Kings XI ride Rahul, Agarwal’s 50s to beat Sunrisers by six PAGE 19

TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019

Rookie of the year Ko claims first Major title at ANA Inspiration PAGE 18 ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEGAUE PAKHTAKOR VS AL SADD (7PM) SC Secretary-General highlights the power of football during World Economic Forum SC.QA aspirations,” said Thawadi. tutions, organisations and DOHA “By giving youth such governments all around the hope and opportunity, such world must work together to SUPREME Committee for De- events can create the positive Mega-events, such as the tackle the issue. livery & Legacy (SC) Secretary environments conducive to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, The session, which was General Hassan al Thawadi limiting the rise and spread of can play an important and moderated by journalist Ghi- highlighted the potential im- extremist ideologies.” often not recognised role in da Fakhry, was also attended pact of mega sporting events Thawadi went on to re- providing the platforms by Abdullah Abdullah, Chief on young people across the iterate Qatar’s vision for the Executive of the Republic of region, including the FIFA tournament as being one for necessary for youth to Afghanistan, Ahmad Iravani, World Cup, during the World the benefit of the entire region unleash their potential, President and Executive Di- Economic Forum on the Mid- and an accelerator for the pos- showcase their talent and rector of the Centre for the dle East and North Africa in itive development of society. achieve their goals and Study of Islam and the Mid- Jordan. He added: “Qatar’s host- aspirations. dle East, Anne Speckhard, Speaking on a panel ses- ing of the FIFA World Cup – Director of the International sion titled ‘Radicalisation: for the first time in the Arab Hassan al Thawadi Centre for the Study of Vio- Lessons from the Past’, Tha- world – is an unprecedented lent Extremism, and Latifa wadi said global events such opportunity for this region. Ibn Ziaten, Founder of the as the FIFA World Cup Qatar Accordingly, we have made dressing the rise in political Imad Association for Youth 2022 had the potential to ad- a conscious effort from day tension around the world, he and Peace. dress the spread of radicali- one to ensure that it is a tour- Supreme Committee for & Legacy (SC) Secretary-General Hassan al Thawadi highlighted the role that sport, Held under the theme sation, rising unemployment nament that everyone in the particularly football, can play “Building New Platforms for and the marginalisation of region can benefit from, and liver and host the tournament, boost Qatar 2022. social development. And the in bridging differences and Cooperation”, this year’s fo- communities. have launched several lega- but are also providing them One of the winners, Via- Josoor Institute, an academic promoting cultural under- rum focused on ensuring the “Mega-events, such as the cy programmes to support with the tools and skills neces- Vii, was named by the World centre for sports and events standing, stressing the need region and global economy FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, this, including Challenge 22, sary for them to build a better Economic Forum as one of the professionals, has helped to for unifying platforms – such enters a new phase of glo- can play an important and of- Generation Amazing and the future for the region and the top 100 Arab start-ups. Mean- upskill more than 3,000 peo- as the FIFA World Cup™ – to balisation. More than 1,000 ten not recognised role in pro- Josoor Institute. world more generally.” while, Generation Amaz- ple since its launch. bring people together. leaders from government, viding the platforms necessary “These programmes are The Challenge 22 innova- ing has reached more than Thawadi also emphasised Thawadi also spoke about business and civil society par- for youth to unleash their po- not only giving Arab youth tion award is giving young en- 250,000 beneficiaries across that the issue of radicalisation the need for collective action ticipated in the forum, which tential, showcase their talent the opportunity to take part in trepreneurs the chance to de- the region and Asia, using is one that faces the global in addressing radicalisation, took place over two days from and achieve their goals and supporting our efforts to de- velop businesses which could football as a tool for positive community as a whole. Ad- noting that individuals, insti- April 6-7. Al Sadd all set for Pakhtakor test in Asian Champions League

Al Sadd still basking from their 14th QNB Stars League title, beat Iran’s Persepolis by a lone goal on Match Day two after an opening day loss to Al Ahli

