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Saturday, May 11, 2019 FOOTBALL Ramadan 6, 1440 AH Klopp hopeful of GULF TIMES Salah return for EPL fi nal day SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL/AMIR CUP Al Sadd clear favourites against Al Rayyan By Sports Reporter desperate for the league title and make mistakes because there is no “We will do our utmost to win he fi nally delivered on that prom- time to make up for them. Our only this match and qualify for the fi - ise this season. Now they have a goal is to win so that we can reach nal at the Al Wakrah Stadium. We golden chance to secure a domes- the fi nal. My players deserve to win need to approach the game with l Sadd coach Jesualdo tic double. the trophy. They have been playing collective spirit,” Tabata added. Ferreira wants to end his Sadd will rely on player of the since last July, almost a game every Al Rayyan have been off colour Qatar tenure on a tri- season Akram Afi f and prolifi c three days for club and country but since winning the league title in Aumphant note, by win- scorer Baghdad Bounedjah, with we are fully prepared for this tour- season in 2015/16 under Jorge Fos- ning the Amir Cup. The experi- their midfi eld trio of Hern- nament,” he added. sati. They fi nished fourth this sea- enced Portuguese manager had andez, Gabi Fernandez and Hassan Al Sadd defender Pedro Miguel son in the league and are already last month announced he would al-Haydous being the best in the said the team was prepared for the out of the AFC Champions League be leaving Qatar for good, having country. semi-fi nal encounter. “The match with one group match to spare. led Al Sadd to their fi rst league ti- Former Barcelona star Xavi too against Al Rayyan is very impor- Al Rayyan coach Gilson de tle since the 2012-13 season. The has announced his retirement and tant for us. We are fully prepared Souza emphasised how much the match begins at 10.30pm. the midfi eld maestro would want for it. We will strive to win the club is banking their season on the Ahead of Sadd’s semi-fi nal en- to lay his hands on the prestigious game so that we can reach the fi - Amir Cup. “Our season was not counter against Al Rayyan today, Amir Cup trophy. nal,” he said. good, so we have to look for some Ferreira said he wants a winning But it won’t be easy against Al Meanwhile, Rayyan captain Ro- consolation and our main goal now farewell, providing an extra moti- Rayyan, who can be unpredictable drigo Tabata called on his team to is to win the Amir Cup,” De Souza vation to his players. “I am happy and are keen to win a trophy them- give their all against the fancied said. with what we have achieved in the selves this season. Al Sadd team, while urging their Rayyan have lost both their Champions League, qualifying for “It will be a very tough game passionate fans to fi ll the Al Sadd meetings against Al Sadd this sea- the second stage at the end of my for us. This is the fourth Amir Cup stadium . son. A 5-0 drubbing in September, stint with the club. Now I want to semi-fi nal for me with Al Sadd and “The fans will play a prominent followed by another 4-0 humbling win the Amir Cup before leaving everyone knows how much this role in our match against Sadd. in September, makes Sadd an over- Qatar,” said Ferreira at his pre- tournament means for the fans,” It’s not an easy place to play and whelming favourites to reach the match press conference. Ferreira said. we need all the support we can Amir Cup fi nal. The other semi- Having spent three and half “We have just one game remain- get playing against a top team,” he fi nal pits Al Duhail and Al Sailiya, Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira (L) with his Al Rayyan counterpart Gilson de Souza at their pre-match years with Al Sadd, Ferreira was ing to reach the fi nal. We cannot said. which will be played tomorrow. press conference.

SPOTLIGHT Arsenal and Chelsea set up all-England Europa fi nal It means all four finalists of Europe’s two top club competitions are from the same country for the first time

Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on Thursday. Picture on right show Chelsea’s English Ruben Loftus-Cheek (L) exulting after he scored the team’s first goal against Eintracht Frankfurt at Stamford Bridge in London on Thursday.

DPA reach their first European final since losing in and hammered in Arsenal’s fourth from an an- tions. “It is very difficult to score four goals Azpilicueta but Chelsea keeper Kepa Arriza- Berlin the Champions League to Barcelona in 2006. gle in the 88th. against this team because they are very organ- balaga stopped a Martin Hinteregger shot and Chelsea, the 2012-13 winners, and Frank- “We reacted well to going behind and we ised. It gave us confidence to score quickly, we saved from Goncalo Pacienca, before Hazard furt ended the 90 minutes and extra-time at knew we had to score a minimum of one goal know our strikers are taking chances.” stepped up to convert the winning penalty. ierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a Stamford Bridge at 1-1 and 2-2 on aggregate, tonight,” Lacazette told BT Sport. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea finished a Spanish keeper Kepa had refused to be sub- hat-trick as Arsenal defeated Valen- before Eden Hazard scored the decisive pen- “Auba was unbelievable tonight with an spell of domination when Hazard fed Rubens stituted in the Carabao Cup (League Cup) final cia 4-2 and Chelsea beat Eintracht alty in a 4-3 shoot-out victory. incredible hat-trick, so thanks to him. “We Loftus-Cheek and the England midfielder before a penalty shoot-out against Manches- Frankurt in a penalty shoot-out to set In Valencia, the home side went in front have played badly in Premier League during side-footed in with a measured shot to give ter City at Wembley earlier this year, leading Pup an all-England Europa League final in Baku through Kevin Gameiro in the 11th minute but the last month and now we have to use this the home side a 28th-minute lead. Frankfurt to a club sanction. “Penalties are down to on May 29. Arsenal were on level terms six minutes later opportunity. We want to play in the Champi- levelled through Luka Jovic four minutes after luck. Today we won and in the Carabao Cup With the Champions League in Madrid on when Aubameyang struck with the outside of ons League next season and we want the tro- the interval and after chances for both sides, final we lost, but this is football,” he told BT June 1 between Liverpool and Tottenham Hot- his foot. phy.” Arsenal manager Unai Emery said: “I am Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta thought Sport. spur, it means all four finalists of Europe’s Lacazette swivelled in the area before hit- very proud of the players and the supporters. he had scored a late extra-time winner. He added: “Wembley is in the past and I two top club competitions are from the same ting a right-foot shot into the net five minutes The players did all they could and we can be The ball was nudged over the line after learned from it. I said I was sorry but we al- country for the first time. Arsenal progressed after the break. Gameiro notched his second proud of the whole club. keeper Kevin Trapp appeared to lose his grip ways keep moving forward and today was in Valencia with Alexandre Lacazette also on in the 58th but Aubemayang turned in a cross “We knew we had to be calm after they on the ball, but the goal was ruled out. another game and we are happy to get to the target to go through on a 7-3 aggregate and from Ainsley Maitland-Niles 11 minutes later scored and we needed to control our emo- The shoot-out then saw Trapp save from final.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 11, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT KEEPING THE FAITH Fulham confi rm Don’t mention Brexit! Parker

Reuters London

ulham have appointed England rule Europe caretaker boss Scott Parker as their perma- nent head coach on a two-yearF contract, the relegated Premier League club said yester- day. Former Fulham player Park- er, 38, replaced Claudio Ranieri on an interim basis in February with historic sweep after the Italian failed to turn around a dismal season and last- ed only 16 league games. The Premier League now has the world’s best managers to go with the best players Performances improved un- der Parker, who led them on a AFP best coaches: that’s how the Premier League takes three-match winning streak in Paris it all.” the league, but the former Eng- “Here the level is very high. To get to the fi nal in land international was unable to the League Cup we beat Liverpool and Tottenham turn the team’s fortunes around he Premier League has marked its return who are in the Champions League fi nal, and in the fast enough to ensure top-fl ight to prominence on the European stage as fi nal we played against the best team in Europe in safety. stunning Champions League comebacks my opinion, Man City,” said Sarri. “Scott was brave to accept a Tfrom Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to “At the moment the Premier League is the best very diffi cult challenge in Febru- make the fi nal was followed by Arsenal and Chelsea championship in Europe and as a consequence, in ary when appointed as our care- booking their place in the Europa League fi nal. the world.” taker manager,” Fulham owner For the fi rst time ever all four fi nalists will come Chelsea needed a penalty shoot-out to beat Ein- Shahid Khan said in a statement. from the same country, prompting concerns on the tracht Frankfurt in their Europa League semi-fi nal, “Since that time, day by day, continent over the Premier League’s wealth and while a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hat-trick whether in training or on match- status thanks to huge television rights deals. took the Gunners to a 4-2 win over Valencia for a day, we’ve undeniably become a The English sweep on the football fi eld comes, 7-3 aggregate. better football club.” ironically, as the United Kingdom wrestles with Valencia’s defeat ended Spanish participation in “Scott will now have another Brexit, the painful and protracted withdrawal from both competitions and a run that had seen La Liga challenge to face, and that is to the European Union. sides win nine of the past 10 combined Champions return Fulham to the Premier Only twice before in European football — the League and Europa League titles. League. I fully believe Scott is 1972 UEFA Cup and 2008 Champions League — “It does not surprise me to see the English clubs,” more than up to the task.” had two English teams contested a fi nal. said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, who led Fulham spent close to 100mn But now two will take place in the space of four the Spanish giants to three consecutive Champions pounds ($130mn) last summer days as Arsenal and Chelsea square off in a London League titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018. ahead of their return to the Pre- derby, 4,500km (2,800 miles) from home, in Baku “The coaches who are in charge of these teams mier League but made a poor on May 29 before Liverpool and Tottenham clash in bring something new, their know-how, which is start under Slavisa Jokanovic, Madrid on June 1. diff erent.” who was sacked and replaced by “A full English,” ran the headline on the back of Barcelona, Juventus and Bayern Munich have Ranieri after the club recorded British newspaper the Daily Mirror, while Spanish dominated at home in recent years, but no club has one league win in 12 games. sports daily AS said: “Football does not know about retained the Premier League title since 2009. Parker, who started the season Brexit.” The constant grind of England’s top six vying as a fi rst-team coach, said it was Liverpool, last year’s runners-up to Real Madrid, every season for just four Champions League places time to focus on an immediate ended Spain’s fi ve-year grip on the continent’s top allows nobody to rest on their laurels, on the pitch return to the top-fl ight. club prize as they shocked and Barce- or off it in the recruitment process. “I know how things work, lona with a stunning 4-0 win at Anfi eld to overturn “The English have the most money and are now the daily dynamics of team, and a 3-0 fi rst leg defi cit. spending it sensibly,” said German newspaper Zeit where improvements need to be Tottenham drew inspiration from the Reds to Online. made,” Parker, who made 128 ap- also come back from a 3-0 aggregate defi cit as Ajax Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris celebrate after defeating Ajax on “Ten years ago, it started to go downhill, but now, pearances for Fulham between led 2-0 on the night in Amsterdam before Lucas Wednesday. at the very moment they want to leave the EU, they 2013 and 2017, told reporters. Moura’s second half hat-trick sent Spurs into their are back.” “Now, the challenge lies with fi rst Champions League fi nal. £1bn on transfer fees in each of the past three sum- and Pochettino near the end of season fi ve at Spurs. However, the English revival has not pleased me to move things forward. Ul- “We enjoyed a lot watching the tie against Barce- mer windows. Arsenal’s Unai Emery is a Europa League special- everyone and may only embolden plans to radically timately, success comes from a lona. They are heroes too and, of course, it is going Yet, despite bringing in billions from around the ist having won the competition three times before change the format of the Champions League from culture and a desire — that needs to be an amazing fi nal between two English teams globe, English clubs have been out-thought and at Sevilla and despite being questioned during his 2024 to avoid prolonged Premier League domina- to be our foundation. We’ll drive that for sure we are going to enjoy,” said Spurs boss out-played at Champions League level over the fi rst season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s Maurizio tion. a culture here that our fans will Mauricio Pochettino. past decade. Sarri is still coveted for jobs in Serie A should he “The Premier League has the most money, and recognise. Premier League clubs accumulated revenues However, the Premier League now have the wish to return to Italy. when four English teams are in the fi nals, it is not Fulham host Newcastle United of £4.8bn ($6.2bn) last season, largely thanks to world’s best managers to go with the best players. “An English lesson,” wrote Italian sports paper good for football,” said Bayer Leverkusen coach and in their fi nal game of the season £2.4bn in television revenue, and have spent over Jurgen Klopp is in his fourth season at Liverpool Gazzetta dello Sport. “The money fl owing and the former Ajax boss Peter Bosz. tomorrow.

