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Cavs drop to second India No.1 team in Tests Clevaland lose to Spurs, fall off Eastern India register 2-1 series win over Australia, CRICKET TEST top spot for first time since 2015 PAGE 28 retain ICC No. 1 Test team ranking PAGE 27 NEW ZEALAND VS SOUTH AFRICA Uzbeks break past Qatar defence Ahmedov’s strike seals 1-0 win for hosts, sinks Qatar’s hopes

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ing free kick. TASHKENT Qatar, who will host the 2022 World Cup finals, are DESPITE a resolute defence bottom of the group with four put up by Qatar, hosts Uz- points, nine outside the auto- bekistan managed to seal matic qualification places with a vital 1-0 victory at the three games remaining. Bunyodkor Stadium on Just as it appeared the Tuesday and maintain their hosts could be in for a frustrat- bid for automatic qualifica- ing night, Ahmedov curled in tion for the FIFA World Cup a lovely low free-kick from 20 Russia 2018 leaving coach yards in the 65th minute to put Jorge Fossati’s boys rooted the Uzbeks in front. The mid- to the bottom of Group A. fielder forced goalkeeper Saad al 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ASIA ZONE STANDINGS: GROUP A TEAM P W D L GF GA GD PTS IRAN 7 5 2 0 6 0 6 17 S KOREA 7 4 1 2 9 7 2 13 UZBEKISTAN 7 4 0 3 6 4 2 12 SYRIA 7 2 2 3 2 3 -1 8 CHINA 7 1 2 4 3 7 -4 5 QATAR 7 1 1 5 3 8 -5 4

The all-important goal Sheeb to tip wide from distance came from Odil Ahmedov’s with 17 minutes remaining. second-half free-kick. In a frantic final 10 minutes A 1-0 loss to Syria last Qatar’s Luiz Junior had a goal week meant Uzbekistan ruled out for offside before Egor needed three points to stay Krimets miscued against his within striking distance of sec- own crossbar. But Uzbekistan ond-placed Korea Republic, held out to remain third in but the opening 45 minutes Group A, a point behind Korea saw the Central Asians strug- Republic, who defeated Syria gle to break past strong Qatar 1-0 earlier on Tuesday. defence. Qatar, who will host the Uzbekistan, however, 2022 World Cup finals, are put a disappointing run of bottom of the group with four results behind them thanks points, nine outside the auto- to the Shanghai SIPG mid- matic qualification places with Qatar’s Rodrigo Tabata (right) battles for the ball with Uzbekistan’s Odil Ahmedov during their Russia 2018 World Cup Group A qualifying match at the Bunyodkor Stadium in fielder Odil Ahmedov’s curl- three games remaining. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Tuesday. (AP)

Quick read Mahdi Ali Saudi Arabia beat Iraq, join Japan at the top CAF chief Ahmad quits as UAE AGENCIES 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ASIA ZONE backs Morocco 2026 RIYADH World Cup bid coach after STANDINGS: GROUP B SAUDI Arabia beat Iraq 1-0 in TEAM P W D L GF GA GD PTS RABAT: New African football Australia loss the third round of the World JAPAN 7 5 1 1 14 5 9 16 chief Ahmad Ahmad gave his backing on Tuesday to a poten- Cup group stage qualifiers at SAUDI ARABIA 7 5 1 1 13 5 8 16 AFC.COM King Abdallah Sports City in tial bid from Morocco to host AUSTRALIA 7 3 4 0 11 6 5 13 SYDNEY Jeddah on Tuesday, maintain- the 2026 World Cup. ing their lead in Group B. UAE 7 3 0 4 7 10 -3 9 The north African country has MAHDI Ali has resigned Yahya al Shehri scored IRAQ 7 1 1 5 7 10 -3 4 bid to host the global showpiece as head coach of the Unit- Saudi Arabia’s sole goal in THAILAND 7 0 1 6 3 19 -16 1 on four previous occasions but ed Arab Emirates (UAE) the 53rd minute, while Nawaf missed out on the 1994, 1998, following his side’s 2-0 Al-Abid and Salman Al-Faraj Scoreline last two rounds has shown 2006 and 2010 editions. FIFA World Cup qualify- were both booked with a yel- that there is still room for us “We are convinced that Morocco ing loss to Australia. low card each. Group A to improve,” said Lippi, who could organise this competition Tuesday’s result at the Saudi Arabia beat Iraq 2-1 (Jeong- took over as China coach in just as was done by South Af- Sydney Football Stadium away from home when the two South Korea 1 October. rica in 2010,” said Ahmad, who left the UAE occupying sides met earlier in the group Ho 4) Syria 0 “They were two good was elected president of the fourth spot in Group B and last year. Iran 1 (Taremi 46) matches, but when facing a Confederation of African Foot- their hopes of reaching China 0 strong side like Iran our de- ball (CAF) earlier this month to Russia 2018 hanging by Iran beat China, Uzbekistan 1 fence needs to improve.” replace Issa Hayatou, at a press the slenderest of threads. Australia get crucial win Japan confirmed Thai- conference in Marrakesh. “Now is the time for me Earlier in Tehran, Iran took a (Akhmedov 65) Qatar 0 land’s elimination with a 4-0 Ahmad’s backing comes just a to leave,” Ali, who assumed significant step towards quali- Group B thumping at Saitama Stadium few months after FIFA president the role in 2012, told report- fying for next year’s World Cup Australia 2 (Irvine 6, in Group B that strengthened Gianni Infantino declared that ers after the game. finals with a 1-0 win over China Leckie 78) UAE 0 their own qualifying hopes. the country has the necessary that pushed Marcello Lippi’s Japan are three points “infrastructure and organisa- team closer to the brink of elimi- Japan 4 (Kagawa 8, ahead of third placed Austral- tional capacity” to host the nation. Okazaki 19, Kubo 57, ia, who picked up their first World Cup. Mehdi Taremi scored the Yoshida 83) Thailand 0 win in five games with a 2-0 But a year ago, FIFA had ac- only goal of the game less than Saudi Arabia’s Nawaf Alabid (left) controls the ball as Iraq’s Amjed Attwan Saudi Arabia 1 (Yehya victory over the United Arab cepted that Morocco paid bribes a minute after halftime as Iran Kadhi tries to get possession during their Asia 2018 World Cup Cup quali- al Shehri 53) Iraq 0 Emirates, whose coach Mahdi to the former head of the North remained unbeaten in the third fying match at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Tuesday. (AFP) Ali resigned after the game. and Central American Confed- round of Asia’s qualifying tour- “Very proud of the players, eration in trying to win the nament for Russia 2018. who got their own campaign China, however, failed to fifth in the group, eight points it was a challenging 10 days right to host the 1998 Carlos Queiroz’s team back on track with a 1-0 win build on last week’s morale- adrift of the Koreans, who oc- for us,” Australia coach Ange and 2010 tournaments – moved on to 17 points from over Syria that reduced the boosting win over Stielike’s cupy the second of the two au- Postecoglou told Fox Sports. something that could prejudice seven games, four clear of mounting pressure on coach side in front of a packed-out tomatic qualifying berths. any future bid. (AFP) Mahdi Ali second-placed South Korea, Uli Stielike. Azadi Stadium. They remain “The experience of the More on page 30 Ô

“I resigned before the Iraq game (in November), but the UAE Football Asso- ciation insisted I continue. “It is a very bad mo- Bukharov saves Russia the blushes against Belgium ment for me. I wish I could leave the national team in AFP CSKA Moscow fullback among the elite with the Confed- Benteke then scored twice a better condition. But this MOSCOW Viktor Vasin had given Russia erations Cup just three months within the space of three min- is life. We have to accept it. an early lead. away and the World Cup – for utes following defensive slip- After five years, I did my ALEXANDER Bukharov net- The result sweetened a bit- which they qualify automatically ups to give Belgium a com- best,” he added. ted an injury-time equaliser ter pill for the Russian fans as hosts – next year. manding 3-1 lead at halftime. Under Ali’s guidance, as Russia battled back from after the country's team hit a Russia, spurred on by a ca- After the interval the visitors, the UAE won the 2013 two goals down to draw 3-3 new low on Friday with a first pacity 43,700 crowd, got off to a fifth in the FIFA rankings, took Gulf Cup of Nations and with Belgium in the first-ever ever defeat to an African team flying start after just three min- their foot off the gas, allowing reached the semi-finals match at Sochi's Fisht Arena – a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast. utes as Dmitry Kombarov redi- Lokomotiv Moscow's Miran- of the AFC Asian Cup two on Tuesday. That was coach Stanislav rected a left wing freekick by Al- chuk to reduce the arrears after a years later in Australia. Bukharov and Alexei Mi- Cherchesov's third defeat in six exander Samedov to Vasin, who one-two with Bukharov 16 min- The UAE are now ranchuk came off the bench matches since taking over in sent the ball home from the edge utes from time. set to resume their FIFA to cancel out the visitors' two- August – the other two coming of the six-yard box. Rostov forward Bukharov World Cup qualification goal lead after Everton for- against Costa Rica and Qatar The visitors pinned the home then beat Liverpool goalkeeper campaign in June when ward Kevin Mirallas scored last year. team back and Mirallas equal- Simon Mignolet from eight they travel to Bangkok to from the spot and Crystal Pal- And it had raised ques- Russia’s Alexander Bukharov (left) and Alexander Samedov celebrate ised with a 17th minute spotkick yards out in the second minute take on Thailand. ace striker Christian Benteke tions about the ability of Russia, a goal during their 3-3 draw in the friendly against Belgium at after Roman Neustadter fouled of stoppage time to save the added a first half brace. ranked 60th by FIFA, to compete Fisht Stadium in Sochi on Tuesday. (AP) Benteke in the area. day for the hosts. 26 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Sports Murray, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic sign up No Tomic for Australia's Davis Cup tie World number one Murray out of for Madrid Masters with USA Davis Cup quarter-final News MADRID: World number one Andy Murray and Australian Open SYDNEY: Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt left out Bernard Tomic on LONDON: World number one Andy Murray has been ruled out of the champion Roger Federer will be amongst a stellar field for Tuesday as he named an unchanged team for the Davis Cup World British team to play France in next month's Davis Cup quarter-final with an in brief May's Madrid Masters, the ATP said on Monday. The current Group quarter-final clash with the United States. Temperamental elbow injury, it was announced Tuesday.The same injury forced him to pull top 43 players in the world will be in the draw, including former world number 16 Nick Kyrgios spearheads the same side that swept out of the ongoing Miami Open and he will now miss the April 7-9 tie away world No.1s Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, winners of a past the Czech Republic in the last round, with Sam Groth, Jordan to France in Rouen, with the absence of the three-time Grand Slam cham- combined 26 Grand Slam titles. Thompson and doubles specialist John Peers. pion and double Olympic gold medallist dealing a huge blow to Britain.

