WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 SPORT 08 Last season in this period we were already champions. This season we FOOTBALL had an incredible opponent in the Manchester City coach UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS - SECOND LEG Premier League with Liverpool. Both Pep Guardiola (10:00pm Qatar time) teams deserve to be champions, but FC Porto vs Liverpool (Agg 0-2)

just one is going to get it. ACTION Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur (Agg 0-1) TODAY’S

From Mankad row Injury-hit Bangladesh recall to umpire howlers: IPL hits and misses

Mosaddek for World Cup AFP NEW DELHI AFP he picked up three vital . DHAKA His faded until the recent BANGLADESH WORLDWORLD CUPCUP SQUADSQUAD Dhaka Premier League where he The high-octane Indian Premier Bangladesh called up batsman scored 428 runs and picked up seven League has lived up to its reputation for rip- Mosaddek Hossain and uncapped fast wickets in 12 one-day matches. Mashrafe Mortazataza ()(Captain) roaring action in 2019. bowler Abu Jayed for their World Cup Jayed was the only uncapped Tamim Iqbal Entering the second half of the seven-week squad yesterday as they wrestle with player in what is an otherwise expe- extravaganza, here are some of the eye- a series of injuries. rienced squad for the tournament in Liton Das grabbing moments so far from this year’s IPL: Mosaddek was named to com- England and Wales, starting on May Soumya Sarkarr pensate for fellow batting all-rounder 30. Ashwin’s Mankad kicks it off Mahmudullah Riyad, who has suffered Four players have been to three Mushfiqur Rahimim Controversy exploded on just the third day a shoulder injury and looks unlikely World Cups: skipper Mashrafe Mahmudullah RiyadRiyad of the season after ’s to be able to bowl, said chief selector Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al “Mankad” run-out of England batsman Jos Minhajul Abedin. Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. Shakib Al Hasanan Buttler triggered a worldwide debate on the Jayed also got the nod in the Jayed’s inclusion meant there was Mohammad Mithunithun spirit of cricket. Ashwin, captain of Kings XI 15-man squad as potential cover for no room for pace bowler Taskin Punjab, stopped in his stride to whip pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman, Ahmed, who is also recovering from Mohammad Saifuddinaifuddin off the bails while Buttler, for Rajasthan Royals, who is recovering from an ankle injury. Mosaddek Hossainssain was backing up at the non-striker’s end. While sprain, and Rubel Hossain who has a Bangladesh also named a 17-man pundits and former players were busy squaring side strain. squad for a tri-series in Ireland in early Mustafizur Rahmanhman up on the rights and wrongs of Ashwin’s actions, Mosaddek, a useful off-spinner, May, where uncapped spinner Sabbir Rahmann took strong offence to former hasn’t played for Bangladesh since last Nayeem Hasan and batsman Yasir Ali Test bowler Vinoo Mankad’s name being asso- year’s Asia Cup, but he forced his way will join the World Cup players. Mehidy Hasan ciated with the controversial mode of dismissal. into the reckoning with a series of big The games against Ireland and Rubel Hossain “Lack of respect shown to an Indian legend is scores in domestic cricket. West Indies will be held from May indeed sad,” Gavaskar said of Mankad, who Mosaddek played a key role in 5-17. Bangladesh open their World Abu Jayed had warned Australia’s Bill Brown before Bangladesh’s win over New Zealand Cup against South Africa at the Oval Mashrafe Mortaza sending him packing in the 1940s. at the 2017 Champions Trophy, when on June 2. ‘Captain Cool’ Dhoni boils over Mahendra Singh Dhoni is known as “Captain Cool” but he suffered a meltdown and Australia to rotate openers after Warner’s return stormed from his dugout to confront the umpires after a no-ball call for a high full toss AFP But Langer yesterday said it World Cup squad on Monday was reversed against Rajasthan Royals. Dhoni, SYDNEY was a welcome problem to have with middle order batsman the Chennai Super Kings skipper, was docked all three potential openers firing. Peter Handscomb “brutally 50 per cent of his match fee but many thought Australian coach Justin Langer “We have amazing flexibility unlucky” to have to make way the wicketkeeper was treated with kid gloves. yesterday welcomed the top- now,” he told Melbourne radio for Smith. “Dhoni should have been banned for at least order selection dilemma posed SEN. The decision to drop two to three games,” said former batsman by the return of David Warner “Usman and Finchy have Handscomb also means the on website Cricbuzz. “... as offering “fantastic flexibility” done an incredible job opening team only has one wicketkeeper tomorrow another captain can do the same, to the team ahead of the World the batting. David and Finchy in Alex Carey. then what is the value of an umpire?” Cup. have done a great job in the past But Langer said Tim Paine, The return of Steve Smith doing it,” he added. Matthew Wade and Club level umpires panned and Warner from their year- Langer said he would “mix Handscomb, all named in one India captain also questioned long bans for ball-tampering has and match” the top order in of Australia’s two A squads the standard of umpiring in the star-studded left selectors in a quandary, with matches leading up to the World which will play in England later Twenty20 League after his Royal Challengers openers Aaron Finch and Cup. this year, were on standby if were denied a win when Mumbai Usman Khawaja building a for- “I love the flexibility of it. Carey was injured. Indians’ Lasith Malinga clearly overstepped on midable partnership in recent (It’s about) boys playing their “Usually wicketkeepers, the final delivery. “We are not playing club one-day internationals. Warner roles for the team not just they give up their spot for cricket,” Kohli fumed after the blatant no ball has been in blistering touch in playing the roles that suit them,” no-one. They have to do a pretty was not spotted. Following on from Dhoni’s David Warner the and he said. serious injury to move aside for one-man pitch invasion and Buttler’s Mankad, typically opens the batting. Australia named their someone else,” he said. which many thought should have been called a dead ball, the umpires will be under the microscope as the season heads for its climax. Woakes warns Ex-cricketer Lewis on long walk King Kohli’s unwanted record England over Kohli could not blame the umpires, however, when Bangalore suffered their sixth Archer’s back from disgrace to redemption