SPORT Thursday 17 May 2018 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Celtics survive James’ Southgate puts faith attack to defeat Cavs in youthful England and take 2-0 lead World Cup squad Coach Belmadi relishes Al Duhail’s ‘special season’ RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Djamel Belmadi, Al Duhail’s long-serving coach, is a man of few has been a ggreatreat sseasseason,”easonn,” words. Even at the best of times, you Mohammed addadded.a ded. won’t see him displaying raw Al Duhailil cacaptainptain KaKarimrimm BBoudBoudiafudiafiaaff emotions. praised hiss teamm fforor a ‘‘especialespeciaialal However, after guiding his team effort’.effort’. on Tuesday to the quarter-finals of “I givegivee my tthankshaanks to Godd ono thiss the AFC Champions League and to great reresult.susult. It wwasas a specialspecial per-per- this week’s Amir Cup final, even formancece frofromm mym teateam-matem-matee wwhoho Belmadi seemed a bit humbled by proved theirt worworthrth bbyy rereachingachingg tthehee what his players have done in the quarter-finalsquarterr-finals ofof thethe AFCAFC Cham-Cham- last few months. pions LeagueLeague,”Le ,” BBoudiaf,oudiaf, wwhoho playplaysayys “We are happy to have qualified for QatQatartar also, sasaid.aid. for the last-eight of the AFC Cham- “Reaching“Reeaching tthehe quartersquarters oonlynlylyy pions League,” Belmadi said after representsrepresents a stepsteep in our journey.journeyey. his side beat UAE’s Al Ain 4-1 in The teateamam wanwantsts ttoo wiwinn tthehe ccham-hamm- Doha, just days after QNB Stars pionship.pionshhip. I wishh forfor more specialspeciaciaal League (QSL) champions won the performancesperformmances ass we prepareprepare forfoor first leg 4-2. the AFCAFC ChamChampionsmpions LeLeagueaguue “That was our main goal. We Al Duhail’s Algerian coach quarter-finals,”quarterr-finals,” hhee addeadded.d. “We“We willwill are happy with that we achieved Djamel Belmadi continuecontinuue to workk hhard,”ard,” he ssaid.aidaid. qualification without a loss or a “I taketaake this opopportunitypportunity too tthanthankk draw. My team was able to present all the fans whwhoho camcameme tot the a special performance in what is a Keyy AlAl DuhailDuhail ddefenderefender YoussYoussefef stadiumstadiumm to ssupportupportt thethe t team,”eamam,” special season,” the popular El Arabii said:said: “Our“Our win overover Al Ain BoudiafBoudiaf ssaid. Algerian added. in the firstirst leg gave us a great dealdeal On SaturdaySaaturday nighnight,ght, AlAl DuDuhailhhailail “The players proceeded with of confidencefidence for our return leg.leg. take on Al RRayyanayyan iin the AmiAmAmirmir their match performances in a The players proceeded Thank GodGod forfor thisthis amazingamazing win.win. Cup final,final, thet finalfinnnal gamegagamame ofo perfect way. We want to thank God with their match We havee reached the quarter-finals.quarter-finals. the domedomesticsticst seseason.eeasoon.onn. If AAl ALAL DUHAIL’SDUHAILI ’S for all these successes. This was performances in a We haveve reachedreached thus farfar withoutwithout DuhailDuhail winwin tthehe ffinal,ininanalall, iit wwilwiwilll bbee 2017-1820177-18 achieved because of everyone’s perfect way. We want a loss orr a draw. That is a huge efforteffort theirtheir thirdthird ttroptrophyophhy ooff thetthhe seasonseeasasonsonon effort inside the stadium and from thehe players and the teamteam havinghaving alreadyalrereadyy wwonoonn tthehhee QQNBNB SSEASON:EASON: outside. I wish the team continues to thank God for all management.”ement.” StarsStars LeLeagueaague titletitllee aandnndd tthehee to play in this fashion,” he added. these successes. This He added: “I am very happyhappy QatarQatar CuCupp at thee enendnndd ofo QNBQNB SSTARSTARS LEALEAGUE:GUE: “It is important to have a com- was achieved because with myy goalsgoals in thisthis gamegame andand inin last momonth.onth. plete team and this was our other matches as well.well. ItIt hashas beenbeen Played:Playedd: 22 of everyone’s effort problem in the past when we did a big seasonason forfor us. We want to concon-- Won:Wonn: 1199 inside the stadium and not or could not have successful tinue inn this fashion.”fashion.” DDrawn:rawn: 3 alternatives. This time we only outside. I wish the team Al DDuhailuhail strikerstriker IsmailIsmail focused on top championships,” continues to play in this Mohamedmed echoedechoed ElEl Arabi’sArabi’s Belmadi said. sentiments.ents. AFC CHCHAMPIONSAMPIOONS fashion: Belmadi When asked about Al Ain’s “It hhasas been a bigbig seasonseason forfor Al LEAGUELEAAGUE coach’s confidence of sealing Duhail. Imagine goinggoing thethe seasonseason victory on Tuesday at Abdullah Bin withoutut a lossloss oror a draw,”draw,”” Played:Playeed: 8 Khalifa Stadium, Belmadi said his before the match while Al Ain team Mohammedmmed toltoldd Al DuhDuhailail webswebsiteitite Won:Woon: 8 team was very keen to seal their came one day only before the in an interview.nterview. Drawn:Drawn: 0 last-eight berth than to focus on game,” Belmadi