Federer and Thiem Enter Final As Nadal Hobbles Out

MONDAY 18 MARCH 2019 SPORT 07 Obviously the strategy was not ideal in the scenario that I had. Lewis Hamilton expresses CRICKET CRICKET So working with what I was frustration after a runner-up One-off Test: Afghanistan Women’s ODI Series: given, I think I did a relatively ﬁnish at Australian GP. vs Ireland, Day 4 in England vs Sri Lanka in

decent job. ACTION Hambantota

Dehradun TODAY’S Federer and Thiem enter final as Nadal hobbles out

AFP miss a meeting with Nadal. INDIAN WELLS Rafael Nadal speaks to Their rivalry stretches back members of the media 15 years, and Federer couldn’t The 39th match between Roger after withdrawing from help wondering how many Federer and Rafael Nadal failed the semi-ﬁnal. more chances they might have. to materialise on Saturday as “We’ve had so many epic the world No. 2 Spaniard battles,” Federer, 38, said. hobbled out of Indian Wells to “I know that every one that send Federer into a title clash we have now could be our last. with Dominic Thiem. So was this our chance at a last Nadal, whose longstanding one -- I hope not and I believe right knee trouble flared up in at the level he’s playing and the his quarter-final victory over level I’m still going there’s def- Karen Khachanov, couldn’t take initely going to be more.” the court for the blockbuster The injury was devastating semi-final with Swiss great news for Nadal, whose run to Federer. the Australian Open final in “I wanted to try my best to January marked a return to be competitive today,” a competition for the first time dejected Nadal said. since similar knee trouble “I warmed up today in the Monfils withdrew with a in his third Masters 1,000 final. forced him out of his US Open morning, and I felt that my knee Achilles tendon inflammation, “His serve is just unreal so semi-final against Juan Martin was not enough good to was locked-in from the start, even though I played amazing del Potro in September. compete at the level that I need firing 10 winners without an it was so close the first two sets.” He had ankle surgery in to compete, to play semi-finals unforced error in the opening The Austrian said it would November, and only returned match of this event.” set. He couldn’t convert his only “mean the world” to break to training in December. Federer, seeded fourth as he break point against Raonic in through for a Masters crown, “For me it’s not about only pursues a record sixth title in the second, and Raonic but noted it would be a tall today. It’s about what it means the California desert, will battle managed to seize the tiebreaker order against 20-time Grand for me to have to pull out in a 25-year-old Austrian Thiem, aided by a favourable netcord Slam winner Federer -- who is tournament that I love so much who is seeking his first title in bounce for a 5-3 lead. coming off a remarkable 100th like this one, and in the semi- one of the ATP’s prestigious Thiem gained the first break career title in Dubai last month. finals after playing well during Masters 1000 events. of the match for a 3-2 lead in “It’s not going to be easy,” the whole tournament,” Nadal Thiem, ranked eighth in the the third and after saving the said Thiem, who has split four said. world, was rock-solid in a 7-6 only break point he faced all prior meetings with Federer 2-2. Nadal confirmed he would (7/3), 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 victory over day as he served for the match Federer was looking also skip the upcoming Miami 14th-ranked Canadian Milos wrapped it up with a sparkling forward to the match and the Masters and aim to recover and Dominic Thiem of Austria returns a shot to Milos Roanic of Canada Raonic. backhand volley. chance to break out of a tie with prepare for the claycourt during the semi-ﬁnals of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Thiem, who advanced to the “It was an amazing day,” Novak Djokovic for most Indian season, targeting a return at semis on a walkover when Gael said Thiem, who will be playing Wells titles, but was sorry to Monte Carlo April 14-21. Tennis Garden on Saturday in Indian Wells, California. NBA: Curry scores 33 as Warriors Arvidsson stars as Predators defeat rout Thunder; Celtics stop Hawks San Jose Sharks AFP NBA RESULTS everybody’s getting the ball at forward Gordon Hayward suf- LOS ANGELES their best,” Thompson said of fered a strained neck early in the stopping Westbrook. game and didn’t return. REUTERS Dallas 121, Cleveland 116 SAN JOSE Stephen Curry scored 11 of his 33 Oklahoma City 88, Golden State 110 Curry scored 19 points in the Hayward banged his head points in the third quarter as the San Antonio 108, Portland 103 first half to help the Warriors into the shoulder of Atlanta’s two-time defending champion Washington 135, Memphis 128 lead 64-46 at halftime. John Collins and headed to the Viktor Arvidsson scored twice, Golden State Warriors clobbered Denver 102, Indiana 100 Curry scored 11 more in the locker room. and Filip Forsberg added a the Oklahoma City Thunder Utah 114, Brooklyn 98 third quarter to put the War- Celtics coach Brad Stevens goal and an assist as the Nash- 110-88 on Saturday. riors up 87-71 at the end of the said Hayward left the arena at ville Predators defeated the

