SPORT Thursday 22 March 2018

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 32-33 NoNovak Djokovic Rabada decision Can anyone stop ppain free ‘first another source of champion Lewis ‘‘time in years conflict in SA Test series Hamilton? Afif double seals brilliant win for CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA

DOHA: scored twice in the first half and added a third as Qatar overcame hosts Iraq 3-2 at a packed Basra Stadium in the opening fixture of the Tri-nation Friendship Tournament yesterday. The brief football series is being organised by Iraq Football Association (IFA) to celebrate the return of football to Basra for the first time in three decades. Afif earned Al Annabi the lead in the 17th minute when he directed the ball to the bottom left corner of the net with a right footed shot from the centre of the box after receiving a cross from Yousef Hassan. In the very next minute, Afif almost doubled Qatar’s lead but the ball flew inches away from the goal post. The hosts found an equalizer when Ahmed Yasin scored from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom left corner in the 32nd minute. Afif once again put Qatar on top when he shot right into the net from 30 yards to beat Iraqi goal- Victory against Iraq a keeper in injury time to give his side a 2-1 lead just before the end of the first half. satisfying : Al Rawi When the second half began, Qatar continued to dominate the proceedings despite more than THE PENINSULA 65,000 supporters cheering in support of the home team. BASRA: Qatar defender Bassam Al Rawi on Wednesday In the 63rd minute, Al Duhail forward Ali netted said Al Anabi’s fighting 3-2 win over hosts Iraq was a another goal from close range to the bottom left satisfying result. Iraq’s Mohanad Al corner of the net after picking up the ball from Yesterday, Akram Afifi scored a double as Qatar - coached Kadhim (left) vies skipper Hasan Al Haydos to give Qatar a 3-1 lead. by Felix Sanchez - powered to an impressive 3-2 win for the ball against Four minutes later, Iraqi midfielder Hussein Ali on day one of the Three-Nation International Friendly Qatar’s Pedro Miguel reduced the goal deficit with a right-footed shot Tournament. during the Tri-nation from close range to the top right corner as a Qatari The event is being hosted by Iraq Football Association Friendship Tournament player slipped and failed to stop the ball. (IFA) which is celebrating return of football to the country match at the Basra Qatari players were shown two yellow cards after more than three decades. Sports City Stadium in ( - 83’ and Pedro Miguel 54’) during Qatar closed the first half at 2-1 and then added one Basra, Iraq yesterday. the course of the game. more at a packed Basra Stadium. Qatar won 3-2. The hosts were giving their best effort to find a “It is a great result for us. We wanted to win and we reached late equaliser, but coach Felix Sanchez’s boys were our target,” Al Rawi said. “It is a big day for football in Iraq the worthy winners of the opening fixture of the and we are happy to be here,” he added. tournament. Qatar take on Syria on March 24. QSL: Late revival reaps benefits as Al Gharafa hang onto fourth spot THE PENINSULA are the only teams in con- However, they were a gave back rich dividends for tention for the fourth spot that transformed lot in the second the huge investments by : Only one more round guarantees a place in the elite phase. They benefited much playing significant roles in is remaining in this season’s Qatar Cup. from the changes that they many a positive result for the QNB Stars League, but Al Al Gharafa are up against made before the start of second side. The other star who Gharafa have high hopes of Qatar SC, while Umm Salal phase, in the January transfer excelled for Al Gharafa is staying in the fourth position. play Al Markhiya in Week 22. window. They started doing Ahmed Alaaeldin, who is their Al Gharafa and Umm Salal Al Gharafa had mixed for- extremely well ever since joint top scorer with Sneijder both have 32 points, but the tunes in their campaign. Even Turkish coach Bulent Uygun on six goals. former are ahead on goal dif- though they lifted the QSL Cup, took over from Frenchman The team gelled very well ference. They have nine wins, The Cheetahs’ performance Jean Fernandez. and quickly made a turna- five draws and seven defeats. was not up to the mark in the They strengthened the round in their fortunes. They The Cheetahs scored 40 first phase as they languished squad by recruiting Dutch star won seven of the 10 games goals and conceded 34 to have at the seventh position with 11 Wesley Sneijder, Iranian ace they played so far in the second Al Gharafa players celebrate with Dutch star Wesley Sneijder (centre) after the a goal difference of +6. points with just two victories Mehdi Taremi and Asim phase, while losing the other latter scored during a QNB Stars League match in this file photo. Al Gharafa and Umm Salal to their credit after 11 rounds. Madbo. Sneijder and Taremi three. West Indies edge out Scotland Akmal blitz sees in PSL final to secure place in World Cup AGENCIES

AFP proved key as fell to The Scots rebuilt after being reduced LOHORE: Kamran Akmal (pictured) scored the fastest Windies spinner Ashley Nurse for 33, to 25-3 as Kemar Roach claimed two fifty in the (PSL) history as HARARE: The West Indies snatched a with no DRS in place for the qualifiers. early , but were left high and dry Peshawar Zalmi booked a spot in Sunday’s final spot at next year’s World Cup by edging Had the rain come with Scotland on by Berrington’s dismissal and the rain. following an easy win against yesterday. to a five-run victory over Scotland on the same score but four wickets down, Zimbabwe will claim the final place Akmal achieved the landmark in 17 balls and DLS method in Harare yesterday. they would have qualified instead. at the reduced 10-team World Cup if they went on to score 77 to post a total of 171 at the Gaddafi The two-time World Cup winners Earlier, the underdogs had a dream beat the United Arab Emirates tomorrow. Stadium yesterday. Karachi Kings were only able to were bowled out for just 198 first, start to the winner-takes-all clash, with Brief Scores: score 157 for 2 in the rain-reduced second elimi- but rain forced an early finish with the dismissing star West West Indies: 198 all out in 49.4 overs nator. Peshawar Zalmi now meets Islamabad United game in the balance and Scotland on Indies opener Chris Gayle with the first (Evin Lewis 66, Marlon Samuels 51, in the final on Sunday. 125-5 with 14.4 overs remaining. ball of the match. Carlos Brathwaite 24; Safyaan Sharif 3 Brief Scores: Peshawar Zalmi: 170 for 7 in 16 overs Jason Holder’s Windies claimed the Sharif and Bradley Wheal each fin- for 27, Brad Wheal 3 for 34) (Kamran Akmal 77, Andre Fletcher 34, Darren Sammy penultimate place for the tournament in ished with three wickets, as Scotland Scotland: 125 for 5 in 35.2 Overs 23; Tymal Mills 2 for 23, 3 for 35) England and Wales, with Scotland restricted their opponents to under 200 (Richie Berrington 33, George Munsey Karachi Kings: 157 for 2 in 16 overs (JL Denly knocked out of contention. despite 66 from Evin Lewis and a gritty 32 ; Kemar Roach 2 for 20, Ashley 79 not out, Babar Azam 63; Hasan Ali 1 for 41, Sameen A controversial lbw decision also half- by Marlon Samuels. Nurse 2 for 35) Gul 1 for 20) 30 SPORT THURSDAY 22 MARCH 2018 American teen Djokovic pain free Anisimova stuns Wang in Miami ‘first time in years’ REUTERS Brazilian to run away with the match. Haddad Maia will next AFP INDIAN WELLS: American face No. 31 seed Zhang Shuai. Novak Djokovic of Serbia speaks teenager Amanda Anisimova, Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic MIAMI: Novak Djokovic insists to the press during Day 2 of the fresh off an impressive run at looked headed for an early exit he is playing pain free for the first Miami Open in Key Biscayne, Indian Wells, beat China’s Wang when she fell behind 4-0 in the time in “years” as he pursues his Florida on Tuesday. Qiang 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 at the Miami deciding set against Ukraine’s comeback at the Miami Masters. Open on Tuesday to set up a Lesia Tsurenko but the The former world number second round clash with Croatian-born world number one has been beset with an elbow Spanish third seed Garbine 90 reeled off seven of the next injury that sidelined him for six Muguruza. eight games to prevail 3-6 6-4 months after he was forced to The 16-year-old wild card, 7-5. retire at the quarter-finals of who had never won a WTA American wild card Ber- Wimbledon last year. main-draw match until this narda Pera advanced when she A return to action at the Aus- month’s BNP Paribas Open stunned Spanish world number tralian Open with a modified where she reached the fourth 68 Lara Arruabarrena 7-5 6-4 serving action resulted in a fourth round, broke the world number to set up a second-round match round defeat while a limp exit at 53 five times during a with Belgian 22rd seed Elise Indian Wells last week only 98-minute match in which she Mertens. heightened doubts that the 30 committed six double faults. Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi was year-old would ever add to his Next up for Anisimova, leading Christina McHale 3-1 total of 12 Grand Slams. ranked 130th in the world, is but retired 31 minutes into the Yet as the Serbian star fine Wimbledon champion match, gifting the American tuned his attempt to win in Key Muguruza, who will be eager to passage into the second round Biscayne for a record seventh get back to competition after where she will face Czech time, he spoke of finally putting falling at the first hurdle in Barbora Strycova. an end to the injury torment Indian Wells. Also advancing on the first which has blighted his efforts to Brazilian Beatriz Haddad day of the main draw in Miami return to the form which saw him Maia overcame some early were Belgians Kirsten Flipkens become the first man since the pressure to defeat Briton and Alison Van Uytvanck, legendary Australian Rod Laver Heather Watson 7-6(3) 6-2. Swede Johanna Larsson, Hun- to hold all four majors at once Watson had a chance to serve gary’s Timea Babos, Belarusian less than two years ago. for the opening set but squan- Aliaksandra Sasnovich and “I actually started playing dered it and then allowed the American wild card Claire Liu. pain-free in the last two days. It’s Djokovic’s physical problems through this. I’ve been very suc- synchronized with a certain quite refreshing because every- have clearly affected his once cessful in this sport over the motion that I would like to have thing else had pain involved,” seemingly impenetrable mental course of the last six, seven years with my serve because that’s Djokovic said. strength. and I’ve been very grateful to go where I kind of compromise my “The last few days have been He swatted away a question through that. elbow,” he said. “So I’m trying to first in a long, long time that I about how he could challenge “But I obviously have had to strengthen the muscles and get could actually be focused on the current world number one Roger face different circumstances, sit- into a certain motion that would game rather than have some- Federer, the Miami Open uations that I’ve never faced support the best possible serve. thing in my mind and be worried reigning champion, preferring to before. Ever since I started pro- “I am not yet at my best. about whether I am going to have concentrate on the lessons fessional tennis my trajectory Every day is a process for me and pain or not.” learned during the most arduous was always going in the right it’s an opportunity to learn, to Asked to clarify his injury sit- of comebacks. direction and that has changed. grow and get better after the two uation, Djokovic added: “Actually “I have learned a lot about “So I had to open up and years of injury and trying to it’s the first time in years (he has myself,” he said. “It’s been a figure out things, how to move figure out ways how to play pain been injury free).” great, great blessing to go forward and get inspired and be free. the best version I can be.” - Every “I have had to modify a lot of day a process - Djokovic, who things in my game to accept it. will play in the second round When I made this intervention, here on Friday, underwent a obviously it’s pretty invasive and “small medical intervention” fol- unfortunately in the end it had The last few days have been first in a long, long lowing his defeat in to be done. time that I could actually be focused on the and has been seen in the build “It also carries certain con- game rather than have something in my mind up here simulating a baseball sequences but right now, I’m not pitch to ensure his right elbow playing with the pain which is the and be worried about whether I am going to Katie Boulter of Great Britain shows her dejection during her stands up to the test. most important thing. final qualifying round match against Carol Zhao of Canada during have pain or not: Djokovic “It’s one of the ways to warm “All I can do now is to try to up and get my body and my mind embrace the process every day.” the Miami Open in Key Biscayne, Florida on Tuesday. French Open Forget slams, ATP Wozniacki can’t imagine champions plans to restart to claim World Team Cup Serena-style return record $2.7m AFP “When you come back, AFP AFP you have to start from MIAMI: Caroline scratch and it’s the same PARIS: French Open director Guy Forget hit out Wozniacki says it would be for everyone. But Serena PARIS: The singles cham- yesterday at the ATP’s plans to restart the World “impossible” for her to will be fine, she’s not pions at this year’s French Team Cup, saying it could hurt the fortunes of the follow Serena Williams’ worried.” Open will receive 2.2m euros historic Davis Cup. lead and return to tennis “While Williams will ($2.7m), up 100,000 euros The International Tennis Federation (ITF) after giving birth. be fighting to add to her from 2017, tournament announced last month a plan to run the Davis Cup Williams, the 23-time remarkable haul of director Guy Forget -- traditionally played over four weekends spread Grand Slam champion, honors, Wozniacki, who announced on Tuesday. across the season -- over a single week in continues her comeback starts her campaign in the The overall prize money November from next year. on Wednesday following second round against will increase by around 10 But the ATP is hoping to revive the World Team the arrival of daughter either Sam Stosur or percent, rising from 36m Cup to be played for the first time in eight years Olympia when she takes Monica Puig, heads into euros last year to 39.2m in January 2020, possibly only two months after on Japan’s Naomi Osaka the build-up towards the euros. Forget added that the Davis Cup. -- winner of the Indian French Open and Wim- money for qualifying and “We could end up with two strictly identical Wells title on Sunday -- in bledon full of confidence first-round losers would competitions a few weeks apart, which I think the first round of the after finally landing the again increase, with 40,000 would be dangerous,” said former world number Miami Open. first major of her career in euros for players who fall in four Forget. Williams is certainly Melbourne. the opening round -- 5,000 “There is no place in the calendar to have two up for the challenge and is - Less pressure - The euros more than 2017. competitions of this kind. Whatever the format of determined to roll back 27 year-old is breathing Despite the changes, the the Davis Cup, I hope it will have the edge.” the years and return to the down current number one French Open still offers less The ITF is hoping the possible change to a one- apex of tennis. Simona Halep’s neck, but prize money than other Grand week format improves the appeal of the Davis But close friend Woz- returning to the summit Slam tournaments, after the Cup, which has seen leading players, including niacki, the Australian Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark poses for a photograph isn’t at the top of her wish Australian Open in January Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, skip ties over Open champion and with WTA Race to Singapore lapboard at the media list. also increased prize money scheduling concerns. current world number all access hour during the Miami Open on Tuesday. Wozniacki spent 67 10 percent with the cham- The ITF’s proposal will be put forward at a two, is amazed to see the career weeks at number pions claiming a record 4m meeting in August in Orlando. 36-year-old back on court the sport. It’s great to see think you get a different one between October 2010 Australian dollars (2.5m “From the moment when the best don’t play in after 13 months on the her back. perspective on life when and January 2012. euros). it anymore, the Davis Cup loses some of its allure, sidelines. “But I think at 36 and you have a baby.” “I am just enjoying my Wimbledon winners Roger maybe not in France, but in other countries it is the “Can I imagine coming having a baby, for me it Miami tournament tennis now,” Wozniacki Federer and Garbine Muguruza case,” added three-time Davis Cup winner Forget. back at that age after would be impossible. director James Blake has said. each took home £2.2m (2.51m Unlike the Davis Cup, the ATP’s revived World having a baby? Well I can Looking at it both athletic called on the WTA to “I think once you go to euros) last year, while US Open Team Cup, announced last week, would offer for her,” the Danish star and body wise, I don’t rethink their rules after the next Slam, the French champions Rafael Nadal and world ranking points. The last time the World Team said. think I would be able to Williams wasn’t seeded for Open, I think I’ll feel dif- Sloane Stephens won $3.7m Cup was played in 2012, Czech Tomas Berdych “She’s such an keep up with that. the tournament having ferently because I’ll feel (3m euros) apiece. and Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic were the only top-20 amazing athlete. She loves “It’s pretty remarkable. been away from the tour less pressure and I think The 2018 French Open players to take part to play and I think it’s She seems the same for more than a year. that will be the biggest dif- will run from March 21 to June amazing and it’s great for though. She’s happy and I Wozniacki said: ference to me.” 10 at Roland Garros in Paris. THURSDAY 22 MARCH 2018 SPORT 31

