SPORT Friday 30 March 2018 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 PAGE | 24 Full-strengthFul Australian cricket Del Potro grindsnds preparep for Al Wasl coach quits, captain down Raonic in clash breaks down in tears Miami Abdulla storms to fastest time in , confirms second spot

THE PENINSULA Adel said: “We pushed from the start today and decided to ABU DHABI: ’s Adel take a risk. Suddenly we saw Abdulla confirmed second Shegawi. I think he had a flat tyre position in the T2 standings at the or something. We pass him and Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge with I pushed very hard to the end of the fastest time in the final the stage.” 218.57km selective section from “I was pushing the maximum Hameem to the south of Abu of the car. I didn’t even slow Dhabi yesterday. down when the engine temper- Driving a rented Nissan ature went a bit higher. Some Safari Y61 in insipid heat, the sections today were open and fast Qatar’s Adel Abdulla Qatari and navigator Nasser Al and, maybe, that helped to cool (right) and navigator Kuwari carded a stage-winning the car down,” he added. Nasser Al Kuwari time of 3hrs 23min 22sec and “The risk paid off because we celebrate after the managed to shave 11min 38sec won the stage today by over 11 final round yesterday. off rival Ahmed Shegawi’s minutes. This is fantastic for us. eventual winning margin of Second place is good with the sit- 45min 53.9sec. uation we had. We could not The performance also earned bring our car. I tried my best to Adel 12th in the overall standings do the race and collect maximum – a particularly impressive result points. To collect 36 points is very with a near-standard car on one important. of the toughest cross-country “Nasser, my co-driver, events in the world. managed everything in the right ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE – FINAL T2 POSITIONS AFTER SS5 1. Ahmed Al Shegawi (SAU)/Laurent Lichtleuchter (FRA) Toyota Land Cruiser 23hrs 17min 25.7sec 2. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Nasser Al Kuwari (QAT) Nissan Patrol 24hrs 03min 19.6sec 3. Yuliya Khegay-Migunova (RUS)/Aldis Vilcans (LVA) Toyota LC 200 53hrs 21min 10.5sec FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies – T2 standings after round 3 1. Ahmed Al-Shegawi (SAU) 75pts 2. Adel Abdulla (QAT) 69pts way. We were confident together was 37°C. It is too much in the to my sponsors, the Qatar Motor The next stop in the FIA

3. Yuliya Khegay-Migunova (RUS) 42pts in the car. The weather conditions dunes,” he added. and Motorcycle Federation World Cup calendar will be the 4. Alexey Titov (RUS) 25pts were very hot,” he said. “I also say thank you to my (QMMF) and Ooredoo Qatar and Qatar Cross-Country Rally in “Today, the air temperature team here on their good job and Nissan Qatar.” three weeks’ time. Russia 2018: Al Marri set to become first Qatari referee to officiate at World Cup

RIZWAN REHMAT FIFA also announced a full list of ref- employed by teams,” FIFA said on its THE PENINSULA erees who will feature in the 2018 World website yesterday. Cup. “Over the last three years, prepar- : Qatar’s Taleb Saleh Al Marri Six referees are from Asia whereas atory seminars have taken place for ref- (pictured) is set to become the first I am proud to be the first a total of 10 will represent UEFA, the erees and assistant referees focusing on Qatari referee to officiate at the FIFA referee to represent Qatar European football governing body. fair play, protecting players and the World Cup when he will serve as an in a World Cup: Taleb Saleh In total, the FIFA Referees Com- image of the game, as well as con- assistant referee in Russia this summer. mittee has selected 36 referees and 63 sistency and uniformity. Al Marri’s debut appearance in the Al Marri on Twitter assistant referees, representing 46 dif- “The selected FIFA World Cup match 32-nation event was confirmed yes- ferent countries, for the 2018 FIFA officials will attend another dedicated terday after FIFA released the final list Iran, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia World Cup, details showed seminar for two weeks in the second of referees and assistant referees who each will have two representatives in yesterday. half of April at the technical centre of will be seen in action at the June 14 to the list of 10 assistant referees. Other “The choice of the final group of the Italian Football Association in Cov- July 15, 2018 event. He will join nine AFC assistant referees are from the match officials selected to officiate at erciano, Italy.” other assistant referees representing the , the UAE and Japan. the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia was The officials will be divided into two Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Al Marri featured as an assistant based on each referee’s skills and per- groups, which will also include video “I am proud to be the first referee to referee in the matches of the 2016 FIFA sonality, as well as his level of under- assistant referee (VAR) candidates,” FIFA represent Qatar in a World Cup,” Al World Club Cup held in Osaka in standing of football and ability to read added while announcing the list of Marri tweeted yesterday. December that year. both the game and the various tactics referees.

