Formula One has lostst not only one of the trulyruly great exponents of thehe sport but also one off its heroes – Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019

FORMULA ONE CHAMPION NIKI LAUDA PASSES AWAY Sporting world mourns ‘true legend’

AFP two men – which demon- VIENNA strated the Austrian’s extraor- Fact file dinary courage and fighting LEGENDARY Formula One spirit – was portrayed in the driver Niki Lauda has died at O Andreas Nikolaus Lauda 2013 film “Rush” by American the age of 70, his family said director Ron Howard. on Tuesday, triggering an O Born: February 22, 1949 in Vienna The next season, in 1977, outpouring of praise for a Lauda went on to win his man whose track victories O Formula One career: World second Formula One world and comeback from a hor- champion in 1975 and 1977 (Ferrari), championship with Ferrari. rific crash enthralled race fans 1984 (McLaren) Former motorcycling world Niki Lauda and wife Birgit worldwide. champion Casey Stoner said on arrive at the Laureus Sport Lauda died at the University OGrand Prix started: 171. Twitter: “RIP Niki Lauda, a true Awards in Berlin, Germany, Hospital Zurich in Switzerland O Teams: March (1971-1972), BRM Icon and Motorsport legend.” April 18, 2016. (EPA-EFE) on Monday night surrounded (1973), Ferrari (1974-1977), Brabham Former F1 driver Johnny by his closest family members, Herbert, describing Lauda In his own a spokesperson told AFP. (1978-1979), McLaren (1982-1985) as “courageous, chatty, and His death comes eight O Debut: Austrian Grand Prix 1971 extremely funny”, added on words... months after he underwent (retired) Twitter: “I am going to miss a lung transplant. An Aus- you being around the @F1 trian news report said Lauda O 1st win: Spanish Grand Prix, 1974; paddock but the legend of Niki Niki Lauda in his own – who also had kidney trans- Last win: Dutch Grand Prix, 1985 Lauda will live on, because you words on his crash, his plants – was hospitalised for were a very very special man.” relationship with James a dialysis earlier this month O Wins: 25; Podiums: 54; Pole Hunt, and his red cap: in Switzerland. positions: 24; Fastest laps: 24; One of Austria’s greatest Walter Klepetko, who per- Total points: 420.5 Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Crash On August 1, formed the lung transplant at Kurz said Lauda “fought himself 1976: Lauda suffered hor- Vienna’s general hospital last O Drivers championship positions: 1st back into life multiple times”. rific injuries when his car year, said there was no specific (1975, 1977, 1984), 2nd (1976), 4th “With Niki Lauda, Austria burst into flames on the cause of death. 1974, 1978), 5th (1982), 10th (1983, loses one of its greatest per- Nuerburgring in Germany: “It was a long process, and 1985), 14th (1979), 17th (1973), sonalities... He is a role model “I have a reason to look the patient reached its end. unplaced (1971, 1972). for courage, discipline and di- ugly. Most people don’t.” Niki Lauda fought. He was rectness,” he said. “My then-wife fainted a great man. But it has been Lauda quit Formula One at when she first saw me, so clear for some time that we File photo of Niki Lauda during a photo-op for the legends race at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, on June 21, 2014. (EPA-EFE) the end of 1979 to pursue his I knew it could not have cannot bring him back to the second passion, civil aviation. been good. As I get older ‘race track’”, he was quoted by media exploded with the news The 1976 accident and his miraculous recovery But he came back to the the scars get lost in the the Austrian news agency APA of his death. race circuit in 1982, this time lines, and, well, you just as saying. “Niki will forever be in our During his driving career, Niki Lauda suffered horrific injuries on with McLaren, and won his get used to it. The main The family said in a state- hearts and enshrined in our August 1, 1976 when, having already won five races that season, last world championship with damage to myself was from ment that Lauda died peace- history. #RIPNiki,” his for- his vehicle burst into flames on the Nuerburgring in Germany. He them in 1984. inhaling all the flames and fully, highlighting his “unique mer team McLaren tweeted on had severe burns to his face and hands, and inhaled toxic fumes Off the racetrack, Lauda – fumes while I was sitting achievements as an athlete their account. which damaged his lungs. recognised by his trademark in the car for about 50 and entrepreneur... his tireless Lauda had been non-ex- Despite being given the last rites in hospital he made an almost red cap hiding scars from his seconds. It was something zest for action, his straightfor- ecutive chairman at Mercedes miraculous recovery to race again just six weeks later still 1976 accident – founded and like 800 degrees.” wardness and his courage. F1 since 2012 and he was in- bandaged and in intense pain. then sold several airlines with “A role model and a bench- strumental in bringing in Brit- He missed only two races that season but was