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Thursday, March 28, 2019 TENNIS Rajab 21, 1440 AH Bautista Agut beats GULF TIMES Djokovic to reach quarters SPORT Page 4

QNB STARS LEAGUE Ferreira, Faria rally teams ahead of blockbuster clash With a four-point lead in the standings, Al Sadd need a win on Saturday to lift the title, while Duhail hope to stay in hunt

By Sports Reporter the title, it is possible. We like Doha to keep the memories of good scenes. The season is far from QSL fi rst league in Asia to launch ‘Live Match fi nish. l Sadd coach Jesualdo “We want to reduce the gap Analysis’ system Ferreira said that while in points in our bid to retain the eeping pace with latest ed from Week 20 of the QNB porating everything that’s new it will be diffi cult to title. While Al Sadd want to de- developments for the Stars League in all matches. A and sophisticated.” predict the winner in cide the championship with this Kbenefit of professional similar system was used at last Abbassi added, “We aim to Athe Saturday’s game against de- match, we are preparing our football in Qatar and QNB Stars year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia, introduce this new technology fending champions Al Duhail, players to show the level required League, the Qatar Stars League but the QSL will use it after and innovation to provide the his team deserves to win the QNB of them and achieve the desired (QSL) become the first in Asia to making some modifications. players and clubs with technical Stars League this season. result, and we hope to get the launch the ‘Live Match Analysis’ The ‘Live Match Analysis’ is a support, in line with the vision Ferreira was talking at a pre- three points and achieve victory. system and second in the world computer-based match analysis and mission of the QSL. The match press conference along “I have been working with my after the Danish league. system connected to a tactical unique system will contribute with player Gabi Fernandez at the team since last January, I know The innovative system was video camera positioned in the towards the enhancement Tawar Mall yesterday. what our players can do. I know launched at a ceremony held at main tribune of stadiums, which of technical levels and off er “We are very satisfi ed. We have their abilities and I trust them Doha’s St Regis Hotel yesterday will enable the performance solutions to coaches dur- no pressure and we will work to very much.” in the presence of QSL CEO analyst to send short tactical ing matches. We welcome win. I do not expect anyone to pre- Faria was asked about the two Hani Taleb Ballan, Qatar Foot- video clips, and technical data everything that is innovative dict the result of this game, which prolifi c strikers in the game — ball Association (QFA) general to the iPad of coaching staff and helps the development of could decide the title with two Duhail’s Yousef El Arabi and Al secretary Mansoor al-Ansari, positioned in the team bench football in Qatar. We’re planning matches remaining,” Ferreira said. Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah. Qatari media personality Majed during matches. to develop such technolo- “We played most of our games “I don’t think they have simi- al-Khulaifi, and former Qatar in- Ballan said, “This project is gies further through research under pressure and we are ahead Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira (right) and player Gabi Fernandez larity. Both have had their good ternational and Qatar SC player backed by modern technology and want to place QSL as the of Al Duhail by four points. Even address a press conference ahead of their Saturday’s match against Al days. They are in the best teams, Abdulaziz Hassan. and innovation, through which pioneer in football development if we lose, we will continue to Duhail yesterday. PICTURE: Othman Khalid very competitive and like to score Also present on the occasion we can deliver the best levels, technology and innovation.” lead the table. We have players goals,” Faria said. were Hassan Rabiah al-Kuwari, results and performance in foot- Loxston said, “The State of Qatar at the highest level and I think it “Every idea or initiative that Executive Director of Market- ball. We’re proud to use such is a pioneer in the development is time we won the league and Al helps bring the fans to stadiums ing, Sales and Communication innovative technology to help and use of modern football Sadd deserve it this season. is very good and it is important at QSL; Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, trainers work more eff iciently systems, which is in line with the “We have three games left in for Qatar football to have them at Executive Director of Competi- within the system, which is aspirations of FIFA. It’ll help in the the league and we have to focus the venues. We have to encour- tion and Football Development essential for all of us. It’ll benefit game’s further growth technical- on all small details in such big age them to come to the stadiums (Acting) at QSL; Fahad Thani, Di- Qatar football in general.” ly and tactically as well as players games. I have great confi dence in rather than sitting in front of the rector of Football Development Al-Ansari said, “We’re proud to and technical devices.” the players. I want them to build television. Players need their at QFA; FIFA’s Performance be working with the QSL and The coaches and other at- on that confi dence, enjoy the support at the stands. and Game Analyst Christopher this new system coincides with tendees praised the technology game and make the fans happy.” “We know the importance of Loxston; AFC’s Research and In- football development. Ours is and innovation, and expressed Fernandez added, “I want to this game for our team and also Al novation Director Keitaro Aoki the first league in Asia to use their admiration and interest fi nish off the task on Saturday. Sadd who are trying to regain the and representatives of clubs, this advanced technology and in it. They pointed out that the I cannot wait for the last two league title. Certainly, my team guests, sports personalities and innovation and that’s a great system would contribute signifi- games. I have played a lot of im- doesn’t want them to be crowned media personnel. achievement for professional cantly towards development of portant games and, for me, and it at our stadium. Al Sadd’s vic- The system will be implement- football in Qatar. We’re incor- the game’s technical level. (QSL) is a great honour in my fi rst sea- tory against us in the fi rst leg will son to win the league title with give us the motivation to win this Al Sadd. I love such games and time. Thus, we can take the title it will be a privilege for me and race until the last round. my team to win the title. We had “We have to do everything we started our work at the beginning can to prevent Al Sadd from win- of the season and we deserve to ning. All games between us have win the title. It is important for been strong and unpredictable.” all members of the team. El Arabi said, “In every game, “We, at Al Sadd, deal with this Al Duhail player Yousef El Arabi (left) and coach Rui Faria at a press we need to bring out our best. game very smartly, especially conference yesterday. PICTURE: Anas Khalid Saturday’s is a big game. Players since we are facing a team with of both teams know that you have distinguished players. My mes- Rui Faria is aiming for a win to leaders of QNB Stars League and to score in the fi rst opportunity. I sage to the fans is that this game stay in the title hunt. are putting up outstanding per- like this game. It may be the best is of the highest level, reaching The Portuguese coach said, formances.” in this season’s league. I am very the European level, and we all “Our preparations have been He added: “There’s going to happy with the level presented (players and fans alike) have to just like how we prepare for each be only one result and we are go- by Bounedjah with Al Sadd and take responsibility on Saturday match. We know how important ing to chase victory. We have had his scoring abilities. He is a very QSL CEO Hani Taleb Ballan, Qatar Football Association (QFA) general secretary Mansoor al-Ansari and to win the league.” this encounter is and the strength a good season generally. If the good player. I am happy for him other off icials at the launch of the ‘Live Match Analysis’ system yesterday. PICTURE: Anas Khalid Understandably, Duhail coach of the Al Sadd team. They are the numbers allow you to still chase and I am happy for myself.”

SPOTLIGHT LOC completes preparations ahead of CAF Super Cup By Sports Reporter Captain Fahad Bu Hindi. Jassim al-Jassim said prepa- tickets have been allocated for Doha During the media confer- rations have been completed for the fans of two clubs fl ying into ence, all questions regarding the the training sessions of the two Doha, the sponsors and the cor- readiness of the stadium were teams at Thani bin Jassim Sta- porate VIP box purchasers. he Local Organising answered and all the security dium. Captain Fahad Bu Hindi said Committee of the Total aspects, arrangements for the He said that it is necessary during the conference that the MoI CAF Super Cup 2019 fi - events accompanying the fans to have everyone present in the had completed its preparations nal, which will be held and many other illustrative mat- stadium early in order to avoid ahead of the match to ensure the forT the fi rst time outside the Af- ters were discussed. overcrowding. More than 20,000 hugely popular event goes through rican continent tomorrow, has The LOC urged the ticket spectators heading at the same without any incident. completed preparations to re- holders to arrive early at Thani time could make fl ow of crowds He said the MoI patrols will ceive the African champions, bin Jassim Stadium to avoid con- diffi cult for the organisers, he secure all routes to assist the fans Esperance Sportive du Tunis, and gestion near the entry gates. said. with easy entry and exit at Thani Raja Casablanca. It was announced that the Khalid al-Kuwari said all pro- bin Jassim Stadium. The details of the event were gates will be opened at 3:30pm motional activities of the event Abdullah al-Hammadi, Event given out during a press confer- tomorrow whereas family ac- were announced soon after it Services Director, said a series of ence, which was attended by tivities will commence two hours was decided to host the Total fan services will be available to Marketing Director Khalid al- prior. CAF Super Cup 2019 in Qatar. He the fans attending the match in Kuwari, Event Services Direc- Tunisian artist Ahmed Shar- said the ticket holders have been Doha. He said every eff ort is be- tor Abdullah al-Hammadi, Head if and Moroccan artist Hatem given all details and information ing done to ensure a memorable of Venue Operation Jassim al- Amro will also perform for spec- related to the match. experience to everyone attending (From left) Head of Venue Operations Jassim al-Jassim, Marketing Director Khalid al-Kuwari and Ministry of Jassim, and Ministry of Interior tators attending the match. He said a certain number of the match. Interior Captain Fahad Bu Hindi address a press conference yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, March 28, 2019 FOOTBALL

EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS Denmark complete stunning comeback to deny Switzerland Morata double gives Spain victory over Malta while resilient Greece hold 10-man Bosnia

