TTENNISENNIS | Page 4 Federer and Anderson advance to fourth round

Wednesday, March 27, 2019 FOOTBALL Rajab 20, 1440 AH Mbappe continues GULF TIMES his rise with France in Iceland rout SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL / AFC U23 CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 QUALIFIERS Qatar fi ght back to fend off Oman, qualify for Finals

Qatar’s Hassan Ahmed Palang Second-half brace by Hasan Ahmed Palang earns celebrates his goal during the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 Qatar 2-2 draw for a shot at continental U23 title qualifying Group A match against Oman yesterday. AFC Doha

atar emerged from a compelling 2-2 draw with Oman to quali- fy as group winners, Qwhile Afghanistan fi nished with a win on the fi nal day of AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 qualifying Group A. A second half brace from Has- san Ahmed Palang proved crucial for Qatar, who survived an early scare to seal a 2-2 draw and claim a ticket to Thailand 2020 ahead of Oman on goal diff erence. The result leaves Oman on the brink of elimination from the qualifi cation race, with their fate to be confi rmed at the conclusion of all of the day’s matches. Qatar came into the match fresh from a stunning 5-0 win Qatar team coach Albert Caballeria gestures during the match against over Nepal, and it took an excel- Oman yesterday. PICTURES: Othman Khalid lent low save from Ibrahim al- Mukhaini to prevent them from Palang showing great poise and title next January. taking a 15th-minute lead, after no shortage of strength to steer a Meanwhile, Afghanistan end- Abdullah al-Ahrak had cleverly header past al-Mukhaini for 1-1. ed their campaign with the joy of supplied Amro Surag. Qatar only needed a draw to a parting win, as they accounted Al-Mukhaini’s intervention secure their qualifi cation, but for Nepal 2-0 in the battle of the seemed even more important Palang put them into a com- already-eliminated teams. when Oman scored fi ve minutes manding position when he After competitive outings later thanks to a booming header latched on to a superb al-Ahrak against both Qatar and Oman, from Amran al-Hidi, which Qa- to score another header Afghanistan secured their fi rst tar goalkeeper Yazan Hussein got — and give his side the lead — in points of the competition thanks a hand to, but couldn’t keep out. the 73rd minute, but Oman re- to two fi rst half goals, leaving Ne- That goal put Qatar’s quali- fused to wilt, and they equalised pal to fi nish their campaign with- fi cation hopes into a precarious when Saud al-Habsi produced a out a point. position, and those hopes looked fantastic header of his own four Afghanistan scored the game’s in disarray, for a moment at least, minutes later. opening goal through Suliman when Muhsen al-Ghassani found Oman needed one more goal Shah Khorami, who got onto the net in the 43rd minute, but to win the match, top the group, the end of Nematullah Karimi’s the hosts were given a reprieve as and salvage their campaign but measured pass to beat Arpan the goal was ruled out for off side. they faced an uphill battle when Karki from close range in the 24th A brilliant curling eff ort from Asad al-Awadi was shown a sec- minute. Surag hit the upright in the fi - ond yellow card with three min- Khorami then turned provider nal minute of the fi rst half, but utes remaining, and Qatar held 10 minutes later, supplying a pass Qatar only had to wait until fi ve fi rm to ensure the Asian senior from the left fl ank which found minutes into the second half to champions will be there to con- Ahmad Haydary, who had the sim- fi nd the precious equaliser, with test the continental Under-23 ple task of fi nishing from 10 yards.

4th Qatar National Arabian Peninsula Horse Show for Individual Owners

Connections pose with the trophy after Saef Mohamed al-Hajri’s Ehsan Al Shahania topped the championship round for the Connections pose with the championship trophy after Mohamed Abdul Rahman Ali al-Nuaimi’s Hilal Al Waab won gold mares yesterday. In other championships, Jabor Nasser al-Kuwari’s Aseel Al Jasasiya won gold among the junior colts. Al among the stallions in the 4th Qatar National Arabian Peninsula Horse Show for Individual Owners at Al Shaqab Indoor Sraiya Stud’s Rayana Al Sraiya won the Yearling Fillies Championship, while Al Adeed Stud’s Farhan Al Adeed took gold in the Arena yesterday. Al-Nuaimi’s Toya Al Rowdha too won gold among the junior fillies earlier in the day. PICTURES: Juhaim Yearling Colts Championship. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 27, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ‘Ronaldo Alarm’ for Juventus ahead of CL quarters-fi nals AFP quickly moved to reassure everyone Milan that he would soon shake off the knock. “I’m not worried. I know my body. I believe that in no more than two weeks ristiano Ronaldo’s thigh injury I’ll be fi ne,” Ronaldo told reporters. “We picked up during Portugal’s have to wait 24 to 48 hours”. The Portu- 1-1 Euro 2020 qualifi er draw guese star is set to undergo further tests with Serbia has sparked alarm in Juve’s medical centre in Turin. inC Italy ahead of Juventus’s Champions Ronaldo was rested two weeks ago League quarter-fi nal tie against Ajax when the Italian champions suff ered in two weeks’ time. The 34-year-old their fi rst league defeat this season, 2-0 Juve attacker hobbled off 30 minutes against Genoa in their last game before into Monday’s stalemate after pulling the international break. But Juventus up chasing a ball on the left wing, and have a comfortable 15 point-lead on the Turin-based daily Tuttosport launched top of the Serie A table and are on course a “Ronaldo Alarm” yesterday, while for an eighth consecutive Scudetto. Gazzetta Dello Sport headlined with Juventus signed the fi ve-time “CR7 Worry”. Champions League winner last sum- Ronaldo underwent tests in Portugal mer for 100mn euros ($117mn) to end yesterday with Juventus moving to al- their search for the title they last won lay fears afterwards by issuing a state- in 1996. His hat-trick against Atletico ment to say the injury was a “minor” sealed a place in the quarter-fi nals with one. “Cristiano Ronaldo underwent a 3-2 aggregate win after being two examinations in Portugal that showed goals down after the fi rst leg. an apparent minor injury to his right The fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner has thigh fl exors,” the Serie A giants said rarely been injured during his long ca- in a statement. “His condition will be reer. He suff ered two injuries to his left monitored and will be subjected to new ankle in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010, investigations to defi ne the resumption with his last serious injury a cruciate of competitive activity.” ligament sprain in his left knee during Juventus travel to Amsterdam for the the Euro 2016 fi nal, won by Portugal fi rst leg of their quarter-fi nal clash with against hosts France. the Dutch side on April 10 with the re- The Genoa defeat was the only time turn leg on April 16, and the absence of Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri has Ronaldo would be a huge blow for the rested Ronaldo this season but he has Turin giants after he dragged them past other attacking options available, in- Atletico Madrid in the last 16 with a cluding Argentine Paulo Dybala, who return-leg hat-trick earlier this month. has been overshadowed by Ronaldo this Recovery time for a thigh injury season, and rising start Moise Kean, 19, varies from up to 10 days for a slight fresh from scoring his fi rst internation- problem to three months, but Ronaldo al goal with Italy against Finland. Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) falls over Serbia’s defender Nikola Milenkovic during the Euro 2020 qualifying group B match in Lisbon on Monday. (AFP)

EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS FOCUS Osimhen hat-trick Mbappe continues powers Nigeria to third round AFP ahead on aggregate through the Johannesburg away-goal rule, but it was Ni- geria who netted again, this time through David Okereke in the fi - his rise with France ictor Osimhen scored nal minute. The Nigerian squad a hat-trick as Nigeria fi nished the match four mn naira swept aside Libya in ($11,100) richer as senior team the second half to win Ahmed Musa promised a V4-0 Monday and reach the third mn naira for every goal his com- qualifying round of the 2020 patriots scored. Olympic Games football tour- Nigeria are the most success- nament. The Belgium-based ful African country in Olympics in Iceland rout striker was drafted into the team football, winning the 1996 At- after a shock 2-0 fi rst leg loss last lanta tournament and fi nish- Wednesday and demonstrated ing runners-up to Argentina in Giroud’s 35th France goal moves him into third on the all-time list of French scorers his worth with the treble. Beijing 12 years later. In Abidjan, Nigeria won the tie 4-2 on ag- the Ivory Coast hammered Niger AFP gregate and will face Kenya or 6-1 to equal the biggest winning Paris Sudan, who take a two-goal lead margin set by Kenya in a 2020 into the return match in Nairobi qualifi er in Africa. Tuesday, in the next round dur- Leading 2-1 from the fi rst leg, esmerising Kylian Mbappe ing June. Osimhen, on loan to the Ivorians scored three goals led France’s rout of Iceland Charleroi from Bundesliga outfi t in each half at home with Italy- in Euro 2020 qualifi ers on VfL Wolfsburg, opened the scor- based Willy Braciano bagging a Monday night, but Cristiano ing after 33 minutes of a fi rst half brace. Ivory Coast are likely to MRonaldo hobbled off in Portugal’s dis- staged in 33 degree celsius (92 face tougher opposition in the appointing draw with Serbia and racist fahrenheit) heat. third round when they come up abuse overshadowed fi ve-star England in Nigeria should have been more against Guinea, who surprisingly Montenegro. than one goal ahead by half-time eliminated Senegal. A further Mbappe scored one and set up two in southeastern town Asaba as seven qualifi ers were scheduled more as the reigning world champi- they were denied several times for last night with Ghana and ons crushed Iceland 4-0 at the Stade de by the woodwork. The second South Africa poised to advance France to move top of Group H in Euro half was one-way traffi c toward after building impressive fi rst leg 2020 qualifying. The result gives France, the Libyan goalmouth and Osim- leads. Olympics qualifi ers are re- 4-1 winners over Moldova in their Euro hen completed his hat-trick with stricted to under-23 footballers opener, six points from their fi rst two goals on 67 and 82 minutes. with three over-age stars per- matches and puts them ahead of Turkey, Libya needed a goal to move mitted at the fi nals. who also won 4-0 on Monday, on goal diff erence. Samuel Umititi, Olivier Giroud, Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann all European clubs reiterate refusal scored as Iceland struggled to cope with a totally dominant France side. Giroud’s to play in 2021 Club World Cup 35th France goal moved him into third on the all-time list of French scorers, the Amsterdam: The umbrella Agnelli, also the president Chelsea striker now trailing only Michel organisation representing of Juventus, added that he did Platini (41) and Thierry Henry (51). more than 200 European not know how his club could “It was our objective to take six points clubs reiterated yesterday that qualify for the competition. “I but the manner was good as well,” France its members would not take don’t understand how we could manager Didier Deschamps said. part in FIFA’s planned 2021 take part because there is no Deschamps praised his team’s “of- Club World Cup under current access list,” he said. fensive effi ciency” against a “dense” circumstances. FIFA decided at a meeting Icelandic defence. “When the opponent However, the European of its policy-making Council in plays very defensively it can be very dif- Club Association (ECA) said it Miami earlier this month to go fi cult to fi nd a way through so that was a Iceland’s defender Ari Skulason (left) vies for the ball with France’s forward Kylian Mbappe during the UEFA Euro 2020 Group H would contemplate changing ahead with a revamped Club good sign,” said Deschamps, although he qualification match at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on Monday night. (AFP) its position if FIFA sat down World Cup, featuring 24 teams, acknowledged that Icelandic fatigue near and discussed changes to the from 2021. The existing Club the end played a role. the game. There is no doubt in my mind be fi t for to play for his club Juventus in wrapped up a resounding win with Tur- international match calendar. World Cup is staged annually He added that he was pleased that all it happened. We will make sure that is the fi rst leg of their Champions League key’s fourth. Kosovo marked their maiden “We are not willing to partici- and features seven teams. three strikers – Mbappe, Griezmann and reported to UEFA because it’s not accept- quarter-fi nal at Ajax on April 10. Euro qualifi er with a 1-1 Group A draw pate in this competition at this Agnelli, who said FIFA had Oivier Giroud – scored. “They are the able,” said Southgate. “We’ve got to make Serbia’s Ajax playmaker Dusan Tadic against Bulgaria, but there was heart- moment in time because of the overlooked ECA’s request not to champions of the world and you saw that sure we support our players.” opened the scoring from the penalty spot. break for Luxembourg — 2-0 winners congested calendar,” ECA chair- make a decision in Miami, did today,” acknowledged Iceland manager Marko Vesovic stunned England early Ronaldo was denied an equaliser two over Lithuania on Friday — as a Gerson man Andrea Agnelli told report- not accept the argument that Erik Hamren. “Five shots on goal and they on, but after drawing on their two previ- minutes later as his eff ort was very well Rodrigues own goal six minutes into in- ers. “Having said this, we are the tournament would occupy scored four. That’s top class” ous visits to Podgorica, England showed saved Marko Dmitrovic. The 156-time jury time handed Group B leaders Ukraine more than available to discuss a slot in the calendar usually In Group A, England, fresh from a why their current crop are among the fa- international then left the fi eld after he a 2-1 win. changes for the future.” allocated for the Confedera- 5-0 demolition of the Czech Republic in vourites to be European champions next pulled up chasing a ball on the left wing. Agnelli complained that FIFA tions Cup, which will no longer which Raheem Sterling hit a hat-trick, year. He received quick treatment from EURO 2020 QUALIFYING RESULTS had given too little informa- by played. were forced to come from behind in a 5-1 Michael Keane’s header restored parity members of the medical team before re- Group A: At Podgorica: Montenegro 1 tion about basic matters such “(The argument of) sub- win over Montenegro. But another im- before Ross Barkley’s double either side turning to action but was replaced min- (Vesovic 18) England 5 (Keane 30, Barkley as who would qualify for the stituting the Confederations pressive victory for the Three Lions was of half-time put the visitors in command utes later. In his absence, Porto’s Danilo 39, 59, Kane 71, Sterling 81); At Pristina: Ko- planned competition. “The way Cup with the Club World Cup overshadowed by allegations of racist and Harry Kane and Sterling rounded off Pereira netted a 42nd-minute equaliser, sovo 1 (Zeneli 61) Bulgaria 1 (Bozhikov 39) this has been managed is like doesn’t make much diff er- abuse in Podgorica. a comprehensive victory. hammering a shot from outside the box managing the local lottery for ence in our view so there is a Sterling celebrated the visitors’ fi fth It was a diff erent story in Lisbon as into the top corner past a helpless Dm- Group B: At Lisbon: Portugal 1 (Danilo 42) thanksgiving,” said Agnelli. congested calendar which can goal by cupping his ears towards the home Fernando Santos’ reigning European itrovic. Serbia 1 (Tadic 7-pen); At Luxembourg: “As it stands, we have noth- only be addressed in the years fans. “Best way to silence the haters (and champions Portugal, held to a 0-0 draw Elsewhere, Turkey made it two wins Luxembourg 1 (Turpel 34) Ukraine 2 (Tsyg- ing there. We (the clubs) are to come,” he said. yeah I mean racists),” Sterling tweeted at home by Ukraine in their Group B from two in Group H, like France, with a ankov 40, Rodrigues 90-og) the ones taking the risks, we Agnelli also denied that the alongside a photo of his celebration. opener, notched up a second draw, 1-1 at 4-0 victory at home over Moldova. Two Group H: At Andorra La Vella: Andorra 0 are investing in the long term, ECA has proposed playing England manager Gareth Southgate home to Serbia. fi rst-half goals in the space of three min- Albania 3 (Sadiku 21, Balaj 87, Abrashi 90); we are investing in players, in Champions League matches at said he heard racist chants aimed at Dan- If the result wasn’t disappointing utes thanks to Hasan Ali Kaldirim and At Paris: France 4 (Umtiti 12, Giroud 68, infrastructure, we are the ones weekend from 2024 onwards, ny Rose and promised to report the issue enough, captain Ronaldo hobbled off af- Cenk Tosun did the damage at Eskisehir. mbappe 78, Griezmann 84) Iceland 0; At who carry the entrepreneurial when the present format is due to UEFA. “I defi nitely heard abuse at Dan- ter 30 minutes with no word on whether Tosun bagged his second 10 minutes Eskisehir, Turkey: Turkey 4 (Kaldirim 24, and financial risks.” to be altered. ny Rose when he got booked at the end of the fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner would into the second half while Kaan Ayhan Tosun 26, 54, Ayhan 70) Moldova 0 Gulf Times Wednesday, March 27, 2019 3 SPORT

FOOTBALL Southgate condemns racism as UEFA charges Montenegro ‘Sanctions are worthless if there is nothing alongside that to help educate people’

AFP ers were subjected to abhorrent racist London chanting while playing in a UEFA EURO 2020 qualifi er in Montenegro,” said an FA spokesman yesterday. “This is un- areth Southgate has called for acceptable at any level of the game and education to stamp out rac- we welcome UEFA’s decision today to ism in football as European take disciplinary action. Our immedi- governing body UEFA opened ate focus is on supporting UEFA with Gdisciplinary proceedings against Mon- their investigation and the players and tenegro following abuse aimed at black staff involved.” England players during his side’s 5-1 UEFA regulations state that if sup- Euro 2020 qualifi er win in Podgorica. porters engage in racist behaviour then Raheem Sterling celebrated the fi fth “the member association or club re- goal on Monday by cupping his ears sponsible is punished with a minimum towards the home fans as a sign of de- of a partial stadium closure”. Article 14 fi ance, while Callum Hudson-Odoi also states that additional sanctions said he and Danny Rose heard monkey can be imposed depending on the situ- noises aimed at them. “Sanctions are ation, while “disciplinary measures worthless if there is nothing alongside may be combined with specifi c direc- that to help educate people,” said Eng- tives aimed at tackling such conduct”. land coach Southgate. Football Against Racism in Europe “My kids don’t think for one minute (FARE) praised the England players for about where people are born, what lan- their reaction in a match it said it had guage they speak, what colour they are. designated as “high risk” prior to it There’s an innocence about young peo- taking place, and called for heavy sanc- ple that is only infl uenced by older peo- tions. “We commend the reaction of ple. So we have to make sure that the the England players involved. No hu- education is right for everybody. In our man being should have to face abuse country, (it’s) the same. I’ve said this and vilifi cation for their race or identi- before, I’m not sitting here just criticis- ty, something that many Montenegrins ing what’s happened tonight because in will understand from the divisive and our country we have the same issue. bloody recent history of the Balkans,” We’re not free of it.” FARE said in a statement. Sterling’s goal capped a fi ne per- Kick It Out campaigner Troy formance in which Ross Barkley struck Townsend said the incidents showed twice and Michael Keane and Harry UEFA had “failed the game” in its han- Kane also scored as England overcame dling of racist abuse. the hosts’ early opener to seal an im- British Formula One world champion pressive victory. Lewis Hamilton tweeted in support England coach Southgate said the of England team yesterday. “Congrats racist chanting had marred the win, to @England on their 5-1 win against which leaves England in charge of Montenegro fans aimed monkey noises at England defender Danny Rose during the Euro 2020 qualifying match in Podgorica, Montenegro on Monday. (Reuters) Montenegro last night, you’re doing Group A following two big wins. Ster- us all proud. What you faced with the ling tweeted a picture of his goal cel- shame to see this going on and we can you can fi ne someone, but what is that opened, with charges against Mon- sociation called the abuse “unaccepta- chants was despicable. Completely un- ebration, saying: “Best way to silence only bring awareness to the situation,” going to do?” tenegro including racist behaviour and ble at any level” and said it would assist acceptable, no room for this behaviour the haters (and yeah I mean racists)”. he said. “It’s now time for the people in UEFA announced yesterday that crowd disturbances. The case will be UEFA’s investigation. in any sport.#loveoverhate #silen- “It’s 2019 now, I keep saying it. It’s a charge to put a real stamp on it because disciplinary proceedings had been dealt with on May 16. The Football As- “On Monday evening, England play- cethehaters,” he said said in a tweet.

