SPORT Tuesday 17 April 2018 PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 ‘No decision yet’ on Cross-Country trainer after reports Rally hopes rest with Roach ditched: Pacquiao Al Attiyah and Abdulla

QOC President awards the winners at Arabian Camel Festival

H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), awards the winners of the Emir Cup Sword events at the ongoing Arabian Camel Festival at Al Shahaniya Racetrack yesterday. The hugely popular event continues today with morning and evening competitions at same venue.

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGE IPL: KKR secure last 16 berth YESTERDAY'S RESULTS canter to GROUP D Al Hilal SFC (KSA) 0-1 Esteghlal FC (IRN) Al Rayyan SC (QAT) 1-4 Al Ain FC (UAE) 71-run win with win over Al Rayyan GROUP C Al Wasl FC (UAE) 1-2 FC Nasaf (UZB) over Delhi THE PENINSULA Needing just a draw to finish top Persepolis FC (IRN) 1-0 Al Sadd SC (QAT) IANS of the group, Al Sadd pushed : struck twice forward in search of the equaliser TODAY'S FIXTURES KOLKATA: Kolkata Knight as UAE’s Al Ain dashed Al Rayyan’s but they were not particularly GROUP B Riders (KKR), riding on Nitish hopes of advancing to the last 16 of effective, with only Xavi Hernandez Al Duhail SC (QAT) vs Al Wahda FSCC (UAE) Rana and Andre Russell’s the AFC Champions League with a and Baghdad Bounedjah coming At Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha heroics, snapped a two-game 4-0 win yesterday. close to scoring in the opening half. Kick off at 5.00pm losing streak in style to register Hussein El Shahat gave the vis- The visitors looked more dan- GROUP A a 71-run victory over Gautam itors the lead in the 11th minute at gerous in the second half and Al Jazira FSC (UAE) vs Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) Gambhir’s Delhi Daredevils in the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in thought he had GROUP H a lopsided Indian Premier Doha before two quick goals early levelled the scores when he finished (JPN) vs (KOR) League (IPL) clash at the Eden in the second half (Omar Abdul- off Bounedjah’s cross in the 62nd GROUP G Gardens here yesterday. rahman 55’, Marcus Berg 58’) took minute. However, the effort was Evergrande FC (CHN) vs Cerezo Osaka (JPN) Put in by their celebrated the game completely away from the ruled out for offside. former captain Gambhir, KKR GROUP B home team. Persepolis looked comfortable saw in-form Rana smash a PFC Lokomotiv (UZB) vs Zobahan FC (IRN) The Swedish striker Berg scored defending their narrow lead and 35-ball 59 with Russell hitting his second goal in the 78th minute goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand had GROUP A a 12-ball 44, which included before Al Rayyan skipper Rodrigo very little to do for most of the Tractorsazi Tabriz (IRN) vs Al Gharafa (QAT) six sixes off Mohammed Tabata gave some consolation in game, until a nervy final 10 minutes, At Yadegar Emam Stadium, Tabriz Shami, to ensure Glenn Max- the dying stage of the game with a when Al Sadd almost broke the Kick off at 7.00pm well’s 22-ball 47 and Rishabh right footed shot from the centre of home crowd’s hearts. GROUP H Pant’s 26-ball 43 went in vain. the box which landed at the bottom First, Bounedjah rattled the Sydney FC (AUS) vs Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN) Delhi were reduced to right corner. crossbar from close range with a GROUP G 24/3 inside the first three overs Meanwhile, in Tehran, ’s stinging strike in the 87th minute, Jeju United FC (KOR) vs Buriram United (THA) with opener Jason Roy, who Persepolis will head into the then just seconds later, hit an unbeaten 53-ball 91 in knockout stage of the 2018 AFC registered what was surprisingly Al FINAL GROUP STANDINGS the last match but now only Champions League as winners of Sadd’s first shot on target but Bei- GROUP C managed 1, Shreyas Iyer (4) Group C, after overcoming Qatar’s ranvand was on hand to palm the RANK/TEAM MP W D L POINTS and skipper Gambhir (8) back Al Sadd with a 1-0 win yesterday. ball away. 1: Persepolis FC (IRN) 6 4 1 1 13 in the hut. Backed by a massive home This result means that Perse- 2: Al Sadd SC (QAT) 6 4 0 2 12 Leg-spinner Piyush crowd, Persepolis needed less than polis finish the group stage as 3: FC Nasaf (UZB) 6 3 1 2 10 Chawla (1/16) got Roy’s back three minutes to go in front. winners of Group C with 13 points, 4: Al Wasl FC (UAE) 6 0 0 6 0 in the last ball of the innings’ Mohammed Ansari whipped in a one ahead of Al Sadd who go GROUP D first over with a slider down tricky cross from the left wing and through as runners-up. Persepolis the leg side which the England Al Rayyan’s Qatari forward Sebastian Soria (left) 1: Esteghlal FC (IRN) 6 3 3 0 12 Al Sadd defender Morteza Pourali- will now face the second-placed batsman missed and went leaps for the ball during the Asian Champions League ganji inadvertently headed past his team from Group A in the Round of 2: Al Ain FC (UAE) 6 2 4 0 10 down the wicket for skipper football match at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in own keeper to give the Tehran 16, while Al Sadd play the winners 3: Al Rayyan SC (QAT) 6 1 3 2 6 Dinesh Karthik to effect a Doha yesterday. giants an early lead. of the same group. 4: Al Hilal SFC (KSA) 6 0 2 4 2 stumping. Rana caught Iyer at first slip off Russell’s bowling while the big wicket of Gambhir fell to U-19 World Cup winner Volleyball: Emir Cup draw ceremony Youssef Ahmed Kanu Shivam Mavi (1/14). (front row - fourth from Pant and Maxwell then left), Treasurer, Qatar associated for a 62-run stand Volleyball Association for the fourth wicket before (QVA), and Saeed Salem the former holed out to Al Jamaani (front row Chawla at deep midwicket off - second right), Board Yadav. From there on, it was Member, QVA, pose all downhill for Delhi as they for a photograph with lost wickets in a hurry. other officials and Earlier, Rana cracked a club representatives fine half century while Russell during the official blasted a 12-ball 44 to propel draw ceremony of the KKR to 200/9. Emir Cup Volleyball Brief scores: Tournament held at Kolkata Knight Riders: the QVA headquarters 200/9 (Nitish Rana 59, Andre in Doha yesterday. Russell 41; Rahul Tewatia 3/18) Picture by: Salim Delhi Daredevils: (129 all Matramkot/ out (Glenn Maxwell 47, The Peninsula Rishabh Pant 43; Sunil Narine 3/18, Kuldeep Yadav 3/32) 24 SPORT TUESDAY 17 APRIL 2018

