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Thursday, April 26, 2018 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 10, 1439 AH Timing of Arsenal GULF TIMES departure not my decision: Wenger SPORT Page 3 ATHLETICS / DIAMOND LEAGUE Taylor aims to continue triple jump domination in Doha A star-studded line up for the women’s 100m hurdles promises a thrilling battle of the Americans

Sandra Perkovic on her way to becoming 2017 Diamond League champion.

Birmingham in March and will be look- champion, Sandra Perkovic of Croatia. ing to get her 2018 Diamond League With a season’s best of 69.13, she is also campaign off to a winning start. How- in great shape to further her own Doha Christian Taylor of the US leaps to victory in the 2017 edition of Doha Diamond League. ever, her task will not be easy as reign- Diamond League record from 2013 of ing Olympic champion and 2013 world 68.23. Perkovic will be up against stiff By Sports Reporter dles will once again highlight the USA’s pionship silver medallist, break the list and 2016 world Indoor champion champion Brianna McNeal (nee Rollins) competition from 2009 world cham- Doha continued domination on the world- stadium record to jump 18:06, just 2cm Bin Dong of China, and 2009 World returns to action. Also lining up are sil- pion Dani Stevens of Australia, who re- stage as current and former World and beyond Taylor’s best jump of 18:04. Championship bronze medallist Alexis ver medallist in the 2018 World Indoor cently won her second Commonwealth Olympic Champions go head to head. The re-match will provide one of the Copello of Azerbaijan. Team Qatar’s Championships and 2018 World Indoor Games title and fi nished in silver po- wo-time Olympic champion, Taylor will go against Cuba’s Pedro unmissable competitions of this year’s 2010 Asian Games bronze medallist Tour winner, Christina Manning, 2008 sition behind Perkovic at last year’s three-time world champion Pablo Pichardo once again in a battle Doha Diamond League. Rashid al-Mannai will also line up. Olympic champion Dawn Harper-Nel- World Championships, and Cuba’s De- and six-time Diamond League that provided the greatest triple jump Taylor will start as the overwhelm- US fans will have even more to cheer son, and Doha Diamond League meet- nia Caballero who beat Perkovic to win champion, Christian Taylor of competition in history at the very same ing favourite this year after dominating for in the women’s 100m hurdles as a ing record holder, Jasmin Stowers. the 2015 World Championships and theT US, will kick off the 2018 IAAF Dia- stadium at the 2015 edition of the event triple jump over recent years and will stellar line-up of Americans will bat- Fans can expect to be further amazed claimed bronze at the Rio 2016 Olym- mond League season in Doha on May 4 in the Qatari capital. Never before had be looking for his fourth Doha crown. tle it out in an enthralling competi- by Olympic and World medallists in the pic Games. at Qatar Sports Club in what promises two men jumped beyond 18 metres in However, further challenges will come tion. Leading the fi eld is world-record women’s discus. Looking to add an- Tickets are on sale now online and to be a phenomenal triple jump show- the same competition but Doha 2015 from 2008 Olympic champion and holder and recently crowned 2018 other victory to her impressive string at Virgin Megastores across Qatar for down. saw Pichardo, the 2012 world junior 2007 world champion Nelson Evora of world Indoor champion, Kendra Har- of global titles is reigning world, Ol- the exhilarating evening of world-class Meanwhile, the women’s 100m hur- champion and the 2013 world cham- Portugal, 2016 Olympic bronze medal- rison, who took her fi rst global crown in ympic, European and Diamond League athletics.

RALLYING MERC roars to life with super special stage in Jordan By Our Correspondent Jordan Valley and Dead Sea areas to- a Skoda Fabia R5. The two rivals com- Evo VIII from neighbouring Saudi Ara- Dead Sea, Jordan morrow and Saturday, many sections peted against each other in Iran last bia. of which were used when Finland’s year and Stajf has a good reputation Al-Thefi ri and al-Shorafa fi nished Mikko Hirvonen and the French duo as a solid driver in European stage ral- third and fourth in the overall standings new season of FIA Middle of Sebastien Loeb and Sebastien Ogier lies. This will be his fi rst experience of last season, while al-Rawahi is making East Rally Championship claimed their one-off WRC victories. the twisty and demanding Jordanian his fi rst appearance in the MERC after (MERC) gets underway with Over the course of the last 36 years, stages, however, and erring on the side tackling select smaller events in Oman this weekend’s 36th Jordan two men have dominated the top step of caution early on may well be a wise through his father’s links with the ARally. of the podium in Jordan. Mohamed Ben move for the Czech. Oman Automobile Association. Jordan’s premier motorsport event Sulayem claimed 12 wins between 1984 Behind the R5 duel, teams from Jor- Local driver Asem Aref wheels out is the opening round of the six-event and 2002, and Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al- dan, Kuwait and Oman will compete in his Renault Clio and Lebanon’s Henry series for the fi rst time and roars into Attiyah has won the event on 11 occa- the MERC 2 or Group N category. Ku- Kahy teams up with Jordanian naviga- life with a 2km super special stage on sions since 2003. wait’s Meshari al-Thefi ri teams up with tor Musa Djiyerian in a Group A Skoda the rocky shores of the Dead Sea from Al-Attiyah is the top seed again this Qatar’s Nasser al-Kuwari in his bid to Fabia in their respective RC3 and RC4 16.24hrs today afternoon. weekend with French co-driver Mat- win the category title in a Mitsubishi categories. Steeped in history and tradition since thieu Baumel and will be hoping to Lancer Evo X. Rally organisers are also hosting a it joined the FIA Middle East Rally equal Ben Sulayem’s dusty dozen vic- He faces competition from the Jorda- National Rally behind the main event. Championship in 1984, the Jordan Ral- tories at the lowest place on earth. He nian Mitsubishi trio of Ihab al-Shorafa, Amir Tareq al-Taher, Zeid Miqdad and ly was a round of the FIA World Rally drives a Ford Fiesta R5 run by the British Khaled Juma and Ahmed Shaban and Salameh al-Gammaz wheel out three Championship in 2008, 2010 and 2011, Autotek Motorsport team. the young Omani Abdullah al-Rawahi Mitsubishi Lancers, while Raed al-Ed- and continues to set the benchmark for Aiming to prevent the defending re- (Subaru). wan has entered the event in an Arctic event organisation in the region. gional champion from claiming that Jordan’s Ameer Nassif was forced to Cat. Additional points are available on This year, Jordan Motorsport have 12th victory are the Czech duo of Vo- withdraw after logistical issues delayed this event to count towards the Jordan Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah will be aiming for a record-equalling 12th Jordan laid on 14 gravel special stages in the jtech Stajf and Marketa Skacelova in the transfer of his Mitsubishi Lancer National Championship. Rally victory this weekend. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, April 26, 2018 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Salah threatens Messi, Ronaldo Ballon d’Or stranglehold Egyptian is second favourite with bookmakers behind Ronaldo for this year’s award after scoring 43 goals this season