South Africa Rabada decision another source still unsure over two selections of conflict in SA-Australia series ahead of Test REUTERS AP South Africa, unsurprisingly, In all, five players have been In this file photo taken on March 2, 2018 South African bowler saw it differently. summoned to disciplinary CAPE TOWN: South Africa Kagiso Rabada is watched by umpire Kumar Dharmasena as CAPE TOWN: By questioning the “We believe that it is the right hearings and punished this series are still unsure over two judicial process that cleared decision at the end of the day,” - three in Durban and two in Port he delivers a ball during play on the second day two of the selections ahead of the crucial South Africa fast bowler Kagiso South Africa coach Ottis Gibson Elizabeth - and the series is only first match against Australia at The Kingsmead third Test against Australia at Rabada to play in the third Test, said. halfway through. Stadium in Durban. Newlands today as Australia captain Steve Smith has “He (Rabada) has been made While the contest, now 1-1, Faf du Plessis hailed the “fair” provided another point of conflict aware of his on-field celebra- heads to Newlands, the most process that made fast bowler in a combative cricket series. tions. I don’t want to say behavior serene and picturesque of cricket Kagiso Rabada available for Smith said in the lead-up to because he is not a badly- venues, there’s no indication it the game. the third Test in Cape Town that behaved kid, he is just excitable will become any more peaceful. Du Plessis revealed yes- Rabada’s successful appeal and exuberant at times. That’s chiefly because neither terday that all-rounder Chris against a two-Test ban was “When you are playing the side has shown any willingness Morris and seamer Duanne “interesting,” and questioned best team in the world sometimes to reign in its aggression. Olivier had been released why he, as the other person that will come out of you.” Smith has said consistently from the expanded 17-man involved in the incident that led Smith’s comments may again that his Australia team will con- squad, but that the home side to Rabada’s ban, was not invited stoke the fires of an already- tinue to play the “hard” brand of were still mulling over two to give his side of the story at the heated contest that boiled over cricket that they feel is their best positions. judicial hearing. in the first Test in Durban with way to succeed. That includes the Middle-order batsman “The other person involved an ugly off-field confrontation verbal jousting - or sledging - that Temba Bavuma is fit again not getting asked about it is pretty between Australia’s David has taken this series down an after a finger injury and is interesting, I thought,” Smith said. Warner and South Africa’s ugly road already. contesting a place with Rabada was banned for Quinton de Kock. It was Warner’s persistent Theunis de Bruyn, who intentionally bumping into Smith After calls for calm, the ill- on-field taunting of de Kock that played in the first two tests after he got the Aussie skipper out feeling re-emerged straightaway led to their confrontation on a but averaged only 19. in South Africa’s series-leveling in Port Elizabeth, with Rabada stadium staircase in the first test. “We have a lot of confi- win in the second test in Port twice charged for inappropriate South Africa hasn’t been any dence in Temba, he has not Elizabeth. and aggressive better. had a lot of cricket recently Rabada and Cricket South celebrations. After both teams were but the quality is there and it Africa successfully appealed the He pleaded guilty to warned about their conduct, is a good ground for him,” Du verdict, arguing in a six-hour screaming in the face of Warner Rabada couldn’t -or didn’t want Plessis told reporters of appeal hearing on Monday that after he got the Australia opener to - control himself as he ran Bavuma, who scored his only the contact was not deliberate. out, and appealed the Smith through the Australians, literally Test century at Newlands Before the hearing, the South shoulder bump verdict down to in Smith’s case, in a man-of-the- against England in 2016. Africans themselves felt there a lesser offense - but an offense match performance that was The other position under was only a slim chance of nevertheless - that cleared the overshadowed by his over-the- discussion is that of seamers success. way for him to play at Newlands top wicket celebrations. Lungi Ngidi and the more So the decision surprised this week. “We expect the two teams to experienced Morne Morkel, everyone, especially Smith. Australia batsman Mitchell go hard at each other on the field with the former struggling “I certainly think he bumped Marsh was also fined for and leave some of the off-field with a toe problem having me a little bit harder than it swearing at Rabada in that stuff off the field,” South Africa taken a match aggregate of actually looked on the footage,” second Test, which was only coach Gibson said ahead of 5-75 in the second Test Smith said. “I don’t think that is marginally better-behaved than Newlands. victory in Port Elizabeth. on and part of the game. But the the first game, which set a par- It was said with amore hope “Lungi bowled really well standard has been set.” ticularly low bar. than expectation, maybe. in the previous game, but he has got a bit of a toe problem,” Du Plessis said. FACTBOX Morkel announced he England guarded over Stokes would retire from all forms of international cricket after CAPE TOWN: Following is a factbox on the third test match this series, and currently sits between South Africa and Australia, which starts on Thursday: in Test comeback on 297 Test wickets. WHERE? Du Plessis added that AFP ³ Newlands, Cape Town - Capacity: 25,000 the condition of selection discussions always One of cricket’s most picturesque venues, nestled in the the ball in that involve ensuring the side ³ Todd Astle shadow of Table Mountain, although the malty smells omitted AUCKLAND: England were time. meets the transformation by the next door brewery spoil the experience at times. guarded over whether injury-hit “There’s goals of . ³ Cape Town is the grips of a drought which has seen club would bowl against heaps of different “The first priority will be cricket in the city cancelled but Newlands have used their New Zealand when he makes his stats but there’s to try and get those balances own groundwater to prepare the venue for the test. Test comeback from suspension still unknowns. if there are injuries or stuff ³ Australia have won an astonishing 10 times in 13 tests against today. The sample size of that don’t play a part. South Africa at Newlands, losing the other three. Speaking yesterday, ahead pink-ball cricket “But there are also always ³ South Africa barely have a winning record in Cape Town of the first day-night Test to be is fairly small but exceptions and horses for with 24 triumphs to 20 loses in 55 past tests. The other 11 held in New Zealand, captain Joe it’s important that courses. It is important for me were drawn. Root said the all-rounder would you adapt as a to always have that in the WHEN? “play a part” but would not change of condi- back of my mind.” March 22-26. Play starts at 1030 local time (0830 GMT) discuss what role he would fill. tions may happen South Africa’s chances of “There’s still stuff that needs coming into dif- winning the Test series were SOUTH AFRICA (World ranking: second) to come out of today to be very great news for us,” Williamson ferent stages of the day.” boosted by the availability of ³ Squad - Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba sure of that,” Root said, when said. “Roscoe has played beau- New Zealand are likely to Rabada, who had a two-game Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, asked whether Stokes, 26, had tifully every time he’s walked out make two changes from their suspension overturned on Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden recovered sufficiently from a to the crease, the calmness at the last Test, against the West Indies. appeal by independent Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lung- back strain to bowl normally. crease, the confidence. Williamson said Todd Astle Judicial Commissioner isani Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, Kagiso “But I’m quite happy that Ben “It’s reflected in how much would replace Mitchell Santner Michael Heron on Tuesday. Rabada. will play a part in the game.” success he’s had this year. It’s as the spinner in the side and BJ Australia captain Steve Coach: Ottis Gibson Stokes, suspended after a important for us as a team that Watling would return as wick- Smith, who was involved in nightclub incident last Sep- he’s there.” etkeeper. Watling has recovered the incident that saw Rabada AUSTRALIA (World ranking: third) tember which left him facing a The clash at Auckland’s Eden from the hip injury which side- handed three demerit points ³ Squad - Steve Smith (captain), Cameron Bancroft, Pat charge of affray, was sorely Park will be the ninth day-night lined him from the West Indies’ in the second Test, was Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Holland, missed by England in their 4-0 Test but the first to be played in Tests in December. critical of the decision to Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, trouncing by Australia in the New Zealand. New Zealand have played reduce the bowler’s pun- Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc, Ashes series. Williamson described it as a only one pink-ball Test, when ishment, but Du Plessis David Warner. He returned to international “slightly unique and an exciting they lost the inaugural day- believes the outcome was the ³ Coach: Darren Lehmann cricket in the recent limited- opportunity”, but was aware the nighter against Australia in 2015. right one. “I wish I had this MATCH OFFICIALS overs series against New teams were heading into the England have played under judge with me in Australia!” Umpires: Richard Illingworth, Nigel Llong (both England) Zealand, which England won unknown. lights twice in the past year, Du Plessis joked in reference TV umpire: Ian Gould (England) 3-2, but has been hampered by “There is probably a danger beating the West Indies at Edg- to a sanction of three demerit Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe) back stiffness. of over complicating some of the baston before losing to Australia points he received for alleged HISTORY Meanwhile, New Zealand finer parts of the pink-ball in Adelaide. ball tampering in 2016. Previous South Africa v Australia tests at Newlands captain Kane Williamson said game,” he said, pointing to var- “Having experienced both “It’s good for the game. I Matches: 13 senior batsman Ross Taylor, who iable characteristics at different sides of it I think we’re a better don’t see a problem with South Africa wins: 3 has a Test average of 48.04, had stages of the ball and times of side for it,” Root said.