Bumrah best in the world, says Tendulkar PAGE 18 TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2019

Serena Williams eases to opening win TENNIS PAGE 18 in Rome, says it’s good to be back ITALIAN OPEN

AMIR CUP Muntari bags brace as Duhail set up summit clash with Al Sadd

AYENI OLUSEGUN Trabelsi

AL Duhail cruised to a sec- targets Asian ond straight Amir Cup finals after a comfortable 3-0 semi- Champions final win over Al Sailiya at the Jassim Bin Hamad Sta- League run dium on Sunday and set up a title clash with Al Sadd. with Sailiya The final will be played at the new Al Wakrah Stadium TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK on May 16. The Stadium, one DOHA of the eight venues of 2022 FIFA World Cup, will be inau- DESPITE gurated the same day. losing the Mohamed Muntari’s 7th semi-final and 64th minute strikes, and of the Amir a smashing effort from Edm- Cup to Al ilson Junior in the 27th saw Duhail, them seal the deal for the Al Sailiya defending champions. coach Sami The Red Knights did not Trabelsi have to wait for long to open is looking their account, with Muntari to lead the volleying home past goalkeep- Peregrines er Saoud al Khater after the to more ball deflected off the defensive success wall following a free-kick by in Asia. Bassam al Rawi. Al Sailiya finished third They soon doubled their in the league ensuring a spot lead when worked in the qualifying round of the his way up front on the left Asian Chamipns League for the flank. The striker crossed for first time in the club’s history. Muntari, who let the ball pass “We have the Champions deftly under his feet for Edm- League next year, so we need ilson to unleash a left-footer the management to help us that beat the goalkeeper. Al Sadd teammates celebrate one of the two goals Mohamed Muntari scored against Al Sailiya during the Amir Cup semi-final at the on Sunday. with more players, but we can’t Al Duhail dominated the compare with other teams. second half too and were 3-0 a very important step towards early which was better for us and Amir Cup) under Djamel “We have been working on first,” the Portuguese said. Certain top teams have more up when Muntari stabbed in a a silverware and I’m happy and it opened the game and Belmadi. The Algerian left his the team and we have an idea, “That’s different now, we funds than we do, and they perfect a cross from Ali Afif. for my players and the club,” I’m pleased with the results.” post last year to become coach and a certain way we play. have the final in a Cup com- also have high quality players Al Duhail coach Rui Faria Faria said. The defending champions of his country’s national team We will play with efficiency petition. From my experience, – with some on the bench. hailed his players’ perfor- “We were prepared for a will come up against an Al leaving a huge hole on the against Al Sadd. anything can happen and I “We’ll see among the local mance while stressing the compact Al Sailiya. I told my Sadd team in arguably their touchline. “I know in our last game hope to get a win but we know players on who we can add, we need for more concentration players to be patient and not best run-of-form in the last After an inconsistent start in the league (against Al it will be difficult against a are not financially flexible to in the final. stop chasing the game. We five years. to their 2018/19 season with Sadd), we came close to beat- strong team and a coach who afford professionals. But we’ll “It was a good game, we knew if the game goes longer Al Duhail had won an un- Nabil Maaloul as coach, the ing them. In that match, I was knows his squad. We need to see some local players and we played very well and I con- without a goal, then maybe we precedented treble last sea- club appointed former Jose happy with our second half be ready of we want to win that have so many of them in our gratulate my players. This is could get nervous. We scored son (Stars League, Cup Mourinho assistant Rui Faria. performance but not with the match,” Faria added. plans,” Trabelsi stressed. Iconic Al Wakrah Stadium set for final as curtain comes down on Xavi’s career

SC.QA

ATAR is now just days Smart ticket to provide parking away from another mo- Qmentous milestone on at stadium through app the road to 2022 as the finishing touches are being ITH the introduc- launched metro, Ministry made to open Al Wakrah Sta- tion of smart of Transportation’s buses dium for the 2019 Amir Cup Wtickets for the and the metro buses also. final on Thursday, May 16. Amir Cup final, fans can We urge everyone to come The stadium – the second now locate their parking in early to the venue. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 the stadium with the help “There’s also provision venue to be opened – is the of an Amir Cup app. for packing also and it will first arena to be completed “The fan zone will be issued with the tickets from scratch, and will host The Al Wakrah Stadium – second FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue Al Sadd’s Xavi Hernandez who is also SC Ambassador. be open from 7:30pm purchased. parking will be the final between Al Sadd and to be opened – is the first arena to be completed from scratch, and and fans can access the issued according,” Khalid Al Duhail. will host the final between Al Sadd and Al Duhail. tions, said: “We are honoured this match. It has been a feat stadium through Mubarak al Kuwari added. Qatar Football Association and excited that the final is of collaboration, organisation the recently The Stadium will also (QFA) and the