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Saturday, April 7, 2018 FOOTBALL Rajab 21, 1439 AH Guardiola claims GULF TIMES he was off ered Pogba by agent SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL/ QNB STARS LEAGUE ATHLETICS Duhail eager to Barshim and Schippers avoid upset on confi rm for Ostrava meet coronation day IAAF Paris

Al Duhail have 57 points from 21 matches, of which they have won 18 and orld champions Dafne Schippers and Mutaz drawn three. A win today will just be the icing on the cake for the champs Essa Barshim will be making their debut ap- the sixth place as they have 28 points, four more than Wpearances at the 57th Ostrava Gold- By Sports Reporter Doha seventh-placed Al Arabi. en Spike, an IAAF World Challenge The Peregrines will be without Mohamed al-Marri, meeting, on 13 June, organisers have who underwent a cruciate ligament surgery at Asp- announced. aving secured the QNB Stars League with etar following an injury he sustained during their A strong men’s high jump clash plenty to spare, Al Duhail will be formally 0-1 loss to Umm Salal in Week 18 of the QNB Stars has also been announced with crowned champions at a ceremony after League. Barshim, the 2017 world champion Htheir last match against Al Sailiya on the In the second match today, runners-up Al Sadd and World Athlete of the Year, tak- penultimate day of the tournament today. will take on Al Kharaitiyat hoping to add to their 46 ing on neutral athlete Danil Lysenko, follow-up this year pits a Czech The Djamel Belmadi-coached side, who have been points. who upset the Qatari in Birmingham squad against a World select team. in ominous form this season, swatting aside their ri- An upset defeat for Al Sadd coinciding with a Du- last month to capture the world in- The Czech quartet is already set vals with ease, including those in the Asian Cham- hail win will mean Jesualdo Ferreira’s side will fi nish door crown. with 2017 world silver and bronze pions League, have one matter of interest though: to a whopping 14 points adrift of the champions, which “I am very much looking forward medallists Jakub Vadlejch and Petr fi nish the QNB Stars League unbeaten. will be diffi cult to digest. to my fi rst visit in Ostrava,” Barshim Frydrych teaming with 2013 world Al Duhail have 57 points from 21 matches, of which “We will play Al Kharaitiyat with all the strength said. “It will be one of my few com- champion Vitezslav Vesely and Eu- they have won 18 and drawn three. A win over Al and seriousness to win the game. Our philosophy is petitions outside of the Diamond ropean fi nalist Jaroslav Jilek. Sailiya will just be the icing on the cake after a hectic to play all matches with a winning mentality and this League. Of course I will be going for Meanwhile, the fi rst two confi r- eight-month long tournament. game is no exception. We always seek the fi rst place, the meet record of 2.33m and some mations on the World select squad “We will play to win so that we end the league but were adversely aff ected by some reasons, includ- more!” are the two top German throwers, campaign with an unbeaten record. We deal with all ing injuries to many of our players, this season,” said Schippers also is heading there for world champion Johannes Vetter matches with all our strength and seriousness,” Bel- Ferreira. the fi rst time. and Olympic champion Thomas madi said at his pre-match press conference yester- “We have a tough time coming up with our quali- “It’s great to be in Ostrava this Rohler. day. fi cation for the AFC Champions League Round of 16, year,” said Schippers, who success- “I gladly will return to Ostrava,” “We will be determined to win and also motivated Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi speaks to the media the Qatar Cup and HH The Emir’s Cup. We will do our fully defended her world 200m title said Vetter, who has already thrown as we have been in the previous encounters, because yesterday ahead of his team’s match against Al Sailiya. best in all of them. in London last year. “It is my fi rst beyond 90 metres twice in 2018. this season is exceptional for us mainly because of the “Our focus, at the moment, is the Al Kharaitiyat time and I always hear such positive “I’m looking forward to meeting our good results we have achieved.” mate Youssef Msakni to overtake him as the top scor- game and we will be happy to fi nish the league cam- stories about this amazing meet. I Czech rivals, we are one big family. The champions should not have any problems see- er of the event. paign with victory,” said Portuguese Ferreira, adding want to experience this myself now The 94.64m meet record by meeting ing off Al Sailiya despite the fact that they could be El Arabi is leading the chart with 26 goals, while his contract with Al Sadd would end at the end of the and perform very well there!” director Jan Zelezny is a top result missing their goal machine Youssef El Arabi because Msakni has 25, the hotshot duo accounting for 51 of season. Schippers will compete in her and tough to achieve, but always one of a niggle. the 81 goals (62%) scored by the team in 21 matches. Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi said he would be specialty in the Czech city, which good throw could happen.” “We are competing for all titles this season. We Meanwhile, Al Duhail player Murad Naji added: using the game as preparation for HH The Emir Cup later in the summer will host the Tom Walsh, the world champion may miss top scorer Youssef El Arabi for this match. “We will not be complacent despite winning the matches later. “Al Duhail are already champions and IAAF Continental Cup. in the shot put, and Luvo Man- Overall, we are keen on continuing the good work league title with two rounds to spare. There is a they want to stay unbeaten in the tournament. For us, Last year the meeting featured a yonga, the world champion in the with the team and we have all support of the club strong desire among all players to win the last game we have our reputation at stake, so we will try to win Czech Republic vs Germany match long jump, had previously been an- management,” said Belmadi. in the league to coincide with the coronation.” this game. This is a test game for us ahead of HH The in the men’s javelin throw. The nounced. El Arabi’s absence could help captain and team- Irrespective of the result, Al Sailiya are assured of Emir’s Cup matches,” he said.

BOTTOMLINE Jose admits City superiority, targets second

AFP have and it is easy to go to the record books and FIXTURES Manchester see that with the number of points we have, we would normally be in the fi ght for the title. (1400 GMT unless stated) “But we are not because City have a very good Today: Everton v Liverpool (1130), ose Mourinho said he will not hide from number of points that makes it very, very dif- Bournemouth v Crystal Palace, Brighton v the obvious gulf between his side and fi cult for the team that is second to fi ght for the Huddersfield, Leicester v Newcastle, Stoke champions-elect Manchester City ahead title, which we are not in this moment.” v Spurs, Watford v Burnley, West Brom v Jof today’s eagerly anticipated derby meet- Mourinho did off er an interesting exchange Swansea, Manchester City v Manchester ing at the Etihad. when it was pointed out that he had beaten United (1630) Victory for Pep Guardiola’s side would seal City this season — in the competition to sign Tomorrow: Arsenal v Southampton (1315), the Spaniard’s fi rst Premier League title after a striker Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal — and he Chelsea v West Ham (1530) season of dominance over their rivals. was asked if that suggested United were more It would open up a 19-point gap between the attractive to players than City. playing in front of our fans, creating a good two Manchester clubs and leave City on course “Are we?” replied Mourinho. “That’s your game to put them (Liverpool) under pressure. to set a new record for the largest ever title- opinion. It’s your opinion.... I don’t know, I “They’re almost qualifi ed but we have 90 winning margin, currently held by United’s have no idea if they were interested (in Sanchez) minutes. The door is almost closed but a little 1999-2000 team, who won the league by 18 or not. I’ve no idea.” bit open and maybe there is some space for us points. Meanwhile, Guardiola indicated he is pre- to get in.” Mourinho was uncharacteristically taciturn pared to make signifi cant changes for the Man- Runaway Premier League leaders City are in ahead of the game, refusing to discuss a number chester derby to keep alive Manchester City’s the middle of a relentless schedule, with Tues- of topics, although he did confess that he will faint hopes of reaching the Champions League day’s Champions League home match followed not try and talk down City’s obvious superior- semi-fi nals. by a Premier League trip to fourth-placed Tot- ity in the league table. In normal circumstances, winning a derby to tenham four days later. “My motivation is to fi nish second,” he told secure the league title would be the undoubted Guardiola suggested that he would keep his reporters yesterday. “I still have the motivation focus, but Guardiola acknowledges that he has options open regarding team selection, but is of fi nishing top four, mathematically it is not to have one eye on the second leg of their Euro- expected to rotate his squad over the next week. done. It is a good distance but not done math- pean quarter-fi nal against Liverpool three days “We have three massive games — United, ematically. later. Liverpool and Tottenham,” he said. “We have “So that’s the fi rst objective but after that I City are on the brink of exiting the Cham- just a few days between each game. don’t hide. In practical terms and to continue many, many months, it is our objective to fi ght “I’m not a pundit, I’m not going to comment pions League after losing 3-0 in the fi rst leg at “We have to see the condition of the play- into next season especially, to fi nish second, for that and for that we need points.” on the game,” he said, also declining to com- Anfi eld on Wednesday. ers. We will have a training session and we’ll third or fourth is exactly the same — you don’t Mourinho was in a sour mood ahead of the ment on whether, or where, City deserve to be With the second leg coming up on Tuesday, speak with the docs and see what’s the best win the title but qualify for the Champions derby and refused even to discuss what he ranked among the all-time best Premier League Guardiola is trying to keep his players fresh for team. We’ll pick a team to win the game against League group stage. might have learned from Liverpool’s hugely teams. their European challenge. United. “But I prefer to fi nish third to fourth and I impressive 3-0 victory over the champions-in- “It is not for me to say that, it is for you to say “It’s a diff erent competition,” he said. “We “We are going into it to win it. We have one prefer second to third. We have been second for waiting in the Champions League this week. that,” he said. “You see the number of points we are thinking about recovering the players, about eye on Tuesday though.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, April 7, 2018 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Guardiola claims he was off ered Pogba this season by agent Manchester City manager rounds on Raiola, who called him ‘a dog’, says agent invited him to buy Man United player

