SPORT Wednesday 7 March 2018

PAGE | 32-33 PAGE | 34 PAGE | 35 All-rounderA Aguero I am a victim of smear As Serena returns,ns, better than ever for attempt, says Wiggins Venus says her Guardiola game hasn’t left Real, Liverpool into last 8

AP Edinson Cavani’s close-range UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Real Madrid’s Brazilian midfielder goal gave PSG some hope with Casemiro (left) celebrates with Cristiano PARIS: Cristiano Ronaldo 20 minutes left. But with mid- Last 16, second legs Ronaldo (centre) and Gareth Bale punished Paris Saint-Germain’s fielder Marco Verratti already In Paris after scoring his team’s second goal slack defending once again, scor- sent off, scoring two more to Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) 1 (Cavani 71) during the UEFA Champions League ing a powerful second-half force extra time was beyond a round of 16 second leg against Paris header as Real Madrid cruised lackluster PSG side. Real Madrid (ESP) 2 (Ronaldo 51, Saint-Germain (PSG) in Paris yesterday. into the Champions League Instead, midfielder Casem- Casemiro 80) quarterfinals with a 2-1 win iro’s deflected shot looped past Real Madrid win 5-2 on aggregate yesterday. stranded goalkeeper Alphonse Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Areola in the 80th to make it 5-2 In Liverpool

PSG’s fragile defense crumbled on aggregate. Liverpool (ENG) 0 FC Porto (POR) 0 and its attack offered little threat He was gifted the ball after Liverpool win 5-0 on aggregate without the injured Neymar. The midfielder Adrien Rabiot dealt biggest bang from this PSG side poorly with Lucas Vazquez’s was from the fireworks con- cross. want to believe this side can con- stantly let off by a section of fans To compound a miserable quer Europe, Verratti showed behind one goal. night for PSG fans, who so badly terrible composure to in getting sent off midway through the sec- ond half. He got a second yellow card, having protested vehe- mently with referee Felix Brych after not getting a free kick his way. Ronaldo had already done his usual damage. The Champions League’s all- nine Champions League games into the quarter-finals of the and then hit the post in the 31st time leading scorer was given far in a row, matching Ruud van Nis- Champions League with a goal- minute after taking down a ball too much space and leapt trium- telrooy’s record. less draw against Porto from James Milner and releas- phantly to beat goalkeeper This was a huge test for a PSG yesterday, completing a routine ing a low diagonal drive. Alphonse Areola with a down- side desperate to prove it belongs aggregate victory after their 5-0 Porto’s best effort came in ward header in the 51st minute. among Europe’s elite, especially first-leg win in Portugal. the 52nd minute when Ghana- It took his tournament-leading after spectacularly failing last In a predictably low-key ian winger Majeed Waris’ shot tally to 12, including two in the year - becoming the first team game, Liverpool striker Sadio from the edge of the box was first leg. eliminated after winning the first Mane, whose hat-trick in Porto pushed wide by Liverpool keeper After a slow start this season, leg 4-0. Barcelona won the helped ensure there was little at Loris Karius. Ronaldo is hitting top form at a return 6-1. stake at Anfield, came closest to Substitute Danny Ings then crucial time for a Madrid side This time, there was simply breaking the deadlock. forced a fine save out of Porto’s Porto’s Diogo Dalot in action with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez at Anfield looking to win the competition not enough belief shown and too Mane was off target with an veteran Spanish keeper Iker yesterday. for the third straight time and many sloppy mistakes. effort at full-stretch from a Joe Casillas with a looping header in 13th overall. He has scored in Meanwhile, Liverpool eased Gomez cross in the 18th minute the final stages. Al Duhail maintain perfect start as gutsy Al Rayyan hold Al Hilal

FAWAD HUSSAIN AFC Champions League goal of the The Peninsula season. El Arabi then turned provider to DOHA: Al Duhail continued perfect Youssef Msakni for Al Duhail’s start with a 3-2 win over Uzbekistan’s third goal in the 25th minute. Msakni PFC Lokomotiv while Al Rayyan latched onto El Arabi’s precise through displayed a brave show to earn an 1-1 pass and deftly chipped Ignatiy Nes- draw against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal as terov to give his side a firm 3-0 lead Qatari clubs enjoyed a good day at AFC going into the break. Champions League yesterday. Lokomotiv looked a different side At Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in after the restart and duly pulled a goal Doha, Al Duhail, who are in golden back in the 57th minute, with substi- form, overcame a fightback from Loko- tute Nivaldo scoring with his first touch motiv to maintain their 100 percent just moments after coming on. Two record and stay top of Group B. minutes later, Marat Bikmaev made it The QNB Stars League (QSL) lead- 3-2 after a lobbed finish over Al Duhail ers got off to a blistering start, with keeper Amine Lecomte. Youssef El Arabi scoring twice inside However, despite pushing hard for the first 20 minutes after being set up an equaliser, Lokomotiv were unable by Al Moez Ali on both occasions. to complete what would have been an The Moroccan’s first goal came via impressive comeback. a fierce low shot following a swift pass- Lokomotiv slumped to third place ing move in the ninth minute. In the following the loss. The Uzbek side will 19th minute, El Arabi doubled the hosts’ now look to take revenge when they Al-Duhail’s Youssef lead by tapping in to an empty goal host Al Duhail in Tashkent on Match- Msekni kicks the ball past after Ali’s squared pass for his fourth day Four. In Riyadh, Michael Laudrup’s Lokomotiv’s goalkeeper Al Rayyan held their nerves to share Ignaty Nesterov during AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS spoils with Al Hilal, spurred with their AFC Champions packed home spectators at King Saud League match yesterday. Al Duhail 3 Lokomotiv 2 University Stadium. Al Hilal 1 Al Rayyan 1 The visitors came off the blocks Zob Ahan 2 Al Wahda 0 racing and found the back of the net Al Ain 2 Esteghlal 2 just three minutes into the game after came close to levelling the score in the mark when Abderazak Hamdallah beat with venom into the top right corner captain Rodrigo Tabata’s pass found ninth minute when Achraf Bencharki’s the goalkeeper, only to see his goal to earn his side a point on the night. Guangzhou 5 Jeju United 3 Mohsine Moutouali who fired a pow- close range shot from a narrow angle ruled out for offside. The Saudi side The 2017 runners-up remain Jeonbuk 6 Tianjin Quanjian 3 erful strike from outside the box that was blocked by defender Ahmed started the second half brighter and in without a win in the group and will Reysol 1 Kitchee 0 went in off the post to put Al Rayyan Yasser. the 58th minute, Bencharki sent an next travel to Doha to face Al Rayyan, Buriram 2 Cerezo Osaka 0 in front. Al Rayyan thought they had dou- intelligent pass into the box for over- who have now drawn all their three Al Hilal regrouped quickly and bled their lead just before the half hour lapping left-back Al Zori who struck games. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 ‘Challenging Beyond Expectation’ to celebrate achievement of Qatari women in sport