Supreme Com- nearly upon us. and determination to get this be the first in Qatar to mittee for Delivery & Legacy “We congratulate Al Sadd magnificent stadium ready for offer provide free WiFi (SC), the organisation respon- 52 cameras to catch and Al Duhail for qualifying inauguration.” service in partnership sible for delivering the infra- for the final after a hard-fought He continued: “I am cer- with Ooredoo. (TNN) structure required for Qatar Amir Cup final action competition. It will be an hon- tain that in 2022 Al Wakrah 2022, jointly announced that our to watch two great teams Stadium will be one of the the 40,000-capacity venue The organisers of Amir Cup go head-to-head in a stadium most iconic venues at the would host the final during a have announced that there which will be the focus of the World Cup, and it gives us all a press conference at Al Bidda will be 52 cameras to cov- world’s attention in 2022. sense of great pride to be open- Tower in April. er all the action of the fi- “We are looking forward ing the second Qatar 2022 Following Al Sadd’s 2-0 nal at the iconic Al Wakrah to sampling the incredible stadium with three-and-a-half semi-final victory against Al Stadium – 15 more than atmosphere during the final. years to go. I look forward to Rayyan, and his recent an- the FIFA World Cup final This is a match – and occasion working together with all our nouncement that the 2018-19 which had 37! (TNN) – not to miss.” stakeholders, friends and col- season will be his last as a player, Jassim al Jassim, the SC’s leagues over the coming years the match also takes on added Head of Venues Operations, to enjoy many more momen- significance as it will be the final activities at 10 pm to enhance Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. added: “I would like to thank tous occasions.” time legendary midfielder and the fan experience, before the Commenting on the up- the thousands of people and Tickets for this year’s final the country, including Villagio Tickets are priced be- SC Ambassador Xavi Hernán- game kicks off at 10:30pm. coming final, Khalid Mubarak numerous stakeholders that are still available to buy, ei- Mall, Mall of Qatar, Doha Festi- tween QR 20 and QR 100. dez takes to the field. The match will be attended by al Kuwari, the QFA’s Director have worked tirelessly to pre- ther online at tickets.qfa.qa or val City, City Center, Souq Wa- Tickets will remain on sale There will be pre-match His Highness the Amir, Sheikh of Marketing & Communica- pare Al Wakrah Stadium for from a host of outlets across qif and Ezdan Mall, Al Wakrah. until May 15th. Sports Tuesday, May 14, 2019 17 Kawhi hits iconic buzzer-beater as Raptors edge Sixers in game seven Toronto will face Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference finals; Portland beat Denver to book Western finals with Golden State AFP LOS ANGELES

KAWHI Leonard bounced in the game-winning shot at the buzzer as the Toronto Raptors advanced to the Eastern Con- ference finals with a 92-90 win over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers in a heart-stopping game seven on Sunday. The winner-take-all contest was a microcosm of the wildly Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum shoots over Denver Nuggets unpredictable series with each forward Mason Plumlee and centre Nikola Jokic in the second quarter team taking turns making runs Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the game-winning basket over Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid to win game seven of in game seven of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi or being inept until the biggest the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario on Sunday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) Center in Denver on Sunday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) twist of all as Leonard finished it off in showstopping style. be headed to overtime, Leon- cal Siakam tallied 11 points and The Raptors were up 89- score 90-90 on a desperation Blazers also won a tight game McCollum kept the Blaz- “I got a fortuitous bounce,” ard took matters into his own 11 rebounds for the Raptors, 85 with 74 seconds to play on driving layup. seven over the Denver Nuggets ers in it, his driving basket giv- said Leonard of the first game- hands by getting open for a who are hoping to reach their a steal by Lowry, who set up “I was disappointed I 100-96. ing them their first lead of the seven buzzer beater in NBA his- fall-away jumper from the first NBA finals in franchise Siakam for the layup. missed that free throw,” Leon- Portland rallied on the back game, 71-70 with 12 seconds tory. “I just shot it as hard as I right corner. history. Butler made one of two ard said. “So I really wanted of McCollum’s 37 points to stun left in the third quarter. could. I got some loft on it and His arching moon ball at Toronto has leaned heav- free throws, cutting the lead to make that shot. I wanted to the Nuggets in Denver and The Nuggets had reduced a it made the ball bounce soft and the buzzer bounced twice on ily on Leonard all season, and to three. With 12 seconds to leave it all out on the floor just book a Western Conference fi- seven-point deficit to one when it ended up going in.” each side of the rim before on Sunday he delivered. Serge play, Joel Embiid made two in case we lost so I would have nals date with NBA champions McCollum drained a step-back The Raptors advance to the dropping into the bucket to Ibaka had 17 points, Kyle Lowry free throws to trim the lead