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Friday, March 9, 2018 FOOTBALL Jumada II 21, 1439 AH Belmadi’s Duhail GULF TIMES on cusp of QNB Stars League title SPORT Page 2 SPOTLIGHT Qatar Airways platinum partner of Bayern Munich Sponsorship begins on July 1, 2018 and lasts until June 30, 2023

By Sports Reporter “Bayern Munich is a club that Doha exemplifi es ambition, innova- tion and integrity at its core. These are values we share, ad- atar Airways an- mire and are fundamental to nounced that it has Qatar Airways.” signed a fi ve-year Since 2011, Bayern Munich partnership agree- have been travelling to Doha for mentQ with leading German foot- their winter training camp in ball team Bayern Munich, fur- January at the Aspire Academy ther strengthening Qatar’s role enjoying the world-class facili- as a global leader in sports. ties available to them. Under the new agreement, the Qatar Airways proudly sup- award-winning airline will be- ports a range of exciting inter- come a Bayern Munich platinum national and local initiatives partner until June 2023. dedicated to enriching the glo- Offi cially announced at a bal community that it serves. press conference at ITB in Ger- Qatar Airways, the Offi cial Air- many, the fi ve-season deal, line partner of FIFA, is a lead- commencing July 1 2018, will ing supporter of major global see the airline’s logo adorning sporting events, including the the shirt sleeves of the German 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia league leaders. Hamad Inter- the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, national Airport’s partnership and the FIFA Club World Cup, agreement with the team, ini- refl ecting the values of sports as tiated in January 2016, will be a means of bringing people to- continued with Qatar Airways, gether, something at the core of further strengthening the al- the airline’s own brand message ready strong ties between Qatar – Going Places Together. and Bayern Munich. Qatar Airways has been serv- Qatar Airways Group Chief ing the people of Germany for Executive Akbar al-Baker, who nearly 20 years. The carrier met with Karl-Heinz Rum- now operates 35 weekly fl ights menigge, Chairman of the Board between Doha and Germany – of Bayern Munich, and other double daily non-stop to Mu- club offi cials at ITB in Berlin, nich and Frankfurt – as well as said: “Qatar Airways is delight- daily non-stop to Berlin, provid- ed to be supporting Germany’s ing onward connections to more most-winning team, Bayern than 150 destinations across the Munich. We look forward to Middle East, Africa and Asia Pa- working with, and engaging cifi c. with, the club, the fans, and Yesterday, at a press confer- the people of Germany to help ence during ITB, the world’s make a real diff erence through leading travel exhibition, Qa- this exciting new partnership. tar Airways announced that it Sport is a key pillar of the long- will be introducing its innova- term vision of the State of Qatar, tive First in Business class seat and as Qatar’s national carrier, Qsuite on its fl ights to Frankfurt we welcome the opportunity to from May 2018, as well as Berlin use sport as a means of bringing and Munich by the end of sum- Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker (fourth from left) is seen with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Chairman of the Board of Bayern Munich (third from left) and HE Sheikh Saoud bin people together. mer 2018. Abdulrahman al-Thani, Qatar’s ambassador in Germany (third from right), at ITB Berlin.

EUROPA LEAGUE Arsenal stun Milan to ease pressure on Wenger AFP the fi rst time. Arsenal started brightly out for a throw-in. Paris at the San Siro but were lucky not to Colombian keeper Ospina did well concede a penalty when Hakan Cal- to beat Nikola Kalinic to a through ball Action from the Arsenal vs hanoglou stayed on his feet despite ap- when the substitute looked to be in on rsenal claimed an impres- AC Milan match in the Europa pearing to have been fouled by onrush- goal, as Arsenal closed out a much- sive 2-0 victory at AC Milan League yesterday. ing Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. needed win. in their Europa League last Just moments later Arsenal broke the Borussia Dortmund slumped to a A16, fi rst leg yesterday to ease deadlock, as Mesut Ozil fed Armenian shock fi rst-leg 2-1 loss at home to Salz- some of the pressure on under-fi re Mkhitaryan, a January signing from burg, although Andre Schurrle’s sec- manager Arsene Wenger. Manchester United, to cut inside and ond-half strike did cut the defi cit ahead Henrikh Mkhitaryan drove Arsenal fi re in a shot which defl ected past home of next week’s return game in Austria. into a 15th-minute lead with his fi rst keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma off Le- Kosovo international Valon Berisha goal for the club, and a shellshocked onardo Bonucci. scored twice shortly after half-time to Milan fell further behind before half- The Gunners grew in confi dence af- put Salzburg in control, the fi rst from time as Aaron Ramsey waltzed through ter that strike, with Donnarumma mak- the penalty spot, and leave German gi- to score. ing two good saves late in the opening ants Dortmund facing a surprise exit. Wenger desperately needed a positive period to deny Calum Chambers and La Liga title challengers Atletico Ma- result after coming under pressure for a Danny Welbeck, before Mkhitaryan hit drid eased to a 3-0 victory over Loko- run of four straight defeats, and he got the crossbar. motiv Moscow at the Wanda Metro- just that against a Milan side who saw a But the visitors did double their ad- politano. 13-match unbeaten run ended. vantage before the interval, as Ram- Diego Simeone’s side, who were Gennaro Gattuso’s seven-time Eu- sey ran onto Ozil’s perfectly-weighted dumped out of the Champions League ropean champions now have it all to do through ball and rounded Donnarumma in the group stage after fi nishing behind ahead of the second leg at the Emirates to tap into an empty net. Roma and Chelsea, put themselves in a in seven days’ time. Milan improved in the second half, dominant position thanks to goals from But Arsenal, 13 points adrift of the top but wasted their best chances, failing to Saul Niguez, Diego Costa and Koke. four in the , will be con- truly test Ospina. Spanish international Costa has fi dent of continuing their bid to return Giacomo Bonaventura scooped a shot now scored six goals for Atletico since to the Champions League by winning over when he should have done better, returning to the club from Chelsea in Europe’s second-tier competition for while Suso drilled a left-footed strike January. Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 9, 2018 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Duhail on cusp Guardiola critical of of title as Al Sadd Man City despite win