Kerber books Miami Open clash with Venus as Cibulkova; Muguruza ousted

AFP the decisive points, Kuznet- MIAMI sova going 4-1 up, but after two lengthy rallies, both of which WORLD number one Angelique were won by the 36-year-old Kerber despatched Japanese Williams, the oldest player in qualifier Risa Ozaki 6-2, 6-2 to the tournament emerged victo- set up a quarter-final clash with rious. The victory, sealed with Venus Williams Monday at the a delicate slice at the net, was Miami Open. Williams' first against a top 10 Seven-time Grand Slam opponent since 2015. champion Williams fought past "It was tough out there," Russian seventh-seed Svetlana Williams said. "She is like a Kuznetsova 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to wall. To come back in the tie- reach the last eight. break was great, I hope I can Fourth-seed Dominika Ci- keep that tennis up." bulkova of Slovakia crashed Safarova, ranked 36th in the out to the Czech Republic's Lu- world, moved into the quarter- cie Safarova and ailing French finals with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 vic- Open champion Garbine Mu- tory over Cibulkova, which was guruza also bowed out in the her first triumph against a top fourth round. 10 opponent since 2015. Illness has disrupted Safa- RESULTS rova's campaigns over the past two years but the seven-time 4TH ROUND WTA title winner, looks to be on Angelique Kerber (GER x1) bt Risa Ozaki (JPN) 6-2, 6-2 the right track. Venus Williams (USA x11) bt Svetlana Kuznetsova "I feel healthy now -- thank (RUS x7) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) God and I'll keep trying to push Simona Halep (ROM x3) bt Samantha Stosur (AUS my limits more and more," she x14) 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 Johanna Konta (GBR x10) bt Lara Arruabarrena said. The 30-year-old Czech will (ESP) 7-5, 6-1 face Dane Caroline Wozniacki Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x12) bt Garbine Muguruza who advanced when Spain's (ESP x6) 7-6 (7/1), retired, illness Muguruza retired feeling ill af- Lucie Safarova (CZE) bt Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x4) 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 ter being edged in a first set tie- Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO x26) bt Bethanie Mattek- break. Sands (USA) 7-5, 6-4 In an all-Czech clash, Karolina Pliskova (CZE x2) bt Barbora Zahlavova number two seed Karolina Strycova (CZE x15) 6-1, 6-4 Pliskova enjoyed a 6-1, 6-4 win over Barbora Strycova. Kerber took charge early, Pliskova will come up breaking twice to establish a 4-1 against Croatian Mirjana Lucic- lead and she was in firm control Baroni whose impressive late from then on. career revival continued with The German said that while the 35-year-old beating Ameri- her opponent may only have can Bethanie Mattek-Sands been ranked 87th she had stud- 7-5, 6-4. Lucic-Baroni said she ied Ozaki's game closely before was benefitting from a more the contest. "She came through thoughtful approach to prepa- the qualies, she beat good play- ration. "I've always worked Roger Federer of Switzerland (right) and Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina greets after their match at the Miami Open in Key Biscayne, Florida, on Monday. (AP) ers, so I was ready for it," Kerber hard, but we're working much said. "I talked with my team and smarter now," she said. I knew that she's moving good "We're not murdering me and bringing a lot of balls back. I six hours a day anymore, but was trying to play my game and we're doing good things." Peerless Federer rolls over be aggressive." While she has never ap- Williams cruised through peared in the Miami quarters the first set before Kuznetsova, before, this will be her third a two-time Grand Slam cham- quarter-final appearance in her Del Potro to reach 4th round pion and runner-up at Indian last four WTA events and she Wells last week, fought back goes into the match knowing to take the second set to a tie- she beat Piliskova in the last break. It was a fierce battle for eight in the Australian Open. The Swiss will next play for the quarter-finals, taking on Spanish 14th seed Roberto Bautista Agut DPA this season with two titles. RESULTS Kerber spent 62 minutes in your racquet. MIAMI Federer will next play for defeating Japanese qualifier "I'm playing really well, the quarter-finals, taking on 3RD ROUND Risa Ozaki 6-2, 6-2. Second and hopefully I'll hold the tro- ROGER Federer trounced Spanish 14th seed Roberto Stan Wawrinka (SUI x1) bt Malek Jaziri (TUN) 6-3, seed Karolina Pliskova was phy here and it'll feel great. I'm 6-4 Juan Martin del Potro for the Bautista Agut, who beat Sam Alexander Zverev (GER) bt John Isner (USA) 6-7 also untested as she ham- just gonna keep putting myself 16th time in 21 meetings on Querrey 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. (5/7), 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/5) mered fellow Czech Barbora out in positions where I have Monday, steamrolling the Ar- The Swiss secured the Nick Kyrgios (AUS x12) bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO x17) Strycova 6-1, 6-4. the opportunity to do well and gentine 6-3, 6-4 for a fourth- opening set against 2009 US 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2) Compatriot Lucie Safaro- win trophies. That's all I can David Goffin (BEL x8) bt Diego Schwartzman (ARG) round spot at the Miami Mas- Open winner Del Potro after 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 va advanced with an upset of really do." ters. saving four break points in the Roger Federer (SUI x4) bt Juan Martin del Potro (ARG fourth seed Dominika Cibulk- Muguruza explained her The Swiss, who is bidding ninth game before polishing it x29) 6-3, 6-4 ova 7-6 (7-5), 6-1. medical predicament: "I start- for this month's Masters 1000 off with a perfect drop shot. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x14) bt Sam Querrey Former number one Caro- ed normal and then around (USA x22) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 double after winning Indian He took a 3-2 lead from a Tomas Berdych (CZE x10) bt Gilles Muller (LUX x24) line Wozniacki was handed a 3-all I started to feel headache Wells eight days ago, avoided break in the second on his way 6-3, 6-4 pass as French Open holder and pain in my stomach ... a a jinx from a decade ago to to victory as he continues the Adrian Mannarino (FRA) bt Borna Coric (CRO) 6-4, Garbine Muguruza quit after little bit dizzy. the day when he was upset at bid for a 90th career title. 2-6, 7-6 (7/3) their first set, feeling ill as she "I'm a little bit sad now Crandon Park by Argentine "I felt I was more the ag- dropped 7-6 (7-1). because I'm not feeling very Guillermo Canas. gressor, it was more my next line up against Adrian Wozniacki moved into her well because I fought so hard Del Potro had won three racquet. I like it that way. I Mannarino of France, a win- sixth quarter-final of 2017. for those two first rounds. It's of their last five encounters, thought it was a good match," ner over Croatian Borna Coric "Obviously when you're disappointing to be out of the but the Swiss now stands as the winner said. 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-3). that close, you want to win it," tournament not feeling well the winner in all six of their Czech 10th seed Tomas It was smooth sailing on Wozniacki said as she seeks and playing good. Angelique Kerber of Germany hits a return to Risa Ozaki of Japan at Masters confrontations. The Berdych beat Gilles Mueller the women's side in the fourth a first 2017 title. "Especially "I felt I was playing good. I the Miami Open on Monday. Kerber won 6-2, 6-2. (AP) 35-year-old holds a 15-1 record 6-3, 6-4 without ceremony to round as top seed Angelique when you feel like it was on had a very good level."

Excitement in the air as Workers’ Cup reach final stage Wakrah, Khor in relegation battle TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Later on at 4:45pm at the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA Qatar Sports Club, DULSCO DOHA will go head to head against THE fifth edition of the Work- DELTA in the final of the Work- AL Wakrah take on Al Khor in ers Cup is coming to a close ers Shield. a must-win match for coach and it is now time for the final DULSCO narrowly beat Kais Yâakoubi's side on Sat- matches of the Workers’ Cup Galfar on penalties last week urday. and the Workers’ Shield with to book their place in the final It has been a season to for- the games set to take place on against a tough DELTA side get for The Blue Waves who March 31 at the Qatar Sports who won 1-0 against Medgulf in are currently rooted to the bot- Club Stadium. the semis of the Workers Shield. tom of the QSL standings. Four matches will be The final of the Wokers Cup Wakrah must register a played on the day including will kick off at 7:00pm between win against their relegation the finals and the third-place Nakheel Landscapes and Al As- rivals Khor or be formally rele- play offs, which will take place makh Facilities. gated to the Qatar Gas League. Action during the reverse fixture between Al Khor and Al Wakrah last at the QFA Al Thumama Fields Nakheel Landscapes It’s going to be a major ask December. earlier in the day. booked their place in the final for the Blue Waves who have There have been plenty of by winning against L&T on only registered two victories the day and Wakrah will again the end of the season. excitements in the fifth edi- penalties. Al Asmakh Facilities all season. be relying on the Moroccan Khor officials have been tion of the tournament with 76 Players in action during one of the matches of the Workers Cup at will be high on confidence after However Wakrah did pick number ten to pull his side to clear over the last few weeks matches played so far and with the Al Thumama Fields in Al Thumama recently. beat AALCO Group 3-0 in the their first victory of the season victory again. that their side can beat the drop close to 11,000 spectators at- semi-finals. against Al Khor with a narrow As for Al Khor, they are cur- and avoid the play-off game. tending in total. In the third-place playoffs Al Misnad will face Medgulf to General admission to all 1-0 win back in December and rently in 11th place in the QSL Brazilian import Madson The spectators had plenty to of the Workers Cup, L&T will decide the third placed team in Workers’ Cup matches is free that will be a source of strength standings, and could be set for a has been ever present at Al keep them on the edge of their take on AALCO Group with the the Workers Shield. Both games and everyone is encouraged to for the squad. relegation play-off against Qa- Khor this season and will be seats as a total of 397 goals have match kicking off at 8:30am. will take place at QFA Al Thu- attend and cheer on the par- Midfielder Mouhcine Mou- tar SC of the Qatar Gas League, targeting to add to his tally of been scored up till now. At the same time, Galfar mama Fields. ticipating teams. touali scored the only goal on should they remain eleventh at six goals this season. Sports Wednesday, March 29, 2017 27 ‘Unbelievable’ India thrash Australia Extend home-winning streak with 2-1 series win AFP DHARAMSALA