AFP Liverpool

ohamed Salah could be the man to fi nally break the Ronaldo-Messi duopoly at the top of world football Mafter the Liverpool forward burnished his soaring reputation with a mesmer- ising Champions League performance against Roma. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi have locked down the Ballon d’Or award for a dec- ade, winning fi ve gongs apiece — for the past seven years they have occupied the top two slots. But Salah is now second favourite with many bookmakers behind Ronal- do for this year’s award after scoring his 42nd and 43rd goals of the season in a thrilling 5-2 victory for Liverpool in the Champions League semi-fi nal fi rst leg. After his fi rst strike against his former club on Tuesday, the man dubbed by fans as the “Egyptian King” stood motionless, hands raised in apol- ogy, as bedlam broke out on a night for the ages at Anfi eld. Salah’s curl- ing eff ort arrowed into the top corner with such accuracy his manager Jurgen Klopp labelled it “a genius strike”. Soon after came the forward’s signa- ture fi nish, a cute dink over advancing Roma goalkeeper Alisson for his 43rd goal in 47 games for Liverpool. When Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (right) scores against Roma during the Champions League first leg semi-final in Liverpool, Britain on Tuesday night. (Reuters) Salah, 25, made the move from the Ital- ian capital back to the Premier League Catalan giants was tied to his ambi- who has been credited with bringing a little of Messi’s afterglow,” wrote Rory goals for strike partners Sadio Mane way where Messi faltered on his return just 10 months ago for 42mn euros, tion to beat Messi and Ronaldo to the out Salah’s previously untapped po- Smith in the New York Times. and Roberto Firmino. When Salah left to the Eternal City next week. there were plenty who felt Roma had Ballon d’Or by stepping out of Messi’s tential. “To be the best in the world you And he demonstrated another Mes- the fi eld to a standing ovation 15 min- Messi is almost certain to win a La got the better deal. shadow. Now, though, it is Salah who need to do that over a longer period I si-like quality in showing no mercy to utes from time, Liverpool led 5-0. Liga and Copa del Rey double and Ro- Salah after all was a talented player, has emerged as the pretender to end the think, and there are a few others that Roma. Chasing his fi rst hat-trick in the “Unstoppable (when Salah’s on the naldo could lead Real Madrid to a third but who often lacked an end prod- Messi-Ronaldo domination by not only are not so bad.” Champions League, Salah would have pitch),” said the back page of The Times. consecutive Champions League after uct. It also came just a few weeks be- scoring the quantity of goals that have Heavily left-footed, small, speedy been forgiven for going for goal as he Two late Roma away goals have at least another bucketload of goals this sea- fore Neymar’s move from Barcelona to become the pair’s trademark but doing and with a low centre of gravity, Salah’s bore down on Alisson once more after given the Italians hope of recreating the son. But Salah is the coming man and Paris Saint-Germain for a world record it when it really matters, in the latter characteristics are far more like those of half-time. incredible comeback they staged from a after bagging the African and English 222mn euros revolutionised the trans- stages of the Champions League. Messi than the muscular goal-machine But he showed why he is considered 4-1 fi rst-leg defi cit against Barca in the players’ player of the year crowns, it is fer market. “If you think he is the best in the Ronaldo. “In a certain light, at certain one of the game’s more unselfi sh super- quarter-fi nals. hard to back against him also conquer- The Brazilian’s desire to leave the world, write it or say it,” urged Klopp, points, it is possible to glimpse in Salah stars by instead creating another two For once it is Salah’s turn to lead the ing the world.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE Liverpool fan Roma dare to hope Liverpool surpass Klopp’s expectations fi ghting for his AFP see the really good part of the game.” another comeback Liverpool Aside from Roma’s late double, the only life aft er assault problem for Klopp on a memorable evening was the injury to Alex Oxlade-Chamber- by Roma fans is possible urgen Klopp saluted Liverpool’s lain that saw him carried off in the fi rst “fantastic” 5-2 demolition of Roma half. “Oxlade-Chamberlain is probably a AFP AFP Tuesday. “Against Barca, we were on Tuesday as the Reds manager really bad injury,” Klopp said. “That is bad Liverpool Rome unlucky in the fi rst leg, with little soaked up a Champions League news for us. The squad doesn’t get bigger details going against us. Here we semi-fiJ nal fi rst leg goal spree that was at the moment so we need to be creative in started well but then we really beyond his expectations. Klopp’s side are the next few games.” Liverpool fan was fter Roma scored two suff ered against their pace.” within touching distance of the fi nal after Although Liverpool fans will be dream- fi ghting for his life late goals in the 5-2 de- Liverpool’s attack of Salah, crushing Roma at Anfi eld. ing of a fi nal showdown with Real Madrid yesterday after suff er- feat against a Mohamed Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino Mohamed Salah’s brace was followed by or Bayern Munich, their players are well ing a serious head in- Salah-inspired Liver- tore Roma apart, exposing Di goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmi- aware Roma staged a stunning fi ghtback to juryA in a “vile” assault by Roma poolA on Tuesday, the Italian club’s Francesco’s decision to go with a no, who also struck twice to leave Liver- eliminate Barcelona in the quarter-fi nals. fans before the club’s Champi- sporting director, Monchi, took a three-man defence. “Fortunate- pool fi ve up by the 68th minute. The Italians lost the fi rst leg 4-1, but ons League semi-fi nal fi rst-leg deep breath and summed up the ly we got a reaction. That gives Liverpool let their guard down in the won 3-0 in Rome to go through on away clash with the Italian club. Sean hope they had given his side. “We some meaning to the second leg,” closing stages and Roma netted twice to goals. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson Cox, 53, is being treated for his were dead, but we have found a Di Francesco said afterwards. give themselves a slender chance of a sec- admitted there was frustration at letting injuries at a neurological centre, little bit of life again,” he told re- “We need to take this little per- ond-leg escape act in Italy. But Klopp ad- Roma back into it and he warned his team- where his condition is described porters. Goals from Edin Dzeko centage of a chance to try to do mitted he couldn’t have hoped for a more mates not to let down their guard in the as critical, Police said. and Diego Perotti, the latter via what we did against Barcelona,” dynamic display from his team. return leg. Two men — aged 25 and 26 a penalty, in the fi nal 10 minutes said Monchi, the feted Spaniard “It was the perfect performance for exploited Roma’s creaky defence as Salah “It felt as though we were in full control — have been arrested on suspi- at Anfi eld gave the Italians some- who previously did a wonderful pretty much 80 minutes. We made defen- and Mane ran them ragged with their pace but we basically gave them two goals, you cion of attempted murder after thing to cling to ahead of next job as sporting director at Sevilla. sively one mistake, then their penalty is and movement. “We had all these runs be- can’t do that in the Champions League,” he attacking Cox, who had trav- week’s Champions League semi- “But they know we have already not a penalty but that is the situation and hind, it changed the game completely and said. “At the same time we played well, we elled from Ireland along with fi nal second leg in Rome. done it, they will be ready.” How- now it is 5-2,” he said. “Of course we would they couldn’t cope with that. We scored will go there with a three-goal advantage. his brother for the match. “We Now Eusebio Di Francesco’s ever, he added: “At the Olimpico, have been more happy with 5-0 or 5-1 but these goals and could have scored more,” Overall we have got to stay positive. We believe the victim was in Liv- side have the chance to show every minute is long.” 5-2 is a fantastic result. We go there and try Klopp said. knew it would not be easy here, we know it erpool with his brother for the that miracles do not only happen Because, as well as an atmos- again. It is absolutely better than I thought “That is all positive, at this moment will not be easy there. It will be a challenge Liverpool v Roma semi-fi nal and once, as they look to repeat their phere that should rival that of before the game.” it doesn’t feel all positive because they but one we will look forward to and one we was assaulted during an alterca- spectacular comeback against Anfi eld on Tuesday, Roma also Following Klopp’s game-plan, Liverpool scored these two goals but tomorrow I will will hopefully fi nish them off .” tion between Roma and Liver- Barcelona in the quarter-fi nals. boast a superb record at the Sta- pool fans near to the Albert pub Having lost 4-1 in the fi rst leg dio Olimpico in Europe this sea- at about 7:35pm,” said detective against Lionel Messi and co, son — they are yet to concede a inspector Paul Speight. Roma triumphed 3-0 at the Sta- goal at home in the Champions “Witnesses report that the dio Olimpico to go through on League. If Roma can be more ro- England midfi elder Oxlade-Chamberlain’s victim was hit with a belt and away goals. A repeat scoreline, bust defensively, they can also then fell to the ground. Para- another “rimonta”, and Roma point to a positive start at An- World Cup dream in balance aft er knee injury medics treated him at the scene would be through to a fi rst Eu- fi eld, when Aleksandar Kolarov and he was taken by ambulance ropean Cup fi nal since 1984. hit the bar from range, and their Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp fears Alex to Walton neurological centre, “We have to try, for ourselves strong fi nish to the game. Dzeko Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fine debut season where he is being treated for and for all those who love Roma,” will have an important role to for Liverpool is over after the midfielder a head injury. His condition is said captain Daniele De Rossi on play, too. suff ered a knee injury against Roma that currently described as critical threatens his involvement at the World and his next of kin have been Cup. Oxlade-Chamberlain was taken informed.” Liverpool, who won off on a stretcher in distress during the the match 5-2, said they were Champions League semi-final first leg “shocked and appalled” by the victory following a 15th-minute challenge incident. Serie A side Roma said on Aleksandar Kolarov, his right knee there was no room in football for appearing to give way as he tackled the the “vile behaviour”. former Manchester City defender. European football’s governing The extent of the England internation- body UEFA said it was “deeply al’s injury will not be known until later in shocked by the vile attack”, add- the week but the Liverpool manager said ing it was waiting to receive full the club’s medical team did not expect reports before deciding on po- him to play again this season. With only Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is stretchered off after he injured his knee during tential disciplinary charges. two months to go before the World Cup, the Champions League match against Roma in Liverpool. (AFP) The alleged assailants were Oxlade-Chamberlain’s loss is also likely among a total of nine men, aged to impact on Gareth Southgate’s plans season to be over, the Liverpool manager hope it only feels bad but the reason I am between 20 and 43, who were for Russia. Klopp said: “The biggest blow replied: “Yes, that is how it is unfortu- not flying mood-wise tonight is because arrested for various off ences for the mood in the dressing room is the nately. We don’t know yet but when all we lost a fantastic player. I am not in the before and after the match. The injury of Oxlade-Chamberlain, so conced- the medical department are concerned mood to talk about fantastic things. Since off ences included aff ray, assault, ing two goals is not what we want 100 per without a scan then you know it doesn’t I have been here Liverpool has always had possession of off ensive weap- cent but we can deal with that.” look good. The season is not that long to take the more diff icult way but in the ons, possession of a controlled Roma’s Edin Dzeko (right) and Liverpool’s Danny Ings vie for the ball Asked whether he expected the player’s any more. I am a very positive person and end Liverpool have always succeeded.” drug, criminal damage and being during Champions League first leg semi-final. (AFP drunk and disorderly. Gulf Times Thursday, April 26, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Turkish derby Timing of Arsenal to be resumed without fans urkey’s football fed- Ukraine instead of a member eration has ruled the of its federation. In January, departure not my domestic cup semi-fi nal Ukraine’s football federation second leg between decided not to send its offi cials FenerbahceT and Besiktas will to the June 14-July 15 World Cup, continue in an empty stadium which will be the fi rst held in from the point when it was eastern Europe. Ukraine did not abandoned, after crowd trouble qualify for the tournament. forced the game to be postponed last week. The Turkish Cup FIFA SECRETARY GENERAL decision: Wenger semi-fi nal between two of the SAMOURA REPORTED TO country’s biggest teams was ETHICS COMMITTEE abandoned last Thursday after FIFA secretary general Fatma The 68-year-old Frenchman says he intends to seek another job in management Besiktas manager Senol Gunes Samoura has been reported to was hit on the head by an object the ethics committee of foot- By David Hytner thrown by Fenerbahce fans. The ball’s governing body, the BBC The Guardian game, which was 0-0 before it reported yesterday. was halted, will be resumed from Samoura, the fi rst woman to 57th minute on Thursday, May 3. hold the role, is accused of fail- rsene Wenger has provided the More than 30 people were de- ing to notify FIFA of a family link clearest indication yet that he tained during the past week with with fellow Senegalese El Hadji did not want to leave Arsenal by alleged links to the incident. The Diouf, a former international revealing the timing of the deci- game between the long-time footballer who is working as an sionA was not down to him. The manager Istanbul rivals started in a tense ambassador for the Moroccan of almost 22 years announced last Friday atmosphere and Besiktas were bid for the 2026 World Cup. he would depart at the end of the season, reduced to 10 men after former She told the BBC she was “fully with the understanding being he jumped Real Madrid defender Pepe was aware of this upcoming com- before he was pushed. The club’s chief sent off for a reckless tackle. plaint” and has “a good idea who executive, Ivan Gazidis, off ered a telling Tensions increased when fans is conveying this message.” line last Friday evening. “There’s been a threw objects at a Besiktas player She added: “The whole coun- conversation, Arsene has made his deci- as a corner was taken. Besiktas try of Senegal will laugh at Fifa sion and now that process (regarding a players then left the pitch along Ethics... because everyone in successor) begins.” with the offi cials and the game my country knows the origin of Gazidis and the rest of the club’s hi- was later abandoned. El Hadji Diouf.” Morocco is bid- erarchy had been increasingly worried ding against a joint eff ort from about the team’s poor Premier League UKRAINE FOOTBALL the United States Canada and performance and it had become clear CHIEFS TO SKIP FIFA Mexico to host the fi rst World they did not want to retain Wenger for the MEETING IN MOSCOW Cup with 48 teams. A FIFA vote fi nal season on his contract. Ukraine’s football federation is due on June 13. Wenger was asked yesterday – before said yesterday it will not be at- the fi rst leg of the Europa League semi- tending a FIFA Congress due to CAGLIARI FORWARD fi nal against Atletico Madrid at the Emir- be held in Moscow days before JOAO PEDRO FACING ates Stadium – why he was quitting when the World Cup kicks off in June. FOUR-YEAR DOPING BAN he had another year to go on his deal. The former Soviet republic’s ties Serie A club Cagliari said they “The timing was not really my decision,” with Russia have been in tatters were “stunned” after Italian he replied. “For the rest, I have spoken Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger since a Moscow-backed separa- anti-doping offi cials requested about it already.” attends a training session on the tist insurgency broke out in east a four-year ban be imposed on The 68-year-old made it plain that eve of their Europa League first leg Ukraine in 2014. forward Joao Pedro for failing a Whe intended the seek another job in semi-final against Atletico Madrid A spokesman for the federa- drugs test. The Brazilian tested management – “I will continue to work, in London yesterday. (AFP) tion told AFP that Ukraine had positive for the banned diuretic that’s for sure,” he said – while he be- been due to be represented in hydrochlorothiazide following lieves his successor will inherit a team Moscow by three senior football two games — against Sassuolo that, with a few correct moves, can win am convinced in the future, with two or achieve something with them because That is why I believe it is a Champions offi cials. The June 12-13 FIFA on February 11 and again against the Premier League title. three additions, this team has the quality I feel they have a special mental qual- League night.” Congress will award the 2026 Chievo on February 17. “What I want to say is that this team to fi ght for the title.” ity. My biggest satisfaction would be to Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona World Cup hosting rights, with The 26-year-old’s case will has quality,” Wenger said. “Two years ago Wenger described Diego Simeone’s be successful together with the group of manager, is the favourite to take over Morocco and a joint bid by the be heard before a court of Italy’s we fi nished second in the league, last year Atlético as “the toughest opponents” in players that I have. I’ve seen them behave from Wenger. Arsenal’s head of football United States, Canada and national anti-doping organi- we made 75 points and won the FA Cup, the Europa League. He added: “It would the whole season and they deserve it. relations, Raul Sanllehi, worked with En- Mexico contending. sation NADO on May 16. In a we won the Community Shield. We were really feel like an anti-climax (if Arsenal “It will be a Champions League night, rique at the Camp Nou and is believed to Ukraine will still send its Mos- statement the Sardinian club in the League Cup fi nal (this season), we did not win the competition). That’s why of course – on a double level. First of all, be pushing his case. cow embassy’s charge d’aff aires expressed their “astonishment are now in the semi-fi nal of the Europa we want to give our absolute all to have a a Champions League position is at stake, “I have a high opinion of Luis Enrique,” so as not to be sanctioned for at the length of the request”. League so these players have quality and I chance of going to the fi nal. more for us than them; and secondly be- Wenger said. “I do not want to infl uence its absence by FIFA. It was not Joao Pedro insists he unwit- am convinced that hopefully we can show “This group of players deserves some- cause the two teams are two clubs who are the job for the next manager but of course immediately clear if FIFA will tingly consumed contaminated that again before the end of the season. I thing special. I want to do it for them, to used to playing in the Champions League. I have a high opinion of him.” accept a diplomat representing food supplements.