Calvert stars Pacers snap James’ play-off as Blue Jackets edge Capitals streak; Harden lifts Rockets AP WASHINGTON: Matt Calvert scored 12:22 into overtime, AFP NBA PLAY-OFF RESULTS The Pacers jumped ahead Indiana Pacers guard Victor Sergei Bobrovsky made 54 33-14 after the first quarter and saves and the Columbus Blue Eastern Conference Oladipo (righ) moves against NEW YORK: Forget LeBron led by as much as 23 in holding Jackets overcame two goals In Boston Cleveland Cavaliers forward James making his eighth consec- off the Cavs, who came no closer LeBron James (23) in the first from Alex Ovechkin beat the Boston 113 Milwaukee 107 utive trip to the NBA finals - the than seven points the rest of the quarter in game one of the first Washington Capitals 5-4 on (Boston leads series 1-0) Cleveland Cavaliers might way. round of the 2018 NBA Play- Sunday night to take a 2-0 In Cleveland have trouble just getting out of “You can’t ease into the play- offs at Quicken Loans Arena lead in the first-round the opening round of the play- Indiana 98 Cleveland 80 offs,” said Cavs coach Tyronn on Sunday. play-off series. offs. (Indiana leads series 1-0) Lue. Calvert’s goal held up Victor Oladipo scored a In Oklahoma City “I thought (Indiana) came in after the NHL situation room game-high 32 points to power Oklahoma City 116 Utah 108 and they attacked us.” James had reviewed the play for a pos- the Indiana Pacers over the host (Oklahoma City leads series 1-0) a triple double in a losing cause sible offside. Calvert was just Cavaliers 98-80 on Sunday in In Houston with 24 points, 10 rebounds and onside when Josh Anderson

the opening game of their first- Houston 104 Minnesota 101 12 assists. The rest of Cleveland’s brought the puck into the round NBA play-off series. (Houston leads 1-0) starters only managed 25 points, zone. “Stay calm, stay composed, Kevin Love with 17 rebounds but Columbus heads home play the game I have all year only nine points. for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday long,” Oladipo said of the key to minor setback on the Heat’s title JR Smith had 15 points off the and Thursday two victories his overwhelming day. run, a career first for James. Cavaliers’ bench while Myles away from advancing to the “This was a great team win.” James said falling behind in Turner had 16 points and Bojan second round for the first James had won 21 first- a series just motivates him to Bogdanovic added 15 for Indiana. time in franchise history. round play-off games in a row step up his game. The Cavaliers had their The Blue Jackets stunned until the rout, having never “I’m down 0-1 in the first lowest-scoring first period of the the Metropolitan Division- before lost the opener in a first- round. I was down 3-1 in the season and only five baskets with champion Capitals with round NBA post-season series. finals. So I’m the last guy to ask six turnovers in the opening back-to-back overtime James, seeking his ninth about what I’m gonna be like the quarter, drawing boos as they wins. career trip to the NBA finals and next couple days,” James said. walked off at half-time trailing Meanwhile, Sidney fourth league title, had not In the late game, league MVP 59-38. Crosby had a goal and three dropped a first-round play-off candidate James Harden The Boston Celtics nearly fell assists and Matt Murray game since the New York Knicks exploded for 44 points as the victim to another Eastern Con- stopped 26 shots to help beat Miami in the fourth game Houston Rockets beat the Min- ference opening upset bid before Pittsburgh silence a raucous of the 2012 opening round, a nesota Timberwolves 104-101. edging visiting Milwaukee Philadelphia crowd and take a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series. Two of the so-called James Harden (left) in fiercest rivals in the NHL have action on Sunday. 