Rodriguez strikes a hat-trick as Bayern crush Mainz PAGE 18

MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019

Injury forces India’s star gymnast Dipa Karmakar pull out of Doha World Cup PAGE 19 TEST AFGHANISTAN VS IRELAND Bottas eases to Australian GP victory in Mercedes one-two

DPA MELBOURNE

VALTTERI BOTTAS enjoyed a comfortable victory at Formu- la One’s season-opening Aus- tralian Grand Prix ahead of world champion Lewis Hamil- ton in a Mercedes one-two in Melbourne on Sunday. Bottas overtook pole-sitter Hamilton at the start and was untroubled in front for the rest of the race for his fourth Grand Prix win and his first since Abu Dhabi in December 2017. The 29-year-old Finn- ish driver took the chequered flag, some 21seconds ahead of five-time champion Hamilton, with Red Bull’s Max Verstap- pen third and Ferrari’s Sebas- tian Vettel fourth. Bottas also collected an ex- tra point to go with 25 points for a win after clocking the fastest lap on the 5.303-kilo- metre circuit under a new rule introduced by F1 this season. RESULTS 1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 308 km in 1hr 25min 27.325sec; 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/ Mercedes) at 20.886 sec; 3. Max Verstappen (NED/ Red Bull) at 22.520 sec; 4. Sebastian Vettel (GER/ Ferrari) at 57.109 sec; 5. Charles Leclerc (MON/ Ferrari) at 58.230 sec; 6. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/ Haas) at 1:27.156 sec; 7. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/ Renault) at 1 lap; 8. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa Romeo) at 1 lap; 9. Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point) at 1 lap; 10. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso) at 1 lap; 11. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Red Bull) at 1 lap; 12. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) at 1 lap; 13. Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing Point) at 1 lap; 14. Alexander Albon (THA/Toro Rosso) at 1 lap; 15. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo) at 1 lap; 16. George Russell (GBR/ Williams) at 2 laps; 17. Robert Kubica (POL/ Williams) at 3 laps. FASTEST LAP: (1pt): Bottas 1:25.580 DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS: 1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 26 pts; 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 18; 3. Max Verstappen (NED) 15; 4. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 12; 5. Charles Leclerc (MON) 10; 6. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 8; 7. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) 6; 8. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) 4; 9. Lance Stroll Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas takes the chequered flag to win the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne onSunday. (AFP) (CAN) 2; 10. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) 1. CONSTRUCTORS: 1. Mercedes 44; 2. Ferrari 22; 3. maining top 10 Red Bull 15; 4. Haas 8; 5. Renault 6; 6. Alfa Romeo Disappointed Hamilton says the race was by first turn 4; 7. Racing Point 2; 8. Toro Rosso 1. places filled by MELBOURNE: A disappointed Lewis Hamilton said on Sunday his Australian Grand Prix was “done and dusted” by the first corner as he Kevin Magnussen was left searching answers after failing to match the pace of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas. The five-time world champion tarteds in a Haas, Nico “I don’t know what just from pole at the season-opening race but was pipped at turn 1 by the Finn and was never in contention as he quickly pulled away to Huelkenberg in a happened. The start was really beat the Briton by almost 21 seconds. To rub salt in his wounds, Bottas also picked up an extra point for the fastest lap. Hamilton, Renault, Kimi Rai- good, definitely my best race who was quickest in all three practice sessions and during qualifying, was gracious in defeat, but also struggling to know what went kkonen in his first ever. I just felt so good and wrong. “I had a pretty straightforward race today; I lost position at the start and my race was pretty much done and dusted after race for Alfa Romeo, everything was under control the first corner,” he said. “Afterwards it was really about bringing the car home and bagging the points. I had to pit early to Racing Point’s Lance and the car was very good, I cover the pit stop from Ferrari, so I had a long second stint and drove super carefully to make sure I had tyres left at the Stroll and Toro Ros- just need to enjoy today,” end of the race.” Autosport.com said Mercedes had discovered damage to the floor of Hamilton’s car following post-race so’s Daniil Kvyat. Bottas said in a first track- checks, possibly caused by hitting debris or running across a kerb. Team chief Toto Wolff had no