AFP Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and hope for miracle David Silva to be well-rested Manchester and in-form if they are to de- liver the dream of their Abu Al Sadd will be out of the race if they lose or draw and Duhail win today anchester City Dhabi owners by winning the manager Pep Guar- European Cup for a first time diola criticised his as a number of youngsters and heavily rotated side fringe players failed to impress. forM “forgetting to attack” de- “I understand after we see spite reaching the Champions the second half the people League quarter-finals 5-2 on that say the team is not ready aggregate over Basel yesterday. to fight for everything,” added City suffered a first home de- Guardiola. feat in 15 months as the Swiss However, the Catalan coach champions came from behind hopes a three-week break fol- to win 2-1 at the Etihad Sta- lowing Monday’s trip to Stoke dium and salvage some pride will leave his side refreshed for from their last-16 tie after be- the last eight. ing thrashed 4-0 on home turf “We are in the quarter-finals, in the first leg three weeks ago. that is the good news, and after “From tomorrow we will be we will see how we will arrive in happy to be in the quarter- the quarter-finals. finals for the second time in “We have one more game on this club’s history. We are new Monday and then we have three in that position, so we are so weeks off. In 180 minutes it is happy for that,” said Guardiola. 5-2, so we are so happy to be “Even the first half was quite in the next stage.” Leroy Sane good, in the second half we for- was one of few regular starters got to attack, we forgot to play. retained in Guardiola’s starting “Just to pass to pass for itself XI and continued his supreme is nothing, so the second half form by creating the opener. was really, really poor.” Jesus hadn’t started since Guardiola could afford the suffering knee ligament dam- luxury of making six changes age on New Year’s Eve, but had from Sunday’s dominant 1-0 the simplest of tasks to get back win over Chelsea, but still saw among the goals when Bernardo his side extend their aggregate Silva latched onto Sane’s pass advantage early on when Gabri- to produce a inch-perfect low el Jesus tapped home after just cross for the Brazilian. eight minutes. City should have gone even However, Mohamed Ely- further in front as Silva’s shot ounoussi exposed some slack from a dangerous Sane cut- City defending to smash in an back was blocked before Basel equaliser for the visitors nine goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik made minutes later before Michael a fine block to deny Ilkay Gun- Al Duhail have had an unbeaten run this Lang rocketed home a spec- dogan his third goal of the tie. season, both in the QNB Stars League as tacular winner 19 minutes from However, a minute later Basel well as the AFC Champions League time. were level as Blas Riveros burst “It’s special for us to beat down the left and his deflected this team and we go out of the cross was dispatched power- Champions League with a de- fully past Claudio Bravo by Ely- By Sports Reporter FIXTURES OF FINAL TWO ROUNDS ANNOUNCED Youssef Msakni (21). Djamel Belmadi’s cent performance in a very ounoussi. Doha men have also been benefi ting from a difficult situation,” said Basel Guardiola grew visibly frus- The Management host broadcaster to cover as many healthy competition between them as coach Raphael Wicky. trated on the touchline as his announced the venues and kick-off matches as possible. far as goals were concerned. City could have the Pre- side also started the second pe- fter nearly six months of ac- times of QNB Stars League’s Weeks 21 Week 21 fixtures are scheduled on 17th Al Duhail had won 8-2 in the fi rst mier League mathematically riod slowly. tion, the QNB Stars League ap- and 22 fixtures. March at 18:05. It will be Al Arabi vs phase. wrapped up by the time they And they were punished proaches its fi nal straight with The last two rounds are expected to Al Gharafa at the Al Arabi Stadium, Al In another match today, Al Sailiya will are next in Champions League when Elyounoussi’s low cross Al Duhail on the cusp of victory witness more intense competition Rayyan vs Umm Salal at the Qatar SC look to put behind their disappointment action in early April. was blasted past Bravo at his andA Al Sadd hoping for a miracle or two to of losing to Al Khor when they take on Al And on this evidence they near post from a narrow angle among the teams, be it to guarantee Stadium, Al Kharaitiyat vs Qatar SC gatecrash their party. a spot among the top four and thus at the Al Khor Stadium, Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa, with both teams have the com- will need the likes of Sergio by Lang. Al Duhail have had an incredible run qualify for the Qatar Cup or to avoid Khor at Al Sadd Stadium, Al Markhiya mon aim of top-four fi nish in the tour- this season having yet to face defeat relegation. vs Al Duhail at Al Gharafa Stadium and nament. and sitting comfortably at the top of the The bottom-placed team will directly Al Ahli vs Al Sailiya at Al Ahli Stadium. Al Gharafa are fourth with 29 points, standings on 54 points from 19 matches, get relegated to the Second Division, Week 22 fixtures will be played on while Al Sailiya are sixth on 25 points. while Al Sadd are fi ve behind in second while the 11th-placed side will go into 7th April at 18:15. It will be Al Sadd vs They both are sure to go all out to achieve position. a play-off against Second Division Al Kharaitiyat at Al Sadd Stadium, Al their goal as only two more rounds will That makes it imperative for Al Sadd runners-up. Rayyan vs Al Ahli at Qatar SC Stadium, remain afterwards. to win all their three remaining matches In order to ensure equal advantage for Al Duhail vs Al Sailiya at Al Duhail Al Rayyan, who stand third in the and hope Al Duhail suff er some sort of a all teams, the last two weeks’ fixtures Stadium, Al Khor vs Al Arabi at Al Khor standings with 39 points, take on Al meltdown and lose at least two of theirs. will be played on same dates with Stadium, Umm Salal vs Al Markhiya Arabi. Al Duhail will wrap up the title today if simultaneous kick-off s. Slight changes at Al Ahli Stadium and Al Gharafa vs The Lions had recently lost out in the they beat Al Kharaitiyat and Al Sadd lose may be made in order to allow the Qatar SC at Al Gharafa Stadium. title race and now trail leaders Al Duhail or even draw against Umm Salal. by 12 points and second-placed Al Sadd It’s a tricky situation and Al Sadd by seven. coach Jesualdo Ferreira appeared clearly Ferreira added that the hectic sched- fi rst half. Al Rayyan have Abderrazaq Hamdal- frustrated, saying the gruelling Asian ule has formed him to rotate the players. “I do not think the absence of Xavi had lah, Rodrigo Tabata and Sebastian Soria Champions League had also taken a toll “We have to rotate players as Umm a psychological impact on the team de- to lead their charge, while Al Arabi have on his players. Salal are a strong team that needs to spite the great benefi t we get from him. the likes of Khalfan Ibrahim, Diego Jardel “Every game is important and we are win to be in the top four. I am thinking Exhaustion was the main reason for the and Kwame Karikari to deliver the goods. trying to win it, whether locally or at the of fi elding a diff erent line-up for this defeat to Nasaf,” said Ferreira. Al Arabi have been doing well of late Asian level. The teams that are compet- match, so the players will not get tired Umm Salal will have the services of and they will be keen to build on that as ing in the AFC Champions League are further and get exposed to injuries. Adil Rhaili and Ismail Ibrahim, who sat they seek a hat-trick of wins. suff ering from fatigue much more than “We have three games in the league out of their drawn game against Qatar The match between Al Rayyan and Al others and we are no diff erent,” the vet- and our philosophy is to win every game SC that ended in a 2-2 draw. Arabi will grab the most attention main- eran Portuguese coach said. we play in. We could not win the previ- Meanwhile, Al Duhail should have no ly because of their loyal fan base. “Umm Salal are not playing the ous game against Al Duhail.” problems in disposing off Al Kharaitiyat. Champions League and therefore they Al Sadd said it was not the absence of Al Duhail had taken a giant leap in TODAY’S FIXTURES have got a longer break between match- Xavi through injury that contributed to their title march by beating closest chal- Al Sailiya vs Al Gharafa (Al Ahli Sta- es. Their preparations for the game his team’s loss against Nasaf. lengers and second-placed Al Sadd last dium, 18:00), Umm Salal vs Al Sadd (Al against us have been routine, unlike our Xavi injured his back muscle during week. Gharafa Stadium, 18:00), Al Rayyan vs players, who have returned after the their key QNB Stars League Week 19 Al Duhail have the top two scorers in Al Arabi (Al Sadd Stadium, 20:10) and match against Nasaf in Uzbekistan. They clash against Al Duhail, which they lost Moroccan striker Youssef El Arabi (23 Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Duhail (Al Khor Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the are tired, but we will work hard to win.” 3-4, and had come out of the fi eld in the goals) and Tunisian attacking midfi elder Stadium, 20:10) touchline on Wednesday.

BOTTOMLINE Morocco should host 2026 World Cup: Blatter DPA “As FIFA president, I would look at should apply the principle (of having of the opening of proceedings against FIFA from 1998 until June 2015 when Zurich the regulations and fi nd that we said one host nation),” he added. him for “corrupt management” stem- he quit days after winning relection for that if one country can do it on its own, Blatter heavily criticised the format ming from the two million Swiss Franc a fi fth term as a wave of scandals broke. then it does it. Morocco would now be for the 48-team World Cup, where (1.8mn euro, $2mn) payment to Platini, He was later banned from football ormer FIFA president Joseph in pole position.” the group stage will have 16 groups of the former head of European governing by FIFA for eight years, a sentence then Blatter thinks Morocco should The 2026 hosts will be decided by three. body UEFA, adding “it’s a bit long”. reduced to six years over a payment to win the right to host the 2026 the FIFA Congress in Moscow on June “That’s totally wrong,” he said, fear- The lawyers of both men were sum- Platini, his former friend and ally. Ffootball World Cup despite a 13. “Forecasting the result is not that ing that teams will collude and play out moned two weeks ago by the Swiss Unlike Blatter, Platini has fought his joint bid from the United States, Can- easy...there is the argument that you do draws. That opens the door to agree- courts in Bern. own, four-year, ban in the civil courts. ada and Mexico being seen as the fa- not want to give the World Cup to the ments of all kinds.” “Platini has appealed to the Eu- After being rebuff ed by a Swiss tribu- vourite. US so readily,” Blatter added. Blatter also said he is growing impa- ropean Court of Human Rights, two nal, the Frenchman turned to Stras- “I notice that the three big countries However, Blatter said he did not tient over the investigation since 2015 weeks ago the Swiss court heard the bourg. “I wish we could fi nish,” Blatter are getting a bit worried at the moment know if Morocco was capable of host- over an “illegal payment” to Michel Platini clan in Bern, my lawyer was also said. “What I want to do is work along- because of this little Morocco,” Blatter, ing the fi rst World Cup with 48 teams, Platini, and would like the whole thing present and he again showed that the side Swiss justice but also fi nd the ar- serving a ban from football administra- an idea pushed through by his succes- to be wrapped up. payment to Platini was done correctly,” guments necessary to obtain a reversal tion due to a “disloyal payment” while sor Gianni Infantino. Blatter said “nothing” had hap- Blatter explained. of the decision of the (FIFA) ethics head of FIFA, told DPA yesterday. “But if Morocco is capable, you pened since September 2015, the date Blatter, who is 82, was president of commission.” Gulf Times Friday, March 9, 2018 3 SPORT

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT He’s back: ‘Arnie’ Juventus hailed as to coach Aussies ‘the lions of aft er World Cup Wembley’ The FC coach was one of the main candidates to replace , who quit in November after the Socceroos beat Honduras

Juventus’ Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on celebrates their victory in the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen second leg match against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium in . (AFP)