THE PENINSULA Nada Mohamed, who is the DOHA: Six inspirational indi- first Qatari female to compete viduals will be sharing their at two Olympic Games. incredible stories of achieving success in women’s sport and health in a panel session open to all tomorrow. This will be immediately fol- lowed by sporting activities led by Qatar’s leading health and lifestyle professionals for female guests of all ages and abilities. Both activities are free to attend and no registration is necessary. Organised by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) in collaboration with the Aspire Zone, the event aims to highlight Mariam Farid, 2019 IAAF World Championships Ambassador and a and celebrate the extraordinary member of Qatar’s national athletics team runs at Khalifa Stadium. women in Qatar who are break- ing down barriers and changing perceptions of women in sport achieve their dreams. The QOC to reach beyond the expectation in honour of International Wom- is organising this event not only of others and fulfil their own ulti- en’s Day 2018. to celebrate our successful mate life ambitions. The event will provide an women in sport and health but Sheikha Asma will be joined Suhail Choukou from the Qatar takes place annually on March 8 available to participate. The ses- opportunity to create a conver- also to create a conversation on the panel by Youth Activist at Paralympic Committee who and is a global day celebrating sion is for women only and it’s is sation about what more can be about what we can all be doing Education Above All and Educa- closely supported Qatar’s first- the social, economic, cultural and free of charge. done to inspire and empower as a society to further support the tion Excellence Award winner ever global medallist Sara political achievements of Guests are requested to more females to achieve their participation of more women in Dana Al Anazy, who together Masoud, who won para-athlet- women. The day also marks a arrive to Al Shulaa Hall in the sporting dreams, whilst encour- sport at any and every level. We with Sheikha Asma became one ics silver medals in the Rio 2016 call to action for accelerating Aspire Zone across from Villag- aging more females to live invite everyone, men and of the first Qatari females to Paralympic Games and London gender parity. gio Mall at 5:45pm tomorrow for healthy and active lifestyles women, to come down and par- summit Mount Kiliminjaro in 2017 World Championships. Following the panel session, e the panel session. Sporting through the free sporting activ- ticipate in what we hope will be 2014. The event’s theme, ‘Chal- professional Lifestyle Coach activities will begin immediately ities on offer. a fascinating and inspirational Also participating will be lenging Beyond Expectation’ was Carla Mantoani and professional afterwards at 7:15pm. Commenting on the event, session.” entrepreneur Jawaher Al Fardan, inspired by the powerful women Personal Trainer Althia Malliaros You can keep up to date with Sheikha Asma Al Thani, panelist In addition to her role at the who co-founded Qatar’s first- in Qatar that are motivating oth- will join Jawaher Al Fardan in all news and information on the and Director of Marketing and QOC, Sheikha Asma will later this ever vegan café and first-ever ers, changing perceptions and leading sporting activities, event and activities on the Team Communications at the Qatar month attempt to be the first Qatari-owned yoga studio, are united to make a change and including cycling, yoga, boxing Qatar social media channels, as Olympic Committee, said: “Inter- Qatari to ski to the last degree of swimmer Nada Mohamed, who go beyond what they previously and more, and providing advice well as by signing up to the Team national Women’s Day is a the North Pole as part of an inter- is the first Qatari female to com- thought possible. Men also are and guidance. The event aims to Qatar Club, where you will also chance to shine a spotlight on the national team of women from pete at two Olympic Games, welcomed to the panel session support more women across have access to exclusive content, incredible achievements of Western and Arabian cultures. Mariam Farid, 2019 IAAF to create a united front in sup- Qatar lead healthy and active offers and competitions. women in Qatar and around the The expedition aims to foster World Championships Ambas- porting gender inclusivity and lifestyles, whilst increasing their It is free and one can sign up world so that more women are greater dialogue and under- sador and a member of Qatar’s women’s equality in sport. confidence and raising aware- at www.olympic.qa/en/ inspired and empowered to standing and inspire all women national athletics team and International Women’s Day ness about the opportunities teamqatarclub. QWSC plans yoga session on International Women’s Day Lulwa Al Marri, Chairperson THE PENINSULA parties can come and be part of Every year we also run and sup- women’s football team for this hugely popular segment at port campaigns on breast cancer. friendly with the Qatar national of Qatar DOHA: The Qatar Women’s QWSC. We will be happy to host So we are busy interacting with team when the German giants Women’s Sports Sports Committee (QWSC) will all those who want to be here. the communities living in Qatar spent a week in Doha for their Committee celebrate the International Registration details are there on through sports and otherwise winter camp. Women’s Day tomorrow by our social media platform. It will also,” Al Marri said. “It was a week full of activi- staging a one-hour yoga session be an outdoor activity at our “We also open our doors on ties for the visitors and our young as its headquarters, a top official headquarters.” National Sports Day so that peo- team. Our girls are young. They confirmed yesterday. The QWSC Chairperson said ple are most welcome. I think are U-14. But to play with against “We will be celebrating a huge crowd was expected to you are lucky if you a girl and if the Bayern Munich women’s March 8, the International Wom- be part of the yoga session, she you love sports in Qatar. We have team was a life-time opportu- en’s Day, with a special yoga added. some of the world’s best facili- nity to mix with the top players. session for all. The special ses- “We have been getting a lot ties here,” she added. They were very happy and sion will be held from 4:30pm to of calls with people inquiring Registration details can be excited. Bayern Munich were 5:30pm,” Lulwa Al Marri, QWSC about our activities. We want the obtained from the following link: here with their top side. We were Chairperson, said. parents to come and visit our http://qwsc.org.qa/eregister/ happy to see our girls play with “It will be conducted by headquarters. We want them to In January, the QWSC them,” the QWSC Chairperson female instructors. Interested come and see our activities. hosted Bayern Munich’s said. Karlsson scripts thrilling win at Qatar Open

THE PENINSULA A player returns the ball during A player serves during the the 2018 ITTF World Tour Platinum 2018 ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open in Doha yesterday. DOHA: Sweden’s Mattias Qatar Open in Doha yesterday. Karlsson beat China’s Liu Dingshuo by the very narrow- est of seven games margins to keep his aspirations of a place in the main draw of the Men’s Singles event of the 2018 ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open in Doha very much alive. Earlier in the day, Liu Dingshuo had beaten French- man, Can Akkuzu in four straight games 11-6, 13-11, 12-10, 11-4; success against Mattias Karlsson would secure top spot in the group. It was not to be the scenario but he He saved the match point department, at the crucial “It was the left ankle but came mighty close. by staying close to the table, stages, Mattias Karlsson more now all is fine, otherwise I Leading three games to Liu Dingshuo maintained a than matched Liu Dingshuo, would not be here. Certainly it two, in the sixth game he led tirade of top spin strokes but the 2015 World Junior was a disappointment to miss 6-3, in the deciding seventh, he was a step back; Mattias champion. the Team World Cup. Today I he was ahead 10-9; he was not Karlsson controlled the point. Furthermore, it was to felt good, losing 9-10 in the sev- able to make the most of the Speak to any player in the some extent a welcome return enth, throughout the rally I had advantage but make no mis- world and they will tell you to action for the Swede; he had the advantage; eventually, he take, great credit must go to that when confronting an been forced to withdraw from played wide to the forehand, he Mattias Karlsson who pro- adversary from China, become the recent 2018 ITTF Team missed. I felt good, I felt strong ceeded to win the next three involved in rallies and they are World Cup owing to an ankle but believe me it was really points. the clear favourites. In that injury. tough,” Karlsson said. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 SPORT 31

Golf: Exciting action on the cards as Europe take on Asia-Pacific at DGC ARMSTRONG VAS EUROPE TEAM THE PENINSULA European Men’s Team: Edgar Catherine (France), Todd Clements DOHA: The Bonallack Trophy (England), Robin Dawson (Ireland), Oliver has historically been a spring Gillberg (Sweden), Marc Hammer (Germany), board for some of the talented Rasmus Hojgaard (Denmark), Matias Honka- amateur men players to hog the la (Finland), Angel Hidalgo Portillo (Spain), spotlight and take a big step into Matthew Jordan (England), Frederic Lacroix the highly demanding profes- (France), Kristoffer Reitan (Norway), Sami sional circuit. Valimaki (Finland). Come March 8, Europe’s 12 best amateur men and women European Women’s Team: players will square off to the best Gudrun Bjorgvinsdottir (Iceland), Zhen Bon- of players from Asia-Pacific team tan (Netherlands), Bianca Fabrizio, (), in match-play format at the Doha Blanca Fernandez Garcia-Poggio (Spain), Golf Club in a three -day event. Annabell Fuller, (England), Paula Grant (Ire- The European Golf Associa- land), Frida Kinhult (Sweden), Amanda Lin- tion (EGA) feels that many a ner, (Sweden), Clarisse Louis, (Belgium), potential pro champion are wait- Elena Moosmann, (Switzerland), Puk Lyng ing in the wings and the Qatar Thomsen (Denamark) and Isobel Wardle