SKIPPER Virat Kohli said Australia were no longer his friends after India wrapped up a bad-tempered Test se- ries 2-1 with a thumping eight-wicket win in Dharam- sala on Tuesday. Chasing 106 on the penul- timate day of the fourth Test, opener Lokesh Rahul hit 51 not out at India's newest Test Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar venue as the hosts seized back presents the ICC ‘Number One the Border-Gavaskar trophy Team Trophy’ to Virat Kohli after from Australia. India won the Test series against Australia at HPCA Stadium in India’s cricket board Dharamsala on Tuesday. (PTI) rewarded their players SCOREBOARD who featured in all four Tests with a cash bonanza AUSTRALIA (1ST INNINGS): 300 INDIA (1ST INNINGS): 332 of $77,000. AUSTRALIA (2ND INNINGS): 137 INDIA (2ND INNINGS; OVERNIGHT 19-0) L. Rahul not out ...... 51 India's stand-in skipper M. Vijay c Wade b Cummins ...... 8 Ajinkya Rahane (38 not out) C. Pujara run out ...... 0 A. Rahane not out ...... 38 hit two sixes in a row off pace- Extras: (b4, lb5) ...... 9 man Pat Cummins en route to Total: (For 2 wkts; 23.5 overs) ...... 106 the team's seventh successive Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Vijay), 2-46 (Pujara). Test series victory, a run that Bowling: Cummins 8-2-42-1, Hazlewood 6-2-14-0, O’Keefe 4.5-1-22-0, Lyon 5-0-19-0. kicked off with their triumph Result: India won by 8 wickets in Sri Lanka in 2015. Series: India clinch four-match series 2-1 But Kohli, who sat out the ON A PEAK OF SUCCESS IN THE HILLS: The Indian cricket team with the Border-Gavaskar trophy after winning the fourth Test and the series against Australia 2-1 at the Himachal Toss: Australia. final Test with a shoulder injury, Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday. (AFP) said any warm feelings he had responsibility shown by all the toward Australia before the Test proven wrong, and you won't in an extended home season. warded their players who fea- emotions slip. I apologise for less than 24 overs. guys in the team was pleasing had evaporated during the bitter hear me say that ever again." "Unbelievable. This is tured in all four Tests with a that," said Smith. The main architect of India's to see," he added. contest that ensued between the The 28-year-old skipper the best series win so far," cash bonanza of $77,000. In the maiden Test played victory was all-rounder Ravin- Kohli's own behaviour was world's top two sides. caused a furore in the second said Kohli, who received the Smith meanwhile apolo- in Dharamsala, India scored dra Jadeja, who was named parodied in the Australian "I thought that was the Test after accusing his counter- Test mace on behalf of India gised for letting emotions get 332 in their first innings in re- man of the match and series for media, some of whom dispar- case, but it has changed for part Steven Smith of repeatedly for ending the season as the the better of him. On Monday ply to Australia's 300, before his exceptional performance. agingly compared him to US sure. As I said in the heat of abusing the decision review sys- world's top side. footage indicated he called the tourists collapsed for just He top-scored with 63 in the President Donald Trump. the battle, you want to be com- tem. But Kohli, who managed “The way the Australian Murali Vijay a "cheat" for 137 on the third day. first innings before taking three The contest will also be petitive but yeah I have been only 46 runs in the series, said team gave us a fight was really wrongly claiming a catch. On day four, India lost wickets with his left-arm spin remembered for the fine form proven wrong," Kohli told a the hard-fought series against amazing, but the way the (In- "I have been pretty intense Vijay to fast bowler Pat Cum- during Australia's second knock. of Aussie captain Smith, who post-match press conference. Australia was the most satisfy- dia) guys kept bouncing back throughout this series. I really mins and Cheteshwar Pujara "The way the guys handled amassed 499 runs with three "The thing I said before ing of India's recent run, that in- showed the true character of wanted to do well for the team. to a run out. But these were situations and the way Ajinkya centuries, becoming only the the first Test (about being cluded victories over New Zea- the side.” At times I have been in my the only scares for the hosts, led was outstanding," Kohli said. sixth visiting batsman to hit as friends), I have certainly been land, England and Bangladesh India's cricket board re- own bubble and have let my who reached their target in "But the maturity and the many hundreds. Aussies no longer SA face defeat after Williamson’s 176 AFP SCOREBOARD friends, says Kohli; HAMILTON SOUTH AFRICA (1ST INNINGS): 314 2-0-7-0. SOUTH Africa paid homage to NEW ZEALAND (1ST INNS; OVERNIGHT 321-4) SOUTH AFRICA (2ND INNINGS) a “fabulous” Kane Williamson K. Williamson c Philander b Morkel 176 D. Elgar c Watling b de Grandhomme 5 Smith apologises M. Santner c Duminy b Rabada 41 T. de Bruyn run out (Williamson/Watling) 12 on Tuesday after the New Zea- B. Watling b Maharaj 24 H. Amla c de Grandhomme b Patel 19 land captain's 176 left the Pro- C. de Grandhomme c de Kock b Morkel 57 J. Duminy b Patel 13 PTI of verbal altercations between teas on the ropes with a day to M. Henry c Elgar b Maharaj 12 F. du Plessis batting 15 DHARAMSALA players of both the sides with play in the deciding final Test J. Patel c de Kock b Rabada 5 T. Bavuma c Watling b Henry 1 N. Wagner not out 0 Q. de Kock batting 15 the Australian media becom- in Hamilton. Extras: (lb12, w5, nb7) 24 Extras: 0 VIRAT Kohli remained com- ing an extension of its team “We’ve got a mountain to Total: (All out; 162.1) 489 Total: (For 5 wickets; 39 overs) 80 bative, declaring he was no and targetting Kohli viciously. climb,” assistant coach Adrian Fall of wickets: 5-381 (Williamson), 6-397 (Santner), Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Elgar), 2-25 (de Bruyn) 3-49 longer friends with Austral- But Smith sought to douse the Birrell said after South Africa 7-443 (Watling), 8-477 (Henry), 9-489 (Patel), 10-489 (Amla), 4-50 (Duminy), 5-59 (Bavuma). (de Grandhomme). Bowling: Henry 11-4-20-1, de Grandhomme 8-5-15-1, ian cricketers, but Steve Smith fire on Tuesday by apologising were reduced to 80 for five at Bowling: Philander 33-7-79-0 (2nb), Morkel 36.1-7- Wagner 5-0-16-0, Patel 12-2-22-2, Santner 3-0-7-0 struck a conciliatory note by for his emotional slips despite stumps on day four, 95 runs 100-4, Rabada 34-3-122-4 (1w,1nb), Maharaj 50-8- Toss: South Africa. apologising for letting his the fact that he had not even short of making New Zealand 118-2, Duminy 6-0-38-0, Elgar 1-0-13-0, Bavuma Series: South Africa lead 1-0. emotions slip as hostilities lin- been questioned about it. bat again. gered at the end of an intense “At times I have been in “Kane Williamson’s in- New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (right) during his innings of Test series. my own bubble and have let nings was a fabulous innings 176 against South Africa on Day Four of the third Test at Seddon Park the flow-on effect from Wil- by 100 runs it was always go- India won 2-1 in perhaps the my emotions slip. I apologise and you've got to sometimes in Hamilton on Tuesday. (AFP) liamson's marathon innings. ing to be a survival match.” most fierce battle of an incred- for that,” Smith said at the end doff your cap to a good player." “One hundred and sixty Faf du Plessis and Quinton ible home season of 13 Tests, of of the series. With Colin de Grandhom- nited the assault on the South out for 12 in a bizarre mid- two overs is a long time to be de Kock were both 15 not out which Kohli's men lost only one “It was a magnificent se- me also firing with the bat with African top order in the sixth pitch collision when he was in the field and it was a hard at stumps. Birrell said they match – to Australia. ries. One of the best I have a quickfire 57, New Zealand over when he removed Dean ball-watching and veered into day. Players are fatigued and were looking for de Kock, who been a part of. Credit to In- started the day seven runs Elgar for five and later took a Amla, leaving the batsmen to bat on the back of that is set up their eight wicket win in dia, they are a fantastic cricket ahead and added 168 before smart catch to dismiss Hashim sprawled on the ground. always going to be difficult.” the second Test to go 1-0 up in side, particularly in their back- they were all out for 489. Amla for 19. Birrell said the Proteas' he said. the series, to go on the attack yard. If you give them a sniff, De Grandhomme then ig- Theinus de Bruyn was run batting mayhem was part of “Once they got ahead of us when play resumes. At times I have been in my they will take that,” the Aus- own bubble and have let my tralian skipper said. emotions slip. I apologise Smith though did not hide for that. his disappointment with the BCCI for uploading the video of Steven Smith a showdown between Matthew England on brink of new city-based T20 tourney Wade and Ravindra Jadeja dur- ing the fourth Test here. AFP In contrast, Kohli had no LONDON The IPL and the Big Bash qualms saying answering in the are the only senior domes- negative when asked if he still ENGLISH cricket took a step tic Twenty20 events in India considered Aussies his friends closer to the launch of a Twen- and Australia respectively off the field as he had said at the ty20 tournament on Monday but the ECB plans to keep start of the series. “No, it has after the England and Wales changed for sure. I thought that Cricket Board set in motion the Blast going alongside Australia’s captain Steven Smith, was the case but it has changed the process for a rule change its new tournament, which it (left) with Indian counterpart for sure. As I said in the heat of that will pave the way for a hopes to launch in 2020. Virat Kohli after India won the the battle, you want to be com- city-based event. Dharmsala Test on Tuesday. (AP) petitive but yeah I have been ECB officials, having seen proven wrong. the success of the Indian Pre- England, two in the Midlands “Regardless of whether we “The thing I said before the mier League and especially and one each in the west, includ- are on top or not, we speak, if first Test, I have certainly been Australia's city-based Big Bash ing Wales, and the south. something pokes us we speak proven wrong and you won't Twenty20 tournaments, believe That way the eight cur- and give it right back. All people hear me say that ever again,” they need something similar to rent Test grounds in Britain don't digest it well but we take Kohli said. help them reach family audi- – Lord's, The Oval (London), it very well and we give it back The reaction was hardly a ences and encourage children to Headingley, Old Trafford even better,” Kohli said at the surprise given that apart from become cricket fans. A spectator enjoys the weather during day one of the First-Class cricket match between Kent and Leeds (north), Edgbaston, Trent end of the four-match series. the verbal altercations, his However, the proposal has Bradford MCCU, at The Spitfire Ground, in Canterbury, England, on Tuesday. A proposed new eight-team Bridge (Midlands), Cardiff That comment summed shoulder injury was mocked by proved hugely controversial as, city-based Twenty20 tournament in England moved a step closer on Tuesday in what England and Wales (west) and Southampton up the Indian spirit during the Australians and the media if enacted, it will mean that for Cricket Board chairman called a ‘watershed moment’. (AP) (south) – could host a side in the series. The crowd favour- Down Under went as far as to the first time there is a major a tournament where none of ites were not averse to a good compare him with controversial domestic cricket tournament in creating the new tournament. and recreational boards. ity of all of us to steer cricket the teams will have any formal scrap but neither were the US President Donald Trump. England that does not feature all The IPL and the Big Bash It looks as if the ECB will to a strong future and to pass it link to an existing county. ever-aggressive Australians. Worst, the Cricket Aus- 18 first-class counties. are the only senior domestic get the 31 votes they require, on in even better shape. The ECB said the event, The confrontations began tralia CEO James Sutherland, At present, the ECB's rules Twenty20 events in India and not least because all the first- “A new T20 competition which some fear could lead to with Steve Smith’s ‘DRS Brain in a sarcastic remark to a radio state all those clubs must be Australia respectively but the class counties will be guaran- can be the most globally rele- a downgrading of the increas- Fade’ and the Indian captain's station, said Kohli perhaps did involved in its competitions – ECB plans to keep the Blast teed £1.3 million ($1.6 million, vant, fresh and dynamic tour- ingly popular Blast, would strong response to it. not know the spelling of sorry. the first-class County Champi- going alongside its new tour- 1.5 million euros) annually for nament in world cricket, built see each of the sides involved Kohli had stopped just Brushing the criticism aside, onship, the 50-over One-Day nament, which it hopes to five years if the tournament for here but highly valued all have a 15-man squad featuring short of calling Smith a cheat Kohli said he hardly cared for Cup and the Twenty20 Blast. launch in 2020. comes into being. around the world.” three overseas players, select- and the Australian was quick what was spoken or written But ECB chairman Colin Monday saw the ECB “This is about growth and Although the identities of ed by a draft as happens in the to retort that his Indian about him Down Under. Graves will formally ask his present what it says was a "de- securing our future,” said ECB the eight teams in the new event IPL. They would compete in a counterpart's allegations “Some people want to cre- board on Tuesday to trigger a tailed overview" of its plans to chief executive Tom Harrison have yet to be revealed, it is ex- 36-game tournament played were rubbish. ate some spice sitting in some change