AYENI OLUSEGUN Al Duhail’s forward Youssef El Arabi scores past Ain’s goalkeeper Khalid Eisa during the AFC Champions League Group C match at the Duhail DOHA Stadium in Doha on Monday. (AFP) LAST year’s AFC Champions League semi-finalists Al Sadd have a better and more confi- dent team, according to coach Al Ain hold Al Duhail Jesualdo ferreira, ahead of their Group D match against Al Sadd players during a training session on Monday ahead of their Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan in AFC Champions League match against Uzbekistan club Pakhtakor Tashkent on Tuesday at 7pm in Tashkent. Doha time. to frustrating draw Al Sadd, fresh off after day our team is better, more Al Rayyan will look to winning their 14th QNB Stars confident and happier, which make it back-to-back home League title, beat Persepolis will help us in our match.” wins when they host the UAE TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK box and the midfielder bril- Boudiaf saw his goalbound in the game, making crucial by a lone goal in Match Day The Wolves will be with- side Al Wahda in Group B at DOHA liantly stroke home. header punched out by Khalid saves from Nakajima, El Arabi two after an opening day loss out first choice goalkeeper the Jassim bin Hamad Sta- Al Duhail were on the at- from a freekick. Almoez should and Almoez as the home team to Al Ahli. The former Asian Saad al Dosari and Asian dium on Tuesday. AL Duhail were held to a 2-2 tack again and Almoez Ali have scored just before half time searched for the winner. champions go into Tues- Player of the Year Abdulka- The Lions staged a come- draw in their AFC Champions making his first appearance in but after controlling a lovely Khalid again saved a point day’s game off a 7-2 victory rim Hassan for the tie but back in the previous round League Group C match against the ACL this season failed to side-footed pass from Edmilson for the visitors late in extra and will not be shy of goals Ferreira believes the team as goals from Lucca and Al Ain at the Abdullah Bin connect with Nakajima’s ball on his chest only for his shot to time showing good reflexes to with Baghdad Bounedjah has enought depth. Gelmin Rivas helped enough Khalifa Stadium on Monday. over the top which was just bounce of Khalid’s foot. parry out a goalbound header. and Akram Afif in fine goal- “Our players are able to to seal a 2-1 victory over Uz- The Red Knights led by inches high. In the second half, Al Ain Al Duhail coach Rui Faria scoring form. compensate for any absences bekistan’s PFC Lokomotiv two goals in the first half but The Red Knights made pushed for an equaliser and said his team’s mistakes cost “This is the second time I in the team, and their confi- after losing thier first game failed to see out the game de- it two just after the half hour almost got in in the 53rd min- them a vital win. have visited Uzbekistan and I dence is without limit. This against Al Ittihad. spite controlling majority of mark from a swift attack with ute after Maroof was brought “Everyone saw the match know the atmosphere of the is not our first game without The hosts go into the the ball. The result means Al Yousef El Arabi on the end of down inside the box by Musa and I said earlier that we had matches here. It is an excel- Saad in goal,” he added. game on the back of a 2-2 Hilal lead the group with six it. Musa played a one-two with for which the referee awarded to win but the mistakes made lent stadium so I hope it will Also speaking on the draw against Al Sailiya in the points while Al Duhail are Boudiaf to create space down a penalty. us lose two points and we be a good game for the two game, defender Pedro Miguel Qatar Stars League at the end second in with four, tied with the right before picking out El However, Lecomte went could have finished the game teams and I know it will be said, “It is a very impor- of last week and they current- Esteghlal. Arabi in the box who made no from hero to villain in five in the first half. If you make a tough game because we are tant and difficult game. We ly sit fourth in the standings. Al Duhail came out firing mistake to slot beyond Eisa. minutes. The former Qatar mistakes at this level, you pay playing against a strong team are ready to win and get the Al Rayyan have suffered and drew two quick saves from Jamal Maroof began Al shot stopper saved the spot- the price. We had a lot of op- but we are determined,” Fer- maximum points because it a dismal season in the Qatar Khalid Eisa as Edmilson Jun- Ain’s comeback in the 36th kick from Caio but three min- portunities and we could not reira told a