said. “Thehe victoryvictory achievedachieved (o(onn Lost:Losst: 0 what the rival camp said. When asked about the quarter- Tuesday)y) was pospossiblesible bebecausecausse we “I said before the match that his finals of the AFC Champions got greatat supportsupport fromfrom thethee fans.fans. quotes should have been addressed League, Belmadi said: “The different Their enthusiasmnthusiasm and backingbacckking in QATARQATAR CUPCUP only to his players. It (his quotes) thing about our previous partici- the entireire sseasoneason waswas special,”spececial,” he Played:Playeed: 2 made us even more determined to pation is that QSL will begin before added. Won:Woon: 2 win this game. Our focus was clear the start of the AFC Champions “I hopeope thisthis greatgreat supportsuupport wwillill to pass this match with a win and League quarter-finals. This will give continueue for us and forr AAl SSaddadd (the Drawn:Drawn: 0 seal the last-eight berth. We were us many strong matches as we second QatariQatari sideside toto reachreach AFCC Lost:Losst: 0 in a closed camp for two days prepare for the last-eight stage.” Championsions LeagueLeague quarters).quaq rters). ThisThihis Al Duhail's Youssef El Arabi

Amir Cupp Saudi World Cup referee banned for QFA announces final to life following match-fixing attempt next season’s

kick off REUTERS Saudi referee Fahad Al Mirdasi competition dates at 10.15pm QNA RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has banned referee Fahad Al Mirdasi from THE PENINSULA football for life for a match-fixing DOHA: Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced attempt, weeks before he was due that the new season 2018/2019 will start on August 3 DOHA: The Qatar Football Associ- to fly to Russia to officiate at the and will be preceded by Super Cup, which will be held ation (QFA) yesterday confirmed World Cup, the country’s football between the winners of Qatar Cup and the Amir Cup that the Amir Cup final will be kicked federation (SAFF) said in a statement on August 1. off at 10.15pm. late on Tuesday. QFA also said that the second division season will The game will be played at Al Mirdasi had confessed to kick off on September 19, while Qatargas U-23 League Khalifa International Stadium. Al offering to fix Saturday’s King’s Cup will start on September 4. Rayyan and Al Duhail are the two final on behalf of the Al Ittihad club, The start of the season comes early with the aim competing teams in the final. the SAFF said. It added that it had of giving the Qatari national football team the oppor- The game has been rescheduled requested FIFA hand him a lifetime tunity to prepare for the next year entitlements, which to allow Ramadan faithfulls to global ban as well as removing him Al Mirdasi was taken into police refereed by former Premier League will start with Asian Championship from January 5 to compete Taraweeh prayers. from the World Cup list. custody where he confessed to solic- official Mark Clattenburg. February 1 in the UAE. The delayed start will also allow The 32-year-old referee made iting the corrupt payment, the Clattenburg, who was appointed Qatar will participate in Copa America in Brazil smooth flow of traffic around the the approach to Al Ittihad chief statement from the SAFF Ethics Head of Refereeing at the SAFF last in June 2019 and it will be the first participation an match venue, QFA said. QFA said Hamad Al-Senaie, who immediately Committee added. year, stepped in to replace Al Mirdasi Arab national team plays in this tournament. the gates will open at 7.45 pm. All handed over the WhatsApp mes- Al Ittihad played Al Faisaly in on the eve of the game. Al Mirdasi The current season will conclude following the the previously announced events sages to SAFF officials who in turn the King’s Cup final at Jeddah’s King has been on the FIFA referees’ list Amir Cup final between Al Duhail and Al Rayyan will be held at the stadium as alerted the relevant government Abdullah Sports City on Saturday, since 2011 and officiated at last on Saturday evening at Khalifa International planned. authorities, SAFF said. winning in extra-time in a game year’s Confederations Cup in Russia. Stadium. 26 SPORT THURSDAY 17 MAY 2018 Celtics survive James’ attack to defeat Cavs, take 2-0 lead