to been proud of myself.” Golden State. With Portland jumper with 12.4 seconds left to NBA final four where they will clinch the series. Leonard’s chipped in 10 and Marc Gasol one, 89-88. star Damian Lillard struggling stretch Portland’s lead to 98-95. play the top-seeded Milwaukee winning shot came after Six- grabbed 11 rebounds. Leonard had a chance to Portland through to get shots to fall, Denver ex- After Nikola Jokic’s last- Bucks in game one of their se- ers Jimmy Butler tied the con- Joel Embiid led the Sixers give Toronto a three-point CJ McCollum carried the ploded out of the gates, seizing gasp three-point attempt hit ries on Wednesday. test with four seconds left. attack with 21 points and 11 re- lead but made just one of two load in the other winner-take- a 29-17 first-quarter lead that the rim Evan Turner grabbed With the score tied 90-90 Leonard finished with a bounds and Tobias Harris had free throws with 10 seconds all NBA playoff game on Sun- they stretched to as much as 17 the rebound, running down and the game appearing to game high 41 points while Pas- 15 points and 10 rebounds. remaining, and Butler tied the day night, as the Portland Trail in the second period. the clock. Florenzi, Dzeko keep Roma’s Champions League hopes alive with win over Juve

AFP into seventh. MILAN Torino captain Andrea Be- lotti scored a brace including ALESSANDRO Florenzi and the winner with a spectacular Edin Dzeko scored late as Roma overhead kick in a come from beat Juventus 2-0 to keep their behind 3-2 win over ten-man hopes of Champions League Sassuolo. football next season alive on Belotti missed a penalty Sunday. after 17 minutes in Turin but Dzeko set up Florenzi for made up with two second-half the first after 79 minutes in the goals. Stadio Olimpico with the Bos- “We knew very well how nian then slotting in the second important it was to win today,” two minutes into injury time as said Belotti. “We have to fly low, Colombian rider Fernando Gaviria and Italian rider Elia Viviani react Juventus fell to just their third there are still two games left and after crossing the finish line of the third stage of the Giro d’Italia defeat this season. we have to win them.” cycling race on Monday. (EPA-EFE) The defeat came on the day Mehdi Bourabia put Sassu- that Juventus displayed their olo ahead after 27 minutes, but new strip which no longer fea- the visitors played a man down tures the club’s iconic black and for most of the game as the Mo- Colombian Gaviria white stripes in a breakaway roccan midfielder was sent off from over a century of tradition. for a second yellow card after Massimiliano Allegri’s side celebrating by pulling his jersey handed controversial have not won a match since over his head. sealing an eighth consecu- Belotti almost scored after tive Scudetto, being held to 1-1 the break but Sassuolo goal- Giro stage victory draws in their last two games Roma’s Edin Dzeko celebrates with his teammates after scoring their second goal during the Italian Serie keeper Andrea Consigli denied against Inter Milan and Torino. A match against Juventus at Olimpico Stadium in Rome on Sunday. (EPA-EFE) his overhead kick. REUTERS the peloton nervous and a crash Roma needed a win after The Torino captain grabbed ORBETELLO, ITALY with 5.5km left split the bunch their Champions League rivals Monday. lieve in it. Even if not everything the ball in the back of the net the equaliser on 56 minutes, in two, with British hope Tao Atalanta, AC Milan, Torino and AC Milan also won 1-0 depends on us, we must reach after 64 minutes but was ruled but Sassuolo charged back with FERNANDO Gaviria of Colom- Geoghegan Hart losing 1:28 Lazio all won their games this against Fiorentina 1-0, and are the end with a clear conscience.” offside. But Roma captain Flor- Jeremie Boga racing down the bia claimed a hollow victory on after the Team Ineos youngster weekend. one point behind Inter in fifth, Playing in their new jersies, enzi, perhaps annoyed by Ron- flank to force a Salvatore Sirigu the Giro d’Italia after his former was caught on the wrong end. Juventus and Napoli have with Roma equal on points with Juventus with nothing left to aldo who had just made fun of save, only for Pol Lirola to turn team mate, Italian champion The 24-year-old, on his Giro already booked their berths in Milan, with two games left to play for, and with growing spec- his size, turned things around in the rebound with a back-heel Elia Viviani, was disqualified debut, had been named as one next season’s elite European play. ulation over Allegri’s future, when he picked up a Dzeko flick. Simone Zaza pulled To- from the third stage on Mon- of two Team Ineos leaders with berths with two places remain- “A great (goalkeeper Anto- failed to take advantage of their cross to break the deadlock. rino back into the game on 81 day. 21-year-old Pavel Sivakov in ing. nio) Mirante kept us up in the first half domination. Dzeko added the second in minutes with Belotti sealing vic- “The Jury watched the vid- the absence of Colombian Egan Atalanta beat Genoa 2-1 first half but I am satisfied with Mirante pulled off towering injury time as Roma join AC Mi- tory with another overhead kick eo footage of the sprint and has Bernal, who is out of the race on Saturday to move third two the game,” said Roma coach saves, denying Juan Cuadrado lan on 62 points, with Torino, which found the back of the net decided to relegate Elia Viviani. after sustaining a broken collar- points ahead of Inter Milan, Claudio Ranieri. and Paulo Dybala. After the