immediate answers. “For Robert Ku- side interview. Lewis, it was a harder afternoon -- the start was not as good as Valtteri, then we had to pit him earlier than ideal to cover bica had to pit early “The fastest lap is a new the risk of being undercut by (Sebastian) Vettel,” he said. (AFP) on with a problem for rule as I had strong pace, I Williams in his first F1 had to go for that. I’m just so race since 2010 and happy and can’t wait for the lose his front wing after going race for the leading drivers. stappen after the Red Bull finished last. next race.” wide of the track. After three victories in the driver got past Vettel on lap 31 A minute’s silence was In a disappointment for 2017 season for Mercedes, of the 58 laps to go third. held before the race for Charlie home fans at the Albert Park Bottas was able to enjoy the “It’s a good weekend for the Whiting, the F1 race director, circuit, the Australian eventu- winners’ champagne after go- team so I have to be happy for who died on Thursday. ally had to retire just after the ing the whole of last season everyone, and Valtteri drove Bottas, second on the halfway stage. without a win, finishing sec- an incredible race today, and grid, immediately got the Bottas was comfortable at ond seven times. deserved it,” Hamilton said. better of Hamilton in a start the front, gradually extend- Hamilton was unable to Vettel held on to fourth which saw Daniel Ricciardo, ing the gap over the rest of the challenge but appeared to be place, followed by team-mate in his first race for Renault, field in a largely uneventful in no danger from Max Ver- Charles Leclerc, with the re- Afghanistan chase historic Test win after Rashid Khan’s five-for

AFP Spinner Andy McBrine had has taken seven in the beaten on 32 after number 11 made 39, to frustrate the DEHRADUN opener Mohammad Shahzad match, told reporters. Murtagh, who hit 54 in Afghanistan bowlers in the caught behind for two before “It was tough to grip the Ireland’s first innings score of first session. SPINNER Rashid Khan Janat and Shah, who made 98 new ball because I had a fin- 172, was the last man out on 27. An umpiring howler cost claimed five wickets to put in Afghanistan’s first innings ger injury and tough for me “I am not surprised, if Ireland their first of Afghanistan in sight of their total of 314, played out the last to pitch it on the right length you have seen the day with maiden Test victory after few overs of the day. as was paining a lot,” he said, even tailenders have re- adjudged lbw off paceman out Ireland for 288 on Ireland batsmen Andy Bal- referring to the injured middle cords,” said Khan. Yamin Ahmadzai for 14 after day three of the one-off game birnie and Kevin O’Brien had finger of his bowling arm. “Plan was to bowl as many the opener got a thick edge on Sunday. earlier hit half-centuries be- Balbirnie made 82 and good deliveries as possible. onto his pad. Chasing 147 to win, Af- fore Khan returned career-best O’Brien 56 before a 10th-wick- But they chose the right deliv- SCORES: Afghanistan 314 and ghanistan were 29 for one at figures of 5-82 to bowl out Ire- et 58-run partnership between eries to score and that’s how 29 for 1 (Ihsanullah 16*, Rah- stumps. Ihsanullah Janat, on land in the final session of play. James Cameron-Dow and Tim they made runs.” mat 11*) trail Ireland 172 and 16, and , on 11, “Feeling happy to get some Murtagh set up a potentially Earlier Balbirnie put on 288 (Balbirnie 82, O’Brien 56, Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien (left) reacts as Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan appeals were at close of play wickets for the team when the tricky chase for the Afghans. 104 runs for the third wicket Rashid 5-82, Ahmadzai 3-52) successfully to dismiss in Dehradun on Sunday. (AFP) in Dehradun. team needed me,” Khan, who Cameron-Dow was left un- with James McCollum, who by 118 runs. Sports Monday, March 18, 2019 17

VAR superior to any other Al Sadd scale toughest game of technology, says QFA Referees’ Chief season, next is biggest: Ferreira

QNA IKOLI VICTOR QNB STARS LEAGUE TABLE ons Al Duhail, who’ll surren- DOHA DOHA der the title if they lose. Team MP W D L F A D P Meanwhile, Al Duhail DIRECTOR of the Qatar JESUALDO Ferreira says the 1 Al Sadd 19 16 2 1 85 17 +68 50 coach Rui Faria expressed his Football Association’s (QFA) match against Al Sailiya was 2 Al Duhail 19 14 4 1 47 14 +33 46 happiness with the victory of Referees Department Naji one of the toughest of the sea- 3 Al Rayyan 19 9 6 4 26 22 +4 33 his team against Umm Salal al Juwaini has highlighted son for Al Sadd but the match 4 Al Sailiya 19 10 1 8 30 22 +8 31 winning 3-1 in the final match the importance of Video against Al Duhail which will 5 Al Ahli 19 9 3 7 27 30 -3 30 of the 19th round of the league. Assistant Referee (VAR) be a title decider is the biggest 6 Al Arabi 19 9 0 10 24 35 -11 27 After the match, Faria said, technology, particularly in of the season for the 13-time 7 Al Gharafa 19 6 4 9 30 34 -4 22 “We played a very difficult situations that are difficult league champions. 