unable to hold off a majority stake of his latest Monza comeback: Six mark for all of us, he was a lov- ish driver Lewis Hamilton to the challenge of Britain’s James Hunt, who went on to claim his going to Ryanair in 2018. weeks after being given the ing and caring husband, father spark a run of success that has only world title. Tragedy hit in 1991 when last rites in hospital Lauda and grandfather away from the brought five consecutive world a Boeing 767 of his Lauda Air staged one of the greatest public, and he will be missed.” drivers’ and constructors’ fleet crashed in Thailand on its sporting comebacks, rac- Lauda won the Formula championships. ‘Very, very special man’ Lauda suffered horrific inju- last rites in hospital he made way from Bangkok to Vienna, ing again at Monza: One drivers’ world champion- Mercedes team principal Lauda was born as Andreas ries on August 1, 1976 when, an almost miraculous recov- killing all 223 people aboard. “Lying in bed ruminating ship three times, in 1975 and Toto Wolff said Lauda was “ir- Nikolaus on February 22, having already won five races ery to race again just six weeks In 2008, Lauda married about the ‘Ring would have 1977 for Ferrari and in 1984 replaceable” and that the team 1949, in Vienna into an upper that season, his vehicle burst later still bandaged and in in- Birgit Wetzinger, a former finished me. I said then with McLaren, despite a ter- had lost “a guiding light”. middle-class family, who did into flames on the Nuerbur- tense pain. flight attendant, who had do- and later that I had con- rible race crash in 1976. “Forever carried in our not share his passion for cars. gring in Germany. He missed only two races nated a kidney after one of his quered my fear quickly and “Everyone at Ferrari is hearts, forever immortalised In 1968, without telling his He had severe burns to his that season but was unable to transplants failed. cleanly. That was a lie. But deeply saddened at the news in our history. The motorsport parents, Lauda won his first race face and hands, and inhaled hold off the challenge of Brit- Besides their twins, a boy it would have been foolish of the death of our dear friend community today mourns the with a Mini Racer he had bought toxic fumes which damaged ain’s James Hunt, who went and a girl born in 2009, Lauda to play into the hands of Niki Lauda,” Ferrari said on devastating loss of a true leg- with his grandmother’s help. his lungs. on to claim his only world title. also had three other sons from my rivals by confirming its Twitter account as social end,” Formula 1 said on Twitter. During his driving career, Despite being given the The rivalry between the previous relationships. my weakness. At Monza, I was rigid with fear.”

James Hunt: His rela- tionship with the British Austria commemorates its national sport and business icon driver was portrayed in the 2013 film ‘Rush’ - arch DPA dent Alexander Van der Bellen File photo of Niki One legend who had achieved Ryanair last year. rivals they may have been, VIENNA said in a statement. Lauda, former presi- sports and business comebacks “He was incredibly egoistic,” but friends too: Chancellor Sebastian Kurz dent of ‘Niki’ low cost from an almost lethal racing ac- said Helmut Marko, the Austri- “We respected each other AUSTRIA’S political leaders also remembered Lauda as an airline and former cident and from the crash of a an advisor of the Red Bull For- very much because in the and sports figures mourned airline entrepreneur. world champion F1 large passenger aircraft. mula One team. old days, to drive 300 kilo- Niki Lauda as a national icon “The race tracks were his driver during a press “Niki Lauda was an inspira- However, Lauda’s person- metres an hour side by side and commemorated his strong home and aviation was his conference for the tion and visionary for the entire ality had softened after he met towards a corner, if some- personality after the three-time love,” Kurz said, stating that “the launch of a daily air airline industry,” Laudamotion his second wife Birgit, and after one makes a mistake, one Formula One world champion entire country and the world of link between Nice airline said in a tribute. she gave birth to his two young- or both are killed. Hunt was died on Monday, aged 70. motorsports mourn one of the and Vienna at Nice Lauda, who was known as est children, Marko told broad- someone you could rely on “One of the greatest and col- greatest Austrians.” “He is an International airport a tough businessman, origi- caster Oe24. “He became more to be really precise.” ourful characters has left us - an example of courage, discipline in France in March, nally founded the airline, sold considerate, which had not been idol and ambitious fighter who and straightforwardness,” the 2010. (REUTERS) it, bought it back, and sold it his strength,” Marko said about Red cap: “The cap is my never gave up,” Austrian Presi- chancellor said of the Formula again to Irish budget carrier his friend Lauda. protection from stupid peo- ple looking at me stupidly.”