press conference. will have an impact on the Stars League and will hope to ior and Mohammed Musa test- minute as Al Duhail’s de- utes later, failed to deal with an take them. “We are happy to win the competition.” put up more fight as the navi- ed the goalie from long range. fence was caught napping. A easy catch from Maroof’s cross “There are a lot of games league (QSL) because it is a “We have to continue the gate the ACL. The Red Knights soon took long ball was flicked on in the which fell to Marcus Berg who waiting for us in this competi- very important tournament enthusiasm after winning “We had some pressure the lead from Karim Boudiaf’s midfield by Tongo Doumbia tapped in from close range. tion and we have to get a posi- for us and this will motivate the league title, and hope it in the last two rounds of the half volley in the ninth minute. which released Maroof who The Red Knights domi- tive result in our next match if us to play a good game. Last gives us confidence to go far tournament, and now we just Edmilson beat his marker be- easily thumped past Amine nated possession but Al Ain’s we want to go far,” Faria told year we played here after in the Asian Championship,” want to focus on winning,” Al fore sending a cross into the Lecomte. goalkeeper Eisa kept his team the club’s website. losing the league title. To- he added. Rayyan coach Souza said. 18 Tuesday, April 9, 2019 Sports Ko claims Masters at Augusta National this week PSG miss chance first major to wrap up title title at ANA Rose man to beat in Inspiration Defender Kehrer heads home late to tie the score for the Parisians AFP Masters at Augusta LOS ANGELES AFP from the right and Germany PARIS defender Thilo Kehrer head- REIGNING rookie of the year REUTERS ed home. Ko Jin-young captured her AUGUSTA PARIS Saint-Germain squan- Still a huge 20 points first major championship on dered the chance to clinch the clear at the summit and with Sunday, holding off fellow WORLD number one Justin Ligue 1 title in record-equal- a game in hand, PSG will now South Korean Lee Mi-hyang Rose is the man to beat at this ling time on Sunday after a 2-2 hope to secure the eighth to win the ANA Inspiration by week’s Masters, where recent draw at home to Strasbourg, league title in their history three strokes. history suggests the sport’s with Eric Maxim Choupo- when they go to Lille next The 23-year-old Ko fin- heavyweights will populate the Moting’s incredible miss from weekend. ished in style by draining a leaderboard by Sunday at a ma- the goal-line costing his team A point will be enough in long birdie putt on 18 for a jor championship that is more dear. that game, but PSG should two-under 70 final round in predictable than any other. PSG were handed the op- have finished the job here -- the first major of the season at Northern Irishman Rory portunity to win their sixth Choupo-Moting’s miss was the Mission Hills Country Club McIlroy is the second favourite French crown in seven sea- one of the worst you are ever near Palm Springs, California. from a formidable European sons after second-placed Lille likely to see, while Dani Alves “I won the tournament contingent, while Dustin John- drew 1-1 at Reims earlier. hit the bar after the break. and that’s a happy moment,” son and Justin Thomas are the That left Thomas Tuchel’s Earlier, Jose Fonte’s 56th- Ko said. “I thank God, I thank best American bets, even if Ti- side knowing that three minute header had Lille on my parents, I thank my grand- ger Woods and Phil Mickelson points at the Parc des Princes course to take all three points parents. It is an honour for me will loom larger in the public would see them retain the ti- away to Reims, but substitute to join so many great Korean imagination. tle and wrap it up with eight Remi Oudin’s 78th-minute players. I’m honored to be There has been no long- games to spare, matching the leveller – initially ruled out here.” shot winner at Augusta Na- speed with which Laurent for offside but then given af- Ko, who is in her second tional since 69th ranked Blanc’s team became champi- ter a VAR review – denied the year, finished with a 10-under Angel Cabrera collected the ons in 2016. visitors. Green Jacket in 2009, though Choupo-Moting gave Lille are more concerned even the Argentine’s victory them an early lead with his with holding off the teams was far from a huge shock third Ligue 1 goal, but later below them as they look to se- given his pedigree as a U.S. in the first half he somehow cure second place, which pro- Open champion two years succeeded in turning a net- vides automatic qualification earlier. bound Christopher Nkunku for next season’s Champions Nobody ranked