in those regulations in its 41 members, which include on Monday. “As guardians of pected that their would be two over a 38-day window with Thereafter, it was a series part of the world.” a bid to initiate the process for the first-class counties, MCC the game, it is the responsibil- in London, two in the north of four home games per team. 28 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Sports Spurs drop Cavs to 2nd NFL owners approve Raiders’ in East after 103-74 rout move to Vegas AFP added. “At this point in the sea- AP cated. LOS ANGELES son we just aren’t playing good PHOENIX “All the Raiders fans basketball. It’s frustrating right my age, no way you can do KAWHI Leonard scored 25 now, but we are a veteran ball SOMETIME in the not dis- it,” said Ivan Davis, a fan of points and left to a standing club and we will work through tant future, they will become the team for a half-century. ovation Monday as the San An- this and get things together. the Las Vegas Raiders. “Anyone who lived through tonio Spurs humbled the NBA We’ve been like a rollercoaster Until then, likely in 2020, the first one will not sup- champion Cleveland Cavaliers all season long and we have to Mark Davis’ team belongs to port them. The older Raiders 103-74 less than three weeks get things right.” Oakland. Well, sort of. fans, you lost them forever. before the start of the playoffs. The Spurs posted their fifth NFL owners approved The ones who gave their life The late-season glamour straight win and at 57-16 pulled the Raiders’ move to Las Ve- blood to you, you lost them match-up in San Antonio fizzled within two games of the Golden gas 31-1 at the league meet- forever.” as the Spurs took control in the State Warriors in the race for ings on Monday. Miami was There will be new fans, first quarter thanks not only to the best record in the league the lone dissenter. Davis of course, in a new locale, a stars like Leonard and LaMar- and the Western Conference insisted the club his father, place no one imagined the cus Aldridge but also to stellar lead. Hall of Fame owner Al Davis, NFL venturing to just a few play from their reserves. Pau Gasol scored 14 points built into a champion — in Adding to the misery for and Manu Ginobili chipped in Oakland and Los Angeles Cleveland, Cavs superstar Le- 12 for the Spurs, who host the — should still be considered Bron James took an elbow just Warriors on Wednesday. a part of the Bay Area com- above the shoulder blades from While the San Antonio munity. Spurs David Lee in the waning crowed was geared up for a “I wouldn’t use the term seconds of the third quarter that playoff-calibre contest, the lame duck,” Davis insisted. sent him slumping to the court. Spurs soon took all suspense “We’re still the Raiders and He stayed there for several out of the proceedings, using a we represent Raider Nation. scary minutes before making 17-8 run over the final half of “There will be disap- his way to the bench and with the first quarter to take a 28-18 pointed fans, and it’s impor- the Cavs trailing 81-58 going lead. tant for me to talk to them to into the fouth quarter didn’t re- The Spurs’ bench were big explain why and how.” turn to the court. contributors, out-scoring Cleve- As he does so, he also can “I’m fine,” he said after the land’s bench 15-0 in the first address what is ahead for a Oakland Raiders owner Mark game, vowing to be ready for quarter and 28-0 in the first team that, on the field, clearly Davis speaks during a news the Cavs’ next game on Thurs- half. is on the rise. Yet, questions conference after NFL owners day at Chicago. Cavs star Kyrie Irving abound how much support approved their move to Las James scored 17 points be- scored just eight points and the Raiders can possibly re- Vegas on Monday. (AP) fore departing, but the Cavs saw his run of 21 straight games tain in what is now a tempo- endured their ninth defeat in 15 with at least 20 points end. rary home. years ago. But with their games in March. “We had a really good night “My emotions are $1.7 billion stadium not to be The Cavaliers connected on defensively – everything came mixed,” said coach Jack completed before 2020, the just 37.3 percent of their shots from that,” Spurs coach Gregg Del Rio, a Bay Area native. Raiders have three seasons from the floor and for the first Popovich said. “While I’m sad for family and to fill playing elsewhere. time since November 2015 fell Oklahoma City’s Russell friends and fans in the Oak- “We have two more years out of first place in the Eastern Westbrook drained a pull-up land area, I also recognise of lease options for Oakland Conference as their record fell jump shot with 7.1 seconds re- the tremendous opportunity right now,” Davis said. “If to 47-26. The Boston Celtics maining to cap the Thunder’s going forward for our organi- the fans would like us to stay now lead the East at 48-26. thrilling comeback for a 92-91 sation. That being said, my there, we’d love to be there James said the seeding for victory over the Mavericks in mission remains the same. for that and possibly talk the playoffs was not a major Dallas. To lead this team here and to them about extending it concern. Westbrook scored 37 points now. Players and coaches for maybe 2019 as well, and “I want us to be playing bet- – 16 of them in the fourth quar- need to understand their try to bring a championship ter basketball,” James said after ter – with 13 rebounds and 10 defined roles. We all need to back to Oakland.” the Cavs were held to a season- assists for his third straight bring positive energy every- “The existing size of Las low points total. “That’s what it triple-double and his 37th of the day as we focus on things that Vegas, the diversification and comes down to. season. THE CLAW: San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard dunks during the second half of an NBA game we can control.” the growth that it has under- “San Antonio is a well-oiled He needs four more triple- against the Cleveland Cavaliers in San Antonio on Monday. (AP) What they can’t control gone over the last 20 years, machine and they exploit any- doubles to tie Oscar Robertson’s is community reaction in a combine to make it a mid- thing you are not doing well,” he single-season record of 41 set in 1961-62. Elsewhere, the playoff- tory. place where devotion to the sized market today,” said Although Oklahoma City bound Toronto Raptors posted Kristaps Porzingis scored Raiders during their Oakland league executive Eric Grub- Results were down much of the contest, their sixth straight victory, 131- 25 points with eight rebounds years — they spent 1982-94 man, the NFL’s point man they finished on a 14-0 scoring 112 over the Orlando Magic. and three blocked shots for in Los Angeles — has been on stadium projects, “but SACRAMENTO 91 Memphis 90 run – Westbrook posting a doz- DeMar DeRozan led the the Knicks. Carmelo Anthony, admirable. Even during all one that is exhibiting signifi- UTAH 108 New Orleans 100 en points in the surge to victory. Raptors with 36 points. Coy back from a two-game injury the losing between their last cantly above average growth. Oklahoma City 92 DALLAS 91 “I guess I just come out and Joseph added a double-double absence added 21 points and Super Bowl appearance, for Those things in combination, compete every night,” West- for Toronto with 15 points and Derrick Rose scored 27. The de- the 2002 season, and their its current size with its above SAN ANTONIO 103 Cleveland 74 brook said. “I just try to find 13 assists. feat dropped the Pistons 1 1/2 next winning record, which average growth, combined to TORONTO 131 Orlando 112 ways to help my team win and The New York Knicks dealt games behind the Miami Heat came last year, the Black give the rest of the ownership NY KNICKS 109 Detroit 95 always keep a ‘never quit’ men- the Detroit Pistons’ playoff for the eighth and final playoff Hole gang has been dedi- confidence.” tality and always keep it going.” hopes a blow with a 109-95 vic- spot in the East. Jeanie Buss thwarts family coup, Monahan scores one, makes three as maintains control of LA Lakers AFP family trust set up by their late in-form Flames beat Avalanche 4-2 LOS ANGELES father, longtime Lakers owner Jerry Buss, who died in 2013. JEANIE Buss will remain the “The message is clear here: controlling owner of the NBA’s Do not underestimate Jeanie With six games Los Angeles Lakers under an Buss,” Streisand, told the Los remaining, Calgary agreement reached with her Angeles Times, which reported brothers, her lawyer confirmed that Jeanie, Jim and Johnny can clinch a playoff on Monday. Buss had on Monday asked a spot for just the Attorney Adam Streisand Los Angeles County Superior also said that Jeanie Buss has Court judge to issue an order second time in the removed one of her siblings, saying Jeanie will serve as con- Jim Buss, as a trustee and re- trolling owner and on the team’s past eight seasons placed him with her younger board of directors for as long as with a regulation sister, Janie Buss. the family owns the club. The agreement ends a dis- The family feud erupted win over LA pute that surfaced in court this days after Jeanie Buss shook month after Buss brothers Jim up the Lakers management AP and Johnny proposed a board last month, firing Jim Buss CALGARY, ALBERTA of directors that didn’t include as vice president of basketball Jeanie Buss – which would operations. She also sacked ANOTHER big night for Sean have meant she couldn’t con- general manager Mitch Kup- Monahan’s line has the red- tinue as controlling owner of chak and hired former Lakers hot Calgary Flames one win the team. great Earvin “Magic” Johnson away from clinching an NHL a Jeanie Buss argued that as president of basketball op- playoff spot. circumvented the terms of the erations. Monahan scored his team- leading 26th goal and added three assists as the Flames beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 on Monday. Senators urge USA Hockey to With six games remaining, Calgary can clinch a playoff end dispute with women’s team spot for just the second time in the past eight seasons with AP agree to what was hammered a regulation win over Los An- WASHINGTON out after 10-plus hours of in- geles on Wednesday. Calgary Flames centre Sean Monahan (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the first period goal against the Colorado Ava- person talks a week ago. “Confidence is big for our lanche at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta on Monday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) PRESSURE is mounting on The senators, all Demo- club. When we start going and USA Hockey in its wage dis- crats, cited the Ted Stevens everyone’s playing their role Results in the Pacific Division but are seconds into the game, Cal- pute with the women’s national Olympic and Amateur Sports we’re a hard team to beat,” just one point back of both gary took advantage with team. Act and told Ogrean he should said Monahan, whose four- CALGARY 4 Colorado 2 the Edmonton Oilers and San Monahan’s shot deflecting in On Monday, 16 US senators ensure the team receives “equi- point night ties a career-high. ST. LOUIS 4 Arizona 1 Jose Sharks, who each hold a off the stick of defenseman wrote a letter to executive direc- table resources.” Monahan’s linemates game in hand. Erik Johnson. tor Dave Ogrean, urging him to They joined a chorus of sup- Micheal Ferland and Johnny TAMPA BAY 5 Chicago 4 (OT) Sven Andrighetto scored The score stayed that way resolve the matter. The message port that includes unions repre- Gaudreau also scored, as did Detroit 4 CAROLINA 3 (OT) both goals for Colorado. His until 4:33 of the second when came four days before the start senting players from the NHL, Troy Brouwer. Calgary has BUFFALO 4 Florida 2 second came with 1:54 re- Ferland took a feed from of the women’s world champi- NBA, NFL and Major League won nine of its past 10 games maining and the goalie pulled. Gaudreau and fired in his onship, which players threat- Baseball. Those organisations at home. Nashville 3 NY ISLANDERS 1 The last-place Avalanche have 15th goal. The Avs got on the ened to boycott if significant said over the weekend they “I’m proud of the guys and lost six games in a row overall scoreboard at 3:06 of the third progress was not made toward stood with the women’s team the spot they’ve put them- and nine straight on the road. period on a power play when an agreement. and criticised USA Hockey for selves in,” Flames coach Glen percentage in the NHL. the last four games. “To play a “We’re just trying to talk Johnson’s shot missed the USA Hockey’s board of di- attempting to find replacement Gulutzan said. “A lot of hard “There were a few dark big game against a division ri- to them about being loose and net, but Andrighetto swatted rectors held a meeting on Mon- players. work went into that and now days in this locker room, but val on Wednesday and be able playing like we have nothing the lively rebound off the end day, but had not emerged with The U.S. is the defending we need to finish it off.” what we’ve been able to do to clinch playoffs and get this to lose and making sure that boards past Brian Elliott. a resolution as of late Monday champion at the International It’s been quite a turna- from December on has been hockey club back in the play- we’re creating enough op- Calgary restored its two- night. Players said on Sunday Ice Hockey Women’s World round for a hockey club that great for this room and great offs, it means a lot to every- portunities,” Avs coach Jared goal cushion less than two in a statement that they were Championship, which begins was 5-10-1 in mid-November for this city,” said Brouwer, body in here.” Bednar said. minutes later through Brou- hopeful USA Hockey would Friday in Plymouth, Michigan. and had the worst winning who scored his third goal in The Flames remain fourth Handed a power play 23 wer. Sports Wednesday, March 29, 2017 29 Cycling doping Rain washes out Doctor insists he gave Bangladesh-Lanka ODI Wiggins legal drug after Taskin hat-trick The wash-out means Bangladesh cannot lose the series after winning the first match by 90 runs

