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Saturday, March 24, 2018 CRICKET Rajab 7, 1439 AH Stanikzai shines as GULF TIMES Afghanistan qualify for World Cup SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL CRICKET Title in Qatar’s Morkel reaches 300 sights as they Test wickets as S Africa take on Syria gain control Qatar coach Felix Sanchez expressed his admiration for the Syrian team who won the South Africa’s Morne hearts of fans with their inspiring displays during the qualifying stages of the World Cup Morkel celebrates taking the wicket of Australia’s Shaun Marsh.

AFP members’ pavilion, stopping and Cape Town turning as he climbed the steps to the dressing room. South African opening batsman ast bowler Morne Morkel Dean Elgar equalled a world record took his 300th Test wicket as when he carried his bat through a South Africa bowled them- completed innings for the third time. selves into a strong position Elgar fi nished unbeaten on 141. onF the second day of the third Test Only Desmond Haynes of the West against Australia at Newlands yes- Indies had previously batted through terday. a Test innings on three occasions. Australia were 245 for nine when Smith also equalled a world record bad light ended play, 66 runs behind when he caught South Africa’s last South Africa’s fi rst innings total of two batsmen for a total of fi ve catches 311. in the innings, the joint most by a But it could have been worse for fi elder. Australia. They were in deep trouble at 175 for eight before Nathan Lyon SCORECARD hit a Test-best 47 in a ninth wicket South Africa, first innings (overnight partnership of 66 with Tim Paine, 266-8) who was unbeaten on 33. D. Elgar not out ...... 141 Qatar players train in Basra ahead of their clash today against Syria in the three-nation Friendship Championship. At bottom, Qatar Football Association President Morkel, who will retire from in- A. Markram c Smith b Hazlewood ...... 0 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani interacting with coach Felix Sanchez yesterday. ternational cricket after the series, H. Amla c Cummins b Hazlewood ...... 31 took three of the fi rst four Australian A. de Villiers c Warner b Cummins ...... 64 By Sports Reporter wickets to fall and became the fi fth F. du Plessis c Smith b Cummins ...... 5 Doha South African to join the 300 club. T. Bavuma c Smith b Cummins ...... 1 Morkel dismissed Usman Khawaja Q. de Kock c Paine b Cummins ...... 3 and Steve Smith in his fi rst spell, then V. Philander c Paine b M. Marsh ...... 8 atar will have to be at their came back to break a 78-run fourth K. Maharaj c Bancroft b Starc ...... 3 best if they are to wrap up wicket stand between Cameron Ban- K. Rabada c Smith b Lyon ...... 22 the International Friendship croft and Shaun Marsh when Marsh M. Morkel c Smith b Lyon...... 4 QChampionship title in Basra fl ashed at a wide ball and was caught Extras (b13, lb11, nb3, w2) ...... 29 when they take on Syria in their second behind. Total (97.5 overs) ...... 311 and last match of the tournament today. Bancroft made 77 off 103 balls with Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Markram), 2-92 (Amla), Having already beaten Iraq in the 14 fours but was leg before wicket 3-220 (De Villiers), 4-234 (Du Plessis), 5-236 opening match, a second straight win in to Vernon Philander in the last over (Bavuma), 6-242 (De Kock), 7-254 (Philan- the three-nation event will give Qatar before tea to leave Australia in a pre- der), 8-257 (Maharaj), 9-307 (Rabada), 10-311 an insurmountable six points. carious position. Bowling: Starc 21-3-81-1 (2nb), Hazlewood That will mean Iraq and Syria will Morkel, 33, playing in his 85th Test, 23-4-59-2, Lyon 19.5-6-43-2, Cummins 26-6- battle it out on Tuesday for the second took a fourth wicket when Lyon’s ad- 78-4 (1w), M. Marsh 7-2-26-1 (1nb, 1w), Smith place in the fi nal match of the tourna- venturous 38-ball innings was ended 1-1-0-0 ment which was put in place after the by a catch by Dean Elgar running Australia, first innings FIFA ban on Iraqi cities hosting inter- back from point. C. Bancroft lbw b Philander ...... 77 national matches was lifted. Earlier, Kagiso Rabada was hit for D. Warner b Rabada ...... 30 Qatar coach Felix Sanchez expressed fi ve boundaries in a row by David U. Khawaja c Rabada b Morkel ...... 5 his admiration for the Syrian team who Warner but won a duel with the Aus- S. Smith c Elgar b Morkel ...... 5 won the hearts of fans with their inspir- tralian opening batsman when he S. Marsh c De Kock b Morkel ...... 26 ing displays during the qualifying stag- sent Warner’s off stump cartwheel- M. Marsh c De Kock b Philander ...... 5 es of the World Cup, eventually falling ing. T. Paine not out ...... 33 agonisingly short of the target. Warner was bowled for 30. He hit P. Cummins c De Villiers b Rabada ...... 4 “Syria no doubt is an outstanding three fours off the last three balls of M. Starc c De Villiers b Rabada ...... 2 team and we will have to be at our best Singapore and Belarus in addition to Qatar won 3-2. every stage of our stay here.” Rabada’s second over, then hooked N. Lyon c Elgar b Morkel ...... 47 to beat them,” Sanchez told reporters at several club teams during his long ca- Sanchez added that he had complete Syria coach Stange predicted an “en- the fi rst ball of Rabada’s next over for J. Hazlewood not out ...... 1 a press conference yesterday. reer. confi dence in his team. joyable” game although he rued the ab- six. Extras (b1, lb5, nb4) ...... 10 “They have a new coach (Bernd Stan- “I have seen Syria perform in the past “All the players in the Qatar team are sence of several regular players because He sliced a no-ball for four, then Total (9 wkts, 67 overs) ...... 245 ge) who will be keen to make an impres- but it remains to be seen what changes very competitive. They don’t like to of injuries. was bowled by a ball which went be- Fall of wickets: 1-43 (Warner), 2-61 (Kha- sion with the team. Also they have some Stange makes to their style of play,” said lose. They are aware of their duties and “I cannot promise anything as I took tween bat and pad with Warner stuck waja), 3-72 (Smith), 4-150 (S. Marsh), 5-150 strong players who can be a threat to Sanchez. responsibilities as they proved against charge only 10 days ago. I am still in the on his crease. (Bancroft), 6-156 (M. Marsh), 7-173 (Cum- any team,” he noted. The Spaniard added that he used yes- Iraq in the fi rst match.” process of fi guring out who our best Rabada, who had a two-match ban mins), 8-175 (Starc), 9-241 (Lyon) Qatar and Syria clashed twice dur- terday’s training session to assess the Sanchez was also impressed by the players are but I am sure it will be an en- for making contact with Austral- Bowling: Philander 15-5-26-2 (1nb), Rabada ing the qualifying phases of this year’s fi tness of the players to ensure that the atmosphere in Basra. joyable match,” the German said. ian captain Steve Smith overturned 19-1-81-3 (3nb), Morkel 20-6-87-4, Maharaj World Cup in Russia with each team best eleven get to start the match. “Ever since we landed here I’ve seen Meanwhile, Qatar Football Asso- before the Test, ran down the wicket 12-3-35-0, Bavuma 1-0-10-0 winning a game. “I also emphasised to the players the only positive things. The atmosphere ciation President Sheikh Hamad bin to celebrate but did not go near the Match situation: Australia trail by 66 Stange, 70, who came out of retire- importance of avoiding the mistakes we has been fantastic and people are very Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani attended batsman. runs with one wicket remaining in the first ment in January to take charge of Syria, made during the match against Iraq,” he passionate about football. The organ- the team’s training session to boost the But Warner appeared to react to innings has coached East Germany, Oman, Iraq, said, referring to the fi rst match which isers made sure we are comfortable at morale of the players. a comment from a spectator in the Toss: South Africa Gulf Times 2 Saturday, March 24, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Security tight as Karachi gears up for PSL fi nal

AFP ty20 internationals between Pakistan the security arrangements said they have long spurred calls for similar Karachi and the West Indies in early April, the were “as good as any” they have seen. eff orts in Karachi. Many Pakistani fi rst home series involving a Test-level Former West Indian captain and greats grew up playing cricket on the team since 2009. Pakistani crowd favourite Darren sweltering port city’s chaotic streets, housands of security person- Next year, the Pakistan Cricket Sammy, who will skipper Peshawar often using an improvised form nel will be deployed when Board has said it hopes to hold half of for a second time after leading them known as tapeball, using a tennis ball Karachi hosts the fi nal of the the PSL on home turf. Currently, most to victory last year, lauded the coun- wrapped in electrical tape. Pakistan Super League tomor- of the games are played in UAE. try’s eff orts. The city’s most popular player, Trow — its biggest cricket match in nine Despite the encouraging signs, some “Pakistan is a place where I have a former Pakistan captain Shahid Afri- years, after a spate of attacks drove of the PSL’s top stars preferred not to great connection and I feel proud that di, said the PSL fi nal was “great news”, away foreign teams. play in Pakistan, including Quetta I am part of the eff orts to revive inter- adding: “Karachiites will enjoy the Although some overseas players Gladiators batsman Kevin Pietersen national cricket in Pakistan,” he said. occasion and I am glad over it.” opted out, authorities have promised who appeared to announce his retire- The cricket-mad country has since The third edition of the PSL was head-of-state level security at the Na- ment instead. played nearly all its home matches launched last month with the addi- tional Cricket Stadium when Pesha- Australia all-rounder Shane Watson in the United Arab Emirates, where tion of a sixth team, the Multan Sul- war Zalmi take on Islamabad United. also opted out for Quetta, who were earlier rounds of the PSL were also tans, more international stars, and The Twenty20 match has great sig- knocked out by Peshawar. staged. hopeful fans eager to forget a spot- nifi cance for Pakistan as it gradually Quetta head coach Moin Khan said But authorities have been working fi xing scandal which tainted last year’s welcomes back international cricket, players who promise to play in Pa- hard to ease international cricket back event. After the fi rst 31 matches were which ground to a halt after a deadly kistan but later back out should be In this file photo taken on March 15, Pakistani cricket fans queue to buy tickets for to Pakistan, with the fi nal of last year’s played in Dubai and Sharjah, the PSL attack on Sri Lanka’s Test team in La- barred from the PSL draft. the forthcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Karachi. PSL in Lahore seen as a major turning moved to Lahore on Tuesday, when hore in 2009 which killed eight people “It’s disappointing that some for- point. Peshawar beat Quetta in the fi rst elim- and injured seven visiting players. eign players refused to come after giv- kistan, while England’s Alex Hales and pitch for Wednesday’s semi-fi nal. That was followed by three T20s inator and then ousted the Karachi As well as the fi nal in Karachi, both ing their consent initially,” he said. Sam Billings will both be missing for The last time a helicopter was seen against a World XI last September and Kings in the second. eliminators were held in Lahore this “PCB will have to take notice and Islamabad United when they take on hovering so close to Gaddafi Stadium the emotional return of Sri Lanka for The Lahore matches were played week — a step forward from last year, not include those players in draft as it Peshawar on Sunday. was in 2009, when one was used to one T20 in October, all in Lahore, with under heavy security, with police and when only the fi nal was held on Paki- will be big loss for the franchise.” Pakistan has pulled out all the stops airlift the survivors of the Sri Lankan unprecedented security arrangements paramilitary personnel guarding the stani soil. England’s limited-overs captain for the PSL, to the extent of using heli- team attack to safety. in place. teams from their hotel to the stadium Karachi will also host three Twen- Eoin Morgan was another to skip Pa- copters to dry the rain-sodden Lahore But foreign experts who examined The success of the Lahore events and back.