outside the shot onto the post while League group stage. top 30 in the world has won standing on the line. The draw at the Stade Au- since then, and even Patrick Fresh from winning the guste-Delaune moved them Reed, though not one of the League Cup last weekend, five points clear of third- favourites last year, was still Strasbourg had equalised placed Lyon, who slumped ranked a healthy 24th and not prior to Choupo-Moting’s to a shock 3-1 loss at home to Jin Young Ko poses with the a completely unexpected cham- howler when Nuno Da Costa relegation-threatened Dijon winner’s trophy. pion. turned in a Lionel Carole on Saturday. An Augusta winner must cross, and they found them- Fourth-placed Saint- 278 total for her fourth LPGA be able to draw his driver, fade selves 2-1 up in the 38th min- Etienne drew 2-2 at Amiens title. She also won the Hope his irons from hanging lies and ute when Anthony Goncalves on Saturday, while Marseille, Founder’s Cup last month. have the artistry to hit great re- lashed home from 22 yards. in fifth, were beaten 2-0 at Ko celebrated her win by covery shots. He must also be Justin Rose of England and his caddie Mark Fulcher look on during a practice round prior to the Masters at Kylian Mbappe came off Bordeaux on Friday. taking the traditional dip with on form and mentally resilient. Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia on Monday. (AFP) the bench on the hour mark Reims are just a point her caddie Dave Brooker in Englishman Rose ticks all but it was another PSG sub- behind OM in sixth and are Poppie’s Pond -- the water these boxes. It is almost as if McIlroy in rich form again. That said, time waits for stitute who made it 2-2 with level on points with Patrick hazard located off the right and Augusta National was designed Waiting to pounce could The same goes for Thomas. no man and age is not on their eight minutes remaining. Ju- Vieira’s Nice, who beat Mont- back of the green on 18. with him in mind. be McIlroy, though he too has Others capable of victory side. lian Draxler sent in a corner pellier 1-0. Lee finished alone in sec- He has finished top-15 each plenty of pressure as he tries include Europeans Francesco A victory would make Mick- ond after shooting a two-un- of the past five years, including to complete the career grand Molinari, Jon Rahm, Paul Ca- elson the oldest Masters cham- der 70 while American Lexi a pair of runner-up finishes, slam at a tournament where sey and Tommy Fleetwood, pion, supplanting Jack Nick- Thompson was third with a most notably a playoff loss to he wilted in the final round last and Americans Brooks Koepka, laus, who was 46 when he won brilliant final round of 67 to Sergio Garcia in 2017. year after starting three strokes Rickie Fowler and Bubba Wat- in 1986, while Woods would Keys defeats Wozniacki reach a six-under 282 total. Rose has been a machine behind Reed. son. become the second-oldest Kim In-kyung and Car- from tee to green at Augusta, McIlroy’s stock drive is a Australians Adam Scott, champion. lota Ciganda, of Spain, tied and if the putter co-operates it right-to-left draw, ideal for Au- Jason Day and Marc Leishman, A victory by either would be to bag Charleston title for fourth at five under, five will take a mighty performance gusta, and he has been working and South African Louis Oost- monumental, but a herd of lean strokes back of Ko. from someone else to beat him. with his irons on hitting the huizen are also capable. and hungry young bucks stand REUTERS pressure on her, making a lot Ko started the round with But to win, he will have to soft, high fade that is required It would be foolish to write in the way, none of them inter- CHARLESTON of returns and keeping rallies a one shot lead. She played put out of his mind the thought with many approach shots. off 43-year-old Woods and ested in letting a couple of mid- going and not going for things steady golf on the front nine that the clock is ticking. He has been the best player 48-year-old Mickelson given dle-aged guys steal the show. MADISON Keys overpowered too early,” said the world num- with two birdies but saw her Though playing as well as in the world in 2019 and top-10 their respective records at Au- Even if those middle-aged Caroline Wozniacki 7-6(5) 6-3 ber 18, who won 76 percent of lead slip to just one stroke over ever at age 38, Rose cannot finishes the past five years is gusta, where the former has guys have seven Green Jackets to win the Charleston Open points on her first serve, and Lee when she made bogey on realistically expect too many all the proof needed to be con- won four times and the latter between them. and defeat the former world fired six