By Jamie Jackson to here. So, no. No way. I am not a good The Guardian guy. He deserves his players to play with better guys. But, he knows as well I am a top manager. Thank you.” ep Guardiola has said he was Shortly after Guardiola’s comments off ered Manchester United’s became public, Pogba posted a tweet Paul Pogba this season by Mino which appeared to respond to the City Raiola, with Manchester City’s manager. “Say what?” he wrote. Raio- Pmanager rounding on the agent, who la denied the conversation had taken last month branded him “a coward, place. “I never spoke to Pep Guardiola. a dog”. Relations between Pogba and I would not speak to him about play- José Mourinho have been strained and ers, I would speak to Manchester City. the midfi elder was dropped in Febru- They are a fantastic club with a fantas- ary. Guardiola claimed he was invited tic manager.” to sign Pogba two months ago but it Raiola’s dislike of Guardiola stems appears he was referring to the January from the manager’s treatment at Barce- window, particularly as he said Raiola lona of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell, also off ered him Henrikh Mkhitaryan, another of his clients. The agent told the who joined Arsenal that month. Dutch magazine Quote: “Pep Guardiola, Guardiola’s claim, if true, indicates the coach, is fantastic. As a person he’s Raiola was trying to engineer a move an absolute zero. He’s a coward, a dog. for Pogba even before the player lost He’s a classic priest: ‘Do as I tell you – his starting place. The fi rst indication don’t do what I do.’If Manchester City of problems between Pogba and Mour- win the Champions League this season inho came when the player was with- it will emphasise what a good coach he drawn at Tottenham on 31 January. The is – but I’ll hate it.” France international is expected to start Guardiola, asked who else he did not at City on Saturday. like, said: “I have a lot. One day I will Guardiola mentioned Pogba when tell you a list.” asked about Raiola’s verbal attack on He has a managerial rivalry with him. “I will answer him; I don’t under- Mourinho that has been acrimonious stand why I am,” he said. “Finally, the but he brushed off the suggestion that people discover my secrets – a bad guy. securing the title with a win against I’m a coward. I don’t understand why I United would be sweeter because of am a so bad guy. I never speak with him this. “Listen, when we arrived here it’s so his opinion [about me], I don’t know. OK, I understand: it’s Pep arrives and But being a guy who two months ago they are both together a year,” Guardiola off ered me Mkhitaryan and Pogba to said. “But it’s now two years and noth- play with us. Why? ing happened in a special way. What I “Why he off er? He was interested in want to feel is [winning] the toughest Mhikitaryan and Pogba to play with us? league by far. The most satisfaction is So he has to protect his players and has from what we have done with our team, to know he cannot bring the players to to win the Premier League, to feel that a guy like me, like a dog. And compar- title, if we are able to, and we will re- ing a dog is bad. It’s not good. He has to member it. I remember when I was a respect the dogs.” Pressed about Pogba, young boy seeing Sir Alex Ferguson in Guardiola said: “Pogba is an incredible the beginning win titles [with United] player … A top, top player.” – that’s beautiful, that is what I want to City’s manager was sarcastic when live with my guys and celebrate it. asked what he thought of the off er. “I “Tomorrow if we don’t do it, OK … said no,” he said. “We don’t have the It’s not about Pep v José. In the end money enough to buy Pogba because he it’s 2018, we [will have been] the better is so expensive. I’m surprised because I team and that’s what we want to live if Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claimed he was invited to sign Manchester United’s underperforming midfielder Paul Pogba two months ago but it appears am a dog. He wants his players to come it happens.” he was referring to the January window, particularly as he said Mino Raiola also off ered him Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who joined Arsenal that month. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT LA LIGA Conte rejects claim he Costa back at Bernabeu for wants to leave Chelsea Atletico against Real Madrid

AFP Madrid Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa. (Reuters)

iego Costa will walk out for his seventh Madrid derby in La Liga tomor- row, four seasons since Dhis last at the Santiago Berna- beu when he scored Atletico’s winner. Gareth Bale was making his home debut for Real that day back in September 2013, in the same week that Spain requested approval to snatch Costa from the clutches of Brazil and call him up to the national squad. As he celebrated, Real’s fans chanted “Costa — he is not Span- ish”. All the more striking then Reuters “But this is the moment we have to face with the that Costa’s shot, guided past London greatest desire to change the situation.” Diego Lopez and inside the far Conte urged his players to continue fi ghting right-hand post, still remains his until the end of the season but conceded that only goal against Real, and the helsea head coach Antonio Conte dis- a top-four fi nish may be out of their grasp after 1-0 win his sole triumph against missed his former Juventus teammate the damaging defeat by Tottenham. “We must be Atletico’s fi ercest rivals. In all Gianluca Vialli’s claim that he “cannot realistic to understand that this defeat was a bad competitions, his record heading wait to leave” the Premier League club, defeat for us,” he added. into this weekend’s derby reads andC reaffi rmed his commitment to seeing out his “But at the same time we have to try to do eve- played nine, won one, scored one. contract. Vialli made the comment in his role as a rything to fi ght for a place in Champions League. If Costa is looking for positive pundit for Sky Sports Italia during Chelsea’s 3-1 It won’t be easy, we must be realistic, but... we omens, however, he might draw defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday that left must show pride, desire, the will to fi ght until the a parallel between his initiation four-point advantage but Real pared to use Bale in the league, Camp Nou from his previously Conte’s team eight points behind Spurs in the race end of the season. This must be our target in the with Spain in 2013 and the com- have the momentum, having where it seems the issue of his broken toe and may be rested. to secure Champions League football next season. season now.” pletion of his renaissance with won 11 out of their last 12, a streak defensive resilience is less pro- Elsewhere, the league’s four “It is not true,” Conte told a news conference Defenders David Luiz and Ethan Ampadu are the national team last week. Af- that includes two wins over Paris nounced. bottom sides go head-to-head yesterday, two days before Chelsea host West out of tomorrow’s game, but goalkeeper Thibaut ter spending the fi rst fi ve months Saint-Germain and Tuesday’s Barcelona’s players will be as Levante, with a seven-point Ham United in the league. “Gianluca is a friend Courtois and striker Pedro, who both missed the of this season exiled by Chelsea, thumping of Juventus. able to watch the derby safe in cushion over the relegation plac- but I’m not talking with him for one year, maybe. Tottenham match, could return to the side. Costa is back in favour with Julen Cristiano Ronaldo was the star the knowledge that any result es, host 18th-placed Las Palmas. It is not true. It’s very diffi cult for me but since Lopetegui and back in form, for in Turin, his spectacular bicycle strengthens their grip on the The race for Europa Legue quali- this season I’m listening to a lot of speculation CONTE PAYS RESPECTS club and country. kick continuing the Portuguese’s title. The Catalans host 14th- fi cation also continues today, as about my future... but the only truth is I am com- TO CHELSEA ‘LEGEND’ WILKINS His goal in Spain’s 6-1 win over astonishing goal fl urry this year. placed Leganes on Saturday, Sevilla travel to Celta Vigo and mitted for this club, I have a contract for this club, Meanwhile, Conte has paid his respects to Chel- Argentina has thrust him into He has scored 23 times in 14 already nine points ahead of Real Betis entertain Eibar. Vil- I’m working very hard for this club. This is the sea great Ray Wilkins following his death ear- pole position to start up front at games, and at least once in all of Atletico and 13 in front of Real. larreal face Athletic Bilbao on only truth. The other speculation is not true.” lier this week, urging his players to “make a great this summer’s World Cup, while his last nine. If they avoid defeat, Ernesto Val- Monday. Conte’s position has come under scrutiny given memory” against West Ham. Wilkins, the club’s his opposites-attract partner- Unlike Costa, Ronaldo is well- verde’s team will equal the Span- his fractious relationship with the club’s hierar- former captain, who died aged 61 on Wednesday ship with Antoine Griezmann tuned to this fi xture too. He has ish record of 38 unbeaten league FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) chy and owner Roman Abramovich’s propensity following a cardiac arrest. has been the driving force behind six goals in his last fi ve meetings matches, set by Real Sociedad Today: Alaves v Getafe (1300), Celta to change managers frequently. All matches this weekend will be preceded by a Atletico’s march into second with Atletico. Bale, meanwhile, across two seasons in 1978/79 Vigo v Sevilla (1615), Betis v Eibar The Italian coach, whose contract runs until moment’s applause in memory of the ex-England place. That position, however, was caught stoney-faced on the and 1979/80. (1830), Barcelona v Leganes (2045) the end of next season, pointed out he expected international, whose other clubs included Man- is what is at stake this weekend, substitutes bench while the Juve Lionel Messi is likely to play, Tomorrow: Levante v Las Palmas Chelsea to struggle when he went public with his chester United, AC Milan and QPR. Chelsea will with both sides now too far adrift fans stood to salute Ronaldo’s having come through Wednes- (1200), Real Madrid v Atletico Ma- displeasure at the club’s failure to strengthen the make their own tribute to a man who worked as an to catch runaway leaders Barce- brilliance but the out-of-favour day’s 4-1 win over Roma un- drid (1615), Real Sociedad v Girona squad at the start of the campaign. assistant manager and coach with the Blues, with lona and neither in any danger Welshman may be given a run- scathed after his niggling ham- (1830), Valencia v Espanyol (2045) “I predicted it would be very diffi cult for me at memories in the matchday programme, a book of of slipping out of the Champions out this weekend. string problem. Sergio Busquets, On Monday: Villarreal v Athletic the start of the season. I predicted this,” he said. condolence and a picture montage all planned . League spots. Atletico own the Zinedine Zidane has been pre- however, still felt pain at the Bilbao Gulf Times Saturday, April 7, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Klopp slams ‘idiots’ Arsenal thrash CSKA who attacked bus AFP The German added: “You can- London not be happy about that, you don’t feel ‘it’ any more. Because of a few idiots it will maybe never to move towards iverpool manager Jur- happen again. It changed eve- gen Klopp has hit out at rything. The atmosphere dur- the idiots who attacked ing the game was one of the best Manchester City’s team I have experienced but these Lbus, saying it would be diffi cult things around it changed my for Reds supporters to welcome view. It is not OK. It is not how it Europa semi-fi nals their own team to Anfi eld in fu- should have been.” ture. City’s bus was struck by Given their arrival at the hurled bottles and cans on its ground and the result of the way into Anfi eld ahead of their match, City could have been Atletico Madrid eased past Sporting Lisbon 2-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final shock 3-0 defeat by Liverpool forgiven for wanting to make as in a Champions League quarter- quick a getaway from Anfi eld AFP fi nal fi rst leg tie on Wednesday. as possible. But instead they London Aaron Ramsey scores during the Europa League Windows were broken and stopped to assist a woman who quarter-final first leg against CSKA Moscow at City had to hire a replacement was involved in a collision with Emirates Stadium in London. (Reuters) bus for their return journey, so a car yards from the Arkles pub rsenal romped towards the Eu- extensive was the damage to the on Anfi eld Road, where before ropa League semi-fi nals with a original. Fans have long greeted the match their bus had been hit 4-1 thrashing of CSKA Moscow team buses on their way into with bottles and fl ares. on Thursday night in a match Anfi eld before major fi xtures, “The medical staff of Man City devoidA of any of the political tension that and two years ago the Europa did what they did but it is an out- threatened to overshadow the tie due to League quarter-fi nal and semi- standing thing to do and leaves frosty relations between London and the fi nal matches against Villar- us even more in a situation where Russian capital. real and Borussia Dortmund saw we think ‘Oof, it was all strange’,” Britain has suspended high-level dip- thousands of fans line the streets Klopp added. lomatic contact with the Russian gov- amid a fl urry of red smoke fl ares. Meanwhile Liverpool are set ernment after former Russian spy Sergei Both matches, however, passed to give Mohamed Salah as much Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poi- off without major incident. But time as possible to prove his fi t- soned with a nerve agent in the southern fans may now be barred from lin- ness for today’s Merseyside der- English city of Salisbury last month. ing the route for future games, by against Everton. The Egypt However, with only around 200 CSKA with Klopp reiterating yesterday forward, the Premier League’s fans making the long journey west, there his disgust at what had happened leading scorer so far this season was little bad blood inside the ground for to City on their way into Anfi eld. with 29 goals, came off during the quarter-fi nal fi rst leg. And Arsenal “I have to say, again, apolo- the European success against quickly ended any doubt over the contest gies for what happened before English champions-elect Man- on the fi eld as Aaron Ramsey and Alex- the game,” said Klopp. “It is so chester City with a groin prob- andre Lacazette both scored twice in the strange because you go with your lem. “I don’t want to give any- fi rst half to surely put the tie out of CK- own bus through the crowd and thing away and I want to wait,” SA’s reach. it feels fantastic, it is passion. said Klopp. “It makes no sense to “It was a spectacular fi rst half played at Then you come into the stadium talk about what we do with boys a high pace, but as well an uncomfortable and the fi rst thing I heard is they in rehab but we’ve tried eve- one for me because they looked danger- smashed the bus of Man City and rything to make him available. ous,” said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. it kills everything in that mo- There are 23 hours to go so let’s “By half-time we scored so many great ment for us.” see what happens.” goals in the fi rst half, at 4-1 the target was not to concede anymore and maybe score one more. We did the fi rst part of the job but not the second part. But it will help us to focus completely in the second game and not go there thinking it is job done.” It remains to be seen if a more hos- tile atmosphere awaits Arsenal fans and players in the Russian capital next week. However, CSKA coach Viktor Gon- charenko encouraged the Gunners’ sup- port and England fans travelling for the World Cup in June to visit Russia. “We still welcome you in Moscow,” said Goncharenko. “We can assure you there will be great stadiums and great football. Please come to Russia.” the Gunners’ own defensive weaknesses. slamming home from the spot. 2-0 in the fi rst leg of their quarter-fi nal. Languishing in sixth in the Premier Aleksandr Golovin curled home a won- Ramsey then doubled his tally for the Koke put the 2012 winners ahead in League, 13 points adrift of the top four, derful free-kick after haphazard defend- evening in style with an audacious fl ick the Spanish capital after just 22 seconds Arsenal’s last realistic hope of qualifying ing from Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent over Igor Akinfeev with the outside of his and Antoine Griezmann’s 24th goal of the for next season’s Champions League is Koscielny to level six minutes later before foot to give Arsenal some breathing space season put Diego Simeone’s men on the by winning the Europa League in Lyon on Ahmed Musa passed up a huge chance to from a teasing Ozil cross. brink of a fi fth European semi-fi nal in his May 16. And that desperation showed in a put CSKA in front. Arsenal got the slice Ozil was again the creator when Laca- seven seasons in charge. thrilling four-goal fi rst 45 minutes. of fortune they needed when Mesut Ozil zette also grabbed a double by shooting Elsewhere, Lazio edged a six-goal Ramsey opened the scoring by round- was controversially awarded a penalty as into the far corner for his fi rst goal from thriller 4-2 against Salzburg as all four ing off a fi ne team move on nine minutes he fell under Georgi Schennikov’s chal- open play in nearly three months. Arse- home sides took an advantage into the by fi ring Hector Bellerin’s cross into the lenge. Lacazette has endured a frustrating nal are likely to have to beat the might of second leg. RB Leipzig lead French giants roof of the net. While CSKA were unable debut season at the Emirates, but made Atletico Madrid to end their season on a Marseille 1-0 as German international Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp (right) is hopeful Mohamed Salah to cope with Arsenal’s speed of thought the most of the cup-tied Pierre-Emerick high, though, as the favourites for the striker Timo Werner got the only goal for can be fit for today’s league trip to Everton, but will not rush the and movement at the back, they exposed Aubameyang’s absence by confi dently competition eased past Sporting Lisbon the Bundesliga side. forward back into action just for the Merseyside derby. (Reuters)