AFP DAMBULLA

HEAVY rain washed out the second One-Day Interna- tional of a three-match se- ries between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Dambulla on Tuesday. Bangladesh could not Bangladesh bowler Taskin Ahmed (left) celebrates dismissing Sri Lankan start their innings due to batsman Nuwan Pradeep during the second OD) against Sri Lanka at the rain after bowling out Sri Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in Dambulla on Tuesday. (AFP) Lanka for 311 runs in 49.5 overs, thanks to a hat-trick Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan to complete his fifty before of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, Pradeep in the final over to racing to his century in 102 who finished with 4-47. complete his hat-trick, be- balls with a single off Mor- The wash-out means coming the fifth Bangladeshi taza. Bangladesh cannot lose the bowler to achieve the feat. He also shared 83 runs series after winning the first Mashrafe Mortaza took for the third wicket with match by 90 runs on Satur- opener Danushka Gu- Dinesh Chandimal, who day. nathilaka early for nine but chipped in with 24 runs. Needing a win to stay Mendis shared 111 runs with Milinda Siriwardana also alive in the tournament, skipper Upul Tharanga for made a useful contribution Kusal Mendis laid the foun- the second wicket to put Sri with 30 runs. A graphic representation of how cyclists enhance their performances through mechanical and biological methods. dation for a strong total for Lanka in a strong position. Sri Lanka made three Sri Lanka with 102 off 107 A direct hit from Mah- changes to their squad, balls before Taskin’s late mudullah helped Bangla- bringing in Nuwan Kulaseka- Freeman has said the package contained the legal decongestant Fluimucil burst halted their progress desh separate the duo as ra, Nuwan Pradeep and Dil- at the Rangiri International Tharanga was run out for 65, ruwan Perera for Sachith AFP from Freeman in which he said after his medical records were Stadium. trying to complete a single of Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara LONDON Doping the package contained “only revealed by the Russia-based Taskin took a catch off a no-ball off Mustafizur Rah- and Lakshan Sandakan. Fluimucil”. Fancy Bears computer hacking his own bowling to dismiss man. The third and final match THE doctor at the centre of cheat? Freeman said the Fluimu- group. Mendis. Then he removed Mendis struck a six and of the series will be held in a doping rules row involving cil was for use in a nebuliser British Cycling, which has Asela Gunuratne (39), a four in the next two balls Colombo on April 1. British cycling great Bradley O UK Anti-Doping is and that many doctors believe presided over one of the coun- Wiggins has insisted he gave currently investigating just it to be “helpful in managing try’s most successful Olympic the multiple Olympic cham- exactly what was in the stage riders, who... are prone sports of recent Games, has pion a legal decongestant. contents of a now to chestiness and excess respi- also come under fire for how UK Anti-Doping is cur- infamous ‘jiffy bag’ sent to ratory mucus production” be- it dealt with sexism allegations Fatigued World No. 1 Johnson rently investigating just exact- Dr Richard Freeman at the cause of the demands of elite- involving former coach Shane ly what was in the contents of end of the 2011 Criterium level cycling. Sutton. a now infamous ‘jiffy bag’ sent du Dauphine race in France Freeman added he he had Tuesday saw Britain’s withdraws from Houston Open to Dr Richard Freeman at the gone to the trouble of send- Press Association publish a let- end of the 2011 Criterium du amid suggestions it could ing the medicine via a British ter from Liz Nicholl, the chair- AFP with my team, I have decided Dauphine race in France amid have contained a banned cycling employee because he man of UK Sport, the national WASHINGTON to withdraw from this week’s suggestions it could have con- substance. wished to avoid a repeat of the funding agency, to British Cy- Houston Open,” Johnson said. tained a banned substance. 2002 incident that cost British cling in which she revealed her WORLD number one Dustin “Having played seven Richard Freeman, the then O Freeman said the skier Alain Baxter an Olym- “serious concerns” about the Johnson withdrew from the rounds of competitive golf in Team Sky doctor, has said the Fluimucil was for use in a pic medal when he bought an way it was dealing with those PGA Houston Open on Mon- the last five days, I feel it is package contained the legal nebuliser and that many over-the-counter nasal spray allegations. day, citing fatigue after win- best to give my mind and body decongestant Fluimucil. doctors believe it to be in the United States that con- Sutton resigned in April ning seven matches last week a much-needed rest heading Freeman had been due to “helpful in managing stage tained a banned substance not last year after rider Jess Var- to capture his third consecu- into Masters week. appear before a committee of riders, who... are prone to used in the UK version. nish alleged he had told her to tive US PGA Tour victory. “I sincerely apologize to British lawmakers on March 1 chestiness and excess Team Sky, Wiggins and “go and have a baby” following The 32-year-old Ameri- my many friends and fans in but was too ill to attend. respiratory mucus Freeman have all repeatedly her failure to qualify for the can edged Spain’s Jon Rahm Houston... and I look forward In that hearing Nicole Sap- production” because of the denied any wrongdoing. Rio Olympics. 1 up in Sunday’s champion- to returning in the coming stead, the head of United King- demands of elite-level Freeman said it would have Later an independent re- ship match of the World Golf Dustin Johnson years.” dom Anti-Doping, said it was been “desirable” if he kept a view of British Cycling’s per- Championships-Match Play at Johnson has played five impossible for her to be certain cycling. copy of his medical notes, add- formance programme was set Austin, Texas. With the Masters, the times in Houston, finishing about the contents of the pack- ing: “I regret not doing this.” up. Johnson won seven year’s first major champion- third last year ahead of shar- age as Freeman had told her Freeman was due to ap- Last week five-time Ol- According to a leaked copy matches over five days, includ- ship, coming next week at ing fourth at the 2016 Masters. the relevant medical records pear before the same commit- ympic gold medallist Wiggins of the review published this ing two each on Saturday and Augusta National, Johnson Johnson won his first ma- had disappeared when his lap- tee of MPs on that date but promised to “shock a few peo- month by the Daily Mail, Brit- Sunday, to stretch a win streak selected rest over the benefits jor title last June at Oakmont top was stolen while on holiday withdrew, citing ill health. ple” when he finally comments ish Cycling looked to change that began last month at Rivi- of playing the week before and is the only golfer to win in Greece in 2014. However, the House of on the case after the UKAD in- the conclusions of its own orig- era, where he surged atop the the showdown for the green every WGC title. The Masters It has been alleged that the Commons Culture, Media and quiry is complete. inal inquiry into Sutton in a bid world rankings, and included jacket. will be his first major tourna- package contained the banned Sport Committee has now Wiggins retired in Novem- to retain the highly-regarded the WGC Mexico event three “After a great deal of ment as the world number corticosteroid triamcinolone. published a letter it received ber last year, some two months Australian. weeks ago. thought and consultation one. Gilbert takes opening Force shut down alleged Super Rugby axe AFP Australian Rugby Union SYDNEY chief Bill Pulver said no deci- stage win at De Panne sions had been taken. WESTERN Force on Tuesday “At this point, there has AFP at the end of the 205km first Flanders for the first time. dismissed concerns they face been no determination on the BRUSSELS stage of Three Days of De A winner of all three Ar- the axe from the troubled Su- future competition format or Panne. dennes Classics – Amstel per Rugby competition after a the teams involved in the com- BELGIAN Philippe Gilbert It was the former world Gold, Fleche Wallonne and report suggested they will be petition,” he said in a statement. took a solo victory in Tues- champion’s first victory of the Liege-Bastogne-Liege – Gil- scrapped in a revamped format. “We also wish to confirm day’s opening stage of the fi- season and came after recent bert’s best previous finish at Organisers SANZAAR are for the public record that no nal warm-up event ahead of near misses on a pair of cob- Flanders was third in 2009 grappling with a way forward decision has been taken on the Sunday’s prestigious Tour of bled classics – Gilbert was sec- and 2010. for the confusing 18-team, five- removal of one of Australia’s Flanders. ond at both E3 Harelbeke and He made his winning nation southern hemisphere Super Rugby teams.” The 34-year-old Quick Dwars door Vlaanderen last move on the Mur de Gram- championship and announced The competition currently Step Floors rider finished 17 week. mont climb 16km from the fin- some three weeks ago that a straddles 17 time zones and seconds ahead of Australia’s The Ardennes Classics spe- ish and never looked back. shake-up was imminent. than the ACT Brumbies or Mel- the Australian Rugby Union four continents, resulting in Luke Durbridge with Simone cialist is targeting the cobbled Wednesday’s second stage Since then it has been mute bourne Rebels. The NSW Wara- and at that time made very clear complaints of lopsided con- Consonni of Italy another 17 classics this season as he bids is a hilly 193km ride from Zot- on the issue. tahs and Queensland Reds are that there was a number of fac- tests, taxing travel times and seconds further back in third to win the ‘Monument’ Tour of tegem to Coxyde. In the absence of any deci- widely considered safe. tors to be considered and there a fragmented conference sys- sions, speculation has been rife But Force chief executive hadn’t been any decisions made tem seen as too confusing for that it will be trimmed back to Mark Sinderberry rejected this. and we’ve had no further corre- fans. 15 clubs, with South Africa los- “The reports that are com- spondence since then.” Problems intensified in ing two of its six teams and Aus- ing out of Sydney at the mo- Sinderberry was adamant 2016, when Super Rugby ex- tralia cutting one of five. ment are totally false,” he told Western Force was not facing panded from 15 teams to 18 Sydney’s Daily Telegraph the Australian Broadcasting the axe. with the introduction of Ja- stated on Tuesday that Western Corporation. “It’s not a case of whether pan’s Sunwolves, Argentina’s Force, which was founded in “Two-and-a-half weeks ago they should or not, at all. They Jaguares and South Africa’s 2005, would be chopped rather we had a telephone link up with will survive,” he said. Southern Kings. F1 opener puts overtaking in the spotlight