FEAT FOCUS Record-breaking Williamson says Stanikzai shines Crowe the greatest as Afghanistan make World Cup Stanikzai, who received on-field treatment for dressings around his abdomen, hit an invaluable 39 not out off 29 balls to guide the Afghans past the Ireland total New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson celebrates reaching his century against England yesterday.

Reuters The mark it seems, was just Auckland a statistic. What was more im- portant for him was how it posi- tioned his side in the context of ane Williamson be- the match. lieves the late Martin New Zealand fi nished the sec- Crowe remains the ond day on 229 for four, a lead of Kgreatest batsman New 171 runs, after they had dismissed Zealand has ever produced de- England for just 58 in 90 minutes spite surpassing the former cap- on the opening day. tain as his country’s highest Test Williamson’s contribution century maker yesterday. ended early in the second session After resuming on 91, the after Jimmy Anderson fi nally got 27-year-old Williamson took some movement with the second about 30 minutes to reach his new ball and exploited the fact 18th test century on a rain-af- that the pitch had been under fected second day of the fi rst covers due to the fi rst rain break. match against England at Eden “For me personally, I haven’t Park. focused too much on stats,” Wil- With a dab through gully for liamson said. “It’s always been a single he moved ahead of the about trying to do my best for Afghanistan team celebrates after defeating Ireland to qualify for the 2019 cricket World Cup at The Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe (ICC). 17 centuries accumulated by the team, that’s why today it Crowe, who died from cancer in was frustrating to not still be out AFP “I am in too much pain, but I was play- a modest total of 209-7 off their 50 overs. “We had to win this game.” 2016. there. Harare ing for the country,” said Stanikzai. “It is Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan Ireland captain William Porterfi eld was Williamson’s team mate Ross “In saying that it was a fairly our dream to qualify for the World Cup.” fi nished with 3-40 to take his career tally left in tears after the game. Taylor also has 17 centuries and good delivery and you walk off Afghanistan will join fellow qualifi ers to 99 ODI wickets. “First of all, congratulations to Afghan- will likely pass his former mentor and that’s part and parcel of the kipper Asghar Stanikzai put a West Indies in the 10-team World Cup to In reply, burly opener Mohamed Shah- istan,” he said. “We were probably 25 runs Crowe in the near future. game. You want to keep going bout of appendicitis behind him to be staged in England and Wales from May zad clobbered 54 off 50 balls in an opening short. “Martin was a fantastic, and try to contribute more and guide Afghanistan to a fi ve-wicket 30 to July 14, 2019, alongside defending stand of 86 with Gulbadin Naib. “Then again in games like this we can’t world-class player for New Zea- more.” victory over Ireland yesterday to champions Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri But once Shahzad holed out, Afghani- fault anyone. land,” Williamson told reporters While his side have control of Squalify for next year’s Cricket World Cup. Lanka, Bangladesh, England, South Africa stan, who only squeezed into the Super “We had opportunities but we lost in Auckland after he was dis- the game after the fi rst-day de- Afghanistan, after losing their opening and New Zealand. Sixes after losing to Scotland, Zimbabwe three games. We had some key moments, missed for 102. “Our best player, struction of bowlers Trent Boult three qualifying games, suff ered a middle- After Scotland and Zimbabwe had both and Hong Kong, began to wobble. but could not take it.” or batsman, certainly, of all time. and Tim Southee, yesterday’s order wobble that looked to have handed suff ered defeats in their concluding Super But skipper Stanikzai and Najibullah “The respect is certainly there rain and the poor forecast for the Ireland the advantage. Six matches earlier in the week, yester- Zadran, the latter fi nishing on 17 not out, BRIEF SCORES for Martin and what he’s done for rest of the match has changed its But Stanikzai, who received on-fi eld day’s game at the Harare Sports Club sud- settled the side and led the Afghans to a Ireland: 209/7 off 50 overs (Stirling 55, L the game.” complexion. treatment for dressings around his abdo- denly became a winner-takes-all clash. memorable victory with fi ve balls to play. O’Brien 41; Rashid Khan 3-40) Like Crowe, Williamson was New Zealand now need to push men, hit an invaluable 39 not out off 29 Ireland won the toss and elected to bat “We lost a couple of matches, but we Afghanistan: 213/5 off 49.1 overs (Mo- tipped for greatness at an early the game on more quickly than balls to guide the Afghans to 213 for fi ve in with opener Paul Stirling making a top played good cricket in the Super Sixes,” hammad Shazad 54, Gulbadin Naib 45, age and was backed to potential- they had planned. Williamson reply to Ireland’s 209-7. score of 55 and Kevin O’Brien hitting 41 in said man-of-the-match Shahzad. Stanikzai 39no; Simi Singh 3-30) ly become New Zealand’s leading believes it is unlikely England run scorer while still a teenager, will bat as poorly again. including by Crowe. “The English team have a re- BOTTOMLINE His celebration after reach- ally long batting lineup,” he said. ing the milestone, however, was “We know in the second dig it’s typically understated. A raise of going to be a lot harder and we’ll the bat and removal of the helmet have to put in that same eff ort Aussies complain about ‘disgraceful’ Newlands crowd was about the limit of his joy. plus more.” Reuters Elgar sets batting world record for South Africa “There have been various incidents Cape Town throughout the series, but it has been par- Cape Town: South African opening South Africa’s last two batsmen for a total ticularly bad in this Test.” SCORECARD batsman Dean Elgar equalled a world of five catches in the innings, the joint Five players in the series have already ricket Australia sent a letter of record when he carried his bat through a most by a fielder. Although ten other field- been sanctioned by the International Crick- complaint to their South African completed innings for the third time as his ers shared the record, Smith was only the et Council (ICC) for various contraventions England first innings 58 (C. Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Raval), counterparts yesterday over what team were bowled out for 311 on the sec- second Australian to achieve the feat after of the organisation’s code of conduct, and Overton 33 n.o.;Boult 6-32, 2-92 (Latham), 3-123 (Taylor), coach Darren Lehmann called ond day of the third Test against Australia Vic Richardson in 1935/36. it appears South African supporters have Southee 4-25) 4-206 (Williamson) “disgraceful”C verbal abuse aimed at his picked up on these cues. To bat: yesterday. Elgar and Kagiso Rabada frustrated the New Zealand first innings Colin de Grandhomme, players by the crowd in the third Test at Elgar finished unbeaten on 141 — only Australians for 50 minutes as they took There was a heated exchange at tea on (overnight 175-3) Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Newlands. Australia are unhappy over what Desmond Haynes of the West Indies had South Africa’s overnight total from 266 the fourth day of the fi rst test in Durban, J. Raval c Bairstow b Anderson Wagner, Trent Boult. they believe were a number of personal at- previously batted unbeaten through a Test for eight. They shared a partnership of when Warner accused South Africa wick- 3 Bowling: Anderson 20-7-53-3, tacks by supporters on players that crossed innings on three occasions. 50 before off -spinner Nathan Lyon had etkeeper Quinton de Kock of making com- T. Latham c Woakes b Broad 26 Broad 20-5-37-1, Overton 18-7- the boundaries of decency in a series that Australian captain Steve Smith also Rabada caught by Smith at slip off his first ments about his wife, Candice. He served a K. Williamson lbw Anderson 43-0, Woakes 23-8-55-0 (1w), has seen heated incidents on the pitch. equalled a world record when he caught ball of he day. volley of abuse in the direction of De Kock, 102 Ali 11.1-1-34-0 “I think it’s been disgraceful, you are talk- which was caught on CCTV cameras in the R. Taylor c Woakes b Anderson Toss: New Zealand ing about abuse of players and their families, players’ tunnel. The build-up to the third 20 Umpires: Paul Reiff el (AUS), it’s not on anywhere in the world,” Lehmann One spectator was ejected from the (the crowd) have got to be better than that Test was also fi lled with controversy as the H. Nicholls not out 49 Bruce Oxenford (AUS) told reporters after the second day’s play. members’ area at Newlands when he initi- when they come to international events, number one bowler in the world, Kagiso B. Watling not out 17 TV Umpire: Marais Erasmus “You can have your banter, but they have ated a heated verbal exchange with Austral- it’s just disgraceful,” Lehmann added. “Not Rabada, a home favourite, was initially sus- Extras: (lb7, w5) 12 (RSA) gone too far here. We have written to Cricket ia’s opening batsman David Warner, who on this level, we cannot accept it anywhere pended and then handed a reprieve after Total: (for 4 wickets; 92.1 Match referee: Richie Rich- South Africa, we will wait to see their re- was climbing the stairs to the dressing room in the world, talking about players and their brushing against the shoulder of Australia overs) 229 ardson (WIS) sponse.” after being dismissed before lunch. “They families. captain Steve Smith in the second Test. Gulf Times Saturday, March 24, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS CHINA CUP Suarez nets 50th goal in Uruguay win Ibrahimovic ready striker Edinson Cavani scored a AFP Nanning, China stunning overhead kick from a Suarez fl ick-on to put Uruguay 2-0 up. uis Suarez scored his The crowd was notice- 50th international goal ably smaller Friday than for the as Uruguay cruised past match at the same stadium the the Czech Republic 2-0 previous night between hosts to win as Galaxy Lyesterday to reach the fi nal of the China and Wales. A small knot of China Cup. Chinese Uruguay fans stood out The Barcelona forward also in the stands with Uruguay fl ags created the second goal for the and banners. The Czech Repub- South Americans, who will face lic were second-best to their hosts Russia in the group stages South American opponents for of the World Cup this summer. much of the game and failed to Uruguay had the better of the off er much threat. confi rm signing opening stages and went ahead Patrik Schick came closest to after ten minutes, when Suarez scoring for the Czechs when he ‘I think I have a lot to give, I can help them a lot. It’s the best team in the US’ scored from the spot after be- hit the bar from the edge of the ing brought down in the box by six-yard box after the ball fell Reuters Czech keeper Jiri Pavlenka. kindly into his path in the second London In the 16th minute, Uruguay half. Uruguay, however, main- came close to doubling their tained the upper hand through- lead when a freekick swung into out, and their star player Sua- latan Ibrahimovic said the box was met by Suarez who rez was substituted in the 73rd he was ready to win sil- headed just wide. minute to a warm reception from verware with Los Ange- The Czech Republic, who the Chinese crowd. les Galaxy after the club missed out on qualifi cation for The victory took the South Zconfi rmed his move from Man- this years World Cup, almost Americans through to the fi nal of chester United to Major League opened their account when mid- the four-team China Cup which Soccer. fi elder Antonin Barak’s shot from is being held in Nanning. A full-page advert in yes- outside the box was well saved by In the fi nal on Monday, Uru- terday’s LA Times newspaper goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. guay will face Wales, who de- showed Ibrahimovic wearing The highlight of match, how- molished hosts China 0-6 last the white Galaxy kit, with a ever, came in the 26th minute night with Real Madrid star Ga- message from the 36-year-old when Paris Saint-Germain reth Bale netting a hat-trick. Swedish striker saying “Dear Los Angeles, you’re welcome”. The club website later an- nounced the signing with the words ‘Welcome Zlatan’ - along with a short video of the player walking out with a lion. “I decided to sign with Gal- axy because I think it’s the right place for me,” he said. “I think I have a lot to give, I can help them a lot. It’s the best team in the US. There were no doubts.” Ibrahimovic becomes the lat- est high-profi le player to move to the MLS in the latter part of Luis Suarez (left) of Uruguay celebrates with teammate after scoring his career - following the likes in the China Cup semi-final against Czech Republic in Nanning in of David Beckham, Steven Ger- China’s southern Guangxi region yesterday. (AFP) rard, Thierry Henry and Frank Lampard. Former England cap- tain Beckham won the MLS Cup Italy’s a strange country, says Buff on twice after joining Galaxy in 2007 and became an iconic fi g- Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on said Italy was a strange country ure for the growth of the game as he replied to criticism of the decision to pick him for this month’s in a country hooked on more friendlies against Argentina and England. traditional American sports like Buff on, 40, has back-tracked on his decision to retire from interna- NFL and baseball. tional football following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup at Ibrahimovic, while in the lat- the request of interim coach Luigi Di Biagio. ter stages of a glittering career, A player renowned for his eloquence and sportsmanship, Buff on could have a similar impact. said he found it “quite sensational” that his inclusion had met with The Swede left United on criticism from some quarters, such as former Italy defender Claudio Thursday when the Premier Gentile. League club agreed to terminate “We are a strange country, but I already knew that,” Buff on told his contract and said the move reporters on the eve of the friendly against Argentina. is about writing another chap- “I am the goalkeeper of Juventus who are not exactly a fifth-rate ter in a storied career in which team. To create such a controversy after I have been wearing the he won league titles in Italy, the national team shirt, with varying degrees of success, for 25 years is, Netherlands, Spain and France. for me, quite sensational.” “After being in Europe, win- Manchester United’s striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in action during the EPL match against Newcastle at Old Traff ord in Manchester on Novem- Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958 ning 33 trophies, playing in the ber 18, 2017. (AFP) after they were held 0-0 at home by Sweden in November and Buf- best teams in the world, play- fon confirmed after the game that he had ended his international ing with the best players in the ganisation, said Ibrahimovic Ibrahimovic, who scored 62 his fi rst season at Old Traff ord. there for something else. My career. Gentile said in a radio interview on Tuesday that Di Biagio world, I wanted to come to the would become one of the big- goals in 116 games for Sweden But after a knee injury sus- fi rst objective is to play football should have looked to younger players as he begins rebuilding the U.S. and play my game there,” gest stars in the Hollywood city. and played for some of Europe’s tained nearly a year ago he has and do what I’m good at. side. Buff on, however, believed he could still help the team. Ibrahimovic told the LA Times. “He’s giving up a lot to come biggest clubs including Inter managed only seven appear- “I’m excited to come over and “This is not just for show, because that would not have interested “I wanted people to enjoy my here,” Beckerman told the LA Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona and ances this season. Despite that to get the experience with the me, but it’s so that I can be useful. I’m here with great enthusiasm,” game there and to win. And I Times. He’s made it clear he’s Paris St Germain, is reported to Ibrahimovic, who boasts nearly Galaxy and to explore how the he said. chose the Galaxy to do that.” coming here to win champion- have accepted $3 million over fi ve million Twitter followers football is there. I want to be He remained uncertain about how or when he would end his career. ships. It’s not about the money. two season to play for Galaxy, a and owns a clothing brand, said part of it and make it better.” “I don’t know if my last game will be with Juventus or Italy. It will ‘PLACE FOR STARS’ “L.A. is a place for stars, huge wage cut from his United he was ready for action. Ibrahimovic’s fi rst action for be a calm and simple evening,” he said. “I came into football on a Dan Beckerman, the presi- and he’s going to be one of the salary. Ibrahimovic justifi ed “I am ready to go now,” Ibra- Galaxy could even come against Vespa and I will leave without a car because I only have the one that dent of entertainment giant brightest stars that’s ever played United’s outlay when he scored himovic said. “First of all, I’m city rivals Los Angeles Football belongs to Juventus.” AEG, the Galaxy’s parent or- in this market. In any sport.” 28 times in all competitions in there to play football. I’m not Club on March 31.