8 Al Shahaniya 19 5 6 8 18 30 -12 21 match and we knew it espe- for referees to see. Juwaini Al Sadd survived two video 9 Umm Salal 19 5 5 9 20 33 -13 20 cially after our Asian match. added that the technology assistant referee (VAR) deci- 10 Qatar SC 19 4 4 11 16 35 -19 16 Umm Salal is a good team that has become an integral part sions to condemn 10-man Al 11 Al Khor 19 4 3 12 17 35 -18 15 plays with a special defense of football in general. Sailiya to a 2-0 defeat in their 12 Al Kharitiyath 19 4 0 15 16 49 -33 12 and have a coach with expe- Commenting on the deci- Week 19 QNB Stars League rience. In the second half we sion to rule out Al Sailiya’s match on Saturday. Record had a clear desire to achieve goal against Al Sadd, he said scorer Baghdad Bounedjah reira said: “This was one of factor which led to our win.” victory and we suffered till the that the referee resorted to broke the deadlock with a the toughest matches of the With three matches still final minutes of the match to the technology in the 90th thumping header for his 35th season for us. Winning this to play against Al Duhail, Al achieve the result we wanted.” minute after the goal. Upon goal of the season in the first game gives us a huge boost for Ahli and Umm Salal, the Por- “The victory is important a second viewing, he saw half. Qatar international and what is to come after we played tuguese coach said: “We are for us as it keeps us in the that the scorer was in an off- Asian Cup 2019 winner Akram some intense games consecu- looking to win the remaining competition knowing that we side position when the pass Afif doubled the lead in the tively in the league. We didn’t games. I am happy with the are facing Al Sadd in the up- was made. closing minute for his 23rd of lose except against Al Ahli and upcoming period of rest be- coming round , and we have a He explained that the the season. we are now edging closer to the fore the next game against the responsibility now to win the VAR technology is far supe- The highlight of the game league title.” second-placed Al Duhail. Our match points and we leave it rior to the 3D graphics ren- was when referee Athbah con- “The players are the ones goal will be to win the remain- to the remaining matches and dered in sports channels. sulted the Video Assistant who have played the most in ing games and secure the title.” everything is possible in foot- The referees’ director Referee (VAR) and decided to the Qatari league. They played Ferreira concluded by say- ball,” the former Jose Mour- also noted that VAR having award a penalty for handball in the league, in the Champi- ing: “The Duhail game will be inho assistant said. been officially adopted by which was the right decision. ons League, and with the na- like a big final for the Qatari On Mohammed Muntari’s FIFA, has more acceptance Unfortunately, Abdulqadir Il- tional team. All this physical league. Winning it will give us profligacy in front of goal, Far- among football fans in Qa- yas missed from the spot and in effort has a toll on the players the title. Our full focus will be ia said: “Muntari is not happy tar. stoppage time, Illyas’ goal was and this did not help us today, on achieving that.” for wasting opportunities that Juwaini also revealed chalked off after referee again making it difficult to score, With the international seems to be easy, but in the that referees continue to re- reviewed a replay on the pitch like in the previous games,” he break here, Al Sadd players end he succeeded in scoring a ceive the necessary training side screen and decided to can- added. have been given five days rest difficult goal , and I am happy regarding the proper and ef- cel the goal. “It was not easy to play before they resume training for for him and I do not usually ficient use of the technology. Speaking at the post- against ten men. Saad al Dosa- the biggest game of the season blame players for wasting op- match press conference, Fer- ri’s penalty save was the crucial on 30 March against champi- portunities.” Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira Al Baraem Basketball League Curry scores 33 as Warriors rout Thunder, Celtics stop Hawks