FOCUS ADMISSION PUNISHMENT Klopp hopeful United need miracle to mount Leicester’s on Salah return challenge next season — Solskjaer Choudhury for EPL fi nale fi ned for

AFP Liverpool social media

iverpool manager Jur- comments gen Klopp hopes to have Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan LHenderson fi t for tomorrow’s Premier League fi nale against Wolverhampton Wanderers as the Reds aim to end a 29-year wait to win the title. Klopp’s men trail Manchester City by one point at the top of the table and need the champions’ Manchester United manager 13-game winning run to come to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (R) and an end at Brighton if they are to assistant coach Mike Phelan. win the league. Liverpool are in high spirits af- ter a stunning 4-0 win over Bar- Reuters celona on Tuesday that booked London their place in a second consecu- Reuters The Norwegian said at the club’s to get us up there and give us a shout tive Champions League fi nal, a London end-of-season awards on Thursday because that’s what I want to do,” told match top scorer Salah missed he couldn’t really activate the night that they should invest wisely Warnock reporters. after suff ering concussion in the muscle anymore, some nerve hit in the transfer market and nurture “I think we’ve arrived as a football eicester City’s England under-21 mid- Reds’ 3-2 win at Newcastle last or whatever. They should be fi ne anchester United would youth players to become competitive club this year. We’re a big club now fi elder Hamza Choudhury has been weekend. (for Sunday).” need a “miraculous sea- again. and we’ve got to think big now.” fi ned 5,000 pounds ($6,514) by the FA “Mo looked good around the Klopp hailed his side’s thrash- son” to be in the running “We’ve never been a readymade Meanhile, Manchester United for historical comments made on social celebrations after the game, to be ing of a Barca side containing Mfor the Premier League club. was never re-appointed Mike Phelan as their Lmedia that included racial references. honest,” said Klopp. Lionel Messi as “one of the best title next year because of how much readymade, Wayne Rooney was never assistant manager yesterday. Choudhury posted a series of tweets in 2013 “The day before yesterday and moments in football history”, and their rivals have improved, manager readymade. Loads of the players that The 56-year-old, who was assist- and 2014, some of which had racial references yesterday he was running out- he is hoping a crazy week that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said yesterday. come here and developed into the top ant to Sir from 2008 to and one which criticised women’s football. He side and will be part of training also saw Spurs come from 3-0 United are sixth in the standings superstars that they have become,” 2013, was brought back to the Premier was charged with misconduct by the FA last today.” down on aggregate to beat Ajax with 66 points, 29 behind leaders Solskjaer added. League club by Solskjaer this season. week. Klopp confi rmed Roberto in the other Champions League Manchester City and 28 behind Liv- “That’s always going to be the “Manchester United has been a “Hamza Choudhury has been fi ned 5,000 Firmino remains out with a groin semi-fi nal has another twist. erpool going into their fi nal game of model. We’ll develop players because huge part of my life since I joined as pounds and ordered to attend an FA education tear as Wolves visit Anfi eld, but “It was a week of miracles, of the campaign against relegated Car- I’ve got the best staff , the best en- a player in 1989 and I am delighted to course by an Independent Regulatory Com- is hopeful the Brazilian will be big football moments and there diff City tomorrow. vironment and the best supporters be able to continue that relationship mission after he admitted to an ‘aggravated ready for the Madrid fi nal against could be a big football moment “I think I’ve been quite honest because they love players that excite in this key role,” said Phelan, who breach’ of FA Rule E3(1),” the FA said in a state- Tottenham Hotspur on June 1. for us on Sunday,” added Klopp. that challenging for the title next them.” Meanwhile, Cardiff manager signed a three-year deal. ment. Robertson had to be replaced “Most people expected me to year would be a miraculous season Neil Warnock is determined to get Solskjaer said Phelan was the fi rst “Comments posted by the Leicester player at half-time against Barca and sit here today saying now we are because we’re so far behind points- fi nancial assurances he believes are person he contacted to work along- on social media... which included reference to Henderson required a pain-kill- out of the Champions League wise,” Solskjaer told a news confer- crucial for the Welsh club to mount side him when he was initially ap- ethnic origin and/or race and/or sexual orien- ing injection at the break after and it is pretty diffi cult to be- ence. “Next season we have to close a promotion challenge in the Cham- pointed in December. tation, were found to be abusive and/or insult- taking a kick on the knee late in come champion. that gap, if we manage to get to Feb- pionship next season. After Cardiff ’s “I’ve been a player under him, his ing and/or improper and/or brought the game the fi rst half. “The only thing we can do is to ruary or March and still be close Premier League relegation last week- knowledge, experience, demeanour, into disrepute.” “The famous three words of win the game. In this situation it that’s fantastic. If not this summer end, Warnock said he had “no idea” everyone in the club enjoys speak- The 21-year-old was also warned about his this week in the dressing room: seems like Wolves and Brighton will also be about players that can last where he would be next season but ing to him, talking to him, discuss- future conduct. ‘It’s only pain,’” added Klopp. are only there and that City will here for many years. the 70-year-old has since received ing football with him, players really Choudhury has made 11 appearances in all “Unfortunately, Robbo could win, and we will win, and they “We want to get back to where we the support of club owner Vincent respect him, they know what he can competitions for Leicester this season. They deal with the pain but only the will be champion. But there is a used to be... it’s going to be important Tan to stay. do and he’s worked with the best,” he are ninth before hosting Chelsea in their fi nal rest of his body couldn’t because game to play.” we come together from the fi rst day.” “We will need two or three signings said. Premier League match of the season tomorrow. Gulf Times Saturday, May 11, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT Neymar banned for three matches for Barcelona expect lashing out at fan