REUTERS was asked how difficult it had sweep past Fernando Alon- surprise to the likes of triple LONDON been to get past rivals. so’s McLaren. champion Lewis Hamilton, Melbourne’s Albert Park But they were rare high- who had flagged up in testing FORMULA One entered a has never ranked high on the lights of a race without that the new aerodynamic bold new era in Sunday’s list of circuits with the most crashes or a safety car. regulations had a downside Australian season-opener overtaking manoeuvres but “It was hard to follow and and could lead to proces- with bigger tyres, faster cars fans saw hardly any after the drive close behind others,” sional racing. and a winning Ferrari but the opening lap. Force India’s complained Red Bull’s Max The cars are creating lack of overtaking is causing Sergio Perez took both Toro Verstappen, who has built far more downforce, taking concern. Rossos while team mate Es- up a reputation as one of the some corners flat out and “What overtaking?,” said teban Ocon was in a three- sport’s most exciting over- throwing out more turbulent Belgian cyclist Philippe Gilbert of Quick-Step Floors competes in the Kapelmuur during the first stage of Brazilian veteran Felipe Mas- car battle that saw him and takers. air that makes it harder for the Driedaagse De Panne - Koksijde cycling race, 206,2 km from De Panne to Zottegem on Tuesday. (AFP) sa when the Williams driver Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg The problem came as no followers to get close. 30 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Sports

News in brief Japan rout Thailand 4-0 Putin wants Russian National Guard for FIFA World Cup security MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin has called on the Russian as Okazaki scores 50th National Guard to ensure security at the 2018 football World Cup in Russia. “Work on ensuring security at the forthcom- ing FIFA World Cup and Confederations Cup will require much effort,” Putin said on Monday at a meeting with the Russian Australia defeat UAE 2-0 in Sydney, ending a run of four games without a win Guard’s command, reports Tass news agency. He asked the Russian Guard to “pay special attention to that”. The President noted that the formation of the Russian Guard is proceeding dynamically and in compliance with the schedule. “The new federal agency is being formed in compliance with the schedule. I would like to thank you for that. Work goes on in due pace and with due quality,” he said. Putin congratu- lated the Russian Guard’s senior officers on their professional holiday, the National Guard Troops Day.

FIFA probes Ivory Coast, Senegal crowd trouble in Paris friendly GENEVA: FIFA said on Tuesday it had launched an investiga- tion into incidents which led to the abandonment of a friendly match between Ivory Coast and Senegal in Paris following a series of pitch invasions. The sides were level at 1-1 late on Monday when French referee Tony Chapron called off the match in the 88th minute as fans from both sides flooded onto the pitch. Images showed rowdy supporters chasing across the pitch after climbing over fences while one fan was seen tackling a player in the middle of the pitch. “We are currently analysing and gathering information concerning the incidents, “a FIFA spokesman said. He added that “should it be consid- ered appropriate, disciplinary proceedings may be opened”. Liverpool forward Sadio Mane had given Senegal the lead on 67 minutes from the penalty spot but Fulham’s Cyriac Gohi Bi equalised for the Ivorians just four minutes later.

Leipzig’s Werner back to training after injury ‘catastrophe’ BERLIN: Germany striker Timo Werner returned to training with Bundesliga high-fliers RB Leipzig on Tuesday, less than a week after tearing a thigh muscle while making his debut for the world champions. Werner, 21, hurt his left thigh in last Wednesday’s 1-0 home win against England, which RB coach Ralph Hasenhuettl labelled a “catastrophe” as his club prepare to play three games in seven days. But Werner completed a 30-minute training run on Tuesday, then finished with some sprints, before signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. Nevertheless, Hasenhuettl says Werner still needs time to recover as second-placed Leipzig prepare for Saturday’s home match against bottom side Darmstadt following two successive league defeats.

Partizan Belgrade have European ban lifted in finance case

BERLIN: Serbian club Partizan Belgrade will be able to play in European competition next season after UEFA lifted a ban imposed in January. The case went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which said on Tuesday Partizan had paid money it owed, in particular debts to Serbian tax authorities. Partizan had been excluded from the next UEFA competition it qualified for in the next three seasons for breaching European body UEFA’s club licensing and financial fair play regulations. The 2015 Serbian champions had amassed debts of almost 2.5 million euros, it was reported at the time. CAS said in a state- ment that following the opening of arbitration proceedings new Japan’s forward Shinji Okazaki (left) and Thailand’s Koravit Namwiset (right) during group B World Cup 2018 qualifying match in Saitama on Tuesday. (AFP) evidence was presented to clarify Partizan’s overdue payments position with tax authorities. Partizan’s exclusion was then AFP Thursday, provisionally took goals, which helps our cause minute corner gave Irvine a made conditional on the club’s timely payment of other overdue SAITAMA, JAPAN top spot with 16 points from Half-century as goal difference could prove free header that took a deflec- payments. The club has now satisfied the condition, CAS said. seven games. to be crucial,” he added. tion on its way into the net. LEICESTER City striker Shinji But Saudi Arabia can move goal mark “But we have put ourselves While UAE threatened Okazaki celebrated his 50th back above them on goal dif- in a good position to qualify at times through 2016 Asian international goal on Tuesday ference with victory over Iraq O Okazaki’s landmark for the World Cup with three player of the year Omar Ab- Asian Cup 2019 qualifier as Japan brushed aside Thai- in Jeddah later on Tuesday. goal, on his 108th Japan big games left.” dulrahman, it struggled to land 4-0 to edge closer to a “I’m incredibly happy to appearance, came on 19 Australia defeated United create enough clear chances sixth successive World Cup. get that goal,” Okazaki told re- minutes in Saitama and Arab Emirates 2-0 in Sydney to seriously worry the Asian Shinji Kagawa gave the porters. “I hadn’t scored for a effectively killed the on Tuesday, ending a run of champion. hosts the lead in their Asian while so it was a relief. Hope- contest. four games without a win to With 12 minutes remain- Group B qualifier with a sharp fully I can keep on scoring get qualification for the 2018 ing Leckie headed home a finish after eight minutes, be- goals for Japan.” World Cup back on track. James Troisi cross to give fore Okazaki thundered home “We’re not at the World South Korea However, UAE’s second Australia three points that a diving header to bring up his Cup yet,” he added. “We have loss in five days prompted kept alive hope of a fourth half-century in swashbuckling to make sure we keep taking edge Syria coach Mahdi Ali to announce successive World Cup appear- style. our chances and win our re- O South Korea stayed his resignation at the news ance, and in its own hands. Okazaki’s landmark goal, maining games.” conference. He’d been in South Korea stayed sec- on his 108th Japan appear- Australia, the reigning second in Group A thanks charge since 2012. ond in Group A thanks to a ance, came on 19 minutes in Asian champions, are three to a fourth-minute goal Goals in each half from fourth-minute goal from de- Saitama and effectively killed points behind Japan with from defender Hong Jackson Irvine and Math- fender Hong Jeong-ho. the contest. three matches left after beat- Jeong-ho. ew Leckie sealed a vital win After losing in China five Yuya Kubo and Maya ing the Emirates 2-0 at home. for the Socceroos, who had days earlier, South Korea re- Yoshida added further goals The top two teams from “I have to congratulate slipped into third place in turned to winning ways for for the Blue Samurai after the each group qualify automati- the players on two super vic- Group B behind Saudi Arabia under-pressure coach Uli break and Eiji Kawashima cally for next year’s World tories,” said the Franco-Bos- and Japan after four succes- Stielike in Seoul. saved a late penalty from Adi- Cup in Russia. nian. “It wasn’t an easy game sive draws. Syria, fourth in the group, Bikram Lama (right) of Nepal is comforted by Aditya Chuandhary sak Kraisorn to deny rock-bot- Japan coach Vahid Halil- today and they gave us a few UAE arrived in Sydney in had chances through Alaa during the qualifying match between the Philippines and Nepal tom Thailand a consolation. hodzic refused to get carried problems but we produced an fourth, a point behind Aus- Al Shbli in the first half, and for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, in Manila on Tuesday. Japan, who won 2-0 in away after a great week for his effective performance.” tralia. Firas al Khatib hitting the The Philippines won 4-1. (AFP) the United Arab Emirates last side. “We scored four lovely Lax marking at a seventh- crossbar in injury time. Southgate irked by Crystal Palace chief’s Zaha remark the first player he watched af- Despite his disappoint- The Palace striker was capped twice ter being confirmed as Eng- ment at missing out on Zaha, land’s permanent manager last Southgate says he is only in- by England in 2012-13, but switched November, but by then it was terested in players who have too late. a burning desire to play for allegiance to Ivory Coast “I didn’t really appreciate England. “Any time you leave AFP tweet: “Never wavered in my there was this disappearing a player out of squads, you run LONDON belief of @wilfriedzaha, why is the risk of them going across to this goal not for @England?” “If you don’t feel that inter- another country,” he said. ENGLAND manager Gareth “I’m not sure it’s help- “But in the end I have to Southgate has taken issue with ful as a comment. I wouldn’t nal, 100 percent passion focus on the players that are Crystal Palace chairman Steve comment on his decisions,” for playing for England, I’m desperate to play for England. Parish’s views on the inter- Southgate told reporters af- not sure it’s for me to sell “If you don’t feel that in- national tug-of-war involving ter England’s 2-0 World Cup that to you. It should be ternal, 100 percent passion for Ivory Coast winger Wilfried qualifying win over Lithuania your desire to do it,” playing for England, I’m not Zaha. at Wembley on Sunday. sure it’s for me to sell that to Zaha was capped twice by “I know the chairman’s got Southgate said. you. It should be your desire England, in 2012 and 2013, quite a vociferous view on it. to do it. “The inherent desire but switched allegiances to Steve’s an intelligent guy who’s egg timer on him going to the to play for your country is the Ivory Coast, the country of done a great job for that foot- Ivory Coast,” Southgate ad- most important thing if we’re his birth, late last year and ball club.” mitted. “I didn’t want to just going to be successful. has since made six appear- Southgate, a former Palace pick him because there was a “Part of your identity as ances for them. He scored a captain, previously coached chance that that might hap- a national team has got to be fine solo goal in Ivory Coast’s Zaha during his time as Eng- pen. The first opportunity I pride in the shirt. So for me the 2-0 friendly win over Russia land Under-21s manager. had as permanent manager, I Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in action during a Premier League match at Selhurst in London recently. commitment has to come from last week, prompting Parish to The Palace winger, 24, was did go and speak to him.” (REUTERS) the player.” Sports Wednesday, March 29, 2017 31 Nigeria could shun London after visa hassle, says coach Rohr