straight defeat to equal the worst start to an IPL campaign. They did finally stop the rot with potential call-up a first win on Saturday. While India top the Test AFP “It is ironic that after being sen- rankings and “King Kohli” is the world’s leading REUTERS BASINGSTOKE, UNITED KINGDOM tenced to 13 years that did not occur to batsman, the worry is he seems unable to lead LONDON me.” Bangalore to a maiden IPL title despite two half- Chris Lewis’s journey from opening the Lewis, whose morale was greatly centuries and a place in the league’s top 10 Chris Woakes believes it would be for England in the 1992 World helped by former Surrey team-mate batsmen. With a playoff place looking remote, unfair for England selectors to ask Cup final to contemplating suicide and Jason Ratcliffe who offered him help former England captain Michael Vaughan any player to make way for the being convicted of drugs smuggling has from the start, largely kept himself to reckons India should instead rest him ahead uncapped all-rounder Jofra Archer him feeling as ambitious as when he himself in prison. of the World Cup next month. in the World Cup squad. was a teenager, he has said. “A strange thing that happened was Barbados-born Archer, who The 51-year-old -- who represented sitting on my bed the night after the sen- Chart-topping Warner has the hits shone for Sussex last season and in England over 80 times in Tests and tence had been passed and I cried and With four fifties and a century, David Australia’s Big Bash Twenty20 one-day internationals -- said it was it got a lot of emotions out,” he said. Warner has taken the IPL by storm in his league for Hobart Hurricanes, is eli- fear over being penniless that drove him “After I had done crying that night comeback from a one-year ban for his part in gible for national selection under to smuggle £140,000 ($183,000) of Former England cricketer Chris I had no need to cry again. Australia’s ball-tampering scandal. The opener new England & Wales Cricket Board cocaine in cans of fruit into England Lewis poses for a photograph at the There were certain rules that Lewis tops the batting chart with 400 runs for Sun- (ECB) residency rules. from St Lucia in 2008. Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke imposed on himself from the start of risers Hyderabad and insists he is “refreshed” Archer’s ability to bowl at over He stood to earn £50,000 from the in this April 10 file photo. his jail term -- neither listening to music after his enforced absence. Warner’s disgraced 90 miles per hour and his lower- deal -- instead he ended up serving six nor telling his adored grandmother former captain Steve Smith has been quieter, order power-hitting skills have and a half years of a 13-year prison Eunice Joseph back in Guyana about but has displayed occasional flashes of bril- earned him a number of high-profile term. Moira Hunt of the Bristol-based Rough- his fall from grace. liance for Rajasthan Royals such as an unbeaten admirers including England regulars The engaging and lithe former all- house Theatre, has helped re-light the “I stopped listening to music imme- 73 against . Both are back in the Aus- Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. rounder is presently touring with the fire within him. diately because a certain tune can take tralia squad for the World Cup with a big Some are concerned about who play written by Dougie Blaxland (the “It (the play) all comes together from you back to a particular moment,” he incentive to keep up their return to form by would be left out if he were to join pen name of former cricketer James an idea of how we have reached here said. finishing the IPL with a flourish. the England squad, however. Graham-Brown) about his life called when less than a decade ago I was sat in In the play, Lewis takes part in a “If he was to come in and “The Long Walk Back”. a prison cell and my life was more than question and answer session with the Sixes galore for rampant Russell someone was to miss out, it would “Do you know, the funny thing is I over,” Lewis said. audience, fielding sometimes awkward West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has be extremely unfortunate,” all- would suggest I am more ambitious and It is a far cry from when Lewis, enquiries. almost single-handedly fuelled Kolkata’s IPL rounder Woakes told BBC Sport. more optimistic than I have ever been whose long-term girlfriend Patricia He says he is pleased by the play -- drive with his powerhouse batting which has “We’ve been a tight-knit group in my life,” Lewis said during an stayed loyal despite him putting her which has included two prisons on its seen him smash 30 sixes so far. The burly for the last two to three years, played interview conducted at the Haymarket ‘through the wars’, contemplated taking tour -- because it explores the emo- Jamaican leads the slogging charts ahead of some really strong cricket, won a lot Theatre in Basingstoke. his own life on the first night he was tional side of his story and the battle he fellow West Indian who has cleared of series. Apart from a personal level, “This is a stage of my life I should incarcerated after his arrest. had to accept who was to blame for his the ropes 23 times for Kings XI Punjab. The blond I wouldn’t want to see any of my have gone through in my 20s with a “You cannot get over the prospect predicament. mohawk-adorned Russell’s highlight was a mates and team-mates miss out. But whole set of new experiences. of facing a sentence of 15 years,” he said. “It was not immediate but even- 13-ball 48 against Bangalore as Kolkata chased it’s the nature of international cricket “It is a place I have not been since “If you have not been in jail it seems an tually I came to the conclusion the down an improbable 54 runs to win in the last that there is always someone I was a teenager... a place when that unimaginable amount of time. person who has the final say in stuff three overs. Batting great Brian Lara listed the knocking on the door.” teenage boy was dreaming of being a “The question of ‘if this goes the that happened in your life is me. all-rounder as his top pick for West Indies’ World England will name a provisional cricketer.” wrong way what will you do’ and “It is hard then to start to point the Cup team on Twitter, saying the selectors should 15-man squad for the World Cup The play, directed by Australian (suicide) was certainly something on finger without pointing it pick Russell and “any other 10”. today. husband and wife Shane Morgan and the table. backwards.” WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 SPORT 09