(England) event will be a perfect stage for the promising players to dazzle the golf fans. “It is great fun to come Heath said. Asia Pacific Golf together and play this matches Confederation Chairman Keis- every two years. We have 24 uke Muratsu said EGA is a ‘big players who are eager to go (and brother’ association. play). We love the rivalry and we From left: Mohammed Faisal Al Naimi, Executive Director, Qatar Golf Association (QGA), Janet Turner, Area Director for Sales and “We are learning a lot from ASIA-PACIFIC TEAM Marketing, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain-InterContinental Hotels Group, Richard Heath, General Secretary, European Golf Association; them. Not only for the players, Keisuke Muratsu, Chairman of Asia Pacific Golf Confederation; Fahad Nasser Al Naimi, General Secretary, QGA; and Nick Shan, Assistant but the administrators, leaders Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Men’s team Director Asia Pacific, R & A, pose for a picture during the 2018 Michael Bonallack and Pastry Hankins Trophies press conference at the of the European golf, so we are Min Woo Lee (Australia), Shae Wools-Cobb Doha Golf Club yesterday. Pictures: Qassim Rahmatullah/The Peninsula following what they have fol- (Australia), Rayhan Thomas (), Takumi Ka- lowing over the years. Asia naya (), Kazuya Osawa (Japan), Jaemin Pacific is producing great play- Han (Korea), Dong-min Kim (Korea), Daniel Hillier know we are coming with a “We are bringing them The men will be vying for country. ers and the gap between the (New Zealand), Lloyd Jefferson Go (Philippines), stronger and stronger team from along and we are helping them the Bonallack Trophy while the “The format is very similar teams is getting narrower.” Gregory Foo (Singapore), Sadom Keawkanjana Asia-pacific. The challenge is to be the stepping stone in their women will try to lay their to the . The first two Fahad Nasser Al Naimi, (Thailand) and Kammalas Namuangruk (Thai- getting more and more difficult careers. To be selected as one hands on the Patsy Hankins sil- days, of the three days format, Qatar Golf Association (QGA), land) for us. So, we are prepared for of the 12 best players from verware in the two events, to will comprise five foursomes General Secretary said all the that,” said Richard Heath, Gen- Europe gives them the confi- be held from March 8-10, at the matches each morning and five logistics for hosting the event Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Women’s team.: eral Secretary of EGA while dence,” Heath said. Peter Harradine designed four-ball matches each after- are in place. Grace Kim (Australia), Liu Wenbo (China), Du addressing a press conference The Bonallack Trophy, course. noon. On the final day, all “We are looking forward to Mohan (China), Ya-Chun Chang (Chinese Taipei), here yesterday. started in 1998 in the name of The World Amateur Golf twelve team players will com- an exciting event. It will be help Yu-Chiang Hou (Chinese Taipei), Yuna Nishimura “We are proud of our sport Englishman Michael Bonallack, Ranking will be used as the pete in singles match play. A promote golf among out youth (Japan), Riri Sadoyama (Japan), Seo-yun Kwon (Korea), Hae-ran Ryu (Korea), Yuka Saso (Philip- and proud of our players. It is an has seen the likes of Rory main reference in addition to a win will count as one point, a and make it more popular.” pines), Paphangkorn Tavatanakit (Thailand) and exciting part for us to see this McLroy, , number of captain’s picks. half yields half a point and a lost Mohammed Faisal Al Naimi,

Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand) amazing talent and who is going and dazzling According to the match condi- match will return zero. In the Executive Director, QGA was to be the greatest golfer in the at the biannual event in the past tions, no more than two players event of a tie, the trophy shall also present for the press world,” he added. editions. may be selected from the same be retained by the holders,” conference.

Left: Mohammad Salem Al Kuwari, (fifth left) Competition Co-ordinator, Christian Schemeth, FIVB Technical Supervisor and Roberto Reggiani, pose for a picture during a press conference of the 4-Star Katara Beach Volleyball Cup at Katara Beach yesterday. Pics: Abdul Basit/The Peninsula 4-Star Katara Beach Volleyball Cup 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 SPORT 33

Tottenham A photo taken on the evening of March 5, 2018 shows the digital FIFA World Hotspur’s head Cup 2018 countdown clock placed in front of the Red Square and the Kremlin coach Mauricio in Moscow marking 100 days to the beginning of the tournament. Coach Pochettino eyes Pochettino takes a training session at Enfield Training Centre in London defining Spurs moment yesterday.