now two points behind, drop- a minute later for his eighth goal The winner is Fernando Ga- bone in training. who play bottom club Chievo on “We must continue to be- break Cristiano Ronaldo had ping out of the European places in the last ten league games. viria,” organisers said. Sivakov and Geoghegan Deceuninck-Quick Step Hart shone in the Tour of the rider Viviani appeared to devi- Alps last month, but team man- ate from his line of sprinting ager Dave Brailsford said last to block out Matteo Moschetti, week the two young guns were Gaviria, who was also part of on the Giro to learn. Chelsea know where his future will be, says Hazard the Belgian outfit last year, said Geoghan Hart, who was the Italian deserved to win. seventh overall after a good AFP kisses to the travelling fans, waiting like you are waiting was set to leave London. “Elia is always fair, it is hard opening time trial, dropped to LONDON who called for him to stay. and like the fans are waiting,” “I hope of course, like every to celebrate,” the Colombian 57th, 2:03 behind Roglic. “I have made my decision, he said. “When you are on the fan of Chelsea, that he will re- told reporters. The Slovenian was always EDEN Hazard has told Chelsea that’s it.” pitch, you try to be focused on main with us,” he said. “But at “When he moved to the left, well positioned in the bunch, he has made his mind up over When asked if his future the pitch with the ball. That’s the moment I don’t know.” he did it without bad intention. being perfectly sheltered by his his future but has yet to pub- will become clear after the it. When I am on the pitch I “I know very well that Eden To me he is the clear winner of Jumbo-Visma team mates. licly announce if he will stay Europa League final against just try to do the best. I am not tried to do his best for seven today’s stage. I feel bad for him.” “With only one rider in the at Stamford Bridge after per- Arsenal on May 29 he added: thinking about this and this, seasons at Chelsea,” the Blues Gaviria left his arms behind his breakaway, it made it a very sistent speculation linking him “I think so. We have a final to my situation or the club’s situ- boss added. back on the podium, refusing to long stage. It enabled me to en- with a move to Real Madrid. play and then I will see.” ation. I just try to win games.” “He did very well, he has celebrate. joy the Maglia Rosa (jersey) a The Belgium forward has The Blues are understood Hazard played the final become one of the best two or ’s Arnaud Demare bit more,” he told reporters. just a year left on his con- to be holding out for £100 21 minutes at the King Power three players in the world, but was second and German Pascal “I wasn’t really scared of the tract after joining the Premier million. The 28-year-old also Stadium as Chelsea finished Eden Hazard I think also that we have to re- Ackermann third. crosswinds at the end because League club from Lille for £32 admitted he had wanted his third in the Premier League, spect him and his decision.” Slovenian Primoz Roglic re- we are a team from Holland so million in 2012. future resolved earlier to avoid 26 points behind champions Hazard has talked about Sarri also cast doubt tained the overall leader’s pink we know how to deal with the “Yes. A couple of weeks it being the season-long saga it Manchester City. it being “a dream” to one day over his own position and jersey at the end of a 220-km wind.” ago. Yes I have made my de- has become. Chelsea manager Maurizio play for Real Madrid boss Zin- could not say for sure if he ride from Vinci that ended in Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz, cision but it is not just about “Yes, I wanted that but Sarri said earlier he was still in edine Zidane but Sarri said he will be at Stamford Bridge chaotic fashion. fourth in last year’s Giro, lost me,” said Hazard, who blew that’s not happened. I’m still the dark over Hazard’s future. did not know if the playmaker for a second season. Crosswinds and a sharp left- 46 seconds after suffering a late hand turn in the finale made mechanical problem. 18 Tuesday, May 14, 2019 Sports Hamilton would rather fight Ferrari than battle Bottas REUTERS when you’re competing LONDON against one or two other teams who are also bringing their A FIVE times world champion game. That puts another span- Lewis Hamilton says Mer- ner in the mix. cedes should not be blamed “...It’s awesome. But when for their dominance and he that’s not there, it’s definitely a would far rather be in a battle lot less exciting from a compe- with Formula One rivals Fer- tition point of view.” Hamilton rari and Red Bull than team previously had Nico Rosberg, mate Valtteri Bottas. the now-retired 2016 cham- Champions Mercedes have pion in a season when Mer- won all five races so far this cedes won 19 of the 21 races, season in one-two formation, as his main rival and that led with Hamilton and Bottas also to a breakdown in relations taking a fastest lap each. between the former friends. The two Mercedes drivers Bottas is a different char- are just seven points apart, acter, and there is still plenty Hamilton leading after three of respect with team boss Toto wins, but a gulf separates them Wolff assuring reporters there from the rest. would be no repeat of 2016. “People watching might Hamilton said Mercedes be unhappy with the gap we were still working as hard have to the Ferraris. Of course as ever, pushing the car to we want to be as quick as we the limit. “It’s not like we go can be, we don’t know why the Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton leaves his box towards his car on the track before the Spanish to the race and because we others have fallen off a little Formula One Grand Prix race at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo, near Barcelona, on Sunday. (AFP) have a margin we back off,” bit,” Hamilton told reporters he explained. after Sunday’s race. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was spoken that way this year, “It’s just not as much fun, “We are pedal-to-the- “It’s not our fault. It’s not his main challenger, compared with Bottas the only man to for sure, as when you are com- metal, and Valtteri right these guys’ (his team mates) the title battle to the tennis du- have beaten him in what has peting against another team. there pushing all the way,” fault that they are really great els fought out by Roger Feder- become an internal team bat- That’s what Formula One is he said. “So I still have to de- at their job.” The Briton has er and Rafael Nadal. tle ever since the opening race about,” said Hamilton. liver just as if a Ferrari was Serena Williams serves to Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson during their in the last two seasons, when The 34-year-old has not in Australia. “That’s the exciting part, (right) behind me.” WTA Masters tournament match at the Foro Italico in Rome on Monday. Serena won 6-4, 6-2. (AFP) Bumrah best IPL Fallout ‘It’s good to be bowler in the world, says Dhoni eyes Chennai clean-out back:’ Serena AFP “After the World Cup, once “We committed a lot of Tendulkar HYDERABAD we come back, that’s the time mistakes and Mumbai Indi- eases to victory we get to the drawing board ans also did the same and at AFP CHENNAI Super Kings skip- and see what can be done to the end of the day the winning NEW DELHI per M.S. Dhoni suggested his fill the gaps. team was the one that made ageing side needs a shake-up “Nothing against the bowl- one mistake less than the oth- in Rome return INDIAN cricket great Sachin after they lost a nail-biting In- ers, but batting could have er team,” said Dhoni, adding Tendulkar on Monday hailed dian Premier League final to been better,” said Dhoni, that his immediate focus is on AFP train or practice a lot, I was Jasprit Bumrah as the “best arch-rivals Mumbai Indians. whose team has won three IPL the 50-over World Cup start- ROME out much longer than I expect- bowler in the world” after the The thriller saw Mumbai titles from eight finals. ing later this month in Eng- ed,” she explained. “I did eve- Mumbai Indians paceman edge out Chennai on Sunday None of Chennai’s batsmen land and Wales. SERENA Williams made a rything I could to stay fit and played a key role in his team’s after Australian Shane Watson made it to the top-10 scorers Kieron Pollard smashed an winning return from injury keep my cardio up. fourth Indian Premier League was run out going for an un- list in this year’s IPL, India’s unbeaten 41 off 25 deliveries for beating Swedish qualifier Re- “I love the clay season and title win. likely second run in the final cash-rich domestic Twenty20 Mumbai while paceman Jasprit becca Petersen 6-4, 6-2 to wanted to do everything to be over to end a blistering 59-ball showpiece tournament. Bumrah returned figures of advance to the second round a part of it and I’m here. innings at 80. Dhoni – 37 but still a key 2-14 from his four overs. of the Italian Open clay-court “I’ve just been on this Chennai then needed two member of India’s World Cup The Rohit Sharma-led tournament on Monday. diet basically. It’s been awful. runs off the last ball to over- squad – was Chennai’s best Mumbai were the team to beat Williams, 37, has not When you’re sedentary, it be- take Mumbai’s 149-8. But Sri with 416 runs, including three this year in the world’s most played since a hard-fought comes hard to manage your Lanka paceman Lasith Mal- fifties. popular T20 league, ending three-set win over Petersen in body. So it’s just basically you inga trapped Shardul Thakur Watson’s return to the IPL Chennai Super Kings skipper Ma- top of the table after 14 league the second round at the Miami have to eat grass. lbw to claim a record fourth next season was already un- hendra Singh Dhoni chats with games. Open in March before with- “It was a nightmare. But title for Mumbai. certain after the 37-year-old Dwayne Bravo during the 2019 “We played some good drawing with a knee injury. it worked and it paid off. I “We need to go back and bid farewell to Australia’s Big Indian Premier League. (AFP) cricket. Good to see we qualified The 23-time Grand Slam feel like I’m taking it one day reflect as to how we reached Bash early this year. in the top two,” said Sharma. winner -- now ranked 11th at a time. the finals. I don’t think it was The Australian allrounder ‘A lot of mistakes’ “Our bowling in this tour- -- also withdrew from Indian one of those years where we and Mahendra Singh Dhoni Dhoni was run out in Sunday’s nament was excellent. At dif- Wells in March complaining played really good cricket are among the 11 members of final for two, leaving the de- ferent stages, our bowlers put of illness. and we got into the finals,” the 25-man Chennai squad fending champions in trouble their hands up and brought us Watched by her husband said Dhoni. aged over 30. at 82-4. back in the game.” Alexis Ohanian, Williams I really, really, actually sealed victory on her second desperately wanted to be on match point against her 64th- the tour and to be playing, ranked opponent after 76 but it hasn’t been able to minutes on court in the tour- work out. It felt good to Mumbai Indians’ Jasprit Bumrah Pacquiao to fight Thurman in WBA nament which acts as a warm- finally be back out. celebrates the wicket of Chennai up for the French Open in two Super Kings batsman Ambati weeks’ time. Hopefully I’ll be able to Rayudu (during the 2019 IPL “I felt good, I wasn’t sure keep it up. final on Sunday.