AFP fi nal losers medal following the Paris shock defeat to Rennes on pen- alties last month. On a nightmare night for PSG, aris Saint-Germain Rennes came back from 2-0 frosty return to striker Neymar was down to 2-2 at the end of regula- banned for three match- tion time, forcing extra time and Pes yesterday with a fur- penalties. Meanwhile, Neymar ther two-match ban suspended has appealed against another for lashing out at a fan follow- ban, this time a three-match ing the club’s shock defeat in the Champions League ban imposed French Cup fi nal. by European football’s governing Announcing the ban, the body UEFA. their home ground French football federation said He was punished for an angry the sanction would go into eff ect outburst at match offi cials of ‘There are going to be some diff icult days ahead, but we have to go again’ from May 13 allowing the Brazil- PSG’s last-16 tie against Man- ian superstar to appear for the chester United in March. AFP French champions against An- PSG lost following a last- Valencia gers in Ligue 1 today. minute penalty award to the But he will miss the last two Premier League side after a VAR games of the domestic season review of a disputed handball arcelona’s recovery and the French Champions Tro- appeal. begins against Getafe phy pitting PSG against their cup Neymar did not play in the tomorrow but the pain fi nal conquerors winners Rennes match through injury but took to Bfelt from their Champi- in Shenzhen, China in August. social media to call the penalty ons League collapse at Anfi eld is Neymar swung at an abusive award a “scandal” and accuse likely to get worse before it gets opposing fan while climbing the the VAR referees of incompe- better. steps to receive his French Cup tence. For Getafe, who stand on the brink of their own meteoric up- set of fi nishing in La Liga’s top four, the game at Camp Nou is pivotal but for Barca’s hurting players, it could feel more like a wake. “There are going to be some diffi cult days ahead, but we have to go again,” said coach Ernesto Valverde. A week before, their fans had roared them off , ecstatic after a 3-0 victory over Liverpool put them within touching distance of their fi rst European fi nal since 2015. When the names of the play- ers, and coach, are read out before kick-off this weekend, the reaction will be instruc- tive, pointing to just how much Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat has spoiled an otherwise excellent season that could yet end with a domestic double. Barcelona’s Argentinian striker Lionel Messi (C) skips past Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Fabinho (L) and Liverpool’s German-born “We have to be really self- Cameroonian defender Joel Matip during the UEFA Champions league semi-final second leg football match between Liverpool and critical about what happened,” Barcelona at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 7. Messi, however, couldn’t do much as Liverpool overturned a 3-0 Luis Suarez said. “There are a deficit to qualify for the final. lot of things to evaluate and to think about. fi nal will see Valverde sacked. off in the second half. But Messi villa, each three points behind Levante, Villarreal and Celta File photo of PSG star Neymar “We have to apologise for our The way Barcelona respond then was speaking from a posi- Getafe, and with time running Vigo could all still fi nish 18th. attitude and realise the criti- in these last three games will tion of strength. out. Valencia’s head-to-head Girona are the current in- cism is going to rain down on us not save Valverde but, however Valverde made 11 changes means they will fi nish above cumbents but host Levante FOCUS now. We’re really upset, we’re unfairly, it could condemn him. for the defeat to Celta Vigo last Getafe if they can square them tomorrow. Valladolid travel to hurting a lot. We’re humans and Any suggestion the players weekend and could rotate again, on points while Marcelino’s side Rayo, Villarreal are at home to we feel the pain.” have stopped believing will en- sparing his players potential have winnable games left, at Eibar and Celta are away at Bil- After Getafe, comes a trip to thuse those anxious for change. censure from the fans and of- home to Alaves tomorrow be- bao. ‘Justice for Eibar for the last league game “I don’t know how this aff ects fering them a longer period of fore ending with a trip to strug- before the Copa del Rey fi nal my future,” Valverde said on recuperation. gling Real Valladolid. Fixtures (all Sunday 8.30pm against Valencia in Seville on Tuesday. “But here we are and Getafe could be the benefi - Sevilla have to fi nish ahead Qatar Time) Stefan’ — father May 25. Win at the Benito Vil- the coach has to take respon- ciaries given Barcelona are the of Getafe on points while also Athletic Bilbao v Celta Vigo, lamarin and there will be cel- sibility.” Patience could wear biggest obstacle left between facing a diffi cult trip to Atletico Atletico Madrid v Sevilla, ebrations, history made too, but thinner too with those seen to them and the remarkable feat Madrid and then in-form Ath- Barcelona v Getafe, Real Betis v sues Malaysian club nothing now can make amends. have underperformed. of Champions League qualifi ca- letic Bilbao. Huesca, Girona v Levante, Rayo Like 12 months ago, two tro- After they beat Liverpool, tion. They play at home to 15th- At the other end, two of the Vallecano v Real Valladolid, phies will be seen as a failure Lionel Messi criticised the fans placed Villarreal on the last day. three relegation spots have been Valencia v Alaves, Villarreal v over lightning death and, like 12 months ago, there for their treatment of Philippe A weakened Barca would be taken by Rayo Vallecano and Eibar, Leganes v Espanyol, Real are reports that defeat in the cup Coutinho, who was whistled a blow too for Valencia and Se- Huesca but Girona, Valladolid, Sociedad v Real Madrid AFP body without Melaka’s offi cials Bangkok and their bodyguards being around me. Allegri’s future in spotlight as Juventus travel to Roma “I could never actually sit hree years after his teen- down with anyone who was on Milan: Massimiliano Allegri’s future as the hands of Ajax, which led to criticism “We’ll sit down with the club and think linked to a return to Turin where he age son was struck by the pitch and ask what really Juventus coach is in the spotlight as of his management after the arrival of about the future, analyse this season won the first three of this current run of lightning and died, Mar- happened.” the champions travel to Roma in Serie Cristiano Ronaldo had boosted hopes and what could be done better, to have a league titles, along with current Conte’s co Petrovski has fi led Petrovic said the club told him Tlawsuits against Malaysian club it takes 15 minutes to get from A tomorrow with mounting speculation of a first Champions League in over two team ready to aim for success in all com- successor at Chelsea Maurizio Sarri. over his position. decades. petitions next season,” Allegri has said. Juventus travel to Roma having being Melaka United and the Football the training ground to Melaka’s Juventus have already wrapped up their They were also booted out of the Coppa The former AC Milan and Cagliari coach held in the two games they’ve played Association of Malaysia (FAM), general hospital — a journey eighth consecutive title, and Allegri’s Italia by Atalanta. still has a year left on his contract with since claiming the league title — 1-1 claiming safety failures. which he says takes “45 minutes fifth in as many years since replacing Having nothing left to play for with three his annual salary 7.5mn euros ($8.4mn). draws with both Inter Milan and Torino. On April 5, 2016, Australian minimum”. Antonio Conte in 2014. games to go this season has given Al- Paris Saint-Germain, another club look- Roma have lost just one of their last goalkeeper Stefan Petrovski was He also disputed the club’s as- The 51-year-old had insisted that he legri time to take stock, with a meeting ing to break their Champions League seven home games against Juventus — hit by lightning while training sertion that a physio was struck was staying despite the team’s flop reportedly set to take place with club curse, are reported to be interested in drawing three and winning three. Their with Melaka United. Less than by lightning at the same time, quarter-final Champions League exit at president Andrea Agnelli. Allegri, while Antonio Conte, has been last defeat was back in May 2014. a month later, the 18-year-old but recovered and gave Stefan passed away as a result of hy- CPR. poxic ischemic encephalopathy “One thing that stuck in my — brain damage caused by a lack head was they said that their BOTTOMLINE Suarez to miss of oxygen during cardiac arrest. physio had also been struck by His father, Marco, who met lightning but that he had mi- Copa del Rey his lawyers in Kuala Lumpur last raculously recovered and gave final, doubt for week, claims Stefan died be- Stefan CPR,” he said. First prominent public sculpture of cause the Malaysia Super League “The doctors on duty the day Copa America club failed to provide adequate Stefan was brought in told both medical support and treatment. his mum and I that he had not a female footballer to be unveiled Madrid: Luis Suarez will be “Melaka failed to provide received CPR.” out for four to six weeks after comprehensive medical support Petrovski feels Melaka’s claim By Josh Halliday becomes the fi rst woman to be celebrated undergoing surgery on a knee and insurance coverage for Ste- that Stefan’s death was an ‘act The Guardian with a statue in her honour.” injury, Barcelona announced fan,” said Petrovski. “They failed of God’ lacks credibility, as Ma- Parr played for the Dick, Kerr Ladies, a yesterday to provide suitable training fa- laysia is known for lightning team comprised of workers at a munitions Suarez will miss the Copa del cilities for players at all times. strikes, especially in the mon- ore than a century after the fi rst factory in Preston, Lancashire, which be- Rey final against Valencia on “They failed to ensure that the soon season which ends around women’s football match and came the most successful women’s team of May 25 and also faces a fight to stadium is equipped with appro- late March. 110 statues of male players, the all time. Parr netted 34 goals for the club in be fit for the Copa America in priate safety devices to protect He is taking action against fi rst prominent public sculpture her fi rst season, aged just 14. Brazil next month. players from lightning strikes.” FAM because he believes it did ofM a female footballer will be unveiled next The 6ft (183cm) winger, who reputedly “There is also a duty to treat not act in the best interests of Uruguay’s first game is against month. had one of the strongest left-footed shots Ecuador on June 16, just over players who have been struck the players by granting Melaka A life-size statue of Lily Parr, the trailblaz- in the game, represented England in the five weeks after Suarez had the by lightning for 30 minutes with United a licence. FAM also de- ing, chain-smoking, goal-scoring winger of fi rst women’s international game in 1920, operation on Thursday. CPR (cardio-pulmonary resus- clined to comment when ap- the 1920s and 30s, will be erected outside when England beat France 4-0 in front of a “Suarez was subjected last night citation) using a defi brillator,” he proached by AFP. Manchester’s in 15,000-strong crowd. to an arthroscopy on the right added. “I went to FAM’s own statute June. Parr, who died in 1978 aged 73, scored Female participation in the game surged knee due to an internal meniscal “Stefan died because he didn’t for licensing and regulations,” over 980 goals in her extraordinary 32-year during the fi rst world war and Parr’s career injury,” read a club statement get CPR.” said Petrovski. “It states that career and was the fi rst woman to feature in Lily Par. Photo credit Channel 4 took off at a time when the women’s game released yesterday “His approxi- Petrovksi claims Melaka clubs must provide comprehen- the museum’s Football Hall of Fame in 2002. overshadowed the men’s, with millions of fi t mate time out will be between United were obstructive as he sive medical support and insur- The monument, created by sculptor Han- women’s football at the FA. young men sent to the frontlines to fi ght. four and six weeks.” searched for answers in the af- ance coverage and provide suit- nah Stewart, was commissioned by FA spon- “Women’s football is in a very strong On Boxing Day 1920, a match between Suarez has a better chance of termath, denying him access able training facilities.” sor Mars and will be unveiled before next place today with the England team helping Dick, Kerr and St Helens Ladies at Goodi- playing in Uruguay’s second and to the training ground for two- He added: “I just want justice month’s Women’s World us to drive participation and interest at every son Park was watched by a crowd of 53,000 third group games, against Ja- and-a-half weeks. The club de- for Stefan. I want everyone who Cup in France. level. with thousands more locked outside. Just a pan on June 20, and defending clined to comment on the case. has done nothing about it to be “We have come a long way since Lily “Lily Parr was the fi rst woman to enter the year later, women’s football was outlawed by champions Chile on June 24. “They fi nally took me there held accountable and I really Parr’s days and she deserves recognition as Football Hall of Fame, an iconic achievement the FA who deemed it “quite unsuitable for But his absence from the cup but always monitoring every would like to see rule changes in a true pioneer of the sport,” said Marzena in itself, so it’s only fi tting that she takes her females” — a decision that was only reversed final in Seville is a major blow to step that I made,” he said. “I Southeast Asia because we need Bogdanowicz, the head of marketing for place alongside other football legends and in 1969. Barcelona. could never have access to any- to protect young lives.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 11, 2019 CRICKET

IPL SPOTLIGHT Smith hits unbeaten Du Plessis, Watson 91 as Australia beat New Zealand