CHIN ESE INTERNATIONAL FACES CYCLING SA CK AFTER ‘EVIL B EHAVIOUR’ Froome crashes as Matthews takes stage victory Shanghai: China footballer Wei legend Fabio Cannavaro — who Shihao has been suspended for is also in charge of the national AFP overall lead following his victory in the north-west into the mountains fi nishing a month and could be sacked team — took swift action. Madrid fi rst stage on Monday and even extended in the resort of Valter at 2000m altitude by his club Guangzhou Ever- Wei must carry out “pro- his advantage after a succesful attack on in the Pyrenees. grande for a “malicious” foul in found self-reflection”, said an the fi nal climb. the loss to Uzbekistan, reports Evergrande statement widely hris Froome’s hopes of win- De Gendt sits 2min 47sec ahead of Val- OVERALL STANDINGS said yesterday. carried in Chinese media which ning the Tour of Catalonia are verde in the general classifi cation, with 1. Thomas De Gendt (BEL/LOT) 8hrs 23min almost certainly over after the Matthews a further second behind in The 23-year-old winger was said he was immediately sus- 50sec, 2. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) widely condemned by Chinese pended. “The club will review Briton suff ered a crash during third. The Belgian was the fi rst to emerge at 2min 47sec, 3. Michael Matthews (AUS/ yestrday’sC second stage, which was won over the Alt de Romanya before Valverde media and fans for his chal- his self-reflection and self-criti- SUN) 2:48, 4. Maximilian Schachmann lenge on midfielder Otabek cism and then decide whether by Australian Michael Matthews. and Quintana seized the initiative in the (GER/BOR) same time, 5. Daryl Impey Shukurov in the first half of the to expel him,” the seven-time With less than 40 kilometres to go, sprint with just under 8km left. home side’s 1-0 defeat on Mon- Chinese Super League (CSL) four-time Tour de France champion Maximilian Schachmann and Dion (RSA/MIT) 2:54, 6. Nairo Quintana (COL/ day. Wei was shown a yellow champions said. Froome fell along with Bora-Hansgrohe Smith both made late challenges but it MOV) 2:56, 7. Egan Bernal (COL/SKY) 2:57, card after he raked his studs The state-run Global Times pair Andres Schillinger and Jay McCarthy was Matthews that pipped Valverde to 8. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/JUM) s.t., 9. Luis down the right calf of Shuku- newspaper called Wei’s foul before fi nishing more than 13 minutes be- the line, with Mitchelton-Scott’s Darryl Angel Mate Mardones (ESP/COF) s.t., 10. rov who fell rolling his ankle. “malicious” and said it deserved hind Matthews of Team Sunweb. Impey coming in third. Patrick Bevin (NZL/CCC) 2:58. Froome, who is racing for the fi rst time “It was really hard but I was pretty Shukurov, who was unable to a red card. “The newspaper STAGE 2 RESULTS continue and later required hos- said it was not the first time since his season debut in January, was confi dent in an uphill sprint like this,” 1. Michael Matthews (AUS/SUN) 167km in pital treatment, will be out for at that Wei had been guilty of “evil left with a nasty gash down the top of Matthews said.” 4hrs 9mins 34sec, 2. Alejandro Valverde least two months. behaviour”. his right leg and the Team Sky rider will “After my bad luck this year it’s just (ESP/MOV) s.t., 3. Daryl Impey (RSA/MIT) Wei, who has 10 caps for Chi- It caps a miserable beginning surely have to concede defeat in what had incredible. I’m so happy. When I saw na and spent the early part of to Cannavaro’s life as coach of been dubbed a showdown with Movistar Valverde on my wheel, struggling in the s.t., 4. Maximilian Schachmann (GER/BOR) his career in Portugal, was also China and it is unclear whether duo Alejandro Valverde and Nairo Quin- sprint, I knew I was going fast and had s.t., 5. Odd Christian Eiking (NOR/WGG) s.t., criticised for arguing with the the former Juventus and Real tana. some good power, so I’m so thankful to 6. James Knox (GBR/DQT) s.t., 7. Patrick referee following the incident. Madrid star will stay on in the At the end of a 167km-stage from Ma- my team for believing in me for this long Bevin (NZL/CCC) s.t., 8. Enrico Gasparotto Evergrande, coached by Italian post. taro to Saint Feliu de Guixoles, Lotto Sou- and I came up with a nice victory.” (ITA/TDD), 9. Davide Formolo s.t., (ITA/ dal’s Thomas de Gendt remained in the Today’s 179km third stage heads BOH) 10. Daniel Martin (IRL/UAD) s.t.

FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL Al Khaleej Takaful crowned Ooredoo Temba champions l Khaleej Takaful were out the tournament,” al-Hajri added. crowned champions in the Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi, Chief corporate category at the Operating Offi cer at Ooredoo Qatar, Ooredoo Temba fi ve-a-side said: “We value our partnership with footballA championship, which was or- AZF and it’s been a pleasure organising ganised by Aspire Zone Foundation this tournament together for the third (AZF) in partnership with Ooredoo. consecutive year. It’s a central pillar Salt 2 took the trophy in the football of our social corporate responsibility enthusiast competition. programme. It was a great opportunity With more than 120 players taking for fi rms to compete with one another part in this year’s tournament, Al Kha- away from the working environment. I leej Takaful managed to beat Ooredoo am also delighted to witness that Oore- 7-4 in the corporate category fi nal. doo won second place in the corporate Bravo Design came third after winning category and I would like to congratu- 9-5 against Qatar Insurance Company. late the team on reaching this stage.” As for the football enthusiasts’ cat- The tournament refl ects the keen- egory, Salt 2 beat Samla 13-7. Salt 1 took ness of institutes across Qatar in build- third sport after defeating Al Zaeem ing an active and sportive society by 11-7. The winners took home QR12,500, nurturing a passion for football in the while runner-up received QR7,500 and country. The last two editions were the third placed team bagged QR5,000. huge successes, with more than 160 The awards were presented by CEO football enthusiasts in Qatar taking of AZF Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi, part. The world-class football pitches Chief Operating Offi cer of Ooredoo at AZF are designed to meet interna- Qatar Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi and tional and European criteria and incor- Director of Events and Venues at AZF Off icials from Aspire Zone Foundation and Ooredoo pose with the winners of the Ooredoo Temba championship. porate advanced solar technologies. In Abdullah Aman al-Khater. the upcoming few days, AZF will an- The second and third position awards di, Director of Events at Ooredoo and ment’s inception with Ooredoo Qatar of new activities and programmes re- employees. By adding the corporate nounce the details of the third edition were presented by Nasser Abdullah Mohamed al-Ansari, Director of Events in 2017 to organise this prestigious volves around promoting a healthy and category, we increased the allocated of the Embassies Futsal tournament al-Hajri, Director of Public Relations and Conferences at Ooredoo. tournament, our goal was to encourage active lifestyle amongst the communi- spaces to strengthen social ties in a fun which is sought to see the participation and Communications at AZF, Nawaf Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri, Director football fans in Qatar to enjoy a series ties in Qatar.” and a competitive way. I congratulate of diplomatic representatives and head al-Awjan, Deputy Director Venues & of Public Relations and Communica- of competitive matches in a thrilling “Today, we witnessed a huge turnout the top three teams and honour the of missions from the embassies in the Events at AZF, Abdullah al-Mohanna- tions at AZF, said: “Since the tourna- environment. Our constant pursuit from football enthusiasts and corporate high spirits they have shown through- State of Qatar. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 27, 2019 TENNIS

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Indian Wells champ Andreescu retires Federer, Anderson in fourth round

Reuters Czech third seed Petra Kvitova Miami is another gunning for number one and she beat France’s Caro- line Garcia 6-3, 6-3 to set up a ianca Andreescu’s re- last-eight clash with Australian advance to fourth markable run of form Ash Barty, a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 winner was brought to an end over Kiki Bertens of the Nether- by injury at the Miami lands. OpenB on Monday when the Ca- In the warm Florida night, nadian teenager retired with a fi fth seed Karolina Pliskova out- shoulder problem while trail- lasted Kazakh Yulia Putintseva ing 6-1, 2-0 in her fourth-round 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 and will next face clash with Estonia’s Anett Kon- fellow Czech Marketa Vondrous- round in Miami taveit. ova after the teenager beat Ger- The 18-year-old arrived in man Tatjana Maria 6-4 6-3. Next up for the Swiss is Medvedev after the Russian beat US qualifier Opelka Miami fresh off her triumph at Indian Wells, where she became INJURY SETBACKS Reuters the fi rst wild card to win the Earlier, all eyes were on An- Miami prestigious event, but an over- dreescu who, after losing the fi rst worked right shoulder ended any set, called for the trainer to work hopes of extending her 10-match on her shoulder — as she had oger Federer overcame winning streak. three times in her third-round a sluggish start to de- Up next for Kontaveit in the win over Angelique Kerber. feat Filip Krajinovic last eight will be Taiwan’s Hsieh The Canadian returned to 7-5, 6-3 and Kevin An- Su-wei, who took down former half-heartedly play at a Kon- derson’sR booming serve proved world number one Caroline taveit serve before starting to too much for Joao Sousa as they Wozniacki 6-3, 6-7 (0), 6-2 two walk off court, pausing only to advanced to the fourth round of days after beating the current casually swat aside a return and the Miami Open on Monday. occupier of that position, Naomi signalling to the umpire that she Serb Krajinovic broke Federer Osaka. was done. to jump to an early 2-1 lead and it It was 33-year-old Hsieh’s “I have played so many match- looked like an upset could be in fi rst win over former Australian es. I guess this is just a way of the works against the 20-times Open champion Wozniacki in my body telling me that it’s had Grand Slam champion. fi ve attempts. enough,” she told reporters, add- But fourth seed Federer broke Simona Halep broke Venus ing that she would not now com- back in the next game and seized Williams in the fi rst game of their pete at next month’s Charleston the momentum when he blasted match and never looked back as Open. a cross-court forehand winner she coasted to a 6-3, 6-3 victory “It’s disappointing, but it’s to break Krajinovic again and to book her ticket to the quarter- part of the sport.” take the fi rst set. fi nals. Kerber, who also lost to An- The Swiss coasted after that, Halep smacked a forehand dreescu in the Indian Wells fi nal, thanks to an overpowering serve winner down the line to seal the called the teenager “the big- that Krajinovic struggled to read. convincing victory and keep alive gest drama queen ever” during Federer, 37, said he had al- her hopes of regaining the world their post-match handshake in ready put his loss to Dominic number one spot from Osaka. Miami before going on Twitter Thiem in the BNP Paribas Open “I’m more confi dent,” the and crediting the Canadian for a fi nal at Indian Wells last week second seed and world number great performance. behind him. three said. Monday’s loss dropped An- “Nowadays I am able to fl ush “When I saw today that I can dreescu to 31-4 for the year — her it out quickly. I was the worst at win easy games with my serve, 35 matches the highest tally for it when I was a teenager... right it gave me a lot of confi dence be- any player on the WTA Tour this after it was all over I would cry cause she’s a very good returner.” season. and be so sad and disappointed,” he said. “I wasn’t an angry per- son really, it just broke my heart. “Nowadays I feel like ‘look, I gave it all I had’. Thiem came up with the goods, I maybe didn’t. Roger Federer of Switzerland in action against Filip Krajinovic (not pictured) of Serbia at the Miami Open on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) That’s it, it’s over.” Next up for Federer is Russian Dimitrov 7-5, 7-5. Daniil Medvedev after the 13th Canadian teenager Denis Federer to play Madrid Masters on clay return seed defeated American quali- Shapovalov dispatched 21-year- fi er Reilly Opelka 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), old Russian Andrey Rublev 6-3, AFP recent appearance at Roland title-holder Alexander Zverev 7-6 (0) in a match that included 7-6 (5). Next up for Shapo- Madrid Garros. after tournament organisers 41 total aces. valov is a mouthwatering clash Federer has skipped the clay- announced the field yesterday. Another big server, Anderson with another fellow young gun, court season for the last two Federer won his 19th major had 13 aces of his own with just 20-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas. oger Federer will play on years to focus on being ready crown at Wimbledon in 2017, one double-fault to seal a 6-4, The Greek world number 10 clay before this year’s for the grass courts of Wimble- before adding the Australian 7-6 (6) victory over Portuguese was never broken on his way to RFrench Open after being don, but announced after the Open last year, but has not Sousa earlier in the day. a 6-4, 6-4 win over Argentina’s confirmed on the entry list Australian Open that he would reached a Slam semi-final The towering South African Leonardo Mayer. for the Madrid Masters, which return to the red dirt in 2019. since. sixth seed, showing no ill-ef- American Frances Tiafoe bat- starts on May 3, yesterday. The 20-time Grand Slam He faces Russian youngster fects from the arm injury that tled back to defeat Spain’s David The 37-year-old last played champion, a three-time winner Daniil Medvedev in the Miami hampered him earlier this year, Ferrer 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 to earn his the tournament, where he is a in Madrid, will line up along- Masters last 16 later on Tuesday. will be a heavy favourite when he spot in the fourth round, where three-time champion, in 2015, side world number one Novak The French Open gets under- faces unseeded Australian Jor- he will face another defensive when he also made his most Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and way in Paris on May 26. dan Thompson, who beat Grigor specialist, Belgian David Goffi n.

