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FOOTBALL AFC ROUND-UP Lekhwiya star Rayyan suff er 5-1 drubbing Nam aims for by Al Wahda Asian CL success Qatar stars League champions take on the UAE’s Al Jazira today

AFC Doha

ekhwiya midfi elder Nam Tae- hee has lit up the 2017 AFC Champions League so far with impressive performances and eye-catchingL goals, but the Korea Re- public international is hoping for even greater success at this year’s conti- nental competition ahead of his club’s match against the UAE’s Al Jazira today. Al Wahda FC’s Argentinean forward Sebastian Tagliabue (C) scores past Al After two wins and two draws in Rayyan SC goalkeeper Omar Barry in yesterday. Lekhwiya’s fi rst four continental ties the Qatari side sit top of Group B and a By Sports Reporter off teammate Tagliabue, before Salem win over the already-eliminated Emi- Doha Sultan turned tapped in a Dzsudzsak rati team would see them assured of a free-kick seven minutes after resump- Round of 16 place for a third straight tion. AFC Champions League edition. audi giants Al Hilal progressed With Al Rayyan’s defence hardly The 25-year-old Nam, though, is to the knockout phase of the measuring up to the task, Tagliabue already dreaming of matching and im- AFC Champions League but and Khalil al-Hammadi put the result proving upon the quarter-fi nal plac- SQatar’s Al Rayyan will have to beyond doubt with two late goals to ings the side achieved in 2015 and 2013. wait after suff ering one of their worst keep Al Wahda in contention. “I’ve been involved with the AFC drubbings in recent memory yester- Meanwhile, last year’s runners-up Champions League as a Lekhwiya play- day. Al Ain booked their spot in the round er from day one,” said Nam, a Reading Al Hilal picked up a valuable point of 16 with an emphatic 3-0 victory FC Youth Academy graduate. following a goalless draw against Iran’s over Iran’s Zobahan. “When I joined Lekhwiya, we were Persepolis to take their tally to nine The victory gave Al Ain nine points a young team and we were really look- points from fi ve matches in Group D, from fi ve matches, meaning they can- ing forward to taking part in the AFC while Michael Laudrup’s Al Rayyan not fi nish outside the top two in Group Champions League at that time. suff ered a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of C. Danilo Asprilla put Al Ain ahead in “I was so excited when I scored for Al Wahda in Abu Dhabi. the 25th minute before a missed pen- Lekhwiya in our fi rst-ever match in the Al Rayyan are still in second spot alty by Jerry Bengtson saw them hold AFC Champions League [in 2012]. To with seven points from fi ve games and onto their advantage lead at half-time. be honest, I was a bit nervous playing will have to wait two more weeks to Al Ain doubled their lead with a fi ne in this big Asian tournament, because I fi nd out if they could make the knock- solo eff ort from was so young at the time. outs for the fi rst time in their history in the 60th minute before Mohamed when they face Al Hilal. Abdulrahman added a third in the 81st ‘The best result we got so Al Wahda’s victory in Abu Dhabi minute to seal all three points. far was the quarter-fi nal, but I was sweet revenge after they lost the Meanwhile, already relegated Bun- hope we can reach the semi-fi nal fi rst leg 2-1 against Al Rayyan but more dyokor ended an 18-match winless and then the fi nal and then lift importantly it also keeps their last 16 streak following a 2-0 victory over Al the trophy. This is the best result I hopes alive having lost three of their Ahli of Saudi Arabia in Group C. can imagine’ four previous games The Uzbek side shot out the blocks Forward Sebastian Tagliabue was at Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent “The best result we got so far was the the hero for the Emirati side, his brace with an early goal when defender quarter-fi nal, but I hope we can reach coming in handy after Al Rayyan Akramjon Komilov headed home fol- the semi-fi nal and then the fi nal and had taken a 21st minute lead through lowing a corner. then lift the trophy. This is the best re- former Barcelona player Sergio Garcia. Al Ahli created several chances but sult I can imagine.” Al Wahda equalised in the 33rd failed to score and Eldor Shomurodov Although it is still early in the year to minute when ’s clever then doubled the hosts’ lead fi ve min- speculate who will reach November’s fi - through ball picked out Ahmed al- utes into the second period, while the nal, let alone win the tournament, should Akberi who beat Al Rayyan goalkeeper visitors rarely threatened. Nam and Lekhwiya go all the way it would Omar Barry with a deft shot from With Monday’s defeat, Al Ahli be just the second time a Qatari side has close. missed the chance to make the last 16 lifted the AFC Champions League trophy Just two minutes from half-time, Al with a game to spare and are left fac- – Al Sadd did so in 2011 – since the tour- Wahda were ahead as Balasz Dzsudz- ing a crunch tie with Zobahan next nament revamp in 2002-2003. sak’s well struck eff ort defl ected in month. A second continental title for Qatar would further underline the footballing development the Gulf nation has been pursuing ahead of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. “The Qatar League and Qatar foot- ball has been developing a lot recently, I can really feel it” added Nam, who was at Valenciennes FC in France before joining Lekhwiya in 2012. “I am defi nitely enjoying my football here more than I was in Ligue 1. Lekhwiya, who welcome Moham- med Tresor back from suspension, suff ered a 3-2 reversal at the hands of El Jaish in the Qatar Cup semi-fi nal on Saturday, while Al Jazira need just two points to wrap up their domestic title after defeating Al Shabab 3-0 in their previous league match. Nam Tae-hee of Lekhwiya. Meanwhile, fi rst meets second in Te- hran as Group A leaders Al Ahli of the Al Ahli got the better of the fi rst en- not lost since late February and on the has been an otherwise impressive cam- travel to Azadi counter between the teams when they back of a 10-day break since defeating paign to date. A second successive win Stadium to take on Esteghlal with both ran out 2-1 victors in February but af- Al Wahda in the Arabian Gulf League in in front of home support would make sides eyeing the win that would see ter four games the sides remain level mid-April. the two-time Asian champions strong them put one foot in the last 16 of the on seven points. The visitors will go Hosts Esteghlal’s only defeat on the favourites to advance to a fi rst knockout 2017 AFC Champions League. into the clash full of confi dence having continent came against Al Ahli in what phase since 2013. Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup shows his frustration. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, April 25, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT DELIGHT Rodgers proud of ‘Best ever’ Messi treble-chasing Celtic turns tables on bitter rivals Madrid Celtic manager with his players. AFP “Obviously 12 months on from Glasgow where they were last year really ‘He is the best player for me in history. The fact he has scored his 500th goal shows shows the level they have gone to, so I’m very pleased,” Rodgers, all of us as Barca fans are lucky to have him identified with the club’ rendan Rodgers spoke of whose side are chasing a record- his pride in his players extending 37th Scottish Cup win, as he moved to within added. “I’m happy for the sup- touching distance of porters. They had a tough one here Bbecoming only the third Celtic last year and you can see their joy manager to claim a domestic tre- and happiness and when it’s like ble for the Scottish giants. that it makes us all happy.” With the League Cup and Rodgers has enjoyed a superb title al- debut season in Scottish foot- ready wrapped up, Celtic face ball with his side now undefeated Aberdeen on May 27 in the Scot- domestically in 41 matches this tish Cup fi nal following a 2-0 season. semi-fi nal win over Old Firm ri- But the former Liverpool boss vals Rangers on Sunday. claims he isn’t surprised at being Callum McGregor fi red them on the verge of a historic season. into an early lead before Scott “It might have been diff erent Sinclair added a second from the if you had asked me after the Gi- penalty spot six minutes after braltar game [a 1-0 Champions the break in a dominant display League qualifying defeat to Lin- by Celtic. coln Red Imps]. I knew I had a bit “I thought we played absolutely of work on my hands after that,” brilliant in the game. It was every- Rodgers joked thing you would want from your team to play in terms of compo- ‘REAL HISTORIC SEASON’ sure, temperament and technical “When you come to Celtic you quality,” said Rodgers, who could are here to win and you are here join legendary Celtic managers to perform. There is always ex- and Martin O’Neill in pectancy at a club like Celtic. I leading Celtic to a treble. have enjoyed that element of it. “To play a Celtic Rangers game “But what’s important is that to that level and that quality makes you see progress. We’re still a me very proud of the team. way from where I would want us “We restricted Rangers to very to be, but there’s been real good few opportunities and the only signs throughout the course of disappointment was we didn’t the season. score more. “We’re one game away from “Today was about the collec- a real historic season, but we’ve tive — from the goalkeeper right still got a few games to play be- the way through to the guys on fore that.” the bench. Rangers manager Pedro Caix- “I really enjoyed watching the inha, in his fi rst Old Firm match team. I thought we looked a real in charge, felt his side showed powerful, top quality side today.” Celtic too much respect. The win meant they gained a “By respecting the opponent measure of revenge for last year’s we dropped off too much on the Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league Clasico match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. semi-fi nal defeat at their bitter ri- park — it was not what we pre- vals hands which led to then Celtic paring for during the week,” said AFP “It is marvellous for us to win in the By contrast, Real Madrid boss Zinedine “In modern football when manager Ronny Deila’s departure. Caixinha. Madrid 92nd minute. It is something that is nor- Zidane was left to lament his side’s over everyone is tactically and mally more a characteristic of our rivals, adventurous nature after conceding in physically better he still makes but we like to do it too,” added Enrique. stoppage time after being reduced to 10 the diff erence” SERIE A arcelona coach Luis Enrique rev- Barca lead at the top of the table thanks men. elled in turning the tables on bit- to their better head-to-head record. Messi had cancelled out Casemiro’s to be guaranteed the title. ter rivals Real Madrid as Lionel Madrid, though, still have the advan- opener before half-time. “There will be much more of a title Messi struck deep into stoppage tage as they have a game in hand. But Barca looked well on the road to race, but it is still in our own hands,” add- Milan pair face dismal timeB to edge a thrilling El Clasico 3-2 on “To score in the 92nd minute is a huge victory when Ivan Rakitic’s stunning ef- ed Zidane. Sunday. confi dence boost,” said Enrique, who will fort put the visitors 2-1 in front before Madrid were also dealt a fresh injury Messi’s second goal of the night was leave the club at the end of the season. Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was sent blow for the remainder of their league end to the season his 500th for Barcelona and took the However, he and Barca captain Andres off for a wild lunge on Messi. season and upcoming Champions League Catalans to the top of La Liga. Iniesta called on Messi, whose contract However, Madrid rallied when a man semi-fi nals against Atletico Madrid as Reuters “He is the best player for me in history expires at the end of next season, not to down as substitute James Rodriguez fi red Gareth Bale faces another spell on the Milan and I have seen a lot of football,” said En- follow him in leaving the Camp Nou. home an equaliser four minutes from sidelines. rique. “Barca is an incredible club with many time. The Welshman lasted just 38 minutes “In modern football when everyone years of history, but without doubt an “Drawing the game with 10 men, to on his return after missing Madrid’s last he season cannot end is tactically and physically better he still important part of that history is Leo press high up the fi eld is dangerous and two outings with persistent ankle prob- quickly enough for fall- makes the diff erence. Messi,” Enrique said. we paid for that,” said Zidane. lems. en giants AC Milan and “The fact he has scored his 500th goal “I can’t criticise the players for any- “I don’t regret anything,” said Zidane , whose un- shows all of us as Barca fans are lucky to ‘A BLESSING’ thing though. We gave our all, but we over his decision to start Bale. happyT form persisted over the have him identifi ed with the club.” “I think the great thing about Leo is that didn’t manage to get the three points. “I am disappointed for him. He started weekend with embarrassing Se- The timing of Messi’s strike also saw he continues to surprise,” said Iniesta. “We didn’t deserve to lose, but that is the game well and then the injuries we rie A defeats. Barca gain revenge for Sergio Ramos’s “After so many years he is still decisive. football.” can’t control. The two sides, European stoppage time equaliser in a 1-1 draw when It is an honour and a blessing for the club Madrid now need to take at least 16 “We will see what exactly the injury is champions 10 times between the sides last met back in December. to have him.” points from their fi nal six La Liga games and hope it is as little as possible.” them, have been reduced to scrapping for the last remaining Italian slot in the Europa League, File picture of AC Milan coach BOTTOMLINE although it is still possible that Vincenzo Montella. both could miss out even on that meagre prize. After leading 2-1 at halftime, Both teams are now in the hands Inter collapsed spectacularly of Chinese owners, although their in the second half as they con- plans for the future have yet to be ceded four goals in 17 calamitous outlined in detail and a decision minutes. “There’s no explana- Ramos red could prove costly over the much-needed moderni- tion for what happened - we just Reuters had infl uenced the decision. they’re used to referees allow- sation of municipally owned San switched off after a good rstfi Madrid “It’s excessive,” Ramos said of ing things and when they don’t, Siro stadium, which they share, half,” said Pioli, Inter’s ninth the decision. “I was not going to there’s all sorts of reactions.” remains on hold. coach in the last six years. cause harm. In the way I under- Ultimately, it was a moment Inter say they are committed “At the fi rst sign of trouble we ith Real Madrid stand football, it’s a yellow, not a of madness that cost his side. to re-developing it jointly with disappear... We have a duty to trailing 2-1 to great red.” Had Ramos stayed on the AC Milan who in turn say they do better and to honour Inter’s rivals Barcelona “I arrived late for the tackle pitch, Barcelona would probably need their own stadium but have name.” in the Clasico on but there was no contact, there not have been allowed to counter implied they could achieve this “We have fi ve matches left to WSunday, there was something of was no intention to deliberately at will. by buying into San Siro rather play but we’ve frittered away an air of inevitability as Sergio attack a player. It was a very de- Instead, Barca right back Sergi than building a new one. everything we built up over the Ramos was sent off for the 22nd cisive decision.” Roberto surged forwards in the The uncertainty off the field last few months.” time in his professional career. Ramos added: “We’ve won a 92nd minute, skipping away has continued to be refl ected by Inter were purchased by Chi- In Ramos’s own words, his Champions League with a goal from challenges by Luka Modric results on it. nese retail giant Suning Com- sending off proved “decisive” as in injury time and now it’s our and then Marcelo before Messi Milan, beaten 2-1 at home merce Group last June, the sec- Barca went on to win 3-2. turn to have the shoe on the scored his 500th goal for Barca by lowly Empoli on Sunday, ond time the club has changed The Madrid captain had ap- other foot. You need to look for- with the last kick of the game to are sixth, the last of the Europa hands in three years. peared incredulous when ref- ward.” seal a famous win. League slots, while Inter are two Italian media restarted specu- eree Alejandro Hernandez bran- It was the fi fth time Ramos “Maybe I should take some points behind them in seventh, lation yesterday that the club dished the red card, but there had seen red in the Clasico, with responsibility,” Marcelo said. which would mean missing out were looking to splash out on a could be few complaints after three of his last fi ve dismissals “Perhaps if I had brought him on European football altogether. big name coach such as Chelsea’s Ramos’s ugly two-footed lunge against any opposition coming down, they wouldn’t have made Fiorentina, who are a further Antonio Conte or Atletico Ma- forced Lionel Messi to take eva- against Madrid’s great rivals in it 3-2.” point behind Inter in eighth, drid’s Diego Simeone to replace sive action. what is turning into something It could well prove to be a mo- could overhaul both teams in the 51-year-old Pioli, who has spent Ramos argued with Hernan- of a habit. ment that turns the La Liga title last fi ve games. most of his career at Italy’s less dez before slowly making his “I’m sure when he (Ramos) race around. Inter have failed to win any glamorous clubs. way off the pitch, sarcastically gets home he will see that it’s Ramos will now miss Madrid’s of their last fi ve league games, Inter were not immediately applauding. a red. It was obvious, he goes midweek trip to Deportivo La taking a meagre two points, and available to comment. He also intimated to Barce- in with two feet up and has no Coruna, leaving his side with slumped to a stunning 5-4 defeat The club still has to watch its lona defender Gerard Pique that chance of getting the ball,” Pique just one recognised centre back against Fiorentina on Saturday, spending, however, as it is being the Catalan side’s pre-match retorted. for a match they can ill-aff ord which Italian media said left closely monitored by UEFA after talk about the 34-year-old ref- “There’s nothing to talk to slip up in with Barca poised to coach Stefano Pioli on the point falling foul of the European soc- eree giving preference to Madrid Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos is shown a red card. about. What happens here is pounce. of resigning. cer body’s break-even rules. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 25, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Ibrahimovic vows and no decision will be made to return stronger today (Monday),” CAS secre- from injury tary general Matthieu Reeb told AFP, without providing a Manchester United striker timeframe for the verdict. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has vowed Atletico and city rivals Real to come back even stronger Madrid were barred from after suff ering a serious knee registering new players for Wembley win put injury against Anderlecht in two transfer windows in Janu- Europa League last week. ary 2016 for irregularities in Ibrahimovic and defender the signing of foreign players Marcos Rojo are likely to miss under 18. the rest of the season after Both clubs saw initial appeals scans revealed they both have rejected by FIFA last Septem- suff ered cruciate knee liga- ber, although CAS reduced ment injuries. Real’s sanction in December Chelsea back on “First of all, thank you for all the allowing the European cham- support and love,” Ibrahimovic, pions to recruit new players as United’s top scorer this season of this summer. with 28 goals, wrote on his While Atletico and Real were Instagram account on Sunday. prevented from making any “It’s no news I got injured so signings in the January transfer I will be out of football for a window, Atletico president En- while. I will go through this rique Cerezo is hopeful sport’s track, says Hazard like everything else and come highest court will grant his club back even stronger. So far a similar ruling and halve their I played with one leg so it initial two-window ban. ‘This win maybe gives us more confidence for the rest of the season. We have six shouldn’t be any problem.” “We hope they lift (the ban) The 35-year-old Swede, whose and we can sign this summer,” games to play and we need to win five if Tottenham win all of theirs, so we will see’ contract at Old Traff ord ex- Cerezo said in February. pires at the end of the season, “We had the same problem as said injuries will not decide his Real Madrid. If they have lifted future in the game. it from them, why wouldn’t “One thing is for sure, I decide they lift it from us?” when it’s time to stop and nothing else. Giving up is not Giant smoke bombs an option,” he added. interrupt PSV v Ajax United, who are fifth in the standings, Thick black fumes from smoke face a challenging schedule bombs engulfed stands at including visits to Manchester PSV Eindhoven’s crunch home City, Arsenal and Tottenham game against Ajax on Sunday, Hotspur. They also face interrupting the match and Spanish side Celta Vigo in a leaving several fans with two-legged Europa League breathing and eye problems. semi-final next month. Dozens of people scattered to take refuge as black smoke Chung appeals FIFA billowed through the Philips ban to CAS Stadion, forcing the referee to suspend play five minutes into South Korean billionaire the second half. Chung Mong-Joon has ap- Ten fans, four security guards pealed to the Swiss-based and a steward suff ered Court of Arbitration for Sport respiratory or eye problems, over his five-year ban by world according to the Dutch press football governing body FIFA, agency ANP. CAS announced yesterday. A 35-year-old man was ar- “In his appeal to the CAS, Dr rested on suspicion of letting Chung seeks the annulment off the devices, it added. of the decision taken by the The game resumed shortly FIFA Appeal Committee in after the interruption but which he was suspended from photos and videos of the all football-related activities huge cloud of smoke, spewing at national and international out from behind advertising level for five years,” CAS said. hoardings near the touchline, Chung, a former FIFA vice- were shared widely on social president and presidential media. candidate, and a scion of the Players from both teams Hyundai family, was banned stood on the pitch watching by FIFA’s ethics committee for the smoke cloud after referee contravening lobbying rules Kevin Blom brought the game over bids for the 2018 and to a halt. 2022 World Cups. Jurgen Locadia scored the In 2015, the ethics committee only goal after 25 minutes as File picture of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard celebrating after scoring his team’s third goal against Tottenham Hotspur during the FA Cup semi-final. hit Chung with a six-year ban, defending Eredivisie cham- before the appeals commit- pions PSV won 1-0, dealing a AFP league and we need to win fi ve if Totten- started Saturday’s game at Wembley on says the calibre of the opposition means tee reduced it to five years blow to 33-time winners Ajax London ham win all of theirs, so we will see. the bench. they will have no trouble motivating last July and cut his fine from who are bidding for their first “We lost last weekend against a great themselves. 100,000 to 50,000 Swiss title since 2014. team and for the rest of the season, it is CHELSEA ‘UNDER PRESSURE’ “Of course, you say every game is im- francs ($99,680-$49,840), cit- Peter Bosz’s side could not den Hazard says Chelsea’s im- always good to have the confi dence up. Pedro faces a fi ght to hold onto his jersey portant, but somehow, when you play ing insuff icient evidence. aff ord to slip up after leaders pressive FA Cup semi-fi nal vic- “Now we play on Tuesday and we need after Willian seized the opportunity of a against number one, it gets a little bit Chung claimed FIFA had admit- Feyenoord’s 2-0 win over tory over Tottenham Hotspur to win to go seven points clear at the top starting berth against Spurs by scoring more important,” the Denmark interna- ted to failing to find proof for Vitesse earlier on Sunday. has restored belief they can resist of the league.” twice, via a trademark free-kick and a tional told the club website. his alleged “vote-trading” and Ajax are four points behind MauricioE Pochettino’s side in the race for Chelsea coach Antonio Conte is un- penalty. “I saw the game they lost against Man- “giving the appearance of off er- Feyenoord with two games to the Premier League title. happy that his side have not been given Nathan Ake could keep his place in the chester United and now they are a little ing benefit”, and should have play. PSV are third, a further Chelsea’s 2-0 loss at Manchester Unit- more time to prepare for today’s game at back three after stepping in to deputise bit under pressure, and we also want to dropped the case against him. three points behind. ed allowed Tottenham to trim their lead Stamford Bridge. for Gary Cahill, who was admitted to continue getting good results. at the league summit to four points and But for the fi rst time in over a month, hospital last week with gastroenteritis. “Chelsea away is, of course, maybe the Five in police custody City’s Toure lets fl y at Saturday’s clash at Wembley was billed his team have an opportunity to put Southampton pulled off a surprise 3-1 toughest game this year, but I think that over Bastia violence referee as Manchester as a chance for Spurs to strike a psycho- pressure on Tottenham by playing before victory on their last visit to Stamford we have the possibility to get the result. derby looms logical blow. them, with Spurs crossing London to face Bridge in October 2015, which was their Why not? Five people were taken into But Chelsea showed mental resolve to Crystal Palace tomorrow. fi rst away win over Chelsea since January “We are a good team and we have police custody in Bastia yester- Yaya Toure has said he would engineer a 4-2 win, Hazard netting the Chelsea face the thorniest game of 2002. shown it before, so I don’t think it is im- day as part of an investigation “prefer” Thursday’s Manches- crucial third goal after coming on, and they their run-in on Sunday — a trip to Ever- Four points behind eighth-place West possible, but it is going to be very tough.” into violence which marred the ter derby to go ahead without have the bit between their teeth again prior ton — and having slipped to a shock 2-1 Bromwich Albion, with two games in Former Chelsea midfi elder Oriol Romeu Corsican team’s match against a referee after claiming his to Tuesday’s visit of Southampton. loss at home to Palace earlier this month, hand, and a huge 17 points below sev- is back from suspension after missing French Ligue 1 rivals Lyon, City side had been on the “This win maybe gives us more confi - they will be on high alert against South- enth-place Arsenal, the most Claude Southampton’s 1-0 win at West Brom and judicial sources said. wrong end of decisions in dence for the rest of the season,” Hazard ampton. Puel’s side can hope for is to pip West 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City. Four men were arrested early their FA Cup semi-final loss to told the Chelsea website. Hazard and Diego Costa are expected Brom to eighth. Infl uential centre-back Virgil van Dijk is in the day and a fifth later Arsenal. “We have six games to play in the to return to Chelsea’s starting XI, having But midfi elder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg a long-term absentee with an ankle injury. turned himself in at the police Referee Craig Pawson was in station and was also placed in the spotlight after City were custody. denied what appeared to be a BOTTOMLINE A hardcore section of home legitimate goal before losing fans at Bastia’s Armand Cesari 2-1 to the Gunners at targeted Lyon’s play- Stadium on Sunday. ers as they warmed up before “I think the referees have to the game on April 16, causing stop this. I am very disap- it to be delayed by more than pointed,” said Toure. “It is not 50 minutes, and then aban- the first time, there have been Kante named PFA player of year doned as the two sides went a couple of times.” AFP “He wants to win, and we (Kante) the best central mid- in for the break. Asked if the ball had stayed in London work very, very, very hard in fi eld player in the world on cur- Two Lyon players Anthony play, Toure was in no doubt: training for him. He put a win- rent form,” former England and Lopes and Mathieu Gorgelin “Definitely, and it was a pen- ning mentality into the squad, Chelsea great Frank Lampard have filed police complaints alty and something more. ’Golo Kante’s dynamic and everyone wants to give their told the BBC. after being attacked by Bastia “But what can we do? If (we) performances for dou- best for the team, and to make “Looking at the way he’s per- fans during the game. talk about the referee the FA is ble chasing Chelsea Chelsea win titles.” forming this year, he may not be Bastia’s next home game going to come in for the pun- received the ultimate Kante, who had a modest scoring lots of goals but what against Rennes on April 29 will ishment if we think like that, Naccolade from his peers on Sun- playing career in France with he’s giving to the team in the way be played at a neutral ground but I think I need to sleep and day, the Professional Football- Boulogne and then Caen, said he’s playing, the driving force with no fans allowed. rest and forget this game.” ers’ Association (PFA) Player of the award will not go to his head that he is, I cannot see anyone Other disciplinary measures “If we have to talk about the Year award. as he acknowledges they face a else out there in world football against the club who are referees, people are going to The 26-year-old French mid- tough battle to win either the better than him at the moment.” already bottom of Ligue 1 and say ‘we complain’ but when fi elder saw off the likes of Totten- league or the Cup — Spurs are Former Barcelona and Eng- facing relegation could follow we see the highlights, for me it ham striker Harry Kane and Ever- just four points behind them in land striker Gary Lineker said he on May 4. is very disappointing.” ton’s marksman Romelu Lukaku the title race and Arsenal will be had the potential to be the great- The violence followed crowd Looking ahead to the derby for the prestigious award. desperate to rescue a poor sea- est midfi elder of all time if he trouble several days earlier at with Manchester United, the It may well not be the last son with a trophy. corrected one facet of his game. Lyon as they hosted Turkish veteran Ivory Coast midfielder piece of silverware he lifts this “We’re going to fi ght for both “Bloody hell, if Kante starts team Besiktas in the Europa added: “Maybe on Thursday season as unlike his former competitions,” said Kante. scoring goals as well he’ll be- League quarter-finals. we are going to have a better teammates at Leicester — for “The cup is just one game, and come the best midfi eld player referee or maybe play without whom he was the driving force the league six games, and we’re ever,” tweeted Lineker. Atletico await CAS a referee — I’d prefer that.” of a stunning title success last going to give our best to win Tottenham Hotspur didn’t verdict on transfer ban Thursday’s match could have a year — he stands on the brink of these two competitions.” go away empty-handed. Their big impact on the race for a top becoming the fi rst player to win Kante’s performances this sea- goalscoring midfi elder English Atletico Madrid are waiting to four spot in the Premier League successive league titles with dif- File picture of Chelsea’s French midfielder N’Golo Kante (R). son has had former players eulo- international Dele Alli won the find out if they will be allowed and the battle for Champions ferent clubs. gising about his ability especially young player of the year award to sign new players in June League qualification. “To be chosen by the players we are in good form with Chel- Conte, like Leicester’s title win- after he totally overshadowed his for the second successive year. after pleading their case over “It is an important game,” said to be player of the year means a sea. To be player of the year, it’s a ning manager Claudio Ranieri an compatriot and the world’s most Other winners included Man- a FIFA-imposed transfer ban Toure.”We have to do that job lot to me,” said Kante. great honour.” Italian, had instilled a winning expensive player Paul Pogba in the chester City’s Lucy Bronze who at the Court of Arbitration for and we will see what can hap- “It means the world to be cho- Kante, who also faces an FA mentality into the players. 1-0 win over Manchester United was the women’s player of the Sport yesterday. pen. We hope we are going to sen and it’s been two beautiful Cup fi nal date against Arsenal, “He knows what he wants in March. year for a second occasion hav- “Only the lawyers are present have a good referee.” seasons, one with Leicester, and said Chelsea manager Antonio from the players,” said Kante. “I’d go as far to say that he’s ing won it in 2014. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, April 25, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Serena thanks unborn baby aft er All eyes on Stuttgart returning to world number one