“We know having a fair system where a Australia wins: 10 been passed fit after recovering day. generally what to expect neutral guy sits and makes a 1902 Australia 10 wickets from a groin injury and stomach “There’s definitely some throughout the five days at dif- decision after listening to 1921 Australia 10 wickets bug. unknowns. There’s a lot of talk ferent times throughout each both parties. There should be 1936 Australia an and 78 runs “He’s good to go so that’s about the evening session and day.” a fair process.” 1950 Australia eight wickets 1957 Australia an innings and 141 runs 1967 Australia six wickets 1970 South Africa 170 runs Replacements for concussed players 1994 Australia nine wickets REUTERS 2002 Australia four wickets like” replacement by the Cricket Liaison in first and second team cricket during each 2006 Australia seven wickets Officer appointed for the match, or by the of the last few seasons. This season, each 2009 South Africa an innings and 20 runs LONDON: Teams across all four profes- on-field umpires if the ECB’s representative team, home and away, at first and second 2011 South Africa eight wickets sional domestic cricket competitions in is not present. team level, will have to be supported by a 2014 Australia 245 runs England will be allowed to replace “This is a change made in the interests of medical professional who is qualified to make CURRENT TOUR concussed players during matches, the player safety and health,” ECB chief medical judgements on possible concussion following First Test in Durban Australia won by 118 runs England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said officer Nick Peirce said in a statement on the a head-strike,” he added. Second Test in Port Elizabeth South Africa won by six wickets yesterday after it approved rule changes for governing body’s website (www.ecb.co.uk). The new rules come into play for the Remaining Test: Fourth Test March 30-April 3 (1000) Wan- the new season. “While concussion is not as common in County Championship, the Royal London derers, Johannesburg. The incoming player, who will be allowed cricket as in contact sports, our research has Cup, the Vitality Blast and the Kia Super to bat and bowl, must be deemed a “like for shown an average of around 15-20 incidents League this season. 32 SPORT THURSDAY 22 MARCH 2018 THURSDAY 22 MARCH 2018 SPORT 33

FORMULA ONE STATISTICS FOR McLaren car is New kids on REUTERS Hamilton and Vettel kick off the F1 block MELBOURNE: Statistics for Sunday’s season- opening Australian Grand Prix at ‘100 percent’ AFP Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit: MELBOURNE: The Formula One season roars into LAP DISTANCE: 5.303 km. Total distance: life at the traditional season opener, the Australian 307.574km (58 laps) F1 title race Down Under Grand Prix, in Melbourne this weekend. 2017 POLE: Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes ready: Alonso While top teams -- Mercedes, Ferrari and Red one minute 22.188 seconds. Bull -- will field unchanged line-ups, further down 2017 WINNER: (Germany) REUTERS close. Potentially we are either the grid there are four drivers beginning their first Ferrari level, just behind or maybe just full F1 seasons, with two making their grand prix REUTERS The fallen giants’ last title was with RACE LAP RECORD: (Ger- MELBOURNE: The first instalment 34  ahead of the Red Bulls as far as debuts: many), Ferrari 2004, One minute 24.125 of what Formula One fans hope &$  8 I’m aware.” Lewis Hamilton, who has won three world SERGEY SIROTKIN seconds will be a genuine season-long Ferrari have kept a low profile MELBOURNE: has playedchampionships since at Mercedes, in 2008. COUNTRY: Russia down reliability concerns about the new The Honda engine’s struggles with START TIME: 0510GMT (1610 local) tussle kicks off on Sunday as four- .' * %.5.  .' * %.5.  in the lead-up to the race but home TEAM: Williams times champions Lewis Hamilton  ()  !   (3  hope and Red Bull driver Daniel Renault-powered McLaren, saying problemspower and reliability led to McLaren AGE: 22 CHAMPIONS and Sebastian Vettel lock horns at /  $ / 6' /  $ / 6' Ricciardo emerged yesterday to that arose during pre-season testing announcing the split last September. GP STARTS: 0 For the first time in Formula One history, a the season-opening Australian    express hope for a “statement” have been fixed and the car will be “100 The striking papaya orange and blue Sirotkin was a controversial choice ahead of season opener will have two four-times world Grand Prix. performance. percent” ready for the season-opening MCL33 is the team’s first to be powered Robert Kubica for the seat vacated by Felipe Mas- champions - Vettel and Hamilton - lining up on This year marks the first that “Every year, the team works Australian Grand Prix. by Renault, whose engines took Red Bull sa’s retirement, with some observers believing he the starting grid. After switching to the Renault power to three race wins last season. two quadruple champions are 23 /((%01' 23 &'((%0. 3 hard to build a fast car but, come got the drive only because of the sponsorship money competing in the same season and testing, we’ve never really had unit after three gloomy years with Honda, Since crossing to McLaren, Alonso has he brings from Russia’s SMP Bank. RACE WINS 45'  .7. *+,-. 45'  .7. *1,4. McLaren’s MCL33 suffered more glitches been stuck on 97 podium finishes, his their battle to see who joins 6  /0,1. 6 /. much to show for it,” the Austral- But Williams technical chief Paddy Lowe is hav- Hamilton has 62 victories from 208 races and Argentine legend Juan Manuel * '  12,0. * '  */,1. ian told reporters. and completed fewer laps on the test last with Ferrari at the Hungarian Grand ing none of it. “Sergey was selected simply on merit is second in the all-time list behind seven-times Fangio in second place on the all- ("% 5. '  ("% !5. '  “This year, we obviously had a track than any other team. Prix in 2014. for his driving,” said Lowe when the 2018 Williams world champion Michael Schumacher (91). Vet- time list with five titles promises bit more so, from a team perspec- However, double world champion He was bullish about his chances of was unveiled. “He’s the best choice for us.” tel has 47. to light up the series. tive, we’re feeling much more Alonso, who considered quitting Formula reaching the milestone 100th podium Former GP2 racer Sirotkin has earned the praise.  Ferrari have won 229 races since 1950, Michael Schumacher leads the prepared.” One last year as McLaren slumped to ninthduring the coming season and felt the He ran against Kubica in 2017 end-of-season test- McLaren 182, Williams 114, Mercedes 76 and Red way on seven world titles. There will be fingers crossed in in the constructors’ championship, said team should also have big ambitions in ing at Abu Dhabi, recording a best lap time which, Bull 55. Former champions McLaren and Wil- the car’s gremlins had been banished the constructors’ championship. tyre corrected, was quicker than the Polish veteran Hamilton emerged well on top 78 8.  78 9$.)66  the McLaren garage as Alonso and liams have not won since 2012. for Mercedes at the end of 2017 Stoffel Vandoorne put the new in time for Sunday’s race at Albert Park. “I think so. I think top four is definitely who is attempting a comeback after partially sev- ("%' 5.  ("%' !5. after Ferrari’s Vettel made the Renault-powered car through its “Well, I think we should be optimistic,”a target for us and we know that Mercedes ering his right forearm in a 2011 rallying crash. early running, but their rivalry     '       '   paces, the once formidable outfit the 36-year-old Spaniard told Reuters is a little bit ahead of everyone and is Sirotkin’s pairing with 19-year-old team-mate Hamilton has a record 72 career poles. Vet- added plenty of spice, the pair having split with Honda after three at a Melbourne event held by McLaren dominating the sport for the last four Lance Stroll means Williams will have the youngest tel has 50. banging wheels on the track in misleading but there remains a wins in 2017 and a fourth consec- believing Red Bull could be as everyone is trying to hype some- miserable years. sponsor Chandon. years,” said Alonso, who will also race driver line-up on the grid. Pole has produced the winner at Albert Park Azerbaijan and exchanging threats conviction that Mercedes will utive constructors’ title. much a threat to the one else up and we are the perfect Albert Park will see a number “I think we had some reliability issues for Toyota at the Le Mans 24 Hours in on nine occasions. Hamilton has been on pole off it. head into Sunday’s race at Albert Hamilton, however, was as Ferrari. target because we are the world of debuts, with Formula Two’s Mon- in testing but all of them are fixed now June and in the full World Endurance PIERRE GASLY six times there in total (2008, 2012 and Hopes are high for more tense Park, as always, the team to beat. guarded about their opening “I think at this time of the year champions,” the Briton said at a egasque champion and the team did an amazing job in the championship. COUNTRY: France 2014-17). duelling to spark interest in a “We know that Mercedes is a weekend prospects, Melbourne event with sponsor and Russian Sergey Sirotkin hav- past two or three weeks to have the car “And they are the big favourites again TEAM: Toro Rosso The Briton has won twice in Australia from championship that has generally little bit ahead of everyone and is Petronas on Wednesday. ing their first races for Sauber and 100 percent for Australia. to start the new season. But then we have AGE: 22 pole, in 2008 and 2015. proved a procession for the Silver dominating the sport for the last “From what I understand, I Williams respectively. “I think being in the points, being closeRed Bull, we have