BOTTOMLINE Simona Halep of Romania plays a shot against Venus Williams (not pictured) on the eighth day of the Miami Open in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Monday. (AFP)

Underarm or underhanded? Kvitova attacker sentenced to Kyrgios serve stokes debate eight years in prison

Reuters gios’s second eff ort lacked sible “Mankad” dismissal in the Miami something in execution, allow- match on ing Lajovic to swoop in and eas- the previous evening. ily make the retrieve. As an Australian, Kyrgios aving annoyed Rafael But the Australian was ready will be well aware that a ball Nadal with an under- for the Serb’s drop-shot return, delivered underarm in a arm serve at Acapulco, and fl icked it past him to close match in 1981 triggered one of Nick Kyrgios doubled out the fi rst set. the biggest sporting scandals in Hdown with the tactic to win two British tennis luminary Judy the country’s history. points against hapless Serb Du- Murray thrilled in the tactic. Australia’s Trevor Chappell san Lajovic at the Miami Open “The whole point of tennis rolled the ball along the pitch to and fi re up a timeworn debate competition is to disrupt (yo) prevent New Zealand batsman AFP threatening injuries to her between modern fans and pur- ur opponents game by applying Brian McKechnie from scoring Prague playing left hand as she fought ists. pressure through changing the enough runs to win a match. It off the intruder at her home The mercurial Australian has speed, spin, direction, depth or was perfectly legal at the time, in the eastern Czech town of been sanctioned for a litany height of the ball,” the former but universally condemned. he man who attacked Prostejov. of tennis offences, accused of Fed Cup captain and mother of In tennis, the frowning of op- two-time Wimbledon Police said the attacker did not tanking matches and slapped Andy Murray tweeted. ponents and conservative fans Tchampion Petra Kvitova know whose flat he was enter- with a heavy fine for a crude “And that includes the serve. has likely made most players with a knife at her Czech home ing after pretending to be a remark about a player’s girl- Kyrgios is a genius. I’m sur- think twice about taking up un- in December 2016 was sen- technician checking boilers. friend. prised more players don’t do it.” der-arm serving as a tactic. tenced to eight years in prison Kvitova, who has identified the But in dinking the ball over Five-times Grand Slam yesterday, a court said. attacker, is currently playing the net with a sneaky under- SPORTING TABOOS champion Martina Hingis was “He got eight years in a tight- at the Miami Open, facing arm swing, Kyrgios was op- Belgian professional Kirsten jeered vociferously by the crowd security prison,” Eva Angya- Ashleigh Barty in the quarter- erating completely within the Flipkens was among the social during the 1999 French Open lossy, a spokeswoman for the finals later on Tuesday. laws of the game, if not quite media users backing Murray’s fi nal when she tried it against regional court in the southern Despite grim forecasts by the “spirit”, as Nadal and others stance, but there were plenty of Steffi Graf on the way to defeat. Czech city of Brno, told AFP. doctors, who even warned might have complained. detractors denouncing under- Roger Federer, however, said The 33-year-old Radim Zondra, she might lose her fingers, For a self-described lazy arm serving as questionable another concern was simply who is currently in prison for the 2011 and 2014 Wimbledon trainer, the 23-year-old has sportsmanship. looking silly. another crime, was sentenced champion has recovered and clearly put some time into hon- The debate between the laws “Shouldn’t be ashamed if you on charges of serious battery continued her successful ing the tactic since his eff ort and “the spirit” of the game try it. Just look silly if you miss,” and an illegal entry into Kvi- career. against former world number Australia’s Nick Kyrgios laughs during his match against Serbia’s is not unique to tennis, with a the Swiss Master said after Kyr- tova’s flat. Kvitova, who slumped as low one Nadal fl oated well beyond Dusan Lajovic (not pictured) in Miami, Florida, on Monday. (AFP) number of other sports having gios’s eff ort against Nadal. Angyalossy said that Zondra as 29th in the world after the the service box. their own taboos. For a maverick like Kyrgios, and the prosecutor had two attack, reached the Austral- The fi rst attempt at 3-1 in the With the Serb standing well It landed with enough slice to Cricket was in uproar yester- who regularly squanders points weeks to appeal the verdict. ian Open final this year and is fi rst set against unseeded La- behind the baseline, Kyrgios bounce twice for an ace and seal day after Indian bowler Ravi- on botched ‘tweeners and other Zondra pleaded not guilty. eyeing the world number one jovic might have been regarded leant over the ball, bounced it a the game, leaving a fl at-footed chandran Ashwin ran out Eng- trick shots, the threat of embar- The 29-year-old world number spot, which she could take as text-book execution, if there few times and without looking Lajovic no chance to reply. lish batsman Jos Buttler with the rassment is unlikely to be a de- two Kvitova suff ered career- from Naomi Osaka in Miami. existed such a consensus. up, fl icked it just over the net. More casually struck, Kyr- rarely used but entirely permis- terrent. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 27, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Raiders’ coach: Carr is ‘going to be Nurkic horror leg our quarterback’

Reuters campus or near his home- New York town. To this point, neither Murray nor Haskins has been reported to be scheduled for a mid rumours and visit with the Raiders. injury overshadows speculation that Like Gruden, general man- the Oakland Raid- ager Mike Mayock has been ers could be looking similarly supportive of Carr, toA move on from Derek Carr, but he has also been open head coach Jon Gruden said about his responsibility to Monday that Carr’s status is look into all avenues available set for 2019. to improve the team. “Yeah. He’s going to be our Speculation has swirled Blazers clincher quarterback,” Gruden said in since before the NFL Scouting an interview with NFL Net- Combine that the Raiders have ‘Tonight I’m just going to go home and just pray for him because this is way bigger than basketball’ work from the league meet- interest in Murray, who many ings in Phoenix. “I’m not go- expect to be chosen fi rst over- ing to address all the rumours. all by the Arizona Cardinals. I could care less about the ru- Haskins, once considered mours. the likely fi rst quarterback off “He threw for 4,100 yards. the board, has been connected Threw for almost 70 percent to the Raiders and the New (completion rate) in a very York Giants (picking sixth), dire, tough circumstance. So though a recent ESPN report I’ve got a lot of confi dence said the Giants are less inter- in Carr; what he can do with ested in the New Jersey native Antonio Brown, with Tyrell than many believe. Williams, with Trent Brown Missouri’s Drew Lock im- coming in here to help our of- pressed at his pro day last fensive line.” week and has garnered some Gruden also confi rmed the top-10 buzz, with some pro- team will conduct private jecting him to go off the board workouts with top quarter- ahead of Haskins. Gruden and back prospects Kyler Mur- his staff coached Lock at the ray of Oklahoma and Dwayne Senior Bowl in late January. Haskins of Ohio State, as The Carr, who turns 28 tomor- MMQB reported earlier Mon- row, is coming off a career high day. But he noted that those in passing yards (4,049) but a workouts are simply part of career low in touchdowns (19). the team’s due diligence. He remains under contract “We’re going to meet with a for four more seasons, but the lot of guys at every position,” team could trade him this off - Gruden said. “We’re not going season and save $15 million of to look past anybody at any his $22.5 million cap fi gure. position. We have the fourth If the Raiders chose to draft pick in this draft and we’re a top quarterback and move going to make sure we get it on from Carr next off season, right.” they could save $16.5 million Unlike pre-draft visits – for of his $21.5 million cap fi gure which each NFL team can host for 2020. up to 30 players at its facil- Oakland also two other ity – private workouts must fi rst-round picks in April’s be conducted on the player’s draft, at Nos. 24 and 27.