aces. the 15th hole. She landed her more chances. fident he will be in contention three. number one for the first time approach in the bunker and on Sunday. Muguruza triumphs then two-putted on the green. The win, her first on clay In Raleigh, North Caro- It was her second bogey in court, broke a nearly two-year lina, Spain’s Garbine Mugu- three holes. drought for the eighth seeded ruza successfully defended But Ko got one back by Conners seals Masters berth with Texas win American, who claimed her her Monterrey Open title on sinking a superb putt for a fourth career title. Sunday when Victoria Aza- birdie on the par-four 16th. AFP The 27-year-old from On- AT&T Oaks Course by firing a board with four birdies in his Her previous two losses renka retired injured from her She parred 17 then iced the SAN ANTONIO tario only made it into the San six-under-par 66 to finish two opening five holes to eclipse to Denmark’s Wozniacki had first WTA singles final in three win with an emphatic 20 foot Antonio tournament after bat- shots clear of Charley Hoff- overnight leader Kim Si-woo been on hard courts when years. birdie putt on 18. CANADA’S Corey Conners tling through qualifying last man, with a 20-under-par to- who struggled to get going. Keys failed to win a set. Second seed Muguruza Not only is she the fifth delivered a roller coaster final Monday, where he won a six- tal of 268. The victory will have a “I think I served really well was leading the match be- South Korean to win here, Ko round to win his first profes- way playoff to claim the final With Sunday’s final round transformative effect on Con- today, said Keys, who had pre- tween the two former world is the 15th in history to win a sional title at the Valero Texas slot in the field. delayed by nearly two hours ners’ season, securing his PGA dicted on Saturday that play- number ones 6-1 3-1 when major. The only country that Open on Sunday and book a But the unheralded Cana- after heavy rain deluged Tour card while gaining entry ing on clay would be beneficial Azarenka decided she was un- has more major wins is the fairytale berth at next week’s dian completed a remarkable the course, Conners quickly to several prestige event in ad- in her bid to defeat Wozniacki. able to continue because of an United States. Masters at Augusta. week at TPC San Antonio’s moved to the top of the leader- dition to the Masters. “I also felt I kept a lot of injury to her right leg. Save the Dream takes centre stage in Berlin youth forum

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK fried Lemke, former United Save the Dream said: Speaking of the role of DOHA Nations Secretary-General’s “Sport breaks down all sport for peace talks, Wilfried Special Adviser on Sport for walls starting with those built Lemke, former United Nations IN a tribute to the 30th anni- Development and Peace, Tegla in the minds of some peo- Secretary-General’s Special versary of the fall of the Berlin Loroupe, marathon cham- ple. Today, we look to you as Adviser on Sport for Devel- Wall and on the occasion of pion, UN and Save the Dream ‘Agents of Change’ – young opment and Peace said: “We the International Day on Sport Sport Ambassador, of leaders who can promote, should not work with violence, for Development and Peace, the Refugee Olympic Team at through sport, a new way of hate, walls and sanctions. We Save the Dream, in partner- the 2016 Summer Olympics, thinking, one grounded in the must respect each other, our ship with the International Constantinos Filis, Director- values of integrity, respect and customs and our history. We Olympic Truce Center (IOTC) General of the International inclusion. We are happy to be should have friendship all over held an international youth Olympic Truce Center (IOTC), a part of this movement to- the world.” forum ‘When Sport Breaks Kjetil Siem, General Secretary wards making a social change Fatma Samoura, Secre- Down Walls’ in Berlin with of the FIFA Foundation, Hon- with sport driving towards a tary General of FIFA, pointed the support of the United Na- ey Thaljieh, Corporate Com- better future” out: “Fighting for equality and tions Alliance of Civilizations munications Manager, FIFA, During his intervention, promoting diversity is a moral (UNAOC) and Qatar Airways, Save the Dream Ambassador, Constantinos Filis, Director choice and a commitment that official airline of the event. and Patrick Hausding, Ger- General of the International we must make together as a The forum was hosted man diver, Olympic medallist. Olympic Truce Center (IOTC) society, and sport, not least at Der Diwan, Arab Culture The forum highlighted said: football, is a unifier we must House in