AFP Williams set off a day of London frenzied speculation last as Sharapova poised Wednesday with a selfi e posted on social media - posing for erena Williams re- a photo in a yellow one-piece turned to the top of the swimsuit on Snapchat - with WTA world rankings on the caption “20 weeks”. Monday and immedi- She deleted the post shortly atelyS shared the news with her afterwards but her Los Ange- unborn baby. les-based publicist Kelly Bush for return from ban The American, who is skip- Novak later confi rmed that ping the rest of the year after the player, who is engaged to announcing last week that she Reddit co-founder Alexis Oha- ‘Maria was banned, she served her suspension, she is entitled to come back’ was pregnant, took to social nian, was indeed expecting her media to off er her fi rst public fi rst child. thoughts on impending moth- It seems likely she was sev- Reuters erhood. eral weeks pregnant when London “My Dearest Baby, You she won this year’s Australian gave me the strength I didn’t Open to move to within one know I had. You taught me the grand slam title of matching ot much fazes Roberta true meaning of serenity and Australian Margaret Court’s Vinci after 16 years on peace,” the 35-year-old who record of 24. Tour but the mael- owns 23 grand slam titles, said Her message yesterday ap- strom swirling around on Instagram. pears to underline her resolve Nher opening match in Stuttgart “I can’t wait to meet you. to return to action next year. against Maria Sharapova will test I can’t wait for you to join the Despite not having played even the Italian’s vast experience. players box next year,” she con- since January when she moved Her 946th singles might or- tinues. ahead of Steffi Graf as the most dinarily have been one to chalk “But most importantly, I successful tennis player in the off and forget about but stand- am so happy to share being professional era by beating ing over the other side of the net number one in the world with sister Venus in the Australian on Wednesday will be the former you... once again today. From Open fi nal, she replaced Ger- world number one on her return the world’s oldest number many’s Angelique Kerber as from a 15-month doping ban. one to the world’s youngest world number one in the rank- Whatever else is happening number one. - Your Mommy.” ings yesterday. on any other tennis court in the world will become irrelevant as Russian multi-millionaire Shara- pova, who turned 30 last week, No decision on Nastase for at resumes a career that made her the world’s richest sportswoman. least two weeks: Haggerty Debate still rages about Sharapo- va’s crime and punishment. While some say the fi ve-times grand slam champion, initially Maria Sharapova banned for doping goes to the back entrance of a tennis hall in Stuttgart yesterday. (AFP) banned for two years after test- ing positive for Meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open, has done her Seven other high-profile suspensions time some fellow players are angry the red carpet is being rolled out. Mariano Puerta: In 2003, Argentina’s French Open quarter-finals in 2005, knock- Richard Gasquet: The French player tested With no ranking after such a long Puerta, who was to reach number nine in the ing out Venus Williams on the way and positive for cocaine in 2009 but was banned period without swinging her racket world, received a two-year suspension after ending the year at 35 in the world. However, for just two and a half months after he suc- in anger, Sharapova could have been testing positive for clenbuterol but the ban in January 2006 she was banned for two cessfully argued that he had accidentally forced to work her way back from was cut to nine months after he argued the years after testing positive for nandrolone. ingested the drug when he kissed a girl at a the lower rungs of the tennis ladder. substance was in an asthma treatment. Two Karatantcheva claimed her positive result Miami nightclub. Instead, with tournament years later, he was banned again after failing had been caused by pregnancy but tests Viktor Troicki: Troicki, the hero of Serbia’s chiefs and sponsors well aware a drugs test following his 2005 French Open showed this not to be the case. She lost her 2010 Davis Cup triumph, was banned for of her ticket-selling appeal she final defeat to Rafael Nadal. He was banned appeal and did not play at all in 2006 and 18 months in 2013 after failing to provide a has been handed wildcards into for eight years but the sanction was cut 2007. blood sample at the Monte Carlo Masters, Romania Fed Cup captain Ilie Nastase will have to wait for at the claycourt events in Stutt- again to two years when he claimed the sub- Martina Hingis: The former world number claiming he had felt unwell and had a long- least two weeks to discover if he is to face further action after he gart, Madrid and Rome. stance etilefrine was ingested accidentally one, now 36, had already stepped back standing fears of needles. He did however was provisionally banned from all ITF events following his verbal Former world number one after it was in a glass used by his wife. from the tour in 2003 after a career which provide a urine sample. abuse of British players last weekend. Caroline Wozniacki and Ag- Wayne Odesnik: American Odesnik was saw her claim five Grand Slam singles titles. Marin Cilic: Before he went on to become The 70-year-old former French and US Open champion, who nieszka Radwanska have both banned for 15 years in 2015 after a second Returned in 2005 before announcing in a US Open champion, Croatia’s Cilic was earned a reputation for controversial behaviour during his play- cried foul, believing a player doping violation having tested positive for 2007 that she had tested positive for a banned for nine months for testing positive ing days, was excluded from the tie on Saturday for unsports- returning from a doping ban steroids. He had already been suspended in small amount of cocaine at Wimbledon. “I for the banned stimulant nikethamide at the manlike conduct, with an investigation under way. should have to do it the hard way. 2010 after being caught with human growth have tested positive but I have never taken 2013 Munich tournament. Cilic claimed the “(The investigation) is ongoing. At this point, one of the princi- Sharapova, whose defence hormone. That was later reduced to 12 months drugs and I feel 100 per cent innocent,” she substance was in an over-the-counter glu- ples that is important is that we want a rigorous process that was that she had not realised after he had co-operated with investigations. said. Hingis was banned for two years but cose product purchased from a pharmacy. is fair,” International Tennis Federation (ITF) president David Meldonium had been added to a Sesil Karatantcheva: As a precocious returned to the sport in 2013 and has since His ban was eventually reduced to four Haggerty said yesterday. “We will also hear Nastase’s side of the list of banned substances at the 15-year-old, the Bulgarian reached the built a successful doubles career. months on appeal. argument. It will be a thorough process conducted in an eff icient start of 2016, insisted the sub- manner. I do not think you will be hearing any final decisions in stance is as common as aspirin the next two weeks.” in Russia where it is known as president David Haggerty told agent Max Eisenbud stoked the draw. Her only other route is to being stabbed, former number Saturday’s second singles rubber between Romania and Britain Mildronate. The Court of Arbi- Reuters yesterday. “She will play fi res by saying the likes of Woz- win the Stuttgart title so that she one Victoria Azarenka still to was briefly suspended with world number seven Johanna Konta tration for Sport (CAS) agreed on Wednesday which is the last niacki and Radwanska were ‘jour- can boost her ranking to enter return from childbirth the cup- in tears after the remarks made by Nastase. that Sharapova was not an inten- day of fi rst round matches.” neyman’ players hoping to benefi t French Open qualifying. board looks a little bare when it Konta recovered her composure to finish off a victory over tional doper and shortened her While admitting her mistake, from Sharapova’s exclusion. What adds intrigue to Shara- comes to headline acts. Romania’s Sorana Cirstea and level the tie at 1-1 but Romania ban from two years to 15 months. Sharapova has hardly been full of Sharapova’s prospective sec- pova’s return is that it comes at So while Sharapova’s might went on to win it andfter Konta and Heather Watson both lost The International tennis fed- contrition and has criticised the ond-round clash in Stuttgart a time with the WTA Tour reel- get a lukewarm welcome in the on Sunday. Britain’s captain Anne Keothavong also said she was eration (ITF), which had initially ITF for failing to notify her that against Poland’s Radwanska ing from the news that world locker room there is no question made to feel uncomfortable by “innapropriate comments” made imposed a two-year ban before Meldonium, a medication she could be an awkward encounter. number one and 23-times major the money men will welcome her by Nastase at the off icial pre-match dinner. the CAS appeal, said Sharapova said she had used for a number of A decision is expected soon champion Serena Williams will back with open arms, not least Nastase had already run into trouble during the World Group was eligible to return to action. years to treat health issues, had on whether the French Tennis not play again this year after an- Porsche. The German sports car II playoff tie in Constanta, Romania, after allegedly making a “Maria was banned, she indeed been fl agged up by WADA Federation (FFT) will fast-track nouncing she is pregnant. With giant is the lead partner of the derogatory comment about American world number two Serena served her suspension, she is as ‘performance enhancing’. the 2012 and 2014 Roland Garros twice Wimbledon champion Stuttgart event and also sponsor Williams’s unborn child. entitled to come back,” ITF Only last week Sharapova’s champion into the French Open Petra Kvitova recovering from Sharapova.