BUNDESLIGA SERIE A Bayern eye title with victory Juve bid to keep home fi res burning over Augsburg today AFP Milan AFP Berlin fter a spectacular loss to Cristiano Ronaldo obert Lewandowski is hoping to con- and Real Madrid, Ju- tinue his brilliant goalscoring record ventus travel today against Augsburg and help Bayern Mu- toA meet Benevento, a side from nich wrap up a sixth successive Bundes- outside Naples propping up the ligaR title today. While the Polish striker looks to bottom of the Serie A table. Ro- add to his tally of 18 goals against Augsburg, vic- naldo’s two goals — including a tory for Bayern would see them crowned German stunning overhead bicycle kick champions for the 28th time. — condemned Juventus to a 3-0 It would also extend a curious stadium curse defeat in the Champions League for the Bundesliga giants, who have never won on Wednesday. a league title in their own Allianz Arena. Bayern Sandwiched in between the have been heavily linked to Eintracht Frankfurt Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has quarter-fi nal return leg trip mid- coach Niko Kovac this week, whose team host scored more goals against Augsburg than he has week to the Santiago Bernabeu Hoff enheim in a key clash in the race for Eu- against any other team. (Reuters) Stadium is a fi rst-ever clash at rope. Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund will look Benevento, who have won just to bounce back from last week’s humiliation in behind closed doors in the last few days, as coach four games in their fi rst top fl ight Cristiano Ronaldo’s two goals — including a stunning overhead bicycle kick — condemned Juventus to a Munich, while Cologne are in last-chance saloon Peter Stoeger decided to protect his players from season. It was a bruising week 3-0 defeat over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday. when they face fellow strugglers Mainz. the public eye in a diffi cult week. for Italian football with AS Roma Bayern are famously formidable at home, but Bayer Leverkusen face RB Leipzig on Monday, conceding two own goals in a 4-1 feats are always bad even when which ended his club’s 12-match tract with AC Milan worth a re- they have never won a Bundesliga title in the Alli- in what could be a decisive fi xture in the race for defeat to Barcelona. they come against teams and league winning streak. ported two millon euros per year anz Arena. Of the eight titles they have won since Champions League qualifi cation. Leverkusen Lazio however eased to a 4-2 champions so strong, but now we Second-placed Napoli — four despite the derby draw eff ective- moving to the stadium in 2005, Bayern have not were given a timely boost ahead of the top-four home win against Salzburg in the need to move forward: sacrifi ce, points behind Juventus — will ly ending their push for Champi- wrapped up a single one in front of their own fans. clash, when rising star Julian Brandt signed a new Europa League. “Now let’s get up strength, passion and continue to need a win at 14th-placed Chie- ons League football next season. That run looks set to continue this weekend, with contract, binding him to the club until 2021. quickly,” urged Juventus coach improve every day,” wrote Dybala vo after being held 1-1 at Sas- The former seven-time Euro- the champions-in-waiting expected to clinch Just one year ago, Cologne celebrated return- Massimiliano Allegri of a season on Instagram. “Whoever believes suolo last weekend if they want pean champions, who are eight the title with a win over Augsburg. Bayern will ing to European football with a win over Mainz. that can still reap his side the it’s already over is not one of us,” to keep their push for their fi rst points off the Champions League be boosted by superstar striker Robert Lewand- Today, the two teams meet again, but this time it Scudetto and the Italian Cup. added Italian midfi elder Claudio title since 1990 alive. AS Roma, places in sixth, host struggling owski, who has scored more goals against Augs- is a matter of survival. Mainz are currently in the “There’s a return to the Barna- Marchisio. in third, host Fiorentina before Sassuolo. Lazio — two points off burg than he has against any other team. relegation play-off place, six points ahead of sec- beu to prepare, but above all a Miralem Pjanic, who was dis- next Tuesday’s visit by Barcelona the Champions League places — Eintracht Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac has this ond from bottom Cologne. championship to win, the sev- qualifi ed for the fi rst leg against to the Stadio Olympico, looking travel north to Udinese boosted week emerged as a favourite to succeed Jupp With just fi ve games left, anything but victory enth in a row, which would have Real Madrid, warned Juventus to keep ahead of Inter Milan who by their European win. Heynckes at Bayern in the summer. Former Bay- would eff ectively doom Cologne to relegation. the taste of a myth. I understand against underestimating Ben- are just a point behind in fourth. ern player Kovac has impressed many by trans- the disappointment. But I fi nd evento, who went a goal up in Fiorentina are pushing for the FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) forming Frankfurt from relegation candidates to FIXTURES it hard to reproach a team that Turin last November before the Europa League spots as they sit Today: Benevento v Juventus Champions League hopefuls in recent years. Today: Cologne v Mainz, Freiburg v Wolfsburg, has tried, against the best in the champions came back to win 2-1. four points adrift of sixth place (1300GMT), AS Roma v Fiorentina, Frankfurt hope that the speculation is not dis- Borussia Moenchengladbach v Hertha Berlin, world.” Benevento are fi ghting a losing along with Atalanta and Samp- SPAL v Atalanta (1600), Sampdoria tracting their coach as he prepares for a pivotal Augsburg v Bayern Munich (1330 GMT), Hamburg v Argentine ace Paulo Dybala was battle for survival as they sit 13 doria. Luciano Spalletti’s Inter v Genoa (1845) clash against fellow European hopefuls Hoff en- Schalke (1630 GMT) also unbowed after his humiliat- points from safety, despite com- travel to Torino after their mid- Tomorrow: Torino v Inter Milan heim tomorrow. After their 6-0 humiliation at Tomorrow: Borussia Dortmund v Stuttgart (1330 ing send-off at Allianz Stadium, ing off a 3-0 home win over Ve- week goalless draw against city (1030GMT), Crotone v Bologna, the hands of Bayern last weekend, Borussia Dort- GMT), Eintracht Frankfurt v Hoff enheim (1600 GMT) where the applause of Juventus rona midweek. “It’s much like the rivals AC Milan. Verona v Cagliari, Napoli v Chievo mund are hoping to bounce back with a victory On Monday: RB Leipzig v Bayer Leverkusen (1830 fans was reserved for Ronaldo’s match against SPAL,” said Pjanic Gennaro Gattuso has just (all 1300), Udinese v Lazio (1600), over Stuttgart tomorrow. The team has trained GMT) spectacular performance. “De- of last month’s goalless draw penned a new three-year con- AC Milan v Sassuolo (1845) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, April 7, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Cricket Australia announces IPL set to dazzle again player review Brisbane: Australia’s top cricket chiefs yesterday ruled out stepping down after a ball-tampering scandal that shocked the nation, saying it was “not the time for a witch- aft er a chequered decade hunt” as a review into player conduct was announced. The sport has been en- gulfed in one of its biggest Chennai take on Mumbai Indians in today’s tournament opener featuring two IPL heavyweights crises after former captain Steve Smith, his deputy Reuters XI Punjab franchise and plans to spend David Warner and batsman New Delhi 500mn rupees ($7.69mn) on promotion Cameron Bancroft attempted during the IPL. Gupta said the spon- to alter the ball’s condition in sors are aware of the past scandals but the third Test in South Africa he 11th edition of the Indian believe the league had adequately ad- last month. Smith and Warner Premier League (IPL) kicks off dressed those concerns. were banned for a year and today with two reinstated teams “There were issues and they were Bancroft for nine months, and a new broadcaster in a fresh rightly examined. In any event you’d with the trio accepting their Ttestament to its undiminished appeal have good people and bad people but sanctions on Wednesday and to India’s incurably cricket-obsessed the good people have outnumbered the Thursday. masses. bad. Small issues cannot aff ect a big- Critics have questioned Few expected the Twenty20 tourna- ger brand. It (IPL’s brand value) has not whether Cricket Australia’s ment to climb out of the morass of spot- been aff ected. It’s become stronger and role in the aff air should come fi xing and illegal betting it descended stronger and I think this season, with under scrutiny, but chairman into fi ve years ago, which eventually led change in the broadcaster, it is looking David Peever said he did to bans on its Chennai Super Kings and even more attractive.” not intend to step down and Rajasthan Royals franchises. IPL’s commercial success has in- that chief executive James The IPL not only survived but its spired several franchise-based leagues Sutherland’s job was not in brand value actually grew to an esti- even in other sports, while consolidat- jeopardy. mated $5.3bn, according to New York- ing cricket’s stranglehold over young “James Sutherland’s posi- based corporate fi nance advisory fi rm athletes. “It has made franchise cricket tion is not under review, he Duff & Phelps. Last September the a lucrative career option. Not playing continues to retain the full league sold its media rights to Star India for India isn’t the end of the world any- support of the board,” Peever for $2.52bn, the biggest television deal more,” explained Majumdar. “Playing told reporters in Brisbane. “In the game has seen. well in the IPL allows a cricketer to be a respect of my own position, “This is perhaps what makes the IPL star, get endorsements, get real serious no, I do not intend to step brand what it is,” cricket historian Boria money. It turns him into an overnight down, and that hasn’t been Majumdar told Reuters of the league’s celebrity of sorts.” suggested by the board. Our robust fi nancial health. “Controversies Chennai return to take on Mumbai task now is to work through notwithstanding, cricket continues to Indians in today’s tournament opener this problem and make sure be of the very highest quality and re- featuring two IPL heavyweights who we come through and cricket tains centre stage. Also, in the IPL India share fi ve titles between them. Ra- comes through it much more wins every day. There is no uncertainty jasthan mark their comeback against strongly. I think we will all that an Indian team might or can lose Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday with come under the microscope and it will be all doom and gloom there- both teams forced into a late leadership about what is happening in after. This is what draws fans to the IPL change following Australia’s ball-tam- the organisation. But this every single day year after year,” said pering controversy in South Africa. is