PREVIEW FOCUS Europa League off ers Marseille host Salzburg eyeing Wenger to sign off a winner return to European glory days

AFP that he couldn’t even manage in with far more at stake for the club. London his peak years in charge — win a The hosts are likely to need to European trophy. feed off some positive energy from His two fi nal losses in the 2000 the stands to build a lead to take rsenal have little time to UEFA Cup to Galatasaray and to Madrid in a week’s time against digest Arsene Wenger’s against Barcelona in the 2006 European specialists Atletico. long-awaited decision to Champions League, allied to a Since Diego Simeone took charge end his 22-year reign as Cup Winners’ Cup fi nal defeat by seven years ago, Atletico have aA Europa League semi-fi nal with Werder Bremen when manager of reached fi ve European semi-fi nals, Atletico Madrid off ers the outgo- Monaco in 1992, handed him the and have only been eliminated by ing manager a chance to salvage ignominy of being the only man- bitter rivals Real Madrid for the some of his lost credit with the ager ever to reach the fi nals of all past four seasons in the Champi- club’s fans. three European club competitions ons League. Wenger admitted he stepped and lose every one. With Atletico sitting comforta- aside to unite a fanbase fed up with Winning three FA Cups in the bly in second in La Liga and already years of mediocre results hav- last four years did little to appease assured of Champions League ing been spoiled by success and Arsenal fans’ demand for change. football next season, Simeone was silky football in the fi rst decade However, Wenger’s legacy will able to ease the physical toil on a of the Frenchman’s reign. Four- be looked on far more kindly if be small squad by resting a number of teen years on from Arsenal’s last could bow out in his homeland key players for Sunday’s 0-0 draw Premier League title, for so long next month in Lyon by guarantee- with Real Betis. That was Atleti- Marseille coach Rudi Garcia (right) and Florian Thauvin address a press conference in Marseille, France, yesterday. (Reuters) Wenger could defend his record ing Champions League football for co’s 11th straight clean sheet at the by consistent qualifi cation for the his successor. Wanda Metropolitano to empha- AFP Nevertheless, the rousing 5-2 which is important, and now fi fth consecutive Austrian ti- Champions League. Hopes that Wenger’s announce- sise Arsenal’s need to take a fi rst- Marseille win over RB Leipzig in the sec- we are going to study Salzburg tle, Marco Rose’s Salzburg have However, a 19-year run in Eu- ment would galvanise the support leg lead to Spain. However, the ond leg of the quarter-fi nal at closely,” said Garcia after a 5-1 already drawn with and beaten rope’s premier club competition for the fi nal few weeks of his reign Gunners’ chances were not aided the Velodrome confi rmed that weekend win over Lille. “We the French giants in the group came to an end this season and were confounded by a subdued by the inclusion of Diego Costa in uarter of a century on they are a club on the up again want to play with the same de- stage. Arsenal’s only chance of qualify- atmosphere for Sunday’s 4-1 win the Atletico squad as he looks set from giving French under Rudi Garcia. gree of enthusiasm, talent and This will be their 19th game ing for next season’s Champions over West Ham at the Emirates. to shrug off a hamstring injury. football its crowning The former Lille and Roma team spirit. We are never more in Europe this season, a run League is by winning the Europa But Arsenal chief executive Ivan Costa scored four goals in six pre- moment in Europe, coach has spearheaded Mar- clinical than when everyone is that started in the Champions League. To do so, though, Wenger Gazidis insisted there will be “an vious appearances against Arsenal MarseilleQ are dreaming of con- seille’s revival on the fi eld since playing for each other. With this League qualifying rounds and will need to achieve something electric atmosphere” on tonight in three years at Chelsea. tinental glory once again. But American tycoon Frank Mc- spirit, this team is capable of be- continued on to wins against the club that won the inaugural Court’s takeover of the club in ing stronger than everything.” Borussia Dortmund and Lazio Champions League in 1993 — late 2016. McCourt immedi- Given PSG’s well document- in the last two rounds of the still the only time the European ately launched his ‘Champi- ed diffi culties in the Champi- Europa League. “We have come Cup has been won by a French ons Project’, aimed at getting ons League, Marseille’s run has this far, so of course we want to side — must fi rst come through the club back into Europe’s given French football a boost, a take the next step to the fi nal,” a semi-fi nal against Austria’s top club competition again as year after Lyon lost in the last Israeli striker Munas Dabbur, Red Bull Salzburg, with the fi rst soon as possible. They are cur- four of the same competition. who scored in the win over leg at the Velodrome today. rently locked in a fi erce battle This is OM’s fi rst European Lazio, told the club’s website. If Marseille can win before with Lyon and Monaco for two semi-fi nal since 2004, when “We face really strong oppo- a sell-out crowd of more than Champions League qualifying Didier Drogba’s goals saw off nents though, who have be- 60,000 tonight (kick-off 1905 berths in Ligue 1 behind cham- Newcastle United in the UEFA come even more dangerous in GMT), it will set them up to pions Paris Saint-Germain. Cup before they lost to Rafael recent weeks.” fi nish the job in next week’s re- But with Florian Thauvin in the Benitez’s Valencia in the fi nal Coached by the Leipzig- turn and keep them on course form of his life, Dimitri Payet at in Gothenburg. born Rose, Salzburg are the to make a fi nal that will be his best again and Brazil mid- Marseille can be confi dent, fi rst Austrian semi-fi nalists in played in France, at the home of fi elder Luiz Gustavo proving but they will be without infl u- a major UEFA club competition their bitter rivals Lyon. Given an inspired signing, they could ential Japan right-back Hiroki since Rapid Vienna lost to PSG that Atletico Madrid and Ar- yet win the Europa League and, Sakai due to a knee injury, and in the 1996 Cup Winners’ Cup senal meet in the other semi- in the process, qualify for the Salzburg’s run in Europe so far fi nal. That was the last time fi nal, Marseille cannot be seen Champions League anyway. this season means they deserve any French club won a Euro- Arsenal players train ahead of the Europa League first leg semi-final against Atletico Madrid. (AFP) as favourites to lift the trophy. “We are on a winning run, respect. On course to win a pean trophy. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, April 26, 2018 CRICKET

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE OPINION Hope ball-tampering scandal provides Dhoni and Rayudu reality check: Arthur