Klay Thompson scored 23 New Orleans 136, Phoenix 138 period. halftime and went home. host San Jose Sharks 4-2 on points and DeMarcus Cousins Boston 129, Atlanta 120 The Warriors won for the Meanwhile, Los Angeles Saturday night. added 12 points and eight 25th time in their last 26 games Lakers forward Brandon Colton Sissons also scored rebounds for the Warriors, who and 13 rebounds, and Dennis when all Durant sits out which Ingram had surgery on his right for the Predators, and goal- have been playing more consist- Schroder added 15 points for the shows their depth. arm Saturday and is expected tender Juuse Saros made 24 ently in the last four games after Thunder, who shot a season Durant did not play for the to be ready by the start of the saves. Nashville won its a spell of poor starts to games. worst 32 percent from the field. second game in a row because 2019-20 season, the team second straight and remained “Over the course of the game The Thunder made just 13 of of an ankle injury. announced. a point behind Winnipeg, we imposed our will,” said Curry. 41 three-pointers. Durant has drawn the ire of Ingram underwent thoracic which beat Calgary 2-1 Sat- “We did our best to take care “We were trying to prevent Oklahoma City fans for the outlet decompression surgery, urday, in the chase for first of the basketball so they didn’t him from getting downhill, decision he made to join Golden performed by Dr. Hugh Gelabert place in the Central Division. Viktor Arvidsson have easy transition beating you from the outside State in free agency after the at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Timo Meier and Joe opportunities. because when he’s getting to the Warriors beat his Thunder in the Medical Center. Thornton scored for the “Andd we rebounded the ball rim, attacking, thatthat’s s when 2016 NBA playoffplayo semi-finals. Earlier this month, Ingram, Sharks, and Martin Jones empty-netter at 18:54 of the well. Soo aallll tthingshings consiconsidered,dered, Elsewhere,Elsewhere, KKyrie Irving fin- 21, was diagnosed with deep stopped 26 of 29 shots. San third. really solidolid effort, knowingknowing that ishedished one assistassist shy of a triple venous thrombosis, which Jose failed not only to move The Predators never if you giveive them momentum in double as the Boston Celtics involved a blood clot that caused past the Flames into first place trailed. Sissons opened the this building,ilding, thetheyy are toutough.”gh.” squanderedsquandered a 25-point25 lead but shoulder pain. After the diag- in the Pacific Division, but also scoring just 1:07 into the first Oklahomama CitCityy fans had been managedmanaged to hholdold on and beat the nosis, the Lakers announced he in its bid to clinch a Western period, converting the waitingg fforor a cchancehance to booboo AtlantaAtlanta HawkHawkss 1129-120. would be out the rest of the Conference playoff berth for rebound of a shot by Craig former ThunderThunder KevinKevin DurantDurant IrvingIrving had 30 points, 11 season. the second straight game. The Smith on a three-on-two but he ssatat out withwith an injury. reboundsrebounds and ninen assists and Ingram, in his third NBA Sharks had a six-game break. Calle Jarnkrok also got Insteadtead theythey ggotot a coldcold-- JaylenJaylen Brown scoredsc 23 points season, averaged 18.3 points, 5.1 winning streak snapped an assist. shootingng nignightht fromfrom all-starall-star forfor tthehe CeCeltics,ltics, wwho have won six rebounds and 3.0 assists in 33.8 Thursday in a 4-2 loss to the The Sharks tied it at 1-1 at Russell Westbrook,Westbrook, whowho scoredscored ofof theirtheir llastast eigeighth games. minutes per game in 52 visiting Florida Panthers. 4:09 of the second period. Joe just sevenven points on a dismal Marcus MorMorrisr had 19 points contests. Forsberg scored what Pavelski corralled a long two-for-16r-16 shooting.shooting. andand Jayson TatumTatu scored 18 for proved to be the winner at rebound allowed by Saros and Westbrook,stbrook, who was fined BBoston.oston. 7:02 of the third period. After fed a pass across the crease to $25,0000 earearlierlier in tthehe weeweekk TraeTrae YounYoungg led the Hawks a faceoff win by Nashville’s Meier, who tapped the puck after ann altercationaltercation withwith withwith 262 points, John Ryan Johansen in the San Jose into the net at the right post. Utah Jazzzz fans, missed ColCollins scored 20 Over the course of end of the ice, Saros stopped The Predators pulled back all sevenen ofof his withw 11 rebounds, the game we imposed a point shot by Matt Irwin. ahead just 24 seconds later on three-point- point TaureanT Price However, the puck went to Arvidsson’s goal as he attempts.ts. He had 17 points our will. We did our Forsberg at the left post, and deflected a Forsberg shot past had ninninee and Vince best to take care he wheeled behind the net Jones. assists andand Carter scored of the basketball and put a backhanded wrap- Thornton evened the eighth t 16. so they didn’t have around into the far side before score at 17:36 of the second, rebounds.ds. Stephen Curry It could the goaltender could recover. finishing a give-and-go with Paulu l hhave been a easy transition It gave Forsberg 300 Brent Burns by tapping the George hhadad ccostly win for opportunities: career NHL points. puck into a vacated net to tie 29 pointsnts the Celtics after Stephen Curry Arvidsson added an it at 2-2 entering the third. 08 SPORT MONDAY 18 MARCH 2019