AFP who since the start of the sea- Rome son have looked most likely to win title, but if Juve win their game in hand against Ata- uventus were hailed as lanta next week it will put them “the lions of Wembley” by at the top of the table ahead of the Italian media yester- the sprint to the line. day after the Serie A side’s Juve were made to suff er at stunningJ fi ghtback against Tot- Wembley, with the fi rst half a tenham to reach the Champions trial for the Italians up against League quarter-fi nals. the speed and youth of their Massimiliano Allegri’s side English hosts. were on the brink of elimination But they never raised the white after Son Heung-Min’s fi rst-half fl ag of surrender, despite a dug- strike put Spurs ahead at their out deprived of any outright temporary home of Wembley attackers in the absence of Co- on Wednesday. But, despite be- lombian winger Juan Cuadrado, ing completely outplayed in the Mario Mandzukic and Federico opening period, Juventus got Bernardeschi, and with stars like back in the game after the break Blaise Matuidi, Higuain and Dy- and equalised through Gonzalo bala not yet at peak fi tness after Higuain. recent returns from injury. That was the decisive moment But Argentinian duo Higuain as Tottenham suddenly went and Dybala were the architects of to pieces, allowing the Italian Juve’s escape act, as was Allegri. champions to score again two “In the fi rst leg I was criticised minutes and 49 seconds later as for my substitutions and today Paulo Dybala punished poor de- you are congratulating me for fending with a cool fi nish. them? It’s the players who win All three Italian sports dailies matches. Me, I make mistakes Sydney FC coach (C) reacts with players sung from the same hymn book, and I sometimes try to repair (L) and Adrian Mierzejewski (R) during their AFC Champions League with the headline in both the them,” the coach said, tongue match against Kashima Antlers in Sydney. He will take over as coach of Gazzetto dello Sport and Corriere fi rmly in cheek. the Australian team aft er this year’s World Cup in Russia. dello Sport acclaiming “the Lions Seven of Allegri’s team had an of Wembley”, while for Tuttosport even tougher assignment to at- Juve were simply “Lions”. tend on Thursday, the funeral AFP “It is a very great honour to coach your “Arnie is clearly in our opinion the best tral Coast Mariners, where he spent three And the abiding image of a grip- of Davide Astori, the 31-year- Sydney national team. It’s a job I have always person for the job, not just the best Aus- years and led them to the championship ping game was the sight of their old Fiorentina captain who died been interested in doing and I believe the tralian but the best person for the job,” he in 2013. two aged roaring lions, 40-year- of a suspected heart attack last timing is perfect for me,” said Arnold, a said. More recently he has been in charge at old keeper Gianluigi Buff on and weekend. former striker who played for Australia “His pedigree as a footballer and as a Sydney, guiding them to the title last sea- 33-year-old Giorgio Chiellini, face “We dedicate the win to him. raham Arnold vowed not to get 56 times. coach of the Socceroos themselves some son, with the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE to face, after the veteran central He is on our minds on this day. I under the feet of current Soc- He added that he will be making no years ago, but his success more recently his fi rst major tournament back in charge defender made a crucial tackle on cried many times. He was a fan- ceroos boss Bert van Marwijk further comment until after the World with both the Central Coast Mariners of Australia, with the ultimate aim being Spurs striker Harry Kane. tastic player. It was very diffi cult as he was named as the Dutch- Cup “out of respect for Sydney FC and and Sydney FC has clearly given Arnie the qualifi cation for the 2022 World Cup in On Wednesday Tottenham during the match because we Gman’s long-term successor yesterday, to out of respect for Bert van Marwijk”. right to be put forward for the job.” Qatar. discovered that Juve were not had to think of the game and the take charge after the World Cup. “I said at the time that I thought he Sydney-born Arnold, 54, has experi- Lowy said making a temporary ap- old but experienced — and never outcome and it’s not easy. But The Sydney FC coach was one of the (van Marwijk) was a great appointment ence at international level, having pre- pointment for Russia and then a longer- beaten until the fi nal whistle. he’s always in our heart,” said main candidates to replace Ange Postec- to lead the Socceroos in Russia and eve- viously worked as an assistant to former term one was how FFA felt was the best At home it has been Napoli Chiellini. oglou, who quit in November after the rything he has done since has reinforced Socceroos coach between way forward after Postecoglou’s sudden Socceroos beat Honduras in an inter- that view,” he said. 2000-2005 and then under Guus Hid- departure. continental play-off to qualify for Russia “I won’t be getting under his feet but dink and . “We developed a set of criteria for the FOCUS 2018. I will be cheering him and the team on He managed the team during the role with the help of three distinguished But “Arnie”, a former Socceroos care- from the stands.” 2007 Asian Cup in a caretaker role for 12 former Socceroos — , taker boss, wanted to see out his contract The Socceroos have been drawn in months, making the quarter-fi nals, after and Mark Bresciano — and with the A-League side and ruled himself Group C of the World Cup together with Hiddink left following the 2006 World our own experienced staff ,” he said. ‘Ciao Asto’ — emotional out of contention. France, Denmark and Peru, with their Cup in Germany and before Verbeek took “Based on that we decided to appoint Instead Van Marwijk, who took the fi rst game against Les Bleus on June 16. over. the best person for the 2018 World Cup Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup fi - Football Federation Australia chairman Arnold stayed on as Verbeek’s assist- and the best person to lead the Socceroos Florence farewell nal, was appointed in January on a fi ve- Steven Lowy said Arnold had been hired ant, including at the 2010 World Cup, for the long term after this year’s tourna- month contract. on four-year deal. before being appointed coach of the Cen- ment.” for Davide Astori RUGBY AFP He said everyone who re- Florence membered Astori would tell his two-year daughter Vittoria that he had been a man with a housands of mourners capital ‘M’. Buff on and Chiel- and the cream of Italian lini dashed back from London football gave an emo- where the Turin team dedicated Farrell leads England against tional sendoff yester- their Champions League victory dayT to Fiorentina player Davide over Tottenham on Wednesday Astori, whose sudden death at to Astori. the age of 31 has shocked the Chiellini said after the match: country. “He is on our minds on this day. I France in Hartley’s absence Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi cried many times. He was a fan- Buff on and his Juventus team- tastic player.” AFP strong voice among the forward lead- forward Sam Simmonds returning to mate Giorgio Chiellini were Daniele De Rossi, Mario Ba- Bagshot ers and Mako has been doing some great England’s matchday 23 along with Harle- among those who paid their re- lotelli and Francesco Totti were work behind the scenes,” Jones added. quins prop Kyle Sinckler. spects in Florence to the defend- among Italy players past and “He will step up and take that on offi cially Defeat by Scotland at Murrayfi eld er who captained his club and present who came to pay their wen Farrell will captain Eng- against France.” ended England’s hopes of a second Grand played 14 times for his country. respects and the entire Fioren- land for the fi rst time after George coming in for Hartley was the Slam in three years but Jones’s men could One banner in the crowd tina team, dressed in sober dark being named to lead the side only alteration to England’s pack. yet retain their Six Nations title. read “Ciao captain”, another suits and ties, attended. against France in tomorrow’s But Australian boss Jones has shaken “This game is about the opportunity “Our captain forever” and pur- Astori was found dead in a SixO Nations clash in Paris. up his back division following England’s for the team to move forward and we want ple smoke from fl ares to match hotel room in Udine on Sun- Regular skipper Dylan Hartley has 25-13 defeat by Scotland at Murrayfi eld a response from the players this week,” the colour of Fiorentina’s shirts day ahead of Fiorentina’s Serie been ruled out with a calf injury sustained last time out — just the second loss of his said former Australia and Japan coach fi lled the sky. Applause rang out A match against Udinese. All during training earlier this week and the Red Rose reign. Jones. as Astori’s coffi n was carried into matches were postponed in the Northampton hooker’s place in the front Anthony Watson starts at fullback in “Against France we want to be bru- the Santa Croce basilica as chil- wake of the discovery. row will be taken by long-serving deputy place of the benched Mike Brown, long a tal and aggressive on the gain line and to dren wearing Fiorentina track- A post-mortem examination Jamie George. Hartley has been a con- favourite of Jones, with the fi t-again El- play with a great tactical discipline,” he suits formed a guard of honour. has found Astori most likely died stant presence since Eddie Jones took liot Daly moving into the left-wing berth explained. Milan Badelj, Astori’s deputy from a cardiac arrest linked to over as coach, starting all but one of his but at the same time he’s disappointed vacated by Watson’s positional switch. France, who beat perennial strugglers captain at the club, paid tribute the slowing of his heart rate. He 26 Tests in charge of the side. for Dylan to miss out through injury. He Meanwhile Ben Te’o, a powerful-ball Italy 34-17 last time out for their fi rst to the player in a homily. will be buried near his home city Prop Mako Vunipola, who plays along- knows the position of captain carries a lot carrier, comes back in at outside centre win of this Six Nations, made one change “You were the son and the of Bergamo in northern Italy. side inside centre Farrell at European club of responsibility,” Jones said in a Rugby instead of Jonathan Joseph. when coach Jacques Brunel announced brother that everyone would Fiorentina and Astori’s former champions Saracens, will be England’s Football Union statement announcing his Both Brown and Joseph are on a much- his side earlier yesterday, with Francois like to have,” the Croatian said. club Cagliari have said they will vice-captain in Paris. side yesterday. changed bench that sees veteran back- Trinh-Duc replacing Lionel Beauxis at “Your parents didn’t put a foot retire his number 13 shirt in his “Owen will be very proud to be captain “We need to make sure we have one row James Haskell and fi t-again loose fl y-half. wrong with you, Davide.” honour. Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 9, 2018