AFP “In a way, I feel really sorry Canterbury, United Kingdom for them. I can understand they were really stupid, they’ve paid a massive price for it and I know ormer Australia coach Steve Smith, he would be abso- shine in Super Kings Mickey Arthur hopes lutely gutted. the Australia ball-tam- “Cameron Bancroft is a new pering scandal will prove guy on the block so for him it Fa “reality check for world crick- would be really hard to swallow et” and that the banned trio of and Davey (Warner). Steven Smith, David Warner and “For them to be missing the Cameron Bancroft get a chance amount of cricket they are miss- to play county cricket in England. ing is tough on them so if the win over Bangalore Smith and Warner, the de- ECB (England and Wales Cricket posed captain and vice-captain, Board) allowed it, it would be ‘Overall, it went according to the script, not according to how we would have thought but went well’ have been given one-year bans good for them to keep playing by Cricket Australia, while Ban- because I think they have paid a IANS croft has been hit with a nine- big price already.” Bengaluru month suspension for his part in Arthur’s focus, however, is the ball-tampering scandal that fi rmly fi xed on Pakistan. marred the team’s recent tour of They face Kent in a four-day mbati Rayudu and South Africa. warm-up match starting Satur- captain MS Dhoni Top-order batsman Bancroft day ahead of an inaugural Test in guided Chennai Super was all set to be Somerset’s over- Ireland and a two-Test series in Kings’ to the top of seas player this season but the England. IndianA Premier League points county backed out of that deal Pakistan impressed during a table with a fi ve-wicket victory after it emerged he had used 2-2 drawn series in England two over Royal Challengers Banga- sandpaper to alter the condition years ago and last year Arthur’s lore yesterday. of the ball in Cape Town. men won the Champions Trophy Dhoni (70 not out) smashed The CA ban applies only to one-day tournament in Britain. seven sixes and a four and fea- Australia international matches But since that 2016 series, Pa- tured in a match-winning cen- and domestic fi xtures, leav- kistan have seen the likes of vet- tury stand with Ambati Rayudu ing open the possibility that the eran batsmen Misbah-ul-Haq (82) as Chennai reached 207-5 shamed trio could resume their and Younis Khan retire. with two balls to spare. careers elsewhere before their England may have suff ered a Earlier, South Africans AB de respective suspensions expires. 4-0 Ashes reverse in Australia Villiers and Quinton de Kock’s Now the coach of Pakistan, and a subsequent Test series loss struck breezy half centuries to who begin their tour of England in New Zealand, but Arthur was power Royal Challengers Ban- against Kent later this week, in no doubt about how tough it galore (RCB) to a mammoth Arthur told reporters at the would be to face Joe Root’s men 205/8. south-east county’s Canterbury in early-season English condi- De Kock (53, 37 balls; 4x1, headquarters yesterday that he tions. 6x4) played the perfect sup- had been stunned by the ex- “England are a really good side porting role in the 103-run traordinary scandal. and in these conditions they are second wicket stand with de “It was a shock to me. I was outstanding,” he said. Villiers (68 off 30; 4x2, 6x8), disappointed, really disappoint- “There are not that many who started from the word go to ed, when I saw it go down,” he sides that win away from home bring up his half century in just said. these days, so that’s how we are 23 deliveries. Arthur, who coached Australia challenging ourselves. Put in to bat, RCB got off to a from 2011-2013, added: “Aus- “England in the Ashes, I decent 35-run start by skipper tralia always play their cricket watched a lot of that, weren’t too Virat Kohli (18) and de Kock be- really hard, they play it tough. bad. fore Shardul Thakur saw the back They’ve pushed ‘the line’ – I just “They had opportunities in of the Indian captain, thanks to a want to know where ‘the line’ is a lot of the Test matches which smart catch by Ravindra Jadeja. Chennai Super Kings batsman DJ Bravo (left) celebrates his team’s victory with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni against Royal Challengers because I’m not sure many peo- they just didn’t close off .” But the visitors wouldn’t have Bangalore at The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore yesterday. (AFP) ple do know where that line is Arthur, who made his name imagined what was coming their and what it is. coaching his native South Af- way, as de Villiers started off for a six over deep mid-wicket. with a smart catch off his own completed a brilliant catch at lost some key batsmen early but “But I think it got to a point rica, added: “We are under no by clobbering Harbhajan Singh On the fi rst ball of the very follow through. Tahir then slip. it’s a small ground, the ball trav- where perhaps, hopefully this is illusions. It will be a very tough for two consecutive sixes be- next over, de Villiers, who had joined the party by bagging the With the hosts comfortably els a lot here, there was some dew, a reality check for world cricket series. fore launching left-arm spinner earlier clobbered leg-spinner prized scalp of de Villiers and placed at 142/4, Mandeep Singh not a lot. and just makes everybody sit “But we’ve got a dressing Jadeja to the skies. Imran Tahir for two massive new man Corey Anderson (2) (32 off 17; 4x1, 6x3) and Co- “Overall, it went according to back and take stock. Hopefully, room full of young cricketers Such was the dominance sixes, took Thakur to the clean- in the very next over to restore lin de Grandhomme (11) struck the script, not according to how something good comes out if it.” who are extremely talented.” from the former Proteas skipper ers thrice consecutively to bring parity into the match. a few lusty blows towards the we would have thought but went Pakistan are set to be bol- that the hosts raced to 87/1 mid- up his half century. De Villiers miscued Tahir’s end, even as two run-outs and well,” said Dhoni. ‘Absolutely gutted’ stered by the late arrival of Mo- way into the innings, with both With both the RCB batsmen tossed-up delivery pitched out- a wicket in the fi nal over could Arthur was sympathetic to the hamed Amir after visa problems de Villiers and de Kock nearing going hammer and tongs, CSK side off -stump for Sam Billings not stop RCB from crossing the Brief Scores: Chennai Super idea of the banned trio playing delayed the star paceman’s entry their respective fi fties. skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to complete the formalities at 200-run mark. Kings 207 for 5 (Rayudu 82, MS county cricket. into Britain until yesterday. Despite being overshadowed threw the ball to his West Indian deep cover. “I thought it was a diffi cult Dhoni 70*) beat Royal Challeng- by his senior partner, the south- all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, and Tahir immediately got rid of chase when I saw AB batting to ers Bangalore 205 for 8 (De paw brought up his half century the “Champion” responded in New Zealand’s Anderson with see them over 200, I thought it Villiers 68, De Kock 53, Bravo in style, tonking Shane Watson style by packing back de Kock a googly as Harbhajan Singh was 15-20 beyond par. We also 2-33) by five wickets.

India’s Gambhir quits as Delhi Daredevils skipper Gautam Gambhir yesterday quently made skipper ahead of alone and thinking, I couldn’t stand down,” he added. stepped down as captain of In- the 2018 season. But the left- handle the pressure... I was not Gambhir, who played his 58th dian Premier League side Delhi handed opener failed to inspire good enough and that is all,” and most recent Test for India in Daredevils after they lost five the Daredevils in the first half of said the 36-year-old Gambhir. 2016 against England, has fallen of their first six matches in this the IPL. He has scored just 85 Daredevils coach Ricky Ponting off the selectors’ radar. year’s Twenty20 tournament. runs in five innings. congratulated Gambhir for what Daredevils’ team management Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer “I take full responsibility for the former Australian captain said Gambhir will continue as has been appointed the new where we are at the points called a “tough decision”. player and mentor for a side still captain of a side that lies bot- table,” Gambhir told reporters in “I think Gautam deserves a lot seeking its first title in the glitzy tom of the eight-team table in New Delhi. of credit with the way he has league which began in 2008. the cash-rich league. “I felt this was the right time handled this situation,” said The IPL is now in its 11th season. Gambhir, who led Kolkata because we still have a chance. Ponting. “It’s really unheard of in There is $8 million in prize Knight Riders to two IPL titles in Absolutely my decision. No Indian cricket for a senior player money at stake including $4 2012 and 2014, was bought by pressure from the franchise. to put his hand up and say that I million for the winning team. Daredevils for $418,320 in the “Maybe I was too desperate to am not playing well enough and The final takes place on May 27 January auction and subse- turn things around...I was sitting for the team’s sake I am going to in Mumbai.