AFP Juventus was another step in the right direction. With Tot- LONDON: Mauricio Pochet- tenham hoping to reach the tino faces a defining moment Champions League quarter- as the Tottenham boss aims finals for the first time since to joins the managerial elite 2011, eliminating the Italian A boy gives the captain’s armband to Fiorentina’s by masterminding a famous champions would be another player Davide Astori in this file photo. Champions League triumph step towards the top table for against Juventus today. Pochettino. Long regarded as one of His appetite for success Fiorentina, Cagliari the sport’s brightest young is driving him on and, after managers, Pochettino can use admitting he once thought of retire number 13 shirt this season’s Champions quitting management by the League to reach the rarified time he was 50, the Argen- in memory of Astori air inhabited by the likes of tine now plans a long career Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho on the bench. Putin, Infantino play football REUTERS and Diego Simeone. “When I started as a Like his former Argentina manager I was 36, I said, FLORENCE: Fiorentina and Cagliari will retire the team-mate Simeone, Pochet- ‘Okay, I will be a manager 100 days before World Cup number 13 shirt worn by defender Davide Astori after tino is coveted by some of and my limit is 50’,” Pochet- the Italy international died of a sudden illness over Europe’s biggest clubs. tino said. the weekend at the age of 31, the Italian clubs said But while Simeone has “Now, I don’t know if I AFP A judo black belt and all round League match in Spain between Spar- yesterday. defied the odds to lead will be longer like Roy (Hodg- sports fan he is hoping to use the tak Moscow and Athletic Bilbao. Astori, who made 289 Serie A appearances in Atletico Madrid to La Liga Tottenham Hotspur’s players take part in training session yesterday. son) or (Sir Alex) Ferguson or MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin World Cup to showcase Russia and Organisers hope the February 22 10 seasons and played 14 times for the national and Europa League titles, as Wenger or maybe I will stop played football with FIFA boss Gianni boost its image at a time of fraid rela- insident in which a handful of Rus- team, joined Fiorentina on loan in 2015. The club well as reaching two Cham- have greater resources than Cup final in 2015, Pochetti- them to also-ran status in this before. Infantino in the Kremlin yesterday as tions with the West. sians were arrested and a policeman signed him outright one year later and he went on pions League finals, either of Pochettino’s other no’s side slumped to a season’s title chase. “When I watch football a festive Russia marked 100 days Russia is hosting its first World died of a heart attack does not frighten to become their captain. Pochettino is still waiting for teams, they largely steer clear disappointing 2-0 defeat But Tottenham’s Cham- and the manager always crit- before the start of the World Cup. Cup on June 14-July 15 in 11 host cit- away global fans. He previously spent six seasons at Cagliari and his breakthrough moment of of the huge fees paid by their against Chelsea, while in pions League exploits over icises everyone and sees the The footage from Putin’s recep- ies stretching from its western exclave Tensions with the West have been one on loan at AS Roma. career. top four rivals in the Premier 2016 a late-season swoon the last few months suggest phantom and tries to defend tion office was released by football’s of Kaliningrad near Poland to Yeka- compounded by the ignomy of Rus- “In honour of Davide #Astori’s memory, @ Despite earning plaudits League. allowed Leicester to coast to any inferiority complex is himself and fight with you world governing body in a tweet fea- terinburg in the Urals. sians being forced to perform under CagliariCalcio and #ACFFiorentina have decided to throughout his nine-year Since arriving in north the Premier League title. being eroded at last. and fight with the fans and turing legends of the beautiful game Numerous Russian cities are plan- a neutral Olympic flag at the Winter retire the No. 13 shirt. #DA13,” Fiorentina said on managerial career with London 2014, Pochettino has A vital loss at West Ham That certainly seemed the fight with this. That is no life. juggling the ball and doing tricks. ning events to commemorate 100 days Games in Pyongyang over doping Twitter. Cagliari posted a similar message. Espanyol, Southampton and deftly navigated those con- cost Tottenham dearly last case when they crushed “I want to improve and The clip ended with Putin head- before the start of the 32 team allegations. Astori was found dead in his hotel room on Sun- now Tottenham, the 46-year- straints to turn Tottenham season when they were una- European champions Real try to enjoy doing my job but ing one back to Infantino after a tournament. But Russian national team coach day in Udine where Fiorentina had been due to play old has failed to lead any of into a genuine top four force ble to keep pace with Madrid 3-1 at Wembley with if I am going to suffer or cre- heavily edited kickabout set to Rim- Moscow is staging an open air Stanislav Cherchesov said he hoped Udinese. Serie A postponed all Sunday’s matches. his clubs to a major trophy. after years of eventual champions Chelsea, a vibrant display that show- ate drama in my life, I would sky-Korsakov’s Flight of the concert for 6,000 volunteers while that the World Cup would improve Italian public prosecutors said on Monday they Clearly, silverware isn’t underachievement. who also knocked out their cased the best of the prefer to go away. Bumblebee. Russia’s northern capital Saint Peters- people’s attitude toward his are to open proceedings to determine whether the only measure of a man- But the crucial black rivals in the FA Cup Pochettino’s high-tempo “Football is a joy. The “Some people just can’t wait for burg is unveiling a countdown clock. country. Astori’s death could be considered as ager and no one would doubt mark on Pochettino’s CV semi-finals. philosophy. most quiet I am is when we the greatest show on earth,” FIFA said “It is important to show Russia the “The most important thing is to manslaughter. Pochettino overachieved at remains his failure to push Tottenham’s struggles in That impressive result are going to compete. It’s not in the tweet. way it really is: open, hospitable and come to Russia with an open heart and Espanyol and Southampton Tottenham across the finish away games against their came after a draw in Madrid a drama. For other people it’s Others playing around with the modern,” Sports Minister Pavel Kolob- to try to understand our country and given the lack of financial line when they have been on main rivals have been a con- and recovering from two different but for me football official Telstar 18 World Cup ball kov was quoted as saying on Tuesday the places you are visiting,” Cher- backing available. the brink of landing a trophy. stant problem throughout goals down to draw 2-2 in the is not a drama - it is a joy,” he included ex-England midfielder by RIA Novosti. chesov said in an interview released Although Tottenham Having reached the League Pochettino’s reign, dooming last 16 first leg against said. Wayne Rooney and Argentina’s Diego Russia’s preparations for the by FIFA. Maradona. showpiece event are going largely “As we say in Russia, better to see Brazil’s Ronaldo juggled by the according to schedule but still being something once than to hear about it beach while Sweden’s Thomas Bro- clouded by scandal and global a hundred times.” lin had his fun in the snow. disputes. The tournament kicks of when Putin is known for his sporting Fan violence that made Russians Russia hosts Saudi Arabia in Moscow’s Aguero better than ever for Guardiola prowess, taking part in Judo matches, infamous at the Euro 2016 in France renovated Luzhniki Stadium on June skating, diving and playing ice hockey. returned last month during a Europa 14. AFP Manchester City’s MANCHESTER: Sergio Aguero’s next Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero during Premier City boss bows to goal will his 200th for Manchester City, but it is the Argentine’s willingness to League match against do much more than just score that has Chelsea at the Etihad Iniesta injury leaves Barca won the confidence of his manager Pep Stadium in Manchester on FA rules despite Guardiola. Sunday. Cahill, 38, gets The Catalan embraced Aguero in a bear hug as he left the pitch having ran looking for a new hero himself into the ground in Sunday’s 1-0 disagreement nod in Aussie win over Chelsea, which edged City to within four wins of the Premier League REUTERS against Antonio Conte’s stut- title. AFP tering Chelsea in the second It was the first time in eight home BARCELONA: Barcelona’s leg at Camp Nou, where Bar- squad games Aguero had failed to find the net, MANCHESTER: Manchester City Champions League tie against celona are unbeaten in all but that mattered little to Guardiola, who manager Pep Guardiola (pictured) Chelsea is poised on a knife three major competitions this AFP SQUAD is now seeing the all-round game from insisted he will live by the English edge but the Catalans will season, Iniesta’s absence is a (Bursaspor/TUR), Joshua Aguero he demands of his strikers. Football Association’s (FA) rules have to cope without their setback for the hosts. : New Socceroos Brillante (Sydney FC/AUS), Tim Cahill “Since we were together here with even if he doesn’t agree with an FA inspirational captain Andres In La Liga, Barcelona’s coach (Millwall/ENG), Milos Degenek (Yokoha- Sergio, I think the last month, two charge for wearing a yellow ribbon Iniesta, the man who has record signing Philippe named his first squad since ma Marinos/JPN), (Racing months is the best Sergio I have seen,” in support of imprisoned pro-inde- pedigree when it comes to Coutinho can fill in for the taking the job yesterday, Club de Lens/FRA), (Hull said Guardiola, preparing his team for pendence campaigners in his native beating the Blues. 33-year-old playmaker but with 38-year-old Tim Cahill the visit of Basel in the Champions Catalonia. Barring what the Spanish the Brazilian is cup-tied in the City/ENG), (Aston Villa/ENG), included after the Dutch- League today. On Monday, Guardiola admit- media have called a “miracle Champions League after join- (Feyenoord/NED), man and his scouts “Not just scoring goals, but he ted the FA charge of wearing a recovery”, the hamstring ing from Liverpool in monitored 100 players. (FC Luzern/SWI), (Su- doesn’t lose one ball. political symbol, which he has political symbols worn by players injury Iniesta suffered on Sun- January. Van Marwijk was won Bluewings/KOR), (VfL “He makes a movement for runs in sported since a number of Catalan or coaches. day in Barcelona’s 1-0 La Liga That leaves Valverde with appointed in late January Bochum/GER), behind, he is the first guy to make a high politicians and civil society leaders However, he also claimed the win over Atletico Madrid will a tough decision to make, over following the sudden (Nagoya Grampus/JPN), pressing, to help that second line be were remanded in custody in yellow ribbon was “a symbol of Cat- keep him out of the last 16 sec- which of Paulinho, Andre departure of Ange Postec- (Hertha BSC/GER), more comfortable with the ball.” October. alan independence”, which ond leg on March 14. Gomes, Denis Suarez or Ous- oglou and with the World (Queens Park Rangers/ENG), Jamie Ma- Those words contrast sharply with “They are the rules, they have Guardiola strongly denied. The Barcelona skipper mane Dembele steps in for Cup fast approaching, he claren (Hibernian/SCO), a reportedly frosty relationship between them and they apply them so I accept “The first impression when I scored a dramatic 93rd Iniesta. has spent the ensuing time (Millwall/ENG), (Al Ahli/ the coach and his star striker during the decision because I have to,” Guar- hear that is because he doesn’t minute goal at Stamford None of the options have keeping tabs on Australians KSA), (Huddersfield Town/ Guardiola’s trophy-less first season in diola said yesterday as he addressed understand what that means the Bridge in 2009 against Chel- convinced. Paulinho started playing at home and in ENG, (Urawa Red Dia- the northwest of England. the media ahead of City’s Champi- yellow ribbon, what is symbolises,” sea in the semi-finals to send the season well but since Europe and Asia. monds/JPN), (Newcastle Aguero, 29, still scored 33 goals in ons League clash with Basel once added Guardiola. his side through on away Christmas has looked jaded With friendlies against Jets/AUS), (Western Sydney all competitions, more than he ever had again wearing the yellow ribbon. “Maybe now he will realise what goals. Pep Guardiola’s men and was widely criticised for Norway in Oslo and Colom- Wanderers/AUS), (Celtic/SCO), for City in a single season, but often Guardiola will still be free to it means. It’s not about independ- went on to beat Manchester a poor performance in the first bia in London this month, found himself on the sidelines in the sec- wear the ribbon in Champions ence or not independence, it is not United 2-0 in the final, becom- leg. Nikita Rukavytsya (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), he named a 29-strong pre- ond half of the season as Guardiola League games as UEFA have a dif- about that. ing the first Spanish side to Gomes came on as a sub- (Brighton/ENG), Trent liminary squad which will opted instead for Gabriel Jesus. adapt,” Aguero admitted to Spanish The club’s decision not to get Aguero is still to taste Champions League ferent set of rules to the FA. “It is about the four people or complete a treble, having won stitute for Iniesta during the be slimmed down next Sainsbury (Grasshopper Club Zurich/ “In the first year at times we didn’t radio station Cadena SER. involved in a bidding war with local glory. “I am in this country working more people that are in jail and they La Liga and the King’s Cup. win over Atletico but was week. SWI), Aleksandar Susnjar (FK Mlada Bole- “But this year, with all we have rivals Manchester United for Alexis City, with the League Cup in their and under the rules, but that doesn’t didn’t do absolutely anything.” The However, it was Iniesta’s whistled by some Barcelona Cahill, Australia’s most slav/CZE), (Melbourne Vic- learned from last year, I think we have Sanchez despite long-standing interest, trophy cabinet and the Premier League mean that I agree whether they are former Barcelona manager has stoppage time goal in London fans during another disap-