SECOND TEST T20 TRI-SERIES Dhawan powers Australia and South India to win over Bangladesh Africa captains hold AFP international in Mush- Colombo fi qur Rahim, returned fi gures of 2-32. “We didn’t bat well. We should have scored 30 more runs. pener Shikhar Dhawan We need to fi nd out how to get hit his second succes- runs on these kind of ,” sive half- said Bangladesh captain Mah- clear the air talks century to help India mudullah. “One win will boost thrashO Bangladesh by six wick- us and will refl ect in our game. ets and register their fi rst win in Hopefully we’ll get it.” the tri-nation tournament yes- Bangladesh will next take on Both camps continue to disagree on what sparked the conflict in Durban terday. Chasing 140 for victory, Sri Lanka in the third match of India rode on Dhawan’s 43-ball the tournament, which is timed 55 to achieve their target with to commemorate the host is- eight balls to spare at Colombo’s land’s 70 years of independence, Australia and South Africa have been asked by R Premadasa Stadium. tomorrow. the umpires to ensure there is no repeat of the India, who won the toss and ugly scenes that marred the Durban Test. (AFP) opted to bowl, gained the upper SCOREBOARD hand after pacemen Jaydev Un- Bangladesh innings adkat and Vijay Shankar shared Tamim Iqbal c Unadkat b Thakur 15 fi ve wickets between them to S Sarkar c Chahal b Unadkat 14 restrict Bangladesh to 139-8. “I Liton Das c Raina b Chahal 3 4 think it was a great performance, M Rahim c Karthik b Shankar 18 something that was expected Mahmudullah c Thakur b Shankar 1 from us. Right from the start S Rahman c Karthik b Unadkat 30 to the end, it was clinical and M Hasan c Pandey b Unadkat 3 a complete team eff ort,” India Taskin Ahmed not out 8 skipper Rohit Sharma said after R Hossain run out (Raina/Thakur) 0 the win. “Bowlers executed plans not out 1 very well. We kept it simple and Extras (lb2, w11, nb2) 15 got the basics right, which was Total (8 wickets, 20 overs) 139 missing in the fi rst game.” Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Soumya), Dhawan, whose 90 went in 2-35 (Tamim), 3-66 (Mushfiqur), vain in India’s opening loss 4-72 (Mahmudullah), 5-107 (Liton), against hosts Sri Lanka on Tues- 6-117 (Sabbir), 7-134 (Sabbir), 8-135 day, then made sure that his side (Rubel) cruise home, despite initially Did not bat: Nazmul Islam slumping to 40-2. Sharma fal- Bowling: Unadkat 4-0-38-3 (w4), tered in his second successive Sundar 4-0-23-0 (w2), Thakur 4-0- outing after chopping a delivery 25-1 (w2), Chahal 4-0-19-1, Shankar onto his stumps from left-arm 4-0-32-2 (w3, nb2) paceman Mustafi zur Rahman. He made 17. INDIA INNINGS (TARGET 140) Dhawan, hitting 5 fours and 2 R. Sharma b Mustafizur Rahman 17 sixes en route to his sixth T20 fi f- S. Dhawan c Das b Taskin 55 ty, and Suresh Raina, who made R. Pant b Rubel Hossain 7 28, put on a crucial 68-run third- S. Raina c Hasan b Hossain 28 wicket stand. Dhawan fi nally fell M. Pandey not out 27 to Taskin Ahmed’s right-arm D. Karthik not out 2 medium pace in the 17th over but Extras (b1, lb1, w2) 4 Manish Pandey, 27 not out, car- Total (4 wickets, 18.4 overs) 140 ried the team home. Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Sharma), 2-40 Earlier Bangladesh’s (Pant), 3-108 (Raina), 4-123 (dhawan) faltered with only Liton Das, who Did not bat: W. Sundar, V. Shankar, AFP happened between the pre-match press a great deal wrong,” said Smith. “In our said Du Plessis. “So I know he’s a very top-scored with 34 and Sabbir S. Thakur, J. Unadkat, Y. Chahal Port Elizabeth, South Africa conferences by both captains, Du Plessis meeting we talked about swearing. We relaxed, laid back guy. So the point lead- Rahman, who hit 30 off 26 balls, Bowling: Mustafizur 4-0-31-1, Taskin said the captains needed to “make sure don’t want that happening on the fi eld ing up to that (confrontation) would have giving some respectability to 3-0-28-1, Rubel 3.4-0-24-2 (w1), that things don’t get to the stage that they and being seen or heard by people watch- been a lot of stuff said to Quinton, a lot of the total. Unadkat claimed three Mehidy 4-0-21-0, Soumya 1-0-8-0 aptains Faf du Plessis and Steve got to in the previous game”. ing the cricket. I don’t think there was personal stuff . wickets with his left-arm pace (w1), Mahmudullah 1-0-11-0, Nazmul Smith met yesterday ahead of Smith said the role of the umpires had any real issue about what was happening “I thought he actually handled him- while Shankar, who took his fi rst 2-0-15-0 the second Test between South been discussed. "If they hear something on the fi eld prior to the incident.” self well in terms of all the stuff that was Africa and Australia in an eff ort going on they (should) go to either Faf or With Warner being one demerit point said to him. Eventually he reached a point Cto put the focus back on cricket following myself and make sure we have our troops away from a ban, Smith said he would where he said enough is enough. Any guy controversial incidents in the fi rst Test in in line and playing within the guidelines.” have to be aware of his situation. “Davey in the world would eventually say some- Durban. They agreed that they and the But both camps continued to disagree plays really well when he’s aggressive and thing back.” umpires had a responsibility to avoid the on what sparked the confl ict in Durban. he gets into the contest (but) he’s going to Smith confi rmed that Australia would confl ict that led to three players being Australian vice-captain David Warner, have to be careful to not cross the line.” fi eld an unchanged side after winning fi ned after the fi rst Test in Durban. who was fi ned 75% of his match fee and Du Plessis strongly defended De Kock. the fi rst Test by 118 runs. Du Plessis said “It was nice to have a chat and ensure given three demerit points following a Asked why De Kock had challenged a level that there was a discussion about wheth- that we’re playing within the spirit of the clash with South Africa’s Quinton de one charge, which resulted in a 25% fi ne er Theunis de Bruyn or Temba Bavuma game and that cricket is what is written Kock as the players went to the dressing and one demerit point, while Warner had would fi ll the seventh batting position about and talked about after this game,” rooms at the tea interval, told Australian not contested his punishment, Du Plessis but said Bavuma was only 80% recovered said Smith. “It’s been all about the indis- journalists that De Kock had made “dis- said it was about getting a point across to from a fi nger injury. cretions in the last fi xture and that’s not gusting” comments about Warner’s wife. the offi cials. The pitch had a fair covering of grass a what we want for the game. Cricket has Du Plessis, though, said De Kock had “If you know Quinton’s character you day out from the match but both captains got to be the winner.” been provoked by personal comments know he is a very, very quiet guy. I strug- expected it to be slow. “A typical Port Speaking before the meeting, which made by Warner. “I don’t think we did gle to get a word out of him on the fi eld,” Elizabeth pitch,” said Du Plessis.

Infi delity claim puts India bowler Shami’s contract on hold

New Delhi: India’s cricket board has tee overseeing BCCI aff airs said the Tuesday with a series of messages that ZIMBABWE’S VITORI SUSPENDED declined to renew fast bowler Moham- allegations against Shami put them in Shami, 27, allegedly sent to women dur- FOR ILLEGAL BOWLING ACTION mad Shami’s contract pending an a diff icult position and that his contract ing their four-year marriage. Zimbabwe’s Brian Vitori was suspended investigation into “unsavoury” allega- was on hold pending review. She also accused the cricketer, whom yesterday after the ICC adjudged that tions that he cheated on his wife. Shami, “We are in a bit of Catch 22,” Vinod she married in 2014, of domestic vio- the fast bowler uses an illegal action, just who represented India during the tour Rai, chairman of the committee, said. lence. India media reported that Jahan months after resuming his career. Vitori, of South Africa in January, has dismissed “Ordinarily you would distinguish and went to the police in Kolkata but did not a 28-year-old left-arm fast bowler, was the accusations of infidelity as “part of a say that is a personal issue and the file an off icial report against her hus- reported by the match off icials follow- big conspiracy” to defame him. contract is a professional issue. But band. Shami vented his frustration at his ing his side’s match against Nepal on The Board of Control for Cricket someone could easily point out and say wife’s accusations and sought to clear Sunday. An ICC panel then studied video in India dropped Shami from a list of this allegation is an unsavoury one and his record. “What is being said about of his action in Tuesday’s match against contracted players unveiled Wednesday, you are still rewarding him.” my personal life is completely false,” he Afghanistan which Zimbabwe won by which saw skipper Virat Kohli and other A source from the BCCI confirmed wrote on Twitter. “It’s definitely a part of two runs with Vitori taking their last top Test players awarded salaries just the board’s position. Shami’s wife Hasin a big conspiracy against me. This is just wicket. He must now undergo an assess- Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan plays a shot during the Nidahas above $1mn. A supervisory commit- Jahan, a former model, went public on an attempt to defame me.” ment of his bowling action. Trophy tri-nation Twenty20 match against Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Afghanistan’s World Cup hopes all but over aft er Hong Kong loss AFP stage. Scotland became the fi rst team BRIEF SCORES Harare to book their spot in the next round Group A (At Harare) after beating Nepal by four wickets to Papua New Guinea 200 all out in 42.4 make it three wins from three. overs (Assad Vala 57; Carlos Brathwaite fghanistan crashed to their Another triumph for the Scots in 5-27) lost to West Indies 201-4 in 43 third straight World Cup their fi nal group game against hosts overs (Jason Holder 99 not out) by qualifying defeat at the Zimbabwe would leave them well- six wickets hands of Hong Kong yester- placed to claim one of the last two Netherlands 176 all out in 46.3 overs day,A while captain Jason Holder led slots for next year’s World Cup in (Rohan Mustafa 5-26) lost to United Arab the West Indies to victory over Papua England and Wales. Emirates 177-4 in 44 overs (Chirag Suri New Guinea. After losses to Scotland An excellent unbeaten 99 from 78 not out) by six wickets and Zimbabwe, new Test side Af- Holder led the Windies to a six-wick- Group B (At Bulawayo) ghanistan’s hopes were hanging by a et win against Papua New Guinea, af- Hong Kong 241-8 in 50 overs (Anshu- thread, but they collapsed to 195-9 ter the two-time World Cup champi- man Rath 65; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 3-26, in pursuit of 242 to beat Hong Kong, ons had slipped to 58-4 while chasing Mohammad Nabi 3-48) bt Afghanistan with rain ensuring a 30-run defeat on 201 for a second consecutive victory 195-9 in 46 overs (Ehsan Khan 4-33) DLS method. in Group A. by 30 runs (DLS) Victory for Hong Kong in either of Ireland remain top of the table on Nepal 149 all out in 47.4 overs (Paras their two remaining Group B matches net run rate despite not playing yes- Khadka 63; Stuart Whittingham 3-35) against Scotland and Nepal would see terday, while the United Arab Emir- lost to Scotland 153-6 in 41.3 overs Hong Kong bowler Tanwir Afzal (centre) celebrates after dismissing Afghanistan batsman’s Javed Ahmadi (left) during the Rashid Khan’s much-fancied Afghan ates look set to progress after a six- (Kyle Coetzer 88 not out) by four ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, yesterday. (ICC) outfi t fail to even reach the Super Six wicket win over the Netherlands. wickets Gulf Times Friday, March 9, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Seattle Seahawks to release Sherman Raptors in playoff s, in next two days

Reuters les on Nov. 9 to end his season as Seattle well as a streak of 99 consecutive starts. He had surgery to repair that injury and also underwent a ornerback Richard Sher- minor procedure on his left Achil- Rockets streak on man’s departure from les last month to treat bone spurs. the Seattle Seahawks Silver also reported Wednes- ‘We’re at a point now where we understand that as long as there’s time on that appears imminent, fol- day that the Seahawks are “open lowingC a series of posts on social for business” with safety Earl clock, we’re going to give ourselves a chance to win’ media Wednesday and an NFL Thomas – also entering the fi nal Network report that he will be re- year of his contract – if a large leased “in the next two days.” trade off er comes along. Per NFL Network’s Mike Seattle has already accelerated Silver, the Seahawks want to a restructuring of its defense this give Sherman “a jump on free off season, with Kam Chancel- agency,” which will lead to his lor and Cliff Avril unlikely to re- imminent release. Silver added turn following neck injuries and that Seattle has not closed the Michael Bennett traded to the door on bringing Sherman back Philadelphia Eagles on Wednes- at a lower salary if his market is day. Per Silver, the Seahawks tepid, although such a scenario plan to build around Russell Wil- is unlikely. son on off ense and Bobby Wag- Sherman, who will turn 30 ner on defense moving forward. later this month, is entering the fi nal year of his contract. Releas- Jerry Jones pays $2mn ing him would save the team $11 in NFL legal fees million against the salary cap. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Contacted by the Seattle Jones settled up with the NFL, Times, Sherman said he had no paying $2 million in legal fees. comment. The team said early in ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the day that it had nothing to an- Jones paid the seven-fi gure tab nounce, but Seahawks defenders as stipulated by the league con- Jeremy Lane and Kam Chancel- stitution stating owners bring- lor went online to post tributes ing litigation against the NFL to Sherman. are subject to repaying legal Beverly Sherman, his mother, fees. After initial reports implied also posted on Twitter, saying, Jones would appeal, Schefter and “I am more than devastated to NFL Network reported the debt know that my son will no longer had been paid. Jones is one of be a Seahawk.” the NFL’s wealthiest owners and Sherman suff ered the fi rst sig- Forbes valued the Cowboys as nifi cant injury of his career last the No. 1 franchise in all of sports season, tearing his right Achil- at $4.8 billion.