113-107 in overtime. Al Horford Khris Middleton added 31 provided three lopsided scored 24 points and grabbed 12 points, hitting five-of-seven games: Pittsburgh’s 7-0 win rebounds for Boston and Terry three-pointers, with eight in Game 1 and Philadelphia’s Rozier, starting in place of rebounds and six assists in a 5-1 victory in Game 2 could injured Kyrie Irving, added 23 losing cause. about qualify as nail-bitters points. In Houston, Harden led a in this series. Marcus Morris scored 21 off big fourth-quarter run as the Elsewhere, Mikael the bench while Jaylen Brown top-seeded Rockets held off Granlund and Zach Parise netted 20 and Jayson Tatum con- the Timberwolves in game one. scored power-play goals in tributed 19 points and 10 Harden made seven-of-12 the first period for the spark rebounds for the Celtics. three pointers but the Rockets Minnesota was missing on the “We’ve been down a lot, a lot had their hands full with the road, and the Wild used a of injuries, and we’ve always eighth seeded Timberwolves. four-goal second to roar back found a way,” Horford said. Minnesota star Karl- against Winnipeg the “Morris made some big shots, Anthony Towns failed to get Western Conference series. Tatum down the stretch, Terry untracked on Sunday, scoring Jordan Greenway scored -- that’s what we’re all about. We just eight points, well below his first NHL goal just 20 just find a way.” Greek star his season average of 21.3 seconds after Eric Staal sent Giannis Antetokounmpo led the points. a wrist shot past past a strug- Bucks with 35 points, 13 Andrew Wiggins had 18 gling Connor Hellebuyck, rebounds and seven assists and points for Minnesota, who are who was pulled for Steve gave the Celtics headaches until making their first play-off Mason at the second fouling out in overtime. appearance since 2004. intermission. F1 seeks growth in sport-loving China REUTERS weeks in Shanghai and digital broadcasting deals Beijing talking to a with state network CCTV SHANGHAI: Formula “number of entities.” and Tencent. Bratches said One’s planned Chinese He added, however, the local joint venture would Formula One held its first Grand Prix in joint venture will have its that the sport’s relationship be responsible for agreeing China in 2004. Despite a steadily growing own marketing, licensing with local company Juss such deals in future. and media rights arms Events Co Ltd., who cur- It could also help the fanbase, a Chinese population of 1.3 billion dedicated to growing the rently organise the race, country, which hasn’t yet means there still remains a vast opportunity sport’s presence in the vast would continue. had a Formula One driver, for the sport to tap. but still nascent market, “We plan to continue establish driver devel- commercial managing that relationship and opment schools and look director Sean Bratches has expand it as we go at organising a second race said. forward,” he said. in China, which Liberty are “What we will do is Formula One held its keen on but remains some effectively set up a similar first Grand Prix in China in years away. structure to what we have 2004. Despite a steadily “What we will be doing in London,” the former growing fanbase, a Chinese for the years to come in the ESPN executive said at the population of 1.3 billion rest of the world is devel- weekend’s Chinese Grand means there still remains oping the brand, devel- Prix in Shanghai. a vast opportunity for the oping the sport,” said “With a head of mar- sport to tap. Bratches. keting, a head of licensing, Last year the sport “While Liberty are a head of media rights, a struck a deal to build stra- planning to open local head of sponsorship, a tegic partnerships in the offices in the United States head of digital, etc. and country with marketing and other parts of Asia, really activate the brand agency Lagardere Sports Bratches said setting up a here like its own entity,” and Entertainment. parallel entity similar in added the American. The company’s chief scale to its London operation Sources said last week executive told Reuters then would be unique to China. that Liberty Media, who took that the growth of the “With the entity that we over as Formula One’s com- Chinese middle classes acquired, we believed that mercial rights holder last could see 400 million it was somewhat under- year, was talking to potential people over the next 12 or managed,” said Bratches of local partners including Inter 13 years having disposable Liberty’s acquisition of the Milan owner Suning and La income to spend on enter- sport. “And our time being Liga rights holder DDMC to tainment and lifestyle. spent bringing Formula form a joint venture that Efforts to reach out to fans One up into the ethos of the would help manage business are already underway, with 21st century, we wouldn’t development in China. the sport organising a fan- really be spending... Bratches declined to festival in the heart of enough time (in China) to confirm any names but said Shanghai last week and really merit what we think he had spent the last few striking fresh television and the opportunities are here.” TUESDAY 17 APRIL 2018 SPORT 25