Nowitzki Tiger’s spectacular victory could could see himself as have golf industry roaring back coach in a few years AP NEW YORK REUTERS Patrons cheer as Tiger Woods of the United States celebrates after sinking his putt on the 18th green to win BERLIN during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday in Augusta, Georgia. Tiger Woods’ win at the Masters could revitalise the golf industry, Retired NBA champion Dirk which has struggled in the past Nowitzki, who spent 21 decade while the game’s biggest seasons at the Dallas star was hobbled by issues on Mavericks, could see himself and off the course. returning to basketball as Bridgestone Golf, whose logo coach or manager in a few was on the golf balls Woods used, years time, the German said. says its website traffic soared The 40-year-old future after the Sunday win. PGA Tour Hall of Famer ended his Superstore, which sells golf sparkling career last week equipment online, says sales after more than two decades were up over the weekend by at the Mavericks with whom 50% from a year ago. he was crowned NBA And shares of Nike, the champion in 2011 and was a sponsor that stood by Woods 14-time All Star. after his 2009 car crash and “After one or two years I reports of extramarital affairs, can see myself being happy... rose Monday, as did the stocks as a coach or a manager,” of other golf equipment makers Nowitzki told Germany’s Die that aren’t connected to Woods. Zeit newspaper in an interview “The golf industry has been to be published today. waiting for him to win again,” “I would like to be a said Rick Burton, a professor at mentor for a young player Syracuse University’s David B. and... accompany them Falk College of Sport and Human through their career in my Dynamics. TV ratings of golf very own way.” tournaments and sales of golf For now, Nowitzki is equipment are likely to rise, he content to put his feet up and noted. wore, was its top seller over the enjoy a drink and a slice of Star athletes, he said, help weekend. cake, something he could not draw more people to the game. “After an incredible win at Trump says he will award Woods do for years as a professional “It’s kind of a tsunami effect,” the Masters, the Tiger effect is player. Burton said. expected to kick off the start of “In the past week I had It had been 11 years since the golf season better than the Presidential Medal of Freedom some cake,” he said. “That felt Woods had a major win - and expected,” PGA Tour Superstore REUTERS the pair joined golf great Jack Nicklaus for a round good.” enthusiasm for golf seemed to said in a statement. WASHINGTON at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida. Nowitzki holds the record wane during his drought as he Apex Marketing Group, a Trump appeared to follow the action at this for having played the most battled injuries and worked to branding consulting company, US President Donald Trump said he would award year’s Masters closely, tweeting well-wishes to seasons for the same club and repair his reputation. Nike estimated the media exposure Tiger Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom the field on Saturday and encouraging people to is sixth in the all-time scorers stopped selling golf equipment for Nike to be worth more than after the golfer won the Masters for the fifth time tune in when Woods had the lead with just two list of the NBA. in 2016 to focus on apparel. $22m. Nike Inc.’s stock rose less on Sunday. holes left to play on Sunday. Nagging injuries, however, About a year later, rival than 1% on Monday. “Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him “Congratulations to @TigerWoods, a truly took their toll on his body and sold off its golf business. And Shares of energy drink on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @The- Great Champion!” Trump tweeted shortly after continuing his career past the Golfsmith, the largest golf retail maker Monster Beverage Corp, Masters, & to inform him that because of his Woods sank a short putt to secure his 15th major current season was chain in the U.S. at the time, filed a sponsor whose green logo incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) title. impossible. for bankruptcy protection and appears on Woods’ golf bag, and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting “Love people who are great under pressure. “What I did not want to was later bought by Dick’s gained about 2%. him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF What a fantastic life comeback for a really great happen under any circum- Sporting Goods. Other golf companies that FREEDOM,” Trump tweeted. guy!” he added later. stance was to say goodbye and On Sunday, Nike didn’t waste aren’t connected to Woods also The victory on Sunday was one of the greatest The medal is the highest civilian honour in be sitting at home, thinking time capitalising on Woods’ win, saw a boost. Club maker Cal- comebacks in sports history, as the 43-year-old the United States and is given annually to people ‘damn, you would really like posting a video on Twitter that laway Golf Co.’s stock rose 1.5%. ended an 11-year major title drought having who have made outstanding contributions to the to play now. Why did you do had more than 24 million views And Acushnet Holdings Corp., overcome personal and professional setbacks security or national interests of the country, to this’,” he said. by Monday afternoon. During the maker of golf balls and other including a highly-public divorce and multiple world peace, or to cultural or other significant “But my body was not tournament, Woods wore head- golfing equipment, added 1.7%. surgeries. public or private endeavours. good. to-toe Nike with the hard-to- On Monday, Bridgestone Golf The one-stroke win at Augusta National led Since taking office Trump has given the award “To be honest my foot miss swoosh logo on his hat, CEO Dan Murphy said in an to an outpouring of support from sports greats to several athletes including former professional where I had surgery last year shirt, pants and shoes. interview on business news and politicians including Trump. NFL players Roger Staubach and Alan Page and was not well throughout the PGA Tour Superstore said a network CNBC that website Trump, an avid golfer, and Woods have played late professional baseball player George Herman year. I knew it would not be red Nike shirt with a mock tur- traffic jumped 200% after together in the past including in February when “Babe” Ruth, Jr. getting any better.” tleneck, similar to the one Woods Woods’ win.