Veteran Ichiro returns for Mariners swansong Japanese veteran Ichiro Suzuki has rejoined the Seattle Mariners on a one-year deal, marking an emotional return to the franchise where he launched his Major League Baseball career. The 44-year-old outfielder, who has more hits than any overseas player in Major League history, has joined for a reported $750,000 (604,000 euros), potentially rising to $2 million depending on per- formance. “The addition of Ichiro gives our team another versatile and athletic outfielder,” general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement. Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (right) dribbles past Detroit Pistons forward Eric Moreland during their NBA game in Detroit. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports “His incredible work ethic, preparation and focus will enhance our environment in many ways. AFP The Raptors had to work hard there’s time on that clock, we’re mind, the way I go out and ap- “That’s what we want go- “He’s truly one of the great players in the history of the game and his Los Angeles for the win, overcoming the going to give ourselves a chance proach the game,” James said. ing into the postseason. Ninety unquestionable presence is a valuable addition, both on the field and early ejection of Serge Ibaka and to win,” DeRozan said. “I’m blessed and I’ll never take percent of the time if you play in the clubhouse. holding their nerve after a late “Even if things aren’t going it for granted.” the right way at both ends of the “We’re very glad to bring him back home.” eMar DeRozan ex- fi ghtback from Detroit took the our way off ensively, we play fl oor, great things will happen.” Ichiro spent more than a decade in Seattle between 2001 and 2012 ploded for 42 points game into overtime. extremely hard and some ways Rockets rumble on Houston were always in con- before stints with the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins. as the Toronto Raptors Point guard Kyle Lowry was something will turn up for us Elsewhere Tuesday, James trol, easing into a 58-46 lead He was released by the Marlins in November after the Florida club clinched their place content to supply the red-hot during the game.” Harden scored 26 points as the at half-time which they never declined to take up a $2 million option. inD the NBA playoff s with a 121- DeRozan with ammunition, The Cleveland Cavaliers Houston Rockets rolled to a 17th looked like relinquishing at Mil- In July last year, Ichiro passed Rod Carew for most hits in Major 119 overtime victory against the contributing 15 assists as well as meanwhile remain third in the straight victory with a 110-99 waukee’s BMO Harris Bradley League history by a foreign-born player. Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. 15 points. Norman Powell had 17 Eastern Conference after a pul- win over the Bucks in Miami. Center. Ichiro has 3,080 major league hits but started only 22 games last sea- DeRozan added six assists points while Jonas Valanciunas sating 113-108 win over the Den- MVP front-runner Harden Bucks star Giannis Antetok- son. He batted.255 with three homers and 20 RBIs. and four rebounds in a virtuoso chipped in with 14. ver Nuggets in Colorado. pulled down fi ve rebounds and ounmpo led the scoring on the He sits 22nd on the league’s all-time hit list. performance that hauled the New Pistons arrival Blake LeBron James provided the six assists as the Western Con- night with 30 points, but Hou- Ichiro, who owns a.312 career batting average, enjoyed his best Raptors back from the brink of Griffi n had tied it at 119-119 spark for the Cavs with 39 ference leaders extended their ston’s greater off ensive depth seasons with the Mariners. He batted over.300 10 times in 11-plus sea- what would have been an upset with 37.3 seconds left in over- points, eight rebounds and 10 winning streak to improve to proved the diff erence. sons in Seattle and set the major league record with 262 hits in 2004. loss against the Pistons. time, but Detroit were unable to assists. James took control at 51-13. Khris Middleton had 18 The Seattle Mariners and outfielder Ichiro Suzuki finalized a one-year Toronto improved to 47-17 fi nd the go-ahead score. the end of the fourth quarter, Chris Paul had 16 points and points and 12 rebounds while contract on Wednesday. Suzuki, 44, spent his first 11 major league with the win, which tightened Instead, it was Toronto that scoring all of his team’s fi nal 11 assists while Eric Gordon point guard Eric Bledsoe had 15 seasons with the Mariners, where he was the American League their grip on fi rst place in the dropped the hammer with 1.1 nine points to steer them to vic- came off the bench to add 18 points for the Bucks, who fell to Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2001. He was traded to the New York Eastern Conference standings seconds on the clock as Fred tory. points in 33 minutes on court. 34-31 after the loss. Yankees in 2012, played parts of three seasons with the Yankees and and made them the fi rst team VanVleet made a two-point “To close the game out – Harden said the Rockets re- then spent three seasons with the Miami Marlins. to guarantee their spot in the jumper to clinch the win. that’s what my team-mates mained focused on perform- RESULTS The former Japanese League star collected 2,533 of his 3,080 hits postseason. It capped a roller coaster look for me to do,” James said. ance rather than maintaining Denver 108 Cleveland 113 with the Mariners, including 262 in 2004 to set an MLB record. Detroit fell to 29-36 with game for the Raptors, who were “We played a heck of a game their winning streak. Detroit 119 Toronto 121 (OT) Suzuki hit .255 in 136 games last season. Suzuki has a .312 career the defeat, leaving them just down by 17 points in the second and we didn’t want to give it “We’re not worried about Lakers 108 Orlando 107 average in the regular season and a .346 mark in 19 playoff games. outside the playoff positions quarter before recovering for away,” added the 33-year-old wins and losses right now. Sacramento 101 New Orleans 114 Seattle has concerns about depth in the outfield following a strained in ninth place, fi ve wins adrift the win. superstar, who said his form We’re worried about playing Chicago 119 Memphis 110 oblique muscle injury to Ben Gamel, who is expected to miss the of the Milwaukee Bucks in the “We’re at a point now where was at an “all-time high.” the right way at both ends of the Milwaukee 99 Houston 110 start of the regular season. eighth spot. we understand that as long as “Just because of my body, my court,” he told reporters. Indiana 84 Utah 104

NHL Stepan’s late goal lift s Coyotes over Canucks Reuters late in the fi rst period as Brandon implications in the NHL draft his 10th goal of the season. Vancouver Sutter lifted a backhand over lottery. Jankowski doubled the lead Darcy Kuemper on a breakaway. Both clubs are dwelling near exactly three minutes later, net- But the goal was waved off after the bottom of the overall NHL ting the 12th goal of his rookie layton Keller scored a a video review showed that the standings and will likely pick season. Jankowski took a pass goal and assisted on the puck hit the crossbar and then somewhere in the top six, de- from Bennett after he crossed winner as the Arizona slid along the goal line and out. pending on how they fi nish. the blueline, opted to shoot on Coyotes edged the Van- Kuemper picked up the win the one-on-two rush it created couverC Canucks 2-1 on Wednes- in goal for the Coyotes as he Flames end skid with and beat Johnson with his eff ort day night. blocked 16 of only 17 Vancouver romp over Sabres from the slot. Derek Stepan’s goal with:58 shots. Jacob Markstrom took the Mark Giordano, Sam Bennett The scoring parade was just left in the third period gave the loss while stopping 32 of 34 fi red and Mark Jankowski all col- beginning. Giordano extended visiting Coyotes their ninth win on his net. Despite the strong lected one goal and one assist as the lead with his 12th tally of in the past 13 games. With the showing, he also got lucky as the Calgary Flames thumped the the season exactly fi ve minutes win, Arizona moved out of a tie Arizona hit the post three times. Buff alo Sabres 5-1 in NHL action into the second period when he for last place overall with Buf- Keller offi cially opened the Wednesday night in Buff alo. blasted a point shot that Johnson falo. scoring on a power play at 18:22 The Flames snapped a four- could only get a piece of before it “We’re really starting to play of the fi rst period as he put his game losing skid with the win at found the net. our systems and we’re playing own rebound past Markstrom. KeyBank Center, dominating the Sean Monahan joined the fun the right way,” Keller told Sport- Initially, it appeared that Mark- lowly Sabres from the drop of 61 seconds later to make it a snet after the victory. strom had caught the puck as he the puck. The only disappoint- 4-0 lead. Monahan converted a Stepan put in a high shot from made a sensational save, but the ment for the Flames was that one-timer fed by Johnny Gaud- the slot after taking a long pass puck came loose and Vancouver goalie David Rittich, who made reau to pot his 30th goal of the from Keller after he worked the defenseman Alex Edler could not 25 saves, lost his bid for the fi rst season, a milestone he’s reached puck along the boards. Jussi cover the disk in time before Kel- shutout of his NHL career with for the second time in his career. Jokinen, with his fi rst goal in a ler poked it in. 17.1 seconds left in the aff air. The goal also spelled the end of Vancouver uniform, tallied for Arizona’s goal threatened Bennett started the onslaught the game for Johnson, who sur- the Canucks, who played with- to defl ate the Canucks and the at the 5:35 mark of the opening rendered four goals on 22 shots out injured star rookie winger crowd, but Jokinen one-timed frame, fi nishing a goal-mouth before being pulled in favour of Brock Boeser after he suff ered Brendan Leipsic’s pass behind scramble. Sabres goalie Chad Robin Lehner. a season-ending back injury in Kuemper with only 11 seconds Johnson swatted the puck away Monday’s overtime victory over left in the opening frame. from Garnet Hathaway before RESULTS the New York Islanders. Both the Coyotes and Canucks he could get a stick on it in the Calgary 5 Buff alo 1 The Canucks thought they are destined to miss the playoff s. crease, but Bennett was on the Pittsburgh 5 Philadelphia 2 Arizona Coyotes forward Derek Stepan (right) celebrates his goal with forward Clayton Keller against had scored a shorthanded goal The game could eventually have spot amidst the chaos and buried Arizona 2 Vancouver 1 Vancouver Canucks during their NHL game at at Rogers Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 9, 2018 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Tipped for the top: Sharma singled out Larrazabal jolted by Els 10 years ago