Shahzad fined Kawauchi, Linden fight rain after playing for Pakistan club to win Boston Marathon without permission AGENCIES

AFP BOSTON: Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi won his first Boston Marathon men’s title yesterday, capturing KABUL: Trouble-prone Afghanistan wick- his fourth title of the year and etkeeper Mohammad Shahzad has been fifth in a row at the distance. fined after he was caught playing for a Kawauchi won a New Year’s Pakistani cricket club without permission, Day marathon at Marshfield, an Afghan official said yesterday. Massachusetts and followed with Shahzad has been ordered to pay triumphs in the Kitakyushu Mar- 300,000 Afghanis (about $4,400) and athon in Japan and Wanjinshi return to Afghanistan after taking part in Marathon in Taiwan before his a local tournament in Peshawar, a Paki- breakthrough Boston victory. stani city near the Afghan border. Kawauchi is the first Jap- The 30-year-old went to Pakistan after anese man to win the Boston Afghanistan returned from Zimbabwe last Marathon since 1987. month following their qualification for the He overtook Kenyan runner 2019 World Cup, Lutfullah Stanikzai, head Geoffrey Kirui in the last few of media and marketing for the Afghan- miles to win his first Abbott istan Cricket Board (ACB), said. World Marathon major title. Rules require players to obtain a “no In the women’s elite cat- objection certificate” if they want to play egory, Desiree Linden splashed matches other than those approved by the her way through icy rain and a ACB. This is not the first time that Shahzad near-gale headwind yesterday Yuki Kawauchi crosses the finish line of the 2018 Boston Marathon winning has fallen foul of regulations. and became the first American the men’s division yesterday. He was suspended for two matches in woman to win the race since Zimbabwe for slamming his bat on the 1985. pitch after being dismissed in a qualifying match. That incident came three months after the big-hitter returned from a one-year doping ban. Shahzad will still go to India for a New-look Jamaica fail training camp before Afghanistan’s series against Bangladesh and a Test match against India in June, Stanikzai said. The ACB has also ordered players living abroad, mainly in Pakistan, to return CWG test without Bolt to Afghanistan if they want to continue playing for the national side. “We have a strong structure for our AFP domestic cricket so we do not see the need Akani Simbine of South Africa celebrates as he wins the men’s for people to go and play for clubs outside 100m final during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games GOLD COAST: As sprint legend Usain Afghanistan,” Stanikzai said. Bolt partied into the early hours and as Jamaica’s Yohan Blake finishes third in this April 9 file photo. “There’s plenty of cricket that’s hap- hung out with movie stars at the pening here now.” Commonwealth Games, it wasn’t so much fun for the Jamaica track team he left behind. At their first major competition since Bolt retired after a decade of ‘No decision yet’ dominance, the Jamaican juggernaut caught a flat on the Gold Coast, failing to win a single sprinting gold medal. on trainer after Yohan Blake’s flop in the men’s 100 metres set the tone as Jamaica’s confidence was immediately dented reports Roach by South African Akani Simbine. Blake, who picked up a world title ditched: Pacquiao in 2011 after Bolt false-started, could only finish third behind Simbine’s AFP countryman Henricho Bruintjies after a calamitous start. To add insult to injury, double MANILA: Manny Pacquiao said Monday Olympic champion Elaine Thompson he had not yet chosen a trainer for his July failed to win a medal in the women’s world title fight with Lucas Matthysse, 200m as Shaunae Miller-Uibo dismissing reports he has cut ties with romped to victory for the Bahamas. long-standing mentor Freddie Roach. And with Trinidad and Tobago’s The veteran US ring guru Roach said Jereem Richards capturing gold in the last week that his 15-year association with men’s 200m and countrywoman Pacquiao, who has won world titles in an Michelle-Lee Ahye an upset winner unprecedented eight weight divisions, had of the women’s 100m, Jamaica’s Car- been terminated ahead of the Matthysse ibbean rivals enjoyed their days in the bout in Malaysia. sun. “I would be lying if I didn’t say I Jamaica’s Olympic chief insisted wasn’t hurt that he didn’t contact me per- that there was no crisis, pointing to a But after the Jamaican men’s dominance. sonally about his decision, but the great new generation of sprinters coming 4x100m relay team were crushed by “It’s not times we enjoyed together far outweigh through. England to take third behind South that they’re that,” Roach said in a brief statement on “It was a perfectly creditable per- Africa in a puny title defence, Bolt getting better,” Friday. formance,” Christopher Samuda said. took to social media to question he said. “It’s But Pacquiao went on social media “Jamaican athletes usually peak in whether he had retired too soon. that we’re not Monday to say that he would make a June or July. “Watching the relay just now made performing.” decision later this week on his corner team “Usain Bolt had a very big me ask myself a few questions,” England’s for the Kuala Lumpur fight with the influence but we have a wealth of tweeted the eight-time Olympic sprinters Argentine World Boxing Association wel- talent and the future for Jamaican champion, who watched part of the stormed to a terweight champion. sprinting is in very good hands.” athletics with Hollywood heartthrob golden double “Contrary to statements which I per- Chris Hemsworth. in the 4x100 sonally did not make that are circulating Blake insisted he would bounce metres relays, in the media, I have not made my final At their first major competition back this season. boding well for decision who will be my head trainer for since Bolt retired after a decade of “I was in record-breaking shape, the British at my July 14 (US time zone) fight with Mat- dominance, the Jamaican juggernaut and I’m still in that,” he said. “We the European thysse,” he said. caught a flat on the Gold Coast, failing were dominating worldwide, and my championships Pacquiao -- who has a record of 59 to win a single sprinting gold medal. coach is working to get me back to in August. wins with 38 KOs, seven losses and two that level so I can dominate again.” Zharnel draws -- told millions of followers on his Legendary sprint star Usain Bolt took to Twitter after While Jamaica appeared to have Hughes, official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Blake, who picked up a world title in watching Jamaica finish third in the 4x100m men’s relay lost the fear factor, Blake dismissed stripped of gold accounts that his adviser Mike Koncz “has 2011 after Bolt false-started, could and set social media alight with rumours of a possible the threat to their recent sprinting in the 200m for been in contact with Freddie (Roach)’s only finish third behind Simbine’s comeback. countryman Henricho Bruintjies after impeding people to keep them informed. a calamitous start. Richards, could Roach was ever-present in Pacquiao’s be one to watch in Berlin after showing distances. corner during his rise to the pinnacle of World record holders Jamaica’s impressive speed in Australia. The track and field threw up its fair his sport, helping mould the fighter into South Africa’s Caster Semenya share of feel-good stories -- from one of the best boxers in history. 4x100m relay team settled in for a I was in record-breaking completed a middle-distance double Neeraj Chopra, the farmer’s son who Pacquiao has not fought since being disappointing bronze medal behind shape, and I’m still as rival athletes continued to grumble won a historic javelin gold for India, to defeated on points by Australia’s Jeff Horn England and South Africa. in that. We were about whether or not she should be Levern Spencer, who captured the in Brisbane last July, a loss that cost the dominating worldwide, allowed to compete. women’s high jump title to give Saint Filipino star his World Boxing Organi- Double Olympic champion Elaine But with her future still clouded by Lucia their first Commonwealth title in zation welterweight crown. Thompson failed to win a medal and my coach is working controversy, Semenya -- who identifies any sport. Matthysse, who has 39 wins including in the women’s 200m as Shaunae to get me back to that as a woman but has unusually elevated But for Jamaica, life after Bolt 36 KOs against four defeats, won the Miller-Uibo romped to victory for level so I can dominate testosterone levels -- revealed she began with a jolt -- one that could vacant WBA belt after beating ’s the Bahamas. again: Yohan Blake could be tempted to step up from the ultimately change the landscape of Teerachai Sithmorseng in January. 800 and 1,500 metres and tackle longer world sprinting. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 17 APRIL 2018 Qatar Cross-Country Rally hopes rest with Al Attiyah and Abdulla