FOCUS Long-serving Cook still hungry to impress for England

Reuters third Test with South Africa Gower fears 100-ball cricket plan is ‘12 years out of date’ London last month. The shamed trio claimed Former England Test captain David a new audience to Test cricket but his that was their fi rst instance Gower has welcomed plans for a new predecessor as skipper, Alastair Cook, pener Alastair Cook has the of ball-tampering. But the 100-ball format but says it is “12 years believes Tests need to be protected. desire to keep playing for Eng- spotlight has now been put out of date”, with the Indian Premier Gower believes there is room for both land but is aware that he must on the Ashes, with television League now setting the pace. The long and short formats, and suggested continue scoring runs to hold footage since emerging of 61-year-old, who scored 8,231 Test runs simply adding another T20 tourna- onO to his spot, the former captain has said. Bancroft putting sugar in his before moving into TV work, believes ment to the schedule would have been The 33-year-old, who made his Eng- pocket. the England and Wales Cricket Board the wrong move. “I agree with Alastair land debut in 2006, has scored more than Australia’s consistent abil- (ECB) may have missed a trick by not that Test cricket is important and there 12,000 test runs at an average of 45.73 but ity to get reverse swing had acting sooner. “In many ways you are people like him who have made his inconsistent spell during the recent England’s bowlers scratch- could say that this new competition is their reputations almost entirely in tour of Australia and New Zealand have ing their heads during their going to be 12 years out of date before Test match cricket,” Gower said. raised questions about his longevity. 4-0 series defeat. Cook was it starts,” said Gower, speaking at the “But the game has changed dramati- Cook scored a total of 23 runs in the part of the England side and launch of a Lord’s property invest- cally in the last 20 years, even more in two-test series against New Zealand last he admitted on Tuesday that ment project in London. “The ECB had the last 10 years. month as England continued their win- there were questions among the opportunity to be at the forefront T20 has gained traction and the IPL is less run following their 4-0 defeat in the his squad about the third Test of Twenty20. This new competition one of the biggest sporting events in Ashes. tify your place. Since I’ve come home I’ve up for England’s two-match home Test in Perth. could have started and been compet- the world currently. “My job never changes,” Cook told re- started to look at my preparation. series against Pakistan in May. Asked at a Chance to Shine ing with the IPL from the outset. “But “The idea of making this (competition) porters. “It’s to score runs at the top of the “Have I got it right? Do I need to change Cook has also revealed England’s play- event in Tunbridge Wells for various reasons, which you have diff erent has validity, because another order. If someone taps me on the shoulder things? Because that’s the right way to do ers were “curious” about Australia poten- whether England suspected to respect, it’s taken this long to get T20 competition added to the world’s and tells me they don’t want me to open it. I will never sit here and say I’ve cracked tially engaging in ball-tampering during Australia of ball-tampering under way.” crowded schedule, and the English for England, it is going to hurt at this pre- the game or will ever be perfect.” the recent Ashes series. during the Ashes, he said: The proposed eight-team city-based summer’s crowded schedule, would cise moment because I want to carry on. Cook was set to play for fi rst-class Steve Smith, David Warner and Cam- “Yes a little bit, certainly in competition, due to start in 2020, have been just that. “The shorter the “The hunger and desire is still there but county side Essex against Hampshire on eron Bancroft were hit with long suspen- Perth when the outfi eld was has had mixed reviews. England game, the likelihood is you’ll have no one has a God-given right to play for Friday in the domestic championship as sions by Cricket Australia after they plot- wet with rain they got the ball captain Joe Root said it could attract close games, so it will be interesting.” England. You have to score the runs to jus- he fi ghts to make his mark and earn a call- ted to use sandpaper on the ball in their reversing. Gulf Times Thursday, April 26, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Heat’s Wade not Kevin Durant steers ready to decide NBA future wyane Wade has not February for a protected 2024 Warriors past Spurs, decided if he will con- second-round draft pick. He tinue his NBA career. wound up averaging 11.4 points, The 36-year-old guard 3.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in a wasD non-committal on Tuesday combined 67 games for Cleve- night after his Miami Heat were land and Miami in 2017-18. eliminated by the Philadelphia In the postseason series 76ers in Game 5 of a fi rst-round against Philadelphia, Wade aver- Sixers advance Eastern Conference playoff aged 18 points, four rebounds series. and 3.3 assists. The 76ers topped the visiting Wade holds career marks of Reigning NBA champions book their place in the next round with a nervy win Heat 104-91. Asked about his 22.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 as- future postgame, Wade said, sists and 1.6 steals per game. AFP “One thing I ain’t worried about Oakland, United States right now is that. That’s not my WESTBROOK FINED AFTER focus fresh off this NBA season, GOBERT SKIRMISH my 15th year. I’ll sit back and Oklahoma City Thunder star evin Durant scored 25 points as think about that. I’ll dive in and Russell Westbrook has been the Golden State Warriors pow- throw myself into my family. fi ned $10,000 and handed a ered into the Western Confer- They are next on my bucket list retrospective technical foul after ence playoff semi-fi nals with a of making sure I am there for a clash with Utah’s Rudy Gobert, K4-1 series victory over the San Antonio them. And when it comes to the the NBA said on Tuesday. A Spurs on Tuesday. basketball side of it, which is a statement from NBA basket- The reigning NBA champions, jolted by long time away from now, then ball operations executive Kiki the Spurs in game four on Sunday, booked I’ll think about that. But right VanDeWeghe said Westbrook their place in the next round with a nervy now, I ain’t concerned with it.” had been sanctioned after an 99-91 win in front of the home fans at If his wife has any say in the incident in the fourth quarter of the Oracle Arena. The Warriors will now matter, Wade might continue Monday’s stormy playoff duel. face the New Orleans Pelicans for a place playing. Actress Gabrielle Union The Jazz won the game 113-96 in the conference fi nals. However Golden tweeted, “I hope this isn’t the to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of- State were given a scare after a late fourth end, but my God...@Dwyane- seven series and leave Oklahoma quarter rally from San Antonio that Wade has a career most people City at the brink of elimination. threatened to take the best-of-seven se- dream of. He is a damn legend. Westbrook was investigated ries to a game six. An icon. And he is cute #Heat- after he appeared to enter the The Spurs chipped away at a double- Nation” court from the substitutes bench digit Golden State lead to close to 93-91 She then retweeted a post illegally to confront Gobert with 57 seconds left on the clock. But that pointed out only two play- after he clashed with Raymond Durant delivered when it mattered with ers in NBA history — Michael Felton. a superb fadeaway jump shot and two Jordan and LeBron James — have Westbrook later said he free throws to take Golden State clear equaled or surpassed his career believed he had been cleared to again as the clock ticked down. Warriors totals in games, points, assists, go onto court, insisting he had coach Steve Kerr said the Spurs’ battling rebounds, steals, blocked shots, “heard a horn” allowing him to performance bore the hallmark of coun- All-Star selections (12) and NBA come off the bench. The NBA terpart Gregg Popovich, who again was championships (three). has strict rules regarding alter- missing from the San Antonio bench fol- Wade began this season with cations, with any player joining a lowing the death of his wife from a long the Cleveland Cavaliers before skirmish from the bench subject illness last week. “That was a big-time he was dealt to the Heat in to a one-game suspension. fi ght. We’re lucky to get out of here,” Kerr said. “They’re a championship organisa- tion and they’ve been doing this for a long time. They’re a refl ection of their coach.” Golden State had edged into a 22-20 Kevin Durant (left) of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after the win over San Antonio Spurs in the Game Five of Round One of fi rst quarter lead before stretching away the 2018 NBA Playoff s in Oakland, California, on Tuesday. (AFP) in the second quarter to go into the halft- ime break 49-38 ahead. wrapped up a 4-1 series win over Miami two years ago had the worst record in the for the Bucks with 23 points while Gi- A late fl urry in the third quarter, in- to progress following a 104-91 victory. NBA, with just 10 wins against 72 defeats. annis Antetokounmpo had 16 points, 10 cluding a Durant three-pointer and a JJ Redick scored 27 points and Joel Em- Sixers coach Brett Brown said the team rebounds and nine assists. Jabari Parker pullup jump shot from Shaun Livingston biid weighed in with 19 as the Sixers set was reaping the benefi t of a long-term had 17 points and eight rebounds. Game gave the Warriors a 79-65 lead heading up a second round meeting against either rebuilding strategy. “I was hired in 2013 six takes place in Milwaukee today. into the fi nal quarter. With the Warriors Boston or Milwaukee. and I sat with a few of the owners and still without the injured Stephen Curry, A fi ercely contested duel at Philadel- we talked about the vision and what we RESULTS it was left to Klay Thompson and Du- phia’s Wells Fargo Center was eff ectively hoped to build,” Brown said. NBA first-round playoff games (all series rant to carry the off ense. Durant finished settled in the third quarter, when the Six- “And through rough times, through best-of-seven) with six rebounds and fi ve assists while ers pulled clear to take a decisive lead. adversity, we didn’t blink. We stayed Eastern Conference Thompson had 24 points. Draymond Prior to that there had been little to sepa- strong in what we were trying to do. And At Boston: Boston 92 Milwaukee 87 (Boston Green also contributed 17 points and 19 rate the two sides, with Miami holding we’ve got more to do. We’ve got more to leads series 3-2) rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge led the the hosts 46-46 at halftime. give. We’re excited for sure.” At Philadelphia: Philadelphia 104 Miami 91 scoring for San Antonio with 30 points But the Sixers surged into a 66-54 lead Meanwhile Boston edged into a 3-2 se- (Philadelphia wins series 4-1) while Patty Mills had 18. Veteran Manu after Robert Covington’s three-pointer ries lead after beating Milwaukee 92-87. Western Conference Ginobili scored 10 off the bench. with 6:11 remaining in the third period. Al Horford scored 22 points, 14 rebounds At Oakland, California: Golden State Warriors Meanwhile in the Eastern Confer- It was the latest evidence of a remark- and three assists to lead the scoring for 99 San Antonio Spurs 91 (Golden State wins ence on Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers able turnaround at the Sixers, who just Boston. Khris Middleton led the scoring series 4-1)

MLB Schwarber and Happ lead Cubs to victory over Indians Reuters in the second inning for a 2-0 lead, and run ball to win his second straight start. Chicago Descalso hit a two-run homer to cap Salvador Perez homered in his season a three-run eighth inning as the Dia- debut for the Royals, who have dropped mondbacks (16-6) tied the franchise 11 of their past 13 games. yle Schwarber hit two solo record for best 22-game start. home runs, Ian Happ homered METS 6, CARDINALS 5 and had three hits and Tyler A’S 3, RANGERS 2 Jay Bruce had three hits, including a Chatwood allowed a run and Andrew Triggs pitched six strong in- long, tiebreaking solo homer in the top Kscattered four hits in six-plus innings nings, and Mark Canha homered to lead of the 10th inning, as New York came as the Chicago Cubs rolled past the host surging Oakland to a victory at Texas. back to win at St. Louis. The Mets have Cleveland Indians 10-3 on Tuesday in Triggs (2-0) allowed one run on four alternated wins with losses in their last the teams’ fi rst meeting in Cleveland hits and struck out six with one walk for fi ve games. The Cardinals had a three- since the epic 2016 World Series. the A’s, who have won four in a row and game winning streak snapped and fell Chatwood (1-3) struck out fi ve and eight of their past nine. Adrian Beltre for just the second time in 10 games. walked fi ve. Josh Tomlin (0-3) took drove in both runs for the Rangers, but the loss after surrendering fi ve runs on he also injured his left hamstring in the ROCKIES 8, PADRES 0 seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Four of the eighth inning, leaving him day-to-day. Kyle Freeland tossed seven innings for hits he allowed were home runs. Tomlin his fi rst win of the season, and Colorado struck out three and didn’t issue a walk. ANGELS 8, ASTROS 7 blanked visiting San Diego. Trevor Sto- The Cubs pounded out 15 hits, and Andrelton Simmons socked two home ry hit a grand slam in a fi ve-run second Happ and Tommy La Stella joined runs, and Los Angeles fended off a late inning to pace the Rockies. Schwarber in driving in two runs. rally to win at Houston. Simmons belt- Colorado’s big night at the plate All nine batters who started the game ed his second homer of the season lead- spoiled the major league debut of San for the Cubs had hits. Cleveland man- ing off the second inning against Astros Diego’s Eric Lauer. The left-hander, aged nine hits off four Chicago pitchers, right-hander Charlie Morton, then who had his contract selected earlier with Jose Ramirez and Bradley Zimmer struck a bigger blow with his two-out, Tuesday, surrendered six runs in three- collecting three hits each. three-run shot off Joe Smith to cap the plus innings. Angels’ four-run seventh. YANKEES 8, TWINS 3 The latter blast provided Los Angeles MARLINS 3, DODGERS 2 Didi Gregorius continued his torrid with an 8-5 lead. Angels right-hander Cameron Maybin delivered a go-ahead start with a two-run homer among Chicago Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber hits a two RBI single against Cleveland Indians on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Shohei Ohtani dazzled yet struggled RBI double in the ninth inning as visit- three hits and drove in three runs to with his command, posting multiple ing Miami ended its fi ve-game losing give him an major-league-best 27 MARINERS 1, WHITE SOX 0 out in the 10th inning, his third hit and two-run shot in the 12th inning to give triple-digit fastballs while issuing fi ve streak with a victory at Los Angeles. RBIs as New York beat visiting Minne- Marco Gonzales threw six-plus score- third RBI of the game, and Toronto beat host Cincinnati a win over Atlanta. walks and yielding four runs over 5 1/3 Maybin’s hit off Dodgers reliever Pedro sota. Gregorius hit an RBI single in his less innings, and Mitch Haniger drove visiting Boston. It was the third homer Joey Votto walked to open the inning innings. Baez (0-1) helped the Marlins complete second at-bat in the third and hit his in the game’s only run as visiting Seat- of the season for Granderson and his before Gennett’s second homer, giving a rally from a one-run defi cit in the eighth homer of the season in the fi fth tle topped Chicago. Gonzales (2-2) al- fourth career walk-off homer. the Reds their second straight win even BREWERS 5, ROYALS 2 eighth inning. Drew Steckenrider (1-0) off Jose Berrios (2-2).Gary Sanchez re- lowed fi ve hits, struck out eight and The blast came against Red Sox clos- though they blew a four-run lead in the Travis Shaw hit a three-run homer, and threw a scoreless eighth inning for the corded his ninth career multi-homer walked only one. Edwin Diaz threw er Craig Kimbrel (0-1). Blue Jays reliev- ninth inning. Joey Votto also went deep visiting Milwaukee posted its seventh victory, and Brad Ziegler pitched the game, and Aaron Judge homered and a scoreless ninth inning for his ninth er Tyler Clippard (3-0) pitched around for the Reds. Freddie Freeman homered consecutive victory by dispatching ninth for his second save. had three hits as the Yankees won for save. Kyle Seager ignited a two-out a walk in the top of the 10th to earn the twice and Kurt Suzuki also hit a home Kansas City. Milwaukee’s Lorenzo Cain Miami’s JT Realmuto hit his second the seventh time in nine games. rally in the fourth inning with a double win. Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna run for Atlanta. homered against his former teammates home run in six games this season. CC Sabathia (1-0) made his second off Chicago starter Chris Volstad (0-1). blew the save in the ninth, allowing and reached base four times on two hits start since returning from a hip injury Haniger followed with an RBI single up Boston to tie the game at 3 on four hits, DIAMONDBACKS 8, PHILLIES 4 and two walks. GIANTS 4, NATIONALS 3 and allowed an unearned run and two the middle to bring home Seager, who a walk and two runs. Alex Avila had a homer, two singles Ryan Braun had an RBI single and Mac Williamson hit a tiebreaking hom- hits in six innings. The left-hander had two of Seattle’s fi ve hits. and two RBIs, and Jarrod Dyson and also collected two hits and two walks er in the sixth inning, and Brandon Belt struck out four, walked one, threw 82 REDS 9, BRAVES 7 (12 INNINGS) Daniel Descalso also homered in Ari- for the Brewers, who prevailed in the homered to extend his hitting streak to pitches and recorded his 20th career BLUE JAYS 4, RED SOX 3 Scooter Gennett hit his fi rst two hom- zona’s victory at Philadelphia. Avila opener of a nine-game road trip. Zach seven games in San Francisco’s victory victory over the Twins. Curtis Granderson homered with one ers of the season, including a walk-off , and Dyson hit back-to-back homers Davies (2-2) pitched six innings of two- over visiting Washington. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, April 26, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Tennis has ‘signifi cant’ integrity problems, Djokovic in surprise says report