Three-way battle for QAL trophy This file photo shows action during a Qatar Amateur League match. THE PENINSULA third placed team will face Al Nasr Bidda wins against Al Khabayib same number of points and who currently leads the league and collects three points, while Al ranking, and as per tournament DOHA: Al Bidda, Al Nasr, and Al with 27 points, also today at Matar and Al Nasr draw and regulations, a playoff will be Matar will all have a thrilling close 5:10pm. collect 1 point each, Al Bidda organised at a later date to decide call today as they battle it out on In the first scenario where Al would be crowned QAL the champions of the QAL this the field of play to have a chance Nasr wins against Al Matar and champions. year. of lifting the much coveted Qatar collects three points, Al Nasr In the fourth scenario where The 13 teams competing in this Amateur League (QAL) trophy. would be crowned QAL cham- Al Bidda loses against Al Khabayib, year’s QAL are Qatar University, Al Bidda, who has so far col- pions regardless of the Al Bidda while Al Matar wins against Al Al Khabayib, Madinat Khalifa, The lected 26 points and are currently vs. Al Khabayib result. Nasr and collects 3 point, Al Matar Pearl, Al Nasr, Lusail, Al Thakhira, ranked the second placed team, In the second scenario where would be crowned QAL , Al Maroona, Al will face Al Khabayib, the seventh Al Bidda loses to Al Khabayib, and champions Bidda, Al Aziziya, Al Matar, and place team with 17 points, at 4pm Al Matar and Al Nasr draw, Al Nasr In the fifth scenario where Al Doha. at Al Arabi Stadium. would still be crowned QAL Bidda wins against Al Khabayib, A total of 390 players regis- Al Matar, who currently champions. and Al Matar wins against Al Nasr, tered for this year’s edition, from earned 26 points making them the In the third scenario where Al Al Bidda and Al Nasr will have the which 130 are Qataris. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 30 MARCH 2018 Hat-trick hero Isco wants leading role at Real Madrid AP

BARCELONA: After scoring his first hat trick for Spain, Fran- cisco “Isco” Alarcon (pictured) thought the time was right to send a message to Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane. Isco wants to join Zidane’s untouchable group of first- choice players and regularly perform alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo and Luka Modric. The 25-year-old midfielder Al Sadd’s players during a said Spain coach Julen training session in Doha. Lopetegui “gives him life”. “When a footballer doesn’t feel like he has a leading role and consistent playing time with his club, the national team gives him life,” Isco said after starring in Spain’s 6-1 rout of Full-strength Al Sadd Argentina in a friendly on Tuesday. “I have the confidence of my coach here (with Spain). I still have the desire to keep tier. Zidane has preferred Mateo prepare for Al Wasl tie working, to improve, to be a Kovacic in two big games this starter with my club and with season, the home “clasico” FAWAD HUSSAIN the national side.” Zidane will against Barcelona that ended THE PENINSULA Algerian striker Baghdad decide whether to start Isco on in a 3-0 loss and a 2-1 victory Bounedjah will join the squad Saturday when Madrid visits at Paris Saint-Germain in the yesterday following his partic- Las Palmas. Champions League last-16. DOHA: Looking to maintain ipation with the Algerian With Madrid trailing league “At Madrid I don’t have the top spot in their group at the The two teams will clash on April 2 at national team in friendly leader Barcelona by 15 points, consistent playing time that a AFC Champions League, Qatari Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium and ’s games against Tanzania and perhaps the best guide to player needs but I know the giants Al Sadd will go all out Iran. Zidane’s plans for Isco will problem is mine, that I haven’t for a win against UAE’s Al Wasl side will be targeting full points against During the session, the come next week when the team been able to earn it,” Isco said. when the two teams meet in their counterparts to continue to lead team trained intensely amidst visits Juventus in the Cham- “I continue to work so I can Doha next week. an atmosphere of high spirits, pions League quarter-finals. show my coach he can count The two teams will clash Group C of AFC Champions League. as the team look to get the Zidane won back-to-back on me.” Zidane’s predecessors on April 2 at Jassim