New team, same sinking feeling for Ricciardo in Australia

REUTERS MELBOURNE

Seemingly destined for disappointment at his home Grand Prix, Australian Daniel Ricciardo Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas drives during the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne yesterday. might have hoped for an end to the curse after switching from Red Bull to Renault. Instead, the home hero’s hoodoo continued yesterday as Bottas back with a bang he suffered a calamitous start and ended up retiring for a third time at Albert Park. While pondering his fate after his ‘greatest race’ from the team garage, his former Red Bull team mate Max Verstappen grabbed a podium REUTERS Melbourne felt at peace enough to what’s been going on in here over behind Mercedes winner Valtteri MELBOURNE declare he was ready to beat the last winter inside my head. Bottas and runner-up Lewis anybody. After qualifying second, “Definitely something changed Hamilton. Valtteri Bottas savoured the he made good on his word at Albert in terms of the way I feel about Both Ricciardo and Ver- “greatest” race of his career Park yesterday as he got the jump things... That’s all in my thoughts stappen had fumed over the yesterday as he claimed a dominant on pole-sitter Hamilton at the start but I felt good today in the car and performance of their Renault- win for Mercedes in the season- and roared to a dominant, yesterday and that’s all that powered cars last season, so the opening Australian Grand Prix and 20-second-plus victory. matters.” Australian might have felt a left a doubt-stricken 2018 firmly in Bottas hailed the “greatest race” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was tinge of regret seeing Red Bull’s his rear-view mirror. of his career, icing the cake of his among the many to remind Bottas successful debut with the Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas speaks at a press The 29-year-old Finn could not fourth F1 win by claiming a bonus that only performance guarantees engines of once-maligned conference. buy a win last season and finished point for registering the fastest lap. race seats in F1 during. But the Aus- Honda. fifth in the drivers’ championship While busy over the break, the trian was left doffing his cap Ricciardo was already as team mate Lewis Hamilton col- Finn said he had found time to yesterday. “So we were just trying to optimise underwhelmed by Renault’s lected 11 on the way to his fifth title. review everything about his prep- “Especially the second half of everything again... I don’t know, performance during winter With young Frenchman Esteban arations and brought a different the season, he was completely it’s quite difficult to explain what’s testing, and worked hard to Ocon waiting in the wings as Mer- mindset to Melbourne. written off,” said Wolff. lower expectations to success- cedes’ reserve driver, Bottas went “Every year you learn as a “People didn’t think that he was been going on in here over the last starved fans in the leadup to into the off-season hounded by person, you learn about yourself up for the job and he bounces back winter inside my head. Deﬁnitely Melbourne. But even those low doubts and with speculation over what works for you, what doesn’t in the most dominant way, com- something changed in terms of the expectations were not met. the security of his race seat. in terms of preparation, which pletely in control of the whole He lined up 12th on the grid He passed the break getting includes how you rest, how you weekend. way I feel about things... That’s all in my after a poor qualifying on Sat- drunk with friends at home, spend your free time, how you do “When he came back from the thoughts but I felt good today in the car urday, and within seconds of the growing a beard, taking a turn in a your training... All sorts,” he said. winter, he said ‘I’m back’. I think he and yesterday and that’s all that matters.” start, he had destroyed his front rally car and nurturing a new pho- “So we were just trying to rediscovered the joy of driving with wing on a gutter after being tography hobby. optimise everything again... I don’t his rally outing and mentally he Valtteri Bottas pushed into the grass near the The man that returned to know, it’s quite difficult to explain remains strong.” pit lane. It prompted an immediate pitstop and his retirement midway through the race, with damage to broken barge-boards Hamilton says race was over by first turn reducing performance and wearing tyres. AFP picked up an extra point for the fastest had discovered damage to the floor of “My feeling is that it can be tricky to “I won’t swear, it’s alright. MELBOURNE lap. Hamilton, who was quickest in all Hamilton’s car following post-race find the sweet spot with these new cars I’ve done enough of that,” the three practice sessions and during qual- checks, possibly caused by hitting debris and tyres, and probably we didn’t manage seven-times race winner told A disappointed Lewis Hamilton said ifying, was gracious in defeat, but also or running across a kerb. that today with Lewis.” reporters ruefully. yesterday his Australian Grand Prix was struggling to know what went wrong. Team chief Toto Wolff had no imme- Despite not getting the win he as “No-one to blame other than “done and dusted” by the first corner as “I had a pretty straightforward race diate answers. aiming for, Hamilton said it was “an just grass and then a big bump he was left searching answers after failing today; I lost position at the start and my “For Lewis, it was a harder afternoon incredible weekend for the team”. of concrete or something. A to match the pace of Mercedes team- race was pretty much done and dusted -- the start was not as good as Valtteri, “I’ll bag the 18 points I got today, keep gutter. It was harsh, the bump. mate Valtteri Bottas. after the first corner,” he said. then we had to pit him earlier than ideal working and come back recharged for “Just a shame, a shame it’s The five-time world champion “Afterwards it was really about to cover the risk of being undercut by the next one,” he said. over so quickly.” started from pole at the season-opening bringing the car home and bagging the (Sebastian) Vettel,” he said. “It was a really great weekend for the A proven talent with a race but was pipped at turn 1 by the Finn points. I had to pit early to cover the pit “That gave him a long stint on the team and I’m really happy for everyone. dependable smile, Ricciardo is and was never in contention as he quickly stop from Ferrari, so I had a long second tyres and none of us knew if they would We showed a great performance today beloved in Australia as the pulled away to beat the Briton by almost stint and drove super carefully to make make it to the end, so it was hard to judge and we need to continue to build on this nation’s sole Formula One racer. 21 seconds. sure I had tyres left at the end of the race.” the right pace and he wasn’t happy with -- we have a long season ahead of us,” But his popularity has become To rub salt in his wounds, Bottas also Autosport.com said Mercedes the car balance. he added. a chore, with the first race week of the year an endless pro- cession of sponsorship and media commitments. His ina- bility to reach the podium in ‘Dream’ debut delights Australia has added to the frustration of a race where his des- peration for success is matched Honda in Australia only by his misfortune. Ricciardo said it had all REUTERS taken a toll. MELBOURNE “I don’t know how I’m smiling,” said the 29-year-old, Red Bull had expected to get “trounced” at the Australian Grand Prix who was disqualified from a yesterday so Max Verstappen’s podium was a “dream start” for the podium spot on his Red Bull new partnership with Honda engines, team principal Christian Horner debut at the same circuit in said. 2014. The young Dutchman Verstappen finished third behind Mercedes “This week’s so long and I winner Valtteri Bottas and the Finn’s runnerup team mate Lewis don’t seem to ever really have a Hamilton, having overtaken Sebastian Vettel late on in a symbolic good break here. I think we’re blow for Ferrari. too busy pleasing everyone else Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas (centre) attends a press conference with second-placed Pre-race, Horner had warned his team were well off the pace of and not worrying about our- Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton (left) and third-placed Red Bull Racing’s Dutch driver Mercedes and the Scuderia as Red Bull bedded in their new Honda- selves. For sure I’m frustrated Max Verstappen after the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne yesterday. powered package. this week because again it’s like So he was pleasantly surprised that Verstappen was able to everyone expects so much but pressure Hamilton to the finish line at Albert Park. the reality is I’ve got to show up “I think we’ve over-performed in the race,” Horner said. “We on Sunday and when the race is We were just slow, says Vettel were more competitive in the race than perhaps we felt we were on over in five seconds, whether it’s Friday. bad luck or not, I feel like well, “To put Lewis under pressure for pretty much 50 percent of the preparation wasn’t where it WWW.F1.COM and admitted he was unable to get on top of that Grand Prix, it looked like we had a quicker car than him certainly in should be.” MELBOURNE as the weekend went on. the second half. His team mate Nico “We were just slow,” he said. “(I had) way less “To do that at this venue is really encouraging for us. We’ve got Hulkenberg had a better Ferrari looked ominously quick in pre-season grip. In Barcelona, we were very happy with tyre a good basis from which to start and really develop this car.” weekend, earning six points for testing, but they failed to replicate that pace during life from day one. The balance was right, the car Verstappen’s third placing secured Honda their first F1 podium seventh place, a result Ricciardo the Australian Grand Prix weekend as rivals was responding to what I was asking it to do and since 2008, following difficult years as a supplier for McLaren in felt was on par for the car. Mercedes dominated. And Sebastian Vettel was at I had a lot of confidence. which their power units were pilloried for being unreliable and “I think we should be a top- a loss to explain why. “All weekend, summing up, I didn’t get the con- inefficient. eight car all of the first part of The German finished a distant fourth, 57.109s fidence I had in Barcelona, I didn’t have the car The podium result had proven too much for Honda motorsport the season and then hopefully behind Mercedes race winner Valtteri Bottas, and underneath to play around, it wasn’t doing what boss Masashi Yamamoto, Horner said. even better,” he said. “I think one place ahead of team mate Charles Leclerc, I was asking. There were glimpses - here and there “Yamamoto-san was in tears at the podium,” he said. Bahrain is going to be a lot having also suffered the disappointment of being we were strong. Our performance in some corners “It’s their first podium since Rubens Barrichello in 2008 and easier, that’s like a holiday week. overtaken by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. was good, but the majority of corners it wasn’t, they’ve had a tough time in the last few years so great for them, great There’s really nothing going on Vettel wasn’t happy with the feeling of his car that’s why we were slower than other people and motivation for them and the whole of our team. so I can actually prepare from the very first practice session in Melbourne lost out today.” Hopefully we will just find more and more performance,” he said. properly.” MONDAY 18 MARCH 2019 SPORT 09