(AFP) welterweight showdown on July 20 how it was going to feel,” said Williams, who hit 10 aces. Serena Williams The 25-year-old took 2-14 AFP “It’s been a while, I haven’t in Sunday’s IPL final as Mum- LOS ANGELES played a ton of matches this “For me obviously it’s bai edged Chennai Super year, not by choice, just by about playing well at all the Kings by one run in the thrill- PHILIPPINE boxing legend force. big moments, including this ing finale in Hyderabad. Manny Pacquiao and Keith Manny Pacquiao “I really, really, actually tournament because it is a big He is set to lead India’s Thurman will fight for World desperately wanted to be on moment. pace attack at the World Cup, Boxing Association welter- the tour and to be playing, but “Obviously the slams, just which starts in England and weight supremacy on July it hasn’t been able to work out. getting ready for those events.” Wales later this month. 20, promoters confirmed “It felt good to finally be A four-time Rome winner, “Without any doubt, let me on Saturday. back out. Hopefully I’ll be able Williams last won on the red go on record and say that he is An announcement on the to keep it up. clay of the Foro Italico in 2016. the best bowler in the world at Fox television broadcast of the “I got here pretty early re- She is preparing for this stage,” said Tendulkar, an Premier Boxing Champions ally, I wanted to get used to the the French Open later this advisor to the Mumbai team. card featuring Jarrett Hurd conditions and ‘real clay’ and month where a third title on “The best is yet to come.” and Julian Williams con- it was good I did that.” clay at Roland Garros would With Lasith Malinga giv- firmed the bout. Petersen looked set to push see her match Margaret ing away 32 runs from his Eight-division world the former world number one Court’s record of 24 major first three overs and Chennai champion Pacquiao, 40, is Venue for the bout was not improve to 29-0 with 22 wins bout in Las Vegas, winning going 3-1 up in the first set, but singles titles. needing 18 off the last 12 balls, coming off a January victory announced, but the card will inside the distance and in the easily with an impressive dis- 10th-seeded Williams won five In the meantime she is en- Bumrah choked the opposi- over American Adrien Broner also feature a free-television immediate aftermath he said play of superior hand speed of the next six games. joying sharing her favourite tion in the penultimate over that took his record to 61-7-2 clash between undefeated he’d be ready to take on Pac- and destructive power that She broke twice more in sites in Rome with her daugh- and sent Dwayne Bravo back with 39 knockouts. International Boxing Fed- quiao this year. landed him the unanimous de- the second and survived two ter Olimpia who turns two in to the pavilion for 15. He holds the WBA’s second- eration Super Middleweight “Maybe Brooklyn, maybe cision over the much younger break points against her while September. He was named man-of- ary “world” welterweight title. World Champion Caleb Plant, Vegas, wherever Manny Pac- American at the MGM Grand serving for the match, sealing “It’s really fun because I the-match for his efforts. In Thurman, he’ll be tak- making his first title defense quiao wants it,” Thurman said. in Las Vegas. victory after double-faulting took her to the Colosseum, “Winning a fourth title ing on the WBA’s “super world against unbeaten contender “I’d even fight him in the Phil- “I really don’t believe my on her first match point. then I took her to the (Trevi) for Mumbai makes me very champion” in the division. Mike Lee. ippines if I have to.” career is over. I proved it in my She will play either her fountain,” she said. happy,” said Bumrah, the top- “In the biggest night of Pacquiao, who last month Thurman had been idle last fight against (Lucas) Mat- older sister Venus, who re- “It was really cool to share ranked bowler in the world in boxing this year, boxing’s polled his legion of social media since edging Danny Garcia by thysee,” Pacquiao said after ceived a wildcard entry to the my favourite city with her, the one-day format. only eight-division world followers on who he should fight split decision in March of 2017 that fight. “And now I prove it tournament she won in 1999, some of my favourite things to “I was surprisingly very champion, Senator Manny next, took to Twitter to let them to unify two 147-pound titles. again at the age of 40.” or Belgian Elise Mertens in the see. Obviously the pasta and calm. I wasn’t panicking, just ‘Pac Man’ Pacquiao, will take know the bout was coming. The next month he had After beating Broner, Pac- second round. the food. focusing on the next ball.” on undefeated WBA Wel- “#TeamPacquiao is back. surgery to remove calcium quiao also called out Floyd Should Serena and Venus “Now when I go to tourna- Bumrah has picked up terweight World Champion July 20 l #PacThurman,” deposits from his right elbow, Mayweather, who beat the Fil- meet in Rome, it will be their ments, I really kind of want to 85 wickets in 49 ODIs and 51 Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman he tweeted. and as he was readying to re- ipino on points in the world’s first