AFP The Celtics used a balanced attack as a half dozen players LOS ANGELES: Jaylen Brown reached double figures. scored 23 points and the Boston Cleveland had 15 turnovers Celtics overcame a 42-point leading to 13 Boston points and A file photo of Doug Ford. performance from LeBron James the Celtics had just six to beat Cleveland 107-94 on turnovers. Tuesday and take a 2-0 lead in James also delivered 12 Golf legend the Eastern Conference finals. assists and 10 rebounds, scoring Terry Rozier added 18 points, 21 of Cleveland’s 27 points in the Doug Ford while Al Horford finished with first quarter. His 42 points 15 points and 10 rebounds for the marked his fifth 40-point game Celtics, who improved to 8-0 this of these play-offs. James had just dies at 95 postseason at the Boston Garden. 15 points and missed all five of “We really lean on him,” said his three-point attempts in a AP Brown of Horford. game one defeat. “He has been doing it all “We have the opportunity go PONTE VEDRA BEACH: year. That is why they pay him back home and take home Doug Ford, the oldest the big bucks.” court,” James said. surviving Masters champion The Celtics, who overcame “They did what they had to who won 19 times on the PGA a double digit deficit, have never do to protect home court and Tour and was the player of blown a 2-0 series lead in the now it is our time as well. the year in 1957, has died. He postseason. Game three is on “We will see what we are was 95. Sunday in Cleveland. made of on Saturday.” The PGA Tour said Ford’s Brown said they can’t let up Tuesday’s game got physical Boston Celtics players react during Game Two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against family notified the tour that in game three because Cavaliers as the Celtics pulled out all the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on Tuesday. he died on Monday night. superstar James usually raises stops to try and contain James. Details of his death were not his game another notch after a James appeared to strain his immediately available. loss. neck in a first-half collision. The Boston players as goons. Cleveland. Kyle Korver came off “We didn’t close the half way Ford was inducted into “We need tremendous focus. Cavaliers sagged in the second “We got to be tougher men- the bench to score 11 points but we wanted to and they had a big the World Golf Hall of Fame He (James) one of best players of half, where they were outscored tally and physically,” Lue said. starters Tristan Thompson, JR third quarter. in 2011 for a career when all time. But if there is anybody 59-39 by the Celtics. “They are gooning it up and Smith and George Hill combined “In the third quarter we had prize money was so small that I would put my money on it Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue we have got to do the same for just 11 points in the loss. some miscommunication on he earned most of his cash would be this group,” Brown said they need to be more thing.” Kevin Love finished with “Down the stretch we took defence and they scored some gambling during practice said. physical and referred to the 22 points and 15 rebounds for some bad shots,” Lue said. easy baskets.” rounds. His best year was 1957, when his three victories included the Masters. He was runner-up twice, had 22 top 10s and earned $45,379. Altuve propels Astros past Angels “You could win $300 or $400 every day, which would AP get you to the next town,” Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve singled in the go-ahead run to Ford said on the day he was hits a three-run double against the Los cap a two-run, ninth-inning rally inducted. ANAHEIM: Jose Altuve hit a Angeles Angels during the eighth inning and help the Chicago Cubs score “You know, a guy they’d go-ahead, three-run double in at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Tuesday. a 3-2, come-from-behind win show you on TV has got about the eighth inning, and the over host Atlanta on Tuesday, a 4-footer to win $800,000. Houston Astros rallied from a snapping the Braves’ three-game If he misses he’s going to get late two-run deficit for a 5-3 winning streak. $500,000. I said, ‘You victory over the Los Angeles The Cubs trailed 2-1 entering should have played when I Angels on Tuesday night. the ninth but came back to tie played, when you’d have Brian McCann had two hits the game against Atlanta closer that length of putt for $100 and drove in another run for the Arodys Vizcaino. to get to the next town.’ defending World Series cham- Chicago’s Albert Almora Jr. That’s pressure.” pions (27-17), who reclaimed sole and Addison Russell put together Ford won the 1955 PGA possession of first place in the back-to-back doubles to tie the Championship by beating AL West after the Angels (25-17) game 2-2, then Zobrist lined an Cary Middlecoff, and then pulled virtually even Monday. RBI single to center field with two won the Masters in 1957 with Josh Reddick threw out two outs to plate the go-ahead run. a stirring comeback. Los Angeles runners from right Elsewhere, Matt Chapman He trailed Sam Snead by field, and he also got a lead off and Mark Canha laced two-run three shots going into the final double in the eighth against doubles, helping visiting Oakland round and closed with a 66 reliever Jose Alvarez (2-1), who outlast Boston. Daniel Mengden for a three-shot victory. swiftly wasted seven stellar (3-4) pitched six strong innings Ford holed out from a innings by rookie Jaime Barria. to clinch the Athletics’ second plugged lie in the bunker on Pinch-hitter Yuli Gurriel consecutive series win over the the 18th, though he always singled and Alex Bregman Red Sox. thought the par-5 15th was walked to load the bases. Altuve Oakland wasted no time the key moment. cleared them by poking a double