Qatar’s Abdulla wins bronze at Asian Youth Athletics Championships Qatar’s Fahad Mohamed Al Abdulla (left) celebrates with an Official after winning the bronze medal in the Boys 400m Hurdles at the Asian Youth Athletics Championships in Hong Kong, yesterday. Al Abdulla clocked a time of 55.28 secs to win Qatar’s only medal in the three-day event. RIGHT: Al Abdulla during the presentation ceremony with the gold medallist, Marc Brian Luis of Singapore, and Hong Kong’s Chun Wai Henry Fung. Quetta Gladiators lift maiden PSL title

THE PENINSULA KARACHI

Quetta Gladiators won their maiden HBL Pakistan Super League title when they defeated Peshawar Zalmi by eight wickets at a packed National Stadium in Karachi yesterday. Peshawar were limited to 138-8 from their 20 overs, with pace bowler Mohammad Hasnain taking 3-30. Ex-Australia international Shane Watson fell in the third over of Quetta’s chase, but opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad anchored the innings. The Pakistan batsman struck 58 from 51 balls to ensure victory. England internationals Chris Jordan and Tymal Mills both fea- tured for Peshawar in the final. Jordan finished with 0-38 from three overs while Mills reg- Quetta Gladiators players and officials celebrate with the HBL Pakistan Super League trophy after defeating Peshawar Zalmi by eight wickets at the National Stadium istered figures of 0-31 from his in Karachi yesterday. four. The tournament was the largest cricket activity in Pakistan run-getter. He was also and J. Best Player on the Field. middle-order batsman Asif Ali in Barcelona defender, is in the schedule will be staged in for 10 years after an attack on the declared Brighto Best Batsman of Karachi Kings’ left-arm recognition to this commitment southern port city of Karachi to Pakistan. Sri Lanka team bus prevented the tournament. spinner Umer Khan was named to the team despite the ailment promote next month’s exhibition Brief scores: foreign teams from visiting. Hasan Ali of Peshawar Zalmi as the newly introduced Emerging of his young daughter. matches in Pakistan. Peshawar Zalmi: 138 for 8 Shane Watson of Quetta was adjudged the Go Lootlo Best Player award. Yesterday’s closing ceremony Twenty six PSL games were (Amin 38, Hasnain 3-30, Bravo Gladiators was named as the Bowler, Luke Ronchi won Islamabad United were saw the legendary Spanish foot- organised in the United Arab 2-24) Player of the Tournament after the Jubilee Safe Hands award declared the winner of Cool & baller Carles Puyol among thou- Emirates this year, but PCB Quetta Gladiators: 139 for 2 the 2007 World Cup winner with while Peshawar Zalmi’s Kieron Cool Spirit of Cricket award, sands of cricket fans and a host chairman Ehsan Mani said that (Shehzad 58n.o., Rossouw 39 n.o., Australia finished as the leading Pollard was declared the ARIAL which they dedicated to their of popular figures. Puyol, a former from next year the entire PSL Wahab 1-19) Afghanistan need Smith, Warner meet with Australia team as bans near end further 118 for REUTERS historic Test win SYDNEY Smith and Warner Steve Smith and David Warner have met with their Australia team mates return to IPL after AP in the United Arab Emirates to DEHRADUN, INDIA smooth the ground for their return ball-tampering row to international cricket when their Spinner Rashid Khan claimed five wickets bans expire at the end of the month. AFP to put Afghanistan in sight of their maiden The former test captain and NEW DELHI Test victory after bowling out Ireland for vice-captain were suspended for 288 on day three of the one-off game 12 months for their roles in a ball- Disgraced Australian stars Steve Smith and yesterday. tampering scandal in South Africa David Warner joined their Indian Premier Chasing 147 to win, Afghanistan were last March and have not been League teams yesterday after missing out on 29 for one at stumps. Ihsanullah Janat, on allowed to play top-level cricket the previous edition of the Twenty20 tour- 16, and Rahmat Shah, on 11, were batting at since. nament over a ball-tampering controversy. close of play in Dehradun. While Australia have struggled Both Smith and Warner were barred from Spinner Andy McBrine had opener without their two best batsmen, Sunrisers participating in the lucrative league last year Mohammad Shahzad caught behind for two questions have been raised over Hyderabad’s after their involvement in the scandal. before Janat and Shah, who made 98 in how easily they would re-integrate Australian The duo, who are serving one-year inter- Afghanistan’s first innings total of 314, into the squad for the one-day batsman David national bans that end later this month, recently played out the last few overs of the day. World Cup and Ashes tour of Warner arrived joined the Australian team in Dubai as part of Ireland batsmen Andy Balbirnie and England. in Hyderabad, their reintegration after the scandal in South Kevin O’Brien had earlier hit half-centuries Coach Justin Langer appeared yesterday, Africa that rocked the cricketing world. before Khan returned career-best figures to have no such qualms after ahead of this Both players, who are also returning from of 5-82 to bowl out Ireland in the final meeting with the pair ahead of the year’s Indian elbow injuries, would be eligible for part of the session of play. one-day series against Pakistan that Premier League upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, but Balbirnie made 82 and O’Brien 56 starts on Friday in Sharjah. in this picture selectors decided it would be better to ease before a 10th-wicket 58-run partnership “They have been received really obtained themselves back into form at the IPL. between James Cameron-Dow and Tim well,” Langer said. “They have gone from Warner’s Smith returned to his Jaipur-based fran- Murtagh set up a potentially tricky chase through a really tough time, a Instagram chise Rajasthan Royals, while Warner joined for the Afghans. 12-month suspension... it’s great to account. Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cameron-Dow was left unbeaten on 32 have them back in the team. “Great to be back with the @rajasthanroyals after number 11 Murtagh, who hit 54 not out “They’re excited and... as a coach here in Jaipur. Very excited for this years IPL,” in Ireland’s first innings score of 172, was when you have got two guys with without-counting-the-cost” men- Smith added that he was making Smith wrote on Twitter. the last man out on 27. as many runs and experience as tality in Australian cricket. a good recovery from his elbow Warner also took to social media to thank they’ve got coming back into a team “We just had a look at how we surgery and should be available for his franchise for its “loyal support” all through Brief scores: that’s playing well, that’s very are going with those values and the Indian Premier League his international ban, which ends March 28. Ireland first innings: 172 (T. Murtagh exciting.” how we can use our values and Twenty20 competition, which starts “Great to be back here in Hyderabad with 54 not out, G. Dockrell 39; Y. Ahmadzai 3-41, While the bans end in time for behaviours to keep moving the next week. @SunRisers I can’t thank the franchise and fans M. Nabi 3-36) the pair to play the final two team forward on and off the field,” “I’m really excited about playing enough for your loyal support over the last Afghanistan first innings: 314 (R. Shah matches of the Pakistan series, Langer added. again,” said Smith, who did not 12months. Time to get back into it,” he wrote. 98, A. Afghan 67; S. Thompson 3-28) neither was included in the squad Both players said they felt com- confirm when he would be able to Warner -- who led Sunrisers to victory in Ireland second innings: 288 (A. Bal- as they are both recovering from fortable being back around the return for the Rajasthan Royals. “The the IPL’s 2016 edition -- and Smith were sus- birnie 82, J. McCollum 39, K. O’Brien 56, J. recent elbow surgery. team environment. elbow has been tracking really well. pended just ahead of the 2018 edition by the Cameron-Dow 32n.o.; Ahmadzai 3-52, Khan Langer said the duo had been “It’s almost like we never left,” “I’ve been batting for two weeks league’s governing council. 5-82 briefed on the new team ethos that Smith said. “It has been great to be and been able to play all the shots. The “sandpapergate” scandal in Cape Town Afghanistan second innings (target 147) was put into place after inde- back around the group. They have I’ve got my power back and I’m just also saw opening batsman Cameron Bancroft 29 for 1 pendent reviews identified a “win- been really welcoming.” excited to be back playing again.” banned for nine months. 10 SPORT MONDAY 18 MARCH 2019 Stage set for 6th Qatargas Chess Championship