Kidney transplant: The Austrian’s Formula One career and life in pictures Lauda credited Birgit Wetzinger, his girlfriend Niki Lauda steers of eight months who later his Ferrari to became his wife, with giv- win the Grand ing him a new lease of life Prix of Spain at when she donated one of Jarama circuit in her kidneys in 2005: San Sebastian de “I asked my son Lucas if he los Reyes, near would test to donate a kid- Madrid, Spain, on ney, but it did not fit. April 27 1974. “Birgit then said she would (EPA-EFE) do the test, but I asked ‘why would you do the test?’ ‘Be- cause I want to’, she said. I In this file photo said ‘you will never ever do- taken on March nate your kidney, because 25, 1984, French I’m ill and I’ve known you Formula One driver for eight (months)’. Alain Prost (right) “She did the test, and she and his McLaren did fit. For about three teammate Niki months she gave me always Lauda during a the same impression, ‘I do it break of their for you because I love you’. training session She was never frightened or for the Brazilian Former German F1 driver Michael Schumacher receives the asked any questions, it was Grand Prix in Rio ‘Special Award’ from Niki Lauda during the German Television just a pure approach ‘I will de Janeiro. (AFP) Prize in Cologne, Germany, in September 2007. (EPA-EFE) With British F1 driver Lewis Hamilton. (EPA-EFE) do it’.” (AFP) Sports Wednesday, May 22, 2019 17 Warriors beat Trail Blazers in OT to reach 5th straight NBA Finals

AFP LOS ANGELES

STEPHEN Curry and Dray- I hope it doesn’t go mond Green both posted triple- unnoticed or underrated doubles to power the Golden -- five straight finals hasn’t State Warriors to a 119-117 over- been done since the 60s. time victory over the Portland It hasn’t been done for a Trail Blazers on Monday and into a fifth straight NBA Finals. reason, it’s really, really The two-time defending difficult and so I just can’t NBA champions swept the say enough about the Blazers in four games in the competitive desire of the best-of-seven Western Confer- group of guys that we ence finals. have here. The only other team to reach five straight NBA Finals Warriors coach Steve Kerr was the Boston Celtics, when they went to a record 10 in a row from 1957 to 1966. 17 points in a matter of three “I hope it doesn’t go un- or four minutes,” Green said. noticed or underrated -- five “So we always try to keep that straight finals hasn’t been done mindset -- that we’re never out since the 60s,” said Warriors of the game.” coach Steve Kerr. “It hasn’t been Both teams had a chance done for a reason, it’s really, re- to win in regulation, but Cur- ally difficult and so I just can’t ry traveled before draining a say enough about the competi- three-pointer that didn’t count tive desire of the group of guys and Lillard was unable to get that we have here.” through in traffic as time ex- The Warriors will battle pired with the score tied 111-111. for the title starting on May 30 Portland star Lillard, play- against either the Milwaukee ing with painful separated ribs, Bucks or Toronto Raptors, aim- finished with 28 points while ing to become the first team unheralded Meyers Leonard led since the Los Angeles Lakers of the Trail Blazers with a career- 2000, 2001 and 2002 to three- high 30 points and 12 rebounds. peat as champions. CJ McCollum added 26 for Curry and Green became Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates at the conclusion of the NBA Western Conference Playoff Finals game four against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda the Trail Blazers, but it wasn’t the first teammates in league Center in Portland, Oregon on Monday. Golden State complete a series sweep to clinch another NBA Finals berth. (EPA-EFE) enough for a team that had history to have triple-doubles fended off elimination twice in the same post-season game, Fittingly, Curry and Green (Thompson) to take the shot,” lead to 17 in the third quarter -- Thompson scored 17 points them -- when (these) guys go in their second-round series according to the Elias Sports combined on the game-winning Green said. the third straight game in which while reserve Kevon Looney down they find a way to come against the Denver Nuggets. Bureau. Curry finished with basket in overtime, Curry feed- “But they were swarming Portland led by as many as 17 added 12 points and 14 re- together and compete and win.” “We couldn’t get over the 37 points, 13 rebounds and 11 ing Green for a three-pointer them. So I was just talking to only to come up short. bounds and Alfonzo McKinnie The Warriors scored the hump,” Trail Blazers coach Ter- assists, while Green had his that pushed Golden State to a them ‘Watch out, watch out.’ With veteran Andre Iguoda- chipped in 12 points. last nine points of the third pe- ry Stotts said. second straight triple-double 119-115 lead with 39.6 seconds “When he passed me the la having joined superstar Kevin “Being without Kevin these riod to close within 95-87 and “I think it was a demon- -- posting double digits in left in overtime. ball, I just let it go. When I shot Durant and DeMarcus Cousins last five games has put us in a knotted the score at 104-104 on stration of how good they are three key statistical categories “Obviously in that situa- it, it felt good.” on the injured list, the Warriors really tough spot and our guys Curry’s layup with 4:34 left in and how good they have been -- with 18 points, 14 rebounds tion we want Steph to have the The Trail Blazers had led produced a total team effort to stepped up in a big way,” Kerr regulation. over the years -- they find a and 11 assists. ball, we want Steph or Klay 69-65 at halftime, and built the rally again. said. “The group has a fiber to “We know we can cover way to win.” Olympic champ Dwight Phillips donates Pain-free Murray optimistic spikes to IAAF Heritage Collection about return to tennis IAAF AFP Bob Bryan has done (he had DOHA LONDON similar surgery last year) that for doubles it will be absolutely USA’S Dwight Phillips has do- ANDY Murray is confident he fine. I will need to see from there nated a pair of spikes to the can return to competitive ten- how it would work singles-wise. IAAF Heritage Collection