AFP ping Westbrook. LOS ANGELES The Warriors won for the 25th time in their last 26 STEPHEN Curry scored 11 of games when all Durant sits out his 33 points in the third quar- which shows their depth. ter as the two-time defending Elsewhere, Kyrie Irving champion Golden State War- finished one assist shy of a tri- riors clobbered the Oklahoma ple double as the Boston Celt- City Thunder 110-88 on Satur- ics squandered a 25-point lead Women’s Giant Slalom World day. but managed to hold on and Cup winner Mikaela Shiffrin Klay Thompson scored 23 beat the Atlanta Hawks 129- poses on the podium with her points and DeMarcus Cousins 120. Overall Globe trophy at the FIS added 12 points and eight re- Irving had 30 points, 11 Alpine Skiing World Cup finals bounds for the Warriors, who rebounds and nine assists and in Soldeu-El Tarter, Andorra on have been playing more consist- Jaylen Brown scored 23 points Sunday. (EPA-EFE) ently in the last four games after for the Celtics, who have won a spell of poor starts to games. six of their last eight games. “Over the course of the Marcus Morris had 19 ‘Proud’ Shiffrin game we imposed our will,” said points and Jayson Tatum ends sublime Curry. “We did our best to take scored 18 for Boston. care of the basketball so they Trae Young led the Hawks season with didn’t have easy transition op- with 26 points, John Collins portunities. scored 20 with 11 rebounds, record-equalling “And we rebounded the ball Golden State’s Stephen Curry reacts after a 3-point basket during Taurean Price had 17 points well. So all things considered, their NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake and Vince Carter scored 16. fourth globe really solid effort, knowing that Energy Arena on Saturday. It could have been a costly if you give them momentum in win for the Celtics after for- AFP this building, they are tough.” Westbrook, who was fined worst 32 percent from the field. ward Gordon Hayward suf- SOLDEU, ANDORRA Oklahoma City fans had $25,000 earlier in the week The Thunder made just 13 fered a strained neck early in been waiting for a chance to boo after an altercation with Utah of 41 three-pointers. the game and didn’t return. A “proud” Mikaela Shiffrin former Thunder Kevin Durant Jazz fans, missed all seven of his “We were trying to prevent Hayward banged his head capped her phenomenal season Al Rayyan beat Al Gharafa to claim gold in the final of the Al but he sat out with an injury. three-point attempts. He had him from getting downhill, into the shoulder of Atlanta’s with victory in the giant slalom Baraem U-13 Basketball League. Al Ahli finished third in the com- Instead they got a cold- nine assists and eight rebounds. beating you from the outside John Collins and headed to the at the World Cup finals in Sol- petition aimed at involving kids in sports and basketball in particu- shooting night from all-star Paul George had 29 points because when he’s getting to the locker room. deu on Sunday for her 17th win lar to help them live a healthy lifestyle and also build leadership Russell Westbrook, who scored and 13 rebounds, and Dennis rim, attacking, that’s when eve- Celtics coach Brad Stevens and a record-equalling fourth character. just seven points on a dismal Schroder added 15 points for rybody’s getting the ball at their said Hayward left the arena at globe. two-for-16 shooting. the Thunder, who shot a season best,” Thompson said of stop- halftime and went home. The all-conquering Ameri- can ski queen added the giant slalom to the super-G and sla- lom titles having already been crowned the overall champion Spence overpowers Garcia to retain IBF welterweight title for the third straight season at the start of March by securing the crystal globe. AFP crowd,” Spence said. “This is hoping to be back here, soon.” “I’ve always dreamed of the DALLAS where I started it from a pup. Spence said he also wants GS globe, the slalom came but From the amateurs all the way to fight Pacquiao. “He is a leg- this is my first GS, I thought I ERROL Spence Jr. solidified up. end of the sport. It would be would never get it because there his status as one of the best “This is my core fan base. my honour to fight him next.” was always someone faster pound-for-pound fighters in I felt good and I wanted to put Spence improved to 25-0 or better so there was a lot of the world with 12-round mas- on a great performance.” but failed to get the knockout emotion at the finish line,” the terclass performance over The fight was hyped as a he wanted against Garcia in champion said. challenger Mikey Garcia on showdown of two unbeaten his third defence as his KO “Before the race I reminded Saturday. boxers but it didn’t turn out streak was stopped at 11 fights. myself of all this and I just went The 29-year-old Spence that way with one judge scor- This is just the fourth time in for it,” she explained. easily beat Garcia by a unani- ing it 120-107 for Spence. The his career that the former 2012 “I wanted to be aggressive mous decision to retain his In- other two had it 120-108 and US Olympian didn’t knock out and take some risks to earn the ternational Boxing Federation 120-108. his opponent. globe, not win it