THE PENINSULA Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah eyes yet another DOHA: Katara, Qatar’s Cultural win in the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally. Village, will be firmly in the Of course, we need spotlight today evening when it hosts the ceremonial start of the to win the 60 points Manateq Qatar Cross-Country here after missing two Rally for the first time from races. I think we need 7.30pm. International motor sporting to win here and in stars from as far afield as Kazakhstan and then Uruguay and South Africa and the gap will be closed. many parts of Europe will line We had a shakedown up against a strong field of GCC competitors to tackle five days and two days of of demanding off-road action in testing, 500km, and the Qatar deserts. we also test some The FIA-sanctioned event things because we will be supported by several riders in an FIM cross-country want to improve rally and a strong line-up of from Dakar. This is the Middle East competitors taking first race for this new part in the Manateq Qatar Baja. car. We improved the Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah has won all but one of suspension side a lot and the six Qatar Cross-Country the power side: Nasser Rallies that have run since it Saleh Al Attiyah joined the FIA World Cup cal- endar in 2012. The last four victories have been earned with French co- driver Matthieu Baumel and the Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah duo are the clear favourites to has won all but one of the six give the two-time Dakar Rally Qatar Cross-Country Rallies winner a sixth victory on home that have run since it joined It is a very important sand. the FIA World Cup calendar round for us. If I win Success at the finish next in 2012. here, I’ll regain the Sunday would also mark a third championship lead. successive triumph for Over- International motor sporting drive Racing and the V8-engined The gap between me Toyota Hilux, which is running stars from Uruguay, South and the leader is very under the colours of Toyota Africa and many parts of close and my aim is to Europe will line up against GAZOO Racing South Africa on use the knowledge of this occasion. a strong field of GCC Missing two rounds of this competitors to tackle five the course and do my year’s series in the UAE could days of demanding off-road best. I have never won come back to haunt the Qatari, action in the Qatar deserts. this rally. I had led but however, and his absence in both and in due to some technical Katara, Qatar’s Cultural Village, March opened the door for problems, I could Czech driver Martin Prokop and will be firmly in the spotlight Qatar Motor and Motorcycle not finish it the way I today evening when it hosts Poland’s Jakub Przygonski to Federation (QMMF) President wanted. We’ll tackle bag a fistful of championship the ceremonial start of the Abdulrahman Al Mannai (left) points apiece. Prokop, driving a Manateq Qatar Cross-Country and Adel Abdulla share a lighter this round well this Ford F-150 Evo, currently leads Rally for the first time from moment ahead of the Manateq time: Adel Abdulla his X-raid MINI rival by nine 7.30pm. Qatar Cross-Country Rally. points heading into their Qatar showdown. Al Attiyah is 63 points adrift of the series leader. be hoping to bounce back from programme on his home event. to reach the finish of each of the Al Attiyah said: “Of course, his non-finish in Abu Dhabi and I am happy to see (Martin) demanding desert stages. we need to win the 60 points 2009 Dakar winner Giniel de Prokop and Kuba (Przygonski) The event has also attracted here after missing two races. I Villiers would love to secure a here. It will be an interesting additional T1 entries from think we need to win here and podium finish on his first visit to race.” Qatar’s Khalid Al Suwaidi, in Kazakhstan and then the gap the event in a third Overdrive ’s Ahmed Oman’s Abdullah Al-Zubair, will be closed. We had a Toyota. Dutchman Erik van Shegawi leads Qatar’s Adel Saudi Arabia’s Khalid Al-Feraihi shakedown and two days of Loon and Poland’s Aron Abdulla by a mere six points in and Spaniard Fernando Alvarez. testing, 500km, and we also test Domzala complete the five-car the FIA T2 Championship for While Poland’s Maciej some things because we want line-up for the Belgian team. series production cross-country Giemza aims for motorcycle to improve from Dakar. This is Overdrive Racing CEO’s vehicles. glory in the absence of the KTM the first race for this new car. Jean-Marc Fortin said: “Qatar The Toyota Land Cruiser and and Honda factory teams, We improve the suspension side Rally is very demanding. It’s Nissan Patrol drivers will con- Dutchman Kees Koolen and a lot and the power side. quite similar to Morocco and tinue their dusty duel through Russian Alexsandr Maxsimov “It’s great that the race will everyone likes to go to Morocco the Qatari deserts. Russia’s will be aiming to etch a new start in Katara. There is sure to to test. It’s a combination of hard Yuliya Migunova-Khegay and name on the list of quad winners. be a nice atmosphere. Then we surfaces and dunes. Dakar was Romania’s Laurentiu Claudiu Several additional motor- will do the Prologue the next day a good race, but we were in a bit Barbu will also be scrapping for cycles are running behind the and we will try to have a good of a rush before. Now we have points in T2. main event in the Manateq Qatar position for the first day in the more time to think and prepare. Spain’s José Luis Pena Baja. Kuwaiti riders Meshari desert.” The facilities are good here and Campo currently holds a one- Abou Shibah and Abdullah Al- Russia’s Vladimir Vasilyev you exit the circuit and you are point lead over French veteran Shatti face the likes of South has achieved some consistent on the test track. Claude Fournier in the T3 cat- Africa’s Michael Anderson, while stage performances this season “We have been testing egory and the two Polaris RZR Mohammed Al-Khulaifi and and useful points-scoring fin- dampers, testing brake pads – 1000 drivers will renew their Basem Ali Abuswalleh ride a pair ishes in the UAE have moved the new makes – and a few items rivalry in Qatar. of Yamahas in the quad section. MINI One driver into third in the for the drive train. There is still The dusty and rocky deserts The entry list is further rankings – 24 points behind a lot to do. The car is 90% good, are not ideally suited to the light- boosted by an impressive Prokop. but there is still 10% for us to weight T3 vehicles and the likes number of GCC crews tackling This quartet should continue improve in terms of per- of Spaniard Santiago Navarro, the Manateq Qatar Baja in the the FIA World Cup tussle formance and quality. Nasser is Russian Ravil Maginov and Italy’s car category. Names at the front throughout the season, although very fast here and it’s a good Michele Cinotto will need to err of the 18-car field include Saudi Arabia’s Yasir Seaidan will thing that he restarts his on the side of caution if they are Mohammed Al-Mannai, 1993 FIA Middle East rally champion Frenchman Claude Sheikh Hamed bin Eid Al Thani, Fournier in his T3 Polaris. Abdulah Al Rabban, Mohammed Al Meer and Al Attiyah’s cousin Mohammed Al Attiyah. The Saudi duo of Ahmed Shegawi and Khaled Al-Feraihi, Qatar’s Adel Abdulla and Oman’s Abdullah Al-Zubair are eligible for both the international and Baja events. Competitors will pass through their mandatory administration and scrutineering checks at the Losail Interna- tional Circuit today morning. Competitive action gets underway with a timed super special stage at the Losail Inter- national Circuit from 4.15pm tomorrow. TUESDAY 17 APRIL 2018 SPORT 27