Reuters two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw in Basel, Switzerland Bosnia after the hosts had Miralem Pjanic sent off in a pulsating match. The result left both sides on four points enmark’s Henrik Dalsgaard from two games, two behind leaders scored a 93rd-minute equal- Italy who thrashed Lichtenstein 6-0 iser to complete an incredible at home and one ahead of Finland after comeback from three goals their 2-0 win in Armenia. The Armeni- downD to draw 3-3 away against Swit- ans and Lichtenstein have no points. zerland on Tuesday night in a pulsat- Bosnia took a 2-0 lead through Edin ing Euro 2020 qualifi er in Basel. Swit- Visca and Pjanic in the opening 15 min- zerland were on the verge of making it utes but Konstantinos Fortounis pulled two wins out of two at the start of their one back with a penalty and substitute Euro 2020 qualifying campaign but Dimitris Kolovos levelled after Pjanic Dalsgaard outjumped goalkeeper Yann was shown a straight red card for a Sommer to head home and earn Den- reckless tackle on Zeca. mark an astonishing and unlikely point. Roared on by a fervent home crowd, The home team broke the deadlock the Bosnians made a fl ying start as in the 19th minute when Remo Freuler Visca steered in a left-footed shot be- beat Denmark keeper Kasper Sch- fore Pjanic left Greece keeper Odisseas meichel with a cool fi nish for his fi rst Vlachodimos rooted to his line with a international goal. Swiss captain Granit superb free kick from 30 metres. Xhaka hammered home a 20-metre Fortounis drilled in his 64th-minute shot in the 66th minute and Breel Em- spot-kick after he was tripped by Toni bolo made it 3-0 from close range after Sunjic and Pjanic turned from hero to Manuel Akanji jumped highest to head villain barely 60 seconds later after a across goal. studs-up challenge on Portuguese- Yet Denmark came back from the born midfi elder Zeca. dead in the dying moments of the Bosnia keeper Ibrahim Sehic denied match with goals by Mathias Jorgensen, Kolovos with a refl ex save in the 77th substitute Christian Gytkjaer and but was powerless in the 85th as the Dalsgaard in less than 10 minutes. midfi elder drove home an unstoppable In the other game in Group D, Ireland header off the underside of the bar after produced a dominant display to beat a fi ne cross from the right by Zeca. Georgia 1-0 after Conor Hourihane In the day’s early fi xture, close-range gave keeper Giorgi Loria no chance with goals by Fredrik Jensen and Pyry Soiri a brilliant free kick in Mick McCarthy’s gave Finland victory in Armenia, with fi rst home game since he returned for both sides missing chances in an ac- his second spell as Ireland coach. Ire- tion-packed encounter. land, who battled to a 1-0 win away to rank outsiders Gibraltar in blustery EURO 2020 QUALIFYING RESULTS conditions in their opening match on Group D: At Dublin: Ireland 1 (Hourihane Saturday, lead the way with six points 36) Georgia 0; At Basel, Switzerland: from two games. Switzerland, who beat Switzerland 3 (Freuler 19, Xhaka 66, Georgia 2-0 in Tbilisi in their opener, Embolo 76) Denmark 3 (M. Jorgensen are second with four points. Switzer- 84, Gytkjaer 88, Dalsgaard 90) land visit Ireland on Sept. 5 in their next match in the group while Ireland Group F: At Ta’Qali, Malta: Malta 0 are away to Denmark on June 7. Spain 2 (Morata 31, 73); At Oslo: Norway In Ta’Qali, Alvaro Morata’s remarka- Denmark’s Henrik Dalsgaard (centre) celebrates after scoring against Switzerland in the Euro 2020 qualifying Group D match in Basel, Switzerland. (Reuters) 3 (Johnsen 41, King 59, Kamara 90) ble revival continued as he scored twice Sweden 3 (Claesson 70, Quaison 86, 90); for Spain in a 2-0 victory over Malta. ment, the striker extending his return Euros so it was important to win today.” pitch too as only three players — Ser- hour, owed much to Malta’s goalkeeper At Cluj, Romania: Romania 4 (Deac 26, After edging past Norway 2-1 on Sat- to form since he joined Atletico Madrid Malta lie 182nd in FIFA’s world gio Ramos, Morata and Marco Asen- Henry Bonello, who failed to stop the Keseru 29, 33, Puscas 63) Faroe Islands 1 urday, Morata’s double at the Ta’Qali on loan from Chelsea in January. rankings, between Liechtenstein and sio — retained their places in a much- forward’s scuff ed fi nish after Her- (V. Davidsen 40-pen) stadium gives Spain two wins from two He has fi ve goals in six games, his Macau. Their win over the Faroe Is- changed line-up from the team that moso’s clipped pass over the top. Sergi Group J: At Yerevan: Armenia 0 Finland in Euro 2020 qualifying and the perfect best return since September 2017, and lands last weekend was their fi rst in 17 beat Norway. Six of Spain’s starting 11 Roberto’s cross almost gave Morata his 2 (Jensen 14, Soiri 78); At Zenica, Bosnia start in Group F. has strengthened his case for a posi- matches and only their second in al- owned fi ve caps or fewer, including Real second, only for the glancing header to and Herzegovina: Bosnia and Herze- Luis Enrique’s side again showed tion that has proved so troublesome for most four years. Luis Enrique was ab- Betis’ attacking midfi elder Sergio Ca- fl ash wide, but he did not have long to govina 2 (Visca 10, Pjanic 15) Greece the inability to convert possession into Spain in recent years. “The boss knows sent for “personal reasons”, leaving his nales and Mario Hermoso, the 23-year- wait. Jesus Navas delivered another ball 2 (Fortounis 64-pen, Kolovos 85); At chances that clouded their early exit how happy I am to be here and I am assistant Robert Moreno in charge on old Espanyol defender linked with a to the back post in the 73rd minute and Parma, Italy: Italy 6 (Sensi 17, Verratti 32, from last year’s World Cup. But Mor- grateful to him,” Morata said. “We want the touchline. summer move to Real Madrid. this time Morata made no mistake. Quagliarella 35-pen, 45-pen, Kean 69, ata’s brace off ers room for encourage- to qualify as soon as possible for the There were unfamiliar faces on the Morata’s fi rst, shortly after the half- Meanwhile, Greece fought back from Pavoletti 76 Liechtenstein 0

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Quagliarella returns to make Italy history Bayern sign defender Hernandez AFP Parma, Italy from Atletico for 80mn euros

Reuters abio Quagliarella at- Berlin tributed his new-found serenity after years of a stalker nightmare to his ayern Munich have signed Lucas stunningF form as the 36-year-old Hernandez from Atletico Madrid for on Tuesday became the oldest 80mn euros ($89.98mn) and the defend- player to score for Italy. The play- er will join the club in July, the German er from Castellammare di Stabia championsB said yesterday. The 23-year-old, who near Naples converted two penal- has agreed a fi ve-year contract with Bayern, had ties in a crushing 6-0 Euro 2020 been on the wish list of several major European qualifying win by the Azzurri teams after he was part of France’s 2018 World over Liechtenstein in Parma. Cup-winning side. “I am very happy that we Italy top Group J with six managed to get one of the best defenders in the points after also beating Finland world and a world champion,” said Bayern sports 2-0 in Udine on Saturday with director Hasan Salihamidzic. “Lucas can play goals from youngsters Nicolo both as a central defender as well as a left back.” Barella, 22, and 19-year-old Hernandez will undergo surgery later yester- Moise Kean. Bosnia threw away day, Bayern said, after his medical revealed some a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with ligament damage in his right knee. The club doc- Greece and both are behind Italy tor, Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt, said he periods and lost to Liverpool in the Champions on four points followed by Fin- would be ready for start of next season. League Round of 16 in their earliest exit from the land on three. Serie A top scorer The player will refresh Bayern’s backline, competition in years. Quagliarella has earned his recall which has faced some criticism this campaign. They are level on 60 points with Borussia to Roberto Mancini’s new-look Italy’s forward Fabio Quagliarella (left) attempts to get past Liechtenstein’s goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel Current central defenders Jerome Boateng and Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga. “Today Italy thanks to his 21 goals in 28 during the Euro 2020 Group J qualifying match in Parma, Italy, on Tuesday night. (AFP) Mats Hummels have been far from their 2014 is a very important day in my career,” said Her- league games, two more than World Cup-winning best and have recently been nandez. “I am proud to be fi ghting for titles for Portuguese star Cristiano Ron- story in 2017, when his persecu- Marco Verratti adding a second bar before Liechtenstein’s Daniel dropped from the Germany national team. Bayern in the future. I want to thank Atletico, aldo has managed for Juventus. tor was sentenced to almost fi ve after 32 minutes. Kean nodded in Kaufmann was sent off for han- Bayern have endured an inconsistent season the management, team mates and the fans for 12 And he marked his return for years in prison. his second Italy goal on 69 min- dling a Verratti clearance with having spent little during the last two transfer wonderful years.” the Azzurri after nearly nine “It’s a wonderful evening,” utes with substitute Leonardo Quagliarella taking the second years by converting a penalty said the veteran forward after Pavoletti, 30, who got his fi rst penalty on 43 minutes. Pavoletti on 35 minutes, adding a second, scoring his ninth goal in 27 caps Italy start in the second half to re- got his senior Azzurri debut and also from the spot, just before for Italy. His fi rst international place Quagliarella, adding a sixth. Quagliarella received a stand- Chapecoense plane crash survivor dies playing football the break. The Sampdoria player start was in March 2007, with his “After failing to qualify for the ing ovation as he left the Stadio at 36 years and 54 days becomes last in June 2010, before Mancini World Cup we wanted to bring Tardini pitch. “This standing Rio de Janeiro: Journalist Chapecoense team losing their feelings and prayers of all the the oldest player to score for It- revived his international career. enthusiasm back to the group and ovation is a memory I will always Rafael Henzel, one of just six lives. “He was playing football Chapecoenses, fans and listen- aly, overtaking Christian Panucci “Quagliarella deserved this to the fans,” said Verratti. cherish,” said Quagliarella. “I survivors of the 77 people on with friends when he had a ers, are with you,” the football who was 35 years and 62 days call, because he is the Capocan- Quagliarella and Sensi started also thank Mancini who gave me board the plane that crashed heart attack. He was rushed club said on it’s website. when he netted in 2008. “I don’t noniere (top scorer) in Serie A up front with Juventus forward this opportunity.” carrying the Brazilian football to hospital in Chapeco, where Henze published a book in feel my age, I feel good and I’m this season,” said the Italy coach. Kean in a three-man attack. The Four minutes later the Cagliari team Chapecoense in 2016, unfortunately he was declared June 2017 titled “Live each day very serene,” said Quagliarella, “I want to thank my teammates,” veteran striker was denied early forward completed the rout off has died of heart attack that dead,” Radio Oeste Capital as if it were your last”. “I have whose career had been blighted continued Quagliarella. “After before Leonardo Spinazzola set a rebound as Italy — European struck while he was play- reported. two dates of birth,” he said in by a stalker who forced him to the two goals they encouraged me up Sensi to head in for his fi rst champions in 1968 and runners- ing soccer with friends, his The Brazilian club said on his book. leave Naples in 2010. to get a third one too, but it didn’t senior Italy goal after 17 minutes. up in 2000 and 2012 — kept their employers Radio Oeste Capital its website: “Throughout his “I am Brazilian and Colom- For months, a former police- happen. I thank Jorginho and (Le- Verratti broke through to curl unbeaten run in qualifi ers going announced yesterday. brilliant career, Rafael told bian and it won’t be enough man sent hundreds of anony- onardo) Bonucci because they’re in the second after 32 minutes for back nearly 13 years. “Mission Henze, 45, had been on the the story of Chapecoense, We merely to live, I have to justify mous letters to his club Napoli the penalty takers and they his second goal in the Azzurri jer- accomplished,” said Mancini. plane to Medellin in Novem- wholeheartedly hope that the it,” he explained. claiming the player was involved told me to kick. They said: ‘The sey. Italy were awarded a penalty “The result was obvious, but ber 2016 as a radio journalist family will have the strength to Three footballers and two of in organised crime, paedophilia evening is yours, you kick it’.” for a Nicolas Hasler handball and it was important that we score when the aircraft ran out of face yet another diff icult time the plane crew also survived and drug traffi cking. Quagliarella Stefano Sensi had headed Italy Quagliarella made no mistake. A goals.” Italy next play Greece and fuel, with 19 members of the and this irreparable loss. The the crash. was only able to tell the whole in front after 17 minutes with searing Kean eff ort clipped the Bosnia in June. Gulf Times Thursday, March 28, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Alexander-Arnold a doubt for Tottenham clash London: Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold is a doubt for Sunday’s Premier Jesus brace hands Brazil League game against Totten- ham Hotspur due to a back in- jury, manager Juergen Klopp has said. The injury forced Alexander-Arnold to withdraw from England’s squad for their Euro 2020 qualifiers against win over Czech Republic the Czech Republic and Montenegro during the recent international break. “Trent still feels his back. Mexico down Paraguay, USA draw with Chile to remain unbeaten under Berhalter We’re not 100% sure so we have to watch him,” Klopp told Liverpool’s website. “It’s not an obvious injury that you can say something is broke or whatever, it’s just a bit an- noying actually that he cannot feel really free.” Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri should be fit for the weekend after recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of international duty and Klopp also revealed that centre back Joe Gomez had started training again. Gomez has been sidelined since hav- ing surgery to mend a lower leg fracture he picked up at the start of December and is training away from the rest of the squad. “Joe is not injured anymore and nearly fit after a long time,” Klopp added. “I think Joe was out for 15 weeks. That’s long so he needs to now create the basis again for the rest of the season.” Midfielder Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain, who has not played since rupturing a ligament in his right knee last April, has suff ered a minor setback after sustaining a muscle injury playing for the under-23s. “Ox is positive, we are all positive,” Klopp said. “It was a little setback. That’s how it is. We’re careful of course... and I think he’ll be in training in a week again.” League leaders Liverpool are two points ahead of Man- chester City having played a game more but could find themselves back in second before Spurs visit Anfield, with Brazil’s forward Gabriel Jesus (centre) scores during the friendly match against Czech Republic in Prague, Czech Republic, on Tuesday. (AFP) City travelling to second-bot- tom Fulham on Saturday. AFP inside the box and fi ring home. “I’m were more creative in the fi rst-half, ternational goal ended as he opened the Midfi elder Christian Pulisic scored Prague super happy with Gabriel Jesus, I’m we lacked this aspect,” said Tite. “The scoring in the sixth minute of his 40th early but limped off with a quadri- glad I gave him a chance in the second fi rst-half was tough, I was upset with appearance for Mexico. ceps injury Tuesday as the United half,” said Brazil coach Tite, praising the the passing, but second-half substitu- A Gustavo Gomez own goal in the States remained unbeaten under coach ubstitute Gabriel Jesus scored 72nd-minute substitute for his off en- tions allowed us to combine better.” ninth and Javier Hernandez’s strike in Gregg Berhalter with a 1-1 friendly twice in the closing minutes to sive drive. The Selecao dominated the Both teams entered the game with the 24th extended Mexico’s lead, and draw against Chile. Pulisic became the help Brazil come from behind to opening minutes, but the Czechs soon mixed feelings. The Czechs were di- Luis Montes added a fourth in injury youngest American to score 10 interna- beat the Czech Republic 3-1 in a levelled the game. Czech striker Patrick gesting a 5-0 loss to England in a Euro time — after Paraguay had second- tional goals when he opened the scoring friendlyS in Prague on Tuesday night. The Schick had the fi rst shot on goal of the 2020 qualifi er at Wembley on Satur- half goals from Hernan Perez and Der- in Houston in the fourth minute. Manchester City striker fi rst slammed game, forcing a diving save from Alisson day, their worst defeat in memory. And lis Gonzalez. The victory followed a 3-1 The lead lasted just fi ve minutes as home a cross from David Neres who had at his right post with a low left-footed Brazil, preparing to host this year’s win over South American champions Oscar Opazo knotted the score at 1-1 sprinted down the left fl ank following a free kick defl ected by the wall. Copa America which starts on June 14, Chile in a friendly last week — an en- with a left-footed blast in the ninth, superb pass from Danilo on 83 minutes. The Czechs kept trying their luck were held to a 1-1 draw by Panama in a couraging start for Argentina’s Martino, completing a sequence that saw US And then in the 90th minute, Jesus from long range, but Vladimir Darida friendly in Porto on the same day. who was presented as manager in Janu- defenders Omar Gonzalez and Matt scored on a rebound of his own shot af- fi red past the post and Filip Novak saw “Of course we will assess all players’ ary saying he was taking on the quest Miazga beaten. Berhalter had enjoyed ter a series of clinical passes inside the his attempt stopped by Alisson. performances in these two games — but to end Mexico’s “quarter-fi nals curse” a perfect start since taking over as the Czech box. The Czechs took the lead in Brazil had a lone shot on goal in the we still have time before the fi nal nomi- that has dogged the team for the past fulltime coach in December last year, the 37th minute when midfi elder David fi rst-half but Czech keeper Jiri Pav- nation for the Copa America,” said Tite. seven World Cups and will do all he can the most recent win a victory over Ec- Pavelka found himself in possession be- lenka had little trouble parrying away Mexico made it two wins in two to steer them to the long-sought fi fth uador last Thursday. South American hind a leaky Brazil defence and slammed Casemiro’s free kick. In the second matches under coach Gerardo “Tata” match in Qatar in 2022. In contrast, Ar- champions Chile were smarting from a the ball in past Alisson. period, Philippe Coutinho saw his low Martino on Tuesday with a 4-2 victory gentinian Eduardo Berizzo, named to 3-1 defeat to Mexico on Friday. But the Roberto Firmino equalised four min- shot cleared by a diving Pavlenka while over Paraguay in a friendly internation- coach Paraguay in February, endured a worst news for the Americans was Puli- utes after half-time, picking up a pass substitute Neres fi red into the Bremen al at Santa Clara, United States. Jonath- second straight defeat in two matches sic’s quadriceps injury and he was be aimed at Czech sweeper Marek Suchy keeper from close range. “The Czechs an dos Santos’ long wait for a fi rst in- in charge. replaced by Sebastian Lletget.

OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS FRIENDLY Dramatic wins for Congo, Zimbabwe Late Correa goal gives Argentina AFP and fellow substitute Delic Murimba added Algeria’s next opponents will be Ghana, Johannesburg a second goal fi ve minutes into stoppage who drew 0-0 away to Gabon in Libreville in morale-boosting victory time for a 2-0 victory in the second leg and a tie eff ectively decided last week when the overall. Algeria, Ghana, Mali, South Africa Ghanaians romped to a 4-0 fi rst leg victory. Reuters ongo Brazzaville and Zimbabwe and Sudan also advanced to the third elimi- Sudan did well to force a 0-0 draw against Tangier, Morocco snatched dramatic victories on nation round in June, but far less dramati- Kenya in Nairobi and progress 2-0 over- Tuesday during the fi nal day of the cally. all to a tough third round challenge against second round of African qualifying South Africa outplayed Angola 3-0 in Jo- former Olympic gold medallists Nigeria. rgentina’s Angel Correa inC for 2020 Olympic football tournament. hannesburg to seal a 6-1 aggregate victory Apart from winning the 1996 Atlanta scored seven minutes After a goalless fi rst leg last week, the Con- with Jamie Webber, Teboho Mokoena and Games gold medals, the Nigerians fi nished from time to snatch a golese were trailing Burundi 1-0 at home Luther Singh scoring. It was an impressive second in Beijing in 2008 and third in Rio 1-0 win away to Mo- in the return match as the stadium clock showing by the South Africans whose coach, de Janeiro three years ago. Mali, whose only roccoA in a friendly on Tuesday reached 90 minutes in Brazzaville. David Notoane, had complained before the previous Olympics appearance was in 2004, and a much needed boost after But the never-say-die spirit of the home tie about having only three days to prepare. scored three late goals to crush Ethiopia 4-0 their weekend defeat by Vene- team prevailed with Massanga Matondo Algeria were a much improved side in the in Bamako and go through 5-1 on aggregate. zuela. Correa came off the bench equalising and Guy Mbenza converting a second half as they triumphed 3-1 at home The second leg hung in the balance at 1-0 to score after being set up by stoppage-time penalty for a 2-1 win on the against Equatorial Guinea after a goalless to the home side until Siaka Bagayoko, Al- Matias Suarez to add some gloss day and on aggregate. Mozambique and fi rst leg. Adem Zorgane put the Algeri- iou Dieng and Bourama Doumbia netted in a to an unconvincing week for the Zimbabwe also drew 0-0 in their fi rst meet- ans ahead before half-time and Bilal Ben- 10-minute blitz. Argentines, who had talisman ing and 87 minutes into the second leg in hamouda and Aymen Mahious stretched Olympics qualifi ers are restricted to un- Lionel Messi back in the team on Harare there were still no goals. the advantage to three goals before Mariano der-23 footballers with three over-age stars Friday in Madrid but lost 3-1 to Obriel Chirinda then broke the deadlock Ondo notched a consolation goal. permitted at the fi nals. Venezuela. Paulo Dybala led the attack on Tuesday in place of the absent FOCUS Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel di Maria but there were few clear chances in a clash that was tem- pestuous in the fi rst half with the beIN SPORTS to broadcast documentary referee having to hand out four cautions. A swirling wind made it dif- Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui (right) vies for the ball with Argentina’s on the transformation of football fi cult to play in the second half Angel Correa during the friendly match in Tangiers. (AFP) but Correa needed no second eIN SPORTS, the global sports Silva, Nigel de Jong, Paul Clement, Jose improved referee performances during the invitation when handed the late Kodja’s last-gasp penalty gave conjured up a superb individ- broadcaster, will show an exclu- Mourinho, Arsene Wenger and Pierluigi 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Legends opportunity, running across the Ivory Coast a 1-0 win over Libe- ual goal for Senegal, slaloming sive documentary titled How Foot- Collina all take part and give their opinions Wenger and Mourinho also discuss the diffi - face of goal before hooking the ria in Abidjan, while Nigeria beat through the Mali defence to score ball Changed this today at 10pm on on the transformation of players, managers, culties of managing modern day players, the ball back across goalkeeper Yas- Egypt 1-0 with Danish-based an 87th minute winner as they beINb SPORTS HD 1, which viewers across sports science and referees in the game. importance of a well-balanced structure in sine Bounou and into the net. striker Paul Onuachu scoring af- triumphed 2-1 in Dakar. the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) The documentary highlights how football a football club and how a change in society It was Argentina’s last game ter nine seconds in Asaba after a Algeria’s Baghdad Bounedjah can enjoy exclusively on the leading sports has changed in the past 30 years with dis- has aff ected player’s attitude. before they start the Copa Aner- defensive blunder. converted a 69th minute pen- channel. The documentary will feature cussions on modern day players, managers, Following interviews with Wenger, Mour- ica in Brazil against Colombia in Egypt were again without Mo alty to ensure a 1-0 victory over former and current legendary players, man- sports science and referees. inho and many other sport fi gures, beIN Salvador in June when Morocco Salah, who missed the weekend neighbours Tunisia in Blida. The agers and referees such as Marcel Desailly, In the documentary, former Italian ref- SPORTS continues to deliver the best con- will be at the Africa Cup of Na- trip to Niger after being given friendly internationals followed Ruud Gullit, Peter Schmeichel, Andy Cole, eree Pierluigi Collina discusses the ben- tent for its viewers and fans with the very tions in Egypt. permission to stay in Liverpool. the weekend’s last round of Na- Tarak Dhiab, Mohamed Abutrika, Gilberto efi ts of technology in football and how it best in the world of sport. In other friendlies, Jonathan But his club mate Sadio Mane tions Cup qualifi ers. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, March 28, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Halep moves closer to reclaiming World Bautista Agut beats No. 1 ranking