CHINTHANA WASALA The closing ceremony will take place THE PENINSULA at the same venue, starting from 6.30pm. Commenting on the tournament, All arrangements are in place to stage President of Qatar Chess Association the 6th Qatargas Chess Championship, Mohammed Al Modaihki said: “There organised by the Qatar Chess Associ- will be valuable prizes on offer for the ation, from March 21-23. winners of both under-16 and open The championship, which will see categories.” events taking place under two different “We are expecting to see big tournament formats, will take place at numbers in terms of participation, and the Al Mirqab Mall. the interested players can registration On the opening day, the Qatargas themselves at the Qatar Chess Training Rapid Chess Tournament for youth U-16 Centre for Boys, located at Al Maahad will begin at 4.30pm and will be fol- Street in New Salata today and lowed by the final rounds on March 22, tomorrow from 4.00pm-6.00pm on starting at 2.00pm. both days for a fee of QR50,” said Al The Rapid Open U-16 tournament Modaihki, who is also the Executive will be conducted according to the Swiss Director for International Relations of System and will consist of nine rounds the World Chess Federation. in which each player will be given 15 Further information can be obtained minutes (without increment). by contacting 44056025, 66420234, The Qatargas Open Blitz Tour- email : [email protected] or at nament will take place on the third and the official web portal of Qatar Chess final day, starting at 10.30am and will Federation, www.qatarchess.qa be carried out over nine rounds until Those interested to take part in the 6.30pm. event can go to our website www. Blitz Open Tournament will also be qatarchess.com and download the reg- conducted according to the same non- istration form. They can fill up the form eliminating tournament format, con- and come for registration, organisers sisting of nine rounds (5 minutes + 3 said. seconds increment per move, starting The championship is powered by A general view from a previous chess tournament. from move 1). Qatargas. Artistic Gymnastics World Cup: QGF signs partnership deals

THE PENINSULA DOHA

The Organising Committee of 12th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup led by Ali Al Hitmi, Pres- ident, Qatar Gymnastics Feder- ation (QGF) on Saturday signed a partnership agreement with Aspire, and other partners, for the forthcoming championships to be held at Aspire Dome from March 20 to 23. Aspire Dome, the world’s largest indoor multi-purpose dome, had also played host to the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in October last. It was also the first time that an Arab nation had staged the Worlds. Just like the last championships, the World Cup too serves as a qualification event for Tokyo Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi poses for a photograph with Aspire Academy HR Manager Khaled Al Hamar, BK Sport’s Sayed, Bounce’s 2020 Olympics. Peter Pojovich, Dana Water’s Zaid Jose, Radio Olive and Suno’s director Krishna Kumar after signing a sponsorship contract for het 12th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup. Speaking of the association with Aspire, Al Hitmi, said, “We Tournament director Abeer Al Buainain and Mohammed Al Maraghi, Director of Public Relations, Media and Communications of QGF are also seen in the picture. The are very proud to sign this part- three-day event will be held at Aspire Dome from March 20 to 23. nership agreement with Aspire which has always provided us with unlimited support. This relationship helped us stage a world-class championship in October and we hope to deliver another outstanding World Cup with Aspire at the Aspire Dome. We thank Aspire and its facil- ities for their continuous support.” The organisers also signed agreements with hospitality partner Wyndham Grand Regency Doha, BK Sport, Al Dana Water and Radio Olive & Suno. Tournament director Abeer Al Buainain and Mohammed Al Maraghi, Director of Public Rela- tions, Media and Communica- QGF President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi with Assistant Sales Manager of Wyndham Grand Regency Doha, Shady Marei during the sponsorship signing ceremony. RIGHT: Al Hitmi tions of QGF were also present shakes hands with Aspire Academy HR Manager Khaled Al Hamer. on the occasion. Wales eye World Cup glory after Grand Slam Spence beats Garcia in welterweight title bout AFP “It’s resulted in the Grand Slam. The Welsh thumped Ireland double defending world cham- CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM Bring on the World Cup.” 25-7 at Cardiff’s Principality pions New Zealand. Wales, John continued, “are Stadium on Saturday to follow “If it was anyone else at the AFP DALLAS Wales were hailed yesterday for the getting more and more confident and victories over France (24-19), moment, I would back Wales,” said energy, drive and belief that need fear nobody out in Japan”, the flanker who retired from rugby powered them to the Six Nations where the World Cup runs from Sep- Italy (26-15), England (21-13) last year after a succession of Errol Spence Jr. solidified his status as one of the best Grand Slam, legendary fly-half Barry tember 20 until November 2. and Scotland (18-11). injuries. pound-for-pound fighters in the world with 12-round John saying the World Cup could not Former Welsh and Lions prop “If somebody else beat New masterclass performance over challenger Mikey come around quick enough. Graham Price said Wales were Zealand and knocked them out of the Garcia on Saturday. The Welsh thumped Ireland 25-7 thriving on the winning momentum who steps down from his job after tournament, as a Welsh fan you would The 29-year-old Spence easily beat Garcia by a at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on that has seen them rise to second in the World Cup. be thinking, ‘Oh my God, this is on’.” unanimous decision to retain his International Boxing Saturday to follow victories over World Rugby standings. “It will be the most rewarding of Ian McGeechan, the former Federation title in a welterweight homecoming bout France (24-19), Italy (26-15), England “Get to the World Cup and any- his three Grand Slams because it is Scotland and Lions centre who was in front of 47,500 fans. (21-13) and Scotland (18-11). thing can happen!” Price said, with almost a fairytale to do this in his Gatland’s predecessor as Lions Spence dominated Garcia throughout with a It was also a 14th consecutive Wales drawn in Pool D along with final Six Nations campaign,” War- coach, hailed the New Zealander as stinging jab and a barrage of combinations and his win, based around an iron-clad, Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Uruguay. burton said in the Sunday Times. a “fantastic servant” to Wales and hometown crowd at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, swarming defence and an ever- “I am optimistic we are gong to “To do it in a World Cup year too northern hemisphere rugby in Texas cheered wildly as he used his size and reach strengthening squad coach Warren do well at the World Cup and, if we - the last team to complete the clean general. advantage to put on a boxing clinic. Gatland has forged around talis- were to face the All Blacks, the later sweep in such a year were England “What I liked about this (Grand Spence improved to 25-0 but failed to get the manic captain Alun Wyn Jones. the better.” in 2003 and look how that panned Slam) was the spirit Wales showed knockout he wanted against Garcia in his third defence “You can see the camaraderie Sam Warburton, who was out (they won the World Cup) - when they were under the cosh,” as his KO streak was stopped at 11 fights. This is just the that Gatland and Alun Wyn have named Welsh skipper at the age of makes it extra special.” McGeechan said in the Sunday fourth time in his career that the former 2012 US built so superbly,” ex-Wales and 22 by Gatland and led Wales to their Warburton maintained that the Telegraph. Olympian didn’t knock out his opponent. British and Irish Lions icon John said 2012 Grand Slam, hailed the “fair- sole team in world rugby he would “They never panicked. You Garcia, who was trying to win a title in his fifth in his Wales on Sunday column. ytale finish” for his former coach, worry about Wales playing were cannot fake that.” different weight class, dropped to 39-1 with 30 KOs. MONDAY 18 MARCH 2019 SPORT 11