Bin Hamad crucial win against Al Wasl, Champions Leagues and last Rafa Benitez and Carlo Ance- Stadium and legend Xavi Her- Basra, Iraq last week. The the International Friendship which could possibly take season’s Spanish league by lotti also failed to use Isco as a nandez’s side will be targeting session witnessed the return Tournament that took place in them closer to the next round relying on a core group who regular starter. full points against their coun- of six players including Saad Basra, with the participation of the AFC Champions League. always start when fit. Lopetegui has been tight- terparts to continue to lead Al Dosari, Hassan Al Haydos, of Syria and hosts Iraq, Meanwhile, Khoukhi The former France great lipped about his plans for the Group C. Salem Al Hajri, , between 21st and 27th of Boualem has joined the team has stuck by those players World Cup in June but the signs ‘The Wolves’ are ahead of Pedro Miguel and Abdelkarim March. The U23 team played a for training after his recovery despite Madrid’s struggles in the are good for Isco. Iran’s Persepolis FC on the Hassan. friendly against Oman while from injury and the coaching Spanish league this season and He started both recent basis of goal difference as both Five other players who the U19 team held friendlies staff have been keen to get him an early exit from the Copa del friendlies. Following a 1-1 draw the sides have so far claimed returned after their partici- during their camp in the UK, in top shape for the upcoming Rey. at world champion Germany on 9 points from four matches. pation with the Qatar U23 team as part of the preparation for games. The best example is Karim Friday, Isco was Spain’s best The QNB Stars League include , the upcoming AFC U-19 Elsewhere, it was con- Benzema, a player Zidane has player against Argentina and his (QSL) giants intensified their Hatem Kamal, Hussain Bahzad, Championship. firmed that Pedro Miguel will remained loyal to despite paltry treble gave him 10 goals in 27 training for the battle with an Meshaal Ibrahim and Hassan Iranian international be suspended for one domestic goal numbers. appearances for his country. extensive training session on Ahmed) while , Morteza Pouraliganji also game, after the announcement There is also a second group “The manager doesn’t place Wednesday following the Bahaa Ellithy, Yousuf Abdul- joined the squad for training from the QFA disciplinary of players the coach picks from his trust in the player, it’s the return of their key players, razaq, Mohammed Waad after playing for his national committee following their depending on the opponent, player who has to place his trust who were busy with Qatar returned from U19 team duty. team in preparatory friendlies review of the red card incident individual form and on whether in the coach,” Lopetegui said. national team for International The senior Qatar national ahead of this summer’s FIFA in the QNB Stars League game he needs a break. Isco, despite “I hope (Isco) is happy at his Friendship Tournament in team had won World Cup in Russia while against Al Khor. showing for several seasons he club over the next two months is one of Europe’s top play- and then can come back and be makers, belongs to this latter with us.” Wenger’s desire for success still ‘big’ Arsene Wenger

REUTERS challenge. Arsenal are set to Wenger took charge of Bould added. “I admire him finish their 14th straight season Arsenal in 1996 and has led the immensely. He takes unbe- LONDON: Arsene Wenger’s without winning the league title club to three league titles and lievable stick off an awful lot appetite for success has not and Wenger said recently that seven FA Cup triumphs but has people and he’s just one of the diminished and the Arsenal calls for him to step down had failed to win in Europe. great managers. It’s a pleasure manager is doing a “great job” grown in the past few years Arsenal are sixth in the for me to sit next to him,” he at the London club, his assistant because of prejudice against league with 48 points from 30 said. Steve Bould has said. older managers. matches. Their hopes of sil- Midfielder Jack Wilshere was Bould, speaking in place of Asked if Wenger’s desire was verware lie in the Europa training without any problem an ill Wenger ahead of Sunday’s as strong as ever, Bould said: League where they face CSKA after missing England’s interna- Premier League game against “Absolutely, he is remarkable. Moscow in the