AFP alded Will Young smashed his Brisbane, Australia second century in a row, mas- tering a top-notch Australian attack led by Pat Cummins and lead Chennai into teve Smith plundered an Mitchell Starc. The 26-year-old, unbeaten 91 and Glenn who is uncapped and not part Maxwell hit 70 yesterday of New Zealand’s World Cup before bad light stopped squad, followed up a classy 130 play,S with Australia winning on Wednesday by reaching an- their fi nal warm-up game before other ton with a pull for six over leaving for England to defend mid-wicket. He eventually fell to their World Cup title. Marcus Stoinis for 111. record eighth fi nal They were handed victory While this week’s series was by fi ve wickets courtesy of the unoffi cial, his tally of 301 is just Duckworth/Lewis/Stern meth- shy of the New Zealand record od after amassing 248 for fi ve off for a three-match one-day se- Chennai will now take Mumbai in the final in Hyderabad tomorrow 44 overs in reply to an under- ries, held by Martin Guptill who strength New Zealand’s 286 for scored 330 against England in IANS Ravindra Jadeja (2/23) and Imran nine from 50 overs. It was anoth- 2013. Opener George Worker Visakhapatnam, India Tahir (1/28), their best bowler er fi ne knock from former skip- chipped in with 59, while Cum- this season, also returned im- per Smith, batting at three, who mins was the best of the bowlers, pressive fi gures. made his return to Australian taking 4-32 off eight overs. hennai Super Kings It was an uncharacteristic in- colours this week from a year- Cummins and Starc, who took rode on half centuries nings from Pant who was initial- long ban for ball-tampering. one wicket, were playing to- from Faf du Plessis and ly starved of the strike and then It followed his 89 not out in gether for the fi rst time in three Shane Watson to storm kept at bay by the Chennai bowl- the second of the three-match months as the latter returns from intoC their eighth Indian Premier ers as the 21-year old eventually series in Brisbane, which do not injury. Australia won the series League (IPL) fi nal as they beat managed 38 off 25 with the help count as full internationals, on 2-1, claiming a close opening Delhi Capitals by six wickets in of two fours and a six. Wednesday. But David Warner, game at Allan Border Field by one the Qualifi er 2 yesterday. Chen- Pant looked to be taking off who was in imperious touch dur- wicket while their trans-Tasman nai will now take on old foes when he hit Tahir for a four and ing the Indian Premier League, rivals bounced back to easily take Mumbai Indians in the fi nal in six in the 17th over which yielded fl opped again in opening the in- the second by seven wickets. Hyderabad tomorrow, the fourth 14 runs. But Bravo bowled a bril- nings, out for two to follow his Australia play two more time the two teams will be lock- liant 18th over in which he gave duck and 39 in the series. Like warm-up matches at South- ing horns in the summit clash. away just three runs besides ac- Smith, Maxwell has been in good ampton, against England and Sri After asking Delhi to bat fi rst, counting for Keemo Paul (3). touch, pounding 70 off 48 balls Lanka, later this month before Chennai bowlers put up a superb Chahar dismissed Pant in the to go with the quick-fi re 52 he opening their World Cup cam- show to restrict the fi rst time penultimate over with Bravo made on Wednesday. paign against Afghanistan in semi-fi nalists to 147/9. Chasing taking the catch at long-on be- For New Zealand, the unher- Bristol on June 1. a modest 148 for victory, openers fore Trent Boult (6 off 3) and du Plessis (50; 39 balls; 7x4; 1x6) Ishant Sharma (10 not out off and Watson (50; 32 balls 3x4; 3) smashed some lusty blows to 4x6) were off to a slow start but take the score close to the 150- recovered in time to share a 81- run mark. run stand for the opening wicket. It all started with Chahar trap- South Africa captain du Ples- ping young Prithvi Shaw (5) in sis was the aggressor early on and front in the third over. Harbhajan once he got out, Watson took over then accounted for the in-form as Delhi bowlers looked hapless. Shikhar Dhawan (18), the India Having notched up his his 12th southpaw giving a healthy edge IPL fi fty and fourth this season, to Dhoni who took the catch in du Plessis mistimed a pull to his second attempt. Keemo Paul at deep square leg Colin Munro and Shreyas Iyer off Trent Boult’s bowling while then tried to steady the ship but Amit Mishra had Watson caught just when the former was look- by Boult at wide long-off . ing good, Ravindra Jadeja had Suresh Raina (11) was castled him caught at deep square-leg by by Axar Patel, bringing skipper Bravo for 27 off 24 deliveries. Iyer M S Dhoni to the crease. With (13) departed soon after, sky- 21 needed off 24 balls, it was ing a Tahir googly to backward a cakewalk for the defending point where Raina completed a champions, although Dhoni (9) good catch. Axar (3) too failed to got out with two runs required contribute, holing out to Tahir at for victory. Dwayne Bravo was third man off Bravo’s bowling. at the crease as the yellow army Harbhajan then sent back crossed the target with four leg Sherfane Rutherford (10) and it byes with Ambati Rayudu (20 not all looked downhill from there out) at the other end and an over for the fi rst time qualifi ers. to spare. Chennai posted 151/4 in 19 overs. BRIEF SCORES Earlier, Harbhajan Singh (2/31) and Bravo (2/19) used their res- Delhi Capitals: 147/9 in 20 overs ervoir of experience to good af- (Rishabh Pant 38; Deepak Chahar fect while Deepak Chahar (2/28) 2/28, Harbhajan Singh 2/31, Ravin- continued his rich form with the dra Jadeja 2/23, Dwayne Bravo ball as Delhi never got going de- 2/19) lost to Chennai Super spite having Rishabh Pant at the Kings: 151/4 (Faf du Plessis 50, Chennai Super Kings batsmen Faf du Plessis (left) and Shane Watson put on a 81-run opening stand Australia’s Steve Smith plays pull a shot during a practice match crease for more than an hour. Shane Watson 50) the Indian Premier League second qualifier match against Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam. (AFP) against New Zealand in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP)

EX-SRI LANKA FOCUS TEST PLAYERS CHARGED WITH Aussies braced for England ‘siege’ as fans savage Warner AFP of Warner’s offi cial World Cup player can honestly say I don’t think we could MATCH-FIXING Brisbane, Australia portrait, replacing ‘Australia’ on the be in a better position. It’s a bit like front of his shirt with ‘Cheats’. They facing fast bowling, you worry, wor- Colombo: Former Sri Lankan Test also photo-shopped Mitchell Starc and ry, worry and once you get out in the players Nuwan Zoysa and Avishka ustralia coach Justin Langer Nathan Lyon holding sandpaper. middle, it’s Ok. The worst time to face Gunawardene have been charged said his team won’t be rat- Smith, Warner and Cameron Ban- fast bowling is in bed the night before. with match-fixing and given two tled by a hostile reception at croft were all banned over the scandal There’s been a huge lead-up to this weeks to respond, the Interna- the World Cup as England’s last year in Cape Town involving sand- (Smith and Warner’s return) and the BarmyA Army gave them a taste of what paper to alter the ball. “We’re ready for boys have come in so far quite seam- tional Cricket Council announced yesterday. The charges against to expect. The defending champions it,” Langer said. lessly.” the two cricketers relate to a T10 are on a hot run of one-day form and “If we’re under siege the second we Heading into this week’s ‘unoffi cial’ league played in the United Arab have been boosted by the return of Ste- get off the plane, we’re ready for it. The three-match one-day practice series Emirates in December, the ICC ve Smith and David Warner after their World Cup might be a bit diff erent to against a New Zealand XI, Australia said. Zoysa was charged under one-year bans for ball-tampering. start off , but certainly once the Ashes had won eight one-dayers on the trot, four counts, including for “being a But a trip to England is never easy, kicks off there will be plenty of com- against India and Pakistan. They won party to an agreement to influence and the visit for the World Cup — fol- mentary.” the the series 2-1. The games are not improperly the result, progress, lowed by an Ashes Test series — is Warner returned to the Austral- counted as full internationals. conduct or other aspects of a shaping up to be even more challeng- ian team this week after prolifi c form “My main concern is we’ve had a match”. The ICC slapped two ing than usual after the cheating row. at the Indian Premier League, while month’s break at the end of the Paki- charges against Gunawardene, England’s fi ery Barmy Army support- Smith stroked an unbeaten 91 in Bris- stan series,” Langer said. “Guys were one for soliciting a match-fixing ers rarely need much incentive to get bane against a New Zealand XI yester- weary at the end of long taxing sum- breach and the other for failing to stuck into their arch-rivals and got the day. Langer said Warner “has got this mer but we were match-hardened and inform the Anti-Corruption Unit of ball rolling on Twitter Thursday with a look in his eye at the moment”, while battle-hardened and had a great sense the ICC. brutal pot shot. praising Smith’s innings as a “tutorial of confi dence. We’re working back up The charges are the latest in a Australia’s David Warner (right) speaks with Glenn Maxwell during a World Cup In a taste of what to expect from in batting”. towards it. That’s why we’re having spate of match-fixing controver- warm-up match against New Zealand in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) British crowds, they doctored an image “It’s great for the team,” he added. “I these practice games.” sies to hit former world champions Sri Lanka in recent months. Three months ago, the ICC banned Sri BOTTOMLINE Lanka’s former skipper and ex- chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya from all forms of the game for two years for failing to cooperate with England batsman Vince eyes World Cup chance an anti-corruption investigation. Last month, ex-Sri Lanka fast AFP tional drugs. The 28-year-old Vince with their opening match against tice of his World Cup credentials with the world so it’s been a tough team to bowler Dilhara Lokuhettige was London has the remaining four matches of South Africa taking place seven days a wicket and two maiden overs, and break into.” suspended over three match cor- England’s one-day international series later at the Oval. Vince has already Vince admits competition for places is With opener Jason Roy set to be fi t ruption accusations. And last year, against Pakistan to stake his claim. “If endured frustration in his quest to im- hotting up. after overcoming a back spasm, Vince a match-fixing controversy blew ames Vince hopes to capitalise he was here I don’t think I’d be here press national selector Ed Smith and “Jofra’s not in it (the World Cup is unsure whether he will be involved up after a sting operation for a TV on the banishing of Alex Hales now,” Vince said of Hales. “I’m not head coach Trevor Bayliss after the squad) at the moment so I guess there in the second match of the series today documentary. In December, Sri over claims of drug use and force going to say too much on his situation fi ve-match series opener was curtailed are a few options and a few diff erent and is considering turning out for his Lanka’s Sports minister Harin Fern- his way into England’s World but it has given me an opportunity. It’s by rain on Wednesday. balances to the side,” said Vince. “I’m county. And he said he was unsure how CupJ plans. The in-form Hampshire great to be back among the lads and I Pakistan reached 80-2 in the 19 overs trying not to think about it too much much he would be involved in the rest ando announced that the country has been rated as the most batsman could be involved in the 50- want to push my case to get into that that were possible, with Vince and fel- and if and when I do get an opportunity of the series against Pakistan. “I guess corrupt cricket nation by the ICC, over showpiece after Hales was dra- World Cup squad.” low fringe player Joe Denly denied a in this series, (I will) try to push my it depends on what they’re thinking for cricket’s world governing body. matically dropped from all England England have until May 23 to fi nalise chance to impress. Pace bowler Jofra case. They’ve played some magnifi - the World Cup, whether they want to squads due to reported use of recrea- their squad for the home tournament, Archer, however, served further no- cent cricket and got to number one in give me game time,” he said. Gulf Times Saturday, May 11, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Vogel talks with Los Angeles Lakers Trail Blazers and after the 2018 season. By Broderick Turner Los Angeles Times He has worked for the Lakers before as an advance scout from 2005-06. Vogel had been a can- he Los Angeles Lakers didate to be the associate head are moving fast to try to coach on Lue’s staff . fi ll their head-coaching The New Jersey native, who vacancy, interviewing transferred to Kentucky after Sixers survive to Tformer Orlando Magic and Indi- starting for two seasons at Di- ana Pacers coach Frank Vogel on vision III Juanita College, has a Thursday, according to people record of 304-291 in seven-plus not authorised to speak publicly seasons as an NBA coach. on the matter. Vogel’s coaching career began In an event-fi lled Wednes- in 2001 when he joined the Bos- day during which negotiations ton Celtics’ staff as an assistant between the Lakers and former under coach Jim O’Brien. force game sevens Cleveland Cavaliers coach Ty- After three seasons with the ronn Lue reached an impasse, Celtics, Vogel followed O’Brien ‘I play to win. Right now, this is what I have to do in order to give us a great chance at winning’ the Lakers quickly targeted Vo- to the Philadelphia 76ers for one gel as a candidate, and he had a season and then to the Pacers in meeting at the team’s practice 2007. facility in El Segundo. The Lakers’ coaching posi- After missing the playoff s for tion has been open since April the last six consecutive seasons, 12, when the Lakers and Luke the Lakers are hoping to land Walton mutually agreed to part a coach – their fi fth in the last ways. Walton was hired as coach eight seasons – who can take the of the Sacramento Kings a few franchise back to the postseason. days later. Vogel, 45, had his best mo- Other candidates include ments as coach of the Pacers for former Atlanta Hawks and New fi ve-plus seasons, leading them York Knicks coach Mike Wood- to the playoff s fi ve out of the six son and former Memphis Griz- seasons he was there, including zlies and Brooklyn Nets coach a postseason berth when he took Lionel Hollins. over as the interim coach in 2011. The team also will continue If past interviews with can- to consider Miami Heat assist- didates are an indicator, Vogel ant Juwan Howard and former probably met with Lakers owner Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Jeanie Buss, general manager Bucks coach Jason Kidd, both of Rob Pelinka, co-owners Joey whom were interviewed in April. Buss (who runs the Lakers’ G Lue and former New Orleans League South Bay Lakers team) Pelicans coach Monty Williams and Jesse Buss (the Lakers’ as- were the front-runners for the sistant general manager and di- job. After two rounds of inter- rector of scouting), chief operat- views in late April, neither was ing offi cer Tim Harris, director off ered a contract. Williams of special projects Linda Rambis agreed to become coach of the and senior adviser Kurt Rambis. Phoenix Suns on May 3. Vogel’s teams are known for The Lakers opened nego- their strong play on defense, tiations with Lue on Friday. The having ranked in the top fi ve Lakers and the former Cavaliers in the league during his tenure coach, who went to three con- with the Pacers. Under Vogel’s secutive NBA Finals with James guidance, Indiana advanced to and brought Cleveland its fi rst the Eastern Conference fi nals pro sports championship in 50 in 2013 and 2014 before losing years in 2016, reached an im- to the LeBron James-led Miami passe Wednesday over the con- Heat. Vogel spent two seasons tract off er, which was three years with the Magic before being fi red and $18 million.