AFP you know how much work you Gurgaon, India have to put in to get there. “Just the kind of game golf is, anything is possible at any hubhankar Sharma’s time if you play well. Just like into action, Grillo stunning rise up the what happened to me after golf rankings has taken November, I was 571 in the many by surprise but world and now I am 66. I knew formerS world number one I had the game in me.” Ernie Els predicted the Indi- Sharma, after trying soccer, an’s ascent a decade ago. basketball and cricket, stuck to The 21-year-old Sharma golf following encouragement rocketed from 462nd to 66th from his father, who served as leads at Indian Open place in three months follow- an offi cer in the Indian army. ing two European Tour wins He turned pro at 16 and now ‘I didn’t start the event the way I would’ve liked to. Nonetheless, I’m happy with my and a strong showing at the hopes his success will inspire WGC-Mexico Championships India’s cricket-crazy youth to comeback on the front-nine and the way I finished the round’ last weekend. He ended tied take up golf. ninth at the PGA Tour event in “I am really happy that fi - AFP Mexico after leading going into nally golf is getting a lot of at- New Delhi the fi nal round, when he was tention in India and I think we overtaken by American great need that,” he said. Phil Mickelson. “Just to get more and more pain’s Pablo Larraza- Speaking to AFP ahead of players to the PGA Tour and bal had a “wild” start to the Indian Open in Gurgaon, just telling the general public the Indian Open when Sharma revealed that it was about what golf in India is all his alarm failed, but the Els who spotted his talent at a about and we have so many near-disasterS inspired him to coaching clinic in 2008. great players playing at the within two shots of the lead in “He put the ball on the tee world stage.” the opening round yesterday. for me at Delhi Golf Course Clubhouse leader Emiliano range and I hit two great shots ‘Sachin moment’ Grillo said he played “almost right near the 100-yard board Sharma’s father Mohan perfect golf” to card seven-un- and he was really happy,” said Sharma also believes that his der 65 in Gurgaon before play Sharma. son’s success will inspire Indi- was suspended for bad light, “He said you are going to be an children to play golf, draw- preventing 24 players from com- a great player one day and just ing parallels with cricket great pleting their round. keep practising. And for a kid Sachin Tendulkar. “I almost had to play perfect like me who was only 10 at that “In early nineties I watched golf out there. It’s a very diffi - time it just made my day, I was Sachin and his documentaries cult golf course. I’m very happy so happy that I couldn’t sleep and how his name changed the with the way I handled myself that night.” business of cricket. Similarly out there. It was very tough and ‘Anything is possible’ his story is going to be an in- I was able to make some good “I met Ernie after that in spiration and it will be a Sachin putts and hit the fairways when Abu Dhabi recently and I told moment for golf,” Mohan Lal I needed to,” he said. him about the story and he told AFP. “I shot seven-under-par, but was really happy that I have “His honesty, his character I think anywhere else it would progressed so well,” Sharma is what he stands for. He be- have been close to a 59. It was added. Sharma has been in- lieves more in listening than in defi nitely a magnifi cent round vited to the Masters in April, talking. Same in golf, he speaks of golf. Every tee shot, every sec- where he will become only the with his clubs rather than his ond shot, you don’t want to miss fourth Indian to play after Jeev mouth,” he added. it in the wrong place.” Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal and Sharma’s peers at the In- Larrazabal made an impres- Anirban Lahiri. dian Open praised his achieve- sion with fi ve-under to be tied And he is setting his sights ments, with Lahiri calling his second with Paul Peterson of high. rise “massive and huge” for the US and Italy’s Matteo Man- Emiliano Grillo in action during the first round of the Indian Open in New Delhi yesterday. “There still is a lot to be Indian golf. Sharma will be assero. done if you see golf at an in- hoping for a better fi nish in The Spaniard had a scary start DLF Golf and Country Club “Shooting under par on this “I didn’t start the event the to play a practice round with ternational level. Obviously if Augusta than in Mexico, where to the day when he woke up just just before his 7:00am start golf course, it’s unbelievable,” way I would’ve liked to. None- the legend at the Masters next you see from Indian standards he closed with a three-over- 38 minutes before his tee-time time. added the 34-year-old. theless, I’m happy with my month. some people feel I have done par 74 to share ninth. after his new phone reverted to “I think the courtesy car made Home favourite and young comeback on the front-nine and Other noted Indian golfer An- well and have to keep playing “I am working on every as- the time back in Europe. a world record from the hotel golfi ng sensation Shubhankar the way I fi nished the round,” irban Lahiri and Jyoti Randhawa the way I have and get to the pect of my game and (will) be A timely wake-up call from to the golf course in a couple of Sharma had an ordinary start af- said Sharma. carded even-par 72 to be tied PGA Tour,” said Sharma, who totally prepared before I get a European Tour offi cial, “a minutes, a ride that can take 10 ter shooting one-over at a course But the 21-year-old Sharma 37th while defending champion was introduced to the game by there. I have to work a lot on 10-second shower” and a mad or 15 minutes, it was really wild,” considered among the toughest had reason to smile after receiv- SSP Chawrasia had a forgettable his father at the age of seven. my short game, hitting and car dash got Larrazabal to the said Larrazabal. on the Asian and European tour. ing an invite from Rory McIlroy day at two-over. He highlighted Jordan Spi- everything,” he said. eth’s feat of winning the Mas- “I know I have the game to ters at 21. go and contend there and play “You just have to look at the well. But it’s about playing well Tiger inspired by Mickelson, eyes Masters challenge greats of the game and then at the right time.” Tiger Woods is drawing inspira- at the Honda Classic and is “There are a few guys who can play the golf course and it fits player. But here I am, and it’s a tion from fellow veteran Phil playing the Valspar at Tampa, do it late in their career.” us,” Woods said. “There’s defi- lot of fun.” Woods said he hopes Mickelson’s win in Mexico last Florida this week in an attempt Woods, who has missed the last nitely going to be some young to use Valspar to fine-tune his weekend as he plots the latest to hone his game before the two Masters, is also not ruling guys who’ve been playing well game while building up his stage of his comeback this Masters. Woods missed all of out a member of the old guard up there. But Augusta is one of endurance. “Keep progressing, week ahead of next month’s 2016 and most of 2017 because prevailing at Augusta next those courses that favors the keep making small changes, Masters. The 42-year-old former of debilitating back trouble that month. vets. It’s a hard test.” small tweaks,” he said. “Hope- world number one will tee off in culiminated in spinal fusion “The favorites are the guys fully I can continue to do that the PGA Tour’s Valspar Cham- surgery last April. He said the who’ve always done well there,” ‘Here I am’ this week. I’ve only played 10 pionship on Thursday hoping 47-year-old Mickelson’s victory Woods said, insisting that At this stage of the season, how- rounds. I know some people are to get more rounds under his at the WGC Championship in himself and former champions ever, Woods is simply happy to saying that I’ve been a little er- belt heading into Augusta Mexico on Sunday encouraged such as Fred Couples, Bernhard be back on the circuit. ratic, or a little inconsistent. But in three weeks’ time. Woods him to believe he could still add Langer, Bubba Watson and “I’m just ecstatic to have a it’s 10 rounds. It’s not that many. has endured mixed results to his collection of 106 profes- Mickelson were all capable of chance to play again and to “I looked up some of my stats since returning to the tour this sional wins. “What Phil’s doing challenging. “I’m not going to have a chance to win golf tour- last night as I wanted to see season, finishing tied for 23rd at is showing that we can still do it put it out of the realm if Freddie naments and compete,” he said. where I’m ranked - I’m not even Torrey Pines in January before later on in our careers,” Woods feels good, he’s still in he mix. “There was a while there where on the rankings, because I missing the cut at Riviera in Los told reporters on Wednesday. Bernhard is still in the mix. Phil I didn’t know if I was ever haven’t played enough rounds. Angeles last month. He followed “Davis won at 51, Phil at 47,” he is in the mix. Myself, Bubba. going to be out there again in “That’s basically how my come- that up with a 12th-place finish said, referring to Davis Love III. There’s a few who know how to the capacity of a professional back has been so far.”

TENNIS Osaka too strong for Sharapova in California Reuters close to challenging for a tour- seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova Swiss star Federer showing no signs of slowing Indian Wells, United States nament victory since. in the second round. In earlier action, American Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, Roger Federer, who regained the world Number One ranking last teenager Amanda Anisimova who was also a teenage prodigy month, is on a quest to make history in the California desert by win- ormer world number one recorded her fi rst top-level vic- but has had her career blight- ning an unprecedented sixth Indian Wells title. The 36-year-old Swiss Maria Sharapova lost her tory with a 6-2 6-2 thrashing of ed by injury, also advanced by marvel continues to defy the aging process, claiming his 20th Grand second consecutive fi rst Pauline Parmentier. overcoming an awful start and Slam title and sixth Australian Open crown in January. round match with a 6-4 The 16-year-old’s poised and seeing off a match point to beat He has enjoyed a perfect start to 2018 by winning both events he has 6-4F defeat to Japan’s Naomi Os- polished performance came Hungarian Timea Babos 1-6 6-1 competed in and taking his career singles title tally to 97. aka at the BNP Paribas Open in in stark contact to the dismal 7-6(4). “He shows there is no limit,” said third-seeded Grigor Dimitrov on California on Wednesday. display of Canadian Eugenie Former world number fi ve Wednesday. “He keeps on proving it every year on the tour.” Sharapova, who returned Bouchard, who was humbled Bouchard was outclassed by Federer opens the defence of his Indian Wells title by playing a sec- to tennis last April following a 6-3 6-4 by American qualifi er 100th-ranked Vickery in her ond-round match against either American Ryan Harrison or Federico 15-month doping ban, contin- Sachia Vickery. fi rst match since reaching a set- Delbonis of Argentina. ued to struggle to fi nd form this Anisimova, the junior wom- tlement with the US Tennis As- He also won this tournament three straight years beginning in 2004, season as she dug herself into an en’s US Open champion, was sociation (USTA) over a locker and in 2012 as well as last year. Federer comes into the elite event as early hole and never fully recov- stronger than the 32-year-old room fall during the 2015 US the oldest ATP Number One in history. In the Open era, only American ered. Parmentier in every facet of the Open. Jimmy Connors has won more titles than Federer, with 109. Now ranked 41st in the world, game on the slow hard court in Her weak second serve was Federer has played two tournaments this year and won both -- the Sharapova fought back from Indian Wells. particularly costly as Vickery other being the Rotterdam Open. early breaks in both sets but ul- “It’s very exciting. I’ve worked pounced time and again in front “For me to stand right here as world Number One in San Jose is very, timately came up short on the really hard for this so I’m proud of a sparse late-afternoon crowd very special for me,” Federer said at a charity event in San Jose, Cali- key points in a performance that of myself,” Anisimova told Ten- on centre court. fornia. Federer is not alone in his hunt for a sixth Indian Wells crown saw her commit six double faults nis Channel, adding that adjust- All eyes will be on Serena when the men’s draw kicks off . and lose fi ve service games to her Maria Sharapova of Russia after losing a point against Naomi Osaka ing to the senior ranks had been Williams on Thursday when Serbian Novak Djokovic, who is making his first return to the Tour 20-year-old opponent. of Japan in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. (AFP) more mental than physical. the American plays in her fi rst since the Australian Open, is also a five-time Indian Wells champion “I knew (Sharapova) would “The biggest thing is be- singles event since giving birth and would like nothing more than to announce his return from an fi ght for everything because I’ve ning the fi rst meeting between dian Wells, Sharapova won the ing tough mentally. I’ve learned last September, the two-time elbow injury by going all the way. Both players are in opposite halves watched her since I was little,” the pair. “I was just really hon- Tianjin Open in October for her about how to just be stronger champion starting her campaign of the draw so they would not meet each other until the final. world number 44 Osaka said in oured to play her.” fi rst triumph since returning to during matches.” against Zarina Diyas of Kaza- Djokovic won Indian Wells in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016. a courtside interview after win- A two-time champion at In- the WTA Tour, but has not come She will face Russia’s 23rd khstan in a fi rst round encounter. Gulf Times Friday, March 9, 2018 7 SPORT