quarter-finals tional friendlies against the Stoke City, said the 68-year-old Behind closed doors I’ve never next week. Netherlands and Italy last week was a great manager. met anybody who is as hungry “He’s doing a great job as far with a knee injury. Wenger has faced criticism and determined to win football as I’m concerned and he’s done Striker Alexandre Lacazette last month. Relegation- games. They beat Arsenal 1-0 in in recent seasons for the club’s games. It’s as big as I’ve ever a great job for an awful long is also back in full training after threatened Stoke are second from the reverse fixture earlier this failure to mount a serious title seen.” time,” former Arsenal defender minor surgery on his left knee bottom with 27 points from 31 season.

Hathab Series: Round 10

Riders are seen going through their paces during a training session yesterday ahead of the 10th round of the popular Hathab Series, organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab. Fans can see riders in showjumping and dressage competitions today and tomorrow at Al Shaqab Indoor Arena. Today, the action starts at 3:30pm while tomorrow riders will start competing at 10:00am. FRIDAY 30 MARCH 2018 SPORT 23

Australia’s Steve Smith Somerset reacts during a press I’m so sorry: conference at the airport ditch in Sydney yesterday, after Memorable returning from South Africa. The distraught cricketer sporting Bancroft yesterday accepted full responsibility for a ball- AFP tampering scandal that has apologies shaken the sport, saying he LONDON: Somerset said was devastated by his “big AFP yesterday that disgraced mistake”. Australian batsman Cameron SYDNEY: When disgraced Bancroft would not be joining Australian cricketer Steve the English county side for the Smith faced the cameras in new season as the fallout Sydney yesterday with a from the cheating scandal tearful apology for a ball- gathers pace. tampering scandal, he Bancroft was banned for joined a small club of sports nine months by Australia stars who have very publicly after being caught on camera said sorry. using sandpaper to scratch Athletes have played the ball during the third Test the penitent for everything against South Africa in Cape from cheating at their sport Town. to cheating on a wife; from The 25-year-old opening pre-meditated assault on a batsman, who has played just Lehmann quits, Smith rival to simply losing. eight Tests, has said he will Here are five high- regret the incident “for the profile mea culpas: rest of my life”. Somerset director of GIANLUIGI BUFFON - 2017 cricket Andy Hurry said Ban- breaks down in tears Fans reacted with croft would not be the club’s shock and disbelief last year AFP overseas player for the 2018 followers. “I apologise for my when Italy failed to qualify season. part and take responsibility for for the football World Cup “We are currently under- JOHANNESBURG: Australian it.” for the first time since 1958 taking the process to recruit cricket coach Darren Lehmann In handing out their tough -- a failure dubbed an a replacement overseas said yesterday he would quit punishment, Australian cricket “apocalypse” by the nation’s player that best fits our needs after the final match of the chiefs bowed to uproar at home press. and will share an update in scandal-tainted Test series in where sportsmen and women “I’m not sorry for myself due course,” he said. South Africa after the team’s are held in high esteem and but all of Italian football,” former captain Steve Smith expected to act in the best an inconsolable team broke down in tears and interests of the game. captain Gianluigi Buffon How the world accepted complete responsibility CA’s response wasn’t enough said after the Azzuri missed for the ball-tampering incident. to save an estimated Aus$20m out on qualification for the reacted Smith was deeply emotional (US$15m) partnership with 2018 edition in Russia. “We as the man at the centre of a naming rights sponsor Magellan failed at something which also means something on a REUTERS storm that has rocked world which tore up its three-year con- cricket arrived back in Sydney tract yesterday after barely social level. There’s regret at finishing like that, not MATT PRIOR, former from Johannesburg after being seven months. banned for a year from the The financial cost for the because time passes.” England wicketkeeper sport. players is also growing with Buffon, one of the “Fair play Bancroft and “I take full responsibility, I