SPOTLIGHT ‘A top team in a top league’ – Bolt explains his wish AFP most footballers are hanging up and give the guys options.” this by watching and learning.” Dortmund, Germany their boots. Dortmund coach Peter However, he was very clear Stoeger gave a realistic appraisal that he does not want to play ‘Unfit’ of Bolt as a footballer. lower league football. thletics legend Usain Bolt, who retired from athlet- “He is talented, but if he wants Bolt dismissed even the sug- Bolt insists he is seri- ics last year, admits he lacks the to make it at the top level, there gestion of playing for Dort- ous about realising his endurance fi tness football de- are still a few things to do,” said mund’s reserves in Germany’s dream of becoming a mands. the Austrian. third division to gain experience. top-classA footballer after train- “Overall, I’d give myself a sev- “It’s a big leap from athletics “I wouldn’t want to play in a ing with Borussia Dortmund. en out of ten,” he said. to football. lesser league, I want to play in “I really want to try and make “It was fun, the guys were “He’s an unbelievably laid- the top league - this is why I am it professionally, to play at a high cool and they were welcoming, back guy, an athlete with so here,” he added. level,” the sprint superstar told but I can tell I was unfi t. I like to much success, but with his feet “I would like to work with reporters yesterday at the Ger- play on the wing, right now I am very much on the ground. the team more and improve my man league club. unfi t so I try to stay up top (as a “He had fun and he got some skills, get better and try to play “My goal is to make a top team striker). feedback, which was his wish. in the big league. and play in one of the top leagues “He understands the game, “I don’t set any standards, I in the world.” As expected, Bolt, the 100m what he’s missing is the team don’t know where I am at. Nearly 200 journalists and and 200m world record work and how to move.” “If it gets to the time where I around 1,500 fans saw the eight- holder, showed phenomenal feel like I am at the level, then the time Olympic gold medallist put pace over the turf Watching, learning coaches or the club will say ‘al- through his paces with the fi rst- Bolt wants to be invited back right, you know what? You can team squad at Dortmund’s train- “I’ve heard a lot about the fans to train again - and maybe even play at this level or that level’ ing ground. here - that really was an experi- sign - with Dortmund. “Until then, I am just going to Having already trained with ence.” “I hope to come again and working hard and pushing my- the team behind closed doors on As expected, Bolt, the 100m hopefully they will welcome me, self.” Thursday, yesterday’s open ses- and 200m world record holder, I can get better and (they’ll) sign Bolt, a Manchester United sion could be seen as a publicity showed phenomenal pace over the me - you never know,” he said. fan, is already due to play at the stunt as both Bolt and Dortmund turf. He was proud of the header The Jamaican refused to club’s iconic Old Traff ord sta- are sponsored by Puma. he scored in a practice game, but measure himself against Dort- dium in a charity football match The Bundesliga club live- admits having much to learn. mund’s professionals. on June 10. streamed the training session “I’m tall, so it’s one of the “I don’t compare myself to Bolt will line up opposite Brit- and in China alone 1.2 million things I have practised over the them yet. I want to play at the ish pop star Robbie Williams and viewers tuned in. years,” he said of his header with level I know I can, to improve and captain the Soccer Aid World XI The 31-year-old Bolt insists sweat pouring down his face. to learn from them,” he said. in a match to raise funds for the he is deadly serious about start- “I was working hard out there, “This is what they do for a liv- United Nations Children’s Fund, Usain Bolt participates in a training session with Borussia Dortmund at the Strobelallee Training Centre in ing a new career - at an age when I wanted to play my best, move ing and I am trying to get into Unicef. Dortmund yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, March 24, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Nakheel Landscapes crowned Workers’ Cup champions ‘It is such an honour to witness the incredible passion both on the pitch and in the stands during this tournament’ he 2018 Workers’ Cup came to a thrilling end last night as thousands of fans enjoyed a memo- Trable night of football inside Al Duhail Stadium, where Al Na- kheel Landscapes were crowned champions of the sixth edition of the tournament. They defeated Doha Pest Control Team 2-0. A near capacity crowd of al- most 7,500 people watched the proceedings which concluded ended with a spectacular prize giving ceremony. The match was attended by HE Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al- Nuaimi, Minister of Administra- tive Development, Labour and Social Aff airs. The nalfi victory was also watched by Hassan al- Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Nasser al-Khater, Assistant Secretary- General for Tournament Aff airs at the SC, Khalid al-Kubaisi, Chief of Advisory Unit & Special Projects at the SC, Sakis Batsilas, Tournament Operations & Plan- ning Executive Director, Ahmad al-Thani, Head of Sport Events in the SC, and Xavi Hernández, the SC Ambassador. The showpiece fi nal was also attended by Abdulla al-Ham- madi, Executive Director of Op- erations in QSL, Hassan Rabiah al-Kuwari, Executive Director of Marketing in QSL, Mohamed Ahmed Abdullah, Executive Director of Competitions and Sports Aff airs in QSL, Mansour al-Ansari, Secretary-General of QFA as well as more than 25 am- bassadors and diplomats. The SC collaborated with the QSL to sponsor the Workers’ Cup for a sixth year this year as part of its ongoing commitment to use football as a tool to accel- erate social and human develop- ment. Al Nakheel Landscapes players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Workers’ Cup at the Al Duhail Stadium yesterday. PICTURES: Shaji Thottathil In his remarks after the fi nal match, Hassan al-Thawadi, Sec- The QSL’s Executive Director retary-General of the SC said: of Marketing, Hassan Rabiah al- “It is such an honour to wit- Kuwari, said the Workers’ Cup ness the incredible passion both had grown signifi cantly since on the pitch and in the stands 2013 to become a major football during this tournament, which event. keeps getting bigger and bet- “The QSL is proud to support a ter every year. Congratulations tournament which uses the pow- to Al Nakheel Landscapes team er of football to support positive for a hard-earned victory. I hope social change in the country,” said them, their colleagues and every- al-Kuwari. one who’s been involved with this “The Workers’ Cup continues year’s tournament has a chance to go from strength to strength to celebrate this achievement.” and is now a much-anticipated Nasser al-Khater, Assistant annual event.” Secretary-General for Tourna- Al-Kuwari continued: “We ment Aff airs at the SC, said: look forward to continuing our “Our support for the Workers’ Workers’ Cup journey with the Cup stems from our promise to Supreme Committee for Delivery use football as an inspirational & Legacy as we support the deliv- means of encouraging social ery of the 2022 World Cup and its integration across Qatar’s rich associated legacy projects.” expatriate community. This This year’s tournament saw tournament is a great example of over 640 players in 32 teams that promise in action, because competing. 12 of these teams you can see how the Workers’ were current or former contrac- Cup brings people together. Ini- tors on 2022 FIFA World Cup tiatives like this form a vital part projects and 7 were engaged HE the Minister for Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi of our preparations for the 2022 with the SC’s fl agship CSR pro- SC Ambassador Xavi Hernández presents the best player award to a (left) with Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Hassan al-Thawadi during FIFA World Cup in Qatar.” gramme, Generation Amazing. Nakheel player. the Workers’ Cup final yesterday.