Ferrari and definitely GP STARTS: 5 Max Verstappen, at 20 years old, can become Arrows, who have swept the driv- four years,” McLaren’s twice think Red Bull and Ferrari are very The much-maligned , a to the top five, I think that will be the McLaren has to the next team on that The Frenchman replaced under-performing the youngest ever pole sitter this season. The ers’ and constructors world champion Fernando Alonso cockpit head protection system, best thing we can do to start the season. order.” at last year’s Malaysian and Japanese current youngest is Vettel, who did it at the age championships in each of the past told Reuters yesterday. will also make its race debut along “We need this good result to motivate With Mercedes having dominated the grands prix after claiming the GP2 championship of 21. four years. “And they are the big with ‘Grid Kids’, the team and to keep working for the rest past four seasons, sweeping both the in 2016 -- the second youngest winner after Nico Much will depend on whether favourites again to start the aspiring young driv- of the season.” drivers’ and constructors titles, Alonso Rosberg. PODIUM Ferrari’s SF71H can keep German new season.” ers who have McLaren, dominant in the late 1980s agreed that the Silver Arrows’ rivals needed He was beaten to the Toro Rosso seat at the Hamilton has 117 career podiums and is sec- Vettel within striking distance of Mercedes are eager to see replaced the female and early 1990s with Ayrton Senna and to lift their game to keep fans interested start of 2017 by Kvyat, but Gasly turned to the highly ond on the all-time list behind Schumacher (155). Hamilton in his Mercedes W09, what the W09 can do at the models who paraded on track in , have not won a race since 2012.in a series that has been criticised for competitive Japanese Super Formula series and was Vettel has 99, Raikkonen 91. which the Briton raved about dur- lakeside circuit in Melbourne, with seasons past. becoming predictable. so consistent -- he finished second in the champi- ing pre-season testing. technical director James Allison “It’s always important to have some onship -- that by September he had taken the POINTS On that score, the jury is out. saying it would “blow away” the competition in any sport,” he said. Russian’s place. Hamilton now has 25 scoring finishes in a row He missed the US Grand Prix to complete the Lap times at testing can be W08 which garnered 12 race “I think competitions and close fights and is just two off Kimi Raikkonen’s record of 27. season in Japan, after which Carlos Sainz’s move to will attract more people and will make  Four drivers on the grid have yet to score the championship more interesting but Renault cleared the way for three more races which points in their F1 careers: Rookies Charles Leclerc he used to secure his seat for 2018. Mercedes GP’s driver Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain celebrates I don’t think that’s any problem with (Sauber) and Sergey Sirotkin (Williams) and the It was proof, Gasly said, you could reach the after winning his fourth F1 World Drivers Championship after the Mercedes’ dominance. They did a better Toro Rosso pair of and Pierre top the old-fashioned way, working up through the Formula One Grand Prix of Mexico in this file photo. job than the others in the last couple of Gasly. ranks. years because they deserve (it). Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson last scored a point in “I’m really happy I managed to do it without 2015. “So it’s up to us to improve and to race any manager and without paying for my seat,” he our game and hopefully beat them very told Autosport.com. AUSTRALIA soon. And McLaren is probably one of the “It is also good for the young drivers (to see) it teams that can do that in the future, in No Australian has ever won a home grand prix. is still possible, you can make it,” said Gasly, who the near future. There have been 13 Australian F1 drivers since began in karting and as a teenager also won in For- 1950 and two world champions -- Jack Brabham “And hopefully that near future mula Renault Eurocup and Formula Renault 3.5. “It and Alan Jones. Daniel Ricciardo is the only Aus- is soon and even this year.” is not all about money.” tralian in Sunday’s race. McLaren Honda’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso All four of the sport’s active champions (Ham- CHARLES LECLERC ilton, Vettel, Alonso, Raikkonen) have won in COUNTRY: Monaco Australia. TEAM: Sauber Melbourne has been the season-opener 20 AGE: 20 times. This year’s race is the 23rd to be held at GP STARTS: 0 Albert Park. The winner in Melbourne has gone " $ .0. !.  The youngest rookie on the 2018 grid, Charles on to be world champion 13 out of 22 times. Leclerc still boasts impressive credentials in open- The lowest starter to win was Britain’s Eddie       1  .  wheel, single-seater racing. Irvine from 11th in 1999 for Ferrari.      ! The man from Monaco was GP3 champion in Eight of the last 10 races in Australia have seen 2016, Formula Two world champion in 2017 and the safety car deployed. McLaren’s last podium       " has been attached to the Ferrari drivers academy was in Australia in 2014.      #  since 2016.      "$ He has driven in Formula One practice and test MILESTONES  sessions with Ferrari, Haas and Sauber and now Vettel can take his 100th career podium on       %   gets his chance to race, completing Sauber’s driv- Sunday.    ing line-up with Marcus Ericsson.  !    &'"(     Sunday will be the first Formula One race with "    &') His best friend in childhood was the late Jules cars equipped with the distinctive new ‘halo’     Bianchi, who died following injuries sustained in a head protection system.   &*"  crash at the 2014 Japan Grand Prix, and it was at      &*!  the kart track belonging to Bianchi’s father that  #$%   &* Leclerc first got behind the wheel at barely five years old.  & '% !   &*# BRENDON HARTLEY  ' $  + COUNTRY: New Zealand Can anyone stop champ Hamilton? TEAM: Toro Rosso AGE: 28 2 !.  GP STARTS: 4 The veteran among the new faces at the age AFP broadcaster Sky Sports. “The perfect Rise”, the title of a Maya Angelou poem, more laps than any other during pre- At last year’s season-opener, Ham- of 28, Hartley became the first New Zealander in lap? No, and that is what is so great as his personal motto, hit a bump in the season testing. ilton finished second behind Vettel and   Formula One since Mike Thackwell in 1984 when he MELBOURNE: A refreshed and hungry about this sport: you never get road when he was criticised for mock- Former Mercedes team-mate Nico it wasn’t until after the mid-season  filled in at the Red Bull junior team in for the absent  Lewis Hamilton has declared he’s ready perfect.” ing his nephew for wearing a dress, Rosberg, the only man to deny Hamil- break that he hit his stride, turning a   Gasly at the US Grand Prix last year. to take the new Formula One season Hamilton added: “You get close, prompting him to withdraw from social ton a sweep of the last four F1 titles, said 14-point deficit into a title victory by 46  It completed a remarkable turnaround: seven by the scruff of the neck -- which is bad maybe. But imagine if in those 30,000- media and delete years of posts. the other drivers needed to make the points.  years earlier, Hartley had been cut from the Red news for his long-suffering rivals. odd laps, I did 1,000 or 10,000 perfect But after his self-imposed silence most of the Briton’s moments of This year, the 62-time grand prix-  Bull young drivers’ programme where his contem- The Mercedes driver is the man they laps. That would really be boring. Hamilton resumed posting in January, inconsistency. winner seems to have travelled to poraries included Daniel Ricciardo. all have to beat again, but at 33 it seems “If you played the perfect game time writing bullishly on Instagram: “I will “He has these periods when he is Melbourne fully focused on the job at Hartley ended up in endurance racing instead. that Hamilton, the four-time world and time again, you would lose moti- never stop, I have no finish line.” just not on it... you have to make the hand: securing world title number  Two world titles and a 2017 Le Mans 24-hour race champion and now a veteran of the vation because it is easy. You always Worryingly for Ferrari’s Sebastian most of it, absolutely, and Sebastian did five.  victory for Porsche resulted in a phone call with Red sport, wants to speed up rather than have to move on to something more Vettel and the Red Bull drivers, Daniel that pretty well last year,” the 2016 He told ESPN: “That hunger that I Bull chief Helmut Marko, a test in Singapore and a slow down. difficult. Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, Ham- champion said, according to Sky. had when I was eight years old; when  surprise recall for Austin, where he finished 13th to Hamilton, who has Juan Manuel “But there is no other class better ilton also has the benefit of what looks “When Lewis has his good week- the teachers said that I was never going oust Kvyat and race alongside Gasly for the remain- Fangio’s five F1 titles in his sights, gave than Formula 1 so if I was to perfect it, like an improved Mercedes this season ends he is almost unbeatable, he is to amount to nothing; when the other  (%  "    +,, #  ," der of the season. a glimpse into his mindset when he it would suck.” as sets out to retain his world unbelievably fast and maybe the best racing drivers’ dads said I was never Post-Austin, Hartley spent much of his race  '       "+  - $  ,! revealed that even after a record 72 pole Formula One’s only black driver championship. guy out there. going to amount to nothing; when the weekends battling engine failures and grid penal- positions, he feels he’s never driven the comes from humble roots in Britain’s Technical chief James Allison says “The only way to beat Lewis is to be kids shouted abuse at the to  )     $(    &  -"" ties, but he did enough to get the nod alongside perfect lap. Stevenage, a town outside London, and the Mercedes W09 would “blow away” 100 percent with everything, do the me and my family.  * " ,%   ./ '   - the Frenchman in an all-new Toro Rosso line-up for “I have never done the perfect lap, appears to thrive on adversity. last year’s model, and the car showed perfect season. Otherwise there is no “That still powers me on through 2017.     '   ever,” he said, according to British Hamilton, who has adopted “Still I no obvious weaknesses as it completed chance.” the races.” 34 SPORT THURSDAY 22 MARCH 2018