not the time for a witch- Majumdar whose new book, ‘Eleven Former Australia captain Steve Smith hunt.” Gods and a Billion Indians’, will be re- stepped down as Rajasthan skipper Peever said the governing leased by India and Royal Challengers while David Warner relinquished Hy- body was “moving forward” Bangalore captain Virat Kohli today. derabad captaincy following the scan- with an independent review Sponsors are naturally keen to play dal. Cricket Australia have banned both announced last week to ball. “As sponsor, and we spend money of them for 12 months, while they have “have a broad remit” and for publicity,” Mahesh Gupta, chairman also been barred from this year’s IPL. look into wider cultural and of Kent RO Systems, said. “IPL is a plat- Ajinkya Rahane will lead Rajasthan organisational issues in the form which has the widest reach and instead, while New Zealander Kane sport. But the players’ union quickest reach. It gives you the best re- Williamson will skipper Hyderabad as the Australian Cricketers’ turn on investment. So we invest there.” the lone foreigner leading an IPL team Association (ACA), which has Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma (centre) speaks with coach Mahela Jayawardene (right) and teammate Kieron Pollard The water purifi er brand has come in the April 7-May 27 tournament. criticised the bans as dispro- during a training session at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai, ahead of the Indian Premier League. (AFP) on board as the title sponsor of Kings portionate compared to pre- vious cases, said the review was “far from independent”. FOCUS COUNTY CRICKET “CA establishing its own review, selecting the reviewer and then having the findings of the review issued to itself South African pacer — particularly as it relates to IPL 2018 starts with clash of titans its own corporate culture — is far from transparent,” ACA IANS Steyn joins Hampshire president Greg Dyer said in a Mumbai statement. AFP The ACA has said the London inquiry should involve the efending champions Mumbai In- union and CA, so both bodies dians and and two-time winners could jointly contribute to Chennai Super Kings, the most outh African pace bowler its outcomes. Peever said successful teams of the Indian Dale Steyn has signed former ex-Test opener Rick PremierD League (IPL), will begin the 11th for Hampshire as he bids McCosker would also chair a edition of the Twenty20 cricket tournament to return to fi tness fol- separate player and former- with a mouthwatering clash at the Wankh- Slowing a heel injury that forced player driven process to ede Stadium here today. him to miss the recent Test series consider a charter setting out Hosts Mumbai, who have laid their hands against Australia. “standards of behaviour and on the coveted crown thrice (2013, 2015, The 34-year-old will join the expectations of Australian 2017) will be led by India opener Rohit Shar- county in June and train ahead of teams”. ma who is the most successful captain in the South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka, “It is anticipated that this cash-rich T20 league having led Mumbai to which starts in July. The plan is process will include assess- a treble of titles. But today, his wards will be that he will return as the coun- ments as to whether changes up against a team who will be eager to re- ty’s overseas player for the fi nal to codes and standards establish their dominance after returning to weeks of the season. During the governing player conduct the tournament following a two-year ban. training stint in June, Steyn will are required,” said Peever, a CSK have a formidable track record in the fi ll in for compatriot Hashim world and is extremely motivat- former managing director IPL and have notched up the most number Amla, who will be with Hamp- ed to get going after a frustrat- of mining giant Rio Tinto. of appearances in the fi nal. Apart from win- shire for the fi rst three months of ing period on the sidelines,” said All three players have been ning the title twice, they have fi nished run- the season, for a one-day match Hampshire director of cricket dumped by sponsors as a ners-up on four occasions. and a four-day fi rst-class game. Giles White. “It seems a great fi t result of the scandal while Chennai are led by India’s 50-over and Steyn has 419 Test wickets, for both parties — we hope that Cricket Australia has been T20 World Cup winning captain Mahendra just two behind Shaun Pollock’s we can help him get back to his dropped by its top sponsor, Singh Dhoni, who will himself have a point Chennai Super Kings’ Suresh Raina (left) and Faf du Plessis during a training session at the South African record. “Dale is best and we look forward to wel- fund manager Magellan. to prove in his twilight days. The southern Wankhede stadium in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) one of the best bowlers in the coming him to Hampshire.” outfi t has a formidable batting and bowling line up with the likes of Suresh Raina, back will again hold the aces owing to their team Daredevils this time and the for perennial in the Chennai Super Kings yellow jersey, strength. Aiming to break their fi nal jinx, underachievers will be looking to shine un- OPINION South Africa captain Faf du Plessis adding RCB have what it takes to lift the trophy der him. In the last fi ve seasons, Delhi fi n- teeth to their batting. once again. Besides the run machine that is ished at the bottom of the points table. In In the bowling department, England pac- Kohli, the Bengaluru team boasts of players 2013, they fi nished ninth, in 2014 eighth, in er Mark Wood and South Africa fast bowler of the ilk of swashbuckling batsman AB de 2015 seventh, in 2016 sixth and in 2017 sixth. Rivals unfairly ‘slam boot’ into Lungi Ngidi will lead the pace battery with Villiers and promising player Sarfaraz Khan Rajastan Royals, back after a two-year veteran offi e Harbhajan Singh and celebrat- who were retained. hiatus, have also not performed that well ed South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir The franchise bought as many as 21 players since winning the inaugural IPL in 2008. Aussies over cheating: Warne taking care of the spin unit. in the auction, among them Chris Woakes Royals, led by Rahane, will miss the batting For Mumbai, apart from Rohit, all- (Rs 7.4 crore), the most expensive purchase prowess of Smith but the likes of Ben Stokes ustralian spin legend beaten by Australia, who don’t rounder Hardik Pandya, fast bowler Jasprit of the franchise. The others includes New and most expensive Indian buy pacer Jaydev Shane Warne has like the way the Australians play Bumrah, West Indies star Kieron Pollard and Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon Unadkat will look to help the Jaipur-based accused the country’s the game or they don’t like any Krunal Pandya have been retained from last McCullum and South Africa’s stumper team fare well. rivals of unfairly using individual in any country have year and are all a force to reckon with. The Quinton De Kock, as also keeper Parthiv Pa- Hyderabad too will miss Warner, the theA Test ball tampering contro- taken the opportunity to take Mumbai pace bowling department is also tel, Mandeep Singh and Manan Vohra. Be- highest run-getter in the 2017, but in Wil- versy to kick the team when it is boots into the Australians,” he promising this year with the likes of Bum- sides Woakes, their bowling has wrist-spin- liamson they will not only get a quality down. Warne, advisor to Indian said in Jaipur. rah, Pat Cummins and Mustafi zur Rahman. ner Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar batsman but also a stable leader. Star India Premier League side the Rajas- “I think it is a great opportu- This edition will miss the presence of star in the spin front and Umesh Yadav, Moham- opener Shikhar Dhawan and in-form pacer than Royals, said the cheating nity for every single country look Australian players Steve Smith and David med Siraj leading the pace attack. England’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the key players for scandal should be used as an op- into its own backyards and think Warner who are serving a one-year ban Moeen Ali and Kiwi Colin De Grandhomme the former champions. portunity for other cricket teams [about] the way they want to due to the ball tampering incident in South are seasoned all-rounders too. Last but not the least, Kings XI Punjab to refl ect on their own conduct. play cricket.” Africa. While Smith has been replaced by Their fi rst match is against two-time under Ashwin have a good-looking team “It is very disappointing but Smith and Warner have each Ajinkya Rahane at Rajasthan Royals, New winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who on paper. Out of white-ball cricket, Ashwin I feel that this has given an op- been banned for a year by Aus- Zealand captain Kane Williamson will lead will be led by Dinesh Karthik this time. KKR will have a point to prove while his team will portunity to others to slam the tralia and the IPL, keeping them Sunrisers Hyderabad in place of Warner. do not boast of a very strong side on paper hope to ride on veterans Yuvraj Singh, Chris boot into Australians without out of contention for the Indian This edition of the IPL will see seven Indi- with star Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc being Gayle, David Miller, Aaron Finch, Marcus any reason,” Warner was quoted tournament, which starts this ans captaining their franchises, barring Hy- ruled out with injury. Stoinis, and Mayank Agarwal to guide them as saying by the Press Trust of weekend. Smith was slated to derabad. Virat Kohli, Rohit, Dinesh Karthik, But the likes of big-hitter Chris Lynn, all- to an elusive title. The Punjab-based fran- India news agency. captain the Royals, who Warne Rahane, Gautam Gambhir and Ravichan- rounder Andre Russell and Mitchell Johnson chise managed to reach the top four only on The 48-year-old said he led to the IPL title in 2008 dur- dran Ashwin will fi ght against each other to should provide some teeth in the batting a couple of occasions. They fi nished third in would not defend the conduct of on the Australian team, and that ing the competition’s inaugural grab the top prize. department besides Karthik who is in good the inaugural edition and then came agonis- cricketers Steve Smith and David he was “embarrassed” as any season. Warner was to have been Coming to other teams, Royal Challengers form. Gautam Gambhir, who led KKR to ingly close to winning the title in 2014 but Warner, who have been removed other Australian over the aff air. captain at Sunrisers Hyderabad Bangalore (RCB), led by India skipper Kohli, two titles (2012, 2014) will be leading Delhi were denied by Kolkata Knight Riders. from their leadership positions “But anyone who has been and led them to the title in 2016. Gulf Times Saturday, April 7, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA BASEBALL Cavaliers stun Ramirez shines as Wizards, Pacers Red Sox pummel Warriors roll by Rays James helped the Cavaliers claw their way back from a 17-point deficit and hold onto the number three post-season spot in the Eastern Conference standings