FOCUS Brazil sink World Cup hosts Russia 3-0 AFP fended in numbers. Russian Moscow winger Alexander Samedov test- ed Alisson with a shot from 20 yards out just after the half-hour ive-time world cham- mark, but Brazil’s Roma ‘keeper pions Brazil showed no palmed the ball away for a corner. signs of missing Neymar Alexei Miranchuk also had a as they fi ne-tuned prep- chance for an opener fi ve min- arationsF for this year’s World utes later, but his powerful Cup with a confi dent 3-0 victory close-range angled shot rifl ed over tournament hosts Russia over the crossbar. Two minutes yesterday. after the interval Willian found Inter Milan full-back Miranda the unmarked Paulinho in the scored the opener while Bar- area, but Akinfeev parried his celona midfi elder pair Philippe low close-range shot. Coutinho and Paulinho scored Miranda fi nally put Brazil team one apiece at Moscow’s renovat- into the lead when he fi red home ed Luzhniki stadium where the a 53rd-minute goal, knocking in World Cup fi nal will be played. a rebound from Akinfeev off a Brazil, who were without in- Thiago Silva header. jured superstar Neymar, started Brazil continued testing the brightly and in the fi fth minute home team’s defence and nine Dani Alves lobbed the ball into minutes later Coutinho made it the area to Gabriel Jesus but the 2-0 for the visitors with a pen- Manchester City striker shot alty after Alexander Golovin straight at Russia’s goalkeeper fouled Paulinho in the area. Igor Akinfeev. Brazil dominated Paulinho rounded off the play and possession, but failed to scoring in the 67th minute with create any more serious chances a fi ve-yard header off a pinpoint before the break as Russia de- cross by Willian from the right. Brazil’s Paulinho (No 15) celebrates scoring a goal against Russia in their friendly match in Moscow yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Saturday, March 24, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Rams to sign one-year deal with Wilson Kings win as police uars receiver Allen Hurns, but Reuters Los Angeles Hurns’ visit to Florham Park, NJ was put on hold due to weath- er. Hurns is visiting the Dallas he Los Angeles Rams Cowboys fi rst instead. agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Titans agree to deal with inside linebacker Ramik ex-Bucs OL Pamphile lock down arena TWilson, the team announced on The Tennessee Titans added Thursday night. some depth to their off ensive Wilson, 25, played his fi rst line, agreeing to terms with three NFL seasons with the Kan- Kevin Pamphile on a free-agent sas City Chiefs, who selected deal, multiple outlets reported him in the fourth round of the Thursday. 2015 NFL Draft out of Georgia. Pamphile, 27, played his fi rst In 30 career games, Wilson four NFl seasons with the Tampa because of protests has notched 112 tackles and one Bay Buccaneers after being cho- interception. He recorded a sen in the fi fth round in 2014. A ‘Due to law enforcement being unable to ensure ticketed fans could safely enter career-best 76 tackles in 2016, starter the past two seasons (pri- when he started 11 of 16 games marily at left guard), Pamphile the arena, the arena remains closed and we ask fans outside to travel home’ for the Chiefs. He also started has played all fi ve positions on the fi rst four games of the 2017 the line. Agencies season before giving way to Reg- Pamphile has started 33 of 53 Washington gie Ragland in early October. NFl games, with 14 starts in 2016 Originally slated to be a re- and 15 in 2017. stricted free agent this off sea- Tennessee general manager n a matchup of teams son, Wilson became unrestricted Jon Robinson was the Bucs’ di- stockpiling ping-pong balls once the Chiefs decided not to rector of player personnel in for the NBA Draft Lottery in tender him a contract. 2014, the year Pamphile was May, the Sacramento Kings The Rams are seemingly re- drafted. Igot 20 points from rookie Justin stocking at inside linebacker af- Jackson on Thursday night in a ter trading starter Alec Ogletree Giants deal Pierre-Paul 105-90 home win over the At- to the New York Giants earlier to Bucs lanta Hawks. this month. The New York Giants traded The game was played in WR Pryor close to defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul front of a tiny crowd at Golden deal with Jets to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1 Center, with admissions shut Former Washington Redskins exchange for a 2018 third-round down just before tipoff by the wide receiver Terrelle Pryor is pick (No 69 overall). Sacramento Police Department “closing in” on a deal with the The Giants and Bucs will also when late-arriving fans were New York Jets, according to an swap fourth-round picks as part met by a human chain of pro- NFL Network report. of the deal; Tampa Bay will now testers barring entrances. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rap- select at No 102 and New York The protests were in response oport, the two sides “are ham- will go at No 108. to the release of a video showing mering out fi nal details” and an “We appreciate everything police fatally shooting unarmed agreement “should be done” by Jason has done for the Giants,” Stephon Clark on Sunday night. Thursday night. new general manager Dave Get- Protesters took over downtown Pryor also visited with the tleman said in a statement. “He and also blocked roads. Seattle Seahawks and was draw- was a fi ne player for us, and he The Sacramento Kings re- ing interest from the Cleveland helped our franchise win Super leased a statement saying, “Due Browns, for whom he played Bowl XLVI. We wish him well in to law enforcement being una- from 2015-16. the future.” ble to ensure ticketed fans could A former quarterback, the Pierre-Paul, 29, had 68 tack- safely enter the arena, the arena 28-year-old Pryor fl opped as a les, eight sacks and two forced remains closed and we ask fans free-agent signing in Washing- fumbles last season in his fi rst outside to travel home.” ton last year, catching just 20 16-game campaign since losing The Kings allowed all fans passes before losing his starting his right index fi nger and parts in attendance to move into the job. However, he racked up 77 of at least two other fi ngers in lower bowl and told fans who grabs for 1,007 yards and fi ve to- a fi reworks accident on July 4, were kept from entering the tal touchdowns in 2016 with the 2015. He had played eight games building that they would of- Browns. in 2015 after the incident and 12 fer refunds. They also gave the The Jets have also shown in- games in 2016, missing time af- fans who made it into the arena terest in former Jacksonville Jag- ter having sports hernia surgery. free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Ramik Wilson Those who got to watch saw Sacramento pull away late in the third quarter, aided by Sacramento Kings majority owner Vivek Ranadive addresses the fans after the game at Golden 1 Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports three double-fi gure scorers off the bench. Frank Mason and a few minutes and there was points Thursday in leading the “I would have never imagined fl icted the worst lost ever upon Buddy Hield each tallied 16, no national anthem or start- Charlotte Hornets to a record- (making 10 3-pointers),” Walker the Grizzlies, who have lost 22 while Kosta Koufos hit for 14 ing lineup introductions. The shattering 140-79 romp over said. “I never thought I’d be able of their past 23 games. points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Hawks appeared to adapt better visiting Memphis, one of the to shoot the ball like that, espe- The victory came with Char- Bogdan Bogdanovic chipped in to the unusual circumstances, most lopsided routs in NBA his- cially in one individual game.” lotte center Dwight Howard 11 points. taking a 13-5 lead before settling tory. Walker’s total came in only sidelined for accumulated tech- Isaiah Taylor paced Atlanta for a 28-25 advantage after the The 61-point victory margin 28 minutes, the shortest span nical fouls. with 18 points, while Damion fi rst quarter. The Kings clamped was the largest in any NBA game to reach 45 points since the NBA He committed his 16th of the Lee and Dewayne Dedmon each down on the shorthanded visi- since 1998 and marked only the shot clock debuted in 1954. season on Wednesday in the scored 13. Dedmon also hauled tors in the second quarter, al- sixth time in league history a “He could do that every same game where he scored 32 in 10 boards for a double-dou- lowing just 16 points and earn- team won by 60 or more points. night,” Hornets reserve forward points and grabbed 30 rebounds ble. In a reserve role, Tyler Dor- ing a 49-44 lead at the half. “It was fun. The crowd was Dwayne Bacon said. “He’s a in beating Brooklyn 111-105. sey netted 11 points. Sacramento broke the game into it. It was good to be a part great player. Just being around The Hawks fi elded a lineup open late in the third quarter of something like that,” Char- him, watching how he prepares, RESULTS that didn’t include three start- with a 16-4 spurt that helped it lotte guard Jeremy Lamb said. just playing, is just amazing. Philadelphia 118 Orlando 98 ers, including point guard Den- grab an 80-71 cushion going to “It feels really good.” “It was another great night Charlotte 140 Memphis 79 nis Schroder, who on Tuesday the fourth period. Walker sank a club-record for him.” Houston 100 Detroit 96 night became their fi rst player 10 3-pointers and made 10 free The Hornets, who led 75-42 (over-time) in nine years to score 40 points Walker’s 46 leads record throws, becoming only the third at half-time and 112-57 entering New Orleans 128 Lakers 125 in a game. Charlotte rout, Rockets soar player in any NBA contest with the fourth quarter, won their Utah 119 Dallas 112 Opening tip was delayed Kemba Walker scored 46 so many of each. most lopsided triumph and in- Sacramento 105 Atlanta 90