Jimmy Butler (left) of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Danny Green of the Toronto Raptors in the first quarter of game six in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (AFP)

AFP “I play to win,” Butler said. test will be Sunday in Toronto their series with Denver with a showdown on Sunday. “It is un- Los Angeles “Right now, this is what I have with the victor advancing to 119-108 win. fortunate but we have been here to do in order to give us a great face the top-seeded Milwaukee before,” said Nuggets coach chance at winning.” Bucks. Game one of the Eastern SECOND HALF SURGE Mike Malone. he Philadelphia 76ers Simmons rebounded to de- Conference fi nals is slated for Denver went in front by as much “Now we go home and we and Portland Trail liver 21 points after struggling Wednesday in Milwaukee. as 10 points in the fi rst half be- have best home court advantage Blazers both forced mightily in game fi ve with just Tobias Harris contributed 16 fore getting blasted by the Trail in the NBA and we are going to game sevens in their seven points and fi ve turnovers. points, and JJ Redick and Mike Blazers in the second half. try to take advantage of that and TNBA second round playoff se- His game six total was more Scott had 11 each for the third- CJ McCollum added 30 close it out.” ries on Thursday with a pair of than his combined points total seeded Sixers, who haven’t ad- points, and Rodney Hood came The winner of tomorrow’s bounce-back wins to stave off of games fi ve and four. vanced to the Eastern Confer- off the bench to score a career game will face the winner of elimination. “It was amazing focus. Eve- ence fi nals since 2001, when playoff high 25 for Portland, the series between the Golden Jimmy Butler scored 25 points rybody was locked in,” Sim- they ousted the Bucks in seven who haven’t advanced to the State Warriors and the Houston while Ben Simmons and Joel mons said. “We knew what was games. NBA fi nal four in 19 years. Rockets. The defending NBA Embiid also had spirited per- at stake.” Kawhi Leonard led the sec- Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets champion Warriors have a 3-2 formances as the 76ers survived Franchise cornerstone Embi- ond-seeded Raptors with 29 with 29 points and 12 rebounds, advantage in the series after a to fi ght another day with a 112- id, who was listed as a probable points and 12 rebounds. Pascal while Jamal Murray added 24 104-99 victory on Wednesday. 101 win over the Toronto Rap- starter due to a sore knee, also Siakam added 21 points, and points and 10 rebounds. Lillard Game six is Friday in Houston. tors in game six. got back on track after making Kyle Lowry had 13. put the Blazers ahead to stay Butler also had six rebounds eight turnovers in game fi ve. Leonard has scored at least 20 with a three-pointer with 4:18 RESULTS and Embiid fi nished with 17 “I knew I had to come in with points in eight straight playoff remaining in the third period. Eastern Conference points and 12 rebounds for the high spirits,” Embiid said. contests. Portland’s Hood hit two Philadelphia 112 Toronto 101 Sixers, who kept their season “If I’ve got to play 45 min- Elsewhere, Damian Lillard key baskets when the Nuggets (Series tied 3-3) alive by squaring the best-of- utes and push myself out there, scored 17 of his 32 points in threatened early in the fourth, Western Conference Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel on the sidelines against the seven Eastern Conference sec- that’s what I’ll do.” the third quarter, and the Trail helping the Trail Blazers send Portland 119 Denver 108 Milwaukee Bucks at the Amway Center in Orlando on March 14, 2018. ond round series at 3-3. The winner-take-all con- Blazers forced game seven in the series back to Denver for a (Series tied 3-3). (Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

NHL Boston power play strikes as Bruins seize game one AFP “We earned home ice by playing Dougie Hamilton roughed Joakim Washington well all year,” said forward Chris Nordstrom ahead of Bergeron’s go- Wagner, who had a goal. “We didn’t ahead tally. want to come out with our C or D The Hurricanes pulled Mrazek atrice Bergeron and Mar- game in game one.” with the score 3-2 and 2:38 remain- cus Johansson scored 28 The Bruins came back from a 2-1 ing, but Charlie Boyle and Wagner seconds apart on the pow- series defi cit against the Columbus put the game away for Boston with erplay as the Boston Bruins Blue Jackets on their way to ad- empty-netters 11 seconds apart. defeatedP the visiting Carolina Hur- vancing to a third conference fi nal Hurricanes coach Rod ricanes in the opening game of their this decade. In the deciding game Brind’Amour refused after the game Eastern Conference NHL fi nal on six, Rask carried the team with a to play the referee card and blame Thursday. 39-save shutout while Pastrnak led poor offi ciating for their loss. Goaltender Tuukka Rask stopped the resurgence in game fi ve with “There were penalties both ways 29 shots for the Bruins who two goals. that were called and not called. stretched their winning streak to Sebastian Aho and Greg McKegg There is no point in blaming the of- four straight games and snapped scored for Carolina on Thursday, fi ciating,” Brind’Amour said. “We Carolina’s at six. and Petr Mrazek stopped 23 shots in took penalties and we need to kill The Bruins are assured of home his return from a two-game absence them. ice advantage throughout the play- following a lower-body injury. “Whether they are good or bad, off s so game two of the best-of- The Hurricanes took a 2-1 lead whether we thought there were seven series is Sunday in Boston. into the third period before they fell some that should or shouldn’t have Boston lost three of their fi rst apart and took a string of penalties. been called, that’s going to happen fi ve games to open their fi rst-round “They compete and they are every night.” series against Toronto, but key per- physical all over (the) ice but maybe The Bruins were without de- formers like Rask and Czech for- to a fault, so we got to take advan- fenseman Charlie McAvoy, who was ward David Pastrnak appeared to tage of the powerplays,” said Wag- suspended one game as the result of have hit their stride as the Bruins’ ner. an illegal check to the head of Co- run goes deeper into the postsea- Jordan Staal boarded Wagner lumbus forward Josh Anderson in Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes son. to lead to Johansson’s score, and Monday’s game six. in game one of the Eastern Conference final of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup playoff s at TD Garden in Boston. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 11, 2019 SPORT

MLB FOCUS Seahawks terminate contracts of Pujols gets RBI No. Chancellor, Baldwin