prolific international scorer tory/AUS), Daniel Vukovic (Genk/BEL), learned what he wants -- how to play and even though Guardiola had previ- virtually sewn up, have certainly never right or wrong,” added Guardiola. been a long-standing campaigner that stood out as many fans’ pointing display. with 50 goals, left the (Bristol City/ENG). out from the back, the movements, so ously worked with the Chilean at been as well-equipped to do so in Ague- “Many times in history after for Catalonia to be handed a refer- highlight of the campaign. Denis has the most simi- domestic A-League in Jan- it makes it much easier on the pitch.” - Barcelona, was another vote of City’s ro’s time. some time we see that decisions endum on the issue of The captain also helped lar style to the captain but has uary to join Championship A-League, as well as in Sergio makes a Sanchez shunned - Aguero has also been confidence in their all-time top goals- Guardiola’s team look assured of taken were not just.” Guardiola also independence. salvage a 1-1 draw for Barce- not played for Barca since side Millwall to get more leagues across Europe and movement for runs in aided by injury to Jesus. The Brazilian corer. That trust is mutual, with Aguero progress to the quarter-finals at the Eti- rebuked FA chief executive Martin His high-profile stance has lona in last month’s first leg, their 1-0 King’s Cup defeat by game time and keep alive Asia,” said van Marwijk. suffered medial ligament damage to his now backing Guardiola as the best coach had, with the luxury of a 4-0 win against Glenn for failing to understand the become a major talking point and, when he teed up Lionel Messi Espanyol on Jan. 17, while his dream of playing in a “We are pleased with behind, he is the first guy left knee on January 31 and has only he has ever had. their Swiss opponents in the first leg of significance of the yellow ribbon. according to Spanish media reports, to equalise, in one of the few Ousmane Dembele is a for- fourth World Cup in Russia. the initial 29 players we to make a high pressing, returned with three short cameos off “I’ve had a lot of coaches and they their last-16 tie. Glenn publicly apologised for the City manager’s private plane chances Ernesto Valverde’s ward and his inclusion would “Since my appointment have picked for our upcom- to help that second line the bench in the past week. all had different thoughts and obviously “If we keep going like this we have controversial comments compar- was even searched at Barcelona’s side mustered. see the formation change with the Socceroos, my ing games against Norway During Jesus’s two-month layoff, differing tactics,” said Aguero. a very good chance,” said Aguero. ing the Jewish Star of David with El Prat airport two weeks ago by Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta Although the odds are from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. staff, scouts and I have and Colombia and will be more comfortable Aguero doubled his tally for the season “The truth is yes (he’s the best).” Yet, “The club has invested a lot of symbols such as the Nazi swastika police looking for exiled Catalan leaves the pitch at the Camp Nou Stadium in monitored over 100 Aus- finalise the squad next to move onto 30 goals and re-establish for all his goals and all he has achieved money to win the Champions League, as the FA’s reasoning for banning leader Carles Puigdemont. Barcelona on Sunday. tralian players in the week”. with the ball: Guardiola himself as City’s number one striker. since arriving in Manchester in 2011, so hopefully it is our year.” 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 Spurs send Grizzlies to 14th straight loss