GOLF Chappell claims Texas Open for fi rst US PGA title

AFP the par-4 17th, he found the winning PGA Championship winner, fi nished on Los Angeles form on the fi nal shot of the week. 283 to share 13th. “I was calm all day,” Chappell said. Leading scores “Never freaked out. It was simple. Make 276 - Kevin Chappell 69-68-71-68 merican Kevin Chappell sank an four and you win the golf tournament.” 277 - Brooks Koepka 68-74-70-65 eight-foot birdie putt on the fi - Chappell hopes the victory will launch 279 - Kevin Tway 70-68-72-69, Tony Finau nal hole to win the Texas Open, him to a higher level, including consid- 71-65-74-69 capturing his fi rst US PGA title eration for this year’s Presidents Cup and 280 - Aaron Baddeley (AUS) 69-70-73-68 inA his 180th attempt. next year’s Ryder Cup. 281 - Kang Sung (KOR) 69-70-74-68, Brian Chappell fi red a four-under par 68 fi nal “Hopefully this is a platform to jump Gay 68-72-71-70, Cameron Smith (AUS) round to fi nish 72 holes at San Antonio off of, to put myself in the conversation to 72-65-73-71, Ryan Palmer 74-68-68-71 on 12-under par 276, edging compatriot make Ryders Cups and Presidents Cups 282 - Camilo Villegas (COL) 73-70-69-70, Brooks Koepka by a stroke with Ameri- and have my career really take off ,” Chap- Bud Cauley 70-66-74-72, Branden Grace cans Tony Finau and Kevin Tway sharing pell said. (RSA) 66-73-70-73 third on 279. Chappell sank a fi ve-foot birdie putt 283 - Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (ESP) Chappell, a six-time PGA runner-up, at the par-fi ve second hole and followed 73-68-75-67, Jimmy Walker 70-69-74-70, was seventh at the Masters two weeks with an eight-foot birdie at the par-3 Matt Jones (AUS) 69-73-71-70 ago. third, but stumbled with a bogey at the 284 - Robby Shelton 68-69-75-72, Carl “I’m just excited I don’t have to an- par-4 fi fth, missing a six-foot par putt. Pettersson (SWE) 73-66-71-74 swer the question, ‘What do I have to do He bounced back by putting his ap- 285 - Ollie Schniederjans 72-67-75-71, to win?’ again,” Chappell said. “There’s proach four feet from the cup and making Ryan Moore 70-70-73-72, Jim Herman 69- a lot of excitement, frustration and joy the putt at the par-3 seventh, then began 72-71-73, Martin Laird (SCO) 72-67-71-75 right now.” the back nine with a tap-in birdie. 286 - Stewart Cink 67-75-74-70, J.J. Henry Chappell found a bunker with his ap- Another tap-in birdie at the par-5 14th 72-71-72-71, Kim Si-Woo (KOR) 70-72-71-73, proach at the par-4 15th and missed a 13- put Chappell two strokes ahead, setting Nick Taylor (CAN) 69-72-71-74, John Huh foot par putt, taking a crucial bogey. the stage for the closing drama. 67-71-71-77 Koepka, who made seven birdies in the Australia’s Aaron Baddeley was fi fth on 287 - Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 69-74-73-71, fi rst 12 holes on his way to a fi nal-round 280 after a closing 68, with Aussie Cam- Nicolas Lindheim 71-70-74-72, J.T. Poston 65, sank a three-foot birdie putt at 18 to eron Smith, Americans Ryan Palmer and 70-73-71-73, Graeme McDowell (NIR) 68- match Chappell for the lead. Brian Gay and South Korean Kang Sung- 74-76-69, Jonathan Randolph 68-70-75- But after Chappell missed birdie putts Hoon sharing sixth on 281. 74, Sebastian Munoz (COL) 70-71-72-74, Kevin Chappell celebrates with his wife Elizabeth and children Wyatt, 2, and Collins, 3 months after winning the Valero of 14 feet at the par-3 16th and 13 feet at American Jimmy Walker, last year’s Bob Estes 68-69-75-75. Texas Open in San Antonio, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, April 25, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Cavs sweep Pacers, Senators oust Bruins, Capitals Rockets put Thunder topple Leafs