which nis and has hinted at a doubles “It has been really good so is currently on public display in spot at Wimbledon, inspired by far. I’m playing lots of golf. I Qatar ahead of the IAAF World American doubles great Bob don’t have any pain walking Athletics Championships Doha Bryan’s return from hip surgery. round the course and swinging 2019. The two-time Wimbledon clubs. When I’m on the court Phillips, the 2004 Olympic champion, 32, in January an- hitting, it has been perfect. and 4-time World long jump nounced plans to retire after “If I continue to feel good, champion, has given the shoes this year’s Wimbledon due to then I will obviously give it a which he wore when leaping to injury, expressing doubt as to shot in singles and see what bronze at the 2007 IAAF World whether he would even make it Andy Murray happens. Whereas in doubles I Athletics Championships in to the All England Club. am pretty certain I will be able Osaka. The spikes were symbol- The Scot has all but ruled “The thing I said before was to play, just based on having an ically handed over to the collec- out an appearance in the singles that, if I wasn’t feeling good, example to look at. tion in Doha via the safe hands draw, nearly four months after there was more chance that I “I can look at Bob Bryan and of Qatar’s best young long surgery on a career-threatening would play and then stop after say, this is what he has done, he jumper, 18-year-old Rasheed hip problem, but he could re- Wimbledon. Whereas if it’s feel- is playing top three or four in Abdullah al Suwaidi who trains Dwight Phillips’ Spikes at the IAAF Heritage Collection in Doha. turn by playing in the men’s ing good, it makes a bit more the world-level doubles. He’s in Aspire under the guidance of doubles. sense to give it time to make also nine years older than me, coach Al Walid Abdullah. Osaka spikes will now sit in the like Rasheed to aim high in their onships Exhibition which was The former world number sure that it’s as good as possible so why would I not be able to “My donation of these shoes IAAF Heritage Collection along- careers,” confirmed Phillips, opened last month in Doha by one told Tuesday Times there before I try to play singles on it.” do the same and hopefully a bit is all about ‘giving-back’ to the side the kit of Jesse Owens, Carl who also took gold at the 2003 IAAF President Seb Coe and was “very little chance” he Murray, whose ranking has more?” sport which has given me so Lewis and Mike Powell to name IAAF World Indoor Champion- Dahlan al Hamad, IAAF Vice would play singles during the plummeted to 218 due to his Murray has an official dead- much,” said Dwight Phillips, but a few.” ships. President and Director Gen- grass-court season. time away from the court, said line of June 18 to apply for a who retired in 2013 with a per- “I hope the spikes will be an The spikes will be on show eral of the IAAF World Athletics “Potentially doubles, but he was pain-free as he spoke wildcard for this year’s Wim- sonal best of 8.74m (2009). added attraction for fans and until October 7 in the IAAF Her- Championships Doha 2019 Lo- I’m not trying to get ready for about the example set by Bryan. bledon, where he was the cham- “I’m really pleased that my help motivate young athletes itage World Athletics Champi- cal Organising Committee. singles just now,” he said. “I know from seeing what pion in 2013 and 2016. Rosters confirmed on eve of Semenya to race 3,000m at DL Prefontaine Classic AFP Court of Arbitration for Sport. to meet officials asking if she FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2019 LOS ANGELES South Africa have said they could start in the 3,000. will lodge an appeal of the CAS “We were happy to oblige,” FIBA women’s and men’s catego- Pool A: Japan, Turkmenistan, TWO-TIME Olympic cham- ruling with the Switzerland Jordan said, adding that he CHANGSHA ries, earn a direct ticket to the Jordan. pion Caster Semenya will Federal Tribunal citing lack of saw “no downside whatso- quarter-finals. The knock-out Pool B: China, New Zealand, QD A race the 3,000 meters at the clarity over how the rules can ever” despite the controversy THE finalised rosters of the 22 rounds - culminating with the winners. Diamond League Prefontaine be implemented. over the new rules. men’s and 18 women’s teams finals - will be held on May 26. Pool C: Mongolia, Australia, QD B Classic on June 30, a distance Semenya’s case has pro- Semenya will be an un- participating at the FIBA 3x3 Australia’s men and New winners. she can contest without reduc- voked a furious debate across derdog in a stellar field that Asia Cup 2019, in Changsha, Zealand’s women will defend Pool D: Indonesia, Kazakhstan, ing her testosterone levels. sport worldwide about gender includes world 5,000-metres China on May 22-26, have the titles they won last year in QD C winners. The South African has won and “hyperandrogenic” ath- champion Hellen Obiri, 2016 been confirmed. Shenzhen, China. two Olympic golds at 800 me- letes, those with “differences world indoor 1,500-metres With the action set to start Qatar will be represented Women’s category ters, and has insisted she will of sexual development” (DSD). champion Sifan Hassan, and on Wednesday, May 22, all by: Fadi Abilmona, Aladji Ma- Qualifying Draw A: Philippines, not take medication to com- A file photo of Caster Semenya The World Medical Asso- 2018 world indoor 1,500 and rosters have been trimmed to gassa, Nedim Muslic and Ab- Chinese Taipei, Vanuatu, Samoa. ply with new IAAF rules gov- after winning the women’s ciation has urged doctors not 3,000-metres champion Gen- 4 players. Qualifying Draw B: Malaysia, 800m at the Doha Diamond dulrahman Mohammed Saad Maldives, Thailand, India. erning testosterone levels in to enforce the rules, warning zebe Dibaba. Qualifying Draw action will women athletes that went into League, recently. (REUTERS) that attempts to do so would “To be honest, I’m as curi- Men’s category Pool A: China, Australia, New take place on both Wednesday Zealand. effect on May 8. breach ethics codes. ous as anyone to see how she and Thursday, the winner of Qualifying Draw A: Qatar, The new rules require pete in races over distances of As the