AFP tween signatory countries and ABUJA where international travellers require only a single visa for NIGERIA could avoid play- travel. ing friendlies in London from Currently, 26 European now on because of problems countries are part of the area. obtaining visas for staff and Rohr told reporters in players, coach Gernot Rohr London on Monday night that has said. Nigeria tried to find a last- The Super Eagles played minute replacement when it Senegal at non-league Barnet’s became clear the match would ground in north London last not go ahead against Burkina Friday, drawing 1-1, but a sec- Faso. ond scheduled match against Officials from Burkina Burkina Faso on Monday had Faso were reportedly told the to be called off. application would be complet- The Nigeria Football Fed- ed in Morocco, where the team eration (NFF) said seven was playing on Friday, as there Burkinabe players failed to se- was no British mission in Oua- cure British entry visas. gadougou. Rohr said several of his But the applications were players also found themselves still pending when the mission unable to travel, including de- closed for the weekend. fenders Kingsley Madu, of Bel- Rohr, who has previously gian side Zulte Waregem, and managed national sides Ga- Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (left) argues with first assistant referee Emerson Augusto de Carvalho at the end of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia South American qualifier Musa Mohammed, who plays bon, Niger and Burkina Faso, football match against Chile, at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, recently. (AFP) with Zeljeznicar Sarajevo. has worked mainly with play- The German coach said he ers based in mainland Europe will now suggest that friend- since he took charge of Nigeria lies and training camps be ar- last year. ranged on mainland Europe The former Bordeaux Messi gets 4-match ban to avoid further difficulties as player and coach, who has it was “too complicated to get also managed several Euro- visas” in Britain. pean domestic sides, including “I think it’s better to stay Ajaccio, has said it costs less to in Schengen, in Europe, than do so and the facilities are bet- go to London where the peo- ter than in Nigeria. for swearing at official ple have problems. Even some Nigeria plan to set up a players in our team couldn’t training camp in France in come, you know. They didn’t May and play a friendly against Messi, 29, will also miss in similar cases,” FIFA said. get the visa in time.” Corsica as part of preparations The referee assistant Carvalho says he only realised games away to Uruguay and The AFA said it would ap- Britain is not part of the for a 2019 Africa Cup of Na- Messi was insulting him on reading press reports home to Venezuela and Peru. peal against the decision. Schengen zone, where there tions qualifier against South The Barcelona forward will be “Messi is sad, today we are no border controls be- Africa in June. eligible again when Argentina lost an important player,” said REUTERS His absence will be a se- match after being harried and visit Ecuador on Oct. 10. AFA national teams secretary ZURICH vere blow to the two-times fouled by Chile’s Jean Beause- Argentina are third in Jorge Miadosqui. world champions who are jour. The official patted him on the 10-team South American Messi has not enjoyed the ARGENTINA forward Lionel struggling in the marathon the head and tried to calm him group with 22 points from same success with Argentina Messi has been banned from South American campaign down but Messi kept ranting. 13 games but have only a as he has with Barcelona and their next four competitive where results have included FIFA said in a letter to two-point cushion over sixth- announced his international internationals, starting with home defeats by Ecuador and the Argentine Football Asso- placed Chile, with Colombia retirement last year before Tuesday’s World Cup quali- Paraguay and a 3-0 mauling ciation (AFA), published by (21) and Ecuador (20) sand- back-tracking on his decision. fier in Bolivia, for swearing at by arch-rivals Brazil. Argentine media, that the in- wiched in between. He also led a player media a match official, FIFA said on FIFA said Messi had “di- cident was not detailed in the The top four qualify di- silence in protest at perceived Tuesday. rected insulting words at an referee’s report at the time and rectly for the tournament in mistreatment of the team. The decision was an- assistant referee” during the was brought to its attention by Russia next year and the fifth- Messi was frustrated when nounced less than six hours 1-0 win over Chile on Friday, the media. placed side go into a playoff Argentina lost 1-0 after extra- before kickoff of the match in which he scored the only Carvalho said he did not against a team from Oceania time to Germany in the 2014 in La Paz and means the five- goal from a penalty. understand at the time what for another place in the global World Cup final, then on times world player of the year Television pictures showed Messi was saying. showpiece event. penalties to Chile in the 2015 will play in only one of Argen- him swearing at Brazilian “I only realised he was “This decision is in line Copa America final and again tina’s remaining five World linesman Emerson Augusto swearing afterwards on read- with the FIFA Disciplinary on spot-kicks to Chile in last Gernot Rohr, Nigeria coach, has hinted that the Super Eagles may pay Cup qualifiers. do Carvalho at the end of the ing the press,” he said. Committee’s previous rulings year’s Copa Centenario final. its friendlies in Europe instead of London.

Promoter of Madeira Record Real move all down Portugal airport to be named after Ronaldo to Hazard, says Calderon

AFP club, so it wouldn’t be easy, LONDON but as always it would depend The Madrid star is expected to attend on the wishes of the player. If CHELSEA’S Eden Hazard will he wants to leave, he will leave a ceremony at the airport outside his decide on a move to Real Ma- -- that’s always the point,” Cal- drid at the end of the season, deron told Talksport Radio’s hometown of Funchal today with the Spanish giants pre- Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast AP pared to pay a world record show on Tuesday. FUNCHAL, PORTUGAL ernment. transfer fee, according to “It’s all about the player. “Sometimes, national former club president Ramon The player must say, ‘I want to WELCOME to Cristiano Ro- gratitude has short memory, Calderon. leave and go to Real Madrid’, naldo Airport. That will likely but Madeira doesn’t,” Miguel The Belgium midfielder is and that will be the moment be the message awaiting pas- Albuquerque, the president of under contract with Premier they start negotiating.” sengers in the Madeira Islands the Madeira government, said League leaders Chelsea un- Hazard, who arrived at when the local airport is re- when the name change was til June 2020 but Hazard, a Stamford Bridge from Lille named after the local star. announced last year. He added childhood fan of Real coach in 2012, has regained his best Ronaldo is expected to at- that the tribute was fair con- Zinedine Zidane, has been re- form under Blues manager An- tend a ceremony at the airport sidering Ronaldo’s services to peatedly linked with a move to tonio Conte, with west London outside his hometown of Fun- his homeland. the Bernabeu. But Calderon club Chelsea 10 points in front chal on Wednesday, a day after Ronaldo is regarded as a reckons it will cost Real a at the top of the table with 10 his Portugal side plays Sweden promoter of Madeira, which is world record fee of £100 mil- league games of the season left. in the city in a friendly. considered one of the world’s lion ($125 million, 115 million “Chelsea will ask for a lot of It will be the first time Ro- top travel destinations. euros) to make the move a re- money, I think that’s what the naldo plays with the national A couple of years ago, ality. situation will be at the end of team in the city where he grew he used his social media ac- “Chelsea aren’t a selling the season,” Calderon said. up. Funchal also features a Ro- counts to ask fans to vote for naldo statue, a museum about Madeira in a contest organized him, and a hotel complex by the travel industry. The is- named after him. lands southwest of Portugal “This game is a great trib- are known for their incredible Costa return bolsters ute to the people of Madeira, they deserve it,” Ronaldo said Bayern’s treble bid on the Portuguese Football Politicians Federation website. AFP worse than feared and may Portugal’s squad landed say no BERLIN require surgery, but Bayern’s on Monday at the airport, dis- chairman Karl-Heinz Rum- playing the trophy it won at O The name change BAYERN Munich’s hopes of menigge rubbished those the 2016 European Champi- attracted a lot of attention securing a second treble in four claims. “An operation is not, onship in France. locally, with some years received a boost on Tues- and was never, an issue,” Rum- A sign with the player’s im- politicians opposing it and day with Douglas Costa back in menigge said on Monday. age was already being added saying that the footballer’s training after the club confirmed “According to the team doc- to the facade of the airport, name should be added to a he does not need knee surgery. tor, the player is fine. “He’s do- which until Tuesday was called stadium or another The Brazil winger did some sta- ing so well that he will be back the Madeira International sporting venue. bility exercises at Bayern’s train- playing in the not so distant fu- Airport. The name change at ing ground as Carlo Ancelotti’s ture.” the airport, known as one of O Some said the Madeira Portugal’s player Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia squad gathered after the inter- Bayern host Augsburg on the windiest in the world, at- regional government didn’t group B qualifying match at Luz Stadium in Lisbon, on Sunday. (EPA) national break. Saturday in the Bavarian derby tracted a lot of attention lo- have the legal right to make Costa, 26, was sidelined for with the Munich giants 13 points cally, with some politicians the African coast, and some From there he made it to Man- jersey number on Ronaldo’s Bayern’s 1-0 win at Borussia clear in Germany’s top tier. opposing it and saying that the the name change without 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) chester United and eventually statue after Messi received the Monchengladbach ten days ago Rummenigge said Costa is footballer’s name should be consulting the main from the European continent. to Real Madrid, becoming one world player prize. with what Ancelotti described as unlikley to face Augsburg, but he added to a stadium or another government. Ronaldo grew up in Fun- of the world’s biggest soccer The statue was unveiled in “a minor knee problem”, but it should be available for Bayern’s sporting venue. Some said the chal sharing a room with his stars. He received his fourth 2014 in the presence of Ronal- sidelined him for Brazil’s World Champions League quarter- Madeira regional government landscapes, and their wine is older brother and two older world player of the year award do and his close relatives. His Cup qualifiers against Uruguay final next month against Real didn’t have the legal right to known worldwide. sisters before moving to the this year. family is also expected to at- and Paraguay. Madrid, as well as the German make the name change with- The islands are about 500 mainland to join the youth Last year, vandals paint- tend the airport ceremony on Last week, broadcaster Cup semi-final at home to rivals out consulting the main gov- kilometers (310 miles) from squads of Sporting Lisbon. ed Lionel Messi’s name and Wednesday. Sport1 said Costa’s injury was Borussia Dortmund. 32 Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Sports Baracetti is new Qatar beach volleyball team coach