sporting goods company ASICS greatest goalkeepers of the Steve Smith taking it made a serious error of ending its relationship with modern era, also head on and fronting up. judgement and I understand the Warner and Bancroft. Elec- announced his retirement That was hard to watch consequences. It was a failure of tronics giant LG axed Warner on from international football and can’t imagine what leadership,” Smith said, choking Wednesday, while Weet-Bix and after Sweden went through they’re going through. back tears as he was comforted Commonwealth Bank dumped at Italy’s expense. People make mistakes by his father Peter. Smith. but being able to own up “I know I will regret this for An emotional Bancroft said LANCE ARMSTRONG - 2013 and take responsibility the rest of my life. I am abso- he was ashamed when he Cycling star Lance Arm- takes guts.” lutely gutted. Cricket is my life arrived back in Perth. strong admitted in a 2013 and I hope it can be again. I’m “All I can do in the short term interview with Oprah HERSCHELLE GIBBS, former sorry. I’m absolutely is ask for forgiveness,” he said, Winfrey that he took per- South Africa batsman devastated.” while denying he had ever tam- formance-enhancing drugs “Hard scenes watching Within hours, Lehmann said pered with a ball before, in com- during his glittering career. the interviews with the 2 he was standing down despite ments echoed by Smith. “I made my decisions. ozzie (sic) blokes. Having Cricket Australia saying he had “This is the first time I have They’re my mistake. And I’m Head coach of the Australian cricket team Darren Lehmann reacts been through it all, take it no knowledge of the plot to alter seen this happen and it will sitting here today to during a press conference in Johannesburg yesterday at which on the chin and live with the condition of the ball in the never be happening again.” acknowledge that and to third Test in Cape Town. he announced his resignation after the forthcoming Test match Smith and Bancroft will not say I’m sorry for that,” the the consequences but against South Africa. Lehmann said he would quit after the final remain true to yourself.” “This will be my last Test as be considered for team lead- seven-time Tour de France head coach of the Australian match of the scandal-tainted Test series in South Africa. ership positions until a minimum winner told Winfrey. KEVIN PIETERSEN, former cricket team,” Lehmann, who of 12 months after the end of The American cyclist and cancer-survivor had all England batsman also had tears in his eyes, said. Cricket Australia have days of the Australian public their suspensions, and Warner his titles taken away over “Just seen @ “Saying goodbye to the banned Smith and vice-captain baying for blood. will never lead again. players was the toughest thing I David Warner from all interna- “What the public wants to Wicketkeeper Tim Paine will the scandal, which shat- stevesmith49’s press have ever had to do.” tional and domestic cricket for see is change. They want to see take over the Australian cap- tered his reputation as one conference. As a parent, Lehmann said “the feeling is a year while Bancroft was exiled you be a better person,” he wrote taincy for the fourth and final of the most widely-admired I’m gutted for him & his that Australian cricket needs to for nine months. in a column for the Sydney Daily Test starting in Johannesburg on athletes in the world for family! Shout me down if move forward and this is the Smith’s fall from grace has Telegraph. “They’ll support you Friday. both his sporting achieve- you want, but I’m speaking right thing to do”. been dramatic, and fast. if they see that, and they’ll The International Cricket ments and his philanthropic as a parent! It will get Even Prime Minister He was jeered as he made forgive you.” Council said it will review its work through the Lives- better mate!” Malcolm Turnbull has con- his way through Johannesburg Warner, a divisive figure punishment for ball-tampering trong Foundation. demned the team, describing airport on Wednesday sur- who was charged with devel- in light of the Australia scandal, HARSHA BHOGLE, Indian fielder Cameron Bancroft’s rounded by police and media oping the plot and instructing and warned the game is in TIGER WOODS - 2010 cricket commentator attempts to tamper with the ball with concerns over his mental Bancroft to carry it out, also danger unless decisive action is Golf superstar Tiger “Haven’t