NHL Hawks hit new low with loss to last-place Canucks By Paul Skrbina The Canucks entered on a seven- injury. He has four goals and eight as- with a 5-2 decision at Bridgestone Are- Chicago Tribune game losing streak and with the second- sists in his last 10 games, and 20 goals na in Nashville, Tenn. worst record in the league. The Hawks and 32 assists in 74 games this season. James van Riemsdyk added his had dropped four in a row and had the Thursday’s game even featured some eighth goal in fi ve games for Toronto, hursday night at the United seventh-worst record. fi sticuff s when Andreas Martinsen and which got 23 saves from goalie Frederik Center wasn’t 2009 or 2010 or The teams were battling for position Derrick Pouliot exchanged blows during Andersen while strafi ng Vezina Trophy 2011. in this summer’s draft – the Canucks the second period. favorite Pekka Rinne. In losing for the Sure, Patrick Sharp was on had a 12.5 percent chance at landing the But the Canucks delivered the ones fi rst time since mid-February, Rinne theT top line for the Blackhawks with No 1 pick and the Hawks a 7.6 percent that counted most, scoring twice during made 23 saves. Patrick Kane, but there was no Jonath- chance, according to tankathon.com – the period to take a 4-1 lead and force Toronto came out with the jump, an Toews, who will miss the next few rather than the right to advance in the Hawks starting goalie Jean-Francois earning an early power play and capi- games with an upper-body injury. Stanley Cup playoff s. Berube to the bench in favor of Anton talizing with a weird goal at 4:03. The Sedin brothers, Daniel and Hen- “Some of the most competitive series Forsberg. It was the 10th time this sea- Trying to make a centering pass af- rik, were present in Canucks sweaters, we have been a part of, that’s for sure,” son the Hawks have pulled a starting ter gathering in the rebound of Mitch along with Alexander Edler. Former Sharp said. “There was some bad blood goalie. Marner’s shot, van Riemsdyk instead Hawk Dave Bolland once referred to the there, some hatred. As time’s gone on, Corey Crawford and Berube, who has scored his 34th goal when the puck hit Sedin brothers as the “Sedin sisters” maybe a little more respect has been given up 19 goals in this last four starts, Roman Josi’s skate and went through and said they probably slept in bunk shown. But two good teams at the time. each have been benched twice, while Rinne’s pads. beds, comments he later took back. “You look up and down the lineup Forsberg has taken a seat six times. The Maple Leafs put the game away Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith and there are new faces all through it. The Hawks fell to 0-23-5 when allow- with two goals in the fi rst 3:39 of the were present, too, for the Hawks’ 5-2 This team you could say that, too. I’m ing at least four goals this season. third period. Marner scored his 20th loss. not sure that rivalry is as strong as it “We had some great runs with these of the season on the power play just Seabrook even assisted on the Hawks’ has been, but they still have some good guys, intense series and real close nine seconds into the period, while fi rst goal, with 11:58 remaining in the players over there.” matchups as well,” Quenneville said. Jake Gardiner added his fi fth exactly fi rst, when his shot defl ected off Nick Toews, though, was one player who “Certainly a diff erent game. ... The ex- 3-1/2 minutes later. The Predators had Schmaltz. That was after Edler scored wasn’t there Thursday thanks to an in- citement of playing in this building in scored a point in 15 straight games. the fi rst of his two goals to put the Ca- jury Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said meaningful games is great. It’s a little nucks up 1 minute, 1 second earlier. he suff ered during Tuesday’s 5-1 loss to diff erent but we’ve been fortunate here RESULTS Henrik Sedin had the secondary assist the Avalanche. for a while.” Tampa Bay 7 NY Islanders 6 and scored the Canucks’ second goal Toews was absent from the Hawks’ Philadelphia 4 NY Rangers 3 with 2:18 left in the fi rst. morning skate and will be re-evaluated Leafs cool off hot Predators Carolina 6 Arizona 5 But the playoff battles that took place next week, according to Quenneville. Auston Matthews and William Ny- Columbus 4 Florida 0 during those three seasons, and the bad Toews had an assist and played 20 lander scored goals 98 seconds apart Edmonton 6 Ottawa 2 blood and two Hawks victories that minutes, 32 seconds during Tuesday’s late in the second period Thursday Washington 1 Detroit 0 resulted, were but a distant memory loss, a team-high for forwards. He night as the Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto 5 Nashville 2 Jacob Markstrom (No 25) of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated by team- Thursday when the last-place teams played late during the third period and handed the Nashville Predators their Vancouver 5 Chicago 2 mates after a win in their NHL match over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United met. did not appear to leave the game with an fi rst regulation loss since February 17 Los Angeles 7 Colorado 1 Centre in Chicago, Illinois. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, March 24, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS India’s Ghosh suspended Svitolina ends Osaka’s aft er rape charge

New Delhi: India yesterday dropped table tennis star Soumyajit Ghosh from its run to reach third round Commonwealth Games (CWG) squad after a teenager accused him of rape, off icials said. The Table Tennis Federa- World No 1 Simona Halep survives a scare from Oceane Dodin, beating the lucky loser 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 tion of India (TTFI) executive said in a statement said that Reuters 24-year-old Ghosh had been Miami placed under “provisional suspension”. “During the suspension, krainian fourth seed Elina Svi- the paddler will not be able tolina ended Naomi Osaka’s to participate in any tourna- remarkable recent run with ment, national or interna- a 6-4, 6-2 triumph over the tional,” it said. Ghosh’s future UIndian Wells champion in the second will now depend on the “final round of the Miami Open yesterday. outcome of the police inves- The 20-year-old Japanese, who fol- tigation and court verdict, lowed her Indian Wells title run with if any, on the alleged rape a fi rst-round victory over eight-times charges against him by the Miami champion Serena Williams this teenager”, the TTFI added. week, simply had no answer for Svitoli- The complainant in eastern na during their 83-minute clash. West Bengal state told police Svitolina, who last month claimed that they became friends the sixth title of her career with her through a social networking triumph at the Dubai Open, faced little site in 2014, and Ghosh prom- resistance as she won 72% of her total ised to marry her after she service points and was broken once. turned 18. Ghosh has denied With the win, the Ukrainian will face the allegations. either Australian 26th seed Daria Ga- “Whatever she is saying vrilova or German Andrea Petkovic in is false as I haven’t done the third round. Australian 21st seed anything wrong. We were Ashleigh Barty also reached the third together but then I wanted to round with a 6-0, 7-6 (0) win over focus on my career so I told American wild card Claire Liu. her ‘it is very diff icult to be On Thursday, World number one with you’,” he said. Simona Halep survived a scare from “After I broke things off Oceane Dodin, beating the lucky loser with her, she started black- 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to reach the third round, mailing me, my family and and while the Romanian was unhappy my friend circle. From the with her performance she said it had Elina Svitolina of Ukraine last one and a half year, she been a “good day at the offi ce”. hits a forehand return en has been trying to threaten Halep, who almost joined eight other route to her win over Naomi and blackmail us,” he added. seeds eliminated on a day of upsets in Osaka of Japan during the The 2018 Commonwealth south Florida, was delighted with the Miami Open yesterday. Games will be held in April on way she dug in and fought in the de- Svitolina won 6-4, 6-2. Australia’s Gold Coast. ciding third set on centre court. “May- (USA TODAY Sports) be previous years I couldn’t win the matches in the third set, so I’m really happy that I changed this to myself, and on, getting the better of France’s Dodin appeared to be a left hamstring injury Spanish winner since 16-times grand have to play matches, learn — whether I I feel stronger,” Halep said. “So when I in extended rallies and in the key mo- early in the second set against three- slam champion Nadal did it aged 17 in win or lose — and ultimately seize op- go to the third set, I don’t panic. I’m re- ments. The match was in the balance times champion Victoria Azarenka, who 2004. Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis portunities and give my all.” laxed and I’m just fi ghting till the end, until Halep had break points at 5-5 in led 7-6(5), 2-0. Among the seeds exit- earned himself a second-round match Kuhn has been eyed for several years and I’m sure that I have a big chance to the third set and jumped all over a weak ing the tournament were number seven against Roger Federer after thrash- as a player to watch, and he notched win the match, so I just go for it.” second serve from the 21-year-old Do- Carolina Garcia of France and number ing Calvin Hemery of France 6-1 6-2 his fi rst Challenger Tour title in Braun- An upset looked possible in the fi rst din to move ahead. Halep won the next 12 Julia Goerges of Germany. in barely an hour. Kuhn, who was born schweig, Germany last July. Spain have set when Dodin’s big fi rst serve trou- game to love, rocketing down an ace on In the men’s, Nicola Kuhn became the in Austria before his parents moved to seven players ranked in the top 40 in the bled Halep, who was crushed by even- match point to set up a meeting with youngest Spaniard to win an ATP World Spain when he was a baby, said it was a world. Some of the tournament’s big tual champion Osaka in the Indian 30th-seeded Pole Agnieszka Radwan- Tour match since Rafa Nadal after the “special day”. names were to take to centre court last Wells semi-fi nals last week. But the ska, who defeated Belgian Alison Van 18-year-old’s 7-6(4), 6-4 victory over “It was a very tough match. I’m hap- night, with second seed Marin Cilic, defensive-minded Halep, who at times Uytvanck 6-3, 7-6(4). Darian King on Thursday. Kuhn, who py with today’s victory, but now I need fi fth seed Juan Martin del Potro and reached down to rub a troublesome In an evening match, American 14th turned 18 on Tuesday and is ranked to focus on my next match. “People here ninth seed Novak Djokovic in second- right ankle, improved as the match wore seed Madison Keys retired with what 211th in the world, became the youngest have a lot more experience than I have. I round action.