AFP knowing landing the title would Miami have made her the fi rst Chinese woman in the top 10 since Li Na retired at the end of 2014. She omania’s Simona Ha- responded strongly in her fi rst Djokovic to reach lep moved closer to Miami quarter-fi nal after falling reclaiming the world behind. number one rank- The world number 18 was all ingR yesterday advancing into over the Halep service game, the WTA and ATP Miami Open which had showed signs of weak- semi-fi nals by defeating China’s ness early on, returning with Wang Qiang 6-4, 7-5. real aggression to establish a 5-1 Following Tuesday’s exit of lead — a run that saw her win 12 Miami quarters Petra Kvitova, Halep needs only points in a row. Halep managed to reach Saturday’s fi nal at Hard to regain composure and broke Rock Stadium to knock Japan’s for 5-2 as Wang started to get Spaniard claims second win over the World No 1 this year Naomi Osaka from atop the nervous. The reigning French women’s rankings despite her Open champion broke again and Reuters second major title in this year’s suddenly had the chance to draw Miami Australian Open. level in the second set. Halep will try to reach her fi rst That chance looked lost as South Florida fi nal and reclaim Wang stormed 0-40 up on the tenacious Roberto Bautista the top spot by defeating the Romanian’s serve, but Halep su- Agut battled back to beat world winner of a later all-Czech con- perbly saved all three sets points number one Novak Djokovic test between world number fi ve before a brilliant running fore- 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 and advance to Karolina Pliskova and Marketa hand winner down the line to theA quarter-fi nals of the Miami Open on Vondrousova. A fantastic recov- equalise 5-5. Another break gave Tuesday as the Spaniard claimed his sec- ery from 1-5 down in the second her the platform to serve for the ond win over the Serb this year. set showed a mental toughness match, which was sealed when Six-times champion Djokovic blasted displayed by only the very best. Wang hit long. the 22nd seed off the court in the opening “I started well and played On Tuesday, world number set but Bautista Agut grew more aggres- some smart tennis but in the sec- two Petra Kvitova slumped to a sive in the second, stepping in to take his ond set, she started to raise her surprise 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 6-2 de- second serves early and baiting his oppo- game,” Halep said. “My coach feat to Australian Ashleigh Barty. nent into extended rallies. said I was rushing a bit so I man- It was Barty’s fi rst win over Kvi- The tide turned in Bautista Agut’s fa- aged to calm down. That was tova having gone into the clash vour in the third when, after both play- great advice.” 0-4. She will play Anett Kon- ers exchanged service breaks, an un- Halep converted seven of eight taveit for a place in Saturday’s characteristically sloppy Djokovic sent a break points and hit 24 win- fi nal after the Estonian brought backhand wide to fall behind 4-2. Three ners compared to 14 from Wang, an end to Hsieh Su-Wei’s im- games later Bautista Agut smacked a whose fi rst serve percentage pressive run with a 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 forehand winner down the line to seal the dipped to 47%. Wang was aim- victory to reach the last four in win, which was reminiscent of Bautista ing for her own slice of history, South Florida for the fi rst time. Agut’s come-from-behind victory over Djokovic in the semi-fi nals of the Qatar Open in January. “The key of the match was at the beginning of the second set,” Bautista Agut said after his latest victory “I played more aggressive.” The loss capped a disappointing trip through the United States for Djokovic, who fell in straight sets to Philipp Kohls- chreiber in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells earlier this month. The Serb said he would “rethink” how he prepared for the early-season American swing next year. “I just had way too many things off the court,” he said. “I guess that aff ected me a little bit on the court. I didn’t feel my best health-wise, as well, in Indian Wells and here. You know, still rusty, but, hey, look, you learn that’s life.” Djokovic was eliminated before an evening rain delay pushed Roger Federer’s match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev back last night. Next up for Bautista Agut is a quarter-fi nal date with defending champion John Isner, who was a 7-6(5), Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Miami Open. (AFP) 7-6(3) winner over Britain’s Kyle Edmund earlier in the day. double break in the third. Kyrgios said he Kyrgios has made headlines all week in 2007. Canadian teenager Denis Shapo- Nick Kyrgios continued to mix the ob- did not regret having a go at the spectator. Miami for his controversial underhanded valov advanced to the quarter-fi nals with scene with the sublime as he bowed out “I’m playing for two hours and 20 min- serves, a verbal spat with another specta- a 4-6 6-3 7-6(3) win over Greece’s Ste- of the tournament at the hands of Borna utes, and a guy yells at me, like ‘play some tor who was heckling him, and for fi ring fanos Tsitsipas, the tournament’s eighth Coric. The Australian produced perhaps tennis’,” Kyrgios explained. off an expletive-laden rant at an umpire seed. With compatriot Auger-Aliassime the shot of the tournament, an audacious “I’m not going to take it... Probably during a doubles match. also in the quarters, it is the fi rst time in ‘tweener’ that caught a fl at-footed Coric not needed, but at that time, when you’re Up next for Coric will be a clash with 12 years that two teenagers have reached off guard early in his 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 loss to competing and in the heat of the mo- 18-year-old Canadian Felix Auger-Ali- this stage of the tournament, after Andy the 11th seed. ment, it’s probably not what you want to assime, who beat Georgian 17th seed Murray and Djokovic accomplished the Kyrgios was later given a point penalty hear. If I swear or something, then I’ll lose Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-6(4) 6-4 to be- feat as 19-year-olds in 2007. Shapovalov for an audible obscenity, apparently di- the point. That’s why I didn’t argue it. I come the fi rst qualifi er to reach the last will take on American Frances Tiafoe in Simona Halep of Romania hits a forehand during her match against rected at a spectator, that put him down a just walked to my chair.” eight in Miami since Guillermo Canas in the next round. Qiang Wang of China at the Miami Open yesterday. (AFP)

HOCKEY GOLF Mandeep Reed, Spieth seeking spark at WGC-Match Play shines in Reuters India's win Austin asters champions Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth enter this week’s over Canada WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play desperately seeking to break Mout of slumps as they prepare for the year’s fi rst IANS Ipoh, Malaysia major championship in a fortnight. Both looking for a spark as the annual trip to Augusta approaches, the Americans will be ontinuing its winning run, the India sternly tested in the fi ery cauldron of match play hammered Canada 7-3 in the Sultan at the fi ve-day tournament at Austin Country Azlan Shah Cup yesterday. They will Club in Texas. After a solid start to the year, face South Korea in the fi nal. Man- reigning Masters champion Reed has suddenly deepC Singh starred for India with a brilliant gone off the boil. He fi nished a mediocre equal hat-trick (20th, 27th and 29th minute). 47th at the Players Championship two weeks A third win each for India and South Ko- ago, before shooting scores of 77 and 75 at the rea took their points to 10 apiece, with India Valspar Championship last week to miss the cut ahead on goal diff erence. At six points from by a country mile. Alarmed, he put out an SOS four matches, third-placed Malaysia now to renowned instructor David Leadbetter, who can’t can’t chase the top two teams on the has quickly agreed to work with the defending leaderboard. Malaysia have six points from Masters champion. two wins and two defeats and they will wrap Leadbetter fi rst made his name by recon- up the fi xtures with Canada tomorrow. structing Nick Faldo’s swing back in the mid India took the lead in the 12th minute af- 1980s, which set the stage for the Englishman ter Varun Kumar converted a penalty corner to win six major titles. His other clients have in- After a solid start to the year, before Mandeep Singh tore apart the oppo- cluded former world number one Nick Price and reigning Masters champion sition with three goals in quick succession. child prodigy Michelle Wie. Spieth, meanwhile, Patrick Reed has suddenly Amit Rohidas scored the team’s fi fth goal in is enduring the fi rst prolonged slump of his still gone off the boil. (AFP) the 39th minute through another penalty young career and has not had a top 30 fi nish all corner. Youngsters Vivek Sagar Prasad and year. “Everyone goes through ups and downs Nilakanta Sharma then joined the party by in every part of their game,” the 2015 Masters Irishman Rory McIlroy is up against long-hit- land’s Matthew Fitzpatrick and South African The match play is no longer a knockout event scoring splendid fi eld goals in the 55th and champion said on Tuesday. “I maybe started to ting American Luke List. Justin Harding. from day one. Instead, the 64 players have been 58th minute, respectively. get over-analytical and a little too emotional This will be McIlroy’s only appearance be- “You play the person, or you play the course divided into 16 groups of four. Everyone plays For Canada, Mark Pearson (35’), Fin instead of fi guring what got off , where it got off tween his Players Championship victory and and you don’t really react or respond to who everyone else in their group over the fi rst three Boothroyd (50’) and James Wallace (57’) and how to get better.” the Masters, where he will have a chance to you’re playing against,” he said. “Every match, days, after which the player with the best record sounded the board. India will next face Po- Spieth plays fellow American Billy Horschel, complete the career grand slam. McIlroy said it’s like you’re playing in contention with some- in each group advances to the 16-man knockout land in their last group match on Friday. while Reed faces compatriot Andrew Putnam. there were two ways to approach match play. thing on the line. I don’t want to call it a prac- phase over the weekend. Woods and McIlroy In another match, Japan secured their fi rst Tiger Woods, in his fi rst match play appearance McIlroy will open against big-hitting American tice week but at the same time it’s a good test to will face off in the round-of-16 on Saturday if win by beating Poland 3-0. since 2013, plays Aaron Wise, while Northern Luke List, in a group that also includes Eng- make sure your head’s in the right place.” they win their respective groups. Gulf Times Thursday, March 28, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Bosh ‘at peace’ with retirement as Heat Clippers and Celtics retire his number

AFP whole, and I have a diff erent Miami mindset now. “Although we all do something and we get to experience things, you’ve got hris Bosh, who joined to cherish it because you never clinch playoff berths LeBron James and know when it’s going to stop.” Dwyane Wade as the For a time Bosh stubbornly ‘We executed our game plan, especially defensively, just to make it tough on DeMar and LaMarcus’ Miami Heat’s “Big resisted the idea that he would CThree” before blood clots have to retire, but he said that AFP ended his NBA career, saw his now he is “100 percent at Los Angeles jersey No. 1 retired by the Heat peace” with retirement. on Tuesday. Bosh spent his fi rst seven Bosh turned up with his two seasons with the Toronto he red-hot Los Angeles Clippers NBA championship rings to Raptors, and when he joined clinched an NBA playoff berth on be feted at AmericanAirlines superstars James and Wade Tuesday with their sixth win in a Arena, where his jersey was in Miami in 2010 he was no row, Danilo Gallinari scoring 25 raised to the rafters to hang longer the face of a franchise. Tpoints in a 122-111 victory over the Min- alongside those of Heat greats His individual stats declined nesota Timberwolves. Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hard- as he became one of a leading The Clippers are back in the post-sea- away and Shaquille O’Neal. trio, but the Heat contended son after missing out last year, becom- No doubt those of Wade, for titles and Heat coach Erik ing the fi fth Western Conference team to James and Udonis Haslem Spoelstra still appreciates the punch their ticket. will one day join them. In the adjustment Bosh made. In the East the Boston Celtics’ playoff meantime Wade, playing what “You’re talking about spot was confi rmed with a 116-106 win he says is his fi nal NBA sea- somebody that was 25, 26 over the Cleveland Cavaliers, coupled son, was content to introduce years old that was face of the with the Detroit Pistons’ 95-92 loss to the Bosh during the halftime cer- franchise for his team that Denver Nuggets. emony, which followed video drafted him, goes into free Al Horford and Marcus Smart came up montages of some of Bosh’s agency, could’ve gotten full big for the Celtics in the fourth quarter in signature moments in a Heat max contracts from multiple Cleveland. Boston were clinging to a 96- uniform. teams, but he chose to come 94 lead at the 6:26 mark of the fi nal period Bosh, who turned 35 on here, sacrifi ced fi nancially and when the veteran Celtics duo exploded, Sunday, said that in 2016, af- – just as importantly – sacri- combining to out-score the Cavaliers 15-6 ter blood clots returned in his fi ced a role,” Spoelstra said. over the next 4min 20sec and putting the leg after fi rst appearing on his Bosh said that even more visitors up 111-100. lungs, he would not have con- than the titles, he’ll remember Smart delivered a dagger with 2:19 re- templated a night like Tuesday. the camaraderie of his Heat maining, connecting on a layup and con- “I didn’t even think of re- years. “A lot of the older guys verting a free throw to put the Celtics up tirement,” he said. “I was say, ‘Oh yeah, you’re going to by nine. more so concentrated on what remember the bus rides,’ and Lower in the table the battle continued was next for the team, what it’s true,” he said. to rage for the last remaining berths, the was next for myself, the next “Because those are the times Orlando Magic leapfrogging the Miami practice the next day, the next when guys are trying to fi gure Heat for the eighth and fi nal spot with a game, to get better. That was things out, picking guys up when 104-99 victory at Miami. my mindset at the time. guys are down, usually getting The Heat squandered an early 17 point “For everything to happen through the tough moments and lead and lost for the third time in four so fast, it just shows you how having those moments of vul- games this season against Orlando – things can change. nerability with some of the best which gives the Magic the playoff tie- “I’m humbled, I’m grate- to play the game and share those breaker. The defeat spoiled Miami’s cel- ful for the experience that I’ve experiences – not only do that, ebrations honouring former Heat star had here and in the league as a but prevail.” Chris Bosh, whose jersey No. 1 was retired at an emotional halftime ceremony. But more importantly it dropped the Heat out of playoff position in ninth place in the East, just one game ahead of the 10th-placed Charlotte Hornets – who downed the San Antonio Spurs 125-116 in overtime. Kemba Walker scored 11 of his 38 points in the extra session as the Hor- nets notched a fourth straight win. They had lost all four of their previous overtime games this season.