Bangladeshi FIFA council Liverpool beat Fulham to go top member REUTERS LONDON Brighton stage jailed great escape AP Liverpool’s livewire Sadio Mane DHAKA scored one goal and played a to reach FA crucial part in the other as they A Dhaka Metropolitan reclaimed the Premier League’s Cup semis Magistrate sent FIFA top spot with a scrappy 2-1 win council member Mahfuza at second bottom Fulham AFP Akhter Kiron to jail after yesterday. LONDON rejecting her bail appli- It had looked like being a cation in a defamation case frustrating day for Juergen Brighton came from 2-0 down filed over remarks deemed Klopp’s side after Mane’s opener and were then behind in a to be derogatory about was cancelled out by Ryan Babel shoot-out before they beat Prime Minister Sheikh following a mistake by Virgil van Millwall 5-4 on penalties to Hasina. Dijk, but substitute James Milner reach an FA Cup semi-final with Kiron, who also heads slotted home an 81st-minute quadruple-chasing Manchester women’s football at the penalty to take the points. City yesterday. Bangladesh Football Fed- Klopp was delighted with the It seemed Championship eration, had reportedly outcome and his team’s ability strugglers Millwall were on the told a TV talk show last to grind out what could be a brink of delighting their home month that Prime Minister telling result in their bid to win crowd at the Den at 2-0 up with Sheikh Hasina was less their first league title since 1990. just two minutes of normal time interested in football than “We started really well, and left after second-half goals by cricket. did a lot of good things but lost Alex Pearce and Aiden O’Brien. Kiron’s lawyer Liakat the rhythm a bit,” the German But Brighton pulled one Hossain said that police told Sky Sports. back through Jurgen Locadia arrested her at her resi- “I am not the most experi- and then, in the fifth minute of dence. She then appeared enced manager and I have added on time and the last act Liverpool’s James Milner (centre) celebrates with Georginio Wijnaldum and Mohamed Salah (right) before the court of magis- similar problems after Cham- of regulation play, Solly March’s after scoring their second goal from the penalty spot yesterday. trate Abu Sufian Noman, pions League games. seemingly harmless free-kick who rejected her bail “First half a bit rusty. Second into the box left Millwall goal- request. half we could have finished it off “I am not in any doubt about 26th-minute lead with a classy Fulham a 74th-minute equaliser, keeper David Martin flapping at “We sought bail for her and then it is clear at 1-0 if you my players’ nerves. It is about finish which typified Liver- as his poor header back to the ball before it settled in the after she was taken to the don’t kill it off that can happen. intensity. We go for perfection pool’s attacking mentality keeper Alisson Becker was inter- top corner to force extra-time. court. But our prayer was They deserved a goal but we but it is rare that you get it.” under Klopp. cepted by former Liverpool Both sides then found the rejected,” Hossain said. deserved three points. A brilliant Liverpool have 76 points The Senegal forward winger Babel. back of the net until Brighton’s Kiron was arrested afternoon I have to say. from 31 games, two more than exchanged a blistering one-two The Dutchman beat Alisson Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan after an arrest warrant was Liverpool have 76 champions Manchester City who with Roberto Firmino before he to the ball and refrained from cel- blocked Mahlon Romeo’s effort issued against her on have a game in hand. Fulham buried his shot from seven ebrating against his former club with his legs to leave the shoot- Tuesday. The warrant was points from 31 games, have 17 points and a mountain metres past Fulham keeper after stroking the ball into an out level at 3-3 before ‘sudden prompted by sports two more than to climb if they are to avoid Sergio Rico, who then denied empty net. death’ came into play at 4-4. organizer Abul Hasan champions Manchester almost certain relegation from Andy Robertson and Van Dijk In the other Premier League Brighton skipper Dunk then Chowdhury Prince, who City who have a game the top flight. either side of halftime. game yesterday, Chelsea lost 2-0 powered a penalty low to Mar- filed a defamation claim in hand. Mane scored his ninth league Mane shaved the crossbar at Everton and missed a chance tin’s right before, with Millwall against her on the same goal in as many games when he with a glancing header before a to move level on points with needing to score, Jake Cooper day. fired the visitors into a calamitous Van Dijk error gifted fourth-placed Arsenal. saw his shot clear the goal. Kiron was elected to the FIFA Council in 2017. She previously served as a member of the organising committee for the FIFA ‘Happiness’ is back Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 and the last two FIFA U-20 Women’s for Real Madrid World Cups - Canada 2014 and Papua New Guinea 2016. with Zidane’s return She is also a member of the AFC’s Executive REUTERS ahead of the Belgian against Committee and Women’s MADRID Celta. Committee. “I had not played for a very In his defamation After a topsy-turvy campaign long time so I’m happy, we’ll see claim against Kiron, Hasan, and a “tragic” week which saw what happens in the future,” who is a member of the their hopes of any silverware Navas added. Mohammedan Sporting disappear, Real Madrid were all “The most important thing is Club, said the comment smiles again at the Bernabeu I worked very hard to get an about the country’s sports- after Zinedine Zidane’s return opportunity and today I got one.” loving Prime Minister as coach was celebrated with a Real defender Alvaro Odri- embarrassed the entire 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo on ozola also spoke