Djokovic advances Subdued Nadal enters the with scrappy win unknown in Monte Carlo AFP AP MONTE CARLO MONACO Rafael Nadal offered a low-key appraisal yesterday of his chances Two-time champion Novak Djokovic struggled with his serve at for a record-extending 12th Monte Carlo Masters title as he times but reached the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters with prepares to return from his latest injury lay-off. a scrappy 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Philipp Kohlschreiber yesterday. The 32-year-old Spaniard, whose bad knees and constant Djokovic double-faulted eight times and needed five match stoppages from competition have defined his career as king of points to beat Kohlschreiber, who lost eight of their previous 10 clay, was extremely hesitant to even rate his chances as he gets matches but secured a rare win in the third round at Indian Wells Serbia’s Novak set to face Roberto Bautista Agut in today’s second round start. last month. Djokovic reacts during “I cant give you any feeling, it’s been a rough year and a half He caused problems again for the top-ranked Djokovic in an his match against for me,” Nadal said ahead of his first match since withdrawing error-strewn match which featured eight straight breaks of serve Germany’s Philipp with another knee injury prior to an Indian Wells semi-final against from when Kohlschreiber led 2-1 in the second set. Kohlschreiber on day Roger Federer last month. “It’s tough for me to get a clear view Midway through that, Djokovic needed treatment for a couple four of the Monte- of how I am. It’s all hard for me personally.” of minutes on his right thumb. He appeared to hurt it while sliding Carlo ATP Masters Nadal has a vast number of ranking points to defend on clay at the baseline during the fifth game. Series in Monaco after lifting titles in a spectacular 2018 run at Monte Carlo, Bar- After Kohlschreiber dropped serve at the start of the deciding yesterday. Djokovic celona, Rome and Roland Garros. set - the eighth straight service break - Djokovic saved break points won 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. His only other trophy during a season in which he did not play before holding for 2-0. at all after the US Open came on hard court in Toronto, where he The 15-time Grand Slam champion, who will aim to win a fourth beat young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. straight major when the French Open starts next month, then upped “It’s been hard for me personally,” Nadal said of his latest his level. He held to love for 4-2 and saved a break point to go 5-3 physical setback. “Now the work of every day is to improve, (make) up, forcing his 35-year-old German opponent to serve to stay in the small improvements in every practice. match. Kohlschreiber saved a first match point at 30-40 with a “It’s important for me to have a good practice before the tour- sublime drop shot and held. nament starts and then try to be competitive for the first round. Serving for the match, Djokovic fluffed another three match It’s gonna be a tough one (match with Bautista Agut), so let’s see.” points. After finally sealing the victory when Kohlschreiber’s return Nadal is seeded second here behind Novak Djokovic, who is landed long, he whacked the ball away in frustration and then Spain’s Fernando hoping to build for the French Open as he attempts to complete whipped another one up into the crowd. Verdasco plays a a personal sweep by winning his fourth straight Grand Slam title. Djokovic, who lost in the fourth round of the Miami Open last backhand return to While Bautista Agut fought back to beat Australian John month, seemed irritable at times and smashed his racket into the France’s Pierre-Hugues Millman 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, Denis Shapovalov’s 20th birthday celebra- ground at 4-2 down in the second set. Later in the second, he lobbed Herbert during their tions fell flat as he lost 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 to German Jan-Lennard Struff. his racket at the ball when retrieving a shot at the baseline and inad- match in Monaco Fifteenth seed Shapovalov has yet to claim a win in the Prin- vertently sent it into the crowd. yesterday. Herbert won cipality after losing in the first round a year ago to Tsitsipas. He next faces the winner of a second-round match between 6-4, 6-4. The nearly two-hour effort was marred by 10 double-faults American Taylor Fritz or Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman. from the Canadian youngster, who was broken six times. Belgian In other second-round play, Argentine Guido Pella downed 16th seed David Goffin made short work of Argentine Guido seventh-seeded Marin Cilic 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, breaking the imposing Andreozzi 6-1, 6-4. Croatian’s serve eight times. There was another upset as Italian qualifier Lorenzo Sonego won 7-6 (4), 6-4 against eighth-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019

Asian Athletics Championships Doha 2019

A view of Khalifa International Stadium.