excellent innings for the Angels, strikeouts to his AL-leading total, catcher Rivera added a solo shot jumping on Red Sox starter Leading Snead by one down the left field line on a low but Alvarez fell apart in the but the Orange County native in the fifth. Eduardo Rodriguez (3-1), with shot, Ford went for the green pitch to make it 4-3. eighth against the defending lasted just five innings his second After throwing out Mike Marcus Semien and Chad Pinder with a 3-wood, even though Justin Upton and Rene Rivera World Series champions. career start at Angel Stadium, Trout at third base in the fifth, opening the first inning with he hit the same shot in the homered for the Angels, whose Collin McHugh (1-0) pitched where his parents were longtime Reddick got his second outfield singles. water the previous round. bullpen blew a golden chance to two scoreless innings of relief. season ticket holders. Cole gave assist in the seventh, throwing Two outs later, Chapman His caddie insisted he lay cement their solid early-season Ken Giles allowed Albert Pujols’ up five hits and left trailing 3-1. out Kinsler at the plate by a smacked his double to right field, up with a 4-iron. This time it start. leadoff single in the ninth, but Upton’s two-run homer in healthy margin as he tried to chasing Semien and Pinder stayed on the green for a Barria yielded four hits and finished up for his sixth save. the first inning was his seventh score from second. home and giving Mengden an crucial birdie. struck out seven over seven Gerrit Cole added seven already in May, while backup Meanwhile, Ben Zobrist early 2-0 lead. NHL: Lightning outplay Capitals to cut lead

AFP tonight, and you could see we all followed suit.” WASHINGTON: Victor Hedman Vasilevskiy bounced back finished with three points and Victor Hedman had a from a subpar game two to Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 36 deliver a strong performance as shots as the Tampa Bay Lightning goal and an assist as host Washington peppered him defeated the Washington the Lightning scored with 38 shots, including seven Capitals 4-2 in game three of the twice on the power on the penalty kill in front of a Eastern Conference final series crowd of 18,500 at the Capital on Tuesday. play and cut the One Arena. Victor Hedman Hedman had a goal and an Capitals lead to two Brett Connolly and Evgeny (right) of the Tampa assist as the Lightning scored games to one. Kuznetsov scored goals for the twice on the power play and cut Capitals, who are 7-1 in the Bay Lightning takes the Capitals best-of-seven series playoffs on the road following a a shot against the lead to two games to one. He had every time I step on it,” he added. dominating 6-2 win in game two Washington Capitals an assist on power play goals by Hedman has a goal and 10 in Florida. during their game at Steven Stamkos and Nikita assists during an eight-game Connolly took advantage of Capital One Arena on Kucherov and helped kill three point streak. a turnover by Tampa’s Ondrej Tuesday. penalties. “We can’t describe how good Palat halfway through the second “I’m put in a position to he is out there,” said Stamkos of period while Kuznetsov made produce, and I put that pressure Sweden’s Hedman. “We rely on things interesting, scoring his the Lightning, who won the most for him. Washington goaltender back to Tampa for crucial game on myself to do it,” said Hedman. him a tonne, he’s a horse and ninth goal of the playoffs with games in the NHL during the Braden Holtby surrendered four five. “For me, it’s about being most nights if he’s going well, just over three minutes left in the regular season. goals on 23 shots. But first, the teams will clash effective at all ends of the ice and we’re going well as a team. third. Kucherov’s goal snapped a The Lightning victory tonight with the Capitals hoping trying to be a difference-maker “Another big effort for him Brayden Point also scored for seven-game scoreless drought means the series will now go to regroup from this loss. THURSDAY 17 MAY 2018 SPORT 27 Al Kharaitiyat to play four friendlies in Turkey Maradona named THE PENINSULA chairman of coached Al Khor, replacing Frenchman Laurent Banide in DOHA: Al Kharaitiyat, who November, 2017, and guided The Belarusian club retained their place in the QNB Knights to eighth position in this AFP Stars League by beating Al Wakrah season’s QNB Stars League. in play-off, are scheduled to play Al Kharaitiyat were coached by four friendly matches during their Tunisian Ahmad Al Ajlani and then MINSK: Diego Maradona is coming to Belarus pre-season camp in Turkey from Syrian Yasser Sebaei after the as chairman of a small top-flight club with big July 1 to 22. former’s dismissal last season. European ambitions. Al Kharaitiyat had an unim- Al Bayawi is no stranger to Al The Argentine legend posted a photo on pressive campaign, finishing 11th. Kharaitiyat having assisted Instagram on Tuesday of what Dinamo Brest The Thunders had at one stage Frenchman Bernard Simondi there. said was a three-year contract to serve as stared at relegation and are keen Team manager Turki Aman chairman of the board. to put up a good showing in the told QSL Online that technical and “Thanks for the trust and for thinking of new season. physical aspects would be in focus me,” Maradona wrote in his post. They recently signed Nassif Al at the camp and the club would Al Kharaitiyat player react after a QNB Dinamo Brest also posted pictures of the Bayawi as new coach for the soon finalise the list of players for 1986 World Cup winner holding up a green Stars League match in this file photo. coming season. The Tunisian last the new season. and red Belarusian flag while wearing a matching black T-shirt and shorts. Maradona stepped down as coach of United Arab Emirates second division club Al- Fujairah last month after failing to secure their promotion. Southgate puts faith in youthful Dinamo Brest were acquired by new owners three years ago who are intent on breaking the historic dominance of the coun- try’s two big sides: Dinamo Minsk and BATE England World Cup squad Borisov. The 57-year-old will be in charge of the team’s transfer policy and strategic REUTERS development. Dinamo currently sit eight in the 16-team LONDON: Liverpool’s 19-year-old Premier Division. right back Trent Alexander-Arnold received a surprise call-up for England as manager Gareth Southgate put his faith in youth with his final 23-man UEFA group squad for next month’s World Cup. Chelsea’s out-on-loan midfielder raises doubts on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 22, was also given a seat on the plane to Russia after impressing for Crystal Palace this $25bn FIFA deal season. AP While Chelsea skipper Gary Cahill, whose place had been in doubt, also makes the trip east, experienced goal- LYON: European soccer leaders say they have keeper Joe Hart and Arsenal midfielder “serious reservations” about the pace and Jack Wilshere were both omitted from process of FIFA pressing to accept a $25bn, the squad announced yesterday. 12-year deal for two new competitions. Southgate broke with convention The statement after UEFA’s Professional by declining to name a provisional Football Strategy Council met yesterday casts 30-man squad, opting instead to select doubt on FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s his preferred 23 well before FIFA’s hope to reach agreement before the World June 4 deadline. Cup kicks off next month. He did, however, leave the door UEFA’s strategy panel - including repre- slightly ajar for five players placed on sentatives of clubs, leagues and player unions a standby list. - criticized the “hasty timing and lack of con- Former national under-21s crete information” from FIFA about a planned manager Southgate has championed 24-team Club World Cup expansion and young players since taking over in the Nations League for more than 200 wake of Sam Allardyce’s dismissal and countries. has named one of the most callow In March, Infantino said FIFA had 60 days Liverpool’s English player Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates in this file England squads ever to travel to a ENGLAND SQUAD to agree on a $25bn guaranteed investment photo. INSET: England manager Gareth Southgate. major tournament. Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Jordan from an unnamed consortium. That deadline The uncapped Alexander-Arnold seemed to expire this week. Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley). is the youngest after an amazing Tottenham Hotspur this season. With have plentiful goals coring options. Defenders: John Stones (Manchester City), Harry breakthrough season with Liverpool, Hart’s England days now apparently In Brazil four years ago England Maguire (Leicester City), Phil Jones (Manchester which will culminate in next week’s over after being his country’s senior managed two goals in three group Utd), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier Champions League final against Real keeper for the past three tourna- games and crashed out before the Sporting Lisbon (Tottenham Hotspur), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Madrid. ments, Everton’s Jordan Pickford is knockout phase. Young (Manchester Utd), Danny Rose (Tottenham Apart from Cahill, there were a few expected to start in goal in England’s There was no place for Liverpool’s Hotspur), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool). in shock after other players breathing a sigh of relief. opening match against Tunisia on Adam Lallana, though he is one of the Among them is Arsenal’s Danny June 18. players on standby, along with Burnley Midfielders: Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jor- Welbeck, who missed a chunk of the He will be joined by Jack Butland, keeper Tom Heaton, Burnley defender dan Henderson (Liverpool), Dele Alli (Tottenham horrific gang attack season through injury but was named whose domestic season ended in James Tarkowski, Bournemouth’s Hotspur), Jesse Lingard (Manchester Utd), Ra- alongside Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy Premier League relegation with Stoke 21-year-old midfielder Lewis Cook and heem Sterling (Manchester City), Ruben Loftus- AFP and Marcus Rashford in the striking City, and Burnley’s Nick Pope. Jake Livermore. Cheek (Chelsea), Fabian Delph (Manchester City). department. Southgate named four out-and- England play friendlies against Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), LISBON: A 50-strong gang of hooded men Left back Danny Rose was also out strikers and, with Raheem Sterling, Nigeria and Costa Rica on June 2 and Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Marcus Rashford brutally attacked Sporting Lisbon players and selected despite playing only 10 Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard all named June 7 before leaving for Russia on (Manchester Utd), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal). officials at training on Tuesday leaving the club Premier League games for as midfielders, the squad appears to June 12. in shock and casting doubt over their partic- ipation in Sunday’s Cup final. Wearing t-shirts bearing the club’s logo the gang broke into Sporting’s training ground and went on the rampage, terrorising players Everton sack manager Allardyce and personnel and vandalising dressing rooms. Sporting’s Dutch international Bas Dost, the club’s top scorer this season, required stitches to his neck. A photograph of his AFP “Sam was brought in at a without fire. We’ll wait and Allardyce stepping down bloodied face appeared on social media. challenging time last season see when we meet up.” following a newspaper “It was a distressing situation and we are LONDON: Sam Allardyce to provide us with some sta- Allardyce last month dis- sting. all shocked,” the striker told Dutch news was sacked as manager of bility and we are grateful to missed a survey sent to sup- Everton were unwilling website Algemeen Dagblad. Everton yesterday after just him for doing that,” she porters asking them to grade to pay a reported compen- Argentina international Marcos Acuna and six months in charge despite added. his performance out of 10 as sation fee of £15m ($20m) Croatia’s Josip Misic were also assaulted in the guiding the Premier League Former Watford and Hull a mistake on the part of the wanted by Watford for Silva raid on Sporting’s Alcochete training base in club away from relegation City manager Marco Silva is club’s marketing director, when Koeman was sacked. the Lisbon suburbs. danger to a mid-table finish. the favourite to take over who he said does not A change in manager The team are meeting their player’s union The former England and could complete the “understand” how football could also affect Wayne on Wednesday to discuss their reaction which manager, 63, was brought move to Goodison Park six works. Rooney’s future at the according to domestic media could see them in as Ronald Koeman’s months after the club failed As part of the question- club. refuse to play in Sunday’s Cup final against replacement in November, to prise him away from Vic- naire, supporters were England’s all-time Desportivo das Aves. but his rudimentary style of arage Road. asked whether they agree top scorer had Another option on the table is ending their play has proved deeply Despite signing an with the statement: “I have reportedly agreed contracts with the club. unpopular with fans of the 18-month deal, Allardyce a high level of trust in the terms on a £12.5m The horrific incident left Portugal’s Pres- Merseyside club. appeared resigned to his fate current manager and move to DC United in ident Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa “worried by the “We have made the after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at coaching staff at Everton e.g. Major image this projects of Portugal to the world”. decision that, as part of our former club West Ham, in making the right decisions League He added: “I’m concerned as Portugal is a longer-term plan, we will be during which Everton sup- to get the best out of the Soccer power in professional football, and I’m worried appointing a new manager porters called for his team.” last about the seriousness of what’s happened.” this summer,” said new CEO sacking. Allardyce, whose pre- week. Portuguese police have made 21 arrests, Denise Barrett-Baxendale. “I can’t quite say con- vious clubs include Bolton, Rooney had according to the government. “On behalf of the fident after all the rumours Newcastle, Sunderland and seen his involvement limited Several hundred Sporting fans made their chairman, board of directors I’m reading in the paper,” Crystal Palace, landed his under Allardyce, but could way to the team’s Alvalde stadium on Tuesday and Mr Moshiri, I’d like to said Allardyce, when ques- dream job with England in be convinced to stay at his night to lend their support to their stricken thank Sam for the job he has tioned about his future. 2016 but that turned sour boyhood club by a new Everton’s English team’s players and management. done at Everton.” “Generally there’s no smoke after only one match, with regime. manager Sam Supporters group ‘Juventude Leonina’ Allardyce issued a statement on social media strongly con- demning the attack. THURSDAY 17 MAY 2018 SPORT 25

It’s really good that these two young GOLF CRICKET players in our team, Imam-ul-Haq Captain Sarfraz Ahmed and Babar Azam, the way they praises the character USPGA Tour, AT&T Byron IPL: Royal Challengers of young duo after they played, they showed their character, Nelson, Trinity Forest Golf LIVE ON Bangalore vs Sunrisers ensured win over Ireland. Hyderabad in Bangalore they showed their confidence. Club, US TUBE

Sri Lanka reaps Waugh criticises record profit Ireland open to Pakistan India’s ‘selfish’ despite worst day-night Test year on field refusal tour ‘if all the stars align’ REUTERS AFP AFP MELBOURNE: India’s refusal COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket to play a day-night Test in (SLC) yesterday announced a DUBLIN: Ireland are open to Adelaide is ‘selfish’ and profit of $14m last year, far touring Pakistan ‘if all the stars hinders efforts to reinvigorate above all previous records align,’ the chief executive of Test cricket, Australia’s despite one of the worst men’s Test cricket’s newest former Test batsman Mark on-field performances by the nation has said. Waugh said yesterday. Islanders in years. The Irish made their Test India have declined to The board said it made a debut with a highly creditable play their maiden day-night net profit of 2.12b rupees five-wicket loss to Pakistan at Test against Australia, leaving ($14m) in 2017 - a staggering Malahide Cricket Club, Dublin the December 6 to 10 series- 33 times what it made the concluded on Tuesday. opener in Adelaide a day year before. After being made to follow- match, and remain the lone Revenues, at 6bn rupees, on, Ireland reduced Pakistan to front-line team not to have were roughly double 2016 14 for three to give themselves featured in one. figures, Sri Lanka Cricket said hope of a remarkable win before “It’s a little bit selfish from in a statement. their visitors managed to chase India’s point of view because “This was a result of SLC’s down a modest victory target of we need to revitalise Test strategic growth plans and 160. cricket,” Waugh said on Aus- prudent financial man- The match further tralia’s Big Sports Breakfast agement,” the board said in a strengthened the cricket bonds radio show. statement. between Ireland and Pakistan, “Day-night Test cricket in The board did not elab- which date back to when the some countries is going to be orate on its dramatic non-Test nation knocked the one of those ingredients that turnaround. subcontinental giants out of the could transform Test cricket The record-breaking 2007 World Cup with a stunning back to where it should be.” Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq (right) and Shadab Khan gesture after win over Ireland in historic Test in profits for Sri Lanka board win in Jamaica. India’s reluctance is Dublin on Tuesday. were the only good news Pakistan became a no-go attributed to their pink-ball from an otherwise woeful area for leading cricket teams inexperience but Waugh, who spell for Sri Lanka cricket, after an attack by armed mili- to be cancelled after militants “The chairman of the very amenable to an invitation,” will step down from his role with the islanders enduring tants on Sri Lanka’s team bus in attacked Karachi airport. Pakistan Board was here. I he added. as national twenty20 selector their worst year on the pitch Lahore in 2009, with the United The Pakistan Cricket Board haven’t had a complete debrief “When you send an invi- in August, is baffled by their since winning the World Cup Arab Emirates becoming the hope to be able to host a full with our chairman yet to see tation we presume it’s because refusal given the depth in the in 1996. team’s unofficial home. series by 2020 and Cricket whether or not those conversa- you perceive it to be safe enough Virat Kohli-led squad. They suffered a full series Zimbabwe became the first Ireland chief executive Warren tions took place but I wouldn’t for us to receive the invitation “Their team is pretty well defeat against India and major international team to Deutrom said Tuesday that his even say those conversations and then when you give us all suited to day-night cricket, humiliatingly lost a home return to Pakistan in 2015, while organisation remained “very even started here. the security arrangements they’ve got a string of fast one-day series to bottom- April saw World Twenty20 amenable” to touring Pakistan. “For months, years, we’ve around that we will look at that bowlers, so they don’t just ranked Zimbabwe. champions West Indies visit for “We haven’t received an actually said to Pakistan, when seriously, share them with our rely on the spinners, and their They also bowed out early a three-match T20 series. official invitation,” Deutrom said you think it’s right, safe to invite players, government, insurers batsman are technically very from the Champions Trophy Ireland were due to tour at Malahide following the end of us, when you want to, econom- and if all the stars align, we’d be good as well,” Waugh in June last year. Pakistan in 2014 only for the trip the Test match. ically or commercially, we are happy to come.” explained. Porterfield proud of Irish entry into Tests