Berlin under the pa- several examples of sport di- A group picture of the participants in the International Youth Conference for Peace and Development in “We believe in the power use to breakdown social barri- tronage of HE Sheikh Saoud plomacy, some of which were Berlin. of the young generation. As we ers and heal divisions.” Abdulrahman al Thani, Am- shared by the same persons in- believe in the power of sport The Youth Forum pledged bassador of Qatar in Germany volved, such as Hans Grodotz- ciety while focusing on the moments, in the history, when Alliance of Civilizations and to change our perception of its support to the #White- who opened the event jointly ki, East German long-distance power of sport to inspire and the universal language of sport Qatar Airways, for taking the the other and learn to respect Card campaign promoted by with Mohammed Hanzab, runner who competed for the empower people across na- has spoken to the world, and initiative of this Forum and diversity. Our strong coop- the Monaco-based founda- ICSS Chairman and Founder United Team of Germany in tions, regardless of faith and when sport has broken walls for creating an opportunity for eration with Save the Dream tion “Sport and Peace” and of Save the Dream and a mes- the 1960 Summer Olympics in socio-economic status. among nations and in the debate, exchange and inspi- aims at bringing young leaders launched a long-term global sage from FIFA Secretary Rome. Delivering the welcome minds of people. I wish to con- ration on how to break down from differed backgrounds to- advocacy initiative to raise General Fatma Samba Diouf Over 80 youth leaders, message, HE Sheikh Saoud gratulate Save the Dream and walls through peaceful means gether and teach them how to awareness on the role of sport Samoura. from across the globe, gath- Abdulrahman al Thani, Am- its partners, particularly the such as sport.” disseminate the message to break down the walls which The event was attended, ered to support the positive bassador of Qatar in Germany, International Olympic Truce Mohammed Hanzab, ICSS of peace in their respective still exist despite the demoli- among the others, by Wil- message of unity within so- said: “There have been many Center, the United Nations Chairman and Founder of communities.” tion of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Sports Tuesday, April 9, 2019 19 2019 Tamer, Assam to play Satun opener today

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

QATAR’S Tamer Abdelra- soul and Assam Mahmoud will play their opening match against Singapore’s Fan Shen and Kingsley Tay in the FIVB Beach World Tour’s Satun 1-Star at Satun, Thailand on Tuesday. The Qatari players are seed- ed ninth and if they win against the eighth seeds, they are likely to clash with top seeds Bahman Salemi and Arash Vakil from Iran before making it to the knock-out stage. Assam Mahmoud (left) and his Qatari teammate Tamer Abdelrasoul Earlier in the day, Chinese with Australian players before their work-out in Satun, Thailand on Taipei’s Hsu Chen-Wei and Monday. Wu Shian-Shian had to endure two tiebreakers on Monday to SEEDINGS Also advancing to the main reach the main draw. draw are Russia’s Daniil Ku- Hsu and Wu needed 58 TOP 10 SEEDS vichka and Anton Kislytsyn minutes to get past Hungary’s 1.Bahman Salemi & Arash Vakili (Iran) and Hungary’s Artur Hajos 2.Alexandr Dyachenko & Alexey Sidorenko Botond Ola and Bence Attila (Kazakhstan) and Balazs Benko, who won Kings XI Punjab batsmen KL Rahul (right) and Mayank Agarwal celebrate a shot during the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 Streli 2-1 (24-22, 24-26, 15-9) 3.Abolhamed Mirzaali & Rahman Raoufi (Iran) their respective two matches match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on Monday. (AFP) in the first round of qualifica- 4.Narongdet Kangkon & Banlue Nakprakhong in straight sets. tion. In the second round, they (Thailand) The Russians won against 5.Sergey Bogatu & Dmitriy Yakovlev (Kazakhstan) were up against compatriots 6.Thomas Hartles & Alani Nicklin (New Zealand) Norway’s Jorn Olav Gam- Wang Chin-Ju and Hsieh Ya- 7.Denys Denysenko & Vladyslav Iemelianchyk lemoen and Christian Hel- Jen and battled hard to win (Ukraine) land 2-0 (21-15, 21-19) and Rahul, Agarwal power 2-1 (22-20, 18-21, 17-15) and 8.Fan Shen & Kingsley Tay (Singapore) Kazakhstan’s Alexey Kule- 9.Tamer Abdelrasoul & Assam Mahmoud (Qatar) secure their place in the main 10. Phichakon Narathon & Phanupong Thanan shov and Artem Petrossyants draw. (Thailand) 2-0 (22-20, 21-18), while the Austrian pair Jakob Re- Hungarians defeated Canada’s iter and Simon Baldauf also round with a 2-1 (23-21, 