debate rumbles on, will fare against the world’s Philippines, Iran, Samoa, Pool B: Mongolia, Kazakhstan, each pool ( 3 in the men’s cat- Kyrgyzstan. women with higher than nor- 400m to the mile. the Prefontaine 3,000m will best distance runners,” Jordan egory and 2 in the women’s Thailand. mal male hormone levels -- Semenya won the 800m be Semenya’s first race since said. Qualifying Draw B: South Korea, Pool C: Japan, Sri Lanka, QD A category) will advance to the winners. so-called “hyperandrogenic” at the Doha Diamond League the rules went into effect. “Don’t forget, Semenya pool phase of the Main Draw, India, Malaysia, Vanuatu. athletes -- to artificially lower meeting this month in her first Prefontaine Classic meet has broken 4:00 for 1,500m, Qualifying Draw C: Kyrgyzstan, Sri Pool D: Iran, Turkmenistan, QD B (May 24-25). The top two winners. the amount of testosterone in race since losing her appeal of director Tom Jordan said Se- which relatively few athletes teams from each pool in both Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam. their bodies if they are to com- the controversial ruling at the menya’s agent reached out have done.” 18 Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Sports QFA president visits team ahead of FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK coach Bruno Miguel. DOHA Qatar are in Group D in the World Cup with Ukraine, PRESIDENT of the Qatar Nigeria and the United States Football Federation (QFA), and will play in the city of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Teche. On May 24, Annabi will Ahmed al Thani, attended the open against Nigeria, followed national U-20 national team by Ukraine on May 27 and the training ahead of the FIFA United States on May 30. U-20 World Cup in Poland. The tournament will kick of on Qatar U-20 team list: May 23 until June 15. Hammam al Amin Ahmed, His presence at the train- Abdullah Saaie, Salah Zakaria Xavi Hernandez is presented with a framed jersey by the officials of ing session was to motivate (Auben), Shehab Mamdouh al Iranian club Persepolis. the players and to oversee Leithi, Nasser Saleh al Yazidi, their preparation. During the Ahmed Sibai (Al Duhail), Nasser visit, the president expressed Abbas, Issa Ahmed, Khalid his confidence in the team’s Mohammed and Yousef Ayman Iran’s Persepolis abilities. (Qatar). The youth team had a Abdulrahman Ibrahim, Marwan training camp in France dur- Sharif, Mohammed Wa’ed, honour Xavi ing which they played a friend- Ahmed Suhail (Al Ahli), Hashim Ali ly against Auben of Belgium, and Yousuf Abdul Razak (Arab), which they won 3-2, before Andrea Siabutra (Al Gharafa), leaving for Poland to contin- Bahaa Mamdouh al Liithi (Al as legend bids ue their preparations under Sadd) Al Khor) and Ali Mal Allah the leadership of Portuguese (Al Wakra). farewell AFC worn in his career. TEHRAN But Al Sadd’s second defeat in a row, following their 4-1 de- Mkhitaryan to miss Europa XAVI Hernandez’s dazzling feat by domestic rivals Al Duhail career came to a low-key end in last week’s Amir Cup final in when his Qatari side Al Sadd Doha, meant Xavi’s illustrious were beaten 2-0 by Islamic Re- career ended in a low-key fash- public of Iran’s Persepolis in ion. League final over safety fears their last group match of the Xavi, who became the first 2019 AFC Champions League player in history to play 150 on Monday. UEFA Champions League AFP had done all they could to ensure The 39-year-old midfield matches, has indicated that LONDON Mkhitaryan’s safety in Baku. genius, who helped Spain win he will stay in Qatar to begin a “Working alongside Arsenal the World Cup in 2010 and won coaching career, probably re- ARSENAL manager Unai Em- FC, UEFA sought and received four UEFA Champions League maining in a role with Al Sadd, ery said Armenian midfielder assurances regarding the play- titles and eight La Liga titles rather than return to Spain. Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s decision er’s safety in Azerbaijan from with Barcelona, was cheered “The idea is to start as a to miss the Europa League final the highest authorities in the by fans at the Azadi Stadium in coach in Qatar, to test myself against Chelsea in Baku was a country,” a UEFA statement Tehran where already-eliminat- and get some experience,” Xavi “personal” one amid fears over read. ed Persepolis produced an im- told Spain’s Efe agency in Teh- his safety. “As a result of these guar- proved display to register only ran just hours before facing Mkhitaryan’s well-being antees, a comprehensive se- their second win in six matches. Persepolis. was a concern for Arsenal due curity plan was developed and Of the 11,000 spectators “I think football has bid to the tense political dispute be- given to the club. While the present, mostly wearing the farewell to one of the best play- tween Armenia and final hosts club acknowledges the efforts red of Persepolis, several home ers in the world ... it was beau- Azerbaijan. The Premier League that UEFA and the Azeri gov- fans brandished banners read- tiful to work with a player with club have decided against Mkhi- ernment have gone to in this ing “Adios Xavi” to show their Xavi’s calibre,” Al Sadd’s cur- taryan travelling with the rest of matter, we respect the personal appreciation of the player who rent head coach Jesualdo Fer- Emery’s squad for the game on decision not to travel with the with Andres Iniesta formed the reira said after the match. May 29. player.” backbone of one of Barcelona’s Ferreira has predicted Xavi “It’s bad news, but we can- Mkhitaryan had featured greatest ever sides. “will be a great manager”. not do anything for this issue,” in 11 games during the Europa Xavi was also honoured by Fellow Al Sadd midfielder said Emery. League campaign and his ab- the Persepolis management Gabi also paid tribute to his cap- “I spoke this morning with sence will be a big blow as Ar- who presented him with a jersey tain and fellow Spaniard, calling Mkhitaryan. It’s a very personal senal look for the victory they featuring the number six he has him a “role model”. decision. He wants to play and need to qualify for next season’s to help us, but they spoke, both Champions League. family