meeting on European clay get there early so I can have scalps in 42 T20 games for In- on Saturday, July 20 in a Thurman returned from a turn to the ring he suffered a richest prize fight in 2015. in nearly 17 years. these different experiences dia since his international de- blockbuster showdown that near two-year layoff to retain left hand injury in March of Although fans have clam- Williams admitted it has and photos and videos and but in January 2016. headlines a Premier Boxing his title with a 12-round ma- 2018 that forced him to take ored for a rematch, the un- been a struggle to maintain memories with Olympia. India begin their World Cup Champions on FOX Sports jority decision over Josesito more time off. beaten Mayweather, who is her fitness as she recovered “She might not remember campaign against South Africa Pay-Per-View event,” pro- Lopez on January 26. On January 20, Pacquiao officially retired, hasn’t risen from injury. it, but at least we’ll be able to in Southampton on June 5. moters said in a statement. The victory saw Thurman battered Broner in a lopsided to the bait. “I haven’t been able to see it in the future.” Sports Tuesday, May 14, 2019 19 HH Sheikh Abdullah-owned Tayf bags Coupe d’Europe TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA Tayf, then, continued his strong surge till the end, securing a THE HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khal- decisive win by a margin of ifa al Thani-owned Tayf (Amer) three quarters of a length in landed the Group 1 President of front of Al Shaqab Racing’s the UAE Cup (Coupe d’Europe) for Khataab who came second. four-year and older purebred Ara- bian horses at ParisLongchamp, Lightning Bolt (Munjiz) com- France on Sunday. pleted the frame by two further Tayf excelled and gave a brilliant lengths behind. well-timed performance throughout the 2000-metre race, making it a “Tayf is back in great form after prefect start for his seasonal debut a long period of absence. It was two in Europe. At the early stages, he years since his last success in Eng- cantered in sixth position. When land. We had a hard time getting the right moment came, he showed him back at this level, but he is back. a fantastic turn of foot, chasing and (Left) Rider Olivier Peslier pilots Tayf to the win in the Group 1 President of the 200m from the post, he had enough passing Khataab (Amer). UAE Cup at ParisLongchamp, France on Sunday. (Right) Winning party of Tayf energy to take the lead, but his jockey Tayf, then, continued his strong celebrates on the podium after the prize distribution ceremony. knows how to do and he made him surge till the end, securing a decisive heart”, said the winning trainer, soft ground, Tayf seemed a better take the advantage at the end be- win by a margin of three quarters of a Khataab who came second. Light- frame by two further lengths behind. Alban de Mieulle, “We could have choice. He had won in heavy ground cause we know he has a tendency to length in front of Al Shaqab Racing’s ning Bolt (Munjiz) completed the “Olivier Peslier knows him by run Yazeed in his place, but in a in Goodwood. stop once in front,” de Mieulle added. Rayyan down Arabi, Tamimi launches ATA enter Amir Cup final Sports Academy World high jump champion Barshim graces The 13-time winners rally from a set down, make it to 27th final the occasion TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA DOUBLE defending champi- ons Al Rayyan Club found so- RED Bull athlete Abdulla lutions to subdue an inspired al Tamimi, the Qatar’s top- Al Arabi Club and qualified for ranked squash player, had their 27th Amir Cup Volley- been having an overriding am- ball Championship final with a bition to give back to sports. fighting five-set triumph. Over the weekend, the Aspire At the QVA Indoor Hall on Academy graduate took a step Sunday night, The Lions first towards fulfilling his vision trailed but had a 2-1 advantage and launched ATA Sports, his Qatar’s squash player Abdulla al Tamimi speaks during the launch of before clinching the 114-min- very own sports academy. ATA Sports Academy in Doha. ute cliff-hanger 22-25 25-9 25- The launch was attended 22 22-25 15-12 with Belgian by several key figures, includ- idea of offering a “new ap- dulla. The idea of creating a professional Sam Deroo excel- ing Aspire Academy Director proach” to Qatar’s sports com- sports academy and spread ling for the winners and col- of Education and Student Af- munities. The academy’s mis- the sport that he loves is lecting a game-high 21 points. fairs Badr al Hay and world sion is to create a platform that amazing, and I think it will On Saturday, Police com- high jump champion Mutaz would allow the youth to ex- have a good impact on the pleted a 2-0 series win against Essa Barshim, also a member plore and develop their skills. society,”said Barshim. runners-up Al Ahli Club to of Red Bull family. Barshim The organisation’s collective This comes after an out- move to the final, to be held on also used the occasion to chal- experience entails squash, ten- standing 2018 season for May 18 at 9.45 pm. Al Rayyan player attempt to block Al Arabi’s Tonsek Stern during the semi-final of the Amir Cup Volleyball lenge Tamimi for a friendly nis, karate, gymnastics, swim- Tamimi as the 24-year-old Championship at the QVA Indoor Hall in Doha on Sunday. squash match. ming and yoga. broke into the world top 30, According to Tamimi, ATA “I was happy to be there to achieve a career-best global RESULTS cure the set and 2-1 lead. Sports was formed with the and support my