14-21, Adam Thompson and Hugo Punjab to exciting win needed to play a tie-break set 17-15) victory. Earlier, they Ross-Bonneau 2-0 (21-11, 24- against Russian duo Andrey won 2-0 (21-17, 21-16) against 22) and Kazakhstan’s Nurdos Bolgov and Vladislav Ermi- Japan’s Koichi Nishimura and Aldash and Abdulmajid Mok- The pair mustered 114 runs for the second against SRH lov to earn a spot in the next Daisuke Shibata. hammad 2-0 (21-14, 21-15). IANS ground. While Rahul brought overs. It took Warner 15 balls to MOHALI up his fifty in 34 balls, Agarwal Earlier, Warner struck an hit his first boundary in the took 40 deliveries to get there. unbeaten half-century but Pun- fifth over when the southpaw KINGS XI Punjab made heavy Agarwal -- who was jab bowlers put in a disciplined punched an overpitched Ankit QATAR CUP V’BALL MATCHES TODAY weather of an easy run-chase dropped by Yusuf Pathan on 40 effort to restrict Sunrisers to Rajpoot delivery past the diving but in the end rode stylish half -- was caught by Vijay Shankar 150/4 after skipper R Ashwin mid-on fielder. centuries from K.L. Rahul and at deep midwicket off Sandeep asked them to bat first. Warner and Shankar (26) Mayank Agarwal to edge past Sharma (2/21) in the 18th over. In-form Warner brought laboured to a 49-run stand for Sunrisers Hyderabad by six But just when it looked like up his third IPL fifty of the sea- the second wicket as Sunrisers wickets in a thrilling Indian the damage had already been son as he scored an unbeaten trudged to 50/1 at the halfway Premier League (IPL) encoun- done, David Miller (1) and 70 (62 balls, 4x6, 6x1), but it stage. ter here on Monday. was an uncharacteristic knock Shankar lost his wicket just Auditioning for a berth in Rahul hit a magnificent where the destructive Austral- after that, trying to guide a Ash- the World Cup squad, opener straight drive for four and ian left-hander struggled with win (1/30) carrom ball towards Rahul remained at 71 timing as he carried his bat third man and feathering it to off 53 balls to notch up his third took the winning runs off through the innings. wicketkeeper K.L. Rahul in the half-century of the season with a David Warner misfield as In the last two overs, Sun- process. the help of seven fours and one Punjab won with one ball risers managed 26 runs to up Mohammad Nabi (12) was six as good friend Agarwal (55; to spare the ante with run out by Ashwin off his own 43 balls; 3x4; 3x6) matched (14*) hitting Mohammed Sha- bowling as Sunrisers could only him with equal gusto. (2) threw their mi (1/30) for 15 runs in the final get to 92/3 after 15 overs. Chasing a modest 151 for wickets away to Sandeep in the over, including two fours and a Pandey and Warner then victory, the pair added 114 runs same over and Siddarth Kaul in six. tried their best to get some runs for the second wicket after the the 19th to leave the game on Warner joined hands with but it was only after the latter hosts lost (16) early the edge with 11 runs needed in (19) for a 55- got out that Hyderabad acceler- to a Rashid Khan (1/20) deliv- the final over. run fourth wicket partnership ated to get to 150-run mark. ery. The southpaw tried to hit Mohammad Nabi gave just but it never really took off. for a six but holed out to Deep- five runs away from the first Asked to bat first, the visi- Brief scores: ak Hooda at long on. three balls before Rahul hit a tors lost Jonny Bairstow (1) Sunrisers Hyderabad: 150/4 in 20 overs THRILLING FINALE EXPECTED: Former champions Al Arabi Club and Al Wakrah Club will aim to continue It was all Rahul-Agarwal magnificent straight drive for early, as the England stumper- (David Warner 70 not out; Ravichandran their winning run when they take to the QVA Indoor Hall courts on Tuesday in their respective Qatar Cup show from there on, as the four and took the winning runs batsman flicked Mujeeb Ur Ashwin 1/30; 1/30) Volleyball Championship matches. Three-time winners Al Arabi had defeated holders Al Rayyan Club in the pair paced their in- off a David Warner misfield as Rahman (1/34) to Ravichan- Kings XI Punjab: 151/4 in 19.5 overs (K.L. last match to force the third and decider. Al Wakrah, while playing against Police, pulled off a coup through nings to perfection and played Punjab won with one ball to dran Ashwin at short midwick- Rahul 71 not out, Mayank Agarwal 55; a thrilling five-set victory to make the semi-finals tied 1-1. As a result, all the four teams will return to play some delightful shots down the spare, putting up 151/4 in 19.5 et who took a smart catch. Sandeep Sharma 2/21) and the winners will advance to the final, to be held on April 12. Third gold for Shammari Swedish TT legend