Portland Trail Blazers’ Jusuf Nurkic is attended to by a team trainer after injuring his leg during a second overtime against the Brooklyn Nets. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

per game before Monday. Nurkic’s injury Thunder’s likely playoff ranking with a AFP RESULTS Los Angeles left his team-mates distraught. 115-103 win. Caboclo, who only landed a “Seeing one of your brothers go down Orlando 119-98 Philadelphia permanent multi-year deal with Mem- like that, I just don’t know what to say,” phis last month after a frustrating few usuf Nurkic suff ered a horrifi c leg said Blazers Turkish star Enes Kanter. Memphis 115-103 Oklahoma years spent trying to break into the NBA, injury while helping the Portland “Tonight I’m just going to go home and Utah 125-92 Phoenix rewarded his new employers’ belief with a Trail Blazers clinch their sixth con- just pray for him because this is way big- Portland 148-144 Brooklyn game-winning display. secutive playoff berth with a double ger than basketball.” The 6ft 9in 23-year-old small forward overtimeJ victory over the Brooklyn Nets Blazers ace Damian Lillard described The two teams meet in Miami on Tues- from Sao Paulo also pulled down 11 re- on Monday. Nurkic as “my little big brother.” day in a game that could ultimately decide bounds and provided two assists to give Nurkic led the scoring for the Blazers “We talk every day, text, Facetime,” Lil- Orlando’s chances of making the playoff s. the already-eliminated Grizzlies a de- with 32 points while adding 16 rebounds lard said. Montenegrin Vucevic was backed by served win over the higher-ranked Thun- and fi ve assists in a 148-144 triumph at “I can get on him in a way that I prob- a 24-point display from Evan Fournier. der. the Moda Center in Portland. ably can’t get on nobody else because of Michael Carter-Williams chipped in with The defeat leaves Oklahoma City in But the 24-year-old Bosnian’s evening our relationship. I hate to see that hap- 15 from the bench. eighth place in the Western Conference ended in despair when he collapsed to the pen.” Orlando’s defense, which has been the standings with 43 wins and 31 defeats. court in agony after suff ering a gruesome- Elsewhere Monday, the in-form Or- best in the league since the All-Star break, In Salt Lake City, Devin Booker explod- looking injury in the second period of lando Magic sent the Philadelphia 76ers restricted the Sixers to just six three- ed for 59 points but could not prevent the overtime. spinning to a 119-98 loss. pointers while forcing 15 turnovers. Phoenix Suns suff ering a blowout 125-92 Nurkic’s left leg buckled beneath him as Nikola Vucevic dominated a Sixers line- “The second half was about as well as defeat against the Utah Jazz. he landed after attempting to tip in a shot. up missing Ben Simmons through illness we’ve played,” Magic head coach Steve Booker’s brilliant half century of points Several players from both sides visibly to fi nish with 11 rebounds and four assists Cliff ord said. included fi ve three pointers as he drained recoiled after seeing the severity of Nur- as well as a double-digit points tally. “I think tonight we were balanced. Our 19 of 34 fi eld goal attempts at Vivint Smart kic’s injury, which sent the arena into a The defeat left the Sixers in third place defense was good, we made shots. Home Arena in Salt Lake City. concerned hush. in the Eastern Conference standings with “We were good with the starters and The 22-year-old Booker is only the Nurkic was treated by medical person- 47 wins against 27 defeats. then when we broke the line-up we sus- fourth player in NBA history to post nel with a towel masking his face before The Magic’s fi fth consecutive win has tained the play well.” multiple 50-point games before his 23rd being stretchered off the court. kept them fi rmly in the hunt for a playoff There was another upset in Mem- birthday. The Bosnian big man had been enjoy- berth with the same number of wins (36) phis, where Brazilian international Bruno The Suns star joins an elite band of ing the best season of his career, averaging as Miami, who occupy the eighth and fi nal Caboclo scored a career-high 24 points players which includes Rick Barry, LeBron 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks playoff berth. as the Grizzlies dented Oklahoma City James and Kyrie Irving. A file picture of Derek Carr.

NHL Lightning score three in 3rd period, stun Bruins fi rst goal in 44 games for Boston’s fi rst lead at Reuters RESULTS New York 13:41 of the middle period. Toronto 7-5 Florida Just over a minute later, Marchand wrist- ed a shot from the low slot, and Vasilevskiy New Jersey 3-1 Buff alo nthony Cirelli scored the game- made the initial stop. However, the puck winner with 53 seconds left, Steven Pittsburgh 5-2 Rangers careened high above the goalie and crossed Stamkos tallied twice in a four- Tampa Bay 5-4 Boston the goal line when it landed at 14:32. Hedman point game, and the host Tampa cut Tampa Bay’s defi cit to 4-3 at 5:36 of the St. Louis 3-1 Las Vegas BayA Lightning rallied past the Boston Bruins third period, and Kucherov knotted it 4-4 at 5-4 on Monday night. Nashville 1-0 Minnesota 13:15 - both goals off Stamkos assists. Cirelli scored his 18th goal just as a late Dallas 5-2 Winnipeg Meanwhile Derek Forbort’s fi rst-minute power play ended, completing Tampa Bay’s Los Angeles 3-0 Calgary goal held up as the winner as the visiting Los third-period comeback from a 4-2 defi cit in Angeles Kings rode a 42-save shutout by Jack a battle between the Eastern Conference’s Detroit 3-2 San Jose Campbell to an 3-0 upset victory over the top two teams. Calgary Flames on Monday night. Victor Hedman had a goal and an assist, at 6:42 of the fi rst period. The slapper ex- The Kings, who sit last in the Western and Nikita Kucherov also scored for the tended his goal streak to fi ve games. Stam- Conference and have long since been elimi- Lightning, who have won 10 of 12 and im- kos achieved the 40-goal milestone for the nated from playoff contention, have won proved to 20-4-0 against Atlantic Division fi fth time, but the fi rst time since the 2014- three consecutive games. They also beat the foes. Stamkos and Mikhail Sergachev each 15 campaign. Marchand answered against San Jose Sharks, who are second in the West- had two helpers, Ryan Callahan registered his the NHL’s top penalty-kill unit with his 33rd ern Conference, during their little spree. 200th career assist, and goalie Andrei Vasi- goal, fi nishing a clever backhand pass from Calgary saw its three-game winning streak levskiy made 13 saves for Tampa Bay (59-14- Pastrnak at 8:32 on the game’s fi rst power end in inglorious fashion. The Flames lost 4, 122 points). play, but Stamkos blasted his 41st at 14:58. an opportunity to ensure having home-ice Brad Marchand scored a pair of goals, and Boston started to take control in the sec- advantage in the fi rst round of the playoff s, Charlie Coyle and Brandon Carlo tallied for ond period when David Backes’ forecheck but they remain atop the conference and the Bruins, who lost for just the fourth time sent the puck right to Coyle, who roofed his the Pacifi c Division. While Campbell was a in regulation in their past 25 games. 12th goal – just his second in 15 games with brick wall for the Kings en route to the sec- David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron each the Bruins – at 8:42 for a 2-2 tie. ond shutout of his season and career, he was had two assists, and goalie Tuukka Rask The Bruins’ David Krejci made a slick provided an early lead when Forbort scored stopped 23 shots for Boston (46-21-9, 101 pass to himself in the defensive end and led his fi rst goal in 45 games just 57 seconds into points). Stamkos one-timed home his 40th a three-on-two rush. The center dished a the aff air. Forbort found the mark with a long Boston Bruins right wing David Backes and Tampa Bay Lightning centre Anthony Cirelli (right) battle for tally on a long diagonal pass from Callahan pass to a trailing Carlo, who fi red home his wrist shot while Jeff Carter provided a screen. the puck during the second period at Amalie Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 27, 2019 CRICKET

FOCUS Ashwin faces backlash over Mankad run-out AFP New Delhi MCC defend ‘Mankad’ law aft er Buttler row pin legend Shane Warne Cricket lawmakers MCC insist ground early. led criticism of India’s the rule regarding “Mankad” is “Some feel that Ashwin delayed Ravichandran Ashwin essential in the aftermath of the his action to allow Buttler the yesterday after a contro- controversy over Jos Buttler’s chance to leave his ground and versialS run-out which put crick- IPL dismissal. that Buttler was in his ground et’s unloved ‘Mankad’ dismissal England batsman Buttler, when he expected the ball to be in the spotlight. playing for Rajasthan Royals in released. Warne was among a number of the IPL, was run out at the non- “If it was a deliberate delay, that leading fi gures to fault the Kings striker’s end by Kings XI Punjab would be unfair and against the XI Punjab captain who, coming bowler Ravichandran Ashwin spirit of cricket. Ashwin claims into bowl in the Indian Premier on Monday. The method of this not to be the case. League, checked his run as Ra- dismissal, named after former “The TV umpire had to make jasthan Royals batsman Jos But- India player Vinoo Mankad, is a decision and, under the law, tler left his crease, and whipped legal but is seen by many as it was understandable how he off his bails. going against the spirit of the opted to give Buttler out. The rarely used dismissal is game, unless the batsman has “It is up to both teams to ensure within the laws of the game but been persistently backing up that the game is played within critics say it is unsportsmanlike and warned first. both the laws and the spirit of and not in the spirit of the deeply The incident was all the more cricket. Non-strikers must be traditional sport. Warne, a mem- contentious as Buttler was careful not to gain an unfair ber of the MCC World Cricket still in his crease when Ashwin advantage by leaving their Committee, called for India’s arrived, only for the bowler to ground early, while bowlers cricket board the BCCI to take pull out of his action and wait must act within the timeframe action against Ashwin, who was for him to step forward before outlined in the law to eff ect a unrepentant about the incident whipping off the bails. run-out under law 41.16.” after Punjab’s 14-run win. The MCC tried to ease the Meanwhile with the matter “As captain of your side you tension by clarifying law 41.16: snowballing, even the Board set the standard... Why do such Non-striker leaving his/her of Control for Cricket in India a disgraceful and low act like that ground early. “This law is es- (BCCI) has said that the captain tonight?” tweeted the Austral- sential. Without it, non-strikers should have maintained deco- ian. “You must live with yourself could back up at liberty, several rum and that even the match and FYI - it’s too late to say sorry yards down the pitch and a law off icials failed in their duty. Mr Ashwin. You will be remem- is needed to prevent such ac- Speaking to IANS, a senior BCCI bered for that low act.” tion,” the MCC statement read off icial said that only cricket- England limited-overs cap- yesterday. ing skills should be used on tain tweeted, “I “The crux of the issue is when the pitch to dismiss batsmen can’t believe what I’m seeing!!” the non-striker can safely leave and that gives out the correct as comments about the incident “No real argument to that,” Ashwin Mankad, who twice ran out Bill super-imposed footage of ear- Stokes, who took two his/her ground, and what the message to those watching and fl ooded social media. told reporters later. “I didn’t even Brown at the bowler’s end during lier deliveries to pinpoint when and scored six runs for Royals in bowler can do to eff ect this learning. “Terrible example to set for load and he left the crease. It’s al- India’s tour of Australia in 1947. Ashwin would normally have Monday’s eventful game, had his form of dismissal without court- “The match off icials have failed young kids coming through. In ways been my take on it, because Replays of Monday’s game released the ball. “Irrespective say on the issue in a light-hearted ing controversy. in their duty with the handling time I think Ashwin will regret it’s my half of the crease.” suggested Buttler was still in of what Ashwin did, it was the post on Twitter. “To clarify, it has never been in of this issue. Buttler ought to that,” posted Morgan, adding that It is not the fi rst ‘Mankad’ his crease at the moment Ash- umpire’s decision,” tweeted In- “Hopefully I’m playing in the the laws that a warning should have been adjudged not out if he was “so disappointed in (Ash- for England’s Buttler, who was win would have been expected dian commentator Harsha Bho- World Cup fi nal and if @im- be given to the non-striker and the laws were applied squarely win) as a captain and as a person”. at the non-striker’s to release the ball, and therefore gle - who was accused of bias by Vkohli is batting when I’m bowl- nor is it against the spirit of to the situation. Ashwin also Buttler, who had scored 69 off end by Sri Lanka’s Sachithra should not have been given out. Warne. The Australian tweeted: ing I would never ever ever ever cricket to run out a non-striker must understand that laws and 43 deliveries in Jaipur, exchanged Senanayake in a one-day match Fraser Stewart, laws manager “If (England’s) Ben Stokes did ever ever.....just clarifying to the who is seeking to gain an the spirit of the game both have heated words with the Indian spin- in 2014. The dismissal is named for the MCC which governs the what Ashwin did to (India cap- mentions I’ve received,” the all- advantage by leaving his/her to be kept in mind. ner before trudging off dejectedly. after Indian all-rounder Vinoo rules of cricket, said it would take tain Virat Kohli) it would be ok?” rounder said.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT KKR attack exceptional: New Watson, Bravo shine Zealand’s Ferguson

IANS als by 14 runs in their fi rst game Kolkata at Jaipur on Monday, riding Chris Gayle’s 47-ball 79. The tie was marred by Punjab oped in as Kolkata skipper R Ashwin ‘Mankading’ in Super Kings win Knight Riders’ (KKR) Jos Buttler at a crucial junc- pace spearhead, New ture of the game, but Gayle set ‘In the second innings there was enough dew to make it slightly easier to bat on’ Zealand’ Lockie Fer- the tone hitting eight four and gusonR yesterday said he is ex- four sixes. On ’s IANS cited to be part of a bowling at- whirlwind 19-ball 49, which New Delhi tack that is “exceptional” and won KKR the game in the last is not the leader of the pack. three overs against Sunrisers, “I am excited to be part of a Ferguson said he hasn’t seen ahendra Singh Dhoni team and I think our bowling something like that ever. might have lost the attack is exceptional,” Fergu- “It’s one of those. I’ve never toss, but Chennai son said ahead of KKR’s sec- seen anything like that person- Super Kings used ond home game against Kings ally. That was unbelievable. I’m Mthe conditions at the Ferozeshah XI Punjab at the Eden Gardens pretty excited he’s on my side, I Kotla beautifully as they beat today. KKR’s famed bowling don’t have to bowl to him.” Delhi Capitals by six wickets unit looked lacklustre in their Asked about KKR’s plans to yesterday. opening match against Sunris- stop the veteran West Indies If Dwayne Bravo (3/33) was ers Hyderabad with comeback opener, Ferguson said they are the star with the ball, it was a man David Warner taking the exploring areas to attack the combined eff ort by the CSK top likes of , Sunil southpaw. order as they chased down the Narine to cleaners. Ferguson “Chris (Gayle) is in some target of 148 with two balls to also returned wicketless, leak- pretty fi ne touch at the mo- spare. ing 34 runs in four overs. None- ment. He really batted well last The chase didn’t start on ex- theless, the 27-year-old heaped night. It’s nice to watch him. pected lines for Chennai as they praise on his teammates saying Perhaps, there are some areas lost Ambati Rayudu (5) in the spinners will bounce back in we can look at attacking him. third over of the game as DC the upcoming games. “But in general, the batting skipper Shreyas Iyer took an “We have a great spin at- lineup is so strong. It’s impor- easy catch at mid-off off Ishant tack. With PK (Prasidh Krish- tant to stick to your plan and Sharma’s bowling, but that was na) swinging the ball and be- back yourself because in T20, where the joy ended for Delhi as ing good in death overs, by no if you back yourself, then more Shane Watson combined beauti- means I think I’m leading. I often than not it will come off fully with Suresh Raina to take think just like we saw in the on the better side. If you keep the attack to the DC bowlers. fi rst game we all did our part working on your strengths then While the CSK bowlers had and Andre Russell got wickets. defi nitely it will come off better.” used the conditions well, the “In other games, spin- On Kuldeep, Ferguson who Delhi bowlers left a lot to be de- ners are defi nitely going to get was part of the Kiwis’ ODI and sired. The score read 60/1 at the wickets. I’m just glad to be T20 side that played against end of the powerplay as the duo part of this family. I’m excited India at home, said, “He is a of Watson and Raina looked in to have another go tomorrow,” superb talent. I think you’re complete control. said Ferguson, who previously gonna see big things from him. It looked like they would take played for Rising Pune Super- He’s the kind of guy who is al- the game home before Amit giant in the 2017 edition where ways working on his game. I Mishra dismissed Watson (44) they reached the fi nal. think he’s got a big future for against the run of play. Punjab beat Rajasthan Roy- sure.” With the score on 72/2, eve- Chennai Super Kings batsman Shane Watson plays a shot during the 2019 Indian Premier League match against Delhi Capitals at the Feroz ryone waited for Dhoni to come Shah Kotla stadium in New Delhi yesterday. (AFP) to the crease, but the fans had to wait as Kedar Jadhav walked Dhawan struggled his way to a et that wore a typical low and in the 12th over as he was trapped than in Chennai, so it was good to in to join Raina. But the wish of 47-ball 51 as the Delhi Capitals slow look. But it was the Chen- right in front of the by get a few off the middle. I had a few the capacity crowd at Kotla was managed to score just 29 runs nai bowlers who looked to be at Imran Tahir for a 20-ball 18. With calf injuries, and I tried to keep fi nally fulfi lled in the 11th over in the last fi ve overs to fi nish on the top of their game. the scoreboard looking pretty myself up and running through when Mishra sent back Raina 147/6 in their 20 overs. Even though Prithvi Shaw ordinary, Rishabh Pant looked the Big Bash,” the player -of-the- (30) with the score reading 98/3. This after the Delhi batsmen looked to be positive against to take the attack to the Chennai Match Shane Watson said. After that Dhoni, (32* off 35 picked 17 runs from the 14th CSK pacer Deepak Chahar, the bowlers and was good till Bravo “The wicket turned more than balls) and Jadhav (27 off 34 balls) over of the match from Bravo. A bowler had the last laugh as he dismissed him in the 16th over, expected. In the second innings took Chennai home with some senior member of the team, one dismissed Shaw (24) in the 5th caught brilliantly at deep square- there was enough dew to make it smart display of batsmanship. would have expected Dhawan over. DC ended the powerplay at leg by Shardul Thakur. slightly easier to bat on. I thought Even though the required rate to make it count after spend- 43/1. Pant had to walk back for a 12- the bowlers did very well to re- did go over six towards the end, ing quality time in the middle, The fall of wicket slowed things ball 25 as the score read 120/3. strict Delhi to 147,” MS Dhoni said. there was no pressure as such on but he failed to accelerate after down quite a bit as Iyer and Dha- Colin Ingram didn’t bother the the duo and it was more about scoring a laborious fi fty as the wan found the going really tough scorers much as he was dis- BRIEF SCORES crossing the line. Chennai bowlers slowed things against the Chennai bowlers who missed by Bravo in the same over Chennai Super Kings 150 for Although Jadhav was dis- down by bowling a tight line and slowed the pace and looked to for just 2 and it was all about 4 (Watson 44, Mishra 2-35) missed with two runs left to get, length. take advantage of the wicket. looking to play catch-up after beat Delhi Capitals 147 for 6 Bravo completed the formalities. Iyer had won the toss and de- Having struggled their way to that for DC. (Dhawan 51, Bravo 3-33) by six Earlier, DC opener Shikhar cided to bat fi rst on a Kotla wick- 65/1 after 10 overs, DC lost Iyer “It was a little better to bat on wickets. KKR’s pace spearhead Lockie Ferguson. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 27, 2019 7 SPORT