friend Ab- ranking of 24th. Best-of-three semi-final playoffs It took a lot of effort by Al Al Rayyan Club beat Al Arabi Club 22-25 25-9 25-22 Arabi to stage their return into 22-25 15-12 in one hour & 54 minutes the match and despite win- (Al Rayyan won series 2-0, advance to the final) ning the fourth set, they lost out on their momentum in the tie-break set. Al Rayyan slowly This is the second Amir started building the lead and Cup final between 13-time from 5-3 they consolidated it champions Al Rayyan and to 10-7 and then 12-9. Control- four-time runner-up Police ling the end points nicely, they with the former clinching the sealed the set and the match in previous one in the 2012-13 one hour and 54 minutes. season. Apart from Polish club Al Arabi Club, who lost ZAKSA Kedzierzyn Kozle’s the opening playoff 3-0, were Deroo, the 2013 European expected to bounce back and League gold medallist, Kamil they had a positive start, jump- QVA Secretary-General Yousef Kano presents the man-of-the match Rychlicki, the other pro from ing to an early 8-4 lead. They award to Al Rayyan’s Belal Abunabot on Sunday. Bunge Ravenna in Italy, add- consolidated it to 16-9 but dou- ed 17 points for Al Rayyan. ble Arab Club Championship club title with Trentino four claiming the set in 19 minutes Birama Faye and Marcus holders and Asia club bronze times, and Tonsek Stern, grab- to tie the scores. Costa garnered 12 each, while medalists Al Rayyan showed bing a crucial 1-0 edge. The holders continued setter Milos Stevanovic se- the signs of comeback, coming Al Rayyan however their push even in the third, cured eight. with a point of equalising. launched a massive offensive though not as successfully as For Al Arabi, Kaziyski Al Arabi Club, who won 21 in the second set and shot 8-2 before. Their 16-12 advantage and Stern earned 18 points titles out of 29 finals, were seen ahead before moving to 16- was cut short by fighting Al each. Ibrahim Mohammed through by star players Matey 6. They further consolidated Arabi to 20-21 but Al Rayyan had 10 and Renan Rebeiro Abdulla al Tamimi and Mutaz Essa Barshim play a friendly squash match during the launch of the ATA Kaziyski, who won the world themselves with 21-7 before came up with winners to se- earned seven. Sports Academy in Doha. Kokan Fighters win Qatar Premier League South Africa to appeal against

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Semenya testosterone ruling DOHA AFP “We’ll file the appeal as “Everything is being done KOKAN Fighters emerged as JOHANNESBURG soon as we possibly can,” through Athletics SA.” winners of the Qatar Premier Vuyo Mhaga, spokesman for League Season 10 recently de- SOUTH Africa on Monday the South African sport and Public anger feating Al Jaber Engineering said it would lodge an ap- recreation ministry, told AFP. The IAAF argued that ath- in the final held at Barwa City peal after Olympic champion Mhaga said the appeal, to letes such as two-time Olym- Grounds. Caster Semenya lost her case be lodged at the Switzerland pic 800 metres champion A total of 24 tournaments challenging new rules forcing Federal Tribunal, would be Semenya had an unfair advan- from Indian, Pakistani, Sri female athletes to regulate based on complaints over the tage over others. Lankan, Bangladeshi and their testosterone levels. judges’ past record on similar Semenya, 28, won the Nepalese communities took Semenya’s case has pro- cases, lack of clarity over how 800m at the Doha Diamond part in the tournament. voked a furious debate across the ruling could be imple- League meeting on May 3 in The chief guests for the sport worldwide about gen- mented and how the evidence her first race after the ruling, event included Sajid Azam der and “hyperandrogenic” was handled. saying that “actions speak (ex-president PIFQ), Ahmed athletes, those with “differ- “It is not explained how louder than words”. Afridi (ex-president PTI-Q), ences of sexual development” the IAAF (the International Asked if she intended to Mohammed Arshad owner (DSD). Association of Athletics Fed- take hormone-suppressing Salt & Pepper Restaurant, The decision on May 1 erations) is going to adminis- treatment, the three-time and Hayat Khan of Spice N Kokan Fighters players with the trophy after winning the Qatar Premier Leauge in Doha recently. by the Court of Arbitration ter those regulations,” he said. world champion said: “No Sizzle Restaurant. for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, “We feel that the scien- way. Hameed khan gave away Sohail (President) and Iba- and Sharfuddin. and in making it a huge suc- Switzerland, means female tific information that has been “I don’t know what will the awards and medals to durrahman (Vice-President) QPL members thanked cess. athletes with elevated testos- brought has been actually happen next. But no one winners and runners-up. were also present on the all participating teams for QPL Committee also terone will have to take sup- completely ignored and we’ve should tell me what to do, if QPL’s Siraj Ansari occasion along with board their enthusiasm and sport- thanked the sponsors Amal pressive treatment if they got a belief that a different people want to stop me from (Founder & Director), Qamar members Sridhar Abbagou- ing spirit over the last four Travels and Bawarchi Res- wish to compete as women in court will arrive at a different doing something that’s their Qureshi (Chairman), Mir ni, Ashfaq, Saif Ullah, Abed months of the tournament taurant for their support. certain events. determination. problem, not mine.”