By Bob Condotta hernia injuries in 2018 and has The Seattle Times had surgeries on each in the off season. The team had made it clear he Seahawks an- Baldwin was considering re- 2,000 as Angels nounced on Thurs- tiring, with coach Pete Carroll day that the team has saying last Friday that “I was terminated the con- with him today in the training tractsT of two of the most iconic room. He’s working out and players of the Pete Carroll era working hard, trying to get - safety Kam Chancellor and himself right. It’s a big chal- receiver Doug Baldwin. lenge and you know, he’s got a The contracts were each ter- lot to overcome.” rout Detroit Tigers minated with the designation Baldwin had no more guar- that they had failed a physical. anteed money in his contract ‘There are some 20,000 players who have played this game and to be the [fourth] one “The Seahawks have made but by being cut will not have the diffi cult decision to ter- to pay back any of the $7 mil- on that list … that’s amazing. I thank God for the ability and the talent. I thank my family minate/failed physical Doug lion in bonus money received Baldwin and Kam Chancellor,” in a four-year deal he signed in and my wife and kids, my coaching staff , the players. You don’t accomplish it by yourself’ Seahawks general manager 2016. He will end up not play- John Schneider said in a state- ing the fi nal two seasons of Reuters ment released by the team on that contract, years in which New York Thursday. he would have made $9.25 and “These are two of the most $10.25 million. iconic players in franchise his- Chancellor had injury guar- lbert Pujols notched the 2,000th tory and both were instrumen- antees paying him $5.2 million RBI of his career with a solo tal in establishing our champi- for 2019. But the Seahawks are homer, Tommy La Stella homer- onship culture, great examples now not on the hook for any ed twice and drove in four runs of competitiveness and lead- more money with Chancel- andA the visiting Los Angeles Angels coast- ership on the fi eld and in the lor, whose contract also went ed to a 13-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers community. These legendary through the 2020 season. on Thursday. players will always be a part of The two moves come as Pujols achieved his milestone with a our Seahawks family.” Seattle continues to reconfi g- two-out blast in the third inning. Hank The move was no surprise ure its roster, and will open up Aaron (2,297) and Alex Rodriguez (2,086) with Chancellor as he did not some additional cap space to are offi cially the only other players in play last season and had es- make more moves going for- the modern era with more runs batted sentially announced his re- ward. The moves also mean in. Some sources also credit Babe Ruth tirement via social media last there are just three players left (2,214) and Cap Anson (2,075) with cross- July 1, later revealing that he is on the roster from the team ing the 2,000-RBI mark, but a portion suff ering from spinal stenosis, that won the Super Bowl fol- of those totals came before the stat was an injury suff ered in a game at lowing the 2013 season - quar- made offi cial in 1920. Arizona on Nov 9, 2017. terback Russell Wilson and “There are some 20,000 players who Baldwin, meanwhile, dealt linebackers Bobby Wagner and have played this game and to be the with knee, shoulder and sports K J Wright. [fourth] one on that list … that’s amaz- ing,” Pujols said. “I thank God for the ability and the tal- ent. I thank my family and my wife and kids, my coaching staff , the players. You don’t accomplish it by yourself. You have to have guys on base and get the opportu- nity to drive them in. Look at that number. That’s a big number.” Shohei Ohtani collected his fi rst two hits this season. Ohtani returned to the lineup in the series opener on Tuesday after recovering well enough from Tommy John surgery to swing a bat without re- strictions. He went hitless in the fi rst two games of the series. Felix Pena (2-1), who entered the game in the second inning, tossed seven innings of scoreless relief to get the victory. He allowed only three hits, walked none and struck out seven. Justin Bour and Kole Calhoun also homered. Zack Cozart drove Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin. in two runs, and Calhoun scored three runs. Tigers left-hander Ryan Carpenter (0- 1), who was recalled from Triple-A To- Bills backup QB Anderson retires ledo, gave up six runs on eight hits in fi ve innings. The Angels scored two runs in Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols (right) is congratulated by third base coach Mike Gallego after hitting a home run for Backup quarterback Derek 78 career games, completing the fi rst inning. After the fi rst two batters his 2000th RBI in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Anderson, who signed with 909 of 1,674 passes for 10,878 reached, Ohtani singled home the fi rst the Buff alo Bills last October, yards with 60 touchdowns run. The second came in on Andrelton It was tied 8-8 midway through the two-run double to left-centre fi eld, and has decided to retire from the and 64 interceptions. Simmons’ double-play grounder. RESULTS sixth when the Rockies struck for three Desmond went deep for his fourth homer NFL, the team announced on He led the Browns to a 10-5 Los Angeles made it 5-0 in the second. runs against the San Francisco bullpen. of the season to make it 7-0. The Giants Thursday. record in 2007 – making the Angels 13-0 Tigers Cozart hit a sacrifi ce fl y before La Stella Raimel Tapia doubled off of Tyler Beede clawed their way back to make it a game. “Derek let me know a few Pro Bowl for the only time drilled a two-run shot to right fi eld. Rockies 12-11 Giants (0-1), and Mark Melancon walked Des- Austin hit a two-run homer, his fi rst of weeks back that he wasn’t in his career – then after Pujols’ long ball upped the lead to 6-0, Cardinals 17-4 Pirates mond. the season, with one out in the third. The sure if he could be committed two more seasons with the and Calhoun hit a solo homer in the sixth. Yankees 3-1 Mariners Iannetta followed with a two-run dou- Giants scored three more in the fourth in- (for the season) and wanted to Browns, played for the Arizona La Stella led off the seventh with his sec- ble, and pinch hitter Daniel Murphy drove ning on two Colorado errors among a dou- still think about it,” Bills gen- Cardinals (2010) and Carolina ond homer of the game. David Fletcher Cubs 4-1 Marlins him in with a ground-ball single that went ble and a single, making it 7-5. Arenado eral manager Brandon Beane Panthers (2011-17) before join- then tripled, and Mike Trout brought him D’backs 3-2 Braves off fi rst baseman Austin’s glove. drove in another run with a two-out sin- said in a statement. “So I knew ing the Bills. in with a sacrifi ce fl y. Nationals 6-0 Dodgers The Giants got a run in the eighth on a gle to centre in the fi fth inning off Beede. going into the draft that this Last season, he played in double by Stephen Vogt, but Trevor Story Austin wiped out the lead with a two-out, was something that could po- only two games with Buff alo ROCKIES HANG ON TO TOP Indians 5-0 White Sox got the run back with an RBI single in the three-run homer off reliever Bryan Shaw tentially happen. But it wasn’t (both starts) and completed GIANTS 12-11 IN SNOW Astros 4-2 Rangers bottom half. In the ninth, Brandon Craw- in the sixth inning. definite. We talked this week 42 of 70 passes for 465 yards Nolan Arenado, Mark Reynolds and Ian Reds 3-0 A’s ford had an RBI double, and Joe Panik Shaw (2-0) got the win despite walking and he let me know today that with no touchdowns and four Desmond homered, Chris Iannetta had drove him in with a single. Vogt struck out two and giving up the home run. he is going to retire.” interceptions. a tiebreaking double in the sixth inning, his sixth save after giving up two runs in to end it. Colorado starter Kyle Freeland went fi ve Anderson, 36, a sixth-round Among the remaining Bills and the Colorado Rockies held on to beat the ninth. Tyler Austin went deep twice Arenado hit a two-run homer, his 10th, innings, allowing fi ve runs (three earned) pick of the Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks are starter the San Francisco Giants 12-11 in snowy and drove in six runs for the Giants. in the fi rst, and Reynolds made it 3-0 on on four hits and four walks. Giants starter in 2005 who began his NFL Josh Allen and backups Matt Denver on Thursday afternoon. The game was played in cold, raw the next pitch with his fourth home run of Derek Holland was charged with seven career with the Cleveland Barkley and Tyree Jackson, an Arenado had three hits and reached weather with the temperature 39 degrees the season. runs on seven hits and four walks in 2 2/3 Browns in 2006, appeared in undrafted free agent. base fi ve times, and Wade Davis picked up at game time. Snow fell in the fi rst inning. In the second inning, Reynolds had a innings.

NFL Dolphins sign Howard to biggest deal for cornerback By Omar Kelly did receive a total guarantee of tions. The Dolphins are hopeful in 2015-18, to a one-year, worth Sun Sentinel $50 million when injury was fac- that the 25-year-old will contin- $3 million on Thursday, and it’s tored in. ue to improve, which could turn possible that the Dolphins could How much of Howard’s $46 him into the best cornerback the pass a few more veterans to the he Miami Dolphins have million in guaranteed money is franchise has had since Brent roster before training camp be- signed cornerback Xavi- fully guaranteed wasn’t clari- Grimes. gins late July. en Howard to a fi ve-year fi ed, but he’ll average more than The cornerback market was With Howard locked up cor- extension that will make $15 million a season for the fi rst slow during 2019 free agency, nerback seems to be less of a Thim the NFL’s highest paid cor- three seasons of the deal. but Washington gave strong need because Miami has Bobby nerback. Howard, who has 11 intercep- safety Landon Collins a six-year McCain, who has primarily According to a league source, tions and 25 pass breakups in contract worth $84 million, with served as the Dolphins nickel Howard, who had been pushing 28 games the past two seasons, $44.5 million in guarantees and cornerback the past four years, for an extension all off season, made his fi rst Pro Bowl last sea- $26 million guaranteed at sign- Eric Rowe, a free agent addition, received a fi ve-year extension son despite missing the season’s ing. That deal helped set the Cordrea Tankersley, who is re- that will pay him $76.5 million. fi nal four games because of a framework for what Howard re- covering from a torn ACL he suf- The deal features $46 million in knee injury. ceived from Miami to avoid get- fered last November, and Torry guaranteed money, and makes The Dolphins view Howard, a ting hit with the franchise tag McTyer competing for playing him the team’s highest paid former Baylor standout the team next off season. time. Miami could also use Min- player. selected in the second round of Getting a deal done with kah Fitzpatrick, the team’s 2018 Howard’s deal exceeds the the 2016 NFL draft, as a corner- Howard was viewed as the fran- fi rst-round pick, at cornerback $75 million contract Josh Nor- stone piece they intend to build chise’s top priority this off - much like they did last season. man got from Washington back the new hybrid defense around. season, and now that it’s done The Dolphins plan to run a in 2016. That deal only featured Last season Howard was used to Miami can turn its attention to hybrid scheme that utilizes both $36.5 million in fully guaranteed shadow every opponent’s best continuing to strength the 2019 a 3-4 and 4-3 front, and want money, but that was the highest receiver. Despite doing so he roster. a roster full of interchange- amount of fully guaranteed sal- contributed 35 tackles, 12 pass The Dolphins signed off ensive able players who can fi ll many ary an NFL team paid a corner- defl ections, and was tied for the tackle Jordan Mills, who started roles. Howard certainly fi ts that Miami Dolphins’ Xavien Howard (left) intercepts a pass against the Buff alo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium in back before Howard. Norman league lead with seven intercep- every game for the Buff alo Bills mould. Miami Gardens on December 2, 2018. (Miami Herald/TNS) Gulf Times Saturday, May 11, 2019 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Koepka takes fi rst Tiger takes aim at round lead in Texas in PGA tune-up