by coming 10th title in a welterweight home- Garcia never landed more “People said I couldn’t with a conservative run, I want- coming bout in front of 47,500 than 10 punches in a single box,” said Spence. “You saw ed to be proud of my skiing and fans. round. Spence landed 375 to- it today. I can box, I can say I deserved that victory,” said Spence dominated Garcia tal punches to just 75 for Gar- move my head. I can do it if Shiffrin, who once again raced throughout with a stinging cia, who was fighting for the I want to.” with great style. jab and a barrage of combi- first time as a welterweight Garcia, who was trying to The win drew her alongside nations and his hometown after moving up two divisions. win a title in his fifth different Lindsey Vonn and Tina Maze, crowd at the AT&T Stadium Spence has been avoided weight class, dropped to 39-1 the only other two women ski- in Dallas, Texas cheered by most of the top fighters in with 30 KOs. ers to capture four titles in the wildly as he used his size and the division but this victory Errol Spence Jr lands a blow against Mikey Garcia in an IBF World Welterweight Championship bout at “He is the truth. He is one season. reach advantage to put on a appears to have set up a future AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday. (AFP) for real. He came out with a Only former Swiss ski great boxing clinic. showdown with Filipino Man- game plan, kept his distance. Pirmin Zurbriggen has bettered “My motivation was fight- ny Pacquiao. ring after the final bell and much younger Spence. of this fight. Spence wants to I couldn’t make adjust- that tally when he ended the ing in front of my hometown Pacquiao appeared in the said he was willing to face the “I am looking at the winner fight me,” said Pacquiao. “I am ments,” Garcia said. 1987 season with five titles. 18 Monday, March 18, 2019 Sports ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Mourinho set to Liverpool back on top reveal all in beIN special show today after 2-1 win at Fulham ‘Special 1, Special Memories’ will air exclusively on HD 1 and HD 11 The result puts Liverpool two points clear of Man City; Chelsea lose 2-0 at Goodison Park TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA DPA LONDON JOSE Mourinho will return to beINSPORTS, the leading JAMES Milner scored a late global sports broadcaster, penalty as Liverpool snatched once again next week for a a 2-1 win at Fulham on Sun- special 30-minute exclusive day to go back to the top of the interview about his time as Premier League. a manager of Europe’s top Sadio Mane put Liverpool teams, which viewers across in front in the first half but Europe, North America, former Liverpool winger Ryan Asia, Australia, and the Mid- Babel equalised on 74 minutes dle East and North Africa after a mix-up between Virgil (MENA) can enjoy exclu- van Dijk and goalkeeper Alis- sively on the premium sports son. channel. Jose Mourinho at beINSports But Mane was held back Widely acknowledged studio in Doha recently. by Fulham goalkeeper Sergio as one of the most success- Rico and Milner made no mis- ful managers of all time, the HD 11. take from the spot nine min- ‘Special 1, Special Memo- Mourinho’s last appear- utes from time. ries’ programme will explore ance on beIN SPORTS drew The result put Liverpool Mourinho’s rich history in huge audiences across the two points clear of Manches- football, as well as discuss- Middle East and North ter City, though City have ing topics such as Arsene Africa region, and also played a game less, while Ful- Wenger’s legacy to English internationally on social me- ham remain second-bottom, football; the future of Kylian dia, as fans tuned-in to see 13 points from safety with Mbappe; what Italian foot- the serial winner join a panel seven games to go. ball requires to dominate of expert analysts during the “(After their goal), then Europe once again; and the El Clasico fixture on 2 nd I actually saw the reaction 2022 FIFA World Cup Qa- March and English Premier of my players and I’m re- tar. The former Real Madrid, League matches on 3 March. ally pleased with that, it was Manchester United, Chelsea, However, Monday’s spe- a good reaction,” Liverpool Inter Milan and Porto man- cial programme will be a manager Juergen Klopp said. ager will be interviewed by one-on-one interview with “After they got the equal- beIN star presenter, Hichem Mourinho, with the for- izer, we were again much ben Ali al Khalsi. mer manager discussing: clearer than we were before ‘Special 1, Special Mem- his ‘special’ nickname, the the equalizer. So, all good, a ories’ will air exclusively on UEFA Champions League, good reaction. Not a perfect beIN SPORTS across the Real Madrid, his best ever football game but, in a diffi- world on Monday 18 March season in football, Qatar cult week for