Baseball NBA: Rockets shoot down red-hot round-up: Dodgers’ Turner won’t Blazers; Celtics silence Thunder need surgery AFP REUTERS

LOS ANGELES: The league- NEW YORK: A visit to a hand leading Houston Rockets ended specialist yesterday the Trail Blazers’ 13-game NBA confirmed Los Angeles winning streak Tuesday with a Dodgers third baseman Justin hard-fought 115-111 victory in Turner won’t need surgery on Portland. his injured left wrist, manager In a game featuring the NBA’s Dave Roberts told reporters. two hottest teams, Houston’s Turner sustained a small Most Valuable Player candidate non-displaced fracture of his James Harden scored 42 points left wrist Monday when hit by Utah Jazz guard Dante to help the Rockets notch their a pitch in the first inning of a Exum (11) runs into 13th victory in 14 games since the spring game against the All-Star break. Atlanta Hawks guard Oakland Athletics. Neither team led by more Isaiah Taylor (22) during He told MLB.com that his than 10 points in a see-saw battle the third quarter of their wrist will be in a brace for few that saw 17 lead changes and 10 NBA game at Vivint days before he can begin ties. Smart Home Arena. range-of-motion exercises. Harden’s step-back three- Atlanta Hawks won the “Good news,” Turner said pointer put the Rockets up game 99-96. of avoiding surgery. 113-104 with 1:55 to play. A timetable for Turner’s The Trail Blazers narrowed return has yet to be deter- the gap to two points in the final mined, though he is expected minute, but would get no closer. to miss multiple weeks and “They’ve been playing well, begin the regular season on we all know that,” Harden said. the disabled list. “Nothing changes for us, no With Turner out, Roberts matter who we play. We go out said he might move second there and just do our thing on baseman Logan Forsythe to both ends of the floor. Tonight the hot corner and have was no different. Chase Utley and Enrique Her- “Fourth quarter, we stepped points and 11 rebounds. Morris although it did little to alter the feared his team had lost came out and turned the heat up, nandez platoon at second. up and made big shots. Defen- contributed 21 as the Celtics playoff-bound Celtics’ hold on concentration. and we just couldn’t handle the General manager Farhan sively we got stops when we snapped Oklahoma City’s six- second place in the Eastern “Mentally, you’ve got to be heat, really,” Clippers coach Doc Zaidi said he isn’t looking to needed to.” game winning streak. Conference. sharp in these games,” he said. Rivers said. make any outside additions. Forward Al-Farouq Aminu Russell Westbrook scored 27 “They came in here with their “We weren’t for three quarters. “I just thought the pressure ** The Baltimore Orioles led Portland with 22 points, one points with eight rebounds and full squad and they thought it was We found a way in the fourth from them made us wilt,” he are nearing a deal with free- of five Trail Blazers to score in seven assists for the Thunder, but going to be a cakewalk,” Morris quarter.” added. agent right-hander Alex double figures. his last-gasp heave as time said. The Minnesota Timber- In New Orleans, Anthony Cobb, according to multiple Jusuf Nurkic added 21 points expired bounced off the rim. The Eastern Conference wolves, eighth in the West, bol- Davis scored 37 points to lead the reports. and Damian Lillard added 20 as The Thunder led by six with leading Toronto Raptors erased stered their playoff bid with a Pelicans to a 115-105 victory over The contract reportedly Portland maintained their lead less than 25 seconds to play, and an eight-point fourth-quarter 123-109 victory over the fading the Dallas Mavericks. would be in the neighborhood over the Oklahoma City Thunder they were up 99-97 with 12.7 deficit to down the Magic in Los Angeles Clippers. Rajon Rondo added 19 points, of $50m-$60m over four for third place in the Western seconds left when Carmelo Orlando 93-86. With star DeMar Karl-Anthony Towns scored 14 assists and nine rebounds for seasons. Conference. Anthony missed two free throws. DeRozan sidelined by a left thigh 28 points and pulled down 10 the Pelicans, who took sole pos- The 30-year-old Cobb The Celtics dealt the Thunder After a Celtics timeout, Morris contusion, Kyle Lowry led the rebounds and Jeff Teague added session of fifth place in the West. established a career-best for a damaging 100-99 loss in drained a fadeaway three- Raptors with a game-high 25 20 points and 12 assists for the In Salt Lake City, Atlanta’s victories when he went 12-10 Boston, where Marcus Morris pointer from the right wing for points, with five rebounds and Timberwolves. Dennis Schroder scored a career- with a 3.66 ERA for the drained a three-pointer with 1.2 the win. eight assists. Wiggins and Teague com- high 41 points to lead the Hawks Tampa Bay Rays last season. seconds left to lift hosts. It was a morale boosting “It wasn’t pretty, but we got bined to score 23 points in the to a 99-94 victory over the Jazz. He has won 10 or more With Celtics star Kyrie Irving victory for a Celtics team also it done,” said Raptors coach third quarter, when Minnesota Taurean Prince added 11 games on four occasions still sidelined by a sore left knee, missing Marcus Smart, Jaylen Dwane Casey, who said that with out-scored Los angeles 36-25. points for the Hawks, who ended while going 48-35 with a 3.50 Jayson Tatum led Boston with 23 Brown and Daniel Theis, their playoff berth secure he “I just thought Minnesota Utah’s nine-game winning streak. ERA in 115 career starts. He has spent his entire career with Tampa Bay, first reaching the majors in 2011. ** The Washington Nationals optioned top out- field prospect Victor Robles NHL round-up: Shootout win to Triple-A Syracuse. The move ensures that Robles won’t be on the Nats’ Opening Day roster and will instead continue to get con- ends Wings’ 10-game skid sistent at-bats in the minors until he is recalled. REUTERS McCann, Frank Vatrano, Nick The 20-year-old made his Bjugstad and Jamie McGinn major league debut in Sep- WASHINGTON: Dylan Larkin scored for the Panthers. Florida tember last season and was notched his first multi-goal game backup goalie James Reimer even named to Washington’s of the season, and the Detroit Red earned the victory with an National League Division Wings ended a 10-game losing impressive tally of 33 saves. Series roster, seeing plate streak with a 5-4 shootout victory He has won his past three appearances off the bench in over the visiting Philadelphia starts while allowing a combined two postseason games. Flyers on Tuesday night. total of three goals. Widely considered a Egveny Svechnikov scored The Senators played without top-10 prospect across his first career goal and Luke star defenceman Erik Karlsson baseball, Robles has struggled Glendening added a goal for the after it was announced that he with the Nationals this spring, Red Wings. Detroit, 0-9-1 in the and his wife lost their unborn son. hitting.188 with 12 strikeouts previous 10 games, broke its Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson in 48 at-bats across 21 games. longest drought since losing 14 was chased 7:19 into the second ** The Toronto Blue Jays straight from Feb. 24-March 25, period, having allowed four goals selected left-hander J.A. 1982. on just 17 shots. Happ to be their Opening Frans Nielsen scored the only Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 1 Day starter against the New goal in the shootout. Jimmy Alexander Kerfoot scored York Yankees on March 29. Howard stopped all three Flyers two goals, and Semyon Varlamov The 35-year-old Happ Winnipeg Jets’ centre Bryan Little (18) skates to the puck through Los Angeles Kings’ Derek Forbort attempts in the shootout after stopped 44 shots as Colorado will be starting a season (24) and Drew Doughty (8) in the second period of their NHL game at Bell MTS Place. making 27 saves in regulation won at Chicago. opener for the first time in his and overtime. lue Jackets 5, Rangers 3 12-year career. “He’s just a Sean Couturier, Matt Read, and an assist, and Brent Burns Vancouver despite losing goalie The news wasn’t all good for Artemi Panarin recorded his reliable guy,” Blue Jays Shayne Gostisbehere and Travis furnished three helpers as San Marc-Andre Fleury to an the Jets, though. Second-year second career hat-trick and manager John Gibbons told Konecny scored for Philadelphia. Jose hammered visiting New apparent injury. sniper Patrik Laine, whose 43 added an assist as Columbus reporters of the reasoning for Claude Giroux recorded two Jersey. Jonathan Marchessault, Cody goals on the season trail only the stretched its winning streak to choosing Happ. “He’s going assists. Eric Fehr, Joe Pavelski, Jannik Eakin, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare 44 netted by Washington Cap- nine games with a road victory to go out there, and nine times Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 3 Hansen, Logan Couture and and Tomas Tatar scored goals for itals star Alex Ovechkin, left the over New York. out of 10, he’s going to give Alex Killorn scored the Mikkel Boedker