HORNETS ‘STILL TRYING’ Charlotte withstood a 30-point game from Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge’s 20 points and 15 re- bounds. “This was an unbelievable team eff ort,” Walker said. “We executed our game plan, especially defensively, just to make it tough on De- Los Angeles Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari (right) passes the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins in the Mar and LaMarcus as much as possible.” third quarter of their NBA game at Target Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports With the regular season winding down, he called the win “super-important.” That showdown fi zzled as Milwaukee’s fi rst half, once Milwaukee took the lead “We’ve still trying to accomplish a goal Eric Bledsoe imposed himself, leading the they wouldn’t relinquish it, out-scoring RESULTS here,” he said of keeping the Hornets’ Bucks with 23 points. the Rockets 28-2 on fast-break points and Lakers 124-106 Washington playoff hopes alive. “Anything is possi- Antetokounmpo added 19 points and 14 46-36 in the paint and making the most of ble.” rebounds for the Bucks, but didn’t score 13 Rockets turnovers. Sacramento 125-121 Dallas The Clippers’ win cemented a spot as Milwaukee seized control in the third “We got open shots, we couldn’t knock Orlando 104-99 Miami that was clearly on the cards. Lou Wil- quarter. them down,” Harden said. Toronto 112-103 Chicago liams added 20 points off the bench for He didn’t need to as Bledsoe erupted on “We competed. They went on a run in the Clippers, whose reserves out-scored an 11-0 run of his own early in the third on that third quarter and that was it.” Charlotte 125-116 San Antonio Minnesota’s bench 53-25. the way to 16 points in the period. Harden wasn’t discouraged, noting that Boston 116-106 Cleveland The playoff -bound Rockets dropped to Harden led the Rockets with 23 points, with seven games left in the regular sea- Denver 95-92 Detroit fourth in the West with a 108-94 loss to 10 rebounds and seven assists. Clint son the Rockets, after a stuttering start Milwaukee 108-94 Houston the Milwaukee Bucks in a game billed as a Capela added a 17-point, 11-rebound to the season, can still snatch the second Former Miami Heat player Chris Bosh yells during his jersey clash between Most Valuable Player can- double-double, and Chris Paul added 19 seed in the West. Clippers 122-111 Minnesota retirement ceremony at half-time of the game between Miami didates James harden and Giannis Ante- points and nine assists. “Who would have known after being in Atlanta 130-120 New Orleans Heat and Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. PICTURE: okounmpo. Although the Rockets led by 11 in the the 14th spot,” he said. USA TODAY Sports

NHL Steel’s fi rst hat-trick helps Ducks edge Canucks left in the middle frame. The penalty shot Reuters RESULTS Vancouer was awarded after offi cials ruled that Ca- Washington 4-1 Carolina nucks winger Markus Granlund fl ipped a dis- carded broken stick into the path of the puck Columbus 4-0 Islanders ookie Sam Steel scored three goals, as the Ducks were attempting a pass along including one on a penalty shot, as Montreal 6-1 Florida Vancouver’s blue line. the visiting Anaheim Ducks edged Ottawa 4-0 Buff alo Rakell sent the Ducks ahead 4-2 at 7:44 of the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 on the third period, putting home a high shot on Edmonton 8-4 Los Angeles TuesdayR night. a power play while Teves was serving a hook- Steel, 21, now has four goals in 18 career Anaheim 5-4 Vancouver ing penalty. NHL games. He has split his fi rst pro season Arizona 1-0 Chicago Sherwood netted the winner at 11:22, capi- between the Ducks and their AHL farm team talising on a Canucks giveaway, but Leivo and in San Diego. The Ducks hung on for the win debut for the Canucks after signing as a free Pearson scored 54 seconds apart to close the after leading 5-2 early in the third period. agent March 12 upon the completion of his gap. They posted their fourth victory in six games collegiate career with Princeton. Teves re- while the Canucks took their third consecu- ceived a rude introduction to the NHL as he CAPS KNOCK OFF HURRICANES, tive home-ice loss. was caught up the ice on Steel’s breakaway EXPAND METRO LEAD Despite getting the win, Anaheim was goal 9:09 into the game. Alex Ovechkin scored the tiebreaking goal eliminated from playoff contention when Teves’ defense partner, Alex Biega, was early in the third period, and the Washington the Arizona Coyotes beat the Chicago Black- also caught up the ice as he fell on the play, Capitals went on to defeat the visiting Caro- hawks 1-0. leaving center Elias Pettersson to chase Steel lina Hurricanes 4-1 on Tuesday. Another Ducks rookie, Kiefer Sherwood, in vain. Virtanen created a 1-1 tie less than First-place Washington (45-24-8, 98 also had a good night, posting the winning four minutes later as his attempted pass from points) expanded its lead in the Metropolitan goal and adding an assist. Rickard Rakell behind the net went in off Anaheim defense- Division. The New York Islanders remain on supplied Anaheim’s other goal. man Cam Fowler’s skate. 95 points after losing to the Columbus Blue Josh Leivo led Vancouver with a goal and Edler put the Canucks ahead 2-1 with a Jackets 4-0 on Tuesday, and the Pittsburgh an assist. Jake Virtanen, Alex Edler and Tan- minute left in the opening session as his slap Penguins, who were idle, also have 95 points. ner Pearson also scored for the Canucks, who shot defl ected off Anaheim winger Corey The Capitals, Islanders and Penguins all squandered a 2-1, fi rst-period lead. Perry’s stick. have fi ve games remaining. The fourth-place Anaheim netminder John Gibson recorded Steel forged a 2-2 tie as he converted Sher- Hurricanes (42-27-7, 91 points) will play six 28 saves on 32 shots while Vancouver goal- wood’s rebound at 12:16 of the second period. more times. tender Jacob Markstrom blocked 19 of 24. He completed his hat trick by roofi ng a back- The Hurricanes are in the top Eastern Anaheim Ducks forward Sam Steel (left) celebrates with forward Kiefer Sherwood after scoring a goal Defenseman Josh Teves made his NHL hand on the penalty shot with 50.6 seconds Conference wild-card spot. against the Vancouver Canucks during their NHL match at the Rogers Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, March 28, 2019 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Australia to confront past as ball-tampering bans expire Reuters lands fi eld to try to hide his team’s batsmen. Yet none of the players have with a slew of executives leaving or Melbourne shame, has been named captain of Eng- expressed reservations and many have shown the door after a scathing cultur- lish county side Durham, three months argued Smith and Warner have “done al review. New CA boss Kevin Roberts after fi ngering Warner as the ball-tam- their time”. has treaded carefully since taking over teve Smith and David Warner pering mastermind in a TV interview in “It’d be silly not to use them,” Finch from long-serving CEO James Suth- may wake with some relief yes- December. said of the pair who boast over 200 erland in October, while trying to shift terday as they greet the fi nal day The more circumspect Warner has matches and 22 centuries between them Australia’s focus forward rather than of their ball-tampering bans largely kept his counsel while return- in one-day internationals. Smith and backward. butS the anniversary of their humiliation ing to one of cricket’s biggest stages at Warner’s former teammates may have “It was a year on Sunday since the will otherwise be a sombre milestone the Indian Premier League, smashing already moved on but fans the world shattering events of Cape Town. The for Australia’s cricket fans. 85 in a 53-ball blitz in his fi rst outing for over have not forgotten Cape Town. public outcry was really confronting, Much has changed since Cricket Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. Sections of the Jaipur crowd jeered but it also reinforced how much the Australia slapped former captain Smith Smith also returned to the IPL spot- Smith when he played for Rajasthan on game means to so many people,” Rob- and his deputy Warner with 12-month light in defeat for the Rajasthan Royals, Monday, and he and Warner can expect erts said in an e-mailed statement to suspensions for the Cape Town scan- joining Warner on a mission to reclaim heat from English crowds should they Reuters yesterday. dal, while giving Cameron Bancroft a spot in the one-day international play at the World Cup. The hyper-ag- “In relation to Australia’s men’s and a lighter nine-month sentence as the team he once captained in the leadup to gressive teams they once led now have a women’s teams, our goal will always rookie opener caught up in a plot driven the showpiece World Cup in England. very diff erent timbre. be to win, but we now have a non-ne- by others. Eff orts to smooth the pair’s reha- The ugly verbal attacks and off -fi eld gotiable expectation to compete with Captains, coaches and a string of bilitation have been in train for months, confrontation that blighted the South respect and strive to win with honour.” senior cricket executives have left or and culminated in a reunion with Aaron Steve Smith (left) and David Warner. Africa test series have disappeared, With the one-day World Cup start- been sent packing, their replacements Finch’s squad in the United Arab Emir- with Paine-led Australia hosting test ing end May and the Ashes in August, pledging to win back fans with fair play ates a week-and-a-half ago. “It’s like we didn’t really leave, the is really forgiven in a playing group who series against India and Sri Lanka in winning may be Australia’s best hope as much as series wins and silverware. “There were a lot of big hugs and boys were very accepting of us coming were left to rebuild Australia’s shat- good spirit over the home summer. of banishing the ghosts of Newlands, Bancroft, the man who hastily trou- cuddles,” Warner said in a curated video in and with open arms.” tered brand and absorb a series of hum- Governing body Cricket Australia with or without the help of Smith and sered a piece of sandpaper in the New- published by Cricket Australia. Pundits have questioned whether all bling defeats without two of their best (CA) was also shaken by Cape Town, Warner.