us, a sensational Liverpool’s midfielder James Milner (centre) celebrates scoring the team’s second goal during their English Premier League match at Craven 2019, at 22:00 Mecca Time 2022, Qatar’s AFC Asian Cup result.” Liverpool dominated Cottage in London on Sunday. (AFP) (GMT +3) on beIN SPORTS performance, the Premier possession throughout but HD 1 and beIN SPORTS League and much more. their last ball was lacking, for “The goal was important the most part. to put away. You have to go The exception came in back to what you practise, be the 26th minute when Mane calm and do what you do.” fed Roberto Firmino inside Chelsea’s top-four hopes suf- Bayern Munich crush Mainz the area and the Brazilian’s fered a blow as they were beat- pull-back found Mane, who en 2-0 at Everton in the day’s to move top of Bundesliga slammed in his 11th goal in 11 other match. games and 20th of the season. Richarlison put Everton As the match wore on, in front four minutes into the the tension rose and Fulham second half when he scored Bayern boss Rummennigge welcomes came into the game, forcing from a corner and Gylfi Sig- FIFA plans to revamp Club World Cup half-chances. urdsson scored from the re- And when Babel chased a bound after missing a penalty mis-hit clearance from Mil- on 72 minutes to seal the win. DPA beforehand with the ECA and ner and saw Van Dijk’s weak Chelsea remain sixth, BERLIN with (it’s president) Andrea header, he gambled and beat three points behind Arsenal in Agnelli,” answered Rum- Alisson to the ball to score, fourth, while Everton moved A hat-trick from James Rod- menigge, when questioned though his celebrations were up one place to 11th after their riguez helped Bayern Munich about the attitude of Europe’s muted. first win over a top-six side in bounce back from midweek top clubs. But Liverpool kept going more than two years. Champions League elimi- “This led to this public and when Rico dropped a Mo nation with a 6-0 thrashing defensive position, I regret it Salah shot, Mane was first to Results of Mainz which returned them and I do not appreciate that it, only for the goalkeeper to to the top of the Bundesliga. between FIFA, UEFA and ECA pull him back and Milner did Fulham 1 - 2 Liverpool While Liverpool ended there is not a basis for positive the rest. Everton’s striker Richarlison (centre) celebrates after scoring a goal during their English Premier League Everton 2 - 0 Chelsea Bayern’s continental inter- discussion.” Van Dijk said it was a mas- match against Chelsea at Goodison Park in Liverpool on Sunday. (AFP) Bournemouth 2 - 2 Newcastle est on Wednesday, midtable The ECA, founded in 2008 sive win, putting Liverpool Brighton PSTP Cardiff City Mainz never looked capable of with 16 teams, represents Eu- back on top going into the in- other. empty net, it seemed as if substitute, saw Liverpool to causing an upset in Munich. rope’s top sides and currently ternational break.” “We knew “With my mistake it made Liverpool were about to hand victory. Burnley 1 - 2 Leicester City First half goals from Rob- has 109 members, including it was going to be a very tough it even more exciting for them, City a massive advantage in “The gaffer told me to Watford PSTP Southampton ert Lewandowski, James and Rummenigge’s Bavarians. game,” the Dutchman said. “I but in the end we got the three the title race. come on and calm it down and West Ham 4 - 3 Huddersfield Kingsley Coman had Bayern Rummenigge believes the think we made it very difficult points. I should have headed But a combination of the first thing I do is slice it Wolverhampton PSTPArsenal cruising. ECA must have a say in the for ourselves, we weren’t calm better (but) we go home hap- Mane’s quick reactions, a and put Virgil under pressure Tottenham PSTP Crystal James added another two distribution of revenues for on the ball, we didn’t create py, top of the league.” When mistake by Rico and the cool which wasn’t ideal,” Milner early in the second half before this new event. too many options for each Babel rolled the ball into an head of Milner, a second-half said, of his role in Babel’s goal. Canadian teenager Alphonso “I have heard that a por- Davies scored his first for the tion of the revenues will go to club to send Bayern into the the national associations, but I international break on a high. think (the deal) is not done yet Bayern have a seven-goal and the solidarity contribu- Juve crash back to earth with Genoa defeat advantage over Borussia Dort- tions have to go to the leagues mund, who are level on points and their clubs - that’s obvi- with the six-time reigning ous. en,” said Allegri. and goalkeeper Wojciech Szcz- champions after a dramatic “At the end of the day, It was the first “The Champions League esny with former-Genoa goal- 3-2 win at Hertha Berlin on it’s a competition