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Hanley Ramirez (13) hits an RBI against the Tampa Bay Rays in the ninth inning of the home opener at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

Reuters nings. Washington starter Stephen Boston Strasburg (1-1) gave up four runs on fi ve hits, including two of the homers, in six innings. anley Ramirez delivered a walk-off RBI single to TIGERS 9, WHITE right fi eld with one out SOX 7 (10 INNINGS) in the 12th inning as the Detroit center fi elder Leonys BostonH Red Sox came back to beat Martin and third baseman Jeimer the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in their Candelario had RBIs in the 10th home opener Thursday. inning and the Tigers scored fi ve Jackie Bradley Jr. doubled off runs in their last two at-bats to Rays reliever Andrew Kittredge spoil Chicago’s home opener. (0-2) to lead off the bottom of the Niko Goodrum hit a two-run 12th inning. Christian Vazquez’s homer with two outs in the ninth sacrifi ce bunt moved Bradley to inning and Victor Martinez dou- third and both Mookie Betts and bled in Nicholas Castellanos to Andrew Benintendi walked to set cap a three-run rally that tied the up Ramirez’s heroics. game at 7 off White Sox closer Ramirez and Xander Bogaerts Joakim Soria. Goodrum’s homer each drove in a run in the ninth was the fi rst of his career. for Boston, which won its sixth Mikie Mahtook singled to open straight game after opening the the 10th inning off Gregory Infante season with a 6-4 loss at Tampa (0-1) before Jose Iglesias walked. Bay. The Red Sox then won three Mahtook took third on Dixon in a row over the Rays to cap the Machado’s groundout and scored season-opening series. on Martin’s grounder to second Matt Duff y hit a two-run blast base for an 8-7 lead, the Tigers’ Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) slam dunks during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Quicken Loans Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports for his fi rst homer of the season fi rst of the game. for Tampa Bay, which dropped its AFP Cleveland is 10-1 since March 17 when best player in the league and he does that season. Warriors coach Steve Kerr pulled sixth straight after coming from ROCKIES 3, PADRES 0 Los Angeles Lue was forced to leave a game in Chicago every night. You don’t get to see players fi ve players from the game and sat them four runs down to beat Boston in Ryan McMahon drew a four- with chest pains. Lue says he has changed like him often,” said Brooks. on the bench for the fi nal seven minutes the opener. The Rays have been pitch, bases-loaded walk from Pa- his diet and is taking sleep medication as John Wall fi nished with 28 points and with his team down by 21 points. Kevin outscored 27-11 during their skid. dres closer Brad Hand to break up a he Cleveland Cavaliers were al- he gets set to guide his troops into the 14 assists for the Wizards, who have lost Durant was included in that group. scoreless tie in the top of the ninth ready getting into NBA playoff fi rst round of the playoff s. seven of their last nine and are jockeying “I think just caring, caring in general, METS 8, NATIONALS 2 inning and DJ LeMahieu followed mode even before coach Tyronn Jeff Green delivered 21 points and with Milwaukee and Miami for a playoff that was the main problem,” Kerr said. Jay Bruce hit a grand slam for with a two-run, two-out single Lue returned to the bench on Kevin Love had 16 for the Cleveland, who seed. Wall was playing in his third game “It’s hard to win an NBA game if you visiting New York, which also got to lead visiting Colorado over San TThursday night. fell behind 104-87 with just over seven since returning from knee surgery. don’t put forth an eff ort at all. homers from Yoenis Cespedes and Diego. LeBron James scored 13 of his 33 points minutes left in the fourth quarter. Elsewhere, Bojan Bogdanovic scored “Yeah, I’m mad. I’m embarrassed. I Michael Conforto, as it defeated The Rockies won three of four in the fourth quarter as Cleveland made Markieff Morris scored a basket with 28 points and Victor Oladipo added 21 know that this game doesn’t mean any- Washington. games from the Padres and open sure Lue’s return was a successful one 3:16 left to give the Wizards a 110-100 and the Indiana Pacers pulled away from thing in the seeding, but the playoff s The three home runs gave the their home season Friday after- with a 119-115 win over the Washington lead. James then went to work, scoring the defending champion Golden State start next week. It was an embarrassing Mets seven consecutive runs in noon at Coors Field against At- Wizards. six straight points and dishing to Green Warriors for a 126-106 lopsided win. eff ort, a pathetic eff ort.” Washington’s home opener. Con- lanta. The Padres concluded a James helped the Cavaliers claw their for a layup. Rodney Hood made two free Bogdanovic had a nearly perfect forto was playing in his fi rst game 1-6 homestand. Hand opened the way back from a 17-point defi cit and hold throws to cap a 10-0 surge as the Wizards shooting game for the Pacers who took RESULTS of the season after recovering from ninth by issuing consecutive walks onto the number three post-season spot failed to put Cleveland away down the the lead for good on Lance Stephenson’s Denver 100 Minnesota 96 shoulder surgery, and the home to Trevor Story and Chris Iannetta. in the Eastern Conference standings. stretch. Wizards coach Scott Brooks said three pointer with 9:46 left in the fi rst Cleveland 119 Washington 115 run his fi rst hit of 2018. The Rockies loaded the bases with “I don’t have a quit bone in me, so if nothing James does surprises him any- half. They never allowed Golden State to Utah 117 LA Clippers 95 All of that power helped Jacob no one out when second baseman I’m on the fl oor I’ve got to try to make more. “Like I said before the game, I’ll say get closer than 10 after halftime. Houston 96 Portland 94 deGrom (2-0) win for the second Carlos Asuaje dropped the throw plays happen no matter what the score it after the game and probably fi ve years The win gave Indiana their fi rst sea- Milwaukee 111 Brooklyn 119 time in two starts. He allowed from third baseman Christian Vil- is,” James said. “That’s just my mindset.” from now I’ll say the same thing. He’s the son sweep of the Warriors since 2011-12 Indiana 126 Golden State 106 two runs on four hits in six in- lanueva on a sacrifi ce bunt.

BOTTOMLINE Nashville Predators lock up Presidents’ Trophy

Reuters from the point past Flames goalie Jon Gillies Aleksander Barkov scored his 100th NHL Washington Nashville Predators defenseman for his 23rd goal and 90th point of the season. goal and Jared McCann got the go-ahead score Alexei Emelin (L) skates with the The last player in franchise history to reach the with 5:37 left in the third period as host Florida puck as Washington Capitals 90-point mark in a season was Ilya Kovalchuk kept its slim playoff hopes alive with a win over yan Johansen scored with 5:27 left to centre Lars Eller chases in the in 2008-09, when the club was in Atlanta. Boston. The Panthers would be eliminated if give the Predators a 4-3 victory over third period at Capital One Arena. they fail to win either of their two remaining the Washington Capitals on Thursday The Predators won 4-3. DEVILS 2, MAPLE LEAFS 1 regular-season games or if the Philadelphia Rnight in Washington, and Nashville Keith Kinkaid continued his hot goaltend- Flyers pick up at least one point on Saturday clinched the Central Division and Western Con- ing with 31 saves, and Patrick Maroon had two against the New York Rangers. ference titles. The Predators, who made it to the assists as New Jersey clinched its fi rst Stanley Barkov, an All-Star this year, scored his 27th Stanley Cup fi nals last year, locked up the Presi- Cup playoff berth since 2012 with the win over goal of the season. However, it was a rough dents’ Trophy later Thursday when the Boston Toronto. night for the Panthers as two of the three teams Bruins lost to the Florida Panthers. Kinkaid improved to 16-3-1 since Feb. 13 they were chasing for the fi nal wild-card playoff Nashville earned their 52nd victory of the as New Jersey (44-28-9, 97) won its fourth berth in the Eastern Conference clinched posts- season, a franchise record. straight game and improved to 7-0-1 in its past eason berths — the New Jersey Devils and the The game-winning play began when Viktor eight contests. Columbus Blue Jackets. Arvidsson fi red a shot from the left wing that Miles Wood and Pavel Zacha each scored Washington goalie Philipp Grubauer got a glove for the Devils off nice assists by Maroon. New FLYERS 4, HURRICANES 3 on. However, the puck then squirted loose in Jersey’s Taylor Hall had his league-best, nine- Jake Voracek’s goal late in the third period lift- the crease, and Johansen tapped it into the net. game points streak snapped in the win. Kinkaid ed Philadelphia past visiting Carolina on a night improved to 10-1-1 in his past 12 games. the Flyers could have clinched a playoff spot had OILERS 4, GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 Boston beaten Florida. Connor McDavid had three assists to in- CANADIENS 4, RED WINGS 3 Claude Giroux, Ivan Provorov and Michael crease his league-leading points total to 106 Nicolas Deslauriers scored two goals, Raffl also scored one goal each for the Flyers. and Ty Rattie had a goal and an assist as Ed- Brendan Gallagher continued his scoring Flyers goaltender Brian Elliott, who had been monton scored three unanswered third period streak against Detroit and Montreal completed out just shy of two months after undergoing goals to pull out a win against visiting Vegas. a sweep of the season series the Red Wings. core muscle surgery, had 19 saves in his shaky Michael Cammalleri, Matt Benning and Ryan winning streak snapped. The Golden Knights as Winnipeg beat visiting Calgary as Jets goal- Deslauriers notched his fi rst two-goal game return. Nugent-Hopkins also scored goals for Edmon- once again rested regulars Marc-Andre Fleury, tender Connor Hellebuyck made 31 saves to tie since he tallied twice against Vancouver on The Flyers were 13-7-5 without Elliott and ton (35-40-6, 76 points), which snapped a Jonathan Marchessault, David Perron, Nate Tom Barrasso for the most wins in a season by Dec. 19. Gallagher collected his sixth goal this had three other goaltenders see action — Alex fi ve-game losing streak and won the regular- Schmidt and Reilly Smith in preparation for an American-born goaltender. season against the Wings and 31st overall. Gal- Lyon, Petr Mrazek and Michal Neuvirth. season series with the Golden Knights, 3-1. next week’s Stanley Cup playoff s. He earned his 43rd victory this season, lagher scored in each of the four wins over De- Thomas Hickey and Anthony Beauvillier Oscar Lindberg, Brandon Pirri and Brayden equalling the number Barrasso collected in troit. scored early in the second period for Islanders, McNabb scored for Pacifi c Division champion JETS 2, FLAMES 1 1992-93 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. who closed out their home schedule by edging Vegas (51-23-7, 109), which had a three-game Blake Wheeler and Paul Stastny each scored Wheeler tipped a Dustin Byfuglien slapper PANTHERS 3, BRUINS 2 the Rangers. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, April 7, 2018 SPORT