Al Gharafa’s Fahad Al Shammari (left) and Al Duhail’s Mohammed Mousa pose for a picture with an official of the QNB Stars Leagueuring d the Qatar Cup Trophy Tour in Doha yesterday. Right: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) officials and employees during the Qatar Cup Trophy Tour to HMC yesterday. QSL champions Al Duhail eye more silverware in Qatar Cup

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Al Duhail will be looking to extend their impressive run of the QNB Stars League Trophy Tour (QSL) into the Qatar Cup. Coach Djamel Belmadi’s side, which clinched the QSL title, with a 5-0 victory stops at HMC over Al Kharaitiyat in Week 20, having taken an unassailable lead over nearest challengers THE PENINSULA Al Sadd, will be looking to maintain the same tempo in the tournament contested by four teams. DOHA: The Qatar Cup Trophy Tour stopped at the Hamad Al Duhail showed no let-up, beating Al Medical Corporation (HMC) on its second day yesterday. Markhiya 4-2 in Week 21 and Al Sailiya 5-2 The tour delegation included QNB Stars League Manage- in Week 22 to finish the campaign on a ment’s Community Activities Head Abdulaziz Al Malki, Com- whopping 60 points from 19 victories and Al Duhail players celebrate after scoring a goal during a QNB Stars League munity Relations Officer Nasser Al Kuwari, Al Gharafa player three draws. match in this file photo. Fahad Al Shammari and his Al Duhail counterpart Mohammed In the process, The Red Knights remained Mousa. as the only unbeaten side in the QNB Stars The delegation was welcomed by HMC’s Public Relations League. And they made their coronation Director Ghada Al Nuaimi, Qatar Rehabilitation Institute’s memorable in front of home fans. Samar and a number of officials and employees. Al Duhail thus achieved their sixth Qatar best scorers in the QNB Stars League. El Arabi Al Duhail’s ambitions do not stop there. The delegation gave a detailed brief of the Qatar Cup and League title, second in a row and first after was the top scorer last season also. They are also keen on doing extremely well the four competing clubs — Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan and they were formed by merging Lekhwiya with They also had the second-best defence at the continental level. Belmadi’s men had Al Gharafa. El Jaish. Four of them (2010-11, 2011-12, as they conceded only 27 goals, two more become the first team to qualify for the The tour will also visit various places such as Hamad Port, 2016-17 and 2017-18) came when Algerian than the number of goals against Al Sadd. Round of 16 in this year’s AFC Champions Aspire Park and sponsor sites in the coming days. Belmadi was at the helm. They had also tri- Al Duhail had stability in terms of the League. The semifinals will be played on April 21 and 22, and final umphed under Eric Gerets (2013-14) and presence of professional players as except They have players with great potential, on April 27. All matches will kick off at the Al Sadd Stadium current Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup Chico Flores, who was replaced by Lucas both junior and experienced ones, to deliver at 7:00pm. (2014-15). Mendes, all other players — Msakny, El Arabi the goods. Al Sadd will play Al Rayyan in the first semifinal, followed Al Duhail have a fierce frontline and and Nam Tae-Hee — stayed. Al Duhail suffered a setback when by the encounter between Al Duhail and Al Gharafa. scored 86 goals, the most by any team. Al Besides, they have an outstanding array captain Msakny was ruled out of action The Trophy Tour aims to celebrate the tournament while Sadd came next with 68. of Qatari players such as Karim Boudiaf, for almost six months with a cruciate lig- also encouraging fans to come along to the two semifinals Their players, Moroccan striker Youssef Almoez Ali, Bassam Al Rawi, Ismail ament injury he sustained during their and showpiece final. It is also the best opportunity for the El Arabi (26) and Tunisian attacking mid- Mohamed, Luiz Martin, Mohamed Moussa QNB Stars League Week 22 match against general public to find out more about the Qatar Cup. fielder Youssef Msakny (25) emerged as the and Sultan Al Berik. Al Sailiya. Barca closing in Pele confident Neymar can on La Liga title lead Brazil at World Cup

AFP AFP LA LIGA Brazilian football legend Pele (second right) poses for a photograph at Fixtures (all times GMT) the Dubai Opera gardens prior to a friendly game in Dubai, yesterday. MADRID, SPAIN: Barcelona will Today DUBAI: Brazilian legend Pele have one eye on the Copa del Rey final Deportivo La Coruna vs Sevilla (1730), Celta Vigo vs Barce- says he is confident about while Europe is the main focus for lona (1900), Villarreal vs Leganes (1930) Brazil’s chances at the Real and Atletico Madrid so what is Tomorrow upcoming World Cup and left for La Liga? Barca are 11 points Espanyol vs Eibar (1730), Valencia vs Getafe (1730), Real expects injured star Neymar clear at the top of the table but, with Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao (1930) to be fully fit to lead the side an overhaul of the squad expected in Thursday in Russia. the summer, few players can afford Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid (1730), Alaves vs Girona Speaking in Dubai, the to ease off during the run-in. (1730), Levante vs Malaga (1930), Real Betis vs Las Pal- 77-year-old, who has been in