AFP second hole. With wet condi- Los Angeles tions making for low scoring on a soft course, Koepka was one of nine players tied for fourth on six 16th major, PGA win rooks Koepka warmed under, a group which included up for his defence of Sweden’s Jonas Blixt, South Ko- next week’s PGA Cham- rea’s Kang Sung-ho and Austral- pionship with an open- ia’s Matt Jones. ingB round six-under-par 65 at Denny McCarthy of the Unit- the AT&T Byron Nelson in Dal- ed States posted the day’s low- las, Texas, on Thursday. Koep- est score, taking a one-shot lead ka, who will be looking to add with an eight-under-par 63. mark at Bethpage a fourth major to his resume at McCarthy started slowly, and Bethpage Black in New York next drifted out to two over for the week, carded eight birdies and day after a double-bogey six on two bogeys to fi nish the day two the par-four fourth. Woods will arrive at the Long Island three major wins shy of the record 18 set by off the early pace. But the 26-year-old from The 29-year-old’s round Maryland surged up the lead- Nicklaus and one win shy of the US PGA overall win mark of 82 set by Snead. might have been better had it not erboard with fi ve straight bird- been for two bogeys on the back ies from the sixth hole onwards. AFP nine which were the only blem- Further birdies followed on the Bethpage, United States ishes on an otherwise impressive 12th, 13th and 14th before back- day’s work at Trinity Forest Golf to-back birdies on 16 and 17 took Club. “The last few weeks I’ve him to eight under. iger Woods chases more golf his- been even impressed with my- McCarthy attributed his re- tory in next week’s 101st PGA self and how well I’m striking it,” markable run of 10 birdies over Championship at Bethpage Koepka said. the fi nal 13 holes to a relaxed ap- Black, the same public course “Controlling it nice and then proach after a nervous start. “I Twhere the 15-time major winner cap- from there just try to feel like you came out with a mindset that I tured the 2002 US Open. The 43-year- see some putts go in the hole. I wanted to be aggressive, and I old American superstar completed one think it’s important to kind of wasn’t,” McCarthy said. “After of the great comebacks in sports history feel like the hole is opening up that I just told myself that I was last month with a dramatic victory at the with a major. Obviously the goal going to play carefree today, have Masters for his fi fth green jacket and fi rst is to win (here) but if you don’t, fun with it and let it go, and I did major triumph since the 2008 US Open. you want to leave feeling good for it. I’m pretty proud of myself for “One of the biggest wins I’ve ever had for next week.” just being able to let my mind go sure,” Woods said. “It’s something I will Koepka, who teed off on the after a double-bogey like that.” never, ever forget.” 10th hole, made a 41-foot birdie Tyler Duncan and Tom Hoge An 11-year major drought saw him en- putt on the 18th before draining were tied for second after post- dure an infamous sex scandal as well as a 19-foot eff ort at the par-three ing seven-under-par 64s. years of knee and back injuries that left him uncertain of a normal life until a 2017 spinal fusion operation enabled him to return to golf at an elite level. “You could compare it to maybe the biggest, if not one of the biggest, mo- ments in the history of golf,” said 20th- ranked Webb Simpson. “From where he was, not knowing if he would ever play again. To come from feeling that way to winning the Masters is pretty amazing.” Sixth-ranked Woods will arrive at the Long Island layout three major wins shy of the career record 18 set by Jack Nick- laus and one win shy of the US PGA over- all win mark of 82 set by Sam Snead. “For me to be competing against him when he’s coming back is a lot of fun,” top- ranked Masters co-runner-up Dustin Johnson said. “He’s still a great player. I Tiger Woods completed one of the great comebacks in sports history last month with a dramatic victory at the Masters for his fifth grew up watching him and kind of idol- green jacket and first major triumph since the 2008 US Open. (AFP) izing him so to get to play against him, it has been great.” said. “So that in itself gives me a lot of would also be the 10th-oldest major was the only player under par in 2002 and Woods, who had never before won a confi dence going down the road.” champion by winning at Bethpage, two 2009 winner Lucas Glover was among major when trailing after 54 holes, has In addition to matching Snead’s all- days beyond Ted Ray at the 1920 US Open only fi ve players under par in a rain- electrifi ed the sports world much as time tour win mark, Woods would equal at 43 years, four months and 16 days. soaked week. Woods will have plenty of he did by winning his fi rst major at the the record fi ve PGA Championship titles “Everyone works on their bodies, be- top rivals, including Players Champion- 1997 Masters, accepting the Presidential by Nicklaus and Walter Hagen with a win. sides their game. Things have come a long ship winner Rory McIlroy, the 2012 and Medal of Freedom this week at the White He would also be halfway to a calendar way,” Woods said. “You’re just seeing 2014 PGA winner from Northern Ireland House. year Grand Slam, the PGA having shifted guys that are taking care of their bodies a who was in the Masters hunt. Woods nearly pulled off his rstfi come- to May for the fi rst time since 1949 in a lot better and able to play longer.” Koepka, another Masters co-runner- back major win last year. He was a con- revamped world golf calendar. Formidable Bethpage will off er tricky up, could make some history of his own. tender at the British Open and battled Woods won the fi rst two majors of 2002 rough and lightning-quick greens, living If he wins at Bethpage, he’ll be the fi rst down the back nine in the 100th PGA at at the Masters and US Open at Bethpage, up to the sign at its fi rst tee — “The Black golfer to own concurrent back-to-back Bellerive before being bested by Brooks defeating Phil Mickelson by three shots. course is an extremely diffi cult course major titles. American Jordan Spieth, Koepka, the two-time US Open cham- The feat hadn’t been done since Nicklaus which we recommend only for highly who is struggling this season, can com- pion who hopes to defend his PGA crown managed it 30 years earlier. skilled golfers.” plete a career Grand Slam by winning the at Bethpage. “My last three major cham- Only fi ve men have ever done it and Woods, whose $20mn luxury yacht PGA title. He hasn’t won since the 2017 Brooks Koepka of USA plays a shot on the ninth hole during the first pionships have been pretty good,” Woods only Ben Hogan has done it twice. Woods Privacy is docked at nearby Oyster Bay, British Open. round of the Byron Nelson Open in Dallas, Texas. (AFP)

BOXING CYCLING Wilder says Fury Yates, Dumoulin back to fi nish job at Giro d’Italia AFP in the event for the eighth time, two years ducking rematch Bologna after he last competed and fi nished third. “I miss winning,” said Nibali. “My last AFP saved Wilder from defeat as he victory was too long ago (the 2018 Milan- Los Angeles escaped with a draw. imon Yates and Tom Dumou- San Remo). Raising the arms up in the air But Wilder said Fury would lin both have a point to prove as is the nicest thing for an athlete. Being have taken him on again immedi- they return to this year’s Giro superstitious, I don’t want to say more eontay Wilder believes ately if he believed he could win d’Italia which starts in Bologna than that I’m here for a nice result.” British heavyweight the rematch. todayS after coming so close last year. Riders will have to wait until the 13th Tyson Fury is avoiding “I whooped Fury, I was the Mitchelton-Scott rider Yates dominated stage to hit the mountains with the most a rematch with him af- aggressor,” Wilder said. “The the 2018 edition, which started in Israel, fearsome climbs grouped into four days terD being concussed in their fi rst highlight of the fi rst fi ght was before collapsing two days before the fi n- with the summits of Gavia and Mortirolo bruising encounter in Los Ange- me knocking Fury down. Tyson ish as compatriot Chris Froome became ascended on May 28. The climbers will les last year. Speaking to journal- don’t want me; he knows I gave the fi rst British winner of the three-week again have a chance to upset the hierarchy ists on a conference call Thursday him a concussion. I understand race. at the exit of the Dolomites, on the eve of ahead of his May 18 title defense why he made the decision he did. Sunweb’s Dumoulin — the 2017 winner the fi nish on June 2 in Verona’s Roman against Dominic Breazeale in I hurt Tyson Fury very badly. I — fi nished runner-up just 46 seconds be- amphitheatre. New York, Wilder insisted he gave him a concussion. This man hind Froome, who will not be defending “The Giro looks hard on paper but I like would have been happy to fi ght had memory loss. And that’s not his title as he focuses on winning a fi fth the route,” said Roglic, who warmed up Fury again after last December’s healthy. So if he needs a warm- Tour de France this summer. Two-time with a win at the Tour de Romandie. The draw at the Staples Center. up or a tune-up to get some of former winner Vincenzo Nibali and Slov- Slovenian, fourth of the Tour de France Hopes of a rematch eff ectively his marbles back, go do it. Take enian Primoz Roglic are also among the 2018, has the profi le of troublemaker. ended when Fury signed a multi- as many warm-ups as you need. challengers in the 102nd edition which “I can do well on all terrains,” said the fi ght deal with US broadcaster “He says he’s got three more stays in Italy, apart from one stage into 29-year-old Team Jumbo rider. ESPN, complicating negotiations fi ghts. And those fi ghts will lead San Marino, a micro state within Italian “I feel more tension than before my for a possible return against un- up to me. And this time I’m going territory. fi rst Giro three years ago, but it’s normal beaten World Boxing Council to fi nish it. So go get healthy. Be- “I’m going back to try to fi nish it,” and we also need to enjoy, have fun, and champion Wilder. Fury’s fi rst cause I want the best Tyson Fury warned Yates, who went on to win his like it, otherwise a three-week race is too fi ght since his battle with Wilder when the time comes.” fi rst major race at the Tour of Spain last long and too hard for everyone.” will instead be against lightly While Wilder’s epic battle year. “Only a few guys in the fi eld have Italy’s Davide Formolo is also carrying regarded German heavyweight with Fury had reignited inter- won a grand tour and I’m one, so it’s nor- home hopes after his second in the Liege- Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas on est in the heavyweight division, mal to go in as a favourite.” Bastogne-Liege, with podium contenders June 15. Wilder said while a re- fans have grown frustrated by Yates had built a lead of almost a also including Colombian Miguel Angel match with Fury would happen the failure of the three top pro- minute with four days to go. Then the Lopez, Spaniard Miguel Landa and Ecua- eventually, he believes the self- tagonists — Wilder, Fury and An- race returned to the mountains for three dorian Richard Carapaz. styled “Gypsy King” is ducking thony Joshua — to fi ght this year. stages. He faltered on the fi rst, crumbled Britain's Simon Yates of Team Mitchelton-Scott at the team presentation ceremony for There are also young hopefuls with him. “Fury knows his real reason Wilder, however, called for on the second and faded on the third to the 2019 Giro d’Italia, the cycling Tour of Italy, in Bologna yesterday. (AFP) Britain’s Tao Geoghegan Hart and Rus- for not fi ghting me,” Wilder said. fans to be patient. “The excite- fi nish 21st, more than an hour-and-a sian Pavel Sivakov of Team Ineos, for- “That’s why he signed the con- ment is back in the heavyweight quarter behind Froome. “I felt I was close Michelton have rung the changes to man Dumoulin has made the Giro his pri- merly Team Sky, who said competing tract with ESPN. He didn’t want division,” he said. “The fi re is last year but ran out of gas,” he said. back up 26-year-old Yates in a race with ority, insisting: “Hopefully there is a big “without any pressure” could create that fi ght.” lit. I ask people to be patient. It Yates arrives in Bologna having won a seven summit fi nishes. Colombian Es- win waiting for me this year. I’ll see then some surprises. Fury was leading on the score- will all work together and get the stage at the Ruta del Sol and the fi rst time- teban Chaves, Dane Christopher Juul- for the Tour de France.” The fi rst challenge of this year’s adven- cards before being knocked to main fi ght you want to see. Eve- trial of his career at Paris-Nice in March. Jensen and Spaniard Mikel Nieve, are the Nibali, now riding for the Bahrein team, ture for the 176 riders from 22 teams will the canvas by Wilder in the 12th ryone’s still in the discussion. There are three time-trials, a strength only survivors from last year’s team. will have his younger brother Antonio, be the 8.2km time-trial up to the Sanctu- round of their Los Angeles bout. The fans of boxing, I say, I the big of the two previous winners Froome and Dumoulin, 28, and Nibali, 34, are the 26, alongside him for the fi rst time. The ary of the Madonna di San Luca, over- That knockdown eff ectively fi ghts will happen.” Dumoulin, but two of those fi nish uphill. only former winners in the fi eld. Dutch- 2013 and 2016 winner will be competing looking Bologna in northeast Italy.