Cavs win series 4-0, will face AFP riod by deftly balancing a rolling puck Washington on the blade of his stick and lifting it winner of Raptors vs Bucks into the top corner. on the brink The game turned into a battle of arcus Johansson scored his goaltenders as Washington’s Braden AFP nal two quarters. In a game-two loss, second goal of the game Holtby made 37 saves and Toronto’s Los Angeles he misfi red on 14-of-18 shots in the at 6:31 of overtime as the Frederik Andersen fi nished with 34 fourth quarter. Washington Capitals de- stops. Westbrook had a triple-double in Mfeated Toronto 2-1 Sunday to win their In Boston, Clarke MacArthur scored eBron James scored 33 points the fi rst half, making him just the sec- fi rst round playoff series four games to a power-play goal 6:30 into overtime to and made key plays late Sun- ond player in NBA history with three two. give Ottawa a 3-2 victory that advanced day to give the defending NBA consecutive playoff triple-doubles. The 26-year-old Swedish forward the Senators. champion Cleveland Cavaliers Wilt Chamberlain did it in four con- also scored in the third period to tie the Ottawa won the fi rst-round series La 106-102 victory at Indiana and a secutive games in 1967. game and force overtime in the best- 4-2 and face the Rangers, who ousted sweep of their playoff series. In Chicago, Thomas led the charge as of-seven National Hockey League Montreal. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers Boston levelled their series with a Bulls playoff series. MacArthur only returned to the Sen- 4-0 in their best-of-seven Eastern at 2-2. The Celtics have now won two “This is the playoff s. It’s going to ators on April 4 after an 18-month ab- Conference fi rst-round matchup and games in a row after falling behind in the be tight, it’s never going to be an easy sence following a concussion suff ered will next face the winner between series with back-to-back home losses. ride,” said Johansson. “But I think it’s in October 2015 against Columbus. the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee The best-of-seven series resumes good for us where we got a start where The 32-year-old left wing missed Bucks. Wednesday. everything didn’t go smoothly. 156 games and played only four regular “Once again, we just had to weather “You kind of get right into it, and you season games this month but netted the storm,” said James. “We beat a very HEAVY HEART have to work hard for it and battle for two precious goals in six playoff con- good team.” It has been eight days since Thomas’s it.” tests against Boston, the biggest the In the Western Conference, the sister was killed in a single vehicle car The Capitals will face Sidney Cros- series winner. Houston Rockets got a huge boost crash. by’s Pittsburgh Penguins Thursday in The Senators won three games of the from their bench to defeat the Okla- “What he’s been through in the second round action while the New series in overtime on the way to cap- homa City Thunder 113-109 and seize day-to-day is unfathomable the way York Rangers battle the Ottawa Sena- turing only their second playoff series a commanding 3-1 lead in their fi rst- he has performed on the court,” Celt- tors in the other Eastern Conference triumph in a decade. round playoff series. ics coach Brad Stevens said. “It’s been series. The two other NHL quarter-fi nals Over in the Eastern Conference, really incredible.” On the game-winner, Johansson series were determined Saturday as the Isaiah Thomas is playing with a heavy Gerald Green scored a playoff -ca- knocked in the puck after Justin Wil- St. Louis Blues take on the Nashville heart due to the recent death of his reer-high 18 points, and Al Horford liams got it to the front of the net. Predators and the Edmonton Oilers sister but he still managed to score 33 fi nished with 15 points and 11 rebounds It was the fi fth game of the series to square off against the Anaheim Ducks. points as the Boston Celtics beat the for the Celtics, who blew a 20-point be decided in overtime and all six were The Blues and Predators kick off Chicago Bulls 104-95. lead but managed to bounce back. decided by one goal. their series on Wednesday night in St. James sank a 3-pointer to give Jae Crowder fi nished with 11 points American rookie Auston Matthews Louis followed by the Oilers at Ana- Cleveland a 103-102 edge, made a for the Celtics. scored for Toronto early in the third pe- heim the same night. steal, then missed another 3-point Jimmy Butler had 33 points and nine shot, but Kyrie Irving grabbed the assists for the Bulls. rebound and Kyle Korver was fouled, In Salt Lake City, Rudy Gobert re- hitting two free throws to stretch the turned from injury to deliver 15 points Cavaliers lead to 105-102. and 13 rebounds as the Utah Jazz beat In the dying seconds, Indiana’s Paul the Los Angeles Clippers 105-98. George missed a 3-pointer and James Joe Johnson also scored 26 points to grabbed the rebound. Fouled with help Utah even the series at 2-2. one second remaining, he sank a free throw to create the fi nal margin. LeBron James (right) of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives for a basket in Game Four RESULTS At Oklahoma City, Eric Gordon and of the Eastern Conference quarter-finals during the 2017 NBA Playoff s against EASTERN CONFERENCE Lou Williams scored 18 points each the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday. (AFP) at Indianapolis and Nene delivered a team-high 28 as Cleveland ...... 106 Indiana...... 102 the Rockets now have a chance to close With Westbrook on the bench Sun- all that matters,” he said. “I don’t want (Cleveland wins series 4-0) out the series Tuesday at home. day, Oklahoma City were outscored nobody to try and split us up. We’re all at Chicago Houston won despite an off night 13-4 in a stretch that lasted from late one team.” Boston ...... 104 Chicago ...... 95 from superstar James Harden, who in the third quarter to early in the Westbrook, who gets more touches (Series tied 2-2) missed seven three-point attempts fourth. per game than almost any other NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE in a row and shot only 5-of-16 overall player and often carries the Thunder at Oklahoma City from the fl oor. WESTBROOK ANGRY on his back, fi nished with 35 points, 14 Houston ...... 113 Oklahoma City 109 It is a diff erent story for the Thun- Westbrook bristled when reporters rebounds and 14 assists. (Houston leads series 3-1) der. They appear to be unable to score pointed this out. Westbrook had another poor shoot- at Utah if Russell Westbrook sits on the bench “I don’t want to hear that. We’re in ing second half on Sunday, making Utah Jazz ...... 105 L A Clippers ...... 98 or hits a dry scoring patch. this together. We play as a team. That’s only 5-of-17 from the fl oor in the fi - (series tied 2-2)

MLB Marcus Johansson (centre) of the Washington Capitals skates between Jake Gardiner (left) and Matt Hunwick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Six of the Eastern Conference quarter-finals during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday. (AFP)

Murphy’s grand slam holds SPOTLIGHT up as Nationals sweep Mets ‘MVP of my heart rest of the game, and they put up a forever’: China fans’ By Matt Ehalt The Record (TNS) fi ght despite having a compromised roster. They once again were without Yoenis Cespedes and Travis d’Arnaud, farewell to Marbury or all the fi ght the Mets who both did not start each game of showed against an ace and the this three-game series. AFP guts displayed by Zack Wheel- Cespedes has a tweaked hamstring Beijing er, they couldn’t undo a fi ve- that fl ared up Thursday against the Fbatter stretch in the fi rst inning. Phillies, and was unable to serve as a In that time, the Nationals took a pinch hitter both Friday and Saturday. hinese fans penned hundreds four-run lead off Wheeler, and though He felt better Sunday, and the team of heartfelt social media mes- Mets came close to erasing it later in is hopeful he can return to the lineup sages of support on Monday the game, the hill proved too tall to Tuesday against Atlanta. for Stephon Marbury af- climb. D’Arnaud has a wrist issue and Cter learning the ex-NBA star would be A team that entered this series reel- last started Wednesday, but has dropped from his adopted team, the ing departs it the same way. pinch hit each day since then includ- Beijing Shougang Ducks. The Mets were swept by their big- ing a strikeout Sunday. He told Col- “You are the MVP of my heart forev- gest rivals in the fi rst meeting between lins before the game that it still hurts er!” one wrote in English on the coun- the squads when they fell, 6-3, on to throw. According to Collins, the try’s Twitter-like Sina Weibo platform. Sunday night at Citi Field. The Mets catcher is concerned he will worsen “No matter where you go, Beijing is residence — a rare honour for a for- (8-11) have lost four straight and eight the situation if he plays with the pain. always your home. You are a hero of eigner. of nine, and are now 5{ games behind Collins said before the game that if this city,” another wrote in English. Yet Xie Haitian, deputy general the Nationals in the division. Washington Nationals’ Daniel Murphy (left) hits a grand slam during the game either player is not ready by Tuesday Marbury announced over the week- manager for the Ducks, told the China Zack Wheeler (1-2) allowed a fi rst- against the New York Mets in New York City on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) the team has to consider using the end that the Shougang club would ter- Daily there had been a “big gap” be- inning grand slam to Daniel Murphy disabled list. The Mets have a day off minate his contract a year early, despite tween Marbury and the club in talks but otherwise cruised through a sea- reached base against Wheeler after the guy ever. He just has great stuff . But Monday. his off er to take a 20 % salary cut to about salary. son-high seven innings, and Michael fi rst inning, but Washington added right now he’s controlling his fastball “I think we need to take a look at continue as a player-coach. “Despite not wanting to see him Conforto scored two runs while also two critical runs in the eighth when which you want any player to be able it,” Collins said. “I know that’s Sandy In an interview with online outlet leave, the club has to give up the option homering off Max Scherzer. Ryan Zimmerman hit a two-out, two- to do.” (Alderson)’s thoughts. Tuesday comes Tencent posted Sunday, 40-year-old of keeping him with the Ducks based on Having to face Scherzer with a run homer off Josh Smoker to put the With Wheeler keeping the Nation- and they are not much closer, we got to Marbury said the club dropped him the team’s strategic rebuilding process sweep staring them down provided a Mets in a 6-3 hole. als in check after the grand slam, it take a look at that.” partly because of his age. and his personal will to continue play- tall task for the Mets Sunday, and this Though Wheeler took the loss, bought time for the Mets to creep back While it was “understandable”, he ing,” the paper cited Xie as saying. team is too battered at the moment to he pitched well, and Mets manager into the game thanks to the long ball, RESULTS countered: “I’m still healthy enough to In a letter posted Saturday to his of- withstand body blows like Murphy’s Terry Collins praised Wheeler for the but they couldn’t get closer than one Washington ...... 6 NY Mets ...... 3 do the job. I’m still capable of playing at fi cial Weibo account, Marbury said he grand slam. Just 10 minutes into the progress he’s made in his return from run. Miami ...... 7 San Diego ...... 3 a high level.” “fully respected” the club’s decision, game, Murphy hit a 1-0 pitch over wall Tommy John surgery. Wheeler allowed Conforto got one one of those runs LA Dodgers ...... 6 Arizona ...... 2 Marbury has been one of the most though it was “hard to take” because of in center to put his former team in the just three hits and struck out six in his back immediately when he hit his Seattle ...... 11 Oakland ...... 1 popular and recognisable NBA trans- his love for the Ducks and Beijing as a large hole. fourth start of the year. second leadoff homer in three days to Toronto ...... 6 LA Angels ...... 2 plants to the Chinese Basketball Asso- city. That moment would loom large as “He’s made a lot of progression,” slice the lead to 4-1. Colorado ...... 8 San Francisco ...... 0 ciation (CBA), leading the Beijing team “I want to dedicate this last year of Wheeler settled in after that hit, and Collins said before the game. “His Two innings later, following a lead- Texas ...... 5 Kansas City ...... 2 to championship titles in 2012, 2014 my career in the best way possible on for the most part dominated the Na- command of his fastball, I don’t nec- off single by Conforto, Neil Walker Chicago W Sox ...... 6 Cleveland ...... 2 and 2015. the court for the CBA, then I’ll retire tionals the rest of the way. The righty essarily mean pinpoint control, but blasted a two-out, two-run homer Detroit ...... 13 Minnesota ...... 4 He is so famous in the capital that and work as a coach to help the basket- could have folded after the homer, but the command of his fastball has been into the right fi eld seats off Scherzer St. Louis ...... 6 Milwaukee ...... 4 he has his own statue, museum and ball here for the rest of my life,” Mar- he instead produced his most gutsiest very good. This guy has thrown (66) to make it a one-run game and galva- Philadelphia ...... 5 Atlanta ...... 2 postage stamp. A musical and a forth- bury wrote. outing of the year. He retired the next percent strikes, his secondary pitches nize the crowd at Citi Field. Walker is Boston ...... 6 Baltimore...... 2 coming movie — set to premiere in He thanked his China supporters for seven batters after the homer, and have gotten better. ... I’m very im- slumping to start the season but has Pittsburgh ...... 2 NY Yankees...... 1 August — have been developed as odes giving him a “second life” in the coun- cruised through his fi nal six innings. pressed with how he’s adjusted so fast two homers in his last four games. Cincinnati ...... 7 Chicago Cubs ...... 5 to his China career. In 2015 authorities try, stating, “No matter where I am, I Only three Nationals’ batters because he’s never been a great control The Mets did not truly threat the Houston ...... 6 Tampa Bay ...... 4 awarded him the right of permanent am a Beijinger.” Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, April 25, 2017 SPORT