played by match certainly weighed keeper Mattia Perin taking his Saturday. clubs.” However, the Bayern league defeat for heavy,” he said. “You can’t play place between the posts. Meanwhile, Bayern’s Karl- boss is unhappy that the plans Allegri’s side since all the games at your maximum. Italian international Stur- Heinz Rummenigge has wel- include replacing the Confed- “In the first half we risked con- aro, 26, was playing his first comed plans to revamp the erations Cup, held every four April 2018 ceding a goal twice, while we game after ten months out with Club World Cup, two days years at the end of the season did better in the second, when a tendon injury, and scored just after the idea was rejected by before a World Cup, in the al- AFP they dropped a little bit, but we two minutes after coming off UEFA and the European Club ready over-crowded football MILAN conceded goals and suffered the the bench. Another substitute Association (ECA), to which calendar. second straight after the restart. Goran Pandev sealed victory Bayern belongs. “Every time, we are asked FORMER Juventus midfielder “A defeat could have happened with ten minutes to go. “The current Club World to make our players available, Stefano Sturaro scored in his (at any time) and it is better that “I’m happy for him (Stur- Cup in December is a non- without us getting any benefit first match for Genoa, a 2-0 it happened today, now we will aro), because he suffered a sense,” Rummenigge who is as a club,” Rummenigge com- victory which ended the title- have time to rest, recover our lot and today he changed the both Bayern chairman and plained. holders unbeaten run in Serie energy and the injured players.” game,” said Allegri, 51, of the honorary chair of the ECA, told A on Sunday days after their Juventus had won 24 of midfielder who was loaned by Sunday’s edition of Frankfurt- Bundesliga Results Champions League heroics. their 27 previous matches in Juventus to Genoa with option based newspaper Frankfurter Cristiano Ronaldo was rest- Serie A this season with three to buy in January, with the deal Allgemeine Zeitung. Leverkusen 1 Bremen 3 ed after his hat-trick had fired draws including 1-1 against made permanent in February. “I understand why FIFA Frankfurt 1 Nuremberg 0 Juventus into the European Genoa in the reverse fixture in Genoa’s midfielder Stefano Sturaro (left) celebrates after scoring a The last goal Sturaro had should want to reform this Bayern Munich 6 Mainz 0 goal during their Italian Serie A match at Luigi Ferraris Stadium in semi-finals with a comeback Turin. It was the first league de- scored was for Juventus in competition.” Last Friday, Schalke 0 RB Leipzig 1 victory over Atletico Madrid. feat on Allegri’s side since April Genoa, on Sunday. (AFP) the Champions League, a 2-2 however the ECA threatened But Massimiliano Allegri 2018 against Napoli, and first comeback against Pep Guar- to boycott plans to expand the VfB Stuttgart 1 Hoffenheim 1 conceded that the win in Tu- away to Sampdoria since No- drid in the last-16 first-leg. defeat to Atalanta, we picked diola’s Bayern Munich in Feb- annual Club World Cup to 24 Augsburg 3 Hannover 1 rin had taken its toll even if his vember 2017. “The defeat could do us the right game to lose, because ruary 2016. teams in 2021, a project led by Wolfsburg 5 Duesseldorf 2 side still remain 18 points clear The Italian champions had good, because maybe we it’s just before the break for in- “It has been a difficult year FIFA President Gianni Infan- (Ayhan 30, Raman 65) on the top of the table before already been beaten this season thought we already had the ternational duty, so we have for me,” said Sturaro, who had tino, and Rummenigge criti- Hertha Berlin 2 Dortmund 3 Napoli’s game against Udinese by Atalanta in the Coppa Ita- league in our pockets and in- time to unplug and rest.” been on loan for a season at cised the Swiss boss over his later on Sunday. “It’s not a lia and lost in the Champions stead we still have to get five vic- In addition to Ronaldo, Al- Portuguese club Porto but did handling. Moenchengladbach 1 tragedy, but I’m sorry because League to Young Boys in the tories,” continued Allegri. legri rested key players includ- not play any games before re- “I think that Gianni Infan- Freiburg 1 we wanted to remain unbeat- group stage and Atletico Ma- “Much like the Coppa Italia ing defender Giorgio Chiellini turning to Italy. tino was wrong not to agree Sports Monday, March 18, 2019 19

7TH QATAR NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE SHOW

The 7th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show took place at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) in Al Rayyan on Sunday. Najla Umm Al Udham stood first in Fillies’ two-year-old class while Reem Al Sraiya topped Yearling Fillies Class 1A.