ITTF QATAR OPEN India’s Kamal shocks fi ft h seed Niwa to enter round 2 Sharath Kamal will next face fellow qualifier Denmark’s Jonathan Groth, who ended the challenge of Qatar’s Li Ping

By Sports Reporter Doha

aving come through the qual- ifi cations, India’s Achanta Sharath Kamal continued his rich vein of form to enter the Hsecond round of the 2018 ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open. At the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah arena yesterday, Sharath Kamal caused one of the biggest upsets of the day as he upset Japan’s fi fth seed Koki Niwa in fi ve games (8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 14-12, 11-9) to reserve his place in the second round. “I have never beaten him before, last year at the Asian Championships in the men’s team event I had three match points and lost. In the fi rst game today I was ahead 8-5 and lost, in the sec- ond I was down 8-5 and won,” said the 35-year-old. “Actually most games I was down and won. The only way for me to beat him was to use my power, take some risks. In rallies I had no chance against him. Also I tried to play slowly not too fast,” the Indian paddler added. Sharath Kamal will next face fellow qualifi er Denmark’s Jonathan Groth, who ended the challenge of Qatar’s Li Ping, the No.16 seed, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9, 5-11, 11-5. Sweden’s Mattias Karlsson and China’s Zhou Yu, who had come through two-day qualifi cation, also moved into the next round. Karlsson India’s Achanta Sharath Kamal in action during the ITTF World Tour Platinum overcame Frenchman Simon Gauzy, Qatar Open at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah arena yesterday. China’s beat compatriot in the first round of the women’s singles. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil the No.8 seed 11-3, 11-8, 11-4, 8-11, 11- 9, while Zhou Yu ended the hopes of “I had to play two matches to qualify the fact that I received service well was Egypt’s Omar Assar, the No.14 seed, 11- so I was used to the atmosphere, ac- important but really it was being strong 5, 13-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-6. customed to the arena. For Zhu Yul- mentally,” said I-Ching. Meanwhile, tournament favourites ing, it was much diff erent. It was her There were upsets in the opening Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin imposed fi rst match. I think she found it hard to round of the women’s singles events their authority on the proceedings. Top adapt to the rhythm of the match,” said as well. Miyu Nagasaki beat Japanese seed Zhendong beat Japan’s Maharu Shiwen after the victory. compatriot Sakura Mori, the No.15 seed Yoshimura 11-9, 5-11, 11-3, 11-1, 13-11, “Both of us kept making changes in 11-13, 11-6, 12-10, 11-9, 11-9, Japan’s while No. 4 seed got past Portugal’s the match. After the fourth game when Hitomi Sato used her defensive skills to Tiago Apolonia 13-15, 11-2, 11-5, 11-8, we were level, the direction of my play, good eff ect to defeat Chen Szu-Yu, the Top seed Fan Zhendong beat 11-4. In other matches, Japan’s Jun Mi- my placement of the ball was better. In No.10 seed from Chinese Taipei, 11-3, Japan’s Maharu Yoshimura. zutani beat German Patrick Franziska the past we have played so many seven- 11-7, 8-11, 11-2, 11-7. 5-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-13, 11-5; while game matches, I was prepared for that In other matches, , South Korea’s Lee Sangsu overcame again,” she added. the No.4 seed, beat Portugal’s Fu Yu Bastian Steger of Germany 12-10, 11-9, Chinese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching, the 11-5, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4. Hina Hayata, the 5-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-9. No.8 seed, also avenged her loss to Ro- No.13 seed, overcame Singapore’s Zeng In the women’s category, Liu Shiwen mania’s Bernadette Szocs at the recent Jian 11-9, 11-6, 11-8, 11-4, while Miu extracted her revenge over Zhu Yul- ITTF Team World Cup in London. I- Hirano, the No.7 seed, defeated China’s ing, after having lost to her in the fi nal Ching beat Szocs in Doha in fi ve games Chen Ke 13-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9. Chen in Markham, Toronto at the 2017 ITTF 11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5. “Today I was Xingtong, the No.11 seed, halted the Women’s World Cup six months ago. more patient than when I lost in Lon- ambitions of colleague Zhang Rui 8-11, Shiwen won the fi rst round all-Chi- don; also my head was clear today. I was 11-4, 11-7, 13-11, 11-4. The men’s and nese contest in Doha in six games yes- one hundred per cent focused. I cannot women’s second round matches will be terday 12-14, 11-5, 11-4, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5. really highlight specifi c points, maybe played today.

HORSE RACING PSL Raqee edges out AJS Al Rayyan in Ronchi’s knock Rodat Al Maida Cup thriller leads Islamabad

By Sports Reporter and then fi nishing in the frame last to easy victory Doha time out. On Wednesday, under Gerald Avranche, the 4-year-old had little trou- Agencies ble beating the competition going past Dubai fter being well held in HH The the post three and a half lengths ahead Emir’s Sword Festival two weeks of the competition in the Thoroughbred ago, Hassan Ali Hassan al-Mat- Handicap Class 3 (70-90). uke Ronchi’s stunning wi’s Raqee (Mared Al Sahra x Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi assault at the top of the Cath)A and Hadi Nasser Rashid al-Ram- trained High Commander (Teofi lo x Pel- order helped Islamabad zani trained AJS Al Rayyan (Amer x Man- linore) was second under Marc Lerner, United to a convincing galine Du Loup) locked the top two spots, having edged out Mohamed Riyaz Ib- Lsix-wicket win over Lahore Qa- with the former, lesser exposed than the rahim Kasim saddled Third Order (Hat landars in the Pakistan Super latter, picking up a close win in the 1700m Trick x Fifth Commandment), with Al- League yesterday. dirt feature. motasem Al Balushi astride, by a neck at It was Qalandars sixth loss in While Raqee was sixth in HH The the line for the second place fi nish. as many games and they are out Emir’s Silver Sword, AJS Al Rayyan had In the Thoroughbred Handicap Class contention for the play off s. Ron- fi nished 14th in the top quality Arabian 4, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin chi’s 41-ball 77 meant Islamabad feature of the fl agship weekend in Qatar Khalifa al-Thani’s Woodkid (New Ap- chased down a target of 164 with racing. However, on Wednesday, Saleem proach x Waldtraut) had never fi nished 17.3 overs. This was Islamabad’s Golam helmed Raqee to a half a length vic- outside the frame in Qatar since moving second victory over a hapless tory, beating Tomas Lukasek ridden AJS from France. Julian Colin Smart’s ward Lahore side this season, the fi rst Al Rayyan in duel, as Julian Colin Smart continued with that run, registering his one having come in a Super-Over trained Aaley Al Magam (Amer x Abigaille), second win in fi ve starts, on Wednesday. fi nish. Ronchi and JP Duminy set with Marc Lerner astride, fi nished third a Marc Lerner helmed the 4-year-old to the tone for the chase with a 47- little over two lengths behind. a dominant victory fi nishing almost fi ve run opening stand in 4.3 overs. Brendon McCullum made a furi- Kufoo (Dormane x Al Anqa) was the lengths ahead of the competition. Mo- Ronchi smashed Sunil Nar- ous late dash with an unbeaten second winner on the day for Umm Qarn, hamed Hussain Afroz saddled Succeed ine’s fi rst delivery for a six, but 12-ball 33. trainer Alban Elie Marie de Mieulle and And Excel (Exceed and Excel x Wood- the bowler hit back two balls In another match, Quetta jockey Jean Baptiste Hamel in the Pure- beck), with Jean Baptiste Hamel astride, later by having Duminy caught Gladiators crushing Karachi bred Arabian Handicap (90 & below) edged out Hamad Mohammed al-Khay- at slip. Narine would go on to Kings by 67 runs. The 5-year-old had won over C&D in Raqee’s representative Mansoor Shahwan al-Hajri (left) receives the trainer’s trophy arin schooled Disco Inferno (Lawman x take two more wickets, includ- Gladiators amassed 180 thanks December and fi nished in the frame twice from Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) deputy chief steward Abdulla Rashid Pink Sovietstaia), ridden by Faleh Bugha- ing Ronchi’s, but it was a disap- as Shane Watson scored an un- since then. On Wednesday in the 1700m al-Kubaisi after the four-year-old colt won the Rodat Al Maida Cup at the QREC on naim, by a quarter of a length for the run- pointed bowling performance beaten 58-ball 90, while Kevin race, the colt registered his fi rst win of the Wednesday. PICTURE: Juhaim ner-up fi nish. from Qalandars. When Ronchi Pietersen belted 52 off 34 balls. calendar year, and third overall, fi nishing Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain’s perished in the 16th over, Islam- In reply, Karachi experimented comfortably ahead of Ahmed Mohamad Ibrahim al-Malki trained Shobrom (Ac- nio Convertino, for the win with four and ward, Zuzi (Dutch Art x Wedding List), abad needed only 13 to win. with sending Shahid Afridi to Kobeissi’s charge Khor Al Adaid (Amer x clamation x Strasbourg Place) was back a half lengths to spare. picked up her fi rst win since May 2015 Earlier, Qalandars had great open the batting with Joe Denly. Si Vous Plait), who fi nished second for the on the surface he has won twice on, and Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahro- when Pierantonio Convertino guided start with the bat as Fakhar Za- But Afridi was dismissed for 1 off second straight race under Vaclav Janacek. he added to that tally with a victory in the mi trained Hydroxide (Lope De Vega x her to a comfortable victory over six fur- man and Anton Devcich (62 off 5 balls. The rest of the Karachi Saleem Golam guided Ibrahim Saeed Ib- 1100m sprint. Craighall) completed the top three under longs on Wednesday. The 7-year-old had 42 balls) added 56 in 6.4 overs. top order was no better as Mo- rahim al-Malki trained Afreetah (Majd Al Ridden by Anas al-Seyabi in the col- JP Guillambert. she her maiden status two years ago. On Zaman was out for 34 off 24 balls, hammad Nawaz bossed proceed- Arab x Raleuse De Faust) to third place. ours of Rumailah Stud, the 3-year-old Rashid Mohammed al-Jehani’s ward, Wednesday, under Convertino, the Has- when he was caught behind by ings in the fi rst Powerplay with In the Thoroughbred Handicap (Class gelding beat Deborah Amanda Clare Aluqdah (Zoff any x Halo De Lune), had san Ali Alabdulmalik owned mare went Ronchi off Duminy. an excellent spell as Karachi were 3) (70-90), Having missed out on a victo- Mountain’s ward, Catch A Wave (Approve won a similar grade handicap in Decem- past the post with a little more than two But Devcich continued his reduced to 55 for 5, and the game ry last time round on turf, Ibrahim Saeed x Casablanca Jewel), ridden by Pieranto- ber before being well held in the Derby lengths to spare. free scoring ways before captain was already over.