also scored for Vegas, which improved to 26-9-2 game in the second period after Capitals 4, Stars 3 you a chance to win. That’s winner midway through the third the Sharks, who posted their fifth at home. Malcolm Subban and he blocked a shot with his foot. John Carlson scored the tie- all you can ask for.” period, and Andrei Vasilevskiy consecutive win. Brenden Dillon Fleury combined to stop 29 shots The early exit led to the end breaking goal with 4:59 left, ** The Athletics agreed to made 27 saves as Tampa Bay supplied two helpers and for the Golden Knights. of a 15-game scoring streak in leading host Washington past a minor league deal with scored four unanswered goals -- extended his points streak to five Fleury, who made his 10th which Laine collected 18 goals Dallas, which took its sixth veteran left-hander Brett three in the third period -- to beat games. straight start and 21st over 22 and 26 points. straight loss. Anderson, according to a visiting Toronto. San Jose goaltender Martin games, left after making seven Winnipeg goalie Eric Comrie Islanders 4, Penguins 1 report from the San Fran- Vasilevskiy won for the 41st Jones made 26 saves on 28 shots saves in the first period, one of made 16 saves and to earn a Mathew Barzal’s goal early in cisco Chronicle. time this season, a Lightning for his 26th victory of the season. them coming on a Brandon Sutter second victory in his first three the first period provided reeling The deal would bring record. Victor Hedman, Ryan Devils starting netminder Cory shot that caromed off his mask NHL starts. New York a lead it would never Anderson back to the team he McDonagh and Nikita Kucherov Schneider blocked 10 of 14 shots midway through the period. Panthers 7, Senators 2 relinquish in a victory over vis- began his once-promising scored in the comeback. in 30:31 during his first start after Jets 2, Kings 1 (OT) Florida won its second con- iting Pittsburgh. major league career with. James van Riemsdyk scored four games as a backup. Keith Rookie Kyle Connor scored secutive road game, routing Oilers 7, Hurricanes 3 Nothing has been finalized, twice and Zach Hyman added a Kinkaid replaced him, finishing his second goal of the night 97 Ottawa to improve to 18-5-1 since Leon Draisaitl scored a goal but Anderson has changed his goal for the Maple Leafs. with nine saves on 11 shots. seconds into overtime as Win- Jan. 30. and supplied three assists as Twitter profile to read “I Sharks 6, Devils 2 Golden Knights 4, Canucks 1 nipeg completed a comeback to Colton Sceviour, Keith Edmonton rolled to a road win throw baseballs for the A’s Barclay Goodrow had a goal Vegas rolled past visiting beat visiting Los Angeles. Yandle, Evgenii Dadonov, Jared over Carolina. again.” THURSDAY 22 MARCH 2018 SPORT 35 Alvarez is a dope cheat, says Golovkin AFP “Canelo’s cheating. They’re using photos and ask any doctor,” Golovkin these drugs and everybody’s trying to said. BIG BEAR, UNITED STATES: World pretend it’s not happening. And you’re “Let him explain what they are. And middleweight boxing king Gennady asking again about meat? There’s it’s better to ask him to use a lie detector. Golovkin accused rival Saul “Canelo” Canelo’s cheating. They’re nothing about meat. Maybe it’s Mexican “Then there won’t be any silly ques- Alvarez of doping on Tuesday, rubbishing using these drugs and water.” tions about meat or fruit or chocolate.” the Mexican fighter’s claims that he had everybody’s trying to Golovkin said he had formed suspi- Both Golovkin and Alvarez have sub- failed a recent drugs test due to contam- pretend it’s not happening: cions about Alvarez after last year’s mitted to a voluntary doping regime inated meat. bruising 12-rounder in Las Vegas. during the build-up to their rematch. In explosive comments to reporters Golovkin - ‘Use a lie detector’ - “I’m a clean Golovkin’s trainer, Abel Sanchez, said at his secluded mountain training camp athlete. After the first fight I knew he was the Kazakh had been tested six times in Big Bear, east of Los Angeles, Golovkin consumption of drug-tainted meat in his not clean,” Golovkin said. since entering camp. said Alvarez had benefited from prefer- native Mexico. The 35-year-old unbeaten star chal- Sanchez said Golovkin would be sent ential treatment throughout his career The Golovkin and Alvarez camps are lenged the Alvarez camp to explain a pill into May’s showdown with the instruc- by authorities in Nevada, where the two awaiting a formal ruling on the case from the Mexican appeared to have taken tions that he was already trailing on the men will fight in a much anticipated the Nevada State Athletic Commission, shortly after the televised weigh-in to judges cards. rematch on May 5. but the fight is expected to go ahead. last year’s fight. “Going to Vegas we are two points The hard-hitting Kazakh was widely Golovkin on Tuesday emphasised Footage of one of Alvarez’s entourage down and we are gonna need to win believed to have won last September’s that he was willing to climb into the ring handing him something which he then more convincingly or to knock him out,” first battle against Alvarez, when a with Alvarez regardless of the outcome ingests with a swig of water has been Sanchez said. judging controversy dominated the of the Nevada case. viewed on Youtube. Alvarez can also be Golovkin also uncorked a salvo at aftermath of the bout. But he pulled no punches in branding seen appearing to take another pill after authorities in Nevada, believing he would While one judge scored the fight for Alvarez a dope-cheat, laughing off the the weigh-in of a 2016 fight. be treated differently had he failed a Golovkin and another had it even, there Mexican’s claims that clenbuterol had “Have a look at the pictures they post drugs test. was astonishment at the card of a judge entered his system inadvertently. when he uses some pills,” Golovkin said. “I don’t think I would have had the who marked it 118-110 in favour of “Forget Mexican meat,” Golovkin “Let him explain what kind of pills same amount of benefits he has had,” Alvarez. said. they are.” Golovkin said. Boxer Gennady Golovkin works out Alvarez earlier this month was “Come on. I told you. This is not Golovkin also claimed to have seen “That’s why I would never use any during a media event on March 20, revealed to have tested positive for clen- Mexican meat. Ask him. Ask his team, evidence of injections on Alvarez’s body. drugs because I know there won’t be any buterol, which his promoters blamed on his promotion. Everything. “You should take a look at the preferences to me.” 2018 in Big Bear, California.

England rugby Johnson in dangerous chiefs back Jones despite group at Match Play 6 Nations flop AFP

REUTERS Dustin Johnson in action in this file photo. along with Patrick Cantlay and LONDON: England rugby chiefs gave Cameron Smith. their backing to coach Eddie Jones NEW YORK: World number Fresh off his win at Bay Hill, yesterday despite the side’s disap- one Dustin Johnson opens his Rory McIlroy has been handed pointing fifth-place finish in the Six WGC-Dell Match Play title a favorable draw as part of a Nations. defence in Texas in a group that includes Brian Ireland were crowned Grand Slam dangerous group that includes Harman and Peter Uihlein, who champions with a 24-15 victory at fellow American Kevin Kisner, will be making their Match Play Twickenham on Saturday that con- Canadian Adam Hadwin and debuts, and Texas native Jho- demned the hosts to a third consecutive Austrian Bernd Wiesberger. nattan Vegas. defeat and their worst tournament per- They make up one of 16 Defending Race to Dubai formance since 1987. four-player groups that will champion Tommy Fleetwood “Eddie and his coaches have my play round-robin matches from will square off against Daniel confidence and the measure of how Wednesday through Friday at Berger, who has four top 14 good they are and can be will be how the Austin Country Club with finishes this year, and Kevin they respond to these tough times,” said the winner of each group Chappell, who tied for seventh Rugby Football Union chief executive advancing to a single elimi- at Bay Hill. Steve Brown. nation bracket at the weekend. The group also includes Ian Jones was in January awarded a Johnson survived a late Poulter and Fleetwood said he two-year contract extension subject to push by Spanish 21st seed Jon looks forward to doing battle performance at the 2019 World Cup in Rahm to win the 18-hole final against his fellow Englishman Japan. at the tournament last year. on Wednesday. “The results in the Six Nations were Justin Thomas can take the “He was described as a not what we wanted, not what we rankings top spot from match play ninja and I’ve never expected and there is no attempt by us Johnson with a tournament really gone up against a ninja to dress this up,” Brown added in a win, but will first need to get before in my life, so it will be statement. through a group that includes a new experience,” Fleetwood “Everyone is deeply disappointed. Luke List, who Thomas told reporters on Tuesday. We will learn from this and make sure defeated in a playoff at the The tournament comes to it doesn’t happen again. No one is Honda Classic last month, Austin at a time when police patting each other on the back -- they’re Patton Kizzire and Francesco are searching for suspects looking for solutions to put us back to Molinari. Japanese players linked to five bomb attacks where we were before. Hideki Matsuyama and Yusaku that have rocked Texas this “It’s worth reflecting that Eddie has Miyazato are in group five month. an 86 percent win record with England. You don’t become a bad coach or team overnight.” Meanwhile, English Premiership side Gloucester have confirmed the signing of South African hooker Franco Marais from Super Rugby’s Sharks for the 2018-19 season