Australia made by using sandpaper as a state in the current heated broke his silence to say sorry and taken. Woods went on national enough of a spectacle of “shocking affront to Australia”. climate. admitted his actions had been ICC chief executive David television in 2010 to apol- Steve Smith? I’m blown Roughing up one side of the Former Australia great “a stain on the game”. Richardson, a former South ogise to his family after a by what he is being put ball would have given Australian Shane Warne, no stranger “Mistakes have been made African wicketkeeper, said the string of scandalous disclo- through.” bowlers an advantage by pro- himself to controversy, offered which have damaged cricket,” affair had been an sures about his private life, ducing more swing. the trio an olive branch despite he told his 1.6 million Instagram “eye-opener”. including the revelation that he was a serial cheat. “I know I have severely disappointed all of you. I have made you question ICC to review punishment for ball-tampering who I am and how I have done the things I did. I am AFP world -- not only Australia -- regards the sand” and address fans’ embarrassed that I have put ball-tampering in a very serious light. concerns. you in this position,” Woods LONDON: The International Cricket It goes to the spirit of the game,” said “The reaction all around the world said. “For all that I have Council will review its punishment for chief executive David Richardson. shows us that if we neglect the way done, I am so sorry. I have ball-tampering in light of the Australia “I must admit this has been an the game is played, cricket is itself in a lot to atone for.” cheating scandal, and warned the eye-opener for me personally. We danger,” he said. game is in danger unless decisive need to look at the penalty imposed, “We are going to ignore (that) at MARION JONES - 2007 action is taken. specific to ball-tampering. our peril... we don’t want to leave this US sprinter Marion Cricket Australia has banned “Around the world, ball-tam- lingering, and hope it will all go away.” Jones was sentenced to six captain Steve Smith and vice-captain pering is considered cheating... I think Richardson, a former South months in jail and banned David Warner from international and we need to look at it again, and this is African wicketkeeper, said cricket had for two years for using per- domestic cricket for a year while what has prompted this review.” been blighted by bad behaviour in formance-enhancing drugs opening batsman Cameron Bancroft The ICC review will look into recent weeks including ugly incidents before the 2000 Sydney was exiled for nine months over the player behaviour, the spirit in which of sledging, dissent against umpires’ Games -- and lying to US incident during the third Test in South the game is played and the code of decisions and now the ball-tampering federal investigators. Africa. conduct. episode. “It is with a great amount Under its current code of conduct, Richardson said the exercise, “This has been perhaps one of the of shame that I stand before the ICC was unable to impose more likely to be informed by respected worst periods in recent memory for you and tell you that I have than a full-match fine and a one-Test former players such as Australia’s consistently poor player behaviour betrayed your trust,” a tearful Australian cricketer David Warner talks to the media ban on Smith, unlike the more Allan Border, Indian Anil Kumble, and the global outcry in relation to the Jones said after pleading upon his arrival in Sydney yesterday. Warner apologised stringent penalty since levied by Shaun Pollock of South Africa and ball tampering is a clear message to guilty to the charges in yesterday for his part in a cheating scandal. Cricket Australia. West Indies’ Courtney Walsh, would cricket: enough is enough,” he wrote October 2007. “We’ve come to realise that the be an opportunity to “draw a line in in a blog post on the ICC website. FRIDAY 30 MARCH 2018 SPORT 24

I take full responsibility, I made a serious error of Steve Smith CRICKET CRICKET judgement and I understand Former Australian England vs New Zealand South Africa vs Australia the consequences. It was a cricket captain on the 2nd Test - Day 1 4th Test - Day 1

failure of leadership ball-tampering incident ACTION In Christchurch (22:00GMT-1d ) In Johannesburg (08:00GMT) TODAY’S