FOCUS QATAR AIRWAYS CRICKET TOURNAMENT Tamoor stars in big Uncertainty reigns Warriors Club win By Sports Reporter Doha

amoor Sajjad produced a devastating bowling as McGregor retires performance to spark Warriors Club to a one- Tsided nine-wicket triumph over Galfar Al Misnad in a Division A match in the Qatar Airways Cricket Tournament. Sajjad grabbed six wickets for 33 in his 10-over spell and Ikram amid comeback talks had a two-wicket haul, which sent Galfar Al Misnad, after de- It’s the second time that Irishman had announced on Twitter that he was quitting ciding to bat fi rst, crashing to 129 of cricket players in Qatar. all out in 38.4 overs at the West Reuters from the sport formally known totally makes sense,” White said tober 2018 that sparked an ugly with fans. Bay Grounds. Awais made 24 and BRIEF SCORES Bengaluru as ‘Mixed Martial Art’ today,” in a statement. “If I was him I post-fi ght brawl and led to a fi ne Renowned for his trash-talk- Rizlan hit 28 with three fours. Galfar Al Misnad 129 all out McGregor posted on his verifi ed would retire too. and a six-month ban. ing, McGregor has never been Adnan smashed seven fours in in 38.4 overs (Rizlan 28, Awais Twitter account. “I wish all my “He has accomplished in- Dagestani champ Nurma- far from controversy inside and his 58 not out in 72 balls to steer 24; Tamoor Sajjad 6 for 33, Ikram onor McGregor’s an- old colleagues well going for- credible things in this sport. I gomedov was banned for nine outside the cage, and he was re- Warriors Club to the victory in 2 for 25) lost to Warriors Club nouncement that he ward in competition.” am so happy for him and I look months and is not expected to cently arrested in Florida after 27.5 overs. Khurram got the lone 133 for one in 27.5 overs (Adnan is to retire from mixed It was the second time that forward to seeing him be as suc- defend the belt until November smashing a fan’s phone. Warriors wicket. 58 not out; Khurram 1 for 30) by martial arts (MMA) sent McGregor had announced on cessful outside of the Octagon as or December. He has made no secret of his In other two matches, Haris nine wickets. Man of the match: shockwavesC around the sporting Twitter that he was leaving the he was in it.” Given their past dealings, desire to make as much money Javed (87 with three sixes and six Tamoor Sajjad (Warriors Club) world yesterday, but in a sport sport. A month after losing to McGregor’s tweet and White’s as he can, telling Reuters in 2017 fours along with two for 25) got Al Feroz Youngsters 258 that seldom plays by normal Nate Diaz in March 2016 he said HIGH-STAKES GAME statement could well be tactical that he made $140mn from his his all-round act together and led in 50 overs (Haris Javed 87, rules it could mean his come- he had decided to “retire young”. With his fame and popularity moves in a high-stakes game in boxing bout with Floyd May- Al Feroz Youngsters to a 23-run Tanveer 61, Imran 36; Ahsan 2 back is closer than ever. That retirement lasted a mat- allowing him to wield the kind which the winner gets to decide weather and that he aimed to victory against Fireox Unit and for 58, Waqas 1 for 14, Mirza 1 for As recently as Monday on an ter of days and he subsequently of negotiating power never seen what happens next. eclipse the earnings of soccer Tusker Club crushed Commercial 22) beat Fireox Unit 235 all out American TV chat show, the signed an agreement to fi ght before in MMA, McGregor and Outclassed in that bout, Mc- player Cristiano Ronaldo. Bank Qatar by 64 runs with Sanu in 45 overs (Saqlain 91, Amir 54; 30-year-old former two-weight Diaz later in the same year, win- White, who played a major role Gregor has distanced himself Whether he fi ghts again or slamming 51, including one six and Tanveer 3 for 35, Haris Javed 2 for Ultimate Fighting Championship ning a fi ve-round war of attri- in transforming UFCC into a glo- frfromom his coachcoach,, John KavanaghKavanagh, not, the fi nal chapter in the story fi ve fours, and Zainu returning an 25) by 23 runs. Man of the match: (UFC) title-holder said he was in tion on points. bal brand, have clashedhed before.before. anaandd neeneedsds a fi gghtht or two tto of Conor McGregor is still likely impressive three for 15. Haris Javed (Al Feroz Youngsters) negotiations to fi ght in July. McGregor’s management According to mediaa reports inin rerre-establish-establish hhimselfimself as a to be a long way off . Qatar Airways is the offi cial Tusker Club 172 for nine in Only a few hours after that did not respond to a request for the United States, thee latestlatest titletit tle contencontender.der. “There’s a lot of politics going airline sponsor of the annual Qa- 45.2 overs (Sanu 51, Shaqir 38; broadcast, the Irishman took to comment on Tuesday, but UFC dispute is over McGregor’sregor’s A win in a tritril-l on,” McGregor told chat show tar Cricket Tournament. As the Zaheer 3 for 24, Gayan 2 for 36, social media to announce he was President Dana White said he ability to headline a cardcard ogy fi ghtght against DiazDia host Jimmy Fallon in Monday’s country’s national carrier, Qatar Amir 2 for 30) beat CBQ 108 in walking away from the sport understood McGregor’s deci- with no title on the line.ne. wouldwow uld bothboth burnishburnis TV broadcast. Airways continues to play a vital 34.2 overs (Fahim 21, Abdulla 18 that has made him famous and sion given his wealth and the McGregor has not hishis reputationreputation andan “The fi ght game is a mad role in enhancing the already- not out; Zainuddin 3 for 15, Prem earned him hundreds of millions commercial success of his whis- fought since a fourth-rtth-h proveprp ove a pop-pop p game, but like I said, to my fans, fl ourishing sports activities in 2 for 38, Hassan 2 for 5) by 64 of dollars. key brand. round lightweight ti-ti- ularulular pay-payay I am in shape and I am ready. Qatar and is a keen supporter for runs. Man of the match: Zainud- “Hey guys quick announce- “He has the money to retire tle fi ght loss to Khabibabbib per-viewpep r-r vii e There are a lot of opponents (out developing the next generation din (Tusker Club) ment, I’ve decided to retire and his whiskey is killing it. It Nurmagomedov inn Oc-OcOc- drawddrr a there)...”

OPPORTUNITY Mick Schumacher to test with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo

Reuters London

ick Schumacher, son of seven-times world champion Michael, will test Mwith Ferrari and Alfa Romeo in Bahrain next week, the Formula One teams announced yesterday. The German, who makes his Formula Two debut in Bahrain this weekend with the Prema Barcelona in May after the Span- team, will test Ferrari’s F90 car at ish Grand Prix. the Sakhir circuit on April 2 after Schumacher’s father, who has the grand prix there. not been seen in public since The 19-year-old, who won the suff ering severe head injuries in European F3 title last year and a skiing accident in 2013, won is a member of Ferrari’s young fi ve of his record seven Formula driver academy, will also test Alfa One titles with the Italian team Romeo’s new car on the Wednes- between 2000-04 and holds the day. record of 91 wins. “I am really looking forward to Ferrari principal Mattia Binot- what I’m sure will be a great ex- to said the team’s current driver perience,” he said. Charles Leclerc was proof of the “But for the moment, I am worth of the academy as a high consciously putting all thoughts level training programme for tal- of the test to one side, because I ented youngsters. am also very much looking for- “Mick, who joined the FDA in ward to competing in my fi rst January, and Callum, who has F2 race and would like to focus been with us since 2017, are defi - 100 percent on the weekend to nitely drivers on their way up,” he In this Nov 12, 2016, picture, Conor McGregor come.” said. celebrates with his two championship belts after Britain’s Callum Ilott, who is “I believe that driving the defeating Eddie Alvarez (not pictured) in their also in Formula Two this season SF90 in an offi cial setting such lightweight title bout during UFC 205 at Madison and is another Ferrari academy as the tests in Bahrain and Bar- Square Garden in New York City. (USA TODAY Sports) member, will make his F1 test de- celona can be very useful at this but with Ferrari-powered Alfa in stage in their career.”

BOTTOMLINE Formula 1 divided as Brexit threat zooms into view

AFP Mercedes team principal Toto have to consider their future in F1 business.” For Renault boss Cyril Abit- London Wolff has warning a no-deal di- in the event of a no-deal Brexit. eboul, Britain itself has played vorce could cause the “mother of Brawn is more relaxed, saying DOOMSDAY SCENARIO a key role in the team’s progress all messes” while F1 motorsport plans are in place and that teams McLaren, Williams, Renault, since their return to the grid with he new Formula One boss Ross Brawn is more san- are resourceful and fl exible. Racing Point and Red Bull are their own team for the 2016 sea- season is under way but guine. “Formula One teams are pretty also based in Britain, while Haas son. the action on the track is Mercedes, based in North- nomadic and we operate in coun- have a base in England as well as “We’ve gone very quickly in being overshadowed by amptonshire, in central England, tries outside of the European Un- their headquarters in the United recent years and it’s been done in Tconcerns over the implications of have won the past fi ve drivers’ ion anyway and I don’t see it as be- States. particular thanks to the possibil- Brexit, with so many teams call- and constructors’ champion- ing in any way catastrophic for the Racing Point team principal ities off ered by the UK, bringing ing Britain home. ships, with British driver Lewis UK,” he said earlier this month. Otmar Szafnauer is not losing in youngsters, people are coming Seven of the 10 F1 teams are Hamilton winning four of those. “There will be some irritations sleep over a potential doomsday out from school. We don’t want based in Britain and there are “Brexit is a major concern for I’m sure and things that will be scenario but says a lot depends that to change.” nine European races this season, all of us that live in the UK and a bit painful but Formula One on the fi nal shape of any deal. With their main headquarters making the nation’s impending operate out of the UK,” Wolff teams are very good at coping, so He acknowledged the poten- in North Carolina, Haas team departure from the European said at during pre-season testing I don’t see it being a problem.” tial logistical challenges over the boss Gunther Steiner hinted his Union an unwanted headache in Spain last month, before the Red Bull chief Christian transport of parts but said the team team would have no hesitation even for such a globalised sport. opening race in Melbourne. Horner, speaking in Melbourne, currently buys fuel cells from a US in moving their UK operation if Several teams have warned “Formula One teams travel to sounded calm despite the confu- company without any issues. Brexit becomes a problem. that Britain’s departure from the races at least 21 times a year — we In this July 16, 2017, picture, Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton is sion over Brexit. “It would for sure be easier “We do not make irrational de- EU, especially if it comes with- are moving in and out of the UK, celebrated by fans after his win in the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, “The reality is it’s business as if we didn’t have a hard Brexit,” cisions,” he said. “The big teams out a withdrawal agreement, our people move in and out of the England. (AFP) normal. We’ll wait and see what he said. “It all depends on what have bigger investments than us. will create logistical nightmares UK,” he added, referring to po- and if and when Brexit does hap- Brexit looks like.... There are is- And it’s not decided what hap- for an industry that relies on in- tential customs delays that could damage the Formula One indus- tionalities who work for the team. pen and when it happens then sues but I don’t think any of them pens,” he said. ternational staff and specialised be caused by Brexit. try in the UK.” David Richards, the chairman we’ll deal with it but of course are insurmountable. It’s just the “We are a small team. If any- goods moving around. “The way we get parts and Visas and right to work con- of Motorsport UK, British rac- you try and put as many ‘what fi rst time you face those issues one can move fast, it’s us. We just But opinions on the likely im- services is just in time at the last cerns were also high on Wolff ’s ing’s governing body, voiced fears if’ scenarios in place as you can and if your calendar is so tight it pick up our caravan and move to pact of Brexit diff er sharply. minute... taxes would massively worry list, thanks to the 26 na- last month that Mercedes might to protect the operation of your might have an impact.” another country.”