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Stockdale voted Six Federer relaxed about No.1 ranking quest Nations Player of AFP here. Going far enough to stay number nally did it, but he had to do it the hard Miami one, it helps my motivation to have a goal. way, put himself out there, knowing he But even if I don’t manage it, it’s not the was not going to win all the matches he the Championship end of the world.” was going to play. It’s tough to do that, oger Federer said yesterday Federer will launch his Miami cam- you know. That deserves a lot of respect, reland winger Jacob those shortlisted. Thank you to retaining his world number one paign today against Australian qualifi er in my opinion, especially knowing what Stockdale was named the everyone who voted and for all ranking is no more than a “mini- Thanasi Kokkinakis. Federer, winner of level he can achieve as a player.” Six Nations Player of the the fans who gave us so much goal” as he prepares his bid to an incredible 20 Grand Slam singles ti- Federer said he had already moved on Championship for a record- support throughout the Cham- defendR the ATP Miami Open title. The tles, meanwhile spoke admiringly of Del from Sunday’s loss to Del Potro in Indian Ibreaking seven tries in his pionship.” 36-year-old Swiss star needs to advance Potro’s rehabilitation into the tennis cir- Wells, saying he was due a loss after a country’s grand-slam winning Stockdale fell one short of the to the quarter-fi nals in Florida to hold on cuit’s winners circle following a career- successful 2017. “Didn’t take me a whole campaign. The 21-year-old, who all-time championship record of to his number one ranking, or face being threatening wrist injury. lot of time to get over it, to be honest, be- scored tries against Italy, Wales, eight tries, set by England’s Cyril supplanted by old rival Rafael Nadal in “I can only look from far away and cause I felt like it could have gone either Scotland and England, secured Lowe in the then-Five Nations of top spot. think, ‘I wonder how it was for him.’ Hard way,” Federer said. 32% of the public vote to clinch 1914, and matched by Ian Smith However Federer, who was beaten by to imagine how — most important about “Unfortunately I wasn’t on the win- the award ahead of team mates in 1925, when the Scot twice Juan Martin Del Potro in Sunday’s In- having had surgeries, I guess, and be- ner’s side because maybe I have had Conor Murray on 18.2% and scored four in a match. dian Wells fi nal, said he is not attaching ing injured is the doubts you have. Are enough luck throughout the last 14 Johnny Sexton on 18%. The Player of the Champion- too much importance to hanging on to you ever going to come back? And over- months on my side of the court, so it’s OK Stockdale’s tally of seven tries ship shortlist was picked by his ranking. “The number one ranking is “It’s a mini-goal. It would be nice to coming that fear and gaining confi dence to lose some. I felt that also Juan Martin in a Six Nations campaign took a panel of rugby writers and in my head a little bit, but no more than stay there but it’s no more important than again,” Federer said. had to earn it. He had to play good to get him ahead of the English pair broadcasters from across the six that,” Federer said. that. You have to win matches to go far “It’s such a nice story because he fi - it. Then you kind of move on with it.” of Will Greenwood and Chris nations. Fans were then given Ashton and Welshman Shane two days to vote for the best Williams and took his overall player from the six-man short- ROUND-UP FOCUS international haul to 11 tries in list. Ireland’s Keith Earls, Italy’s nine games. Matteo Minozzi and France’s “It’s been a truly memora- Guilhem Guirado were the other ble few weeks... breaking the three players in contention. Qatar in Sport the victim as politics claims try-scoring record was the cherry on top, Stockdale told EX-ALL BLACK CONRAD the Six Nations website. “It is an SMITH TO RETIRE quarters historic Serbia, Kosovo handball match absolute honour to win Player AT END OF SEASON of the Championship, especially All Blacks legend Conrad Smith atar entered the Reuters ter, Enver Hoxhaj, described the beat up people for the sake of a The cancelled fi xture is part when you look at the calibre of has confi rmed he will hang up quarter-fi nals of Belgrade decision as “unthinkable.” match which contradicts all our of a four-team qualifying tour- his boots at the end of the season the 19th Asian “Sports are meant to unite positions.” nament also involving Norway after three seasons with Top 14 Squash Champi- people, especially the younger The European Union has and Slovakia. It was scheduled club Pau. Smith was enticed onshipsQ in South Korea, after opes that sport might generation, and involvement made Serbia committing to sta- for 1500 GMT at Kovilovo, hav- to France at the end of 2015, defeating China 3-0. It is the foster links between of politics in such events is ble relations with Kosovo a pre- ing been moved to the isolated calling time on an international fi rst time that a Qatari team Serbia and Kosovo destructive,” he said. “Serbia requisite for membership, but complex earlier this week from career that brought him two has reached the last eight. where politics has should accept the fact that Ko- Belgrade continues to refuse to the central city of Kragujevac World Cups and 94 caps for New failedH proved short-lived yes- sovo is an equal member of in- recognise Pristina institutions for safety reasons. The Serbian Zealand. QATAR’S YOUTH TEAM terday when the threat of vio- ternational sports federations.” and has attempted to prevent Handball Federation had also The 36-year-old, a quali- TO PARTICIPATE IN lence drove Belgrade to cancel On Thursday evening, dozens Kosovo from joining interna- ordered the whole tournament fi ed lawyer, said he was ready DAVIS CUP QUALIFIERS a historic handball match they of youths carrying Serbian fl ags tional organisations, including to be held behind closed doors, to end his playing career and Qatar’s youth tennis team had been due to contest. and fl ares gathered in front of sports associations. with no fans or media present, concentrate on player advocacy. will take part in the Davis The women’s Under-20 the match venue, the Kovilovo Serbian President Aleksandar saying it acted in line with in- Smith, whose rugby smarts Cup U-14 qualifi ers for the World Championship quali- stadium on the outskirts of the Vucic and Kosovo President structions from the European extended his international career Asia-Oceania regions, set to fi er would have been the fi rst capital, prompting riot police Hashim Thaci were in Brussels Handball Federation (EHF). in the centres despite pressure take place in Thailand from documented sporting fi xture to deploy troops there in large on Thursday for a fresh round of An EHF spokesman said the from younger contenders, also March 26-31. Qatar reached between Serbia and its former numbers yesterday. EU-sponsored talks on normal- body had acted in coordination revealed he was considering the qualifi ers after coming province, which declared in- Stefanovic suggested, in ising relations. Kosovo declared with Serbian authorities. “The coaching. second in the initial quali- dependence in 2008 and which comments to news web site B92, independence almost a decade EHF made the decision based on “I’m going to fi nish up this fi ers held Colombo. . Belgrade does not recognise as a that the government had been after a Nato bombing campaign advice from Serbia’s authorities year and I think I will spend a The Qatari team is look- nation state. But Interior Minis- an unwilling participant in the ended a crackdown by Serbia to ensure the safety of the play- year or two either doing a little ing to qualify to the youth ter Nebojsa Stefanovic ordered event. “Could we have organ- against independence-seeking ers and everyone else taking part bit of work with International World Cup in August. Qatar the match to be scrapped over ised for this match to go ahead? ethic Albanians. The declara- in the tournament,” he said. The Rugby Players, but also within is represented by Ibrahim security concerns, he told the Certainly. But at what cost?,” tion sparked violent protests in winner of the tournament will rugby itself and the coaching set- al-Sulaiti, Rashid Nawaf, national Tanjug news agency. he was quoted as saying. “We Belgrade in which the United qualify for the July 1-15 World up and see what I like,” he said. and Nasser al-Yafei. Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minis- are not ready to have the police States embassy was set on fi re. Championship in Hungary. Gulf Times Saturday, March 24, 2018 7 SPORT

FORMULA ONE SPOTLIGHT F1 teams urge better deal to avoid Back with a bang: breakaway series Hamilton tops Melbourne times The Ferrari duo of Kimi Raikonnen and Sebastian Vettel were fourth and fifth respectively and between 0.3-0.5secs down on Hamilton’s time ahead of today’s qualifying

Mercedes Executive Director Toto Wolff .