applauds Qatar’s in Amir Cup shooting facilities, organising prowess TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK nese dominance of the sport, TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA Persson who won five World DOHA Championship team titles, WITH a large number of said that all other countries AHMED Zayed al Shammari world class sporting facili- must improve in their com- continues his golden form as ties developed over the years mitment to the sport if they he claimed the 25m Standard in the country, Qatar is defi- want to wrestle dominance Pistol title at the Amir Cup nitely among the best centres from the Chinese. Shooting and Archery Cham- for sports development in the “There was a time when pionships on Monday. world beside being a global Sweden was a powerhouse At the Losail Ranges, sporting hub, Jörgen Persson, in world table tennis. In the Shammari finished the event the 1991 world championships 1980s and early 1990s, we with 563, including nine hits winner, has said. were the in-thing when it for 10 points and above, to The 52-year-old legend, comes to table tennis. I think take his gold medal tally to an who together with Jan Ove the dynamics shift from time impressive three. Waldner and Peter Carlson to time but the Chinese seem Morshed Ali Hassan se- bestrode the table tennis to be giving more attention to cured the silver medal quite world like a colossus in the the sport hence their domi- comfortably, collecting 553 1980s and early 1990s, was nance, he said. “Other coun- with nine shots in the bull’s the leader of the Swedish tries are also coming up in eye. Misfer Rashid al Marri delegation to the Seamaster Jorgen Persson (right) with Sami Oueslati and Swedish player Mattias Asia like the Japanese and was placed third when he 2019 World Tour Platinum Falck (left) during the Qatar Open tournament at the Ali Bin Hamad Al South Koreans and I think posted 521. Qatar Open held from March Attiyah Arena in Doha recently. to an extent Chinese Taipei. Marri and Mohammed 27 to 31 at the Ali Bin Hamad In Europe, Germany and Hassan al Tamimi were locked Al Attiyah Arena in Doha. table tennis player to have tar Open is one of the best Sweden are doing well also. I for the bronze medal as they “I’m really impressed with competed at seven Olympic I’ve seen in its category. The believe with time, things will hit the same score. But the what I’ve seen here and this Games (1988-2012), said physio was superb and every change,” he said. former was declared winner hall in particular is amazing. that aside from the superb aspects of the tournament The Swedish team had for shots in the centre (9-3). Qatar’s reputation as a ma- staging, he was impressed was well taken care of. I be- an mixed results at the five- Osama Nasser al Shaiba got jor sporting hub is definitely and delighted by the physio- lieve these are some of the day tournament with Mat- the fifth spot with 512. without any doubt and I be- therapy assistance and treat- reasons why every player tias Falck narrowly losing 3-4 Shammari said he always lieve the country can hold its ment given to his team by the looks forward to coming to (11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 9-11,9-11, 11- tries to give his 100 percent Men’s 25m Standard Pistol winner Ahmed Zayed al Shammari with own as a major sporting pow- physiotherapist of Aspetar Qatar every year. That the 9,10-12) to Chinese Gaoyuan and this is helping him win the second-placed Morshed Ali Hassan (left), third-placed Misfer Rashid er. The Qatar Open is rated and Qatar Table Tennis Asso- tournament continues to pa- Lin in the semi-finals of the titles. “I’m very delighted to al Marri and QSAA official after the prize distribution in Losail on very high as one of the best ciation Sami Oueslati. rade the top ten players in Men’s Singles while Matilda have won another event. I’m Monday. organised events in ITTF and “As someone who has both categories every year is a Ekholm was knocked out confident after a great deal of the country is held in high es- been involved with table ten- testimonial to its importance 4-0 (11-9, 11-9, 11-5, 11-6) efforts before the champion- “All the shooters are tough rich form and hope to continue teem among the table tennis nis for close to four decades, to all of us in the table tennis by eventual finalist Liu Shi- ships and that is paying off and the competition is quite my touch,” added Shammari family,” he added. I’ve travelled far and wide family,” he added. wen of China in the Women’s now. difficult. I am pleased with my after the prize distribution. Persson, who was the first and I must say that the Qa- Speaking about the Chi- event.