THIRD ODI IPL Kolkata ride Rana and Russell show Finch, Zampa star as to rout Punjab

IANS in the last over off Tye. The 30- Kolkata year old hit three fours and fi ve sixes en route his blitzkrieg and joined hands with Uthappa for itish Rana and Robin a 32-ball 67-run fourth wicket Aussies ease to series Uthappa slammed stand. KXIP skipper Ravichan- half centuries while dran Ashwin, fresh from the Andre Russell plun- “Mankading” row against Ra- Ndered a 17-ball 48 as Kolkata jasthan Royals’ batsman Jos Knight Riders (KKR) romped to Buttler in the last game that a 28-run victory against Kings sparked worldwide discussions, XI Punjab (KXIP) in a lopsided gave away 47 runs in his four Indian Premier League (IPL) overs and was hit for fi ve sixes – win over Pakistan clash at the Eden Gardens one every over – with Rana ac- yesterday. counting for four of them. The win gives Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series Asked to bat, Rana (63; 34b, Rana took time to settle 4x2; 6x7) and Uthappa 67 not- down, scoring 22 runs off 21 AFP out (50b, 4x6, 6x2) set the plat- balls before hoisting Ashwin Abu Dhabi form for the two-time cham- over long-on for a maximum in pions before Russell made the the eighth over. most of a reprieve to virtually The southpaw, who scored kipper Aaron Finch just take the game away from Pun- 68 in KKR’s opening game to missed a record hundred jab as Dinesh Karthik-led KKR help them beat Sunrisers Hy- while Adam Zampa took posted 218/4, the highest total derabad, smashed Ashwin for four wickets and Pat at this venue. another six in the same region CumminsS claimed three as Aus- In reply, Punjab were never as the purple brigade raced to tralia demolished Pakistan by 80 in the chase, with Chris Gayle 89/2 at the halfway stage. runs in the third one-day inter- (20) removed early by fellow Rana and Uthappa also made national in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Jamaican Andre Russell. May- merry in Mandeep Singh’s Finch hit a 136-ball 90 to steer ank Agarwal (58; 34b; 6x4; 1x6) over, taking him for 18 runs be- Australia to 266-6 in 50 overs on cracked his fi rst IPL fi fty since fore debutant Varun Chakra- a slow-paced Sheikh Zayed Sta- 2015 while David Miller was varthy got rid of the former. dium pitch before Zampa (4-43) not-out on 59 off 40 balls but KKR were off to a blister- and Cummins (3-24) jolted Paki- none mattered in the end as ing start, thanks to Sunil Nar- stan’s batting before they folded they could only manage 190/4 ine (24, 9b, 4x1, 6x3) – back to at 186 in 44.4 overs. in 20 overs. opening the batting after injur- The win gives Australia an Rana fashioned his second ing his fi nger in the last game – unassailable 3-0 lead in the fi ve- successive fi fty as Uthappa who welcomed Chakravarthy match series with the last two blossomed in his company to by hitting him for 24 runs in the games taking place in Dubai on stitch together a 110-run third second over. Friday and Sunday. wicket partnership. The leggie went for 25 runs, Australia won the fi rst two The turning point of the the costliest over so far this matches by identical margins of match was when Mohammed season. Chris Lynn (10) looked eight wickets – both in Sharjah – Shami castled Russell batting to continue the carnage by and continued their dominance on 3 off 5 balls, only to fi nd the milking Shami for two fours of a depleted Pakistan side who umpire calling it a no-ball as in the next over before the In- rested six of their key players in there were only three fi elders dia pacer got his back. Narine a surprise move, two months be- inside the circle instead of the was removed by South African fore the World Cup. mandatory four. Since then, debutant Hardus Viljoen in the Cummins, fresh after resting KKR made 56 runs in 19 balls. fourth over. Cramped for room, the fi rst two matches, followed Russell made the most of Narine sliced wildly in the air his 14 wickets in the series win in his second life by bludgeoning only to be caught by wicket- India earlier this month, by dis- Australian players celebrate dismissal of Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik during the third one day international at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Andrew Tye for two sixes and keeper K.L. Rahul. missing Shan Masood (two) in Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) two fours in the 18th over as the his third over and then had Haris Australian leaked 22 runs. BRIEF SCORES Sohail (one) and Mohammad Scorecard lost opener Usman Khawaja off Russell, who smacked a 18- Kolkata Knight Riders 218/4 Rizwan (nought) in his fourth. just the fi fth ball, bowled for ball 49 in the last match, then (Robin Uthappa 67, Nitish Rana That left Pakistan reeling at AUSTRALIA Bowlers: Shinwari 9-2-37-1, 0nought by Usman Shinwari. hit Shami for three back-to- 63, Andre Russell 48); Kings XI 16-3 before opener Imam-ul- U. Khawaja b Shinwari 0 Hasnain 5-0-50-0 (1w), Junaid J. Khan c Carey b Zampa 5 Junaid Khan dismissed Shaun back sixes and a four in the Punjab 190/4 (David Miller 59 Haq (46) and Shoaib Malik (32) 9-0-58-1, Yasir 10-0-47-1, Wasim Marsh for 14 to leave Australia next over, taking KKR past the not out; Mayank Agarwal 58; put on a fourth wicket stand of A. Finch c Sohail b Yasir 90 10-0-34-1 (1w), Sohail 7-0-35-1. M. Hasnain lbw b Zampa 0 struggling at 20-2 but Finch 200-mark, before getting out Andre Russell 2/21). 59 before Glenn Maxwell trapped S. Marsh c Masood b Junaid 14 PAKISTAN Extras: (w11) 11 added 84 for the third wicket Imam leg-before. P. Handscomb b Sohail 47 Total: (all out; 44.4 overs) 186 with Peter Handscomb (47 with Umar Akmal (36) and Imad Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Maxwell 46 six boundaries) to help his team Fall of wickets: Wasim (43) also fought during M. Stoinis b Wasim 10 S. Masood c Handscomb b 1-14 (Masood), recover. their stand of 53 for the sixth G. Maxwell run out 71 Cummins 2 2-16 (Sohail), 3-16 (Rizwan), Finch added another 36 with 4-75 (Imam), 5-96 (Malik), 6-149 wicket but Zampa mopped up A. Carey not out 25 H. Sohail c Marsh b Cummins 1 Marcus Stoinis (10) and 48 for the tail with career best fi gures. (Umar), 7-178 (Wasim), 8-178 the fi fth wicket with Maxwell. P. Cummins not out 2 It was Finch again who an- M. Rizwan c Carey b Cummins 0 (Shinwari), 9-186 (Junaid), 10-186 Maxwell and Alex Carey (25 Extras (lb 5, w 2) 7 chored Australia after light rain S. Malik c Handscomb b Lyon 32 (Hasnain) not out) put on a quick 61 for the delayed the start by 15 minutes. Total (for six wkts; 50 overs) 266 U. Akmal c Cummins b Behrendorff Bowling: Cummins 8-1-24-3 (1w), sixth wicket as Australia hit 90 Finch, who scored 116 and 153 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Khawaja), 36 Behrendorff 8-1-29-1 (w3), Stoinis in the last 10 overs. not out in the fi rst two matches, 4-0-21-0 (5w), Lyon 10-0-48-1, Australia brought in fast 2-20 (Marsh), 3-104 (Handscomb), I. Wasim st Carey b Zampa 43 could have been the fi rst Aus- 4-140 (Stoinis), 5-188 (Finch), Maxwell 5-0-21-1 (2w), Zampa bowlers Cummins and Jason Be- tralian to score three hundreds in 6-249 (Maxwell) Y. Shah not out 10 9.4-1-43-4 hrendorff to replace injured Jhye as many ODIs. U. Shinwari c Behrendorff b Zampa Result: Australia win by 80 runs Richardson and Nathan Coulter- Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara Nile. holds the record of most succes- three consecutive hundreds in aries and a six, gave the total its 42nd over but he had once again Pakistan included Shinwari sive hundreds with four while ODI Cricket. fi nal touches. Finch holed out built the innings. and Junaid in place of Faheem nine other batsmen have struck Maxwell, 71 with eight bound- to leg-spinner Yasir Shah in the Australia started shakily and Ashraf and Mohamed Abbas.

Former Australian bowler Yardley dies at 71 Former Australian bowler and with pace bowling and employ- erts said in a statement. Yardley coached the Sri Lankan influential coach Bruce Yardley ing his middle finger rather than “As a player, it took him more team in the late 1990s and died yesterday at the age of 71 his index finger to get the ball to than 10 years of persistence play- defended Muralitharan when the after a battle with cancer. turn, Yardley went on to take 126 ing first class and Premier cricket Sri Lankan, who has a record 800 Playing at a time when the test wickets for Australia in 33 test to find the art of off -spin, earning test wickets, was investigated for landscape was dominated by matches. him a test debut at the age of 30. having an illegal action in 2004. fast-bowlers, Yardley started out He also picked up 344 wickets in “Off the field, Bruce had an “Very sad to hear about the as a medium-pacer himself be- a first class career that spanned infectious personality and was passing of Bruce Yardley,” former fore switching to off -spin midway 24 years. regarded as one of the best spin- Sri Lanka captain Kumar San- through his career and earned “Bruce was a significant figure in bowing coaches in the world, gakkara said on Twitter. “He was his test debut for Australia at Australian cricket, contributing in coaching Sri Lanka and mentor- a good man to get to know and a the age of 30. Using a distinctive many ways on and off the field,” ing the greatest test wicket-taker great friend of Sri Lankan cricket. Kolkata Knight Riders’ Andre Russell plays a shot against Kings long run-up better associated Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Rob- of all time, Muttiah Muralitharan.” May he rest in peace.” XI Punjab during their IPL match at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, March 28, 2019 7 SPORT