AFP spective in Formula One and how Melbourne we want to see it going forward and it needs to fi t that opinion and that is why these statements ercedes boss Toto are being made.” Wolff yesterday Wolff said the teams owe it to urged Formula One Formula One to get things right Mowners Liberty Me- and they have at least three more dia and the sport’s regulators FIA years together before the expira- to come up with an improved deal tion of the current agreement. to avoid a breakaway champion- “We just need to give our sup- ship. port in the best possible way to Formula One’s biggest teams this great sport, regulated by the Mercedes and Ferrari are ques- FIA and owned by Liberty, run tioning some of Liberty’s plans by competent men, so we are not for the sport beyond the expira- devaluing it,” he said. tion of the Concorde Agreement Red Bull team principal Chris- — a deal which binds teams and tian Horner said it was up to gov- stakeholders together until the erning body FIA (Federation In- end of 2020. ternationale de l’Automobile) and Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton takes a selfie as he gets ready for the second Formula One practice session in Melbourne yesterday. Disgruntled Ferrari chairman Liberty Media to come up with a Sergio Marchionne has voiced deal and present it to the teams. AFP ton said. “The gap closed up a little bit be- Hamilton is gunning for his fi fth world A fi red-up Fernando Alonso yelled dissatisfaction with Liberty’s “My view on this is very sim- Melbourne tween all the cars, but that’s exciting any- title, an achievement which would match down the McLaren team radio: “Maybe proposed re-distribution of prize ple. Trying to get a consensus way. It’s more challenging for me to eke out the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio and because of the halo the people stop look- money, and the concept of a sim- between teams of varying ob- more from the car, discover whether I have leave him just two adrift of Michael Schu- ing into their mirrors!” after a close shave pler engine. jectives and diff erent set-ups is orld champion Lewis Hamil- lost something or they have all gained, but macher’s all-time record. with some of his rivals early in the session. Wolff , who has overseen the going to be impossible,” Horner ton took up where he left off I enjoyed driving. Bottas and Raikkonen faced the stew- The halo, a safety bar above the cockpit to Lewis Hamilton-led Mercedes’ said at a team principals news last season with the fastest “We’re going to get quicker and quicker ards after the second session to explain a protect drivers, is a new innovation this dominance of F1 for the past four conference. “So it’s down to the lap times in opening practice through the weekend, that is if it doesn’t coming-together, when Bottas had to take season. years, supports Ferrari’s stance commercial rights holder and the Wfor the Australian Formula One Grand Prix rain tomorrow.” to the gravel to avoid running into the Fer- and did not rule out the prospect FIA to get together, come up with yesterday. Hamilton’s long-run pace looked su- rari. “We tried to chase the balance a bit THE TIMES of a rebel championship formed a set of regulations, what is the Hamilton lowered his opening practice perior on the ultrasoft tyres, reeling off a because I did not feel that comfortable,” 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes-AMG 1:23.931, by leading teams. fi nancial framework, what is dis- best time of one minute 24.026 seconds steady run of 1:28s, but race pace simula- said Ferrari’s Vettel. 2. Max Verstappen (NED) Red Bull 1:24.058, 3. Valt- “We are all carrying the torch tribution that they want to have, with 1:23.931 in the second session to hold tions showed little between the three lead- “We still have quite a lot of performance teri Bottas (FIN) Mercedes-AMG 1:24.159, 4. Kimi of a great series and a great brand put it on the table and it’s down a 0.127sec gap over Red Bull’s Max Ver- ing teams.Red Bull managed to lap in the in hand — I am not too worried because I Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari 1:24.214, 5. Sebastian Vettel that was built 40-50 years ago to the teams whether they want stappen (1:24.058). Hamilton’s Mercedes high 1:28s with Ferrari in the low 1:29s. know if I get everything right we should be (GER) Ferrari 1:24.451, 6. Romain Grosjean (FRA) and has tremendous value,” he to sign up to that or not. team-mate Valtteri Bottas (1:24.159) was Verstappen and Bottas both used soft tyres in better shape. Haas 1:24.648, 7. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Red Bull told a news conference ahead of “Of course, there will be a lot third in Melbourne in the fi rst exchanges for the fi nal few minutes of the second “It looks to be close, which is good news, 1:24.721, 8. Fernando Alonso (ESP) McLaren-Honda this weekend’s season-opening of positioning, the media will be of the new Formula One season. practice session, while Raikkonen was on so we should be able to do something to- 1:25.200, 9. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas 1:25.246, Australian Grand Prix in Mel- used. It’s history repeating itself, The Ferrari duo of Kimi Raikonnen and the supersoft for Ferrari. morrow.” The surprise of the opening day 10. Stoff el Vandoorne (BEL) McLaren-Honda bourne. it happens every fi ve or six years Sebastian Vettel were fourth and fi fth re- “For me this has been a positive start was the performance of the Haas team to 1:25.285, 11. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Renault 1:25.390, “Everybody is trying to posi- every time the Concorde Agree- spectively and between 0.3-0.5secs down to the weekend so I am really happy about challenge for the fourth-fastest team on 12. Sergio Perez (MEX) Force India 1:25.413, 13. Nico tion themselves, but all the time ment comes up for renewal. on Hamilton’s time ahead of Saturday’s that,” Verstappen said. the back of two strong showings from Ro- Hulkenberg (GER) Renault 1:25.463, 14. Lance Stroll with respect for the series and “But my feeling is that Liberty qualifying. Australia’s big hope Daniel “The car has behaved well on this track main Grosjean. (CAN) Williams 1:25.543, 15. Esteban Ocon (FRA) comments that have been made Media along with the FIA need to Ricciardo of Red Bull was seventh fastest which is always pleasing after only run- The second session was halted briefl y Force India 1:25.888, 16. Brendon Hartley (NZL) by the Ferrari chairman Sergio get on the same page and say ‘this in 1:24.721. “Coming to the fi rst race you ning in Barcelona to date. It is still hard to after a cable was ripped up from under- Toro Rosso 1:25.925, 17. Pierre Gasly (FRA) Toro Marchionne show that he cares,” is what we want it to be, here’s have no idea what it’s going to be like, but see who is strongest and how we will fi nish neath the start/fi nish line, and resumed Rosso 1:25.945, 18. Sergey Sirotkin (RUS) Williams he added. the deal’ and hand it around to we started on the right foot today,” Hamil- come race day.” after offi cials cut loose the wire. 1:25.974 “We all have a vision and per- the teams.”

WGC MATCH PLAY STRUGGLE Ex-NFL star World No.1 Johnson crashes out Romo fades to 77 AFP Park, Hedwall and Stoelting shoot 66s to share LPGA lead Austin Los Angeles: South Korea’s Park Hee- lead pack. She birdied 18, followed with in PGA debut as young, Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall and birdies at the second and third holes, orld number one Dustin American Jackie Stoelting each fired a birdied the par-5 fifth and eighth holes Johnson crashed out of the six-under par 66 to share the lead after and closed with a birdie at the ninth. Garnett leads World Golf Championships Thursday’s opening round of the LPGA Hedwall is winless in 125 LPGA events, Dell Technologies Match Play Kia Classic. her eight titles worldwide including five AFP committed. I’ll know the lines a Won Thursday after suff ering his second little bit better and hopefully I In the final tuneup before next week’s in Europe and three in Australia, includ- Santo Domingo defeat of the tournament. first major championship of the LPGA ing her most recent at the 2013 Women’s come out and go low.” Defending champion Johnson, who season at Rancho Mirage, Park and Hed- New South Wales Open. The 37-year-old veteran of suff ered an upset loss to Austrian Bernd wall opened with bogey-free rounds at “I feel like my game is really solid. It’s ormer Dallas Cow- 14 NFL campaigns with the Wiesberger on Wednesday, was beaten Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, California. just my putting that I’ve actually been boys quarterback Tony Cowboys opened with back- 4&3 by Canada’s Adam Hadwin at the “It was just a solid day,” Hedwall said. struggling with the past couple years,” Romo shined early but to-back bogeys, but answered Austin Country Club in Texas. “I hit it really well and started making a Hedwall said. struggled late on his with birdies at the par-5 fourth The loss made it impossible for Johnson Fway to shooting a 77 in his US and par-4 fi fth holes, the latter couple putts in my back nine. Just I’m “It’s just all about trust and having self- to progress from Group One in the round- really happy with how I’m playing and confidence. I feel like I’ve gained that PGA Tour debut Thursday at on a tremendous 40-foot putt. robin phase to the weekend’s knockout looking forward to the rest of the days.” now. I had good practice sessions the last the Corales Championship. Romo followed another bo- rounds, with Hadwin — who halved his Hedwall began on the back nine and couple days, and it’s starting to pay off . American Brice Garnett fi red gey at the par-5 seventh with opening match with Kevin Kisner — as- birdied six of her last 10 holes to join the That’s really nice.” a bogey-free nine-under par a birdie at eight. Driver woes sured of fi nishing above the top seed. 63 at the Puntacana resort to struck on the back nine, missed Johnson trailed from the opening hole seize a one-stroke lead over fairways leading to a bogey at against 38th seed Hadwin, who set up a European Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter pell on Friday aiming to seal his place in Canada’s Corey Conners in the 13, a double bogey at the par-5 simple birdie chance after hitting his iron Dustin Johnson of the United States once again demonstrated his penchant for the last 16. fi rst US PGA event staged in the 14th and bogeys at 15 and 16 as from the fairway to within four feet. reacts after being defeated 4&3 by match play with his second win, defeating US Ryder Cup teammates Jordan Spieth Dominican Republic. well. Johnson birdied the fi fth to draw level Adam Hadwin of Canada. US 26th seed Daniel Berger 2 & 1. and Patrick Reed set up a winner takes all But with the world’s top “I kind of knew that the most but Hadwin edged back in front on the Poulter, seeded 58th, has reverted to the showdown in Group Four with their sec- players competing at the World diffi cult part really would be the sixth after draining a 13-foot eagle putt on son. “Obviously I really expected Dustin putter that he used during Europe’s “Mir- ond wins of the competition. Golf Championships Match- opening holes just in the sense the 590-yard par-fi ve. to play a lot better than he did, I think eve- acle at Medinah” Ryder Cup win in 2012. Spieth was a 4&2 winner over China’s Play Championship in Texas of getting yourself comfortable The 30-year-old from Moose Jaw went rybody did coming into this week,” Had- The Englishman is aiming for a high Li Haotong while Reed defeated South this week, it was retired NFL and acclimated to the environ- two up at the turn with another superb win said. fi nish in Austin this week as he tries to Africa’s Charl Schwartzel 1 up. Reed and star Romo who boasted the ment,” Romo said. putt, rolling in a 38-footer. “I played extremely solid all day long. snare a place in the Masters by breaking fourth seed Spieth meet Friday with the biggest name in the fi eld even “Then in some ways it’s as Johnson then found himself three down I made the putts from fi ve and seven feet into the world top 50. winner reaching the last 16. though he played as an amateur simple as just getting the speed after three-putting on the par-three 11th, when I needed to to keep the momentum “Today I holed some putts at the right Northern Ireland sixth seed Rory McIl- on a sponsor’s exemption. of the greens down. I just left and his problems mounted on the 13th on my side. time,” said Poulter. roy kept his advancement hopes alive by “I had it going for a little too many putts short.” when his tee shot found the water hazard “I knew if I played well it would be a “Match play is a confi dence game. If beating Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas 2&1. bit. I had it close,” said Romo, But Romo did fi nish two to help Hadwin go four up. good match. And I played well.” you can get out there and establish a lead “I drove the ball well again,” McIlroy who played the fi rst 12 holes strokes ahead of Guy Borots Hadwin sealed victory at the 15th when Also eliminated with a defeat was early and continue to hit good shots you said. “I turned 2 up through nine and just at level par. I feel comfortable. and D.A. Points and level with Johnson conceded. Spain’s third-seeded Jon Rahm, who lost can put pressure on your opponent,” he kept putting pressure on him.” Just a couple of swings as I got England’s Brian Davis and A delighted Hadwin admitted he had to Johnson in last year’s fi nal. Rahm fell 1 added. England’s 10th-seeded Paul Casey beat to the back nine that you want Americans Keith Clearwater expected a tougher challenge from John- up to US 43rd seed Chez Reavie. Poulter will face 33rd seed Kevin Chap- Kyle Stanley 4&2 to go 2-0. back, but tomorrow I’ll be more and Robert Gamez.

