FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 TTENNISENNIS | Page 6 Fellaini header Nadal claims condemns 11th Barcelona Wenger to Old title with win Traff ord defeat over Stefanos

Monday, April 30, 2018 FORMULA 1 Sha’baan 14, 1439 AH Hamilton wins GULF TIMES chaotic Baku battle to lead title race SPORT Page 4 ATHLETICS / DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE Samba, Haroun hope to wow at home in season-opener Team Qatar athletes are in good form coming into the first Diamond League meet of the year on Friday

By Mikhil Bhat He had fi nished behind South Af- Doha rican Wayde van Niekerk and Steven Gardiner of Bahamas. From thereon, Haroun has been on bderrahman Samba had been an impressive run of results, winning progressing well through 400m gold and 4x400m relay silver at the 400m hurdles heats and the Asian Indoor Games in Ashgabat in semi-fi nals at the World September, and two golds — 400m and ChampionshipsA in London in August of 4x400m — at the Asian Indoors in Te- last year. hran in February this year. In the fi nal, running in lane 6 be- “Right now the form is good. I had tween Norwegian Karsten Warholm training camps in Brazil and Turkey. I ran and T J Holmes of the US, the 21-year- 45.41 in Brazil earlier this month. It’s ok, old had been gaining well when he hit not a bad timing to build on. I also did the fi nal hurdle, struggling for balance, 200m in 21.16,” the 21-year-old said. before he had to settle for a seventh Haroun then had a bit of a hamstring place fi nish. niggle in his right leg. “It tightened up,” Nonetheless, the sport that he is, he explained. “But it’s ok now. I have Samba walked up to Warholm, Turkey’s moved to the track too now and the Yasmani Copello and Kerron Clem- feeling is good.” ent of the US after they locked the top A motivation for the 2016 Under-20 three spots respectively to congratulate world champion and 2016 world In- them. doors silver medallist is also perform- “God always has plans, I fi rst ing in front of the home crowd. thought,” Samba said, on the sidelines “In front of my family and friends, I of a press conference ahead of the 2018 am looking forward to it. I have a feeling Doha Diamond League, which takes we will do good this season,” he said. place on Friday at the Qatar Sports Club “Gold is the target.” stadium. Gardiner will be back in Doha to de- But perhaps, as is with every athlete, fend his crown, with Botswana’s Isaac Samba played and re-played his per- Makwala joining the competition. formance in his head, and after a few Even as the Diamond League opener days it hit him. “I could not believe it. is just around the corner, Haroun defi - I could have been the world champion, nitely has next year’s World Champi- which was a dream for me. I had been onships at home and the 2020 Olym- working hard, I had many training pics in Tokyo on his mind. camps. It’s not easy,” he said. “It would be good to get one (gold) “But that maybe gave me more mo- here, especially with the 2019 World tivation to do better at the next oppor- Qatar Athletics Federation secretary-general Mohamed Essa al-Fadala and other off icials pose with Team Qatar athletes Abdalelah Haroun, Abderrahman Samba, Jamal Championships coming to Qatar. There tunity. I hit the last hurdle, and missed Hairane and Mohanad Khamis during a press conference ahead of the Doha Diamond League yesterday. PICTURE: Thajudheen is already some amount of nervous- out on a medal. But I will be fi ghting for ness because the work starts now. This the medal in the future. In the last year’s edition, Samba had something amazing for me,” Samba Kevin Young’s 1992 mark of 46.78. hope I don’t get any injury, stay safe and year we have to work hard, focus on our “It’s time to forget that and look for- beaten Rio champion Clement by over said. “This year, my goal is to fi ght for healthy, and go step by step.” dreams, and next year it’s a big chance. ward.” a second. And coming into this year’s He is priming himself well for what honours in the Diamond League, the A day before Samba’s medal miss “For 2019 and 2020, the preparations ‘Forward’, for now, is Friday, when opening leg, he already ran a world- seems like a busy schedule up ahead Asian Games and the World Cup. I want in London, fellow Team Qatar athlete and pressure begin now. These are two Samba will be in familiar surroundings, leading time of 47.90 at Potchefstroom this year. “I have been training hard to participate in all the competitions,” Abdalelah Haroun had notched the very important years now.” gunning to top the season-opening in South Africa, where he was training and I have big dreams (for the future). he said. country’s fi rst medal of the 2017 World Samba and Haroun are among 16 Diamond League event for the second for almost three months. World Record in 400m hurdles (per- The plan for the Asian Games, he said, Championships, a bronze in the 400m Team Qatar athletes that will take part straight year. “(Running world leading time) was haps),” Samba referred to American was “for sure the gold medal,” adding, “I event. in the athletics extravaganza.