and him, and decided to Arsenal have also expressed not go... I cannot push him to their displeasure at the selection come with us.” of Baku as host city for the game Arsenal said all options had Arsenal’s Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan (right) with teammate Lucas Torreira attend a training given the logistical problems been explored to guarantee the session at Arsenal’s Colney training centre in St. Albans on Tuesday, ahead of their Europa League final and huge cost faced by fans for a midfielder’s safety. match against Chelsea on May 29. (AFP) near 5,000 mile round trip from “We are very disappointed London. to announce that Henrikh Mkh- his family we have collectively “Armenian sports figures not to travel with the squad to “We have written to UEFA itaryan will not be travelling agreed he will not be in our trav- have already taken part in nu- the UEL Final against Chelsea. expressing our deep concerns with the squad for our UEFA elling party.” merous major sporting events “It’s the kind of game that about this situation,” the Arse- Europa League final against Azerbaijan’s foreign minis- that Azerbaijan has welcomed doesn’t come along very often nal statement added. Chelsea,” an Arsenal statement try spokeswoman, Leyla Abdul- previously. One shouldn’t mix for us players and I must admit, “We’re also very sad that a announced on Tuesday. layeva, told AFP that “in spite of up sport and politics,” she said. it hurts me a lot to miss it. I will player will miss out on a major “We have thoroughly ex- the difficult relations between But Mkhitaryan had earlier be cheering my teammates on! European final in circumstances plored all the options for Micki Azerbaijan and Armenia, Mkhi- tweeted: “Having considered all Let’s bring it home.” such as this, as it is something to be part of the squad but after taryan can play in the Europa the current options, we had to UEFA, European football’s that comes along very rarely in Fans display an image of Xavi during the AFC Champions League discussing this with Micki and League final in Baku”. take the tough decision for me governing body, insisted they a footballer’s career.” match between Al Sadd and Persepolis at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran. beIN launches summer Al Rayyan go down to Lokomotiv in Quick read promotional campaign Firmino returns to AFC Champions League Round 6 Liverpool training ica Brazil 2019 tournament as MARBELLA: Liverpool forward Promotion includes well as benefit from 3 months Roberto Firmino returned to major summer events for free. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK full training on Tuesday as he Subscribers to the summer DOHA stepped up his recovery ahead of including AFCON and promotion also have access to next week’s Champions League Copa America beIN’s exclusive Total Africa QATAR’S Al Rayyan went final against Tottenham Hotspur. Cup of Nations Egypt 2019 and down fighting to Uzbekistan’s Firmino took part in Juergen TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Copa America Brazil 2019 chan- Lokomotiv 2-3 in Round 6 of Klopp’s first session of the DOHA nels beIN SPORTS MAX HD 1, the AFC Champions League squad’s Marbella training camp beIN SPORTS MAX HD 2, beIN at the Lokomotiv Stadium in after missing three matches with TO celebrate what promises to SPORTS MAX HD 3 and beIN Tashkent on Tuesday. a muscle strain. be an exciting summer of sport, SPORTS MAX HD 4 from 14 Both teams had already The 27-year-old Brazil interna- beIN has launched its summer June to 19 July. New subscrib- bowed out of the tournament tional’s last appearance for promotion. New subscribers ers to the summer promotional even before their last group Liverpool was from the bench can watch unlimited amounts campaign also have the option game. against Barcelona on May 1 when of beIN’s exclusive content for to subscribe to any of beIN’s The visitors got off to a they lost 3-0 in the first leg of the 3 months including the much- packages for two years and flying start, taking the lead Champions League semi-final. anticipated Total Africa Cup of get access to the best tourna- within just 57 seconds of kick- “Roberto Firmino today trained Nations Egypt 2019 and Copa ments this summer has to of- off. Lokomotiv players looked alongside his teammates follow- America Brazil 2019. fer for free, along with the beIN shaky in possession as they at- ing a muscle strain that ruled him The summer promotion, SPORTS MAX HD channels. tempted to build up from the out of liverpool’s last three match- which is valid until 10 June Current beIN subscribers back, allowing Al Rayyan play- es,” a statement on liverpool’s 2019, allows new subscribers can also benefit from the special ers to apply pressure high up website revealed. to beIN’s Elite package to watch summer promotion for a chance the field. “The Brazilian took part in the beIN SPORTS’ exclusive Total to watch some of the most ex- Goalkeeper Mamur Ikra- Action from the AFC Champions League match between Al Rayyan and Lokomotiv in Tashkent on Tuesday. Reds’ first session of their Mar- Africa Cup of Nations Egypt citing summer sports tourna- mov failed to deal with a back- bella training camp on Tuesday 2019 tournament, Copa Amer- ments around. pass, hoofing the ball into the tom corner to make it 2-0. side. minute in a similar fashion to morning as he works his way path of Rodrigo Tabata who A lapse in concentration al- Within just two minutes the side’s second goal. back to full fitness. Firmino has intercepted the ball inside the lowed Lokomotiv a way back of the restart, Arslanmurat This time around, Amanov been working with the club’s box and fired into the back of into the game as Husniddin Amanov had advanced down dribbled deeper into Al Rayy- medical staff on his rehabilitation the net to hand Al Rayyan the Gafurov supplied an outside- the right and played a cross- an’s box before whipping a from the issue and his reintroduc- perfect start. of-the-boot pass for Sardor field pass to Temurkhuja Ab- low cross that Abdukholikov tion into full team training will be Things looked rosier for Mirzayev who found himself in dukholikov who controlled met first time into the