QGF signs partnership agreements with Aspire, others for 12th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup

“This relationship helped Wyndham Grand us stage a world-class cham- pionship in October, the first Regency Doha to be held in the region, and now we hope to deliver an- is hospitality other outstanding World Cup with Aspire at the Aspire partner Dome. We thank Aspire and its facilities for their continu- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ous support.” India’s celebrated gymnast Dipa Karmakar. DOHA The organisers also signed agreements with hospitality THE Organising Committee partner Wyndham Grand Re- Injury blow for India’s of 12th Artistic Gymnastics gency Doha, BK Sport, World Cup led by Ali al Hitmi, Al Dana Water and Radio President, Qatar Gymnastics Olive & Suno. Karmakar in Baku Federation (QGF), on Sat- Tournament director urday, signed a partnership Abeer al Buainain and Mo- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK desired landing,” Gymnastic agreement with Aspire, and hammed al Maraghi, Director DOHA Federation of India (GFI) of- other partners, for the forth- of Public Relations, Media and ficial Riyaz Bhati was quoted coming championships to be Ali al Hitmi, President, Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) with Khaled al Hamer, HR Manager, Aspire, after Communications of QGF were INDIAN gymnast Dipa Kar- as saying. held at Aspire Dome from the agreement signing for 12th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup to be held at Aspire Dome. also present on the occasion. makar has pulled out of 12th “She will now skip the March 20 to 23. FIG ART Individual Appa- World Cup in Doha and come Aspire Dome, the world’s ratus World Cup, scheduled back to India for rehabilitation largest indoor multi-purpose to be held here at the Aspire and aim for Asian and World dome, had also played host to Dome from March 20. Championships this year.” the 48th Artistic Gymnastics The withdrawal is a big The Asian Championships World Championships in Oc- blow to her Olympic qualifi- will be held in Mongolia (June tober last. It was also the first cation plans as the two World 13-16) while the FIG World time that an Arab nation had Cups (Baku & Doha) are part Championships is in in Stutt- staged the Worlds. of an eight-event qualifying gart (GER) from October 4-13. Just like the last champi- system for the 2020 Tokyo Dipa had claimed a bronze onships, the World Cup too Olympics, under which the in vault at the FIG World Cup serves as a qualification event gymnasts will make the cut in Cottbus (GER) in November for Tokyo 2020 Olympics. based on their top three scores. last year to fuel her Olympic Speaking of the asso- The 25-year-old, who be- dream. It was her first appear- ciation with Aspire, al Hitmi, came the first Indian gym- ance after recovering from a said, “We are very proud to nast to qualify for the final knee strain. sign this partnership agree- Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi poses with Aspire Academy HR Manager Khaled al Hamer, BK Sport’s Sayed, at the 2016 Rio Olympic ment with Aspire which has Bounce’s Peter Pojovich, Dana Water’s Zaid Jose, Radio Olive and Suno’s director Krishna Kumar after signing a sponsorship contract for the Games, aggravated her knee Oksana eyes Doha always provided us with un- 12th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup. Tournament Director Abeer al Buainain and Mohammed al Meraghi, Director of Public Relations, Media & injury during the vault final after silver finish limited support. Communications of QGF are also seen in the picture. The three-day event will be held at the Aspire Dome from March 20th to 23rd. at the Baku Artistic Gymnas- Meanwhile, Oksana Chusovi- tics World Cup. tina continued with her dream She had finished last after to qualify for a record eighth deciding not to take her sec- Olympic Games after she won ond attempt. a silver in the women’s vault fi- Qatar Olympic Committee holds Telematch Championship Dipa, who finished fourth nal at the FIG ART Individual in Rio Olympics, had per- Apparatus World Cup in Baku TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK In a festive scene, Nasser al formed a higher-difficulty on Saturday. DOHA Mudahka, Head of sport activ- ‘Handfront 540’ vault , scor- “I’m very pleased. Right ities and programmes section ing 14.466 and 14.133 points now, I want to qualify the THE Qatar Olympic Commit- honoured the Friends team in the two qualifying round for Olympics. I will try all possi- tee (QOC) through its sport with the first place and prize- an average of 14.299 to qualify ble options. Since I don’t have Affairs Department organised money of QR20,000, Al Sadd for the vault final in the third a team, it’s a little bit easier the 2018 Telematch Cham- Giants were the runners-up position. for me to qualify compared pionship at its annual winter and were awarded QR 15,000, But she was left crestfallen to gymnasts from other coun- camp (Al Enna Project) at Sea- Al Ahli Stars finished as third after aggravating a knee injury tries. I can get license both at line resort on Friday. and received QR10,000. while landing during the first the World Championships and The QOC hosted the pres- The QOC’s project brings attempt in the final. the World Cups,” said Chuso- tigious event in collaboration together individuals of Qatar “Dipa had some problems vitina. with the Qatar National Tour- society in different age groups in her knee before the final. The 43-year-old, who will ism Council (QNTC). The QOC to be involved in several sport, She was feeling some pain be eyeing another superlative Telematch Championship social and cultural events. yesterday, but felt better after performance at the Doha-leg brought together six teams; Al Enna is a tourism de- working with physio. She at- next week, earned 14.933 for Friends, Al Sadd Giants, Al velopment project that aims to tempted the vault finals but the Cheng and followed up Onabi, Al Ahli Stars, Fighters enhance the winter camping fell on her first vault, aggra- with 14.6 for the double-twist- and students of Ahmed Bin experience in Qatar, protect the The QOC Telematch Championship brought together six teams: Friends, Al Sadd Giants, Al Onabi, Al Ahli vating the injury due to un- ing Yurchenko. Mohammed School. environment and public safety. Stars, Fighters and students of Ahmed Bin Mohammed School at Sealine resort on Friday.