yesterday. McIlroy eyes another good show Marais was part of the South Africa squad that won the World Rugby REUTERS the Masters tees off on April 5. A Under-20 Championship on home soil victory in Augusta would give the in 2012, before going on to make his NEW YORK: Rory McIlroy (pictured) Briton a career grand slam of major Sharks debut that season in the Currie believes Sunday’s Arnold Palmer Invi- titles. Cup. tational triumph provided vindication The 2015 winner has been handed Gloucester director of rugby David to his assertion that he was close to a favourable Group 6 draw that Humphreys said the club were “thrilled” his best as the Northern Irishman includes Americans Uihlein and Brian to have captured the 25-year-old, who hopes to carry that form to a maiden Harman, who will be making their began the current Super Rugby season U.S Masters victory at Augusta next tournament debuts, and Venezuela’s as the Sharks’ first-choice hooker and month. Jhonattan Vegas at the Austin Country impressed in the opening rounds. McIlroy entered last week’s tour- Club. “He’s a player that has captured a nament in patchy form after missing British Open champion Jordan lot of attention in Super Rugby with his the cut in two of his four PGA Tour Spieth, who is also competing at the work at the set piece and he is excited starts this year but the 28-year-old Match Play event, believes four-time to be a part of what we’re hoping to produced a spectacular final round at major champion McIlroy is the player achieve here at Gloucester,” said the Bay Hill Golf Club to win a first title to beat at any tournament provided Humphreys. since 2016. the Northern Irishman can maintain “(Gloucester coach) Johan (Ack- “I have even more optimism now,” his fitness. ermann) is well aware of Franco’s qual- McIlroy told reporters. “Whether he won last week or not, ities as a player and as an individual, “It was just more validation that negatives into positives... I went with “I don’t care because people don’t he’s always a force,” Spieth said. “He and the way he has been progressing what I’ve been doing has been correct. the feeling that felt quite comfortable know the full story,” he added. “They just needs to be healthy. And I think in Super Rugby. We’re delighted that It all sort of just came together. going into last week. And I’ll hopefully make comments and they speculate most of last season, it was a struggle he’s going to come and join us at “...I’m optimistic not just the next continue to have that feeling for a but they don’t have the facts 100 for him... Kingsholm.” few weeks but the whole season. It’s while.” percent so they never really know. It’s “So just being rested, healthy and Gloucester are currently sixth in the great to get a win early. I’ve got all that McIlroy said that winning was his all speculation.” McIlroy faces Peter on the right path meant this year and Premiership table, four points behind great stuff to fall back on, how I main goal and dismissed the notion Uihlein in his opening group contest going forward, Rory is Rory. And so fourth-placed Newcastle. The top four handled on Sunday. that silencing his critics gave him extra at the WGC-Dell Match Play in Texas he should always be a favourite at any teams enter the play-offs. “I’ve always been able to turn motivation. later on Wednesday, two weeks before event..” THURSDAY 22 MARCH 2018 SPORT 36 She’s such an amaz- ing athlete. She loves Caroline Wozniacki, CRICKET CRICKET to play and I think it’s praises Serena Wil- First day: Day-night Test amazing and it’s great liams on her return. First day: Third Test LIVE ON between New Zealand for the sport. between South Africa and England and Australia TUBE

Setback for Uchimura as FIG World Cup kicks off in Doha FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA Qatari gymnast Mosa Ahmed in DOHA: Japanese legend Kohei action yesterday. Uchimura and World champion Xiao Ruoteng of China suffered setbacks as they failed to qualify for the finals of FIG Artistic Indi- vidual World Cup that kicked off at the Aspire Dome in Doha yesterday. Uchimura, also famous as ‘King Kohei’, returning from an injury was not at his best as he failed to qualify for the finals for both pommel horse and rings events. A tough competition was expected between the two rivals but in-form Ruoteng also failed to go through of pommel horse competition. With top eight athletes to qualify, Ruoteng finished 11 in pommel horse with 13.633 points, two places ahead of Uchimura who won 13.233 points. ‘King Kohei’ also failed to qualify in the rings after a per- QUALIFYING RESULTS (TOP 3) formance that lent him 14.366 arrangements in Doha. gold after she eased to top spot points. Chinese Taipei’s Chih Kai “ I am very happy with the in the qualifying yesterday. Men’s Pommel Horse Lee topped the pommel horse facilities and hospitality of the The 43-year-old Uzbek Chih Kai Lee TPE 15.200 qualification with 15.200 points people in Doha. claimed 14.283 points to beat Zou Jingyuan CHN 15.066 while Radivilov Igor of Ukraine “I will definitely like to return Korean Rye Yong Pyon. 14.166 Rhys McClenaghan IRL 14.700 topped in rings with 15.066 points. for the World Championships In women’s uneven bars, Uchimura, however, was not later this year,” said the legendary Erwael Nina of Belgium shone Men’s Floor Exercise A gymnast in dejected with his performance. gymnast. to secure top spot with 15.233 Sato TakumiJPN 14.866 action on the “As I was coming after injury, The men’s floor exercise points. Lankin Dmitrii RUS 14.433 opening day I was not able to give my best,” event saw Sato Takumi of Japan Qatar’s Elkeky Jana (pole Lee Chih Kai TPE 14.233 of FIG Artistic said the Japanese star. seizing top place with a total of vault) and Mosa Ahmed (pommel Individual World Women’s vault “But I am happy to return to 14.433 points. horse) also gained valuable expe- Oksana Husovitina (UZB) 14.283 Cup in Doha high profile action and I hope I Meanwhile, veteran gymnast rience by competing alongside yesterday. will return to my best soon,” he Oksana Chusovitina looks all set the top gymnasts. Rye Yong Pyon (PRK) 14.166 said before praising event’s to defend her last year’s vault The qualifying rounds of the Liu Jinru (CHN) 14.166 event will continue today with the Women’s Uneven Bars finals scheduled for last two days Erwael Nina (BEL) 15.233 of the event. Jesus dos SANTOS Melanie (FRA) 14.266 Over 360 gymnasts from 39 Erebinosova Uliana (RUS) 14.200 As I was coming after injury, I was not able to countries are taking part in the four-day competition which is Men’s Rings give my best. But I am happy to return to high dubbed as dress rehearsal for Radivilov Igor (UKR) 15.066

profile action and I hope I will return to my best World Championships, which will Zou Jingyuan (CHN) 14.866 soon: Japanese star Kohei Uchimura also be hosted in Doha later this Muntean Andrei Vasile (ROU) 14.766 year. Russia’s football doctor says players cleanest in world AFP Yet Russian team doctor or present violations in the test,” said the doctor. “I think Eduard Bezuglov said there Russian game. that a lot of the credit for this MOSCOW: Russia’s World were simply no grounds for The most serious charges should go to Vitaly Mutko, no Cup team doctor claimed on suspicion against players against it have come from matter what people may Monday that his country’s because they have all been former Moscow sports lab think of him now,” Bezuglov domestic football leagues clean for years. boss Grigory Rodchenkov -- added. were cleaner than any other He explained that the RFU viewed as a traitor by the “He constantly told us: sport on the planet. and the Russian Anti-Doping Kremlin and living in hiding have meetings, explain things, Doping allegations have Agency (RUSADA) were in the United States. educate and scare them, do dogged Russia as it prepares holding “mandatory online FIFA has thus far been whatever you want, but make to host the World Cup for the courses” and publishing unable to confirm Rod- sure there is no doping in first time in mid-June. medical guidelines for teams chenkov’s claims that past football.” Russian athletes were in all football leagues. Russian World Cup teams The beautiful game is forced to take part in the “There is no such thing doped or that current national not among the sports Pyeongchang Winter Games anywhere else in the world,” players were involved. closely associated with under a neutral Olympic flag Bezuglov told the RIA Novosti But it has sent him a list of doping and past Russian because of cheating at the state news agency. 59 questions to which it has problems should have no 2014 event in Sochi. “In other words, I do not so far received no public reply. impact on the World Cup. Former Russian Football know of any other sport that Bezuglov said 1,500 “No Russians will be Union (RFU) chief Vitaly does not have a problem with Russian player samples have involved in the implemen- Mutko oversaw national prep- banned drugs. But Russian been tested abroad since the tation of the anti-doping pro- arations for the 2014 Games. football does not have this World Anti-Doping Agency gramme and all analysis of He became closely asso- problem.” stripped RUSADA of accredi- doping samples will be done Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi participates in a team training session ciated with the scandal and The world football gov- tation in November 2015. at WADA laboratories outside at the City Academy training complex in Manchester, northwest England stepped away from World Cup erning body FIFA is still inves- “In this entire time, there Russia,” a FIFA spokesman preparations in December. tigation allegations about past has not been a single positive said. yesterday, ahead of their March 23 international friendly match against Italy at the Etihad Stadium.