of a change in nation. Saturday. atmosphere with the return of Hasan’s lawyer, Genoa’s Goran Pandev “Happiness has returned to Zidane, who is Real’s third coach Refayetul Karim, alleged (right) celebrates after the dressing room and that’s the Real of the season after the that Kiron made objec- scoring their second most important thing,” Real sacking of Julen Lopetegui in tionable comments about goal against Juventus goalkeeper Keylor Navas told October and Santiago Solari last the Prime Minister during yesterday. reporters. Monday. a TV appearance on March “The past is the past, the Solari won his final game 8. group is working well. I don’t in charge of Real last week at “Mahfuza told the TV know if we needed a change or Valladolid but his fate had show that PM maintains not but the club thought it was already been sealed by two double standard for Ronaldo rested as Genoa inflict necessary. defeats to Barcelona and the football and cricket. She “Zidane has spoken to each humiliating 4-1 loss to Ajax rewards cricket for per- one of individually and now we Amsterdam which ended the sonal gain but ignore need to be professionals and team’s iron grip on the Cham- football,” Karim said. Juventus’ first Serie A defeat work hard.” pions League. Isco gave Real a deserved “We are all very excited, we REUTERS Massimiliano Allegri was left top-flight for the last 31 rounds, lead in the second half in the have renewed hope after that Kiron, who also GENOA frustrated as Genoa took points since losing 1-0 to Napoli on Madrid sunshine and Gareth tragic week,” said Odriozola. heads women’s off his side for the second time 22 April 2018. Bale further raised spirits by “We have to look to the football at the Juventus fell to their first Serie this season, having drawn 1-1 However, the hosts started sealing victory later in the game. future, end this season with Bangladesh Football A defeat of the season in Turin in October. the brighter as Christian Along with Isco and honour and try to win the Federation, had yesterday as Genoa ran out 2-0 “I expected a different Kouame forced a good save defender Marcelo, the Costa remaining 10 games. We have to winners days after the Turin Juventus,” Allegri told Italian from former Genoa goalkeeper Rican Navas was one of the stay focused on competing and reportedly told a TV club’s Champions League broadcasters. Mattia Perin before Cesare main beneficiaries of Zidane’s not thinking about who is playing talk show last month heroics against Atletico Madrid. “We did not put in a good Prandelli’s side were awarded return 10 months after the or who isn’t. Instead, we all need that Prime Minister Stefano Sturaro, who performance, we made some a penalty for handball, only for Frenchman had walked out on to give 100 percent.” Sheikh Hasina was joined Genoa on loan from mistakes and then this goal a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) the club having won an unprec- Midfielder Dani Ceballos less interested in Juventus in January before the came out of nowhere. review to overturn the edented three consecutivconsecutivee added:added: “ItIt looks like us chachangingnging football than cricket. deal was made permanent, put “Much like the Coppa Italia decision. CChampionshampions LeagueLeague ourour coaccoachh worked.worked. WWee hhaveave the home side in front in the defeat to Atalanta, we picked Juventus thought they had crowns.crowns. rrecoveredecovered some sensa-sensa- second half before fellow sub- the right game to lose, because gone in front after the break Navas,Navas, Real’sReal’s tionstions wewe had lost andand wewe Kiron was elected to stitute Goran Pandev secured it’s just before the break for when Paulo Dybala swept numbernumber oneone in havehave gotgot the three the FIFA Council in the shock result with 10 international duty, so we have home a finish, but VAR chalked eacheach ooff tthosehose trtri-i- points.points. Now our 2017. She previously minutes remaining. time to unplug and rest. the goal off for an offside in the umphs,umphs, had been objectiveobjective is to win all served as a member Cristiano Ronaldo inspired “I am actually happy for build-up. relegatedrelegated to thethe games llefteft andand a remarkable European Stefano, because if anyone had Sturaro then curled a finish secosecondnd chochoiceice finishfinish the seasoseasonn as of the organising comeback for the Italian to score against us, I’m glad it into the corner against his withwith the signingsigning wellwell as possible.”possible.” committee for the champions on Tuesday when was Sturaro. He’s a lovely guy parent club just minutes after of ThibautThibaut FIFA Women’s World he scored a hat-trick to and suffered so much, out of coming on, before Pandev CourtoisCourtois andand hadhad Cup Canada 2015 overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat action for practically a year made sure of the three points onlyonly mademade threethree and the last two against Atletico and send his with that tendon injury, so he with a powerful finish. leagleagueue starts FIFA U-20 Women’s side through to the quarter- deserves it.” Despite the result, bbeforeefore ggettingetting finals with a 3-2 aggregate Juve had dropped points Juventus remain 18 points thethe nonodd World Cups - Canada victory. just three times this season clear of second-placed Napoli 2014 and Papua However, the Portuguese going into the game, with at the summit of the table, New Guinea 2016. was left out of the matchday draws against Genoa, Atalanta while Genoa climbed above squad for the trip to the Stadio and Parma, while they were Sassuolo into 12th place on 33 Zinedine Zidane Luigi Ferraris and Juve coach unbeaten overall in the points. SPORT Monday 18 March 2019 PAGE | 07 PAGE | 08 Federer and We were Thiem enter just slow, final as Nadal says Ferrari’s hobbles out Sebastian Vettel

Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, yesterday.

Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas leads a pack during the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, yesterday. Bottas upstages Hamilton Down Under

AFP Leclerc was fifth, with Kevin Magnussen Mercedes driver clinches the pre-season testing when Ferrari looked FORMULA ONE: AUSTRALIAN MELBOURNE in a Haas sixth. season-opening Australian like the team to beat. GRAND PRIX RESULTS (TOP 10) “How about that! Yes!” said Bottas Formula One Grand Prix, The Italian team’s performance will Valtteri Bottas upstaged his Mercedes over the team radio after also taking the be a source of worry, especially as they ﬁnishing massive 20.9 1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 308 km world champion team-mate Lewis new bonus point for the fastest lap of the haven’t won the constructors’ title since in 1hr 25min 27.325sec Hamilton to blitz the field and win the race. “Thank you guys.” seconds ahead of his 2008 and their last driver to become 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) season-opening Australian Formula One Bottas was overshadowed last year world champion team-mate world champion was Kimi Raikkonen in at 20.886 sec Grand Prix in a sizzling performance by Hamilton, failing to win a race, ham- 2007. Lewis Hamilton. 3. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) yesterday. pered by mechanical problems and bad In contrast, Mercedes and Hamilton at 22.520 sec The flying Finn started second on the luck but was fast in qualifying and only have been dominant, winning the drivers’ grid but got a jump on the polesitting narrowly edged out of pole position. Vettel pitted on lap 14 to swap for medium and constructors’ titles five years in a row. 4. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) Briton at the first corner and never looked Bottas, now in his third year with Mer- tyres Mercedes called in five-time Carlos Sainz Jr was the first casualty, at 57.109 sec back, scorching round the Albert Park cedes, knows he must perform with champion Hamilton soon after. forced to stop his McLaren with smoke 5. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) circuit to take the chequered flag a promising Frenchman Esteban Ocon, 22, Bottas stayed out, pumping out fastest and flames billowing out of his engine on at 58.230 sec massive 20.9 seconds ahead of waiting in the wings as the team’s reserve laps, and when seven laps later he pitted lap 10 while he was running 14th. 6. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas) Hamilton. driver. he emerged more than 10 seconds ahead It was also a day to forget for local at 1:27.156 sec Red Bull’s precocious Max Ver- He delivered in spades on Sunday for of his team-mate, who was clearly hero Daniel Ricciardo in his first race for 7. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault) 1 lap stappen came third to join them on the his fourth Grand Prix win in his 119th race. bemused. Renault after switching from Red Bull. 8. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa Romeo) 1 lap podium after audaciously overtaking Driving on soft tyres on a fine day, he With Bottas having an unsur- He lost his front wing after running 9. Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point) 1 lap Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel midway got an electric start and built a gap of 1.153 mountable lead the battle was on for onto the grass before the first corner and 10. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso) 1 lap through the race. seconds on Hamilton after the opening second, with Verstappen hounding Ham- had to pit for a new nose. He finally Four-time world champion Vettel had lap, with Vettel, Verstappen and Leclerc ilton but unable to find a way through. retired on lap 30 of the 58-lap race. Fastest lap (1pt): Bottas 1:25.580 to settle for fourth, trailing in 57.1 seconds trailing in their wake. Mercedes have been in a class of their The next Grand Prix is in Bahrain on behind Bottas. Ferrari partner Charles The gap kept growing, and when own all weekend, turning the tables on March 31. Chusovitina eyes Doha success after silver medal in Baku

OKSANA ALEKSANDROVNA CHUSOVITINA THE PENINSULA double-twistingingngg YurcYYurchenko.urcururchhehenkhenenenkkooIo. InIn Baku,BBaakku, Country: Uzbekistan Injury forces Dipa to DOHA she averagedd 114.1414.45,4.4 445,455, aahaheaheadheheaeaddo ooff 2202018010 8 Former countries represented: Germany (2006–2012), Uzbekistan world medalistaliststAt AlexaA lexexxaxa MMoMorMorenoororeennnoo of pull out of World Cup Oksana Chusovitina is looking Mexico, who waswaw s thirdthithirthh ddw withwwiiththha a 14.24914114.249 (1993–2006), Uniﬁed Team (1992), Commonwealth of Independent forward to a good show in Doha after average. States (1992), Soviet Union (until 1991) THE PENINSULA she won a silver in the women’s vault The top-rankedrankra edddg gymnastgymnymymmnmnanaasts onon eacheach Born: June 19, 1975 (age 43) DOHA final at the FIG ART Individual Appa- individual eventent at ththet e conconclusiononcnclusilusion ooff Discipline: Women's artistic gymnastics ratus World Cup in Baku. the FIG Worldrlld The veteran gymnast, who is Cup series qual-al- Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar has pulled out of 12th FIG eyeing to qualify for record eighth ifies for thehe ART Individual Apparatus World Cup. Olympic Games, will be seen in action 2020 Tokyo The withdrawal is a big blow to her Olympic qualifi- at the 12th FIG ART Individual Appa- Olympics -- cation plans as the two World Cups (Baku & Doha) are ratus World Cup, starting from three best per-- part of an eight-event qualifying system for the 2020 Tokyo Wednesday at Aspire Dome. formances at difdidifferentfereferrentnt Olympics, under which the gymnasts will make the cut “I’m very pleased. Right now, I World Cup eventsenentsntsntts countcoucouunt based on their top three scores. want to qualify the Olympics. I will toward his oorrrh herheh r finalfinanal The 25-year-old, who became the first Indian gymnast try all possible options. Since I don’t ranking. to qualify for the final at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, have a team, it’s a little bit easier for Chusovitinaittininana showshowedwed MEDAL RECORD aggravated her knee injury during the vault final at the me to qualify compared to gymnasts excellent formm aandndnd mmasteryasteryy oonn the Baku Artistic Gymnastics World Cup. from other countries. I can get license event where shshehee hholdsolds sesevenvven worldworld EVENT GOLD SILVER BRONZE She had finished last after deciding not to take her both at the World Championships and medals and Olympiclylympmpic ssilverilver frfromrom 2008. Olympic Games 1 1 0 second attempt. the World Cups,” said Chusovitina “I have a ddrdreameaeeam wwhichhich I want to World Championships 3 4 4 “Dipa had some problems in her knee before the final. after winning the Baku medal on achieve, and I hopehopope thatthat it wwill come World Cup Final 1 0 1 She was feeling some pain yesterday, but felt better after Saturday. true,” added tththee motmmotherher off oone.ne. Asian Games 2 4 2 working with physio. She attempted the vault finals but The 43-year-old, who will be tar- If she willillll getsgegetg to competecooompete in fell on her first vault, aggravating the injury due to unde- Asian Championships 0 3 1 geting another superlative per- Tokyo, the Uzbekzbek legendlegegendd wiwilliill become sired landing,” Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI) official formance at the Doha-leg next week, the only athleteetee inin thet worldworrldtod to havehhave European Championships 1 2 1 Riyaz Bhati told PTI. “She will now skip the World Cup in earned 14.933 for the Cheng and fol- participated in eigheightiight OlOlympicympy pic GaGamesames Islamic Solidarity Games 1 0 0 Doha and come back to India for rehabilitation and aim lowed up with 14.6 for the since 1992. Total 9 14 9 for Asian and World Championships this year.”