IAAF Worlds host Qatar ready to stage ‘memorable’ Asian track and field show

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA IAAF Vice-President Dahlan Al Hamad (centre), along with other officials of Local Organising Committee, Eng Eman Al Athletes from the world’s biggest continent will enjoy ‘the expe- Emadi (left), Director of Planning and Operation Committee; rience of a lifetime’ when they Eng Fahad Ebrahim Jumaa (second left), Vice-President and descend on Doha to feature in the Director General; and Salah Al Saadi (second right), Director 23rd Asian Athletics Champion- of Venues Committee during a press conference, yesterday. PICTURE: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA ships set for next week, Vice- President of the International Association of Athletics Federa- tions (IAAF) Dahlan Al Hamad promised yesterday. An air-conditioned Khalifa International Stadium will be the venue for the biennial event, which will witness around 700 elite athletes from 44 nations in action. As many as 186 medals from 21 men’s events, 21 women’s events, and a mixed relay event have been scheduled during the championships from April 21 to During the Asian Athletics Championships will be the first 24. Championships Doha 2019, all time the revolutionary state-of- Upbeat Qatar eye rich The Asian Athletics Champi- major operations, including the the-art cooling system at the onships will primarily serve as venue, transport and accommo- Khalifa International Stadium the test event for the Local dation, are set to be trialled to will be tested formally in a major medals haul at home Organising Committee (LOC), ensure a smooth and spotless event. which will host Middle East’s first experience during the IAAF It is the first time ever that an IAAF World Championships in Worlds, which will be held from outdoor stadium has been CHINTHANA WASALA year, is expected to dazzle the home crowd as just over five month’s time at the 28 September to 6 October. equipped with air conditioning THE PENINSULA well as the sports enthusiasts at the Khalifa Inter- iconic venue. “The Asian championships is system to provide ideal condi- national Stadium next week. “We will have to set very high the biggest IAAF event in the con- tions for athletes in hot temper- Hosts Qatar are confident of a rich medals haul The Qatar contingent also includes top Asian standards in the Asian Athletics tinent and it gives us great chance atures. The system is designed in at next week’s 23rd Asian Athletics Champion- athletes junior world champion in hammer throw Championships,” Dahlan, who to prepare for the global show- a way that it will not affect the ships, Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman Ashraf El Seify, 2015 Asian Championship gold also heads the LOC, told a press piece event. We will welcome athletes’ performance in any Dahlan Al Hamad said yesterday. medallist and silver winner two years ago in Bhu- conference at Qatar Olympic 3,500 athletes from 200 nations discipline. Reigning world champion in high jump baneswar, Femi Ogunode, sprint sensation Tosin Committee (QOC) headquarters and more than 10, 000 interna- “I say Khalifa International Mutaz Barshim and Abderrahman Samba (pic- Ogunode, and middle distance star Jamal Hairane yesterday. tional guests at the IAAF Worlds,” Stadium has state-of-the-art tured), the most successful track and field who won two silver medals during the last “Doha’s legacy is hosting Dahlan said. cooling system. Why I say that? athlete last year, have been named in a edition.Barshim, meanwhile, has completely major international events for To a query, he said, athletes Because they designed the air 29-strong Qatar contingent. Al Dahlan, the IAAF recovered from an injury which he had suffered over 21 years and we will use all from all the blockading Asian condition in two ways. One for Vice President and President of the Asian Ath- in July last year, and is already training with his our experience to make this a countries, will also compete in the football and one for athletics,” letics Association (AAA), informed media that coach and is mainly focused on defending his memorable event for all the Asian Doha during the four-day cham- Dahlan explained. the home athletes are ready for action in the world title. athletes and fans,” he added. pionships next week. “During athletics, the air will April 21-24 event to be held at the Khalifa Inter- Before his season was cut short, the Rio “We are ready to host one of “Athletes from Saudi Arabia, be released for a higher level, national Stadium. Olympics silver medallist, Barshim, cleared a world- the great and exceptional cham- UAE and Bahrain will compete where it will not even affect any “Inshallahhallah (God(God willing)willing) theythey willwill havehave goodgood leadingleading 22.40-metre.40-metre marmarkk ttwice,wice, anandd accounted pionships that will remain in in Doha. We welcome all athletes event even the javelin. The tem- results,” AAll HHamadamad saisaidd dduringuring a press cocon-n- forfor ffourour ooff the fivefive highest jumpsjum recorded memory of the fans and athletes who want to participate. We perature will be adjusted as per ference hheldeld at the Qatar Olympic CoCom-m- in 2018. for a long time,” said Dahlan, also don’t mix sports with politics,” the instructions from the tech- mittee (QOC)(QOC) headquarters, “Barshim“Barshim has rrecovered.ecovered He’s on the the President of the Asian Ath- said Dahlan before hoping for nical delegates. The Khalifa yesterday.ay. tracktrack now andand we havehave jjustu included letics Association (AAA). good crowd turn out during the Stadium technology is highly “We know this is the AAsiansian CCham-ham- him in the list,”list,” AlAl HHamadamad said.s championships. adjustable with regard of tem- pionship and that this is thethe yearyear ofof “But we want to see the last OK An air-conditioned “The ticket sales is under way perature,” he added. preparationon for the IAAIAAFF World CCham-ham- fromfrom his coach because youyou know most Khalifa International at the event’s website www. “The purpose is to give ath- pionships.s. Yes, yyouou cannot undereunderes-s- importantimportant thing is fforor him iiss to be really Stadium will be the aac2019.com. Qatar has a huge letes optimal conditions to max- timate anyny nationnation inin AAsiasia becausebecause fitfit to compete here and continuecon in the Asian population and even if a imise their chance of achieving everybodydy will be coming here pre-pre- DiamondDiamond LLeagueeague and alsalsoo the World venue for the biennial fraction of it comes to watch live glory,” said Dahlan. pared. Butut there will be ggoodood results for Championship.Championship. TheThe goalgoal is the WorldW Cham- event, which will action, the stadium will be filled,” The LOC is expected to get Qatar,” AAll HamadHamad said.said. pionships,”pionships,” AlAl HamadHamad said.said. BarshimB last he said. instructions from technical dele- Samba,ba, the 2018 AsianAsian competedcompeted in the AsianAsian champion- witness around 700 ‘Cool’ Khalifa International gates on April 19, however, the Games chamchampionpion shipsships in WuhWuhan,a China in elite athletes from 44 Stadium offers optimal temperature is likely to be adjusted unbeatenn in nine 2015,2015, wherewhe he won a nations in action. conditions between 22 to 24 degrees, major trackrack and bronze,bronze one of The Asian Athletics deemed suitable for athletes. field eventsents last Qatar’sQatar’s 10 medals.