FOCUS Russia’s anti-doping requirements fulfi lled, says Putin

Russia has fulfilled all its anti-doping requirements, President Vladimir Putin said yesterday, attesting that there should be no problems at the 2020 Summer Hamilton can drive Olympics in Tokyo. “Russia has fulfilled all requirements in terms of improving the fight against doping and established constructive cooperation with special- ised international structures,” Putin told a meeting of sports off icials in Moscow. Russia has struggled in recent years with allegations of widespread use of diversity in F1: British performance-enhancing drugs in the country and at the 2014 Winter Olympics on home ground in Sochi. The country was reinstated in September after three years by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which has by now also gained access to data of its Moscow Anti-Doping lab. But Russia still risks being declared motorsport chief non-compliant again if doesn’t produce retests of suspicious samples from the 34-year-old world champion has spoken about the absence of diversity in the sport Moscow lab by June 30. Boxing body AIBA AFP claims progress in London Rights groups urge F1 and FIA to take a stance in Bahrain IOC plea ewis Hamilton has The under-pressure International Boxing been urged to complete Reuters sporting event in Bahrain not claim during her trial that Federation (AIBA), which is fighting to his Formula One legacy London and one that pays tens of her right to free speech had keep its sport on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic by working alongside millions of dollars in hosting been infringed,” they said in roster after a storm of corruption allega- LBritish motor racing’s govern- fees to Liberty Media-owned a statement this month when tions, has told the International Olympic ing body to improve diversity uman rights groups Formula One. the same rights groups wrote Committee that swift progress is being in the sport. called yesterday for The race has been held since to Formula One expressing made on cleaning up the sport. Box- Hamilton, set to compete in HFormula One and its 2004, with the exception of concern. ing’s inclusion in Tokyo depends on the Bahrain in the second round of governing body, the FIA, to 2011 when it was cancelled British peer Lord Scriven, outcome of an investigation into AIBA by his world championship de- seek the immediate release due to pro-democracy who has discussed the the IOC, which has presented the body fence on Sunday, remains F1’s of a jailed female activist and protests. situation with Formula with a list of 41 questions via audit firm fi rst and only black driver. blogger ahead of this week- Yusuf has said she was tor- One’s general counsel Sacha Deloitte. AIBA leader Gafur Rakhimov The 34-year-old British star end’s Bahrain Grand Prix. tured and sexually assaulted Woodward-Hill, told reporters stepped down as head last week, which has spoken about the absence Human Rights Watch (HRW) while under arrest and a at the HRW off ices that the the IOC deemed as merely the first step of diversity in the sport. and the London-based week after posts against sport must show it did not in a long march towards the required On Tuesday, he tweeted in Bahrain Institute for Rights the 2017 race appeared on operate in a ‘moral vacuum’. standards. “Considering where we were support of the England foot- and Democracy (BIRD) were a Facebook account she co- He said Formula One had one year ago, AIBA has made significant ballers who were subjected to among 15 signatories to a managed. committed to a full independ- progress towards reducing its debt and racial abuse in Montenegro. letter sent to International Writing on the Guardian ent investigation into the has gone from a negative cash flow of David Richards, chairman Automobile Federation presi- website yesterday, under the case, but ‘warm words are over $2,000,000 annually, to a positive of Motorsport UK, believes the dent Jean Todt. headline “every moment I not enough’. cash flow,” AIBA executive director Tom weight of Hamilton’s name in In it they urged Formula spend in prison in Bahrain Scriven said that if Bahrain Virgets said in a report. supporting its initiative aimed One and the FIA to send a stains the reputation of F1”, refused to grant access to at increasing participation high-level delegation to visit she accused Bahrain’s ruling Yusuf, that would be grounds Weightlift ing happy as would prove a huge boost in Najah Yusuf, a mother of four family of using the race to to cancel the race. changing the make-up of the now serving a three year “whitewash its disregard for “I think this is a litmus test for IOC soft ens stance on sport. sentence, and jailed reporter human rights”. F1 leadership,” he said. Paris Games “We are talking with Lewis Ahmed Humaidan. “During this period, Formula “If Sacha Woodward-Hill and and we have had discussions It said their prisons were only One has consistently ignored the leadership don’t show The International Weightlifting Federation of that nature,” Richards told 20 and 24km away respec- the abuses that occur,” she they are serious, then it’s (IWF) yesterday welcomed to a decision Britain’s Press Association. tively from the Sakhir circuit added. down to drivers and sponsors by the International Olympic Committee “I am sure in future years south of the capital Manama. The Bahrain authorities have to actually take that moral, to provisionally lift the sport’s conditional that Lewis is going to be a great The race, round two of the said Yusuf’s conviction was ethical and legal step to say status for the Paris 2024 Games. The IOC ambassador for us in helping championship sanctioned by unrelated to the grand prix. ‘we will not drive and we will Executive Board had on Tuesday softened to attract and appeal to dis- the FIA, is the biggest annual “Najah Yusuf’s defence did not participate’,” he said. its position on the drug-plagued sport advantaged children in inner which threatens its exclusion from the cities, who may kick a football It was incredible, says Alonso aft er Dakar Rally test Olympics. The board, on the first day of its around, but the last thing they three-day meeting in Lausanne, said that would ever dream of being able AFP shared driving duties yes- because of the work the IWF had done to do is drive a racing car.” Paris terday with Giniel de Villiers it would “lift the status of conditional Richards, a former F1 team who was part of the Toyota inclusion”. But, the IOC added, that was boss who will be in Bahrain this team which saw Qatar’s conditional on the finalisation of an agree- weekend, added: “It is early ormer two-time Formula Nasser al-Attiyah triumph in ment between the sport and the Interna- days, and Lewis’s priority is One world champion the Dakar in January. tional Testing Agency and “confirmation to win a couple more world FFernando Alonso said “It was incredible,” said of a successful transition of key areas championships, but I am quite it “was incredible” to drive a 2005 and 2006 F1 champion of the IWF’s anti-doping programme”. certain that he will be looking wrote: “There’s barely any “Not only in my sport but Dakar Rally-winning Toyota Alonso after Wednesday’s The IOC said it anticipated a signature for a legacy. diversity in F1. Nothing has also in the world and encourag- yesterday as the Spaniard test which took place in the of an accord between the IWF and ITA “I hope that will be by as- changed in the 11 years I’ve ing people in general but natu- eyed a possible run-out in searing heat of the Kalahari “in the coming days”. “Failing which, the sisting us to expand the grass- been here.” rally youngsters who are up and motor racing’s most gruelling desert in southern Africa. conditional inclusion of weightlifting... will roots level and footprint of And on the eve of the new coming and have dreams.” event. Alonso, who quit F1 last “We went faster and faster. be maintained and reconsidered” in June, motorsport into areas where campaign, Hamilton again re- Hamilton trails Mercedes season, already features for We took confidence from it said the IOC. we haven’t been in the past.” iterated his interest in improv- teammate Valtteri Bottas in the the Japanese manufacturer all even if it wasn’t always At last year’s Australian Grand ing diversity. He said: “What’s standings following the Finn’s in the world endurance cham- the 2020 Dakar event which easy to read the sand dunes, Japan’s Takeda no Prix, Hamilton addressed the driving me right now is to con- victory at the season-opening pionship and has reportedly takes place in South America. their height and how fast you ethnic issues facing F1. tinue to push for diversity, to Australian Grand Prix earlier been earmarked for a start in The 37-year-old Alonso can drive around them.” longer an IOC member, In an Instagram post he push for change. this month. says IOC

CYCLING / TOUR OF CATALONIA ATHLETICS Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) chief Tsunekazu Takeda, who is under investi- gation in France for suspected corruption and will step down from his role in June, ‘Best legs’ Yates wins ‘No threat’ to women’s sport: Semenya is no longer an International Olympic Committee member, the IOC said on Tues- Reuters day. Takeda said last week he would step all-star climb Cape Town down from the JOC when his term ends and would also resign from the IOC. The AFP need to keep an eye on him,” Ber- Olympic body, however, said his member- Madrid nal said. ouble Olympic 800-metres ship ended on Tuesday. “The IOC Execu- “We are more than happy with champion Caster Semen- tive Board recognised the resignation of that (result), it was a tough stage ya says she is “no threat” to Tsunekazu Takeda,” IOC spokesman Mark ritain’s Adam Yates won today,” said Bernal. “Tomorrow women’s sport and that recent Adams told a news conference after a a key stage of the Tour of will be the same and we’ll go for Dcomments from International Asso- meeting of the executive board. “With this Catalonia yesterday as it again.” ciation of Athletics Federations (IAAF) recognition and in accordance with IOC he emerged victorious Belgian Thomas de Gendt held President Sebastian Coe have reopened regulation his secession of IOC member- fromB an elite group of fi ve at the on to the overall lead by 27 sec- old wounds. ship takes immediate eff ect.” French summit fi nish of ski resort Vallter onds on Yates, after starting the Semenya is awaiting a Court of Arbi- prosecutors have questioned Takeda 2000. day 2min 48 ahead thanks to his tration for Sport verdict on her appeal in Paris and placed him under formal After a 12km climb to an altitude opening stage breakaway win, against an IAAF regulation that says investigation in December for suspected of 2,150m, Mitchelton Scott’s Yat- with Bernal at 30, Martin at 33, female athletes classed as having dif- corruption in Tokyo’s successful bid to es had the legs to edge Sky’s Egan Quintana 35 and Lopez at 39. ferences in sexual development (DSDs) host the 2020 Summer Games. Bernal in second, UAE Team Emir- Today’s stage to La Molina fea- gain an unfair advantage due to their ates rider Dan Martin in third, Mo- tures three category one moun- higher testosterone levels, though only Ducati in MotoGP clear vistar’s Nairo Quintana in fourth tains, albeit with an easier fi nal in races between 400 and 1,000m. and a third Colombian, Miguel stretch from this stage’s ultra- Under the new rules, athletes classed aft er appeal rejected Angel Lopez, in fi fth. steep fi nale. as having DSDs must reduce their “I had the best legs in the fi nal blood testosterone level to below fi ve (5) The MotoGP appeal court on Tuesday section,” said Yates, who suff ered STAGE 3 RESULTS nmol/L for a continuous period of six cleared Ducati to continue using a a gut-wrenching one-second 1. Adam Yates (MIT) 5:02:18 months before they can compete. They “swingarm device” they employed during defeat at the Tirreno Adriatico 2. Egan Bernal (SKY) must then maintain it below that level The statement continued: “Mr. Coe is who she is and how she was born. She the Qatar MotoGP. An appeal was lodged last week. 3. Daniel Martin (UAE) continuously. wrong to think Ms Semenya is a threat wants to compete naturally.” by several MotoGP teams against Ducati “There’ll be more of the same 4. Nairo Quintana (MOV) The court had been due to announce to women’s sport,” calling her a “hero- The IAAF said Coe’s comments are after the team’s rider Andrea Dovizioso of tomorrow. There’s plenty of time 5. Miguel Ángel López (AST) +00:02 its decision on Tuesday but has post- ine” and “inspirational role model” to consistent with his, and the organisa- Italy held off a desperate challenge from to get the overall lead here.” 6. Steven Kruijswijk (JUM) +00:30 poned it until late April. young girls. tion’s, stance on DSD athletes from the world champion Marc Marquez to win Yates appeared impressively 7. Ilnur Zakarin (KAT) +00:46 Coe told Australia’s Daily Telegraph Semenya also sought to diff erentiate beginning. the season-opening race for the second strong when he chased down 8. Richard Carapaz (MOV) at the weekend: “The reason we have her case from those of transgender ath- “If you are going to have a protected year running on Sunday. A stewards panel Bernal and Quintana as the dra- 9. Wilco Kelderman (SUN) +00:51 gender classifi cation is because if you letes who were formerly male but have category as we do for female sport then dismissed protests by Marquez’s Honda ma unfolded towards the narrow, 10. Michael Woods (EF1) +00:53 didn’t then no woman would ever win now entered the female sporting arena. you need to fi nd a way for DSD athletes team, as well as Aprilia, KTM and Suzuki pine-forested peak as Martin and another title or another medal or break “Ms Semenya is a woman. There is no to compete in a way that is fair for all over a clamp attached to the rear wheel Lopez joined in the fi ght for the OVERALL STANDINGS another record in our sport.” debate or question about this and the female athletes,” the world governing of the Ducati bikes and aff ixed to the hotly-contested fi ve-way shoot- 1. Thomas De Gendt (LOT) 13:28:29 In response Semenya, in a statement IAAF does not dispute this,” the state- body said in an emailed statement to swingarm. A subsequent appeal by the out. 2. Adam Yates (MIT) +00:27 through her lawyers, said: “The scars ment continued. Reuters. teams was referred to the sport’s court It was Bernal and not Chris 3. Egan Bernal (SKY) +00:30 Ms Semenya has developed over the “She was born a woman, raised a “The IAAF has endeavoured to do of appeal, but it ruled in favour of Ducati. Froome that led Sky’s assault 4. Daniel Martin (UAE) +00:33 past decade run deep. woman, socialised as a woman and has this with its Female Classification “The protesting teams considered that of the fi nal climb with the four- 5. Nairo Quintana (MOV) +00:35 “Reading the comments of Mr. Coe this competed as a woman her entire life. eligibility regulations and Lord Coe’s the device was primarily an aerodynamic time Tour de France winner say- 6. Miguel Ángel López (AST) +00:39 weekend opened those old wounds and “Mr. Coe may have views about comments in the Australian Daily Tel- device and therefore not compliant with ing he was now supporting the 7. Steven Kruijswijk (JUM) +01:06 the reference by the Daily Telegraph (Aus- transgender women in sport, but that is egraph are entirely consistent with the MotoGP technical regulations. After a 22-year-old after his heavy fall 8. Ilnur Zakarin (KAT) +01:23 tralia) to ‘the muscle-packed Semenya’ is a diff erent issue. both his and the IAAF’s comments on hearing, the four protests were rejected,” on Tuesday. 9. Richard Carapaz (MOV) +01:23 just the latest illustration of how the is- “Ms Semenya does not wish to un- this issue since the regulations were the MotoGP court of appeal said. The re- “Yates is really strong, we’ll 10. Wilco Kelderman (SUN) +01:28 sues have been distorted by innuendo.” dergo medical intervention to change introduced.” sult of the Qatar race also stand, it added.