back of carefully managed under their coach Gilson Souza as Al Rayy- plenty of space inside Al Rayy- and calmly placed the ball past the net to complete the hosts’ supervision, with specialised an doubled their lead halfway an box and curled in his side’s Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fahd comeback. programmes planned over the through the opening period. first of the game. Younis from a tight angle to Lokomotiv ended the cam- coming days.” Tabata curled an outswing- The goal gave the home bring the match to square one. paign with seven points in Firmino has scored 16 goals in ing corner that was met by the side a morale boost and An- Amanov and Abdukholik- third place in Group B, four 47 appearances for Liverpool this head of Gonzalo Vieira who drey Fedorov’s men came from ov combined again to seal the more than Al Rayyan who fin- season. (REUTERS) placed his header into the bot- the half-time break a different win for Lokomotiv in the 61st ished last. Sports Wednesday, May 22, 2019 19

TAMIMI BOWS OUT OF BRITISH OPEN AMIR CUP BEACH VOLLEYBALL FROM TODAY

Qatar’s Abdulla al Tamimi went down fighting in the first round match of the Allam British Open to A technical committee meeting was held at the QVA headquarters to discuss the Amir Cup Beach Volleyball Championship and Under-15 Egyptian Mostafa Asal in four games in Hull, England, on Monday. The absorbing match lasted an hour Beach Volleyball Festival. The two events will be organised at the Al Gharafa Club beach volleyball facility from May 22 to 24. The Amir Cup and the Qatari player suffered a 7-11, 8-11, 11-9, 4-11 defeat. has attracted a big and strong field from various clubs. Kohli expects World Cup Quick Read Shahzad century fires Afghanistan to World Cup warm-up win

BELFAST: Mohammad Shahzad smashed a blistering 101 as to be high-scoring affair Afghanistan fine-tuned their World Cup preparations with a 126- run thrashing of Ireland to draw the One-Day International series on Tuesday. Afghanistan were put in to bat by the hosts in Belfast and Shahzad made them pay with his 87-ball century. Together India is quite balanced and strong, says the captain on eve of the team’s departure with Rahmat Shah, Shahzad put on 150 for the second wicket to help the visitors take control. Najibullah Zadran added a rapid- AFP fire 60 not out from 33 balls as Afghanistan amassed 305-7 MUMBAI ‘My most in their 50 overs, a total that set a record for internationals at Stormont’s Civil Service Cricket Club. Ireland never looked likely CRICKET fans should expect challenging to threaten Afghanistan’s total despite Paul Stirling’s 56-ball half a run bonanza at the ICC of three century -- his fourth successive score of 50 or more. World Cup in England and Gulbadin Naib, who was named Afghanistan’s One-day captain Wales starting this month, World Cups’ last month, was Ireland’s chief tormentor. Naib took 6-43 to India captain Virat Kohli said record the third-best figures by an Afghanistan bowler in ODI on Tuesday. Format cricket, including the key wickets of Stirling and Gary Wilson, Ahead of India’s depar- who was Ireland’s second highest scorer with 34. ture for the tournament, Kohli The World Cup will use a Ireland eventually crumbled to 179 all out as Afghanistan said local seaming conditions revised format to decide avenged their 72-run defeat in the first game of the two-match would likely favour batsmen. the semi-finalists, with series on Sunday. Afghanistan complete their pre-World Cup “In ICC tournaments the pitch- schedule with another warm-up against England at The Oval on es are going to be very good the teams all playing May 27. They get their World Cup campaign underway against and it’s summer in the UK. We each other in the Australia in Bristol on June 1. expect high-scoring games,” round-robin stage. SCORES: Afghanistan 305 for 7 (Shahzad 101, Rahmat 62, Adair Kohli told a press conference 3-71) beat Ireland 179 (Stirling 50, Naib 6-43) by 126 runs. (AFP) in England on the eve of the team’s departure for England. Balanced side England beat Pakistan Dhoni stumps fans with painting ambitions 4-0 in a five-match warmup “We go into the World series with nearly every game Cup feeling very NEW DELHI: India’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni fuelled retirement seeing innings of 350 plus on speculation on Tuesday after sharing his dream of becoming a grounds that will be used for balanced and a strong painter, although his ambitions for a career change seemed far the World Cup. India captain Virat Kohli speaks as head coach Ravi Shastri looks on during a news conference at the side. You saw in the IPL from serious. The 37-year-old Dhoni, who is England-bound for Kohli insisted, however, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday. (REUTERS) (T20 series) , all the play- the World Cup starting next week, displayed a few of what he that World Cup pressure will ers that are in the squad said were his paintings in a video posted online on Monday. bring down the totals. “We go into the World coach Ravi Shastri said. for Kohli’s Royal Challengers are in great form and “I wanted to share a secret with all of you. Right from when I “A bilateral series com- Cup feeling very balanced and Two-time winners India, Bangalore, but Yadav strug- was a kid I always wanted to become an artist,” Dhoni said in pared to a World Cup is very confident. All our players have who start against South Africa gled with his left-arm wrist playing really well. the video. “So decided I have played a lot of cricket and it’s different, so you might see lot been in great form in the IPL,” in Southampton on June 5, spin for Kolkata Knight Riders. time for me to take up what I really wanted to become. And I of 260-270 kind of games and Kohli said referring to the In- feel they have a strong chance “In hindsight if you look started getting into painting.” teams successfully defending dian Premier League which with a potent pace bowling at- at it, like Kuldeep, who has format and Kohli said consist- The wicketkeeper-batsman said that he would soon hold an art it because of the pressure fac- ended this month. tack led by Jasprit Bumrah. had so much success, it’s