Saturday, March 24, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FIG ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS WORLD CUP Age no barrier for Chusovitina, vaults to success in Doha The 42-year-old Uzbek retains her vault title, ahead of 17-year-old Pyon Rye Yong and Coline Devillard

By Sports Reporter of Turkey clinched second place with Doha exactly 15.000. Russia’s Dmitrii Lankin reigned su- preme in men’s fl oor exercise fi nal ksana Chusovitina once again to win his maiden gold medal in the showed age is just a number, competition with 14.733 points. There as the 42-year-old retained were cheers for Filipino spectators too her vault title at the Doha leg with Carlos Edriel Yulo displaying an ofO the FIG Artistic Individual World impressive show to take silver medal. Cup yesterday. At the Aspire Dome, the Japan’s Ryohei Kato ended up with Uzbek gymnast put her younger coun- a bronze medal after accumulating terparts to shade with a terrifi c, fearless 14.200 points. performance. Chusovitina, who won Today, the last of four-day annual her fi rst of two world titles over a quar- event, the fi nals of men’s vault, paral- ter-of-a-century ago, representing the lel bars and horizontal bars will be held Soviet Union in 1991, posted scores of while women gymnasts will compete 14.533 and 14.333 in two attempts. for gold medals in balance beam and That consistent show earned her fl oor exercise. second successive gold medal. North Korea’s 17-year-old Pyon Rye Yong FINAL RESULTS managed the best individual vault of Men’s Pommel Horse the fi nal, with a 14.600 second eff ort, 1. Zou Jingyuan (CHN) 15.100 but a less consistent fi rst meant she 2. Lee Chih Kai (TPE) 14.800 1 had to settle for second overall. Coline 3. Alec Yoder (USA) 14.700 Devillard of France took bronze with Men’s Floor Exercise 13.949. Chusovitina made history in 1. Dmitrii Lankin (RUS) 14.733 Rio in 2016, when at the age of 41 years 2. Carlos Edriel Yulo (PHI) 14.433 and 56 days, she became the fi rst gym- 3. Ryohei Kato JPN 14.200 nast to compete in seven consecutive Men’s Rings Olympic Games. 1. Igor Radivilov (UKR) 15.266 And after yesterday’s brilliant per- 2. Colak Ibrahim (TUR) 15.000 formance, there is no reason why she 3. Zou Jingyuan (CHN) 14.966 can’t dream of an eighth successive Ol- Women’s Vault ympics in Tokyo 2020. “It feels great to 1. Oksana Chusovitana (UZB) 14.433 win in Doha. I love to be crowned here 2. Pyon Rye Yong (PRK) 14.383 in front of these fans who like gymnas- 3. Coline Devillard (FRA) 13.949 tics,” said Chusovitina, adding that she Women’s Uneven Bars was looking forward to come back to 1. Nina Derwael (BEL) 15.300 Qatar, which will host the World Gym- 2. Uliana Perebinosova (RUS) 14.566 Uzbekistan’s Oksana Chusovitina (centre) poses with gold medal after winning the vault event at the FIG Artistic Individual World Cup at Aspire Dome in Doha nastics Championships later this year. 3. Melanie de Jesus dos Santos (FRA) 14.400 yesterday. North Korea’s Pyon Rye Yong (left) took silver, while, Coline Devillard of France picked up bronze. PICTURES: Thajudheen “I am enjoying gymnastics and I am fi t. Defi nitely, I will like to return to win more gold medals at my favourite venue. The organisation here is great,” she added. Meanwhile, 2017 world uneven bars bronze medallist Nina Derwael of Bel- gium continued her dominance. Der- wael put up a dominating performance for a gold medal as she tallied 15.300 points. Russia’s Uliana Perebinosova came second for a silver while French gymnast Melanie de Jesus dos Santos, who topped the qualifying round, had to be content with a bronze medal. World parallel bars champion Zou Jingyang was the star across the men’s competition yesterday as he scored 15.100 points to win the pommel horse fi nal. Lee Chih Kai of Chinese Taipei took silver, with 14.800, and Alec Yo- der of United States the bronze, with 14.700. Zou also secured a podium fi nish on the rings as he scored 14.966 for third place. Igor Radivilov of Ukraine man- Off icials pose with podium winners of the uneven bars event. Nina Derwael of Belgium (top centre) won gold. Russia’s Uliana Zou Jingyang of China performs en route to winning the pommel aged 15.266 for gold as Ibrahim Colak Perebinosova (left) grabbed silver while France’s Melanie de Jesus dos Santos took bronze. horse final. He also secured a podium on the rings by finishing third.

HORSE RACING Guillambert rides Otwo to Yousef al-Romaihi Cup win unning his longest distance surface did the trick as the Ibrahim so far, HH Sheikh Mohammed Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki-trained Ab- bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Otwo ercrombie registered his fi rst career picked up his third victory in win in the mile-long run on Thursday. sevenR starts in the Late Yousef al-Ro- After fi nishing fi fth on his debut two maihi Cup, the 3200m dirt feature. weeks ago over six furlongs on dirt, the Coming into the race, the Stefano 4-year-old, ridden by Eduardo Pedroza Ibido’s fi ve-year-old charge already in the colours of Abdulatif Hussain al- had the 2800m Khor Al Adaid Cup Emadi, shed his maiden status with a (Gr3) to his name from January. The JP fi ne one and a half length win over the Guillambert-ridden gelding beat last Mohammed Hussain Afroz-trained year’s third placed Cameraman, rid- Thamer, helmed by Faleh Bughanaim. den by Marc Lerner for Zuhair Mohsen The Alban Elie Marie de Mieulle-sad- Zuhair Maki, by two lengths at the line. dled Courgeon completed the top three Sheikh Faisal Bin Hamad Bin Jassim under Jean Baptiste Hamel. al-Thani’s What A Surprise made it to third under Eduardo Pedroza’s ride. PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (3 YEAR OLDS) THOROUGHBRED PLATE (3 YEAR In a race for debutants, al- Jeryan OLDS) (CLASS 2) Stud’s AJS Jamra shed her maiden sta- Eduardo Pedroza was astride a winner tus on her fi rst ever outing. Hadi Nasser for the second time on the day when he Rashid al-Ramzani’s ward, ridden by helmed the Mohamed Hussain Afroz- Tomas Lukasek in the seven-furlong saddled Poets Dream to his second run, beat a packed fi eld in spectacular victory this season. After having won fashion winning by four and a quarter over seven furlongs in February, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian (QREC) general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (second from right) and QREC deputy chief steward Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) lengths at the line. colt impressed many in the Al Biddah with the guests during the presentation ceremony of the Late Yousef al- Romaihi Cup at the QREC on Thursday. PICTURE: Juhaim Harry Bentley had Jassim Moham- Mile later in the month with a fourth med Ghazali Jahromi’s charge, Al Ju- place fi nish. On Thursday, in the mile- arriving in Qatar from Britain ear- Gerald Avranche guided the Zuhair Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki-sad- PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN nood, split Al Jeryan Stud’s two horses, long race, the Al Thumama Racing- lier this season. Eduardo Pedroza was Mohsen Zuhair Maki-trained Saar to a dled Shobrom completed the top three PLATE (DIV 2) (4-6YO) fi nishing second ahead of another Al owned 3-year-old picked up a close astride Jewel House, who beat the Ju- third-place fi nish. under Eduardo Pedroza. After making it to the frame on four dif- Ramzani ward, AJS Rayah, with Qatari win, edging out the Rashid Mohammed lian Colin Smart-trained Al Shaman by ferent occasions since debuting in Qatar jockey Faleh Bughanaim astride. al-Jehani-trained Es’hail, with Gerald a half a length for the runner-up spot. THOROUGHBRED PUREBRED ARABIAN in December 2017, Al Shaqab Racing’s Avranche in the saddle, by a head. Har- PLATE (3 YEAR OLDS) (CLASS 3) HANDICAP (80 & BELOW) Monfarid fi nally shed his maiden sta- LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN NOV- ry Bentley guided the Jassim Moham- LOCAL THOROUGHBRED Tameem Sultan Ghanim al-Hodaifi al- Marc Lerner guided the Mohammed tus on Thursday. Ridden by Qatari rider ICE PLATE (QATARI RIDERS ONLY) med Ghazali Jahromi-schooled Anima HANDICAP (70-90) Kuwari’s Beckton registered her second Salama Salim Ashour-trained Al Esh- Faleh Bughanaim for trainer Hossin Qatar’s Ali Khalid al-Mosallam helmed Rock to a third-place fi nish. Hadi Nasser Rashid al-Ramzani and straight victory this month. rah to her second Handicap victory this Mohammad Ashour in the mile-long HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al- Tomas Lukasek combined well for The fi lly, who had shed her maiden sta- season. After winning on dirt over six race, the 4-year-old won with a com- Thani’s Al Ghawja for the second time THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP their second victory of the day with tus over six furlongs on dirt, switched furlongs last month, the Zakhir Stud- fortable two-length margin in hand at this season and went one better than (CLASS 3) (75-95) the Mohammed Bin Hamad Khalifa al- surfaces for the race on Thursday, and owned 6-year-old was back in the win- the line. Rosauro R Ponce helmed the their last outing together. Al Murqab Stud’s Bluebeard went one Attiyah-owned Abha continuing her with Harry Bentley as her partner, did ner’s enclosure, this time with a victory Ahmed Elbashir-saddled Fajr to a close In the 1850m race, Julian Colin better than his last outing to register upward momentum. The 4-year-old enough to keep her upward momentum over seven furlongs. second-place fi nish, that saw them Smart’s ward won in dominant fashion. his third victory this season. Gerald had fi nished third two weeks ago be- going since her arrival in Qatar earlier In a comfortable victory, with two edge out the Julian Colin Smart-trained The victory was the colt’s second this Avranche, who had guided the gelding fore following it up with a runner-up this year. lengths and a quarter in hand, the mare Mohssn, with Tadgh O’Shea astride, by season. The Abdulaziz Hamad al-Mar- to a C&D victory over 1850m in No- fi nish a week ago. On Thursday, the The Jassim Mohammed Ghazali beat Al Shahania Stud’s E’Zaaz, ridden a short head at the post. ri-trained Zakhir Al Majd was second vember 2017, helmed the 5-yaer-old fi lly beat the Yousef Ben Taher Me- Jahromi-trained fi lly beat the Hadi by Gerald Avranche for Pierre Jehan under Rashid Ali al-Marri, while Me- to a thrilling victory over the Ibrahim haoued-trained Montaser, with Jean Nasser Rashid al-Ramzani-trained Andre Deymonaz, for the victory. Mo- PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN teb Ali al-Marri helmed the Mohamed Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki-saddled Jewel Baptiste Hamel astride, by half a length Holy Shambles, helmed by Faleh hammed Nasser al-Naimi’s Saab made PLATE (DIV1) (4-6YO) Hussain Afroz-schooled Fanann to House, who posted his best fi nish since in a close fi nish for the mile-long race. Bughanaim, by half a length, while the it to third under Tomas Lukasek’s ride. A step up in distance and a change of third place.