GOLF COMMENT Player calls for ball Tiger back in Masters rollback as Masters chairman voices hunt as Augusta concern National rips leaders Round 1 leader Spieth starts second round with double bogey and bogey

AFP Thursday, started double bogey-bogey. Augusta, Georgia Reigning British Open champion Spi- eth sent his tee shot deep into the Geor- gia pines on both holes, didn’t escape the iger Woods began yesterday’s trees on his second either time and left second round of the Masters his third shy of the green twice, missing with a bogey at Augusta Na- an 11-footer for bogey at the par-4 fi rst Honorary starter Jack Nicklaus (right) of the US embraces Gary Player tional, which proved formida- and a 5-footer for par at the second. of South Africa after teeing off during the ceremonial start of the 2018 Tble in windy conditions as elite golfers Another bogey at seven dropped Spieth Augusta Masters on Thursday. (Reuters) struggled and humbled leaders packed two off the pace. together. Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, who can Reuters and the Royal & Ancient, indicat- Woods, a four-time Masters cham- complete a career Grand Slam by winning Augusta, Georgia ing they were concerned at how far pion, has been the star attraction in his the Masters, opened with a three-putt players are hitting the ball. return to major competition following bogey and added two birdies and two bo- However, the PGA Tour and spinal fusion and two top-fi ve showings geys in the next fi ve holes. ary Player has called on the PGA of America have both in tuneup events. American Tony Finau, the fi rst US PGA golf’s ruling bodies to said they do not think there is An opening 73 left him seven adrift, player of Tongan and Samoan descent, implement regulations a problem, comments in line but adoring fans cheered him and stood took bogeys at the fi rst, sixth and 11th that would reduce by with the stance of many leading 10 deep to catch a glimpse of the 14-time holes to stumble back to 1-under after an G50 yards the distance players can equipment makers major champion, new crowds enjoying a opening 68. He suff ered a partial left an- drive the ball. “We will always do what’s nec- “Tigermania” opportunity some thought kle dislocation Wednesday when he land- Speaking on Thursday after essary to maintain the integrity might never come again. ed awkwardly while celebrating an ace in hitting the ceremonial opening of our golf course,” Ridley said. While his last major title came at the the Masters Par-3 Contest. tee shot at the US Masters, Player “We are intent on making sure 2008 US Open, early struggles for the China’s Li Haotong, who shot 69 in his spoke of one of his pet peeves, that we maintain the design phi- leaders ensured his chance to contend as Masters debut, was six-over on Friday’s that, in his opinion, many classic losophy the Mr. (Bobby) Jones his second round began and fans dreamed front nine. old courses have become all but and Alister MacKenzie devised,” he might this week close the gap on the obsolete. Ridley said. record 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus. SPIETH, MCILROY MELTDOWNS At the home of golf, St. An- “There’s a great quote from Woods saw his approach roll off the Both McIlroy and Spieth have suff ered drews, for example, leading pros Bobby Jones dealing specifi cally fi rst green and his chip barely held the notable Masters meltdowns with a green can now reach the green with a with the 13th hole, which has putting surface. He then missed an 18- Jordan Spieth hits off the 7th tee during the second round of the 2018 Masters tourna- jacket seemingly in their grasp, Spieth in good drive on several of the par- been lengthened over time. He foot par putt and fell to 2-over for the ment in Augusta, Georgia, yesterday. (Reuters) 2016 when leading by fi ve shots with nine four holes. said the decision to go for the tournament, fi ve off the pace. holes remaining only to endure an Amen “With professional golf, we’re green in two should be a momen- Augusta National had become a cruci- Americans Patrick Reed and Charley stand 1-over at the turn and past champ Corner horror show and squander the ti- going to have to cut the ball back tous one. ble for contenders in round two, no one Hoff man. Fred Couples making triple bogey at 11 tle won by England’s Danny Willett. 50 yards, at least,” said Player, 82, “And I would have to say that able to pull away on a crowded leader- One stroke adrift were Jordan Spieth, and on 1-over after 14. McIlroy, 28, saw his 2011 hopes of a who is one of fi ve players to have our observation of these great board. Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler — who had Wiesberger, who opened with a 70, bird- wire-to-wire win vanish with a fi nal- won the grand slam of all four players hitting middle and even As Woods teed off , six players shared faced Augusta’s fury — plus past Masters ied the par-5 second and par-4 third but fell round 80. McIlroy went on to win his fi rst modern majors. short irons into that hole is not a the lead at 3-under, including Austrian winner Zach Johnson of the United States back with a birdie at the par-3 fourth. major on his next try at the 2011 US Open. “The ball is such a big prob- momentous one. Bernd Wiesberger and American Matt and Australian Marc Leishman. Kuchar opened on 68 but took bogey at Spieth’s wire-to-wire victory in 2015 lem. “We think there is an issue Kuchar and four players yet to launch Even some past champions were hum- the fi fth. marked the only time since 1984 that a “We’re seeing guys hitting there, not only there, but in the their second rounds — Sweden’s Henrik bled, three-time Masters winner Phil Three-time major winner Spieth, who fi rst-round Masters solo leader took the 400 yards a lot. Dustin Johnson game generally that needs to be Stenson, Canada’s Adam Hadwin and Mickelson triple-bogeying the ninth to led by two after shooting 6-under par 66 green jacket. hit a drive 489 yards ten days ago addressed.” (at Austin Country Club in the Leading equipment maker WGC-Match Play event).” TaylorMade, whose stable in- Player’s comments came a day cludes Tiger Woods, Rory McIl- after new Masters chairman Fred roy, Justin Rose and Dustin ‘Tin Cup’ Garcia matches Masters infamy with 13 on 15th hole Ridley hinted that the Masters Johnson, does not support any committee would not sit back rollback on equipment. AFP 530-yard hole, even though he plunked It became a real-life version of the other 13-stroke eff orts coming from and allow players to render the “There already are restrictions Augusta, Georgia five of them in a row to a watery grave movie Tin Cup with Garcia in the Kevin Tommy Nakajima in 1978 at the par-5 hallowed course obsolete. (on equipment),” CEO David in the pond guarding the green. Costner role of Roy McAvoy, who 13th and Tom Weiskopf in 1980 at the At Augusta National, how- Abeles told Reuters. Splash. Splash. Splash. Splash. Splash. refuses to quit until he makes a shot par-3 12th. ever, the club has bought land “I do not believe, nor does efending champion Sergio Garcia “I don’t know what to tell you. It’s one even as his chance at victory vanishes It’s the worst Masters score on any hole so that it at least has the option TaylorMade, that limiting ad- matched the worst one-hole of those things,” Garcia said. “It’s the with balls rolling off the green into the outside famed Amen Corner – the 11th, of lengthening several holes, in- vanced performance is benefi cial Dscore in Masters history with an first time in my career where I make a 13 water. 12th and 13th holes that often decide cluding the famous par-fi ve 13th. to the game of golf. octuple-bogey 13 at the par-5 15th hole without missing a shot. Simple as that. “I kept hitting good shots with the sand Masters glory. St Andrews and some other “I’ve never met an amateur in Thursday’s opening round at Augusta “I felt like I hit a lot of good shots and wedge,” Garcia said. “I don’t know why “With the firmness of the greens and old courses have no such option. golfer, or even a professional, National. unfortunately the ball just didn’t want to the ball just wouldn’t stop.” everything, I felt like the ball was going Talk of restricting equipment who has walked off the 18th And the 38-year-old Spaniard says he stop. So it’s just unfortunate, but that’s Garcia was level for the worst score on to stop,” Garcia said. “Unfortunately, for has become a hot topic recently, green at any golf course and said doesn’t feel like he hit a bad shot on the what it is.” any hole played in Masters history, the whatever reason, it didn’t want to.” with the game’s ruling bodies, the this game is just too easy, don’t United States Golf Association help me play any better.”