im- ency was the only way to make exhibition as he wants to pursue his painting career “very seri- tor,” said the skipper of India The India squad will travel “We go into the World Cup portant to see a period where the semi-finals. ously”. But the paintings that he showed off looked suspicious- -- one the favourites alongside to England on Wednesday in feeling very balanced and a things don’t go your way. And “Everyone has to be at ly childlike, prompting suggestions from some that the father England and Australia. their quest for a third World strong side. You saw in the I am glad it happened during their best game intensity from of a four-year-old daughter may be pulling some legs. “Chill out He also added, “Personal- Cup title. They begin their IPL (T20 series) , all the play- the IPL, rather than the World the first match onwards and folks. @msdhoni’s video is nothing short of a comedy sketch ly, I think this is probably the campaign against South Africa ers that are in the squad are in Cup,” said Kohli. you don’t have any room for and is meant to be taken that way,” wrote one Twitter user. most challenging World Cup in Southampton on June 5. great form and playing really “He has time to reflect and complacency. Dhoni, who led India to the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup title of all the three that I’ve been The 46-day event starts on well,” said Kohli. correct things and come into “That’s why it’s the World in 2007 and then the 50-over crown in 2011, is widely expect- part of, because of the format.” May 30 and will conclude with India have however some the World Cup even stronger. Cup, the most important tour- ed to call it quits after this edition of cricket’s marquee event. The World Cup will use a the final at Lord’s in London worries over their spinners We know the skill set he pos- nament in the world,” said Dhoni, who retired from Tests in 2014, has amassed 10,500 revised format to decide the on July 14. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra sesses along with Chahal. They Kohli, who compared the “in- one-day runs from 341 matches including 10 centuries and 71 semi-finalists, with the teams “Any team can beat any Chahal, who were less impres- are two pillars of our bowling tensity” to competing in foot- fifties. The Virat Kohli-led India begin their World Cup campaign all playing each other in the team ... The gap is much closer sive in the IPL. line-up.” The 10-team World ball’s English Premier League against South Africa on June 5 in Southampton. (AFP) round-robin stage. now between teams,” India Chahal claimed 18 wickets Cup returns to a round-robin or Spain’s La Liga. ‘Outstanding’ Archer picked in England’s World Cup squad

played a lot of cricket, I know Barbados-born quickie preferred THE SQUAD how to deal with pressure, England: Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, crowds, I think I’m ready.” over David Willey in 15-man squad Capt), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Even though Willey of- Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonny Bairstow fered a different angle of at- (Yorkshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire, tack as the only left-arm quick AFP concluded on Sunday. wkt), Tom Curran (Surrey), Liam in contention, Archer’s ability LONDON There was also no place in Dawson (Hampshire), Liam Plunkett to bowl at 90 miles per hour the squad, captained by Eoin (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe (145 kilometres per hour) and ENGLAND selection chief Morgan, for back-up spinner Root (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), his variety of slower balls has Ed Smith hailed fast bowler and batsman Joe Denly, with Ben Stokes (Durham), James Vince seen him get the nod. Jofra Archer as an “outstand- Hampshire slow left-armer (Hampshire), Chris Woakes Willey was among those ing” talent after including him Liam Dawson recalled as cover (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham). who questioned the pros- in the tournament favourites’ for Adil Rashid, who is nursing pect of Archer playing for World Cup squad on Tuesday. a shoulder problem. England at this year’s World Barbados-born quick Both Denly and Willey ward. He’s an outstanding tal- Cup when the Sussex bowler Archer only qualified for Eng- were named in England’s pro- ent, that’s clear to all of us. He became eligible. land in March and has played visional squad, as was opening has pace, bounce, skill.” But Smith, who told Wil- just three one-day interna- batsman Alex Hales. ley he had missed out on tionals for the host nation of But James Vince, who ‘Ready for World Cup’ Monday, said: “I spoke to Da- the showpiece event. featured against Pakistan, Archer said he was ready for vid, he’s an outstanding man. But he has now made it came in after England decided the challenge of a World Cup He’s very honest, dignified. into the 15-man World Cup against selecting Hales follow- despite his lack of internation- He’s a very impressive man squad that Smith unveiled ing his ban for recreational al experience. and cricketer.” at Lord’s. drug use. “I’ve put it in my head England now have two He edged out left-arm England, bidding to win England’s Jofra Archer (left) and Adil Rashid celebrate winning the One-Day International match against I would have to wait seven warm-up matches, against quick David Willey, a vet- the World Cup for the first Pakistan at Headingley on Monday. (REUTERS) years, back in December they Australia on Saturday and Af- eran of 46 ODIs, after both time, reduced their qualifica- changed it a little but I was ghanistan on Monday, before pacemen featured during tion period from seven years line with the rest of the world ther is English. we’ve seen the skills he has,” always prepared to wait,” the launching the tournament England’s 4-0 series win to three, a move they insisted rather than advance the se- “We’ve seen Jofra Archer Smith told Sky Sports News. 24-year-old told Sky Sports. against South Africa at the at home to Pakistan, which was solely to bring them into lection of Archer, whose fa- play against Pakistan and “It’s pretty straightfor- “I think I’m ready. I’ve Oval on May 30.