Basketball legend Ismail inspires schoolchildren THE PENINSULA said: “When I was your age, I never of the projects was incredibly high, played or liked basketball but from with the students encapsulating the DOHA: Qatar’s 3x3 basketball World the age of 14 I tried and never true spirit of Qatar and of the Champion Yaseen Ismail paid a stopped playing ever since. I would Olympics in their campaigns. surprise visit to Qatar International like to see you try the sport as well Yaseen was a professional bas- School (QIS) yesterday where he - come down to the Qatar Basketball ketball player for more than 20 inspired the students. Federation where I’m giving 3x3 years and helped Team Qatar win The legendary basketball star basketball classes.” multiple World, Asian, Arab and Gulf shared his experiences and advised “Sport is very important but titles. In 2014, he made history as the Grade-seven students who have balancing between studies and part of the 3x3 team that became been working hard on an Olympic exercise is vital to any athletes’ the Middle East’s first-ever World project in their English class for the success in life. Take advantage of Champions. Other titles he owns past term. the summer season - do not eat with the team include Asian Cham- Yaseen awarded prizes to the junk food, practice two hours a day pions, Arab Champions, 8-time Gulf best student projects, before and who knows you might become Champions and 8-time Emir Cup speaking to them about his achieve- a professional player one day!,” Champions. ments in basketball, the benefits of Yaseen said. The students were incredibly participating in sport and what it The students were assigned to excited by Yaseen’s visit and takes to make it to the top. He then work in groups and come up with inspired by his motivational words took them outside for a masterclass an advertising campaign for Qatar and basketball coaching and on how to perfect the basketball to host the Olympics. The students guidance. There were final oppor- shooting technique, with every were required to use different types tunities for selfies before he left student having the opportunity to of persuasive and descriptive writing so that the students could have shoot a hoop and gain tips from for their projects and come up with their own memories from the day Yaseen. creative ideas for the Opening Cer- that a basketball legend came to Qatari basketball legend Yaseen Ismail poses for a photograph with students during his Speaking to the students, Yaseen emony of the Games. The standard school. surprise visit to Qatar International School (QIS) yesterday. Del Potro streaks into Miami semis; Isner routs Chung REUTERS Unheralded MIAMI: Juan Martin del Potro remained on course for a rare Sunshine Double when he Collins outlasted Milos Raonic 5-7, 7-6(1), 7-6(3) in a marathon quarter-final at the Miami Open on stuns Venus Wednesday. Del Potro, who claimed the Indian Wells in quarters title earlier this month, fed off the energy of a Qatar junior tennis players with coach Anas Lamrani. raucous crowd that was firmly behind the AFP Argentine, wearing down the 20th-seeded Canadian in a match lasting almost three hours. MIAMI: Danielle Collins The clock had just struck midnight on an produced the performance of Qatar juniors in semis unusually cool evening when fifth seed Del a lifetime and pulled off an Potro finally dispatched Raonic. almighty shock at the WTA The Canadian was defeated despite not Miami Open on Wednesday, of West Asia Regional facing a single break point in the first two sets, sending Venus Williams before the contest took a bizarre twist at the crashing out 6-2, 6-3 to reach Qualifying event start of the decider when both players were the semi-finals. broken twice in a row. It was an amazing effort THE PENINSULA Order was soon restored as both men held from a 24 year-old qualifier campaign in the tournament for the next eight games, sending the contest in just her second season as with a 2-1 victory over Yemen to a deciding tiebreak, in which Raonic never a professional and her debut BEIRUT: The Qatar junior Tuesday. recovered after double-faulting to fall 2-0 appearance at Key tennis team qualified for the As per the draw held down. Biscayne. semi-finals of the U12 West Asia recently, the Qatari team were The result continued Del Potro’s hot streak, This was the first time in Regional Qualifying event after pitted in group (A) alongside after he won in California 10 days ago, beating two attempts Collins has beating Syria 2-1 on Iran, Syria and Yemen while