Sights from the Qatar Gold Trophy and Sword Day SPOTLIGHT McGregor to appear in New York court on assault charges

Reuters New York

ixed martial arts fi ghter Conor Mc- Gregor was driven to a New York City Mcourtroom yesterday to be ar- raigned on charges of assault stemming from a melee fol- lowing a press event for a series of UFC fi ghts to be staged at a Brooklyn arena. The sport’s best-known ath- His Excellency Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani (centre) presents Jassim Mohamed His Excellency Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani (centre) presents Khalifa bin lete and an international star, Ghazali (left) with the trainer’s trophy in the presence of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Sheail al-Kuwari (left) with the Qatar Silver Sword in the presence of QREC Board McGregor, 29, was dressed in Club (QREC) Board member Abdullah al-Sheikh al-Kuwari after Khalifa bin Sheail member Abdullah al-Sheikh al-Kuwari after Jassim Mohamed Ghazali-trained a blue, long-sleeved golf shirt al-Kuwari-owned Jethjath won the Qatar Silver Sword race on Thursday. Jethjath won the 1,850m race on Thursday. that hid his elaborate tattoos as he was escorted from the police Conor McGregor is escorted by station where he surrendered the a police detective after assault previous night. charges were laid against him in He faces three counts of as- Brooklyn, New York, yesterday. sault and one count of criminal (Reuters) mischief following the fracas at Brooklyn’s Barclay Center on he defeated Eddie Alvarez to win Thursday evening. the lightweight belt. But he never A video of the incident, widely defended the title as he entered circulated on social media, ap- the boxing ring instead, to take pears to show the Irish-born on Floyd Mayweather in August McGregor and his entourage us- 2017. ing a metal barricade and other His technical knockout loss to objects to smash windows on a Mayweather was the second big- bus fi lled with fi ghters departing gest pay-per-view fi ght in his- from the event. tory. Eff orts to reach McGregor’s In January, the UFC said Kha- representatives were not suc- bib Nurmagomedov and Tony cessful. It was not clear who was Ferguson would fi ght for the un- representing him at the court disputed lightweight title at to- Jockey Harry Bentley rides Injaaz Stud’s Izzthatright to victory in the Sealine Sprint Jockey Gerald Avranche (left) rides Molheb Al Naif to victory in the Qatar Silver hearing. day’s event, known as UFC 223. Trophy on Thursday. PICTURE: Juhaim Trophy on Thursday. PICTURE: Juhaim McGregor last fought in the As a consequence, the Irishman UFC in November 2016, when would lose the belt. Gulf Times Saturday, April 7, 2018 7 SPORT

FORMULA 1 SPOTLIGHT Liberty unveils its Raikkonen leads post-2020 F1 vision Reuters It gave no details about any Manama/London cap, however, with media reports talking of a $150mn annual fi g- ure which would be above what ormula One’s commer- many teams spend but well be- cial rights holders have low that of the biggest manufac- laid out plans for an over- turer budgets. Ferrari one-two in haul of the sport from Formula One said future rev- 2021F with cheaper and simpler enue distribution must be “more power units, the implementation balanced, based on meritocracy of a cost cap and a more balanced of the current performance and distribution of revenues. reward success for the teams and Liberty Media, who took over the commercial rights holder.” in January last year, met team Force India’s chief operating bosses and the governing FIA at offi cer Otmar Szafnauer said his Friday practice the Sakhir circuit ahead of yes- team were pleased with Liberty’s terday’s opening practice for the proposals. Bahrain Grand Prix. “It was a presentation and ‘It looks very close between all the teams and we have got some work to do’ There was no immediate re- we all listened and there wasn’t sponse from reigning champions much interaction,” he said. “My Reuters Mercedes and Ferrari, the big- opinion is it’s going in the right Manama gest and wealthiest teams who direction.” have expressed concern in recent The fi ve-point plan, published months about where the sport is as broad outlines, said there imi Raikkonen led his champi- heading. needed to be more overtaking onship-leading teammate Se- Ferrari, who enjoy special fi - and driver skill should be the bastian Vettel in a Ferrari one- nancial privileges and a veto on “predominant factor” in the car’s two at the top of the timesheets rules, have warned repeatedly performance. Kin fl oodlit free practice for the Bahrain that they could walk away if they While cars must remain dif- Grand Prix yesterday. did not like what was on off er. ferent from each other, areas The Finn was summoned to the stew- “The teams have to digest the not relevant to fans needed to be ards afterwards for an unsafe release proposals that we’ve made,” For- standardised. Governance of the from the pits but escaped a grid pen- mula One’s managing director of sport also needed to be simple alty with Ferrari picking up a 5,000 euro motorsport Ross Brawn, a former and streamlined. ($6,136.50) fi ne instead for the misde- Ferrari technical director and ex- “We are driven by one desire: meanour. Mercedes team principal, told to create the world’s leading The team had told Raikkonen immedi- Reuters. sporting brand,” said Formula ately after the practice stop that there was “I think they were all accepted One chairman Chase Carey. a loose wheel on the car and he stopped as in good spirit,” he said. “Fan-centred, commercially soon as it was safe to do so. “There’s no doubt there will be successful, profi table for our Raikkonen, who was third in the open- diff erent opinions. I think every- teams, and with technological ing afternoon session led by Red Bull’s one, all the teams, is pleased to innovation at its heart.” Daniel Ricciardo, lapped the 5.4km Sa- see the landscape laid out com- These plans would make it khir circuit in one minute 29.817 seconds. pletely on some key elements.” easier for Aston Martin to enter Vettel, winner last year in Bahrain, was Formula One said future en- one day as an engine supplier, the a mere 0.011 seconds slower. gines needed to be “cheaper, British sportscar maker’s chief The two Ferraris were the only ones to simpler, louder, have more power executive Andy Palmer said. dip into the one minute 29 second brack- and reduce the necessity of grid “We are extremely pleased to et, with Valtteri Bottas half a second off penalties.” hear today’s news regarding the Raikkonen’s benchmark with what was They must also remain road future of Formula One,” Palmer reigning champions Mercedes’ best ef- relevant for manufacturers, and said on Twitter. fort. hybrid, with the rules making it “These prospective changes The Finn, who had been second on the attractive for any new entrants. support many of the require- timesheets in the opening practice, ended On the thorny subject of costs, ments needed for Aston Martin the day third quickest with Lewis Hamil- Formula One said that “how you to enter the sport as an engine ton fi fth and fourth in the respective ses- Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen enters his car during the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sakhir yesterday. (AFP) spend the money must be more supplier. This is a very positive sions. decisive and important than how step in the right direction,” he “Although we were untroubled by any from Hamilton in Formula One’s season Hamilton remains on course, though, Ricciardo fastest and Verstappen at the much money you spend.” added. reliability issues, and we ran through opener in Australia two weeks ago, taking to equal Raikkonen’s record of 27 con- bottom having failed to set a time after our programme as expected, it wasn’t advantage of a timely virtual safety car to secutive fi nishes in the points. being sidelined by an electrical issue. our best day from a performance point pit and stay ahead of the Briton who had “It’s been a normal Friday, we’ve got The Dutchman got out and helped RUGBY of view,” said Mercedes technical head led from pole. through all our programme. It looks very marshals push the car back to the pitlane. James Allison. Hamilton’s Mercedes was clearly fast- close between all the teams and we defi - Nico Hulkenberg was seventh fastest in “We’ve got more to do overnight and in est in Melbourne and the four-times nitely have got some work to do to try and the Renault ahead of Toro Rosso’s Pierre the session tomorrow to give us a car that champion arrived in Bahrain as favourite see if we can eke out to be ahead of the Gasly while McLaren pair Fernando Fiji start Hong Kong will allow us to have a good fi ght in quali- to make up the lost ground. others,” said Hamilton. Alonso and Stoff el Vandoorne rounded fying and on Sunday. His best eff ort on Friday was 0.655 sec- Max Verstappen ended the day fi fth out the top 10. “The base is okay but we have not yet onds slower than Raikkonen, however, fastest ahead of Red Bull team mate Dan- Yesterday’s two 90-minute sessions Sevens in style found the sort of edge that we had in Mel- with at least some of that down to the iel Ricciardo. were relatively uneventful although Bot- bourne.” 33-year-old running into traffi c on his The former champions had book-end- tas, on a slow lap, almost collided with AFP Gold Coast due to be contested Vettel snatched an opportunistic win fl ying lap. ed the timesheets in the afternoon, with Ricciardo who was going quickly. Hong Kong next weekend, series leaders South Africa and a number of other teams have arrived in Hong FOCUS iji got their campaign for Kong with development squads a record fourth straight made up of young players rather title at the Hong Kong than their regular stars. Sevens underway with It didn’t seem to aff ect the aF 31-12 victory over Samoa last South Africans yesterday night night. but their fi rst game was a 45-0 Al-Naimi fastest in Superstock 600 The win was — as it always victory over a South Korean team seems to be with the 2016 Rio only making a guest appearance gold medallists — built on plen- on World Series. ty of dash out wide and lots of More will be known about strength through the middle of their chances here after the practice, al-Asam takes QTCC pole the park. South Africans’ pool clashes The Islanders were led by the against Scotland and then Eng- impressive Amenoni Nasilasila land on Saturday. who added two conversions to The USA are another side at a second-half try that came via full strength as they look to build a cross-fi eld dash, bringing the on a season that has already seen Hong Kong Stadium to its feet. them break through for their “I was pleased with what we fi rst-ever title at their home leg delivered, about the pace and of the World Series, in Las Vegas the power of our game”, said Fiji at the start of March. coach Gareth Baber afterwards. The Eagles faced what had ap- “I thought we could have been peared on paper to be a tricky a bit tidier at times when we opening test against France yes- didn’t have the ball but it’s the terday and it ran according to that fi rst game — and it’s a win.” script, with a last-second try from Fiji are at full strength for the winger Carlin Isles levelling the seventh leg of this year’s World scores at 24 apiece — and saving Rugby Sevens Series. the Americans’ blushes. But with the rugby sevens “We didn’t make life easy for competition at the Common- ourselves but we’re still in it,” wealth Games on Australia’s said USA coach Mike yesterday.

Mashel al-Naimi in action during the Free Practice session for the fifth round of the Qatar Superstock 600 yesterday. Hamad al-Asam took pole positions for today’s Qatar Touring Car Championship races. Hurricanes foil Sharks upset with

hampionship leader in the standings with 93 points, late Laumape try Mashel al-Naimi set the ahead of Adham Eldib, who has 78 fastest time in Free Prac- points. The Wellington Hurricanes their fifth straight win and tice, ahead of today’s The title, however, was already needed a converted try from he nervelessly steered the fiC fth round of the Qatar Super- decided in the previous round, centre Ngani Laumape five ball between the posts to the stock 600. Under the lights at with defending champion Abdul- minutes after the hooter to delight of the crowd. the Losail International Circuit lah al-Khelaifi clinching the title pip South Africa’s Sharks 38-37 The Durban-based Sharks, yesterday, al-Naimi was quicker again this season. Eldib was sec- in a Super Rugby thriller at picking up where they left than his main rival and defend- ond quickest yesterday, with al- McLean Park, Napier, yester- off in their 63-40 win over ing champion Saeed al-Sulaiti by Khelaifi with starting from third day. the Blues in Auckland last 0.098 seconds. place. The New Zealand conference week, scored four tries in Al-Naimi is leading the cham- Today, QSTK Race 1 is sched- leaders were trailing by nine a brilliant display of ag- pionship race by meagre one point uled at 5:30pm and Race 2 at points with two minutes re- gressive forward play and over al-Sulaiti and the results of 7:55pm. The QTCC fi rst race is maining but Ihaia West slotted powerful running from the the two races today will deter- at 6:40pm and the second one at a penalty and the Hurricanes backline. mine which way the title will go. 9pm. The entrance is free for fans pack muscled up to build a Two tries from centre Lukh- Nasser al-Malki, who is third in at the grandstand and also at the platform for Laumape to cross anyo Am, one from scrumhalf the standings, was behind the top Paddock. the line for his second try of Louis Schreuder and the last in practice, while talented young- Qatar Superstock 600 and Qa- the night. from replacement forward ster Abdullah al-Qubaisi was tar Touring Car Championship Flyhalf West, promoted to Tyler Paul along with the flaw- fourth fastest. are organised by the Losail Circuit start after Beauden Barrett less place-kicking of flyhalf Meanwhile, Hamad al-Asam Sports Club and Qatar Motor and failed a late fitness test, still Robert du Preez were still not took pole positions for today’s Motorcycle Federation with Pirel- needed to add the conver- enough to upset the Hurri- Qatar Touring Car Championship li Qatar and Inside as sponsors of sion to give 2016 champions canes, however. (QTCC) races. Al-Asam is second both championships. Defending champion Saeed al-Sulaiti negotiates a curve at the Losail International Circuit yesterday.