Reuters at $15,000 Futures events, and London probably at other ones as well. The report dates many of the problems to the 2011 agree- ennis faces “very sig- ment between the ITF and data Barcelona defeat, nifi cant” integrity prob- company Sportradar for the sale lems caused by the sharp of live scoring data. A further increase in internet agreement followed in 2015. The Tbetting, an independent report panel recognised that any change concluded in its interim fi nding in the system would fi nancially yesterday with one investigator penalise the ITF, which it said describing it as a “tsunami” at should be compensated for by its lower levels. the other governing authorities. no sweat for Nadal The Interim Report of the Inde- The report added that there are pendent Review of Integrity said no simple solutions but called on ‘I haven’t lived up to your expectations, not even my own’ its two-year investigation had not the sport “to address and limit revealed widespread corruption the betting markets that ulti- Reuters at the highest levels of the pro- mately drive, and give expression Barcelona Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts aft er losing fessional game globally although to, the problem; and to improve to Slovakia’s Martin Klizan during their “there is nonetheless evidence of the systems of preventing and Barcelona Open match yesterday. (AFP) some issues at these levels”. disrupting breaches of integrity, ormer world number The Review was commis- and for detecting and sanction- one Novak Djokovic sioned by the sport’s major ing them when they occur.” suff ered a surprise sec- bodies (the ATP, WTA, ITF and ond-round exit at the Grand Slam Board) in 2016 fol- MATCH-FIXING BarcelonaF Open when the Serb lowing a report by the BBC and The report paints a picture of was beaten 6-2 1-6 6-3 by world BuzzFeed News which claimed 16 fi nancial privation among many number 140 Martin Klizan players ranked in the world’s top of the sport’s 15,000 profession- yesterday. 50 had been fl agged to the Tennis als, with many at the lowest level But favourite and 10-times Integrity Unit (TIU) over suspi- struggling to cover the costs of champion Rafael Nadal eased cions that matches had been competing. This, the report said, past fellow Spaniard Roberto thrown. made betting on matches more Carballes-Baena 6-4 6-4 in his However, the panel chairman, attractive to players, many of fi rst appearance at this year’s Adam Lewis, said: “Match fi xing whom admitted knowledge of tournament to reach the third is unlikely at the level of grand match-fi xing. round and set a record by win- slam. All the indicators are clear A survey of 3,200 players ning 38 consecutive sets on clay. the problem is low.” found that 16 percent indicated Second seed Grigor Dimitrov Among the report’s recom- they had fi rst-hand knowledge of Bulgaria also moved smooth- mendations are a greater moni- of players betting on matches, 11 ly past Frenchman Gilles Simon toring of the lower levels of the percent knew of inside informa- 6-2 6-1 to reach the last 16. game, with one investigator say- tion being provided and 14.5 per- Djokovic, who received a bye ing there is a “tsunami” of prob- cent of match-fi xing. in the opening round, has not lems, plus a review of appearance Of these, 35 percent said they made the last eight of a tourna- fees and the ranking system. had knowledge of more than one ment since last year’s Wimble- The report also called for instance. don and has struggled with a greater education among play- But Lewis said that in many long-term elbow injury. ers, the elimination of gambling cases the scale of the betting was The 30-year-old lost to Aus- sponsorships, changes to in- small, with players seeking the tria’s Dominic Thiem in the last tegrity rules and for the TIU to cost of a fl ight or with relatives, 16 of the Monte Carlo Masters be beefed up and be truly inde- who often double as fi nancial last week and looked far from pendent. backers, seeking to off set costs. his best in what was his second “The integrity problems are The three-person panel took career appearance in Barcelona. greatest where prize money rela- statements from 200 key stake- Klizan claimed the fi rst set in tive to costs, prospects of ad- holders, conducted more than just 32 minutes before Djoko- vancement, pubic interest and 100 interviews and collected vic broke the Slovakian’s serve had match point at 5-3 but could attention, and fi nancial resourc- more than 3,200 survey re- twice to take the second. not take advantage, although he Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the es of tournaments are lowest,” it sponses. Klizan snatched a crucial comfortably closed the match ball to Spain’s Roberto Carballes said. The panel did not look at break in the eighth game of a out with his next service game. Baena during their Barcelona Tennis operates under a pyra- whether any individual player tense fi nal set and went on to “It was a diffi cult game and Open match yesterday. (AFP) mid system with young players breached integrity and only claim his fi rst career victory I committed a couple of errors competing in Futures and then players who were subject to the over Djokovic in fi ve meetings. at the start. The fi rst game here Challenger tournaments of in- disciplinary process are named “I feel I haven’t lived up to after Monte Carlo is always hard creasing value under the main in its report. your expectations, not even but I soon found my rhythm,” tour. Tennis’ governing bodies have my own,” Djokovic told a news Nadal told reporters. The panel said the advent of committed to implementing the conference. “It’s hard to deal The victory saw the Spaniard online betting and the sale of report’s fi nal fi ndings after a pe- with these types of games and surpass Romanian Ilie Nastase’s offi cial live scoring date have riod of consultation until the end defeats, I wasn’t playing at my record of winning 36 consecu- greatly exacerbated the prob- of June. best, only during the second tive sets on clay in 1973. lem and recommends that the The fi nal report will be pub- set. I will try to continue and see Nadal will now meet another ITF ends its data sale agreement lished later this year. where it takes me.” Spaniard, Guillermo Garcia- Lopez, who progressed after 14th SLOW START seed Kei Nishikori retired from EQUESTRIAN World number one Nadal, his fi rst match after experienc- who also had a bye to the second ing pain in his right wrist. round, packed out the main court The 28-year-old Japanese, at the Real Club de Tenis in Bar- who lost to Nadal in the Monte Final leg of Hathab celona which is named after him. Carlo Masters fi nal on Sunday, Perhaps still feeling the ef- withdrew after losing the fi rst fects of his triumph in Monte set 6-3. series from today Carlo on Sunday, Nadal made “My expectations grew in a slow start against Carballes- Monte Carlo, despite losing to By Sports Reporter gin with Small Tour and Medium Baena and was broken in the Nadal,” Nishikori told reporters. Doha Tour events. opening game to fall 2-0 behind. “However, I started feeling dis- A total of six competitions – The Mallorcan responded by comfort again during the fi rst four in showjumping and two breaking twice to take a 4-2 lead set and I did not want to take he 12th and fi nal leg of the in dressage – will be held this and went on to claim the fi rst any risks.” Hathab Equestrian Tour weekend too, with riders as set. Nadal broke in the opening He missed last year’s US Open National series will take young as 12 in action. game of the second set but lost and the Australian Open at the place at Al Shaqab’s Indoor Hathab, meaning ‘Canter’ in his serve in the sixth. start of 2018 after injuring the TArena from today till Saturday. Arabic, is an initiative launched He went in front again and same wrist in August. The QR1mn equestrian series, by Qatar Olympic Committee which was launched last year, president HE Sheikh Joaan bin has received overwhelming re- Hamad al-Thani. The series is SPOTLIGHT sponse and the competition has open for Qatari nationals and gained immense popularity. also to residents of Qatar. The The overall winner in vari- event is being conducted jointly ous categories will be declared by Qatar Equestrian Federation this weekend, with riders hav- (QEF) and Al Shaqab. ing collected points from the last Organisers aim to improve the rounds. standard of horse riding among ‘Not here to lose’: Vandeweghe The last leg of the series will Qatari youths through Hathab, see competitions in both show- while also encouraging the in- jumping and dressage. The vet- volvement of private stables and erinarian check for horses was individual horse owners to in- held yesterday, followed by a crease awareness of horseman- routs Stephens in Stuttgart technical meeting for the riders. ship as part of Qatar’s history AFP least favourite surface,” the Cali- The competition today will be- and tradition. Stuttgart, Germany fornian said after defeating the seventh seed. “I’ll never like it. This is my oCo Vandeweghe put second time in Germany - I’m aside her career-long not here for the clay, it’s more dislike of clay to crush the shopping. US Open champion “I didn’t come out here to play SloaneC Stephens 6-1, 6-0 with a and lose.” 56-minute rout in the fi rst round Vandeweghe broke six times of the Stuttgart Grand Prix in her victory and next faces de- yesterday. fending champion Laura Siege- There was a similar fate for mund of Germany in the second last year’s New York runner-up, round. with Russian Anastasia Pavly- Vandeweghe increased her ca- uchenkova eliminating Ameri- reer record over Stephens to 4-1. can Madison Keys 7-6 (9/7), 5-7, The unseeded Keys lasted for 6-4. two and three-quarter hours be- Vandeweghe and Stephens, fore going down to Pavlyuchenk- who won the Miami title last ova in their second meeting. month after a lacklustre six In other fi rst-round results, months following her Grand Russian qualifi er Veronika Ku- Slam triumph, had teamed up at dermetova surprised Spain’s the weekend to help the United Carla Suarez Navarro 7-6 (7/5), States defeat France and reach 6-2 and Kazakhstan’s Zarina Di- the Fed Cup fi nal. yas downed Germany’s Carina “I really don’t like clay, it’s my Witthoeft 6-3, 6-2. Gulf Times Thursday, April 26, 2018 7 SPORT