Saturday, May 11, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

MADRID OPEN FOCUS Latvian long jumper caught Thiem ends Federer’s doping at London 2012

AFP Paris

atvia’s Ineta Radevica has become the fourth com- clay court return petitor in the 2012 Lon- don Olympics women’s Llong-jump fi nal to be disquali- Halep closes in on a return to No. 1 after beating Bencic to advance to the women’s final fi ed for doping after the Interna- tional Olympic Committee said AFP yesterday that steroids had been Madrid found in a retest of her sample from the Games. The sample revealed traces of ominic Thiem saved two oxandrolone, a steroid. Rade- match points and ended the vica was European champion in fi rst chapter of Roger Feder- 2010 and fi nished second in the er’s return to clay court ten- World Championships in Daegu nisD with a come-from-behind 3-6, 7-6 in 2011. In London, she fi nished (13/11), 6-4 win and reach the Madrid fourth, one centimetre behind Open semi-fi nals yesterday. bronze medallist Janay DeLoach The 37-year-old Swiss had returned of the United States. The event this week to the surface for the fi rst time was won by American Brit- in three years — his last clay court match tney Reese with Russian Yelena was a loss to Thiem in Rome in 2016. Sokolova second. Thiem, the 2018 Roland Garros runner- The London fi nal started with up and winner of the Barcelona title last only 11 competitors after Turk- month, prevailed in two hours 10 min- ish jumper Karin Mey Melis, utes having saved two match points in a who was third in qualifi cation, 15-minute second set tie-break. tested positive for the steroid He will today face world number one testosterone. Retests of samples and top seed Novak Djokovic, who ad- from Russian Anna Nazarova, vanced on a walkover when opponent who was fi fth, and Belarusian Marin Cilic withdrew with a stomach Nastassia Myronchyk-Ivanova, virus. Federer said he was happy to have seventh, revealed another, ster- made his clay court comeback. “I feel oid turinabol. Both have been very good about my game. I thought I retrospectively disqualifi ed. had some good matches here,” the 20- Ukrainian Marharyta Tver- time Grand Slam champion said.”I feel dohlib, who did not reach the good on the clay right now.” fi nal, has also been disqualifi ed. Federer now has the option to take She fi nished 26th in the qualifi - up a wild card being held for him next cations despite the presence of week in Rome. Otherwise, his next clay turinabol and another steroid, event will be the French Open where he stanozolol, in her retested sam- last played in 2015. “The match was so ple. Since the IOC announced a close,” said Austrian fi fth seed Thiem retesting program in November who had also defeated Federer in the In- using “the most recent scientifi c dian Wells fi nal in March. methods” more than 50 addi- “I was really lucky to save the match tional athletes have tested posi- points. Roger was playing unbelievable tives and more than 20 medals on the clay. I’m very, very happy to win. have been withdrawn. During He is so special, maybe the best ever the Games, 10 competitors were in tennis, he has something diff erent. disqualifi ed for failed dope tests. Every time you play him, every point is Meanwhile, World and Olym- a big challenge. I tried to play the tie- Austria’s Dominic Thiem celebrates after winning his quarter-final match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Madrid Open yesterday. (Reuters) pic 20km walk silver medallist breaker point by point. I had served well Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez of in the second set, I just wanted to keep Meanwhile, Simona Halep closed French Open champion, who lifted The third seed comfortably claimed blitz Bencic in the third as she raced to Mexico has been banned for four that up.” in on a return to the top of the world the trophy in Madrid in 2016 and 2017, the opening set but let her game lapse a victory that increases her chances of years for doping, the Athletics In the fi nal set, Thiem earned a break rankings after beating Belinda Bencic came through in just under two hours. slightly in the second. returning to the top of the pile. Integrity Unit said. for 2-1 as Federer netted a backhand but 6-2, 6-7 (2/7), 6-0 to advance to the Halep awaits either Dutch seventh seed Bencic, who opened the door for Ha- “I was rushing too much in the sec- Gonzalez, 30, tested positive the Swiss rallied to break back, 4-4 The women’s fi nal. Halep, currently number Kiki Bertens, a fi nalist in Madrid last lep to possibly return to the top of the ond-set tiebreaker,” Halep said. “I was for the anabolic steroid trenbo- momentum fi zzled though and a game three in the world, will reclaim the year, or 2017 US Open champion Sloane world rankings with her quarter-fi nal missing too many easy balls – I lost lone on October 17 last year and later Thiem broke again for 5-4 with a number one ranking should she win her Stephens. defeat of current number one Naomi control of that tiebreak. In the third I will be suspended until Novem- lob winner. The Austrian served out his third title at the Caja Magica. “It’s such a nice feeling to be back in Osaka, took a tight second set in a tie- just started over again, I played smarter, ber 2022, said the independent fourth victory in six matches against Bencic had defeated Halep in their the fi nal here. I really enjoy playing in breaker. opening up the court and being more body which polices drug abuse Federer a game later. last two matches, but the reigning Madrid, it motivates me,” Halep said. But Halep pulled herself together to aggressive." in athletics.

ASIAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL F1 Qatar’s Tijan, Younousse Bottas leads Mercedes one-two in practice Reuters tainly not as happy as we wanted to be so Barcelona still a lot of homework for us. I think engine- wise we’re happy,” he added. “Obviously it’s enter quarter-fi nals Friday so a bit diffi cult to know what we are ormula One championship leader doing compared to other people...feeling- By Sports Reporter Valtteri Bottas led both practice wise it’s a diff erent story.” Maoming, China sessions for the Spanish Grand Prix Bottas, who leads Hamilton by a single yesterday with Mercedes teammate point thanks to his fastest lap in Australia, LewisF Hamilton a close second and Ferrari had missed the last half hour of the fi rst ses- atar’s Ahmed Tijan still off the pace. The times dampened hopes sion due to an oil leak that shut down the car and Cherif Younousse of an immediate return to pre-season test- and had to be investigated. Hamilton was kept their title defence ing form for Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and unhappy with the performance of his car’s hopes alive as the duo Charles Leclerc, who have been eclipsed by tyres in the fi rst session when he was fourth stormedQ into the quarter-fi nals Mercedes in the fi rst four races. fastest and set his best lap on softs. “Tyre of the 2019 Asian Senior Beach The reigning champions have notched up prep terrible. Rear tyres are done,” the Briton Volleyball Championships in four successive one-two fi nishes, leaving said over the radio. He said later that there Maoming, China. Ferrari 74 points adrift in the constructors’ was work to do on the balance of the car. Yesterday, second seeds Tijan standings. “It’s always an interesting day Romain Grosjean, who has yet to score a and Younousse pulled off a one- when you’re bringing new parts to the car to point this year, was fi fth and sixth fastest re- sided 2-0 (21-12 21-12) win over get a feel for it and see if they bring the per- spectively for the Haas team with McLaren’s Kazakhstan’s Dimitriy Yakovlev formance they should,” said Bottas. Carlos Sainz, the only Spanish driver now and Sergey Bogatu to top Pool B. “The car felt really good today, complete- that Fernando Alonso has left, sixth in the The reigning champions ly diff erent to how it was in winter testing, morning. will now take on China’s Yan and it seems like our cornering performance Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, a winner in Tingyang and Li Jie in the last has improved. The balance around the lap is Spain in 2016, was only 12th fastest in the eight clash today. Tingyang and also better, so it looks like we’ve taken the fi rst session when his car had an oil leak, Jie beat Japan’s Jumpei Ikeda right direction since the winter” but moved up to fi fth in the afternoon. “I Katsuhiro Shiratori 2-0 (21-17 Bottas produced his quickest lap in the have a good feeling about the upgrades, 21-15) to win the Group G. day’s afternoon session, a time of one minute which work for sure, and the tyres seem to Tijan and Younousse, ranked 17.284 seconds after a 1:17.951 in the morn- be working quite well, too,” said the Dutch- No.8 in the World Tour ranking, ing. Five-times world champion Hamilton man. “The long runs were OK and we still had sealed two Asian major titles was second on the timesheets, 0.049 slower a step up in the fi rst race of the traditional need to fi nd a little bit of pace, but we have last year at the Asian Champion- than Bottas, while Leclerc was third and European part of the campaign. Vettel, third the whole night to fi nd it.” ships in Satun, Thailand and the three tenths adrift but still ahead of Vettel in the drivers’ standings, is already 35 points Canadian Lance Stroll provided the only Asian Games in Indonesia. who lapped in 1:17.673 on the same soft tyres. behind Bottas. incident of the fi rst practice, crashing his Hosts China had all four teams Ferrari, who dominated pre-season test- “I think overall we’ve been seeing what we Racing Point into the tyre wall at turn nine reach the quarters. Top seeds Gao ing at the Circuit de Catalunya, were using expected,” said the German, who was strug- and bringing out red fl ags to close the ses- Peng and Li Yang, who captured a new specifi cation engine and hoping for gling for grip in the slower corners. “Cer- sion. gold medal at the last month’s Asian Tour Samila Open in Song- khla, Thailand, topped Pool A as expected. The Chinese duo survived a sturdy challenge from Paul Bur- nett and Maximillian Guehrer to edge the tough Australian rivals 2-1 (21-17 18-21 15-13 in exhaust- ing 53 minutes. The Chinese Qatar’s Ahmed Tijan and Cherif Younousse celebrate after winning a claimed the day’s second win fol- point during the 2019 Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships lowing a comfortable 2-0 (21-12 in Maoming, China, yesterday. 21-15) triumph against Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Chen-Wei and Wu hard-fought 2-0 (22-20 24- Korea in hard-fought three-set Shin-Shian in just 27 minutes to 22) win against Japan’s Takumi thriller 2-1 (13-21 24-22 18-16). secure their quarter-fi nal berth. Takahashi and Yoshiumi Haseg- Also advancing were Chinese Gao Peng and Li Yang will take awa, overcame a serious threat Wu Jiaxin and Ha Likejiang, on Li Zhouxin and Zhou Chaowei from Kazakhstan’s Alexandr Dy- who are due to challenge Aus- in the all-Chinese quarter-fi nal achenko and Alexey Sidorenko sies Christopher McHugh and clash. Li and Zhou, who emerged to stun the gold medallists at the Zachery Schubert in the quarter- Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas drives during the second practice session yesterday at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo on as the Pool H winners after a 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, fi nals. the outskirts of Barcelona ahead of the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix. (AFP)