Atletico will hope to beat rivals mas (1930) ailing health recently, put his Real to second but both teams have faith in Paris Saint-Germain their priorities now in Europe, with striker Neymar’s ability to Real facing Bayern Munich in the recover from a fractured foot Champions League semi-finals and Fringe players are expected to be in time to lead Brazil to a pos- Atleti up against Arsenal in the last given a chance against ninth-placed sible sixth global football title. four of the Europa League next Celta Vigo today. They need to “We don’t know exactly week. impress. what is going to happen, but I Sevilla face a crucial few days in Bale can look to Isco for inspi- think for the World Cup he’s their chase for European football next ration Isco has shown the way in how going to be in shape because season while at the bottom of the to regain favour under Zinedine his injury is not so bad,” said table, Levante can all but secure safety Zidane, the Spaniard continuing his Pele, the only person to have with a win over Malaga. recent surge with a goal and an assist won the World Cup three Here are five things to look out against Malaga on Sunday. times as a player. for in the midweek fixtures in Spain: After scoring a hat-trick for Spain “I wish he has the same eventual winners in World Cup.” Pele said he trip to England in January due Barca squad playing for their futures against Argentina, Zidane was luck I had in the World Cup.” the semi-finals but Pele feels expected few surprises at the to “exhaustion”, although his The league title may be all but sewn impressed enough to start the mid- PSG’s Neymar, the world’s the team under “psychologist” tournament, identifying spokesman denied he had up and the treble dream extinguished fielder against Juventus last week, and most expensive player, has not , which breezed through Lionel Messi’s Argentina, been hospitalised -- Pele said but Barca’s players are now playing might draw encour- played since breaking a met- South American qualifying, Germany, England and there was little cause for for places, both in the short-term, for agement from Isco’s revival. atarsal bone in his right foot has the tools to go all the way. France as potential chal- concern. Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Bale’s strained relationship with on February 25 in a Ligue 1 “I am confident because lengers -- although he didn’t “I cannot play in the next Sevilla, and further ahead, to stay Zidane took another turn for the match against Marseille. He Tite, the new coach, now (has) mention 2010 world cham- World Cup but I feel good,” he beyond the summer. worse after he was harshly hauled off said last week he is still recov- had a little time to set up the pions Spain or current said with a hearty laugh. Andres Iniesta and Samuel Umtiti at half-time against Juve but he may ering following surgery but team. European laureates Portugal, “I had an injury, then I had are both pondering their futures while be given another shot against Athletic expects to be fit in time for the “We have a lot of excellent led by their talisman Cris- to make a surgery for the head successors, even if not replacements, Bilbao tomorrow. World Cup from June 14 to July players in Europe. The tiano Ronaldo. of my hip, then I had to need to be found for ageing stars like With the first leg of the Cham- 15. problem is to put the team However, he said “football replace (it), then I had a little Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and pions League semi-final against In the last World Cup on together. is a box of surprises”. problem with my meniscus, Luis Suarez. Ousmane Dembele and Bayern Munich to come next week, home soil four years ago, “I think we’re going to As for his own health but now I am OK, I am ready, Andre Gomes still have it all to prove. Bale needs a performance. Brazil were humiliated 7-1 by have a good team in the next problems -- Pele cancelled a in good shape!” TUESDAY 17 APRIL 2018 SPORT 23

There is a solid tool for the future, to remain number one Paris Saint-Germain CRICKET FOOTBALL in France and become that coach Unai Emery after Indian Premier League: English Premier League: elsewhere with patience and his team’s Ligue 1 title Rajasthan Royals vs LIVE ON Brighton & Hove Albion vs hard work. triumph KKR in Jaipur TUBE Tottenham Hotspur Djokovic races past Lajovic in Monte Carlo

REUTERS MONTE CARLO MASTERS winner roared back to book a tomorrow. If I have to play second round meeting with tomorrow, I got to be ready MONTE CARLO: Former world Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x11) bt Peter Go- Borna Coric of . tonight.” number one Novak Djokovic jowczyk (GER) 6-4, 6-3 Earlier in the day, Japan’s Kei The 28-year-old, who is showed signs of rediscovering Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP x15) bt Jared Don- Nishikori came back from a set making his first Monte Carlo his form with a dominant 6-0, aldson (USA) 6-3, 6-3 down to see off Czech 12th seed appearance since 2012, will face 6-1 victory over Dusan Lajovic Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt Robin Haase (NED) 7-6 Tomas Berdych 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 and Russian Daniil Medvedev in the in the opening round of the (9/7), 2-6, 7-5 reach the second round. next round. Monte Carlo Masters yesterday. Borna Coric (CRO) bt Julien Benneteau (FRA) Nishikori, who missed a large World number 51 Jared Don- Djokovic’s start of the season 6-2, 6-3 part of last season with a wrist aldson confronted an umpire was disrupted by an elbow Kei Nishikori (JPN) bt Tomas Berdych (CZE x12) injury, started the season in the after disagreeing with a call surgery, and has since suffered 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 Challenger Tour events before made in his first-round defeat by defeats in consecutive opening Novak Djokovic (SRB x9) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB) reaching the second round at last-year’s finalist Albert matches at Indian Wells and Miami. Ramos-Vinolas. ’s 6-0, 6-1 Miami. He was playing close to his While 6-3, 3-2 down, the Novak Djokovic But there were no signs of his best tennis despite calling for a 21-year-old American became celebrates after recent struggles as he kickstarted the first set with his opponent medical timeout for his trou- outraged when a serve by the winning his first his claycourt campaign in style well off the pace. blesome wrist. Spaniard was called in by Arnaud round match to record a victory over fellow Lajovic, ranked 93 in the “It’s not great but first match Gabas when he believed it was against Serbia’s Serb Lajovic in just 57 minutes. world, offered resistance in the on clay, you know, I’m expecting out. Donaldson eventually lost Dusan Lajovic, Djokovic, a two-time winner second set to level at 1-1 but little soreness,” the Japanese star 6-3, 6-3 and apologised to yesterday. at Monte Carlo, dropped just failed to capitalise on a break said. Ramos-Vinolas but refused to eight points as he wrapped up point as the 12-time grand slam “Hopefully I have a day off shake Gabas’ hand.