Roger Federer in a compelling three-set final beaten a top 10 player, and Wednesday. Group (B) includes Lebanon, to claim a maiden Masters 1000 title. even the crestfallen world The qualifying event is Jordan and Iraq. The 2009 US Open champion is back to number eight Williams being held in Lebanon under The Qatari juniors are playing some of his best tennis in years after would find it impossible to the supervision of the Asian coached by Anas Lamrani and battling serious left wrist injuries that required admit Collins didn’t deserve Tennis Federation and the Ibrahim Al Sheraim is in charge three surgeries and threatened to curtail his to seal a meeting with French International Tennis Federation of the delegation at the event. career. Open champion Jelena until March 31. The two top teams in the He advances to face another big server, Ostapenko. Meshari Nawaf defeated qualifying event will quality to American John Isner, who overwhelmed South The previously unher- Gheith Salim of Syria in the first the 2018 ITF Asian U12 Teams Korean Chung Hyeon 6-1, 6-4 in an afternoon alded Collins, a Florida native singles match but his compa- Championships to be staged in match. who ended 2017 ranked triot Ghanim Al Sulaiti retired Kazakhstan in November. A fired up Isner yelled “Come on” and 167TH but came into this from the second match. Qatar claimed the first place pumped his fist when he broke Chung’s serve tournament as the 93rd best In the doubles, Qatar’s in the last year’s west Asian in the first set to race to a 3-1 lead, ending the player in the world, is cer- Meshari Nawaf and Nasser Al qualifying event held in Korean’s streak of 27 consecutive holds of serve. tainly having a March to Khelaifi recorded a 6-0, 6-0 Lebanon and took the second The 14th-seeded Isner cruised through the remember. victory over Gheith Salim and place in the ITF Asian U12 Team remainder of the 25 minute opener, in which As a wildcard she reached Majd Assem of Syria. Championships held in Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina returns a shot he fired seven of his 13 aces. the round of 16 in Indian The Qatari team began their Kazakhstan. against Milos Raonic of Canada during their quarter- The hour-long contest was all but over once Wells and has gone far better Chung sent a forehand long in the fifth game of final match of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis here with a fantastic run to the second set to hand Isner another break and Center on Wednesday in Key Biscayne, Florida. the last four having come Table Tennis: Al Gharafa meet a 3-2 lead. The 21-year-old was unable to find WTA AND ATP MIAMI OPEN RESULTS through qualifying. an answer to Isner’s booming serve in a match MEN That eclipsed the previous Al Shamal in Emir’s Cup opener where he failed to convert his only break point best result by a qualifier, QUARTER-FINALS opportunity and was himself broken four times. when Marion Bartoli made John Isner (USA x14) bt Chung Hyeon (KOR x19) THE PENINSULA Isner added that the hot and windy condi- the last eight in 2003. tions in Miami, where the courts are not par- 6-1, 6-4 Despite playing six ticularly fast but cause the ball to bounce high, Juan Martin del Potro (ARG x5) bt Milos Raonic matches to Williams’ three, DOHA: Al Gharafa will take on Al Shamal in the opening fixture suit his first-strike approach to the game (CAN x20) 5-7, 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/3) Collins came into this of the Emir’s Table Tennis Cup 2018 on Friday, April 20. WOMEN perfectly. encounter having spent 24 The draw was revealed during a ceremony held at Ras Abu South African sixth seed Kevin Anderson QUARTER-FINALS minutes less on court than Aboud hall on Wednesday. In attendance were Mohammad faces Spanish 16th seed Pablo Carreno Busta in Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x6) bt Elina Svitolina (UKR her American opponent (6 Abdullah Saleh, Secretary General of the Qatar Table Tennis Asso- the afternoon, before an evening match between x4) 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/5) hours 58 minutes for Collins ciation (QTTA), Naji Al Aji, the QTTA Board Member, Mohammad German fourth seed Alexander Zverev and Danielle Collins (USA) bt Venus Williams (USA x8) and 7 hours 22 for Al Rumaihi, the QTTA Executive Director and Thani Al Zaraa, the Croatian 29th seed Borna Coric. 6-2, 6-3 Williams). QTTA Board Member. The tournament will conclude on April 26.