Wednesday, March 27, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

TABLE TENNIS Upsets galore at ITTF Qatar Open qualifi cation rounds World No 127 Hayeong of South Korea shocks Romania’s Szocs, ranked No 21, in a dramatic seven-game duel

By Sports Reporter Doha

outh Korea’s Kim Hayeong caused the biggest upset in the qualifi cation round of the 2019 ITTF World Tour Platinum Qa- tarS Open at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Atti- yah Arena yesterday. The No 127 ranked women’s pad- dler accounted for Romania’s Berna- dette Szocs, ranked No 21 in the world. Szocs was also the highest rated player in the qualifi cation round but lost in a dramatic seven-game duel 8-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-7, 5-11, 15-13 as Hayeong held her nerves. Today the main round of matches will be held, with the fi nals scheduled for this Sunday. In another shocking result, Four- time ITTF World Tour men’s singles titles winner Chinese Taipei’s Chuang Chih-Yuan was beaten in his opening encounter by Thailand’s Supanut Wis- utmaythangkoon 9-11, 11-6, 13-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-4. Currently with a world ranking of 111, Wisutmaythangkoon was in fi ne form against World No 19 Chih-Yuan. Wis- utmaythangkoon’s best result in the ITTF circuit is a semi-fi nal appearance at the Nigerian Open and the Thai will hope for similar success if not better here in Doha. There were more surprise winners on the day, as Germany’s Ricardo Walther beat Denmark’s Zhai Yujia, who was crowned champion in Spain just two Qatar's Ahmed Khalil El Mouhanadi and Aia Mohamed (right) in action during the qualification matches of the 2019 ITTF days ago. The 24-year-old Danish star World Tour Platinum Qatar Open at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena yesterday. was beaten in the men’s singles pre- any further part in Women’s Singles spite establishing a solid two games to liminary round by Walther 12-10, 5-11, prevailed in a dramatic seventh game 104th-ranked Thiago Monteiro, the Meanwhile, India’s Sathiyan Gnan- qualifi cation following shock defeats. nil lead, suff ered a 4-2 defeat to Korea 11-8, 13-11, 11-8. 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 8-11, 12-10, 9-11, 14-12. Latin American champion in 2004 in asekaran, Sharath Kamal Achanta and Adriana Díaz was beaten by Serbian Republic’s Lee Eunhye (4-11, 7-11, 11-5, Meanwhile, Korea Republic’s Hwang England’s Sam Walker maintained Chile and in 2008 in the Dominican Re- Amalraj Anthony all enjoyed success in star Sabina Surjan in a seven-game 12-10, 11-7, 11-6). Minha caused a major upset when he his nerve as he recovered from a three public. Monteiro won 11-9, 11-8, 3-11, the men’s singles preliminary round. thriller (6-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-7, 12- Kim Minhyeok and Cho Daeseong beat Denmark’s Jonathan Groth in sev- games to one defi cit to beat Japan’s Jin 12-10, 11-6. Gnanasekaran beat Sweden’s Truls 14, 11-7) while Batra was knocked out both produced excellent outings in their en games (13-11, 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 8-11, Ueda 11-9, 6-11, 6-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun-Ju, the Moregard (11-8, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-7), by Korea’s Kim Youjin in straight games opening qualifi cation fi xtures, coming 11-8, 11-7). No 23 Groth succumbed to 11-9 to cause a major men’s singles pre- winner two days ago in Oman and while veteran Achanta accounted for (11-7, 12-10, 11-8, 11-5). through their respective meetings with the guile of 170-ranked Hwang Minha, liminary round upset. Currently on the Germany’s Steff en Mengel a semi-fi - Frenchman Benjamin Brossier (15-13, Germany’s Nina Mittelham will con- Qatar’s Ahmed Alawlaqi (11-2, 11-3, 11- who has previously won the 2014 ITTF world rankings, Jin Ueda is listed at No nalist in Spain both enjoyed success in 5-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-5) before Anthony test the next round of qualifying after 3, 11-7) and Kuwait’s Marzooq Alrashidi World Cadet Challenge in Barbados. 29, Sam Walker is No 93. the second men’s singles preliminary ended the hopes of Kanak Jha of the successfully holding off a late come- (11-6, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5). However, there There were many close contests on Crowned African champion just round. Lin Yun-Ju beat Nigeria’s Ola- United States (6-11, 9-11, 11-6, 12-10, back charge from Slovak opponent Eva was defeat for Korea’s Choi Deokhwa, the day, but the closest was one involv- over six months ago in Mauritius in jide Omotayo (11-8, 11-6, 11-6, 11-5); 11-9, 8-11, 11-7). Odorova (11-5, 11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 8-11, who lost out to Singapore’s Pang Yew ing Frenchman Simon Gauzy and Ja- early September, Nigeria’s 25th-ranked Steff en Mengel accounted for Slovakia’s Neither one of Puerto Rico’s Adriana 11-5). But, there was no such fortune En Koen across fi ve games (7-11, 11-8, pan’s Yuto Kizukuri. Gauzy eventually Quadri Aruna was beaten by Brazil’s Lubomir Pistej (12-10, 12-10, 11-8, 11-3). Díaz nor India’s Manika Batra will play for Japan’s Honami Nakamori who, de- 11-9, 13-11, 12-10).

SPOTLIGHT POLICE WIN QATAR VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE Qatari Diar Triathlon to take place in Lusail City on Friday

By Sports Reporter Doha

he inaugural Qatari Diar Triath- lon, organised by the Qatar Triath- lon Federation in conjunction with MAD Triathlon and support from TQatar Olympic Committee, will be held at the Lusail City – Marina Promenade next to the Yacht Club on March 29, Friday. The race will get underway at 7:15am and the organisers are expecting 250 partici- pants including 50 Qatari nationals, prom- ising a lively and entertaining race for spec- tators and fans who will throng the venue. The event will cater all ages of triathletes, wanting to stretch themselves on the main event. This so-called “Sprint distance” is hardly a sprint as it will feature 750m of swimming, 19 km of cycling in the streets Organisers are expecting 250 participants at the inaugural Qatari Diar Triathlon. Police team players and off icials celebrate with the trophy after winning the Qatar Volleyball League of Lusail City and 5km of running in Lusail yesterday. Police, who won their maiden title in 2017, regained the title by defeating defending City Marina Promenade which is attracting champions Al Rayyan 3-0 in their last league match. Al Arabi beat Al Gharafa 3-0 to finish third. great number of visitors. Kids however will PICTURE: M Shajahan participate in a duathlon race. Dr Nasser al-Mohannadi, Triathlon di- rector at Qatar Triathlon Federation said: “The Qatar National Triathlon Series is be- Wakrah, Shamal register victories at HH Amir Cup coming very popular. With events like Qa- tari Diar Triathlon, which is happening in superb location, we are getting even more interest from local and expat athletes. Fu- ent identity to the city’s multiple facilities, Caballero (Open Women), Andrea Stadler ture for Triathlon in Qatar looks bright. I that takes into consideration the principles (Veteran women), Abdulrahman Aljaber would like to thank Qatar Olympic Commit- of sustainability and establishing a healthy (Qatari Men) and Nasser Almohannadi (Qa- tee for support and Qatari Diar for hosting lifestyle for residents and visitors. This will tari Veteran Men). the event, along with all the other sponsors off er the participants and visitors a closer The Qatari Diar Triathlon event is sup- and partners, who will also be contributing look on the facilities and services that Lusail ported by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment to make the event a success for all.” City provides. A completely new event at a Company Lusail, Qatar Olympic Commit- On this occasion, Eng Abdullah bin Ha- new venue that should be something not to tee, Royal Air Maroc, Rayyan Natural Water. mad al-Attiyah, CEO of Qatari Diar said: be missed” For further information the even visit Face- “We are pleased to be the main sponsor for Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari, President of Qa- book page of Qatar Triathlon Federation or the 4th event of Qatar National Triathlon. tar Cycling and Triathlon Federation said: web page of the Qatar National Triathlon As part of being a regional market leader, “From humble beginnings of Triathlon in Series: https://qtriseries.com/ Qatari Diar is aiming to deliver quality life- Qatar, we are now happy to see the progress styles. Sponsoring this event is an affi rma- which was made in last two years. Triathlon RACE DISTANCES: tion of the company’s vision by adopting is a great means of promotion of locations Junior Individual Distances: Kids 1 (7-9) sports events to increase awareness of a where the event is held, we are grateful and 650m run, 3km bike, 650m run; Kids 2 (10-12) healthy lifestyle. thankful to all parties involved for making 1.5km run, 6km bike, 650 m run; Kids 3 (13-15) He added: “After Triathlon organising this event possible.” 1.5km run, 9.5km bike, 1.5km run committees’ visit to Lusail City, they were Qatari Diar Triathlon is the fourth of fi ve astonished with the infrastructure and fa- triathlon events which count towards the Adult Individual Distances: Sprint 750m cilities of the city. Qatari Diar received the Qatar National Triathlon Series in the sea- swim, 19km bike, 5km run Al Ahli and Al Wakrah players vie for the ball during the HH Amir Cup basketball tournament at the committee’s request to have Lusail City son 2018/2019. At the moment the lead- Team Relay Distances (2 or 3 members per Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Wakrah won 80-69. In another match, Al Shamal beat Al Khor 82-78. as the host of the event and we agreed to ers in the Series are: Ethan Bennett (Open team); Team Relay 750m swim, 19km bike, it. A new venue which will have a diff er- Men), Lee Bennett (Veteran Men), Isora Sosa 5km run