FIFA begins Emery wants PSG to keep Morocco World Cup building after title victory inspection AFP REUTERS PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery said the club RABAT: Morocco’s bid to host must continue to strengthen as the 2026 World Cup went under the French champions try to the microscope yesterday as a transform their dominance at task force from global soccer home into success in the body FIFA arrived for an Champions League. inspection visit to assess the Angel Di Maria and Giovani country’s ability to host the tour- Lo Celso scored twice as PSG nament. secured a fifth Ligue 1 title in Morocco is the only rival to six seasons on Sunday with a a joint bid to stage the event from 7-1 rout of last year’s cham- the United States, Canada and pions Monaco. Mexico with the FIFA Congress Unai Emery’s team blew due to choose the hosts in Monaco away in a first-half Moscow on June 13. blitz that saw PSG score four Morocco’s bid committee times in 14 minutes at the Parc Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari said in a statement that the five- des Princes with Lo Celso President Nasser Al Khelaifi man task force will visit several striking either side of goals applauds at the start of the French cities between April 17 to 19 as from Edinson Cavani and Di L1 match against Monaco (ASM) well as stadiums, training camps Maria. on Sunday. Paris Saint-Germain’s players celebrate after winning against Monaco (ASM) on Sunday. and fan fest sites, together with Rony Lopes pulled a goal other venues related to the back for Monaco as he scored semi-finals -- and could yet “It was a difficult moment the Uruguayan bagged his national’s 13th goal this term. organisation of the for the eighth game in a row, break their record 96-point but I think in the end it’s a good league-best 25th goal with a But PSG continued to competition. but Di Maria added a fifth haul from the 2015-16 season. We have taken back powerful header from a Yuri attack at will and Pastore’s The task force will use a before Radamel Falcao turned campaign. our title but we must continue Berchiche cross. nonchalant assist for Di Maria point-scoring system to evaluate into his own net and Julian PSG also became the first to work, we have a French Cup Cavani then released Di allowed the winger to grab his the two candidates and a bid Draxler struck late on as PSG team in Europe’s top leagues semi-final (against Caen) on Maria with a superb hooked second of the game on 59 which does not meet a minimum romped to the club’s seventh this season to reach 100 goals Wednesday.” pass from inside his own half minutes. score on a number of different championship. on a night they were without Monaco arrived in Paris and the Argentine raced clear The hosts were gifted points will be disqualified before “Other teams have more the injured Neymar and Kylian unbeaten on their last eight before lifting an exquisite chip another goal when Falcao’s the final vote in Russia. titles than us. Monaco, Nantes, Mbappe, the teenager left on league visits to the capital but over the advancing Danijel attempt to clear a corner went “Morocco is offering... an Saint-Etienne, Marseille, Lyon... the bench after a bout of illness. any prospect of them pro- Subasic. horribly wrong, summing up innovative and compact concept but we must keep on building,” But a second successive last longing PSG’s wait for the title Javier Pastore supplied Lo Monaco’s misery as the ball to ensure operational efficiency, Emery, who is likely to be 16 exit in the Champions quickly eroded. Celso to head in PSG’s fourth looped beyond Subasic on 77 outstanding profitability and a replaced in the summer, told League means heads will roll Kamil Glik’s absence in the on 28 minutes and Monaco suf- minutes. lasting legacy in Morocco and Canal+. at the end of this season in heart of the visiting defence fered further misfortune when Germany international Africa,” said Moulay Hafid “There is a solid tool for the preparation for another was acutely felt as Lo Celso France international Djibril Draxler rounded out the dem- Elalamy, president of the bid future, to remain number one attempt to muscle in among started the move that resulted Sidibe was stretchered off with olition, firing home via a committee, in the statement. in France and become that Europe’s elite. in the opening goal on 14 a leg injury, a worrying sign for deflection as PSG clinched the He added that the visit would elsewhere with patience and “That defeat (to Real minutes, sauntering into the Didier Deschamps ahead of the title at home for the first since “strive to convey the vision of a hard work.” Madrid) hurt us but we con- box to tap in a Dani Alves cross. World Cup. 1994 while shattering Monaco’s humble, passionate, determined With a fifth successive tinued to work with the While Cavani’s second half Monaco briefly held up the 17-match unbeaten run. bid, but above all a professional League Cup already won, PSG players, the staff and the pres- of the campaign has proved onslaught as Lopes turned Monaco later tweeted that and solid one.” completed the second leg of a ident who is always at our less prolific than the blistering home an Almamy Toure cross they would reimburse the fans Morocco has already made domestic treble -- they are also side,” said PSG captain Thiago spell that yielded 19 goals seven minutes before half-time who had made the fruitless trip four unsuccessful bids to host the through to the French Cup Silva. before Christmas, for the in-form Portugal inter- to the capital. tournaments for 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010, although it was close on three occasions. The country was second to the US for 1994, behind France Aguero relieved to avoid last day drama for 1998 and just lost out to South Africa for the 2010 finals, the AFP the 2013/14 season, but course to break the we’ve achieved this only time the event has been held Aguero believes his third record for most points season. in Africa. Some of FIFA’s national LONDON: Manchester league winner’s medal in and goals, earning com- “For players like associations have already publicly City’s latest Premier England is just reward for parisons with the greatest David Silva, Vincent stated who they will vote for and League triumph lacked the best football he has ever teams in the Premier Kompany and Yaya Morocco received South Africa’s the drama of Sergio been involved in since League era. (Toure) who have been backing yesterday. Aguero’s (pictured) joining from Atletico “This season has here a long time, it’s even South Africa Football Asso- winner with virtually the Madrid in 2011. been incredible and the more special because it’s ciation (SAFA) president Danny last kick of the season in “This is my third title football we’ve played has another title we’ve won Jordaan said that Morocco’s bid 2012, but the Argentine with City and it’s just a been the best I’ve been together.” was Africa’s bid. is relieved to have won relief not to have to wait involved with while at City were crowned “It is an old myth that Africa the title with five games (until) the final day this the club. champions after Man- doesn’t have the capacity and to spare. time,” Aguero told City’s “It’s been a pleasure schester United were naysayers should stop using the City also claimed the Twitter account. to play with this team stunned by West Bro- political argument,” he said. title on the final day of City are well on and be part of everything mwich Albion on Sunday.