Chess: Superb Sharma wins Qatar Primary Schools title

THE PENINSULA Taksh Sharma of DPS Indian the top three players also earned DOHA School outplayed all six of DPS Indian School the team cham- his opponents to clinch the pionship. The team amassed 11.5 India’s Taksh Sharma of DPS Indian Qatar Primary Schoolboys’ points. School outplayed all six of his oppo- Chess title. Doha Modern Indian School fin- nents to clinch the Qatar Primary ished second ahead of Birla Public Schoolboys’ Chess title at the School who won third place in the Jawaan Bin Jassim Model Inde- drawing against Anirudh Aravind competition. pendent School for Boys yesterday. in the fourth round. The Boys’ tournament saw 124 Sharma got the better of com- Rahul Balamurugan completed players representing boys 34 patriots Gaurish Ganesh, Shahal a brilliant treble for DPS Indian schools took part in the two-day Mohammed, Rishab Murthy and School by winning the bronze event which saw the girls in contest Rahul Balamurugan as well as medal, after earning a total score of on the opening day, which saw Egyptian Hazem Disouky and Jor- of 5. Amulya Guruprasad of Doha dan’s Khaled Al Qatani to secure full Gowtham Ramamoorthy, Modern Indian School winning the points with a brilliant score of 21 in winner of the Qatargas Rapid Chess title. the six rounds yesterday. Tournament title few days ago, fin- The tournament was organised Tom Varghese, also from DPS ished fourth ahead of Abel Sajan, by the Qatar School Sports Associ- Indian School, finished with a score who completed the top five. ation and Qatar Chess The schoolboys pose for a group picture after conclusion of the event, yesterday. of 5.5 after winning five games and The amazing performances by Association. WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019 SPORT 11

ITTF, QTTA mourn death of young Qatar star Al Najjar

THE PENINSULA DOHA

World governing body the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) President Khalil Al Mohannadi yesterday paid tribute to young Abdul- rahman Mohsen Al Najjar Qatar Olympic Academy and International Olympic Academy sign MoU (pictured) who died on Sunday 10 days after Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain (second right) poses for a picture with officials of International sustaining serious injuries Olympic Academy (IOA) in Athens yesterday. The Qatar Olympic Academy signed a memorandum of understanding with IOA in Athens. in a car crash. In a story posted on www.ittf.com, the world added. Shocked and sad- governing was ‘deeply sad- dened by his tragic passing, dened’ by the news of Al the whole ITTF family will Najjar’s passing away after honour his memory in 10 days in intensive care fol- Budapest and beyond. Qatar SC and Muaither lowing a car accident in “The ITTF sends its Doha. deepest condolences to the The Qatar U21 player, family of Abdulrahman Al who represented Al Sadd Najjar, to the whole Qatar clash in QSL play-off Club, became the highest Table Tennis Association ranked player in his country and to Khalil Al- ARMSTRONG VAS and had an extremely bright Mohannadi, President of THE PENINSULA future ahead of him. the Qatar and Arab Table A very polite and well- Tennis Federations and Muaither SC will not focus on the mannered man according Deputy ITTF President,” the ‘big stars’ in the Qatar SC ranks If we look at them to his peers and colleagues post added. but rely on their own strengths at the QTTA, Al Najjar was Al Mohannadi said in a when they take on Sergio Batista’s as a strong team in his second year of a Sport statement that the table side in the QNB Stars League with big stars such Management degree at tennis family and sports play-off match at the Al Duhail as Samuel Eto’o, we Qatar University. fraternity would have a dif- Stadium today. “This was a young man ficult time to bear the loss The match pits the 11th-placed will lose the match. looking to build a successful of ‘most promising player team against Second Division But I have asked my career in sport and someone in Qatar’. runners-up Muaither SC, with players to think about very well respected by eve- The Aspire Academy winner getting a berth in next sea- ryone who came into tweeted: “AspireAcademy son’s QSL. the strong season we contact with him, both as a mourns the passing away “If we look at them as a strong have had, the great player and as a person,” the of its graduate and Qatar team with big stars such as post on www.ittf.com said. NT table tennis player Samuel Eto’o, we will lose the games we played and He was registered to Abdulrahman Al Naggar. match. But I have asked my the opportunities we play at the upcoming Lie- May Allah bless his soul and players to think about the strong took: Muaither coach bherr 2019 ITTF World give his family the needed season we have had, the great Table Tennis Champion- strength and patience games we played and the oppor- ships in Budapest between during this difficult time of tunities we took. I also told them will determine the fate of the 21-28 April, the report sadness.” not to look at the names. It’s 11 team,” he added. players against 11 players,” said “I see Muaither SC as strong coach Philippe Burle, on the eve competitors. They have good of the match. players in defence and also in Porto hopeful of comeback “I think our team has made attack. We worked well to deal good progress. We will now play with them. We will try to stop against Qatar SC, a team with them from launching offensives PORTO, Champions League this great experience, but we will and find gaps in their defence. We PORTUGAL season, Liverpool travel to focus on the strengths of our are very confident that our players northern Portugal on top of team,” he added. will do their best,” said Batista. FC Porto coach Sergio the Premier League and Looking back at the season Qatar SC player Ali Saeed Al Conceicao reckons Liverpool unbeaten in 16 games. Officials of Muaither SC and Qatar SC pose with their respective clubs Burle said he was satisfied with Mohannadi said, “The chances of are “the best team in the “They are everything I like jerseys ahead of QNB Stars League play-off match at the Al Duhail the performance of his players both teams are equal. We did not world” on their day as the about football. I like the way they Stadium which will take place today. and expressed confidence that want to reach this stage, but now Portuguese side faces up to play, the way they are with the they will taste success in the we have to deal with the reality. the daunting prospect of ball and without it,” Conceicao play-off match. them. Al Wakrah had Batista said Muaither was a We are aware of the importance overturning a two-goal deficit said at an eve-of-game press “We have had a good season, strengthened their ranks during formidable opposition and said of this match, so our preparations in their Champions League conference yesterday. but it was difficult and we could the winter transfer period by his players are fully geared up for are going well. We are focused. quarter-final. “In my opinion, a lot of qualify for the play-off ahead of recruiting some good players,” he the challenge which lies ahead of We are counting on the support The teams meet at the the time just now they are the Al Markhiya. We must appreciate added. them. of our fans. Estadio do Dragao today in best team in the world.” Porto the efforts of the players and we For Qatar SC coach Sergio “We will face a strong team The match will kick off at the second leg of their last- lost 5-0 at home to Liverpool hope that our efforts will Batista the match is a ‘final’ as the in Muaither SC and the players are 6:45pm. eight tie, with Porto needing a year ago when the clubs met succeed. winner takes it all. ready for the contest. They are According to the regulations, a historic comeback to go in the last 16. “We had made a strong start “We did not have much time staying highly focused because if the play-off match ends in a through after losing 2-0 at However, Conceicao let in the Second Division this season to prepare for this important they consider this game as crucial. draw after regular time, an extra Anfield last week with Naby slip that retaining the and we were in the lead at some game. There are things to work “We are talking to the players time of 30 minutes, of two halves, Keita and Roberto Firmino domestic title is Porto’s pri- stage. But in the end, the best on, especially the physical and about the importance of the game will be allowed. If the deadlock scoring. ority during a lengthy rant at team (Al Wakrah) won. There is tactical aspects. We consider this and we are motivating them to still continues, the match will be While Porto have won all Portuguese authorities over no comparison between us and match as final.” play it as hard as they can as it decided in a penalty shoot-out. four home games in the match scheduling. It’s crunch time for Man City, admits Guardiola