FOCUS No hurry as India’s inspirational

101-year-old Kaur clocks one centenarian wins gold minute 14 seconds for 100m win

AFP Auckland

ith a jaunty victory dance, 101-year-old Man Kaur celebrated winning the 100 metres sprint at the WWorld Masters Games in Auckland yesterday, the 17th gold medal in the Indian athlete’s remarkable late- blooming career. Kaur clocked one minute 14 seconds as a small crowd cheered her on — ending a mere 64.42 seconds off Usain Bolt’s 100m world record set in 2009. In truth her dash became more of a gentle amble the closer the diminutive centenarian came to the fi nish line, with more energy spent beaming at spectators than running. But Kaur was guaranteed victory as the only participant in the 100-years- and-over category at the New Zealand event, which has attracted 25,000 competitors. Participation, not racing the clock, is the priority for Kaur, who has been dubbed the “miracle from Chandi- garh” in New Zealand media. “I enjoyed it and am very, very hap- py,” she told reporters via a Punjabi interpreter. “I’m going to run again, I’m not go- 101-year-old Man Kaur of India celebrates after competing in the 100m sprint in the 100+ age category at the World Masters ing to give up. I will participate, there’s Games at Trusts Arena in Auckland yesterday. (AFP) no full stop.” als that would rival Michael Phelps’ ‘sport for all’ philosophy which World with a time of 29.83, earning him the LATE BLOOMER haul and also plans to compete in the Masters Games is all about and we are nickname “Golden Bolt” after the Ja- Kaur only took up athletics eight years 200m sprint, two kilogramme shot thrilled to have her here,” she told AFP. maican Flyer. ago, at the tender age of 93. put and 400 gram javelin in Auckland, “I have no doubt that she and many Miyazaki, who credits his daugh- She had no prior sporting experi- taking her tally to 20. of the other 24,905 athletes competing ter’s tangerine jam for his age-defying ence before her son Gurdev Singh Her son told the Indian Weekender in these games are inspiring others to exploits, even mimics Bolt’s signature suggested she join him in competing newspaper that Kaur was on a strict lead more active lifestyles and take up victory pose and is keen to race against on the international masters games diet that included wheat grass juice a sport.” the Olympic superstar. circuit. and a daily glass of kefi r (fermented While Kaur was the only 100-plus Frenchman Robert Marchand, 105, After a medical check-up she was milk). athlete to compete in Auckland, there set a cycling record for his age in Janu- given the all-clear and since then World Masters Games 2017 chief are a surprising number of spritely ary, riding 22.547 kilometres (14.01 mother and son have taken part in executive Jennah Wootten said the centenarians still on the sporting miles) in one hour. dozens of masters athletics meets Auckland organisers were delighted to stage. Afterwards, the former fi reman said around the globe. host such an inspiration. Japan’s Hidekichi Miyazaki, 106, he was not even tired and said he could Kaur already has a swag of gold med- “Man Kaur truly personifi es the holds the 100m record in the category have gone faster.

ATHLETICS / IAAF WORLD RELAYS BOXING Pacquiao lands Merritt heads US dominance Down Under, tells

AFP Nassau, Bahamas Horn to be ready

Reuters merican veteran LaShawn Mer- Brisbane 1) will be the 38-year-old Pac- ritt showed all his experience to quiao’s fi rst since his unanimous bag a third successive 4x400m decision victory for the title over gold at the IAAF World Relays ight-division world American Jessie Vargas in Las onA Sunday, as Canadian Andre de Grasse champion Manny Pac- Vegas last November. underlined his credentials as Usain Bolt’s quiao concedes his next Pacquiao had previously agreed most likely successor. Eopponent Jeff Horn is a to an April fi ght against Briton The all-powerful US team followed up bit of an unknown quantity but Amir Khan in the United Arab on victories on Saturday in the women’s has told the Australian he needs Emirates but his promoter Bob 4x800m and men’s 4x100m relays by to be in peak condition to make Arum said last month it had been clinching gold in both the men and wom- sure their WBO welterweight ti- postponed after the $38 mn off er en’s 4x400m and men’s 4x800m to easily tle fi ght pleases fi ght fans Down for the bout failed to materialise. top the medals table. Under. The Horn-Pacquiao fi ght is ea- Merritt, whose fi rst senior relay gold Pacquiao made a low-key entry gerly anticipated in Australia and dates back to the Helsinki worlds in 2005, to Australia yesterday, touching will be the biggest boxing event had teammates David Verburg, Tony down at Brisbane airport for a pro- held in the country in decades. McQuay and Kyle Clemons to thank for motional tour for their July 2 bout Organisers expect a crowd of putting him out in front. at Lang Park and speaking briefl y over 50,000 to cram into Lang But he hadn’t counted on 18-year-old to reporters before being whisked Park, which regularly hosts do- Botswanan sensation Karabo Sibanda, away by handlers. mestic and international rugby who caught the 30-year-old American “I don’t know much about and soccer matches. Dean Loner- up before Merritt battled down the home him, but I know he’s a fi ghter,” gan, a director at promoter Duco stretch to hold on for a nerve-racking win Pacquiao told local media. Events, hoped the bout would in 3min 02.13sec from the Africans, Ja- “I haven’t watched his fi ghts revitalise boxing in Australia. “I maica taking bronze. yet, but I’m going to get his last think you’ll fi nd this will be the “We have a great group of guys here to- three fi ghts and watch it. biggest fi ght in Australian his- night,” said Merritt. “They did what they “My message for him is to tory and you’ll see the underdog had to do and I did what I do best, that’s work hard, and make sure you’re (Horn) come through, and there’s ‘bring it home,’ my third time here and 100 % conditioned on July 2 so nothing like Australians support- third gold!” we can give a good fi ght, we can ing their own guys when they’re entertain people.” underdogs.” he said in comments ON THE RISE The fi ght against Horn (16-0- published by state media ABC. Canadian De Grasse, who won three medals at last year’s Rio Olympics, un- derlined his coming of age as Jamaican legend Bolt’s own tip as world sprinting’s LaShawn Merritt of the USA and Karabo Sibanda of Botswana run to the finishline in the men’s 4x400m relay final at the IAAF World Klitschko looks beyond Joshua next dominant fi gure by laying down a Relays in Nassau, Bahamas, on Sunday. (AFP) startling third leg in the 4x200m relay. fi ght, has no plans to retire It was enough to wrest back control for of 42.84sec. Rotich had hit the fi nal lap out in front, ing and everything will be good.” Canada, teammate Aaron Brown holding The US presence in the race came to an but Murphy gradually reeled him back in With no question marks over dia. “I was always saying health off American Ameer Webb for a scintil- abrupt halt after fi rst leg Tianna Barto- and went wide on the corner into the fi nal MIXED RACE A SUCCESS his health or motivation, and motivation is very impor- lating victory in the 4x200m relay, Ja- letta tumbled nastily to the fl oor before straight to outpace the Kenyan. There was a fantastic, groundbreaking former champion Wladimir tant. If one of those things is maica taking bronze. baton passover. “I took a little risk on the corner but event to wrap up the two-day event in a Klitschko has no plans to bring missing then it doesn’t make Canada’s victory, with Gavin Smel- But otherwise, the US team shone, it worked out okay,” said Murphy, team- mixed 4x400m, never better scripted as the curtain down on his 21-year sense to continue.” lie and Brendon Rodney running the fi rst with self-proclaimed ‘relay queen’ Na- mate Sowinski adding: “We know we host nation the Bahamas won it in dra- professional career and is Klitschko will face Joshua on two legs, was the fi rst time a country tasha Hastings adding yet another gold have the best anchor so we just tried to matic fashion. relishing the pressure ahead April 29 in front of a 90,000 other than the US or Jamaica had won a to her trophy cabinet as she ran in the an- keep it close for him so he could bring With two women and two men com- of his title fight against Briton strong crowd at Wembley, one sprint relay and made up for the disap- chor leg in the 4x400m in the footprints home the gold.” peting for each team, running order was Anthony Joshua. of the largest crowds in British pointment of not fi nishing the 4x100m. of teammates Phyllis Francis, Ashley The race also saw the World Relays de- at their discretion, meaning that for the Klitschko, who went unbeaten boxing. “In regards to pressure, “It was a great run by all of us,” said Spencer and Quanera Hayes for victory in but of the Athlete Refugee Team, com- fi nal two legs there were men chasing for 11 years before losing to Ty- it’s just enjoyable. Anthony De Grasse, 22. “We came together col- 3min 24.36sec, Poland taking silver ahead prising four runners who fl ed South Su- down women on the track, to the raucous son Fury in 2015, has 64 wins Joshua is a great fighter, I’m lectively, we just wanted to keep the stick of Jamaica. dan to Kenyan refugee camps, applauded delight of the crowd at the Thomas A. against four defeats and will taking on the best out there to around. We told ourselves to trust each And Olympic bronze medallist Clayton by one an all despite coming in more than Robinson stadium. be hoping to seize Joshua’s IBF be the best. It’s challenging... other and be patient.” Murphy bolted with 150 metres to run in a minute off the US team’s winning time. After two rip-roaring legs by Steven heavyweight crown as well as My next stage is bigger than my Canada’s win was followed by another a tactical men’s 4x800m to claim an im- “We’ve never run this type of relay be- Gardiner and Olympic champion Shaunae the vacant WBA and IBO titles last,” Klitschko said. upset as Germany picked up an unex- pressive win for the US team also includ- fore so it was all new,” said Paulo Amotun, Miller-Uibo, Anthonique Strachan was also up for grabs. “The attention for the previous pected gold in the women’s 4x100m, Al- ing Brannon Kidder, Erik Sowinski and who ran the second leg for the refugee tracked down by American Paul Dedewo, “Hopefully, I have a couple of fight was less compared with exandra Burghardt, Lisa Mayer, Tatjana Casimir Loxsom over a strong Kenyan team. but Michael Mathieu was on hand to do the years left in me,” the 41-year- this. It is an upgrade, it is a win- Pinto and Rebekka Haase combining to quartet. “We didn’t run that well but with this same on Claudia Francis to perhaps off er of old Ukrainian told British me- ning upgrade. I love it.” outpace Jamaica with their winning time The experienced Ferguson Cheruiyot experience we’ll go home and keep work- a sight of mixed track events to come. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 25, 2017 7 CRICKET