Saturday, April 7, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

COMMONWEALTH GAMES SPOTLIGHT Lift ers Sanjita, Le Clos record bid Lather strike fl ops as Aussies medals rule the pool Hosts claim five golds, led by Chalmers; Scottish siblings pick up cycling medals

AFP Gold Coast, Australia

had le Clos’s bid to become the Commonwealth Games’ most decorated athlete hit the skids yesterday as Australia’s gold- medalC machine clicked into high gear on Gold Coast. The South African won the 50m but- terfl y but shortly after stepping off the podium, his seventh-place fi nish in the 200m freestyle halted his tilt at a record 19 medals. It came as Australia claimed a remark- able fi ve golds in the pool, led by Kyle Chalmers, who won the 200m freestyle and anchored their victory in the 4x100m freestyle relay. Away from the sport, Queensland po- lice charged a Mauritian team offi cial with sexual assault following a complaint India’s Sanjita Chanu celebrates her gold medal on the podium for the by an athlete over an incident last week. women’s 53kg weightlifting event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games The team’s former chef de mission has in Gold Coast, Australia, yesterday. (Reuters) resigned his post but denied any wrong- doing in the wake of the accusation, ac- IANS around fi nal, with a total of cording to Mauritian media. Gold Coast 43.800 points. In the individual The incident follows several sex abuse vault, Nayak was fourth with scandals in sports, and comes with thou- 13.300 points. sands of athletes and offi cials in the Aus- ndian weightlifters contin- India’s women continued to tralian resort city for the 11-day Games. ued their highly impressive shine as Joshna was the lone However, it remained a storming sec- medal-winning perform- squash player to reach the quar- ond day for Australia, who grabbed nine ances as K. Sanjita Chanu ter-fi nals after Dipika Pallikal gold medals in total to top the table with Iand Deepak Lather clinched gold and Vikram Malhotra lost in the 14 overall, ahead of England on nine. Kyle Chalmers (also inset) of Australia competes during the men’s 4 x 100m freestyle relay final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and bronze respectively, while Round-of-16. Joshna defeated Le Clos was unbowed about his at- in Gold Coast, Australia, yesterday. (Reuters) squash player Joshana Chinappa, lower-ranked Tamika Saxby of tempt to beat or equal the record of 18 boxers Amit Phangal and Naman Australia 3-0 (11-6, 11-8, 11-4). medals held jointly by shooters Mick self on the world stage,” said Tanfi eld, 21. Tanwar entered the quarter-fi - The women’s hockey team Gault and Philip Adams. The South Af- India’s Sanjita Chanu Khumukcham nals at the 21st Commonwealth bounced back strongly after the rican swimmer now has 13 medals with won the women’s 53kg weightlifting and Games (CWG) yesterday. 2-3 stunning loss to Wales with four events left. Deepak Lather took bronze in the men’s Sanjita won in the women’s a 4-1 rout of Malaysia in a Group “I am only 25 years old, it’s my third 75kg as the team moved on to four medals 53 kilogram category as the Ma- A match. Gurjit Kaur (6th, 39th Games. There are guys here with six in the fi rst two days. nipuri star lifted a total of 192kg minutes), Rani Rampal (56th) Games,” he said. “I will get the record so Their performance comes despite which included a CWG record and Lalremsiami (59th) scored there’s no problem.” some DIY rehab and recovery sessions of 84kg in the snatch and 108kg for India. Mitch Larkin won the 100m backstroke for India’s weightlifters after their physio in clean and jerk, while Lather In boxing action, Amit out- and Clyde Lewis took out the 400m in- missed the accreditation deadline and bagged a bronze medal in the played Tetteh Sulemanu of dividual medley — and was so wobbly was denied access to the Games village. men’s 69 kilogram competition. Ghana 5-0 in the men’s light fl y- afterwards he had to abort his poolside Gareth Evans of Wales won the men’s He managed 136 kilograms in the weight (49 kilogram), while Na- interview. 69kg and Australia’s Tia-Clair Toomey snatch and 159kg in clean and man thrashed Tanzania’s Haruna Emma McKeon won the 100m butter- thrilled the home crowd when she won jerk for a total of 295kg. Mhando 5-0 in Heavyweight fl y and Cate Campbell set a Games record the women’s 58kg category with a total India now has four medals here (91kg) division in Round-of-16 in her 50m freestyle semi-fi nal, a feat lift of 201kg. after weightlifters S. Mirabai actions at Oxenford Studios are- matched by England’s Adam Peaty in the Chanu and Gururaja delivered a na here. 100m breaststroke semis. gold and a silver respectively on At the end of the day yester- “I’m always chasing the clock, I’m al- Games champion Thursday. day, India remained in the fi fth ways trying to chase a world record,” said Success also continued in the spot in the medal table, behind world and Olympic champion Peaty, who boxer ‘bitten’ in ugly mixed team badminton event as Australia (36 medals), England is unbeaten in the event since his victory opening bout India topped Group A and reached (18 medals), Canada (11 medals) at Glasgow 2014. the quarter-fi nals, after thrashing and Scotland (10 medals). “When we come out tomorrow it’s New Zealand boxer David Nyika unfancied Scotland 5-0. India has now far rode on the about the race and who wants it more.” alleged that his opponent bit India’s artistic gymnasts Pra- success of its weightlifters – two him twice in an “ugly” fight as he nati Das and Pranati Nayak qual- of them rose to the occasion on ‘IT WAS EPIC’ Scottish siblings Katie (left) and John Archibald won gold and silver respectively, after launched his bid for a second Com- ifi ed for the individual women’s Friday. Sanjita outclassed de- Australia also grabbed two more golds on the former won the women’s 3,000m individual pursuit, and the latter finished second monwealth Games gold yesterday. all-round and vault fi nals re- fending champion Loa Dika Toua the second night of track cycling, when in men’s 4,000 individual pursuit yesterday. (Reuters) The 22-year-old heavyweight spectively on a disappointing day of Papua New Guinea, who was a Stephanie Morton won the women’s defeated Yakita Aska of Antigua for World Cup medallist Aruna distant second with 182kg while sprint and Matt Glaetzer obliterated the when siblings Katie and John won gold fi nal, while elder brother John fi nished and Barbuda 5-0 on Australia’s Budda Reddy. Canadian Rachel Leblanc-Bazi- fi eld in the men’s keirin. and silver respectively. behind England’s Charlie Tanfi eld in the Gold Coast, but said the 91kg bout Das fi nished 21st in the all- net took bronze with 181kg. The hosts have dominated at Anna Katie, a 2016 Olympic team pursuit men’s 4,000m individual pursuit. was far tougher than the scores Meares Velodrome but Scotland’s gold medallist, beat Australia’s Rebecca “It was epic... Results just keep on suggested. “It’s probably the closest Archibald family had a night to remember Wiasak in the 3,000m individual pursuit coming and it’s good to keep proving my- fight I’ve had. A little bit rugged, but a perfect start to a long tourna- Indian weightlift ers turn physios ment,” said Nyika, who won 81kg gold at Glasgow 2014 as a teenager. aft er paperwork blunder “When they don’t want to win, they Talib’s record lift wins bronze for Pakistan want to survive, it’s tough. I copped India’s weightlifters at the name and won silver in the a couple of bite marks, a couple of Commonwealth Games are men’s 56kg class. low blows. It’s a tough fight. He bit having to treat one another’s “Recovery in the village after me in the end, but that’s the sport aches and pains after their training sessions has been we’re in. Fair play to him: it’s kill or physio was sidelined by a a struggle as there have not be killed.” There was no immediate paperwork blunder. been proper rehabilitation ses- response from Aska to the allega- Aakrant Saxena was denied sions. Our coaches have tried tion, but the 28-year-old said: “He accreditation for the Games on to compensate for this but the is one of the best. He won gold at Australia’s Gold Coast because sessions are not as organised the last Commonwealth Games so it the required documents were or as eff ective.” was a bad draw for me. He is a very not submitted in time by the Chanu Saikhom Mirabi won strong kid.” Indian Olympic Association, gold in the women’s 48kg angry athletes say. class on Thursday, but she too CWG athlete in Saxena flew to the Gold Coast struggled to contain her disap- with the Indian team — expect- pointment about the lack of a serious condition ed to be the favourites in the proper physio. with malaria weightlifting — but was refused “Athletes within our weightlift- entry to the Commonwealth ing team have tried to treat A Commonwealth Games athlete is Games Village and training and each other’s injuries because in serious condition at a Gold Coast competition venues. our physio is not allowed to hospital after being diagnosed with “I have had a tough time with come into the Games Village or malaria, off icials said yesterday. my recovery and rehabilitation for our competition,” she said. The 23-year-old, who has not been between my lifts due to the “I have struggled with my identified, is under close obser- absence of our team physio,” recovery due to the absence of vation at Gold Coast University said Gururaja, who uses one my physio.” Hospital after being admitted on Thursday with the mosquito-borne disease. “The patient received im- mediate treatment for malaria on arrival at GCUH,” a statement from 2018 CWG medals table (top 10) the organising committee said. “The patient remains admitted to G S B T G S B T (From left to right) Silver medallist Morea Baru of Papua New Guinea, gold medallist Mohamed Aznil Bidin of Malaysia and GCUH in a serious condition and 1. Australia 14 9 13 36 6. South Africa 2 0 1 3 bronze medallist Pakistan’s Talha Talib pose on the podium for the men’s 62kg weightlifting event at the 2018 Commonwealth continues to be closely monitored.” 2. England 9 6 3 18 7. Malaysia 2 0 0 2 Games in Gold Coast, Australia. In a close competition, Bidin lifted a total of 288kg (126 in snatch and 162 in clean and jerk) for The statement added that “there 3. Canada 2 4 5 11 8. New Zealand 1 3 3 7 his win. Baru lifted 286kg (127 in snatch and 159 in clean and jerk) for his silver, while Talib, aided with a Commonwealth Games is no locally acquired malaria in 4. Scotland 2 4 4 10 9. Wales 1 2 0 3 record of 132kgs in snatch, managed a total of 283kgs for his bronze. (Facebook/Talha.Talib.10) mainland Australia”. 5. India 2 1 1 4 10. Bermuda 1 0 0 1