AFP Saturday before heading to Man- and we don’t have rest. We win the Champions League hon- team’ in reference to the England MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM chester United the following played nine, 10 or 11 games more estly. I came here to play the captain’s importance. Wednesday. than Liverpool. Even with that, I way we played the last 20 Kane will miss the second leg Pep Guardiola (pictured) admits With Liverpool two points like this challenge.” months. with ankle ligament damage sus- Manchester City’s bid for an clear of City, who have a game Having won the Premier “The Premier League is the tained against City last week, but unprecedented quadruple will in hand, Guardiola acknowl- League in record-breaking most important title, to be there Guardiola wasn’t going to give be defined by today’s Champions edged the next seven days will fashion last season, Guardiola every three days competing.” Mauricio Pochettino’s side any League showdown with decide whether his team take could have been forgiven for Guardiola’s grumpy mood extra motivational fuel. Tottenham and their following their quadruple chase into the focusing on Europe this term as included a rant at the Premier “Tottenham without Kane are two Premier League games. final days of the season. he looks to win the Champions League for failing to give English the same strong team they had Guardiola’s side are in con- “Definitely. If we don’t win League for the third time as a teams in Europe equal three seasons ago, two seasons tention to win all four major tro- these games we will be out of boss -- and the first since his 2011 treatment. ago and this season,” he said. phies after lifting the League Cup, two competitions. I’ve had this triumph with Barcelona. The Spaniard is irked that Guardiola knows Tottenham reaching the FA Cup final and feeling for weeks,” Guardiola told But the City boss claims the Tottenham had more time to will pose a serious threat to City’s staying in touch with Premier reporters yesterday. Premier League remains his rest and prepare before both quadruple dreams over the next League leaders Liverpool. “Last season in this period we primary goal. legs. few days, and he called on the City’s next obstacle on the were already champions. This And Guardiola, who cut a “They had six days to Etihad crowd to produce an road to football immortality season we had an incredible tetchy figure for much of his prepare the first game, we had intimidating atmosphere. comes in the Champions League opponent in the Premier League press conference, refused to two. Now they played Saturday, “I know how focused the quarter-final second leg against with Liverpool. Both teams accept he has underachieved in we played Sunday,” Guardiola players are, I know the desire to Tottenham as they bid to deserve to be champions, but just Europe’s elite club said. get to the semi-finals,” he said. overturn a 1-0 deficit at the one is going to get it. competition. “I don’t know why the “Every time we played away Etihad Stadium. “After what we did last “The Champions League is Premier League don’t put the in the Champions League the Even if they beat Tottenham season, I’m surprised that we tough. We fail all the time. Sorry big failure. What can I say? games at 12.30 on Saturday.” atmosphere was incredible, so to make the semi-finals, there have 83 points right now. The guys, I’m a failure!” he said in an “Do I have to win it? No. The Guardiola’s irritability may we need it. will be no time for City to rest on target is 98, without that we will outburst laced with sarcasm. chairman said I have to win the have been provoked by a “I want to see if our fans their laurels as they face Spurs not be champions. “Not winning the Champions Champions League three times question about his past jibe that really want to get to the again in the Premier League on “Tottenham are incredible League in Bayern Munich was a in a row! “I didn’t come here to Tottenham were the ‘Harry Kane semi-finals.” SPORT Wednesday 17 April 2019 PAGE | 08 PAGE | 09 Australia to Subdued Nadal rotate openers enters the after Warner’s unknown in return Monte Carlo

Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Ajax tame Juventus; Messi’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his second goal against brace guides Barca into semis Manchester United at the Camp Nou REUTERS Ajax’s Dutch defenders Matthijs de Ligt (left) and Daley Blind celebrate past Stadium in TURIN Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (right) after de Ligt scored Barcelona, his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final yesterday. Ajax Amsterdam produced a spell- second leg match at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, yesterday. binding display of inventive, passing football to win 2-1 away to Juventus yesterday and end the Serie A team’s dreams of winning the Champions League. Ajax’s 19-year-old captain Mat- thijs de Ligt headed the winner from the corner in the 67th minute of the quarter-final second leg as the Dutch side came from behind to clinch a 3-2 aggregate win and reach the last four for the first time since 1996/97. Ronaldo, aiming for a fourth suc- cessive Champions League title after winning the last three with Real Madrid, put Juventus ahead in the 28th minute with a typically emphatic header, his sixth goal of the competition. But Donny van de Beek levelled six minutes later before the visitors swept Juventus aside in the second half with wave after wave of fluid attacks to follow up their elimination of Real Madrid in the previous round. Meanwhile, in Barcelona, Lionel Messi scored two early goals to send his team into the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in four minutes later, although Messi was stadium, United manager Ole Leaguee quarterfinalsquuauartartr erfierferfifiinanalsnalna s seasons with a comfortable 3-0 win helped by a massive error by David Gunnar Solskjaer completed one of that hadadd reachedreareeaachedchechhedd 1212 over Manchester United yesterday. de Gea that time. The Argentina the most memorable comebacks in matchess datingdatdatidatia inggb backbacackckk After Barcelona withstood some forward only managed a tame shot soccer history when he scored the to 2013.. early pressure from United, Messi on goal but the Spain goalkeeper let English team’s second injury-time Theyey toottookoookkhi hhihiss ended any hopes of a comeback for it slip underneath him and into the goal to stun Bayern Munich in the tournament-amamea mem nt-ntt - the Premier League side as the hosts net. 1999 Champions League final. But leadingg talltattallyy too advanced 4-0 on aggregate. Philippe Coutinho added a third after a promising start when Marcus 10 tthishihhisiiss Messi opened the scoring with a goal with a superb curling strike from Rashford hit the crossbar, Messi season.nn.. In brilliant solo effort in the 16th minute long range in the 61st to cap arguably showed that sentimental memories total hee hhasass after he won possession of the ball, the best performance by the former mean very little when he is playing 45 goalss iinn 4242 ghosted past a defender, and curled Liverpool player since joining Bar- at his best. gamesmmee s a shot into the far corner. celona just over a year ago. The goals ended Messi’s bizarre throughgghh alla The second came just four Twenty years ago at Barcelona’s scoring drought in Champions competitions.titionionsns.

Basketball: Al Rayyan down Al Sadd to win Amir Cup Ashwin stars in Punjab’s dominant win over Rajasthan IANS MOHALI

Skipper R Ashwin struck at crucial times while KL Rahul scored a matured half century to help Kings XI Punjab return to winning ways with a 12-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in an Indian Premier League (IPL) clash yesterday. Chasing 183 for victory after KL Rahul helped Kings XI post 182/6 with a well-paced 52, Royals were on course with 94 needed off 60 balls. But Ashwin (2/24), whose 4-ball 17 run cameo proved to be the difference in the end, removed Sanju Samson (27) in the 12th over to break the 59-run second stand with Rahul Tripathi (50 off 45 balls; 4x4) and then got the back of Tripathi in the 16th over to further dent Royals’ charge. After Tripathi’s dismissal, the visitors needed 56 off 24. But (26) failed to lead from the front once again and ’s unbeaten 11-ball 31 too proved futile in the end as Kings XI won easily at the end. Royals managed 170/7 in 20 overs. Besides Ashwin, (2/46) and Arshdeep Singh (2/43) also got two wickets. Earlier, buoyed by a World Cup call-up, KL Rahul struck a well-timed fifty but Archer stole the limelight from him with splendid figures of 3/15 as Kings XI Punjab posted 182/6 after being asked to bat first. Brief Scores Kings XI Punjab: 182/6 (KL Rahul 52; David The players and officials of Al Rayyan Sports Club, the winners of the 2019 Amir Cup, celebrate their 80-77 triumph over Al Sadd in the final at the Al Gharafa Miller 40; Jofra Archer 3/15) Indoor Stadium, yesterday. Lenny Mc Arthur Daniel was the star scorer for the champions with 23 points. Tanguy Alban Ngombo (14), Akeem Wright (13), Rajasthan Royals: 170/7 (Rahul Tripathi PICTURE: HUSSEIN SAYED Abdelrahman Abdelhaleem (12) and captain Mohamed Hassan Mohamed (12) also made valuable contributions. 50; R Ashwin 2/24, Mohammed Shami 2/46, Arshdeep Singh 2/43)