WI VS PAK, DAY FOUR, 1ST TEST CHAMPIONS TROPHY Mathews, Malinga in Sri Lanka squad West Indies rue Reuters Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Colombo Nuwan Kulasekera, Thisara Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Seekkuge Prasanna fi t-again Angelo Mathews will lead New Zealand recall Sri Lanka in June’s injured trio Champions Trophy in Fast bowlers Mitchell Mc- missed chances as EnglandA and Wales, the cricket Clenaghan, Adam Milne and board announced on Monday, all-rounder Corey Anderson unveiling a 15-member squad returned to the New Zealand which also includes maverick squad for June’s Champions paceman Lasith Malinga. Trophy after proving their fi t- Mathews missed the one-day ness during the Indian Premier series in South Africa, the tour League, the country’s cricket of Australia and the home se- board said. McClenaghan and Pak take control ries against Bangladesh with a Milne last featured in the 50- hamstring injury but is back in over format for New Zealand action for his Delhi franchise in early 2016 and missed a Younis Khan becomes the first Pakistan batsman to score 10,000 Test runs in the ongoing Indian Premier majority of last year’s fi xtures League. Malinga, feared for his through injuries. Anderson has awkward action and toe-crush- had persistent back problems AFP ing yorkers, also returns after and missed the Black Caps’ Kingston, Jamaica completing his rehabilitation recent one-day international following a knee injury which series against Australia, Bang- forced him out of the World ladesh and South Africa. akistan took advantage Twenty20 in India last year. All three players have played of lapses in the fi eld The 33-year-old, who quit for their respective franchises to reach 322 for fi ve at test cricket in 2011, played the in this year’s IPL. lunch in the fi rst innings last of his 191 one-dayer inter- “It’s been good to see all Pon the fourth day of the fi rst Test nationals in 2015 and returned three back on the park and against West Indies yesterday. to international cricket with bowling; together they add a Resuming at the overnight po- Twenty20 matches in Austral- lot of experience to our squad,” sition of 201 for four and facing ia earlier this year. Sri Lanka New Zealand coach Mike Hes- the threat of the second new ball, also named two standby play- son said in a statement. the tourists added another 121 ers - Dilruwan Perera and Da- “Mitch and Adam have been runs for the loss of just one wicket nushka Gunathilaka. running in well, and Corey has with wicketkeeper-batsman Sar- “I think I’ve got the best shown he’ll be capable of pro- fraz Ahmed leading the charge. possible team,” Mathews told viding an option with the ball. He stroked an unbeaten 53 a news conference. “Plus we “We believe it’s an exciting while his captain, Misbah ul are travelling with 17, which squad; an experienced squad, Haq, continued in his usual re- gives us a lot more options... if and one that has the batting strained manner and will resume something happens to some- power and the bowling varia- in the afternoon session on 47 at one, it’s always better to have tions to prevail in a potentially Sabina Park in Jamaica. a couple of players over there,” high-scoring tournament.” Their sixth-wicket partner- said the 29-year-old. New Zealand are in Group A ship has been worth 86 runs so “It’s another opportunity of the Champions Trophy, to far following the dismissal of for us to bring a lot of pride be held in England from June Asad Shafiq, caught behind off back to Sri Lanka. It’s an op- 1-18, with Australia, England fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, portunity for us to bring an and Bangladesh the other who has been by far the pick of ICC trophy back home,” add- teams in their group. the West Indies bowlers with ed Mathews, who was part of Squad: Kane Williamson figures of three for 73 off 24 Sri Lanka’s triumphant 2014 (captain), Corey Anderson, overs on an increasingly placid World Twenty20 team. Trent Boult, Neil Broom, pitch. Squad: Angelo Mathews (cap- Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Yet despite the batting- tain), Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell friendly conditions, the home Dickwella, Kusal Perera, Kusal McClenaghan, Adam Milne, side have only themselves to Mendis, Chamara Kapugedera, Jimmy Neesham, Jeetan Patel, blame for both batsmen still Pakistan’s Younis Khan celebrates after reaching his 10,000th run in Test matches on day three of the first Test against West Indies. (AFP) Asela Gunaratne, Dinesh Chan- Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, being at the crease when play dimal, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Tim Southee, Ross Taylor. resumes for the afternoon ses- ing a stumping chance when website. “The number of records centuries. After sharing in a third-wick- sion, with Pakistan in control. the batsman charged forward he has set in the recent past is India’s Sunil Gavaskar became et partnership of 131 with Babar Misbah was missed twice, the for another aggressive stroke at something we as a nation can the fi rst player to score 10,000 Azam on Sunday, Younis was fi rst time early in the extended Roston Chase. take great pride in.” Test runs in 1987 while his com- caught at cover off paceman O’Keefe misses out on national contract morning session when debutant Misbah has so far spent three- PCB Executive Committee patriot Sachin Tendulkar heads Shannon Gabriel for 58. Spin bowler Stephen O’Keefe has been omitted from Cricket Vishaul Singh was slow to react and-a-half hours in the middle, Chairman Najam Aziz Sethi said the all-time list with 15,921. Pakistan were 201 for four Australia’s proposed list of players to be awarded national at short-leg as the veteran skip- facing 128 deliveries and striking Younis was a “run machine” Born in Mardan, a city in wickets at stumps in their fi rst contracts for the 2017/18 season after being sanctioned for per fended at a lifting delivery one four and one six, the big hit while chief operating offi cer Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, innings, 85 runs behind. a second alcohol-related off ence in the space of a year. Left- from Gabriel. coming off the last ball bowled Subhan Ahmad described him as Younis scored a century in his armer O’Keefe, Australia’s joint-highest wicket-taker along Then closer to the lunch in- by Chase before the conclusion the “backbone” of Pakistan’s debut test against Sri Lanka in SCOREBOARD with fellow spinner Nathan Lyon during the recent Test series terval, Alzarri Joseph complete- of the morning session. batting. 2000 and notched his highest At Lunch in India, was slapped with a A$20,000 ($15,000) fine earlier ly misjudged an attempt run- Younis Khan became the Younis was stuck on 9,999 runs score of 313 against the same side West Indies 1st Innings 286 this month for making “highly inappropriate comments” when ning back from mid-off when fi rst Pakistan batsman to score at the tea break on the third day at in 2009. Pakistan 1st Innings drunk at an awards night in Sydney. O’Keefe was also fined for the batsman miscued a lofted 10,000 Test runs on Sunday, Sabina Park in Kingston but did Later that year, he led his (overnight 201 for 4) an alcohol-fuelled incident at a Sydney nightspot in August. hit off leg-spinner Devendra reaching the milestone in the not have to wait much longer for country to a World T20 win at A. Ali c Dowrich b Joseph ...... 15 Spinner Ashton Agar, who has not played a Test in nearly Bishoo. opening match of his farewell his moment to come. Lord’s where they defeated Sri A. Shehzad lbw Holder ...... 31 four years or a one-day international since 2015, was instead In keeping with his ultra-ag- international series. On the second ball of the fi nal Lanka to lift the trophy. B. Azam b Gabriel ...... 72 named for his first contract along with all-rounder Hilton Cart- gressive mode, Ahmed altered Earlier this year, Younis also session, Younis swept off -spin- Younis played 265 one day in- Y. Khan c Brathwaite b Gabriel ...... 58 wright and Queensland fast bowler Billy Stanlake. Lyon and the pedestrian pace of the game became the fi rst batsman to ner Roston Chase to the fi ne-leg ternationals and amassed 7,249 Misbah ul Haq not out ...... 47 legspinner Adam Zampa are the other specialist spinners on from the moment he came to the score centuries in all 11 coun- boundary as an excited Pakistani runs before stepping back from A. Shafiq c Dowrich b Gabriel ...... 22 the 20-man list named yesterday which remains ‘proposed’ crease, advancing down the pitch tries that have hosted tests after contingent in the small crowd the format in 2015. S. Ahmed not out ...... 53 pending a new collective bargaining agreement between to the faster bowlers and seeking completing his set with a maiden cheered and chanted wildly. That same year he also be- Extras (b-4, lb-9, nb-11) ...... 24 players and the board. The current agreement is due to expire to score at every opportunity. ton in Australia, and the Paki- Younis removed his helmet, came Pakistan’s highest Test run Total (5 wkts, 109 overs) ...... 322 on June 30. The other surprise omission was all-rounder He completed his 12th Test stan cricket Board was quick to pointed his bat towards his maker, passing Javed Miandad’s Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Ali), 2-54 (Sheh- James Faulkner, who was man-of-the-match in the 2015 World half-century in the fi nal over pay tribute to the 39-year-old’s team mates in the pavilion and mark of 8,832 runs. zad), 3-185 (Khan), 4-186 (Azam), 5-236 Cup final Shaun Marsh has also been left out, along with vet- before the break off 60 deliver- “prolifi c career”. punched his chest. He announced earlier this (Shafiq) eran paceman Peter Siddle, former one-day captain George ies with one six and fi ve fours, “Younis Khan has been an ex- He took 208 innings to reach month that he would bring the Bowling: S. Gabriel 24-5-73-3 (6nb), Bailey and test opener Joe Burns. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh and then promptly had his own cellent ambassador of Pakistan the 10,000 mark, and has av- curtain down on his interna- A. Joseph 23-6-56-1 (2nb), J. Holder was retained despite his poor form in Test cricket and after moment of good fortune, wick- cricket,” PCB Chairman Shaha- eraged just over 53 runs in his tional career after the three-test 25-5-54-1 (3nb), D. Bishoo 23-2-68-0, R. suff ering a serious shoulder injury last month. etkeeper Shane Dowrich miss- ryar M. Khan said on the board’s 116-Test career, scoring 34 series against West Indies. Chase 7-1-36-0, K. Brathwaite 7-1-22-0.