Friday, March 9, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FIVB WORLD TOUR FOCUS Swiss accounts to be closed over Syria Qatar’s Younousse sanctions: World Chess Federation

Reuters “We can’t comment on Athens whether individuals or organi- and Tijan march into sations are clients of UBS. We follow all laws and regulations he World Chess Fed- that are applicable to us,” UBS eration (FIDE) says its said. Swiss bank announced Last March, Ilyumzhinov that the federation’s accused FIDE of an attempted Taccounts would be immediate- “revolution” to oust him by ly closed because its president falsely announcing his resig- Katara Cup semis – with whom the FIDE secre- nation. He said he intended to tariat is embroiled in a power serve his full term and would ‘I’m so tired, but I gave my best until we finished the day on a high’ struggle – is under US sanc- decide this year whether to run tions for alleged dealings with for re-election in September. By Sports Reporter the Syrian government. FIDE, whose secretariat is Doha Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, a Rus- based in Athens, says it trans- sian who has headed FIDE for ferred presidential powers to over two decades, was placed Ilyumzhinov’s deputy in De- atar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan de- under US sanctions in Novem- cember 2015 though its website feated Poland’s Michal Bryl and Grzegorz Fi- ber 2015, accused of aiding the still lists Ilyumzhinov as presi- jalek 2-1 to enter the semi-fi nals of the FIVB Syrian government. Ilyumzhi- dent. World Tour Katara Cup Beach Volleyball nov, a millionaire businessman “The Swiss Bank UBS has yesterday.Q and ex-politician, has denied announced that they will im- At the Katara Cultural Village, the Qataris, who man- the accusations. mediately close our accounts,” aged to enter the knock out round of the 4-star event “Mr Kirsan Ilyumzhinov de- FIDE’s treasurer, Adrian Siegel, after losing two matches in the group phase on Wednes- nies the outrageous and false said in a Feb. 12 letter posted on day, won three yesterday, including a thriller against the allegations made against him its website. Polish rivals. Younousse and Tijan started slowly against and is not aware that FIDE’s “The white money strategy Bryl and Fijalek and lost the fi rst set 15-21, but they came bank accounts have been fro- in Switzerland does not allow back strongly in the next two to win 21-16, 15-10 in 47 zen by UBS,” his London so- to do business with institu- minutes. licitor Nigel Kushner said in a tions or persons on the sanc- “I’m so tired, but I gave my best until we fi nished statement. tion list of the US Department the day on a high,” Tijan said after winning three tough “Mr Ilyumzhinov believes of the Treasury. Thus, it was rounds. that the allegations form part only a question of time until we “It will be the same tomorrow and we will give our of an ongoing smear campaign face this serious problem.” best to be in the fi nal at this beautiful venue as I want to related to a power struggle at Siegel said FIDE had so far carry on playing here. FIDE in advance of elections been allowed to keep its ac- “In the fi rst set they were serving so well and that taking place this year.” counts because Ilyumzhinov made receiving hard. But we started to play better in the UBS said it could not com- had informed FIDE on several second set and used our service to pressure them. It gave ment on whether individuals occasions that he would soon us opportunities and they started to make bad passes or organisations were clients of be removed from the sanctions and bad receptions and that gave us the chance to get up the bank. list. and block them.” Earlier in the day, Younousse and Tijan defeated Canada’s Sam Pedlow and Sam Schachter 21-19, 21-14 Qatar’s Cherif Younousse (left) and Ahmed Tijan (right) in action during their match against Michal Bryl and Grzegorz in their fi rst knock-out match before surviving in three Fijalek of Poland at the FIVB Katara Cup Beach Volleyball yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram sets against Norway’s Anders Berntsen Mol and Chris- tian Sandlie Sorum 18-21, 21-18, 20-18 in the quarter- fi nals. The Qataris will take on Alexander Brouwer and Rob- ert Meeuwsen in the semi-fi nals today at 3.30pm after the fi fth-seed Dutch duo defeated Brazilians Saymon Barbosa Santos and Alvaro Morais Filho 19-21, 21-19, 22- 20 in the last eight. Brouwer-Meeuwsen are chasing their second World Tour medal of 2018 having won bronze at The Hague 4-star tournament at the start of the year. “We had to play with our guts and put our heart on the court,” Brouwer said. “To be in the semis is a big reward, but it is just the start. We just had to keep pushing and we played with guts and took a few risks and I’m really happy with the win. It was important we regained focus on the things we want to improve, and each training session in pre- season was fully focused. “We want to win tournaments this year, so hopefully we can start tomorrow.” To-ssed Philip Dalhausser and Nicholas Lucena of the US will take on Russians Oleg Stoyanovskiy and Igor Velichko in the second semi-fi nal. Dalhausser-Lucena got the better of Poland’s Piotr Kantor and Bartosz Losiak 37-35, 13-21, 15-6, Stoy- anovskiy and Velichko defeated Latvia’s Aleksandrs Samoilovs and Janis Smedins 21-15, 21-13. Qatar’s Cherif Younousse (left) and Ahmed Tijan celebrate their quarter-final win at the Katara Cultural Village yesterday. FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.

GOLF Asia-Pacifi c men, women grab fi rst day’s honours

Asia-Pacific men (in red T-shirt) with Europe players during the first day play of the Bonallack Trophy yesterday.

By Sports Reporter In the afternoon foursomes, wins andez all halved their foursomes Doha from Robin Dawson & Marc Ham- matches, taking Europe’s total to mer, Catherine Edgar & Frederic three points. Lacroix, and Kristoff er Reitan & Gudrun Bjorgsvindottir and Clar- sia-Pacifi c made a strong Rasmus Hojgaard allowed the Eu- isse Louis, who teed-off fi rst in the start in their bid to de- ropean side to claim the session 3-2, session, lost 6&5 to Atthaya Thitikul throne defending champi- and close the gap to their opponents and Yuka Saso, leaving the fi nal score ons Europe by ending the to just one point. for the day at 7-3 to Asia-Pacifi c. fiA rst day’s play in the Bonallack Tro- In the Patsy Hankins Trophy for The Bonallack Trophy is played phy with a one-point advantage at ladies which is played simultane- between two teams of twelve male the Doha Golf Club yesterday. ously with the Bonallack Trophy, amateur golfers representing Europe On a hot day in Doha, the Asia- Europe trails holders Asia-Pacifi c and Asia-Pacifi c. There are three Pacifi c team edged Europe 5.5-4.5, by a whopping four points after day days of play. The fi rst two days com- with one. prise fi ve foursomes matches each Oliver Gillberg and Angel Hidalgo In the morning fourballs, Bianca morning and fi ve four-ball matches securing Europe’s only win of the Fabrizio & Blanca Fernandez were each afternoon. morning session with a 2&1 victory the only pair to score points for the On the fi nal day, all twelve team over Gregory Foo and Kazuya Osawa European side, defeating Wenbo Liu players compete in singles match in the fourballs. and Du Mohan 3&2, meaning Asia- play. A win counts as one point, a Finnish duo, Sami Valimaki and Pacifi c held a four-point lead head- half yields half a point and a lost Matias Honkala, who teed-off fi rst ing into the afternoon. match returns zero. In the event of for the European side, managed to Frida Kinhult & Amanda Linner, a tie, the trophy shall be retained by secure a half in their match, while Zhen Bontan & Elena Moosmann, the holders. The tournament is be- Asia-Pacifi c won the other three Puk Lyng Thomsen & Annabell Full- ing played in Qatar for the fi rst time matches to win the session 3.5-1.5. er, Bianca Fabrizio & Blanca Fern- and ends tomorrow. European women in action on the first day of the Patsy Hankins Trophy at the Doha golf Club yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram