Champion- ship in Rabata, Morocco, yester- day. Kuwait won gold, while Mo- rocco took bronze. Qatar fi nished the champion- ship with one gold (men’s team skeet) and fi ve silver medals. Mo- rocco hosted the championship Qatar’s men’s shooting team of Hamad al-Marri, Abdulbasit Mohsen from April 3 and the event was al-Saadi and Rashid al-Athbi. organised by the International ShootingSport Federation in co- score more successes in the fu- it slightly better and I lost the operation with the Arab Shoot- ture,” said al-Marri. chance,” al-Marri said. ing Federation, with the partici- Al-Marri was a bit unfortunate “The Qatar Shooting and Ar- pation of 11 teams competing in in the individual event, when he chery Association prepared the trap, skeet, and double trap for narrowly lost the bronze medal entire team well ahead of the men and women. to Oman’s Hussein al-Shaha- Arab championship. If we are “I’m happy that the entire mi. Marri, who won the third able to get so many medals, it was team put in creditable perform- place in the 2010 Guangzhou just due to its proper planning ance and we were able to bag the Asian Games, regretted miss- and camp. Our aim is to do well second place in the double trap, ing out on the medal. “There in each championship or compe- which was tough and exciting. was a close battle for the bronze tition. We’re all trying to secure This display will surely raise our medal. I tried my best to claim it these goals and becoming better confi dence level so that we can but the Omani shooter managed with each event,” he said.

FOCUS Chelsea Foundation’s youth Farhoud Al Shaqab emerged as the champion stallion at the Souq Waqif Equestrian Festival yesterday. The six-day equine team trains at Aspire Zone extravaganza will conclude Saturday with 11th leg of the Hathab Series, where popular Qatar riders will be in action. ore than 120 young perts in Qatar keen to learn more tination for many teams looking The Festival is organised by the Private Engineering Off ice, in football players be- about the Foundation’s training to benefi t from AZF’s state-of- co-operation with the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Racing and tween the age of methodologies, academic cur- the-art facilities which gives Equestrian Club and Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation. 10 and 14 from the ricula and the latest innovative the organisation its unique ‘all- MChelsea Foundation are set to approaches to youth football de- in-one-place’ approach, with Special areas have been reserved for the public who will attend the various equestrian competitions, which will be held from 4:30pm conclude their training camp in velopment. the training pitches, medical to 10:30pm. Today the horse auction will be the feature event. More Aspire Zone Foundation’s out- The team is set to conclude facilities, youth development, than 140 entries have registered for the championship. door pitches 3 and 4. The four- their training camp today, when hospitality services and outdoor Cash prizes have been stipulated for the championship. The day training camp, hosted by they will hold the last session facilities, host to major sports organisers have also arranged for a pony race tomorrow. The AZF for the second consecutive from 4pm until 6pm. The train- and entertainment events, being festival is being held in the western square of Souq Waqif. year, generated popular interest ing camp comes at a time when found under the umbrella of one from coaches and football ex- AZF has become a preferred des- organisation.