REUTERS

NEW YORK: Tony Parker scored a season- high 23 points off the bench as the San Antonio reserves were the difference in a taut 100-98 Spurs’ victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio got 67 points from its bench, including 17 from Davis Bertans and 15 points from Danny Green. The Spurs ended a two- game losing streak but won for just the second time in eight games. Boston Celtics’ Kyle Anderson, with 11 points, was the guard Shane only Spurs starter in double figures. Larkin (8) LaMarcus Aldridge returned to the lineup steals the ball for San Antonio after missing a game and a against Chicago half with a sprained right ankle and was Bulls’ forward largely ineffective, scoring seven points and David Nwaba grabbing eight rebounds in more than 31 (11) during the minutes of court time. second half of Marc Gasol, originally listed as out in the their NBA game pregame injury report, led the Grizzlies with at the United 23 points and took 10 rebounds. Memphis, Centre. who owns the NBA’s worst record, has lost 14 games in a row and 12 straight contests on the road, dating back to December. games, with 25 points, eight rebounds and points despite a 5-for-21 shooting perform- Celtics 105, Bulls 89 five assists. Andre Drummond contributed ance for the Lakers, who saw the end to a Jaylen Brown scored 21 points, and Bos- 15 points and nine rebounds, and Reggie Bul- five-game win streak. ton thrived despite the absence of Kyrie lock tossed in 11 points for Detroit. Heat 125, Suns 103 Irving to notch a victory over host Pacers 92, Bucks 89 Hassan Whiteside scored 24 points, Chicago. Bojan Bogdanovic matched a season high grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked three shots Jayson Tatum added 14 points, Al Hor- with 29 points to help Indiana hang on for a as host Miami defeated Phoenix. ford and Terry Rozier scored 13 apiece and victory against Milwaukee in Indianapolis. Suns star guard Devin Booker scored a Greg Monroe contributed 10 points and nine Victor Oladpio added 14 points, both game-high 31 points. It was his eighth rebounds as Boston won for the fifth time in Lance Stephenson and Domantas Sabonis straight game scoring at least 20 points. It the past six games. had 11 and Thaddeus Young totaled 10 and was also his 21st game this season scoring Irving was held out due to a sore left seven rebounds as the Pacers won for the at least 30 points. knee, but the Celtics built a 26-point halft- third straight game and the seventh time in Point guard Goran Dragic, a former Suns In this file photo taken on July 22, 2012 overall leader’s yellow ime lead and were never threatened by the nine contests. star, scored 17 points as Miami tied the Mil- jersey and British Bradley Wiggins, celebrates on the podium Bulls. Eric Bledsoe scored 26 points and Gian- waukee Bucks for seventh place in the at the end of the 120 km and last stage of the 2012 Tour de Denzel Valentine matched his career best nis Antetokounmpo had 18 with 12 rebounds Eastern Conference. Miami has the tie- France cycling race starting in Rambouillet and finishing in the of 20 points for Chicago, which lost for the for Milwaukee, which fell back to the loss breaker over Milwaukee, having won the famous Paris-Champs-Elysees Avenue. Wiggins yesterday said sixth time in the past seven games. Lauri column after Sunday’s come-from-behind season series. it was “so sad” after he and his former team were accused by Markkanen added 12 points, and David win against Philadelphia snapped a season- Jazz 94, Magic 80 MPs of manipulating drug rules before major races, including Nwaba and Cameron Payne scored 10 apiece. high-tying four-game skid. Rudy Gobert scored 21 points and col- Wiggins’ 2012 Tour de France victory on March 5, 2018. Cavaliers 112, Pistons 90 Trail Blazers 108, Lakers 103 lected 17 rebounds for his third straight LeBron James racked up 31 points, seven Damian Lillard scored 19 of his 39 points double-double to help lead Utah past rebounds and seven assists in three quar- in the fourth quarter as visiting Portland Orlando in Salt Lake City. ters, and Cleveland pounded struggling came from behind to defeat Los Angeles. Donovan Mitchell tallied 19 points, five I am a victim of Detroit in Cleveland. Lillard knocked down four straight rebounds and four assists for the Jazz. Joe Larry Nance Jr. supplied 22 points and 3-point shots, as the Trail Blazers rallied from Ingles added 18 points, eight assists and 15 rebounds after being inserted into the an 11-point deficit in the final 5:26 to win seven rebounds. Utah won its third straight smear attempt, starting lineup. their seventh game in a row. game. He replaced starting center Tristan CJ McCollum added 22 points and Jusuf Nikola Vucevic scored 15 points and col- Thompson, who suffered an ankle sprain Nurkic collected 16 points and 16 rebounds, lected 12 rebounds while Aaron Gordon says Wiggins against Denver on Saturday that will side- as Portland beat the Lakers for the 15th con- chipped in 13 points to lead Orlando. The line him for multiple games. secutive time dating to March 2014. loss snapped a two-game winning streak for AFP Blake Griffin led the Pistons, who have Julius Randle had 21 points and nine the Magic, who shot just 29-of-85 (34.1 per- lost three straight and nine of their last 11 rebounds and Isaiah Thomas chipped in 19 cent) from the field. LONDON: Former Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins says he is the victim of a “malicious” attempt to smear his reputation, vehemently denying he has cheated during his glittering career which also features five Olympic gold medals. A damning report by lawmakers on Monday said Wiggins NHL: Penguins top Flames on and Team Sky had crossed an “ethical line” by using drugs to enhance performance and not just to treat medical need. It comes after Russian computer hackers revealed in 2016 that the British rider had applied for therapeutic use exemp- Schultz’s extra-time winner tions (TUEs) to have injections of the powerful corticosteroid triamcinolone before three of his biggest races, including the REUTERS Sabres went on to regain the lead 2012 Tour de France, which he won. for good. But Wiggins said in an interview with the BBC that he only NEW YORK: Justin Schultz was Oilers 4, Coyotes 3 (OT) used prescribed drugs for valid medical reasons and when the hero and Evgeni Malkin Oscar Klefbom scored his asked if he categorically denied cheating, added: “A hundred netted one goal and two assists first goal in 34 games, and per cent. Never, throughout my career.” as the Pittsburgh Penguins beat Edmonton regrouped after “This is malicious,” said the five-time Olympic champion, the Calgary Flames 4-3 in over- blowing a two-goal, third-period who was the first British cyclist to win the Tour. “This is some- time in NHL action Monday night lead to beat visiting Arizona in one trying to smear me. These allegations, it’s the worst thing at PPG Paints Arena in Pitts- overtime. to be accused of. burgh. Klefbom was set up by Con- “It’s also the hardest thing to prove you haven’t done. We’re With the goalie slightly out nor McDavid for a chance and not dealing in a legal system. I’d have had more rights if I’d of position anticipating him to buried the shot just 50 seconds murdered someone.” shoot, Phil Kessel passed over to into the extra period to cap a The Commons digital, culture, media and sport commit- Schultz, and he buried the win- see-saw tilt. tee report centred around the team’s use of triamcinolone. ner at 2:36 of overtime. Cam Talbot made 32 saves Triamcinolone, used to treat asthma, is an anti-inflam- Not only was it a tough end- for the Oilers to snap a three- matory steroid that can also help cyclists shed weight without ing, but it was a tough start for game losing skid, while Darcy losing power. Wiggins, 37, denied the team had crossed an the Flames and rookie goalie Jon Kuemper stopped 32 shots for ethical line by using the medication. Gillies, who was victimized on New York Islanders’ forward Cal Clutterbuck (15) reaches for the Arizona. He said he had only used triamcinolone on one occasion two of the first three shots on puck against Vancouver Canucks’ defenceman Troy Stecher (51) Canucks 4, Islanders 3 (OT) other than the three TUEs, which had already been made pub- goal. Chad Ruhwedel opened the during the third period of their NHL game at Rogers Arena. Brendan Leipsic scored two lic, but the report said he may have taken it nine times in four scoring at the 2:10 mark when goals, including the overtime years. his long wrister made it’s way overtime as Ottawa defeated Pominville each had a goal and winner, and added an assist as “I don’t know where that’s come from,” Wiggins said. “I past Gillies, who got a piece of host Dallas. an assist while Chad Johnson host Vancouver came back to really would like to know. This is an anonymous source, this the puck. Karlsson’s winning rush made 38 saves as Buffalo beat New York. is an anonymous person who has said this. Things went from bad to began with a great defensive dumped struggling Toronto in Leipsic gave the Canucks the “I refute that 100 per cent. This is malicious. This is some- worse for Gillies at 3:05 when play on the opposite end of the Buffalo, N.Y. win 2:47 into overtime as he one trying to smear me.” he attempted to pass the puck ice by Bobby Ryan that barely In the first of four meetings stole the puck from the Isles’ Wiggins said he had adhered to the rules in place at the from behind his own net, only denied the Stars. Karlsson out- between division rivals in the Anthony Beauvillier in the New time and had been granted permission by cycling’s govern- to see Malkin knock it out of the raced Dallas’ Tyler Pitlick and season’s last five weeks, Buffalo York zone and went around ing body to take the drug. When asked if he would have won air. found a small hole between the scored two goals before the goaltender Jaroslav Halak, who the Tour de France without it in 2012, he replied: “Well, had The puck bounced toward legs of Stars goaltender Kari game was four minutes old. inexplicably came way out of his I had an asthma attack, no, probably not. No.” the front of the net, where Mal- Lehtonen for the goal. Reinhart bagged his 16th at 1:53, net and left it open for an easy Team Sky said they took full responsibility for mistakes kin was on the spot to slip it into Tyler Seguin scored twice for and Pominville made it 2-0 at goal. that were made but strongly refuted the claim that medica- an open cage to give the Pens a the Stars, who currently hold the 3:43 with his 11th tally. With the tally, Leipsic made tion was used to enhance performance. 2-0 lead. To their credit, the first wild card from the Western Leo Komarov brought the up for taking a penalty with just Wiggins said he would try to repair his damaged legacy. Flames drew even by the end of Conference and are fourth in the Maple Leafs even with an unex- over a minute left in the third “I don’t know how I’m going to pick the pieces up with the first period. Central Division, one point pected display of offense. After period and enabling the Island- the kids and stuff, and I’m left to do that as well as trying to Senators 3, Stars 2 (OT) behind Minnesota. going 13 games without a goal, ers to force overtime. salvage my reputation from this,” he added. Erik Karlsson scored the Sabres 5, Maple Leafs 3 the one-time All-Star bagged John Tavares scored a goal “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” he added. game-winning goal on a break- Sam Reinhart, Ryan O’Reilly, two goals in an 11-minute span and added an assist for the away with 2:19 remaining in Johan Larsson and Jason bridging the periods before the Islanders. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 SPORT 35 As Serena returns, Venus Mickelson says her game hasn’t left wants more AP titles after NEW YORK: Venus Williams gave a scouting report on her warmup partner that sounded Mexico win the same as always. Serena Williams is back, and AP her game hasn’t left. “She’s got power, depth. She MEXICO CITY: Phil Mickelson (pictured) knew this was coming, knows how to play,” Venus said. even when he had so little to show for it. “Yeah, awesome game.” Mickelson had gone 101 tournaments around the world since The Williams sisters were he last won at Muirfield in the 2013 British Open, which moved the headliners last night in the him to No. 2 in the world and gave him the third leg of the career Tie Break Tens tournament in Grand Slam. In more than two decades on the PGA Tour, he had Madison Square Garden, an gone only two seasons without winning. eight-woman event in which all And then it was up to four straight years and counting. matches were 10-point tiebreak- There was more frustration than self-doubt. And with Mick- ers, instead of the usual games elson, even at age 47, there was never a loss of confidence. and sets. “I knew that wasn’t going to be my last one, no,” he said Sun- Serena won her first match day. “And this isn’t either.” but lost in the semi-finals. The most recent one came in the high altitude of the Mex- Elina Svitolina of ico Championship, and it was another pulsating performance, dominated the event, winning Serena Williams (left) of the US speaks with her sister Venus before their matches in the Tie-Break as often is the case with Mickelson. 17 straight points during victo- Tens New York tournament at Madison Square Garden on Monday. The event featured eight of the Five birdies in the opening 10 holes gave him the lead. Right ries over Venus and CoCo WTA Tour’s top female players competing for the $250,000 winner’s prize. when he was on the verge of taking control, he went for the Vandeweghe before defeating green on the par-5 11th hole only for the shot to carom off a tree China’s Zhang Shuai 10-3 to win have high expectations,” Wil- included Sorana Cirstea of “I didn’t have to think too and into the bushes near the edge of Chapultepec Golf Club. $250,000. liams said in an on-court Romania and Daniela Hantu- long,” he said. “Once I was asked Deep in the bushes, he blasted out and hit the crowd. He Serena was playing singles interview after her loss. “You chova of Slovakia, who retired by my coach, Pat (Cash), if I was wound up making bogey. Then came another wild drive that for the first time this year as she should always believe in your- last year. going to be available around that bounced along the cart path, forcing him to scramble for par. prepares to return to the WTA self even if no one else does.” Svitolina, the highest-ranked time, I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll make Three groups ahead Tour for the first time since giv- Her coach certainly does. player in the field at No. 4, con- myself available.’ So it didn’t of him, Justin Thomas ing birth to her daughter, Alexis With Serena returning this week tinued her strong play to start the take much thinking.” delivered the shot of the Olympia Ohanian Jr, on Sept. 1. in Indian Wells, California, season after a winning a tour- She was on the US team in tournament. Eleven The 23-time Grand Slam sin- Patrick Mouratoglou told high five titles in 2017. The last month’s victory over the shots behind going into gles champion would later tell WTATennis.com he had high winner of two tournaments Netherlands in North Carolina the weekend and sud- Vogue Magazine in an interview expectations for the three already this year, she won the and enjoys seeing both Williams denly tied for the lead, that she developed several small remaining Grand Slam tourna- last seven points to break away sisters still playing well. Venus Thomas holed out from blood clots in her lungs after giv- ments this season. He said he from a 3-3 tie against Venus, reached two Grand Slam finals 119 yards on the final ing birth. sees the same determination in then swept Vandeweghe 10-0. in 2017 and returned to the top hole for eagle to cap off She had played just once this practice, but wouldn’t know if “Of course, winning the first five of the rankings. a 62-64 weekend as he year, losing a Fed Cup doubles being a mother had changed her tournament of the year was a She competed just a few went for his second match with Venus last month, until he saw her competing. great start for me,” Svitolina said. days after the 20th anniversary straight victory. and hasn’t played a singles Venus already knows what “It’s always tough to transfer the of her first WTA Tour title in “I didn’t know that match on tour since winning the to expect. work we do in the off-season, so Oklahoma City as a 17-year-old. he holed out,” Mickelson 2017 Australian Open, where she “I mean, the matches are this was a good sign that I’m Many players have taken up the said. “I just saw that he beat Venus in the final. definitely a good way to know moving the right way and I’m sport in years since because of finished at 16 under Serena won her first match where you are, but obviously she very, very happy that I played the Williams sisters, and Venus when I was playing the against Marion Bartoli of France, knows how to play,” the good tennis throughout the hoped more might be interested 15th, and that meant that the former Wimbledon cham- 37-year-old Venus said. “She’s beginning of the year and just in this format since they were. I needed to birdie two to pion who is ending a 4 1/2-year going to bring that instinct on the from here I can go only up.” “If that’s the result, yeah, that get even with him.” retirement, but lost 13-11 to court with her, so I don’t think Vandeweghe, a New York would be great,” she said. “I hope And that’s what he Zhang in the semi-finals. she’s too worried about that.” native, jumped at the chance to that is the result, that this is a lot did. A perfect drive and She said she was having fun Tie Break Tens held its first play at MSG. Her grandfather, of excitement and more people a 6-iron for a two-putt playing again and was excited tournament in the US after five Ernie, and uncle Kiki, now an start playing. It’s a great sport. birdie, and then a for the future. events in Europe and Australia. NBA executive, both played for The sport is great for everyone 20-foot birdie on the “I think everyone should The remainder of the field the New York Knicks. of all ages.” 16th. Mickelson closed with a 66 and headed to a sudden-death playoff with Thomas, a duel between players separated by 23 years of age. Federer joins Gates in first Missing from the group was Tyrrell Hatton, who delivered his own charge with four straight 3s on his card, the last one an eagle to tie for the lead. But he missed the 18th green with a wedge, chipped strong and missed the par putt. career Bay Area appearance The sudden-death playoff ended quickly. Thomas went long with a gap wedge to the par-3 17th and chipped to 10 feet short of the hole. Mickelson hit the green, narrowly missed the birdie AP men’s player to be putt and walked off a winner - finally - when Thomas missed No. 1, won the Aus- his putt. SAN JOSE: From his knees at the middle of tralian Open in The disappointment was tempered by the guy who beat him. the net, Roger Federer struck volley after January for his 20th Mickelson took interest in Thomas before he even reached volley right back at Jack Sock until the Amer- Grand Slam title. the PGA Tour. They played a practice round at the 2014 US Open, ican star finally faltered. Federer and and Mickelson said that day to the media, “You’ll get to know Federer just smiled. It was all in fun. Gates also teamed Justin Thomas soon enough.” And how could Federer not be loving up last year in Thomas, the PGA Tour player of the year last season and life? Seattle. already a two-time winner this season, moved to No. 2 in the He’s the best in the world at age 36. That After the dou- world. even sounds a bit strange to Federer bles, the He is the type of player - along with Dustin Johnson, Jordan himself. 25-year-old Sock - Spieth, Jon Rahm, Jason Day and Rory McIlroy - who represent “Those are definitely special times in my ranked 10th in the a powerful young generation that Mickelson now has to beat if life and my career,” Federer said. world - pushed Fed- he wants to reach one of his goals. “The dream as a little boy was to make erer to an 11-9 Mickelson, who captured his third World Golf Champion- it one day to world No. 1, but not at 36 years tiebreaker in the ship, now has 43 victories on the PGA Tour. The first was in 1991 old I can tell you that. It was probably at first set before drop- - before Thomas, Spieth and Rahm were even born - when he some point at 25 maybe if things went really ping the second set was an amateur. He has long said he wants to get to 50. well. 6-4. The more pertinent number might be 48. That’s how old “I had a tough year in 2016 with my knee At one point in Mickelson will be in June. No one has won more than five times and stayed positive, was resilient and fought the opening set, on the PGA Tour after turning 47. to come back and really believed I could “For me to stand right here as world No. Sock showed his respect by overturning a “Oh, I will,” Mickelson said about reaching 50 titles. “I’ll get actually win again. 1 in San Jose is very, very special for me,” fault call. there.” “I didn’t think it was going to be at this Federer said. He walked toward the service line, That’s not all he wants. One of his chief goals for the year level. It’s been an unbelievable journey the He entertained from the start, too, prais- pointed that it was an ace and went to the was to be on his 12th consecutive Ryder Cup team for a chance last 14 months and my team has been ing Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates (pictured changeover. to win in Europe, which he has never done. The victory should incredible. above with Federer) as a perfect partner. Sock joked beforehand, “Don’t hit it to be enough to move him to No. 4 in the standings. “I’m loving every moment that I can still “He knows numbers very well. He never Roger ... I’m winless against him for my Given his value in the team room, winning the Mexico Cham- stay on tour because you never know when makes mistakes on the scores,” Federer career.” pionship makes it hard to overlook Mickelson. it’s going to end.” cracked. “I’ll do the running and Bill does “This match for Africa is something Left unsaid is the US Open, the only major keeping him from While this doubles match didn’t officially the thinking.” extraordinary,” Sock said. the career Grand Slam. It returns this summer to Shinnecock count Monday night, it sure mattered to all He joked to opponent Savannah Guthrie A video promoting the match featured Hills, where Mickelson was on the cusp of winning the last two of the children in Africa who Federer is com- of NBC’s “Today” show: “You have to start Federer training the 62-year-old Gates, from times in 1995 and 2004. mitted to helping through his foundation. looking at the ball and stop looking at me.” weightlifting - lunges with a heavy bar over For now, the focus is on the Masters and a chance to add a Federer emerged from the tunnel of Federer called off Gates with, “That’s his shoulders - to studying a tennis book and fourth green jacket. smoke and walked onto the court greeted mine ... that’s mine, too,” before Sock lobbed both pingpong and tennis practice to work “I needed to get a win before Augusta so I wasn’t trying to by roars and thousands of camera phones a winner over Gates that Federer couldn’t on his reflexes and skills. win for the first time in four-and-a-half, five years at that event,” held high for the first Bay Area appearance chase down. “You’ll train like I do,” Federer said. “You he said. of his career. Federer’s “The Match for Africa” exhibi- are ready.” He got his validation in Mexico City. It was meaningful Federer waved every which way, held tion sold more than 15,000 tickets to benefit And Gates, dressed in a bright pink polo, because it was the first victory since he began working with his racket in the air and beamed when intro- his foundation that supports education for drew oohs and aahs as he impressed with Andrew Getson, and the first victory with his younger brother, duced during warm-ups with the children in Africa. his shot-making and hustle to keep points Tim, as his caddie. And it was the next victory, no matter how announcement at the sold-out SAP Center At the end of the night, the foundation alive. long it took. “I don’t think this is the peak,” he said. “I think I’m that he had regained the No. 1 world had raised another $2.5m. “I think I’m good at picking partners,” going to continue to get better.” ranking. The Swiss star, who at 36 is the oldest Gates said after he and Federer won 6-3. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 36