Brazilian Oncken appointed technical head of junior and youth teams; Rajdi is new U-17 coach

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for two years, before being DOHA given the charge of the senior team last season. As a player, ARGENTINA’S Mariano Ba- he has been quite successful, racetti has replaced national wining the world title at the beach volleyball team’s Bra- 2001 World Championships zilian coach Pedro Pablo in Klagenfurt, Austria, in Costa. company of Martin Conde. The Qatar Volleyball As- Besides, the three-time sociation also appointed Bra- Olympian featured in 190 zilian veteran Percy Oncken tournaments and was top- for reorganising the youth ranked on the 2002 FIVB and junior volleyball in the World Tour. He was also (From left) Qatar U-17 team coach Malek Rajdi, junior and youth teams technical director Percy On- country and Malek Rajdi as ranked among the top ten cken, QVA President Ali Ghanim al Kuwari, Qatar beach volleyball coach Mariano Baracetti, Qatar Beach the national under-17 coach. from 2000 to 2006 on the Volleyball Commission Deputy Chairman Mohammed Salem and Pablo during a media presentation in QVA President Ali Tour. Doha on Tuesday. Ghanim al Kuwari present- As a coach, he guided the ed all the three officials at a Argentine pair to the gold Qatar team during the Rio Ol- opportunity to work with the tional junior and youth teams press conference in Doha on medal in the Panamerican ympics. Both the Qatari play- Qatar national team. My as- to eight world championships Tuesday. “We’re happy to Games in Toronto in 2015. ers (Jefferson Santos Pereira sistant Pablo and I will try to in his long tenure as the head present three new persons for Also his trainees had bagged and Cherif Younnouse) were do our best and help the play- coach. He also trained Brazil- different but very important the bronze medal in the men’s impressive. ers,” he added. ian Super League men and responsibilities, related with section and fifth place in the “My initial challenge is the “Also, I will see how we women teams. the senior beach volleyball women’s section in the 2014 Asian Tour, which is starting can organise the beach vol- “I’ve seen the matches of so. I don’t know much about for Qatar,” Oncken added. team, junior and youth struc- Youth Olympics in Nanjing. soon. Then we’ve the Asian leyball at the club level so that Qatari under-11, 13, 15 and Qatar as we never played at For Rajdi, the biggest tures. Their profiles are im- Talking about his goals Championships which is very we can improve the competi- 17 players. I’ll first try to find the international level. challenge is the world cham- pressive, we hope to continue and challenges, the 42-year- crucial for us. This will decide tion level and get more play- players with good height and “I wish to thank the QVA pionships. “We’ll work now our development work at var- old coach said, “Pedro (the our fate for the World Cham- ers graduated into the senior attitude. Then I’ll prepare for giving me a chance to on the under-17 team. Our ious levels,” said Kuwari. former coach) did a great job pionships, to be staged in Vi- level,” Baracetti added. them for the international work here. I will work with goal is the qualification for Baracetti had been the na- and guided the Qatar team to enna,” added the Argentine. Oncken, a 56-year-old profile. I will be able to speak the same passion as I did in the World Championship in tional under-18 team coach many big successes. I saw the “I’m proud to be given an Brazilian, has coached his na- about it more after a month or Brazil. I’ll try to give my best 2019.” Frijns aims for Huge turnout, thrilling races make Qatar GP a great success

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK a strong finish DOHA THE 2017 MotoGP World Championship kicked off af- ter a break of more than four in Bahrain months and did so with a spec- tacular Grand Prix of Qatar, held in association with Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA). Although rain played spoil- sport on Saturday and threat- ened to do so on Sunday, the Grand Prix of Qatar produced spectacular and thrilling races in all the categories. Yamaha rider Maverick Viñales carried forward his excellent pre-season form into the race weekend and produced a brilliant ride to become the first winner of the 207 MotoGP season. It wasn’t an easy outing for the young Spaniard though. Viñales started from pole po- sition but dropped to fifth as he started cautiously. But then the 22-year-old carved his way through the riders and ended Qatar Tourism Authority, QMMF and Losail Circuit Sports Club officials during the Grand Prix of Qatar. up winning the race after a nail-biting battle with Ducati Hassan al Ibrahim, Chief Grand Prix of Qatar. From the efforts and hard work put in rider Andrea Dovizioso, who multiple activities in the fam- to get the track ready for the had to be content with second. Tourism Development ily zone to the thrilling race ac- race.” In third place was MotoGP Officer at QTA said: “The tion, the fans had a great time. Hassan al Ibrahim, Chief star Valentino Rossi. race has been fantastic Despite the weather, there was Tourism Development Of- In Moto2 , Franco Mor- and we are pleased with a huge increase in the number ficer at QTA said: “The race Qatar-based Charlie Frijns during a race at the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. He is fired for his bidelli finally registered his the high turn-out of spec- of spectators as compared to has been fantastic and we are best performance during the finale round in Bahrain. first win of the class with a tators, which is testament last year. pleased with the high turnout dominating performance. The to MotoGP’s position as Saud al Attiyah, Losail of spectators, which is testa- find the same form he showed Italian battled with Thomas Circuit Sports Club President, ment to MotoGP's position Leading regional drivers prepare for here in the second race of the Luthi during the initial part one of the marquee annu- commented, “We are very as one of the marquee annual season, and give everything he of the race but was then able al sport events in the happy with the success of the sport events in the Qatari and Porsche GT3 Cup Middle East series has to fight for the champion- to take the lead and didn’t re- Qatari and international Grand Prix of Qatar. Despite international sport calendars. showdown ship title. linquish it till the end. Luthi sport calendars.” the weather conditions we Sports and recreation tourism Frijns said, “I said from the finished second with Takaaki managed to run a great event. have great potential to be ma- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK formances of my season in this very beginning of Season 8 that Nakagami taking third. was decided on the last lap. In This year we have witnessed jor contributors to the econ- DOHA final round.” consistency would play an im- Earlier on Sunday, Joan second place was British rider an increase in the number of omy, and we look forward to The first round of Season portant part in my champion- Mir was the first winner of the John McPhee and pole posi- spectators and we would like working with our partners at QATAR-BASED driver Charlie 8 bought mixed emotions for ship campaign. Over the first day taking the opening round tion man Jorge Martin fin- to thank the QTA for being Losail Circuit Sports Club and Frijns reflected on his incred- the young Qatar resident, af- few rounds, I displayed the in the Moto3 class under lights ished third. involved in this international the industry to build a sustain- ible season of competition in ter a disappointing fifth place form I needed, and by the half- at Losail International Cir- It was a four-day event for championship. I also want able and diverse calendar of the Porsche GT3 Cup Chal- finish in Race 1, Frijns then way stage of the season found cuit. The Spaniard claimed a the large number of spectators to thank the Losail Circuit annual sporting events that lenge Middle East, as he looks laid down a marker of intent myself in a very strong position brilliant victory in Qatar that who turned up to watch the Sports Club staff for all the draw more visitors to Qatar." to learnings from previous in the second race with an in- at the top of the overall stand- rounds as the key to his suc- credible performance earning ings. Every race has been so cess in the upcoming finale of him his first race win in three close, with some of the newer Season 8. years. From then on, the battle and younger drivers showing After ten races across six for the top of the standings was some impressive determina- months and three of the re- on, and with the points being tion and skill. gion’s most famous racing cir- so close throughout the open- “I’ve managed to keep my- cuits, the final round of Season ing rounds, it was difficult to self in a strong position in the 8 is closing in and the Middle tell who would cross the finish championship despite some East’s top motor racers have line in the top three positions disappointing results, and with their sights firmly set on the in each race. only two races to go I know championship silverware. By the time the series how important it will be for me For Charlie Frijns the up- reached the halfway stage of to claim as many points as pos- coming weekend will be a huge the season with six races down, sible.” occasion on top of what has things had still not opened up He added, “I am one of a been one of the most competi- in the championship standings few of the drivers in this cham- tive editions of the series ever, with Charlie Frijns and Irish pionship that has experienced especially in his chase for the driver Ryan Cullen was locked racing as part of the Formula 1 gold category title. on 90 points each. The tight weekend here in Bahrain. I am Across the weekend of April separation continued through hoping I can use this to my ad- 15 and 16, the Porsche GT3 Cup Round 4 after which just 63 vantage and remain cool under Challenge will power into Bah- points separated the top six the pressure of the occasion. It rain where Round 6 will take drivers in the overall standings. is always an amazing experi- on the role of support race for The championship re- ence to compete on the world the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air turned to Bahrain for the pe- stage of motorsport, and I al- Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. nultimate round of the season ways say that anything could The added theatre, excite- with Charlie Frijns knowing happen. ment and attention of Formula that every single point would “For me, I am going to 1 is something Frijns hopes to count. After a fourth and third have to put all the enjoyment use as motivation for success, place finish in both races of and excitement aside and fo- not a distraction. “It’s a huge Round 5, Frijns allowed Cullen cus on getting the job done. A occasion for all of the drivers in to pull a 33-point gap at the top top three finish for me in this the championship, the added of championship standings. championship would be huge excited and pressure can really With a total of 50 points on of- for my racing career so I hope play a part in the result. And for fer in the final two races of the to drive well and make that me I need two of the best per- season, Frijns will be hoping to dream a reality,” he said. A big crowd of fans at the start of the Grand Prix of Qatar in Losail on Sunday.