FOOTBALL ASPIRE EMBASSIES FUTSAL TOURNAMENT India, Jordan, Sudan, Qatar and Syria enter Al Shahania win quarter-fi nals fter three weeks of are through to the quarter fi nals, thrilling matches in- with a number of other Embassy volving 16 teams, the teams set to compete this week- 2nd Aspire Embassies end for the fi nal few places. FutsalA Tournament organised by The fi nal group stage matches fi ft h edition of Aspire Zone Foundation has now will take place tomorrow and on entered its fi nal stages. April 28 from 5:00 to 8:00pm. The hard-fought group stage Tomorrow, Kenya will play will culminate in a fi nal day of against Kazakhstan; Ethiopia qualifi ers taking place this com- will play against India; and Jor- ing weekend as teams battle it dan will play against Sudan. out for the last few spots in the On Saturday, South Africa will quarter-fi nals. play against Qatar; Somalia will School League The third round of matches play against Djibouti; Aspire will took place last Friday and Sat- play against Great Britain; and ‘As part of its 2021 vision, the QFA constantly seeks to spread the game among the diff erent urday and resulted in a number Spain will play against Syria. of high scoring matches: India AZF has brought the Embas- segments of the community and the School League is one great example of this vision’ defeated Kenya 4-3; Ethiopia de- sy’s Futsal tournament back by feated Kazakhstan 8-1; Sudan de- popular request. It refl ects the By Sports Reporter feated France 6-3; Jordan defeat- organisations continued eff orts Doha ed Algeria 9-1; Somalia defeated to promote a healthy and ac- South Africa 9-0; Qatar defeated tive lifestyle among community Djibouti 5-3; Syria defeated As- members of all ages, and to pro- l Shahania High pire 7-1; and a close fought match vide a vibrant environment for School won the School between Great Britain and Spain people to enjoy. League 2017-18 af- ended in a 5-5 draw. Football fans are also welcome ter beating Tariq Bin The results mean that India, to attend the tournament and ZeyadA High School 5-4 follow- Jordan, Sudan, Qatar and Syria cheer on their favourite teams. ing a penalty shootout after the match ended goalless at Doha Stadium on Monday. Omar Bin Abdulaziz secured third place in the tournament after beating Khalifa High School 1-0. The only goal of the match was scored by Ahmed Moham- ed Abdulmahmoud. The fi nal match and award ceremony was attended by Ib- rahim Shaheen al-Sulaiti, Vice- Chairman of the Sub-Leagues Committee at the Qatar Football Association, Ali al-Mahmoud, Head of Sport & Culture at the Supreme Committee for Deliv- ery & Legacy, Sheikh Ahmad al- Thani, Head of Sport Events at the Supreme Committee for De- livery & Legacy, Abdulrahman Al Shahania High School players celebrate with School League trophy. al-Muftah, Executive Director of the Qatar School Sports As- RAMADAN SPORTS FESTIVAL sociation (QSSA), Hamad al- Mannai, QSSA board member, Nasser al-Malki, QSSA board member, Saeed al-Nabit, Al Aspire Zone Foundation Shahania School Principal. The award ceremony took place immediately after the opens registration match in which Al Shahania High School football team re- ceived gold medals and the for 12 exciting events trophy, and a cash prize of QR40,000, while Tariq Bin spire Zone Foundation Men: May 21-28, Warm-up Zeyad High School football team (AZF) has unveiled 12 Track (18 years and above) received silver medals and a cash exciting and fun-fi lled • Basketball Competition prize of QR30,000, and Omar events taking place dur- for Men: May 27-June 1, Aspire Bin Abdulaziz High School foot- ingA this year’s Ramadan Sports Dome, Multi-purpose Hall 1 (18 ball team received bronze medals Festival (RSF), which begins Ra- years and above) and a cash prize of QR20,000. madan 6th (May 21st) in AZF’s • Volleyball Competition for Ibrahim Shaheen al-Sulaiti, indoor and outdoor facilities. Men: May 21-25, Aspire Dome, Vice-Chairman of the Sub- For seven years, the festival Volleyball court (18 years and Leagues Committee at the Qatar has grown in popularity thanks above) Football Association said: “We to a carefully designed pro- • Volleyball Competition for would like to congratulate all the gramme which comprises a range Women: May 26-23, Aspire three teams that made it this far, of popular sports. Over 1,000 Dome, Volleyball court (18 years and specifi cally congratulate Al participants took part last year. and above) Shahania High School on win- Commenting on this year’s •Cricket Competition for ning the title of the fi fth edition of Al-Sulaiti thanked the Qatar goals to instil a culture of football plier, and Al Kass Sports Chan- mental values of fair play. The activities, Abdullah Aman al- Men: May 31-June 2, Outdoor the School League and for being School Sports Association, Min- in society and among the youth. nels as the offi cial broadcaster. fi rst School League kicked off Khater, Director of Venues and warm-up track (18 years and champions for the second time. istry of Education and Higher The league is under the supervi- The fi fth edition of the School in 2013-14 in which Ibn Taimi- Events at AZF, said: “The new above) “The School League has Education, and the Supreme sion of the Ministry of Education League for the 2017-2018 sports ya High School were crowned tournaments we introduce every •Hockey Competition for achieved its objective which is to Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Higher Education. season saw the participation champions. year prove to be a success and Men: May 24-26, Aspire Dome, spread the culture of playing foot- for their ongoing support of the Organised by the QFA in col- of twenty male high-schools Mohamed Al Mana High help encourage more people to Multi-purpose Hall 1 (18 years ball among the youth at the high School League that undoubtedly laboration with the QSSA, the from across Qatar. Participating School football team were get involved and stay active dur- and above) school level. As part of its 2021 contributed to the success of the School League is sponsored by schools fi rst played group stage champions of the second edi- ing the Holy Month of Ramadan. •Junior Fitness Challenge vision, the QFA constantly seeks tournament this year. In its fi fth the Supreme Committee for matches, followed by quarter- tion, while Al Shahania High “Events like RSF help us fulfi l Competition for Boys 9-14 years to spread the game among the dif- edition, the league is the product Delivery & Legacy as the offi cial fi nals, semi-fi nals and a fi nal School were champions of third one of our core objectives which (Individual): June 1 – a challenge ferent segments of the community of a fruitful cooperation between strategic partner, Qatar Nation- match. Matches were offi ciated edition, and Ahmed Bin Hanbal is to promote healthy and active of speed, power, endurance and and the School League is one great the QFA and the QSSA as it is in al Bank as the exclusive fi nancial by offi cial QFA referees to instil High School were champions of lifestyles among the members fl exibility with amazing prizes example of this vision.” line with both organisations’ partner, Nike as the offi cial sup- in young students the funda- the fourth edition. of local community in Qatar. I for fi rst three winners believe that this year’s festival •Special Needs Table Tennis will prove once again that people Competition: May 23, Aspire SPOTLIGHT in Qatar are keen to get involved Dome, Multi-purpose Hall 1 with sporting events and stay •Be Fit with Aspire for Ladies: active in Ramadan. We’re al- May 24, 26 and 31 and June 2, ready looking forward to it”. Ladies Sports Hall (diff erent fi t- Interested sports enthusiasts ness classes, like aerobic, step can now register via www.as- and stretching, (fees might pirezone.qa/rsf2018 for 12 indi- apply) al khaliji hosts 6th annual clay vidual activities and team com- •Fit & Fun for girls aged 6-11: petitions at Aspire Dome and the May 24, 26 and 31 and June 2 – outdoor warm-up track. fun-fi lled event with competi- Starting on May 21 from tive, indoor activities, like ball 9:30pm to 12:00am, the games, scooter rides, colouring shooting competition in Doha events are as follows: station and Zumba Kids (fees By Sports Reporter • Football Competition for might apply). Doha

l khaliji Commercial Bank organ- ised its sixth Annual Clay Shoot- ing Competition at the Lusail Shooting Club. The competition welcomeda numerous local and interna- tional corporate banks and companies to participate in the event. Launched in 2012, the fi rst shooting event was met with great success and led to an annual tradition between al khaliji and clients. At this year’s event, al khaliji welcomed teams such as Woqod, Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar National Bank, Alfardan, Ali Bin Ali, CCC, Doha Insurance, Supplement House including al khaliji Team as a host. Highlighting the importance of local en- gagement and proactivity, al khaliji Group with them. Building lasting relationships members each participated in the event. its clients and a real passion for team chief executive offi cer Fahad al-Khalifa at al khaliji is a fundamental component of Woqod won the competition, followed sports, which reiterates the bank’s stance said, “Events such as our 6th clay shoot- our business model, and we believe these by Alfardan in second place and Supple- on team-building and cooperation. Many ing event is to interact with our clients in a strong relationships contribute to our ment House in third place. This compe- family members joined the event partici- light-hearted and informal environment, overall success as an institution.” tition demonstrates al khaliji’s commit- pants, making the day all the more mem- in addition to developing stronger ties A total of 10 teams made up of fi ve ment to fostering strong relations with orable and exciting. Director of Venues and Events at AZF Abdullah Aman al-Khater

Thursday, April 26, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING FOOTBALL / QATAR CUP MJ Lattam leads Ferreira and Belmadi treble for trainer brace for Bughanaim rides MJ Lattam to feature win; Ghazali ‘tough’ fi nal al-Ramzani celebrates three winners too

Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira in conversation during a training session yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

Ahmed bin Saeed al-Kuwari (sixth from left), Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) deputy chief steward Abdulla al-Kubaisi (sixth from right) and Saad al-Hajri (fourth from right), head of Grandstand and Protocol, with the winners of Club Cup (The Late Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Kuwari Cup) after Mohanad Jassim al-Yaqout’s MJ Lattam won the six-furlong feature at the QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim

By Sports Reporter id al-Marri’s horse beat Ghaz- (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Daira Bridge Doha ali’s in-form ward Sacred Way, (Marc Lerner), 3. Beach Samba ridden by Lerner in the colours (Carlo Fiocchi), 4. Mohsen (JP Guil- of Shaheen bin Khalid Shaheen lambert). Won by: 2 3/4, 1/4, 2 1/4. adi Nasser al-Ramzani al-Ghanim, for the win. Time: 1:10.92. Owner: Mohamed and Jassim Mohamed Earlier in the day, Ghazali- bin Hamad Khalifa al-Attiyah. Ghazali’s wards topped schooled Munaawashat led a Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. three races each on the one-two for the trainer to shed Race 5: 1. Succeed and Excel Hpenultimate day of this season’s her maiden status under Guil- (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 2. Sacred racing at the Qatar Racing and lambert, while Qatari rider Way (Marc Lerner), 3. Dheban Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi addresses the media during a press Equestrian Club (QREC), with Ali Khalid al-Mosallam regis- (Gerald Avranche), 4. Alizoom conference yesterday. the former notching the six- tered his third victory this sea- (Carlo Fiocchi). Won by: 4, 3 furlong sprint feature on dirt son astride Bader al-Balushi- 3/4, 1. Time: 2:07.39. Owner: By Sports Reporter Bounedjah said, “This game is with MJ Lattam yesterday. trained Fazan, who to picked up Dhafi Rashid al-Marri. Trainer: Doha going to be diff erent from the In the Club Cup (The Late his fi rst career victory. Mohamed Hussain Afroz. league matches. I hope all my Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Kuwari Among the Thoroughbreds, Race 6: 1. Izzthatright (Marc Lern- teammates will rise to the big oc- Cup), yesterday’s feature for al-Malki’s ward, Mister Mah- er), 2. Shobrom (Tadgh O’Shea), l Sadd coach Jesualdo casion. We will do everything we Purebred Arabians, Qatari jock- joob, was ridden to the colt’s 3. My Sharona (JP Guillambert), Ferreira would like to can to retain the cup. Al Duhail ey Faleh Bughanaim rode his fi rst career win by Golam. 4. Cristofano Allori (Stephan take inspiration from are strong, so are we. They keep 19th winner of the season when Ladjadj). Won by: 5, Hd, 1 3/4. Time: the season-opening scoring many goals in most of the Mohanad Jassim al-Yaqout’s MJ SheikhA Jassim Cup that his team matches, so we will defend well.” RESULTS 1:10.14. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Lattam beat Ghazali-trained Race 1: 1. Mister Mahjoob Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. won by beating Al Duhail, their While Duhail coach Djamel Rassan and Hassan al-Matwi’s (Saleem Golam), 2. Shatir Bu Race 7: 1. Opera Baron (JP Guil- opponent’s in tomorrow’s Qatar Belmadi must be buoyed by the Raqee for the second straight Thaila (Stephan Ladjadj), 3. In- lambert), 2. Karraar (Tomas Lu- Cup fi nal. big win over Al Gharafa in the outing for a memorable win. Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim celebrates the victory in Club Cup difa (Adnan Hawa), 4. Tasleya (JP kasek), 3. Jewel House (Saleem However, since that victory semi-fi nal, he does have to deal Al-Ramzani, whose fi rst win- astride MJ Lattam yesterday. Guillambert). Won by: 2 ¼, 3 ¼, 2. Golam), 4. Emaad (Almotasem Duhail have won both their QNB with the absence of Youssef ner of the day was Tomas Lu- Time: 1:58.19. Owner: Mohamed al-Balushi). Won by: 1 1/2, No, 5. Stars League encounters, the Msakni. kasek-ridden Random Decision helmed the gelding to his sixth month to pick up his third victo- Abdulla Abdulmalik. Trainer: Time: 2:00.20. Owner: Khalifa second one courtesy two late “Of course, we will miss Msak- in the six-furlong Thorough- win out of seven runs this sea- ry this season. Tomas Lukasek- Ibrahim al-Malki. bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jas- goals. ni due to his cruciate knee injury. bred Novice Plate event, won the son, with the six-year-old’s ridden Karraar and Saleem Race 2: 1. Munaawashat (JP sim Mohamed Ghazali. “We are facing a strong team He has had his best season in Qa- penultimate race of the day with only loss being a close runner- Golam-helmed Jewel House Guillambert), 2. Legtaifiya (Marc Race 8: 1. AJS Al Rayyan (Tomas not only in Qatar, perhaps the tar overall. He not only excelled Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Al Rayyan up spot in the Dukhan Sprint completed the top three. Lerner), 3. Aneeq (Faleh Bugha- Lukasek), 2. Carab (JP Guil- strongest in Asia as can be made in scoring goals, but was also edging out another Ghazali behind British raider Intisaab While he came close on many naim), 4. Snafi Al Shajaa (Gerald lambert), 3. Al Afreet (Saleem out from Al Duhail’s results in outstanding in giving assists. But ward, Carab, by a short head for during the Emir’s Sword Racing occasions during the course of Avranche). Won by: 13, ¾, 2 ½. Golam), 4. Lucky Sand (Jean the AFC Champions league. That I trust this squad. I cannot cry or the 1700m Purebred Arabian Festival weekend in February. this season, a victory had al- Time: 1:17.53. Owner: Khalifa bin Baptiste Hamel). Won by: Shd, 2 is why we are preparing in the complain that we do not have the Conditions event. Five lengths behind him, Ib- ways eluded Mohamed Hussain Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim 1/4, 1 1/4. Time: 1:57.31. Owner: Al best possible way,” the Portu- services of Msakni. We have a lot Champion Trainer Ghazali’s rahim al-Malki’s Shobrom, Afroz’s ward, Succeed and Ex- Mohamed Ghazali. Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser guese said about his opponents. of young players in the squad,” wards snapped up two straight helmed by Tadgh O’Shea, edged cel. That changed yesterday, as Race 3: 1. Fazan (Ali Khalid al-Ramzani. “This is the sixth fi nal Al Sadd said the Algerian. conditions races for Thorough- out another Injaaz Stud sprinter the gelding registered his fi rst al-Mosallam), 2. Fanann (Faleh Race 9: 1. MJ Lattam (Faleh are playing under me and we “It is defi nitely going to be an breds with Injaaz Stud’s Izzt- My Sharona by head for the sec- win since January last year. Bughanaim), 3. Shaza Al Sulaimi Bughanaim), 2. Rassan (Marc hope this is going to be in favour exciting match and exciting fi n- hatright topping the six-furlong ond spot. In the 2,000m Thoroughbred (Tadgh O’Shea), 4. AJS Al Maha Lerner), 3. Raqee (Gerald of us. ish when the big two teams in Class 2 race, and Khalifa bin In the 1,900m race, Opera Handicap event on dirt, the sev- (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: 4 1/4, Avranche), 4. Kasser (Tadgh “We are also counting on the Qatar clash against each other. Sheail al-Kuwari’s Opera Baron Baron, JP Guillambert’s second en-year-old found his stride and 1 3/4, 2. Time: 1:19.58. Owner: O’Shea). Won by: 1/2, 2, 4 3/4. support of our fans. They will We respect all teams, not just Al taking the 1,900m event. winner of the card, bounced along with Jean Baptiste Hamel Rashid Mohamed al-Mosallam. Time: 1:16.76. Owner: Mohanad support us like anything and that Sadd. I like to see my team score Izzthatright continued his back from a disappointing fi n- in the saddle, raced to a fi ne Trainer: Bader al-Balushi. Jassim al-Yaqout. Trainer: Hadi is an advantage for us.” more and more goals and win impressive run as Marc Lerner ish last time round earlier this four-length victory. Dhafi Rash- Race 4: 1. Random Decision Nasser al-Ramzani. He added: “Last season was matches. very good for us. We fi nished “Al Sadd have world-class runners-up in the league and players such as Xavi (Hernandez) BOTTOMLINE won the Qatar Cup and Emir’s and a very good coach in Jesualdo Cup.” Ferreira. But I have no worries. I Looking back at the season so have no fear. I can talk about tac- far, Ferreira said, “This season tics only after the game. I study We’re motivated to win Qatar Cup: Duhail’s Almoez was also not bad for us. We had my opponents and gives instruc- beaten Al Duhail in the season- tions to my players. And we are l Duhail striker Almoez enhance the players’ skills and Qatar Cup at the moment. opening Sheikh Jassim Cup even just ready for the matches,” the Ali is a player on whom performance. though we lost in both phases of 42-year-old said. coach Djamel Belmadi How do you look forward the QNB Stars League. “Against Al Gharafa in the relies heavily to deliver. How did you manage to reg- to your Round of 16 games “But then, in the second- semi-fi nal, we changed our AndA he has lived up to expecta- ister a big victory over Al against Al Ain? phase match, we almost won, but strategy after a goalless fi rst half tions in many games. Noted for Gharafa in the semi-fi nal? They’ll be totally diff erent for the two last-gasp goals. Be- and got the rewards for it. We his swift movements, passes, Remember, the match was from the league or Qatar Cup fore that face-off , the diff erence were successful in stopping them speed and goal-scoring ability, very tough in the fi rst half and games. We’re representing Qa- between the two teams was only from building moves from be- Almoez has also been a key play- we improved our game in the tar football. We’ve to pull off a two points. We had faced some hind. Then, it was easy for us to er for the Qatar national team. second. We’re very thrilled to positive result in the away match diffi culties in the fi rst phase, press hard. And we avoided the Talking ahead of tomorrow’s have reached the fi nal. in order to make things easier for such as injuries to key players mistakes we did in the opening Qatar Cup fi nal against Al Sadd, us in the second leg. and national-team duties. session. Almoez talks about a wide vari- Did you expect a big-margin “Against Al Duhail, it is go- “It is going to be a tight game. I ety of topics. win? How do you evaluate your ing to be very tough. They have wish it does not go into penalties. Excerpts: No, I didn’t. But we had the performance with the team won the league competition We are keen to win this trophy.” potential to do it. this season? with an unbeaten record and Al Duhail midfi elder Luis Mar- How do you see the fi nal Al Duhail striker Almoez Ali has been in a good form this season. I believe I’ve put up good dis- won all group matches in the tin said, “We have big respect for against Al Sadd? Do you feel cup games are plays. There’s no doubt that I’m AFC Champions League. I do not Al Sadd. It goes without say- The match between Al Duhail especially since we won the ries you the most? diff erent from league fi x- looking for more and to help think much about the future. I ing that this is a very important and Al Sadd will be full of excite- league shield without a single No specifi c player. We must tures? teammates more in the remain- am focused on the assignment game for both teams. Winning ment as always. We hope to per- defeat. look at Al Sadd as a team and do Yes, indeed. Mainly because ing games this season. on hand.” this cup will be a big boost for us form very well and win the Qatar our best to restrict the move- they’re knockout ones, where Ferreira said he is favour of the in the AFC Champions League’s Cup this season. Are you worried about Al ments of their key players. you either win or lose. Do you expect to win the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) knockout phase. Our success is Sadd’s determination to award for the best young system. “I am all for technology because of our hard work. We Can Al Duhail add Qatar Cup come back after losing the Do you consider it as a tacti- How has been your AFC player for the second succes- that assists the game and im- have players who are together to the QNB Stars League title? league title? cal game or a clash of indi- Champions League cam- sive season? pacts the end result in a better for many seasons. We are profes- Yes, indeed. We’ve the ability We aren’t afraid of Al Sadd. vidual brilliance? paign so far? Of course. That’s my goal. It’s way. VAR should help us avoid sionals and we have learnt from and motivation to win all titles We do respect all opponents and It’s a mix of both. Such big It’s going well and steady. We also the ambition of all young many blunders like those hap- our mistakes. It is also about our this season. We can overcome we’re focused only on winning. games are also noted for the tac- won the league title and qualifi ed players. There’re many strong pened in the past,” the 71-year- desire to win. When you have 18 Al Sadd. We’re always thinking tical battles between the coach- for the AFC Champions League’s contenders, but I wish to win it. old said. strong players, you can be un- about keeping the record clean Which Al Sadd player wor- es. Their astute strategies will Round of 16. All eyes are on the (QSL) Al Sadd’s ace striker Baghdad beaten.”