I cannot tell you half of SPORT the things I told my team FOOTBALL FOOTBALL at half-time because there Jose Mourinho, Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur would be lots of bleeping Manager of Manchester United FC Basel vs Juventus on television club 10.45pm 10.45pm

Perera leads Sri Lanka to Gayle storm hits UAE in Harare big T20 win against India AFP threatened a famous run chase after slipping to 69-3, but an AFP eighth T20 fifty, and Danushka HARARE: Chris Gayle excellent unbeaten 112 from Gunathilaka put their innings hammered his 23rd one-day Rameez Shahzad carried them COLOMBO: Kusal Perera hit a back on track. international hundred to lead to a respectable 297-6. blazing half-century to power Perera, who hit paceman the West Indies to victory in Windies skipper Holder Sri Lanka to a five- win Shardul Thakur for 27 runs with their opening World Cup qual- ensured his side got off to a over India in the opening 5 fours and a six in the third ifier against the United Arab winning start, taking 5-53 after international of the over of the innings, took the Emirates yesterday, while fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell’s tri-nation tournament steam out of the inexperienced collapsed to defeat day was cut short by injury. yesterday. Indian bowling attack. by Zimbabwe. - Afghanistan dream in tat- Chasing 175 for victory, the Perera though faltered after Windies opening batsman ters - Afghanistan came into the hosts rode on Perera’s 37-ball getting to Sundar’s off Gayle struck 11 sixes in a blis- qualifiers as favourites to 66 to achieve their target with spin as the Sri Lankan chase tering 91-ball 123 in Harare as qualify alongside the West nine balls to spare at Colombo’s wobbled with the Indian the two-time World Cup win- Indies, but will now probably R Premadasa Stadium. bowlers coming back with ners racked up 357-4 in their need five consecutive wins to The left-handed Perera, some disciplined effort. Group A clash, with the UAE have any chance of reaching a who hit 6 fours and 4 sixes, Thisara Perera, on 22, and falling 60 runs short. second straight World Cup. overshadowed Indian opener Dasun Shanaka, on 15, then put Afghanistan’s hopes of With the defeats against Shikar Dhawan’s career-best on an unbeaten 39-run stand taking one of the last two places Scotland and Zimbabwe set to 90 that saw the visitors post to keep up the spirits of a rau- for next year’s tournament in count in the Super Six stage, 174-5 after being put into bat cous home crowd. England and Wales are hanging should Afghanistan get there, first. Earlier Dhawan’s 49-ball by a thread, after following their chances are all but over. Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal blitz, laced with 6 fours and 6 Sunday’s shock loss to Scotland Rashid Khan and co put in and Washington Sundar hurt sixes, lifted India from a pre- with an agonising two-run a much-improved display with Sri Lanka’s chase by picking up carious 9-2 to put up a respect- defeat by the hosts. the ball as they limited Zim- two each but Perera’s able total. Elsewhere, Ireland and babwe to 196 all out in Bula- fiery start made sure the hosts Dhawan put on a crucial Scotland both made it two wins wayo. Teenage stand-in cap- stand tall. 95-run third-wicket stand with from two by seeing off Papua tain Khan took 3-38 to reach The islanders lost an early Manish Pandey, who made 37, New Guinea and Hong Kong 90 wickets in ODIs, while wicket but a 58-run second- to test the Sri Lanka bowling but respectively. The 38-year-old 16-year-old fellow leg-spinner wicket partnership between missed out on a ton after falling Gayle became only the third Mujeeb Ur Rahman finished Perera, who notched up his to Gunathilaka’s off-spin. batsman in ODI history after with 3-49. But Brendan Taylor’s Hashim Amla and Sachin Ten- 89 and 60 from Sikandar Raza SCOREBOARD dulkar to score hundreds proved crucial as Zimbabwe India Sri Lanka against 11 different countries. won in dramatic fashion. R Sharma c Mendis b Chameera ...... 0 D Gunathilaka c Pant b Unadkat ...... 19 After captain Jason Holder At 156-3 with almost 17 S Dhawan c Perera b Gunathilaka ...... 90 K Mendis c Dhawan b Sundar ...... 11 S Raina b Pradeep ...... 1 K Perera st Karthik b Sundar ...... 66 elected to bat first, Gayle overs remaining, Afghanistan M Pandey c Gunathilaka b Mendis ...... 37 D Chandimal b Chahal ...... 14 quickly got into his stride along- were cruising to victory, but the R Pant c Pradeep b Chameera ...... 23 U Tharanga b Chahal ...... 17 side big-hitting youngster Evin pressure proved too much as D Karthik (not out) ...... 13 D Shanaka (not out) ...... 15 Lewis in an opening partner- they lost six wickets for only 21 Extras (B1, LB3, W6) ...... 10 T Perera (not out) ...... 22 ship of 88. runs. Last-wicket pair Dawlat Total (5 wkts) ...... 174 Extras (LB4, NB1, W6) ...... 11 Lewis fell for 31, but Zadran and Shapoor Zadran Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-9, 3-104, 4-153, 5-174 Total (5 wickets) ...... 175 Shimron Hetmyer outdid even dragged the Asian outfit to Did not bat: W Sundar, V Shankar, S Thakur, J Unad- Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-70, 3-98, 4-127, 5-136 Gayle, plundering 127 to score within four runs of their target kat, Y Chahal Bowling: Unadkat 3-0-35-1 (w2), Sundar 4-0-28-2 Sri Lankan cricketer Thisara Perera (right) celebrates with team-mate his maiden international ton. heading into the final over, but Bowling: Chameera 4-0-33-2 (w1), Pradeep 3-0-38-1 (w1), Thakur 3.3-0-42-0 (nb1, w1), Chahal 4-0-37-2 Dasun Shanaka after winning the opening (w2), Dananjaya 4-0-37-0 (w1), Perera 3-0-25-0, (w1), Shankar 2-0-15-0 (w1), Raina 2-0-14-0 The UAE, who had beaten the latter was caught behind off Mendis 3-0-21-1 (w2), Gunathilaka 3-0-16-1 Result: Sri Lanka won by five wickets against India for the Nidahas Trophy Tri-nation Twenty20 tournament Papua New Guinea in their Brian Vitori to secure Zimba- at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, yesterday. opening match, never bwe’s second win.

PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE Taylor expected Steyn eyes return in third to be fit for Test against Australia fourth ODI

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CAPE TOWN: South Africa fast WELLINGTON: New bowler Dale Steyn is targeting a Zealand’s troubled middle return to Test in the third order is likely to be boosted match of the series against by the return of Ross Taylor Australia this month, he said from a quadriceps injury for yesterday. the crucial fourth one-day The 34-year-old, plagued by international against England injury over the last two years, is in Dunedin today. three wickets away from Taylor, who appeared to becoming South Africa’s leading hurt himself while diving to Test wicket taker. avoid a run out in the second “I’m looking at trying to get game at Mount Maunganui, into the third Test, get back with missed the third game in Wel- the boys. It’s been a long time - lington, which England won shoulder, foot, all that kind of by four runs to take a 2-1 lead stuff. Watching the cricket and in the five-match series. seeing some of the things that The 33-year-old said he are happening on the field, I just had been hit several times by want to get out there,” Steyn told the ball while , which local radio. prevented him from turning Steyn made a comeback fast enough after some superb after 13 months out due to week, I should be back on the the one-off Test against Zim- fielding by David Willey cut off shoulder problems when he cricket field,” he added. babwe in December but on the his chances of running a quick opened the bowling in January’s Steyn’s shoulder problems opening morning of the day- single. first Test victory over India at began in December 2015 and night match he was ruled out “Should be fine for Newlands, only to hurt his heel. about a year later he broke his with flu. Steyn, whose Test tomorrow. It’s nice to be “I’ve had a bit of an unlucky right shoulder and tore three average is an impressive 22.32, ready to play,” he told one with my foot. It seems like major muscles during the first can point to a prolific record at reporters in Dunedin ahead every injury I get is really bad. Test against Australia in Perth. Newlands with 67 wickets in 14 of the game at University I’m probably another two or He went home to Cape Tests. His tally of 419 Test vic- Oval. “I’ve had massages on three weeks away,” Steyn said. Town for surgery, followed by tims is just shy of Shaun Pol- it, acupuncture, stretching “I have to play one or two lengthy rehabilitation before he lock’s record 421 wickets for and swimming. warm-up games. So hopefully was gently eased back in South Africa. South Africa take “I got hit during the game Kumar Sangakkara of Multan Sultans bats during the Pakistan Super everything goes according to Twenty20 action in November. on Australia at Newlands from in Hamilton, then hit on the League match against Peshawar Zalmi in Dubai yesterday. plan, and by the end of next Steyn was due to return in March 22-26. same spot in training twice..”