IPL Supergiant beat Mumbai Indians by three runs

Agencies maining. This proved all too much top-order wickets fell. Jos But- Mumbai despite the striking ability of Rohit tler was caught in the deep which Sharma, with Ben Stokes conced- resulted in a wicket maiden to ing just seven runs off the penulti- countryman Stokes, before Nitish n inspired bowling ef- mate over. Rana, one of the emerging talents fort at the death from the The visitors got off to an excel- of the tournament so far, wasted Rising Pune Supergiants lent start with the bat despite los- nine balls for his three runs as Dan denied the table-top- ing the toss. Ajinkya Rahane and Christian forced a mistimed shot. pingA Mumbai Indians a seventh- Rahul Tripathi produced a collec- Parthiv Patel tried to keep things straight victory in their IPL match tion of exquisite boundaries to put together at the top, but his 33 runs in Mumbai yesterday. together 76 off 9.3 overs, before came at a costly 27 balls, leaving The Rising Pune Supergiant won Karn Sharma (2-39) saw Rahane the middle-lower order to pick up the opening match of the IPL season off for 38. the pieces. This, thanks to a disci- in the reverse fi xture, but going into Sharma, only in as a replacement plined bowling eff ort from the likes this match at the Wankhede stadium for the injured Krunal Pandya, then of spinner Washington Sundar and evening, the Mumbai Indians had saw off Tripathi for 45, and should Stokes, who yielded respective fi g- been on a warpath with six wins in have had skipper Steve Smith the ures of 1-26 and 2-21. a row. With fi ve of those wins com- very next delivery if it weren’t for Skipper Sharma, who began ing from chasing, they were heavily Harbhajan Singh dropping a sitter the tournament with scores of 3, fancied to extend their lead at the top in the deep. 2, 4 and 0, has returned to form of the standings, but RPS managed to Harbhajan (1-20) made sure it and became his side’s only chance pull off a last-gasp victory to do the wasn’t too costly as Smith was of pulling off another victory. He double over them. bowled for 17, before veteran Aus- struck three sixes and six fours for A third victory in a row for the tralian paceman Mitchell Johnson his 58 off 39 deliveries, but with 17 Pune side allowed them to move (1-34) got the better of Ashes rival runs required off the fi nal over, it up to fourth on the standings with Ben Stokes for another 17. Manoj all proved too much, and he skied four wins and three defeats to their Tiwary produced a cameo of 22, one with three balls remaining. name. Despite losing, the Mumbai but RPS could only scrape together Indians still have a two-point lead 40 runs off the last fi ve overs, as BRIEF SCORES over the Kolkata Knight Riders. some good death bowling from Rising Pune Supergiant 160 for 6 When Kieron Pollard departed in Jasprit Bumrah (2-29) ensured (Tripathi 45, Rahane 38, Bumrah the 17th over, 39 runs were needed Mumbai would only need to chase 2-29, Karn 2-39) beat Mumbai for Mumbai off 23 balls and the re- 161. Indians 157 for 8 (Rohit 58, Parthiv quired run rate escalated to as high The hosts’ chances of winning 33, Stokes 2-21, Unadkat 2-40) by as 12 an over with two overs re- were always in doubt as regular three runs Rising Pune Supergiants Ben Stokes (C) celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Mumbai Indians Jos Buttler during their IPL match. (AFP)

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

INDOOR ASIA CUP HOCKEY FOCUS ‘Building Middle East sports industry Qatar, Oman play out will be a key legacy of 2022’ senior Asian Football from staging a mega event, in Confederation (AFC) the form of the FIFA Under-17 4-4 draw in opener offi cial has compli- World Cup in October 2017. mented a legacy ini- “The diff erent stakeholders tiativeA of the 2022 FIFA World of Indian football are making Qatar play six-time champions Iran, who demolished Malaysia 11-0, today Cup Qatar, saying the work of specifi c eff orts to leave behind the Supreme Committee for maximum legacy in diff erent Delivery & Legacy (SC)-sup- areas from the hosting of In- By Mikhil Bhat ported Josoor Institute is help- dia’s fi rst ever FIFA event,” he Doha ing to propel the professionali- said.

sation of football throughout “Matches will be staged in the Middle East. six Indian states, and grass- n a thrilling fast-paced game, Alex Phillips, who is head roots participation from these Qatar and Oman shared a of stakeholder aff airs at the areas is involved in the lead point each in the opening AFC – and currently seconded up to the tournament. The All match of their campaign in from his role as UEFA’s Head of India Football Federation is Ithe Indoor Asia Cup Hockey at Asia-Europe Aff airs – believes doing its best to ensure knowl- the Aspire Zone yesterday. that football has seen sweep- edge and ideas from the event Oman eeked out a 4-4 draw ing reforms towards profes- are preserved and used in the after scoring twice in the last sionalisation in many AFC future for the betterment of fi ve minutes of the game against member countries, specifi cally Indian football.” Qatar, who had fi nished fourth in in East Asia and India. Phillips shed light on how the last edition of the champion- He also said the work under- professionalisation will make ship in 2015 in Kazakhstan. taken by Josoor Institute – the a diff erence to the real stake- Shahid Jamal scored the opener Doha-based centre for excel- holders of Asian football – the for Qatar two minutes from half- lence in sports and events in- fans. “Asian countries and time. Mohamed Sohail Mustafa dustries – will spearhead the clubs have realised in recent scored the second goal for the process in the Middle East. times that there is a direct cor- hosts to equalise at 2-2 after the Josoor Institute was started relation between improving Omanis had equalised early in the in December 2013 to profes- results on the pitch and good second half. sionalise the sports and events governance off it,” said Phillips. Sheraz Ali, scoring from an industries of the MENA region “Well-governed clubs and acute angle on the left fl ank, took through education, consultan- federations invariably do well Qatar into the lead, before setting cy and research, and its inau- on the pitch.” up teammate Sami Ullah Mo- gural batch of students gradu- Phillips concluded by em- hamed for Qatar’s fourth. ated in 2016. Phillips hailed the phasising the need for more After putting up a solid defen- Josoor Institute as an impor- regional centres like Josoor In- sive game in the fi rst half, which tant legacy element of the 2022 stitute across Asia as the con- saw goalkeeper Shahzad Ali save FIFA World Cup Qatar. tinent seeks to gain global sig- a few scorchers, even from close “Education and knowledge nifi cance in football. “Asia is range, the Omanis found gaps to building need time and it is a huge continent and home to capitalise on. very positive that Josoor In- more than 60% of the world’s With a little more than three stitute has started their work population,” he said. minutes to go, Oman were so well in advance rather than “There cannot be one solu- awarded a penalty corner, which closer to 2022. tion towards professionalising was duly converted to equalise “Undoubtedly, the estab- the whole of the continent. It the scores. While both teams lishment of a professional is a sum total of many regions then pushed hard for the winner, Qatar’s Sheraz Ali (left) in action against Oman during their Pool ‘A’ match of the Indoor Asia Cup at Aspire Zone yesterday. workforce in the football in- and countries having their own but that was not supposed to be. dustry in the Middle East will distinct business models. “It was a tough game. We hosted so far, going back to 2008. competition, defending cham- be an important 2022 legacy.” “People learn by doing. The needed to make full use of all the Yesterday, Malaysia, four-time pions Kazakhstan grabbed their Speaking to www.sc.qa on best European clubs are what opportunities that came our way. men’s fi nalists, were no match for three points, beating North Ko- the sidelines of a recent Josoor they are because of well-in- But that obviously did not hap- the attacking game from the Ira- rea 5-2. Institute-organised profes- formed, locally-driven deci- pen. If we had converted only nians, who scored at will. In their next game today, Ka- sional management work- sions taken over 50 years. The half the opportunities, we would “It will be an even tougher game zakhstan take on China, who suf- shop on the business of foot- same process is happening in have done much much better,” tomorrow. And Iran is a far better fered a morale-sapping 15 goal ball, Phillips also praised AFC Asia now and the results are Qatar coach Maggid Abu-Talib team than everyone else in the loss at the hands of Malaysia. member country, India, for its already visible.” said after the game. competition. Thailand won the fi rst match work towards building a legacy SC.qa “It is always a special game “But we are not bad, and we of the women’s competition 3-1 between Oman and Qatar. But if have to show in the match tomor- against Uzbekistan. you looked at the game, we had row that we are a team to be re- In the fi nal women’s game of a better game, we had more pos- spected,” Abu-Talib said. the day, Malaysia came from two session, we had more chances. In Pool B, last edition’s fi nal- goals down at half time, to score Anyway, the game gave us a valu- ists Kazakhstan opened their thrice in a 3-3 draw against Uz- able point, and we have to look campaign with a 7-3 win over bekistan. forward to the next matches.” Chinese Taipei. Kazakhstan will Up next for Qatar today is Iran, play 2012 fi nalists Uzbekistan RESULTS who opened their title defence today. MEN’S INDOOR ASIA CUP with a dominating 11-0 win over Uzbekistan played out a 1-1 Kazakhstan 7 Chinese Taipei 3 Malaysia. draw with Thailand, who play Uzbekistan 1 Thailand 1 Iran have won all six editions Chinese Taipei today. Iran 11 Malaysia 0 Head of stakeholder aff airs at AFC Alex Phillips during a professional of the tournament that have been In the women’s side of the Qatar 4 Oman 4 Iran and Malaysia players in action during their Pool ‘A’ match. management workshop organised by Josoor Institute.

SPOTLIGHT Hamza Ibn Abdulmutalib beat Ibn Kahldun to clinch Aspire Football Festival title

By Sports Reporter see schools remaining as the main Doha source of promising players in Qa- tar, especially at this young age where physical capabilities start to spire Academy has suc- shape up. cessfully concluded the “We were greatly satisfi ed to see two-day Aspire Football the excitement of students who Festival for Preparatory participated in this tournament Schools,A with the Hamza Ibn Ab- and excited by the high standard dulmutalib School clinching the on the pitch. This tournament title after defeating Ibn Kahldun summed up our homegrown foot- School 1-0 in a hard-fought match balling aspiration and refl ects Qa- at Aspire Dome’s indoor pitch. tar’s passion for football.” Both fi nalists qualifi ed for the fi nal Badr al-Hay said: “We’d like to match, which played out on Monday, see the students who participated at the expense of the Islamic Institute, at this Festival standing shoulder Imam Shafi , Abu Ubaidah, and Yar- to shoulder with our Aspire Acad- muk schools who all crashed out of the emy graduates as part of Qatar’s competition during the second stage national team during the 2022 of the competition. FIFA World Cup Qatar in a little Director general of Aspire Acad- over fi ve years’ time. emy Ivan Bravo awarded the win- “The students participat- ning team with gold medals and ing during the festival defi nitely handed the trophy of the Festi- showed promise and it’s out hope val’s fi rst edition to their captain. they will be part of this historic A number of Aspire Academy’s event, and that the Aspire Foot- senior offi cials were also present ball Festival was a major step that including director of education helped them achieve their dreams.” and student care Badr al-Hay, di- The football programme of As- rector of corporate services Ali pire Academy is recognised as one Sultan Fakhroo, Aspire Academy’s of the strongest in the world in school principal Jassem al-Jaber, terms of talent detection and se- and manager of football adminis- lection, as well as training, com- tration Saeed Ali al-Marri. petition and the evaluation of ado- Commenting on the event, lescent players. al-Marri said: “With this Foot- The Academy’s training phi- ball Festival, the Aspire Academy losophy is tailored to the capabili- achieved an important objective ties, talents and goals of Qatar as which was to engage schools in a footballing nation and it follows order to uncover national sporting a strategy that is geared towards talent that exists in Qatar’s young the development of the individual athletes, specifi cally football. We player.