Thursday, March 28, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Rassan caps Ghazali double with sprint feature victory In the penultimate race of the day, al-Kathiri’s Cristofano Allori steps into the winner’s circle for the first time this season

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar-bred Rassan com- pleted a double for champion trainer Jas- sim Mohamed Ghazali inQ the Fuweiret Cup for Purebred Arabians at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park yesterday. In the six-furlong conditions sprint, Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah’s horse, the oldest contender in the run at nine years, raced to a comfortable victory under Al Moatasem al-Balushi with a little over two lengths to spare, ahead of another Ghazali ward, Caid De L’Ardus, ridden by Harry Bentley. Al-Balushi was ecstatic af- ter the win having encountered quite a few near-misses earlier on the day. The win was second on the day for Ghazali, after Bentley helmed Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Attaf to a fi ne victory in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap event. In the penultimate race of the day, Abdulaziz Ali al-Kathiri’s Cristofano Allori built on some impressive runs, including a fourth in Group 3 last month, to step into the winner’s circle for the fi rst time this season when Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (third from right) with the winners of the Fuweiret Cup after Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah’s Rassan won the six-furlong feature at Al Stephan Ladjadj helmed the colt Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim to a victory in the six-furlong Thoroughbred Conditions race. RESULTS The fi ve-year-old colt did enough to hold off two Ibrahim Race 1: 1. Garraff ah (Ronan al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. Catch A Wave (Ivan Rossi). Won al-Malki’s wards, including al- Thomas), 2. Hathlool (Tomas Race 4: 1. Attaf (Harry Bentley), by: 3 ¼, ¾, 1 ¼. Time: 1:11.19. Own- Balushi-ridden Victory Laurel Lukasek), 3. Hamurabi (Anas 2. Admiral (Al Moatasem al-Bal- er: Abdulatif Hussain al-Emadi. and Eduardo Pedroza-helmed al-Seyabi), 4. Teriaaq (Damien ushi), 3. Teber Bu Thaila (Meteb Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Shobrom, at the post. Morin). Won by: 15, 4, 1 ½, Time: Ali al-Marri), 4. Mister Mahjoob Race 7: 1. Cristofano Allori Earlier in the day, Umm Qarn’s 2:12.18. Owner: Umm Qarn. (Eduardo Pedroza). Won by: 1 ¼, 3 (Stephan Ladjadj), 2. Victory Garrafah, saddled by Alban de Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. ¼, Hd. Time: 1:52.94. Owner: Kha- Laurel (Al Moatasem al-Balushi), Mieulle, and al-Kuwari’s Vedeva- Race 2: 1. Vedevani (JP Guil- lifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: 3. Shobrom (Eduardo Pedroza), ni, trained by Ghazali’s son Mo- lambert), 2. Tuff Rock (Anas Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. 4. Midsummer Knight (Harry hamed, registered their fi rst ca- al-Seyabi), 3. Ajjlan (Faleh Race 5: 1. Suprematism (Tomas Bentley). Won by: ½, 1 ¾, 3 ½. reer wins after they topped the Bughanaim), 4. Shakour (Harry Lukasek), 2. Crisscrossed (Marco Time: 1:11.63. Owner: Abdulaziz 1900m Purebred Arabian Maiden Bentley). Won by: 8 ¾, Shd, Nk. Casamento), 3. Sacred Way (Al Ali al-Kathiri. Trainer: Abdulaziz Plate and Thoroughbred Gradua- Time: 2:01.28. Owner: Khalifa Moatasem al-Balushi), 4. Al Ha- Ali al-Kathiri. tion Plate events respectively. bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: snaa (JP Guillambert). Won by: 2 Race 8: 1. Rassan (Al Moatasem Handicap winners — His Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. ½, 1 ½, 1 ¾. Time: 1:48.62. Owner: al-Balushi), 2. Caid De L’Ardus Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Race 3: 1. Ennab (Anas al-Seyabi), Ali Yousuf al-Kubaisi. Trainer: (Harry Bentley), 3. Ateej (Edu- Khalifa al-Thani’s Ennab and Ali 2. Fanann (Ronan Thomas), 3. Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. ardo Pedroza), 4. Kasser (Yousef Yousuf al-Kubaisi’s Suprema- Aneeq (Saleem Golam), 4. Taysh Race 6: 1. Munira Eyes (Eduardo al-Hajri). Won by: 2 ¼, 2 ¼, Hd. tism — were also among those (Rashid Ali al-Marri). Won by: Hd, 1, Pedroza), 2. Masked Defender Time: 1:17.83. Owner: Jassim bin who shed their maiden status. ½. Time: 2:01.24. Owner: His High- (JP Guillambert), 3. Random Ali al-Attiyah. Trainer: Jassim Anas al-Seyabi rode his eighth ness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Decisison (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Mohamed Ghazali. winner of the season when he guided Julian Smart’s ward, Ennab, to a thrilling victory at Qataris Hadi Nasser al-Ram- Tomas Lukasek rode al-Ram- Pedroza registered his 10th win- the post in the Purebred Arabian zani and Ibrahim al-Malki have zani’s ward, Suprematism, to ner of the season astride al-Mal- Handicap for horses rated 70 and very little separating them in the victory in the Thoroughbred ki-trained Munira Eyes in the below, edging out Ronan Tho- trainers’ championship and both Handicap event for horses rated very next race, also a Thorough- mas-ridden Fanann by a head. saddled a winner each on the day. 80 and below, while Eduardo bred Handicap. Al Moatasem al-Balushi rides Rassan to Fuweiret Cup victory yesterday.

ITTF QATAR OPEN Veteran Monteiro cruises into the main round By Sports Reporter Doha

hirty-seven-year-old Thiago Monteiro booked his place in the main draw of the ITTF World TTour Platinum Qatar Open yesterday. In the fi nal qualifi cation match at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, Monteiro of Brazil beat Chinese Taipei’s Liao Cheng- Ting 12-14, 11-7, 11-4, 11-8, 20- 18 to qualify for the main draw, which will be held from today. World No 19 Chinese Taipei’s Chuang Chih-Yuan was knocked out of the tournament by Chi- na’s Zhou Qihao in the fourth round of the preliminary round. Qihao, ranked 100 had reached semi-fi nals in Sweden last No- vember and the Chinese looked in good rhythm yesterday as he edged past Chih-Yuan 5-11, 5-11, Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro serves during the qualification round of the ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar India’s Sharath Kamal Achanta (left) and Manika Batra in action during their mixed doubles match. 11-8, 11-8, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9 in a Open at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena yesterday. (ITTF) PICTURE: Jayram thriller. Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun- Ju, who won the Oman Open on Earlier, veteran Achanta had ranked in four straight games 10, 10-12, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10. round 9-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 10- in the fi nal. They have met in Long will be back in action after Sunday, beat Xu Fei of China 8-11, scripted a stunning comeback to (11-9, 14-12, 11-9, 11-8). ITTF Challenge Series Span- 12, 11-7, 11-7. three ITTF World Tour Qatar the Chinese took a break from 11-6, 13-11, 11-4, 12-10 to book his win in the third round qualifi ca- Tomislav Pucar continued ish Open winner, Japan’s Miyu Meanwhile, China Liu Shiwen Open women’s singles fi nals, the international scene since a place in the main draw. tion match. his rich vein of form as the 70th Kato beat Nadezhda Bogdanova will defend her women’s singles with Shiwen winning 2011 and shock fi rst round exit in mid- India’s men paddlers had a His French opponent Antoine ranked Croat upset England’s of Belarus to book her place in title. Seeded No 3, behind com- 2016, while Ding Ning prevailed August in Bulgaria at the hands disappointing day with all three Hachard got off to a yingfl start World No 17 Liam Pitchford in a the main draw (11-8, 11-3, 11-8, patriot Ding Ning and Japan’s in 2013. of England’s Liam Pitchford. He of the exiting the tournament. in the match, establishing a sur- titanic seven-game contest (11- 11-9). Germany’s Petrissa Solja, Kasumi Ishikawa, Shiwen will Ding Ning is in the same quar- was also notably absent at the Sathiyan Gnanasekaran lost prise three-game lead but the 6, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 10-12, 11-13, who had won the Europe Top 16 face Matilda Ekholm of Sweden ter as Japan’s Mima Ito, the No recent Marvellous 12 in Shen- to Chinese Taipei’s Chen Ch- Indian won the next four games 12-10). Cup in February, was beaten by in the Round of 16. 5 seed, the player against whom zhen. ien-An (11-5, 12-10, 11-7, 11-7), in a row to advance in dramatic In the women’s, Ukraine’s China’s Wang Yidi (9-11, 11-6, Shiwen had beaten another she suff ered defeat in the penul- Ma Long is seeded 11th in while Sharath Kamal Achanta circumstances (9-11, 8-11, 9-11, Margaryta Pesotska booked her 12-10, 11-9, 11-6). Chinese Wang Manyu, the fourth timate round last November in Doha. Defending men’s cham- suff ered a defeat at the hands of 11-6, 11-6, 11-5, 11-5). place in the main draw after she Romania’s Elizabeta Samara, seed, in the last year’s fi nal after Sweden. Manyu, a player against pion Fan Zhendong is not com- Belgium’s Cedric Nutinck (7-11, Meanwhile, Masataka Mori- beat Monaco’s Yang Xiaoxin who won the women’s singles ti- having started her tournament whom Ding Ning has experi- peting in the tournament, which 11-8, 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9). zono of Japan caused a major 9-11, 7-11, 11-6, 14-12, 11-4, 8-11, tle in Qatar four years back, was in the qualifi cation stage. enced problems in the past, is will give the likes of Germany’s Later, Amalraj Anthony lost to upset in the fourth preliminary 11-9. In the morning, Pesotska knocked out. Her battle with top seed Ding also in the same half of the draw. Timo Boll, the No 4 seed, who Frenchman Tristan Flore (11-2, round. The World No 45 beat had to dig in before getting past Samara was beaten by Han Ning is the one to look forward In the men’s, the reigning Ol- won in Doha in 2009, a chance 11-8, 4-11, 11-8, 11-8). Portugal’s Marcos Freitas, 11th Poland’s Li Qian 9-11, 14-16, 12- Ying in the third preliminary to as the two are likely to meet ympic and World champion Ma to regain the lost glory.