AFP For a while, it seemed World Cup wins over changing room and the Ireland might rewrite the Pakistan, England and West passion that we have for DUBLIN: Ireland captain record books on two fronts in Indies, Porterfield was proud playing our cricket.” William Porterfield (pictured becoming only the fourth side of his side’s entry into the Test The crowd briefly right) was in no doubt his side The biggest thing to win a Test after following- arena. included 74-year-old Rolling deserved their elevation to was how we fought on and just the second in the “The biggest thing was Stones front man and cricket Test cricket after a thrilling back in the second 141-year history of the format, how we fought back in the fan, Mick Jagger, but Porter- debut ended in a five-wicket innings with the bat following Australia’s defeat of second innings with the bat -- field hoped that the next gen- loss to Pakistan. England in the inaugural 1877 that showed the character we eration of potential Irish Hopes of a miracle at -- that showed the Test at Melbourne, to win their have,” he said. cricketers would be more Malahide weren’t just the stuff character we have: debut match. “It’s something that’s been inspired by O’Brien’s hundred. of fantasy when Pakistan, set William Porterfield That they were in a talked about during big occa- “Hopefully in the next a modest 160 to win on Tues- position to do that owed much sions, World Cups. That’s week or two there’s going to day’s final day, collapsed to 14 to Kevin O’Brien’s impressive always been known to be be hundreds of little kids for three before lunch. remarkable win. But it was a 118 -- just the fourth instance there but Test cricket is Test aspiring to be Kevin O’Brien The duo of Imam-ul-Haq testament to Ireland’s skill of a man scoring a century in cricket for a reason, it’s there in backstreet cricket,” the Irish (74 not out) and Babar Azam and resolve that after they had his country’s first Test match in the name, you did get tested captain said. (59) then combined to dash been made to follow-on by -- that was the cornerstone of and we were after the first “This Test match will have dreams that Ireland, the 11th visiting captain Sarfraz Ireland’s second innings 339. innings. gone a long way to providing nation to play men’s Test Ahmed, the game remained Ireland made their repu- “To get up to close to 350 the next generation of crick- cricket, would record a in the balance on the final day. tation on the global stage with showed what we’ve got in the eters, I’m sure.”

Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves against Bosnia Herzegovina’s Damir Dzumhur during Pliskova smashes umpire’s Nadal storms their match in Rome yesterday. into third round chair after Rome defeat AFP Karolina at Italian Open Pliskova ROME: Former world number one AFP Karolina Pliskova smashed the umpire’s chair in frustration after she lost to ROME: Rafael Nadal powered his way into the third round Greece’s Maria Sakkari in the second of the ATP Italian Open yesterday with a straight sets win round of the WTA Italian Open over Bosnian Damir Dzumhur. yesterday. The Spaniard won through 6-1, 6-0 in an hour as he In the third set with the sixth seeded targets an eighth title at the Foro Italico and first since 2013. Czech serving 6-3, 3-6, 5-5 (30/30) she Nadal lost his first match on clay in over a year last week had an overhead shot incorrectly ruled in the Madrid quarter-finals to Austrian Dominic Thiem and out and both the line judge and the as a result lost his world number one ranking to Roger umpire said they could not find the Federer. mark. The 31-year-old, who claimed the 11th titles of his career After vehemently arguing with the at both Monte-Carlo and Barcelona, took the first set in 34 umpire to no avail Pliskova was furious minutes coasting to victory in just one hour. when 42nd-ranked Sakkari was given umpire’s chair with her racket. The 16-time Grand Slam winner next takes on either the advantage and break point at a For Sakkari it was the first top five Canadian Denis Shapovalov, 19, or Robin Haase of the Neth- crucial stage of the match. win of her career and she will face the erlands. But he will not be able to take revenge on sixth seed The Czech went on to lose that winner of the second-round match Thiem who lost his second round match 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to game and the match 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in between 11th seed Angelique Kerber of Italian Fabio Fognini. two hours 21 minutes. Germany and Romania’s Irina-Camelia She furiously repeatedly struck the Begu.