Doha all set for Diamond League extravaganza

By Sports Reporter be 2017 world champion and Diamond League Doha champion Barshim, reigning Olympic, world, European and Diamond League champion Stefanidi, reigning world champion and Olym- nticipation is rising with just five days pic silver medallist in the 5,000m and Doha to go until global superstar athletes Diamond League record holder in the 3,000m Ago head-to-head in a thrilling Diamond Obiri, two-time Olympic champion, three-time League season-opener at Qatar Sports Club on world champion and six-time Diamond League Friday. champion Christian Taylor of the USA, reigning While the likes of Qatar’s 2017 IAAF World Athlete Olympic champion Thomas Rohler of Germany, of the Year Mutaz Barshim, Kenya’s 3,000m who last year wowed the crowds as he broke world champion Hellen Obiri and Greek pole the meet record and moved to second on the vault star Katerina Stefanidi are already lined up all-time list with a huge throw of 93.30m. for the Friday event, further athlete announce- In the men’s 1,500m, 17-year-old rising star George ments were made yesterday with a thrilling Manangoi of Kenya, who is the Under 18 world showdown anticipated in the men’s 200m. champion and talented younger brother of world Reigning world champion Ramil Guliyev of champion Elijah, could be the one to watch out Turkey will go up against Olympic silver medal- for. Last year George won the U18 title by over a list Andre De Grasse of Canada, 2017 Diamond second, despite having only trained seriously for a League champion Noah Lyles of the USA, and little over a year, and this year he has already run world bronze medallist Jereem Richards of a new personal best time of 3:36.20 suggesting a Trinidad and Tobago. However, the biggest very promising future for the youngster. He will be surprise could come from Omar McLeod of up against many more experienced athletes includ- Jamaica, the Olympic and world champion in ing Bethwell Birgen, the 2018 world Indoor bronze the 110m hurdles, who will be trying his hand at Qatar’s high jump icon Mutaz Barshim speaks medallist also of Kenya, and Abdelaati Iguider of the 200m in Doha in an intriguing switch. at the City Center mall event ahead of the 2017 Morocco, the 2012 world Indoor champion, London Speaking ahead of the 2018 Doha Diamond edition of the Doha Diamond League. The 2012 bronze medallist and 2015 world bronze League, Qatar Athletics Federation president press conference and panel session, which is medallist. Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, said, “We open to public, will be held this year too. Reigning 200m world champion Ramil Guliyev of Turkey will be at the Doha meet this Friday. Team Qatar will be represented in the Diamond are so excited to welcome so many of the League by a total of 16 athletes, including Ab- world’s biggest athletics stars back to Doha for inspire our nation through athletics and we are am at City Center Mall, which will also be open Simpson of the USA, who is the reigning 1500m dellelah Haroun, who is the 2017 world bronze what promises to be a phenomenal Diamond very pleased to be able to give the public this to the public. world silver medallist and Olympic bronze medallist in the 400m, Abderrahman Samba, League opening meeting of the 2018 season. exclusive chance to meet Olympic and World The repeat of last year’s hugely successful medallist, and will be competing in the longer who recently ran a world leading time of 47.90 The Doha Diamond League is the only IAAF Champions ahead of their competitions. We press conference will enable the public to be distance of 3000m in Doha, and 200m sprinter in the 400m hurdles, and Ahmed Bader, who is Diamond League meeting in the Middle East encourage everyone to come down and not at the centre of the action, hearing from the Nathaneel Mitchell-Blake from Great Britain, the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games champion in and is one of the most exciting and unmissable miss out on this unique opportunity.” athletes first hand as well as being able to get who is the world 4x100m champion and 2013 the javelin. sporting events hosted annually in Qatar. It is Al-Kuwari was referring to the press confer- selfies and autographs afterwards. U20 champion in 200m. Tickets for the event can be bought online at our ambition to use this event to engage and ence and panel session on Thursday at 11:30 The event will be hosted by athletes MCs Jenny Joining them on stage for the panel session will https://bit.ly/2GVnHqN. Gulf Times 2 Monday, April 30, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Ancelotti turns down off er to coach Italy Celtic rout Rangers have been without a permanent Reuters Milan coach since November when Gian Piero Ventura was sacked following their failure to qualify arlo Ancelotti has for this year’s World Cup in Rus- turned down an off er sia. Luigi Di Biagio took charge to coach Italy, leaving of the team for their friendlies Roberto Mancini as fa- against Argentina and England to secure another Cvourite for the job, Italian media in March on an interim basis. reports said yesterday. Ancelotti, a former mid- The 58-year-old, sacked by fi elder, is one of Europe’s most ‘The performance was really Bayern Munich in September, successful coaches, having won held talks with Italian federa- the Champions League with AC pleasing, under the pressure tion (FIGC) offi cials in Rome last Milan and Real Madrid, plus do- Monday, according to reports mestic league titles with Chel- and given the game’ published in several newspapers sea, AC Milan, Paris St Germain Scottish title including Corriere dello Sport and Bayern Munich. and Gazzetta dello Sport. Mancini is currently coach of One of the reasons given was Russian side Zenit St Petersburg. that Ancelotti believes he can Former Chelsea, Roma, Ju- get a job with a leading European ventus, Inter Milan and Leices- club. The FIGC could not imme- ter City coach Claudio Ranieri, diately be reached for comment. now at Ligue 1 club Nantes, was Italy, currently at an all-time also reported to be in the running low of 20th in the FIFA rankings, but was considered an outsider.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Zidane calls on fans to create best atmosphere ever against Bayern

Reuters “I don’t know if what hap- Madrid pened against Juve and Bayern will help us, all I know is we have to produce a massive perform- eal Madrid coach Zin- ance,” Zidane added. edine Zidane called on “But we’re prepared and we’re his club’s supporters determined. We’ll have to play to be at their noisiest like we never have before this againstR Bayern Munich at the year: we need concentration, Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow determination, commitment, to as the Spanish side aim to reach win battles. the Champions League fi nal for a “We need to do everything you third year in a row. can think of in football and give Real rode their luck in the Al- everything to reach our objective lianz Arena and lead 2-1 in the which is to reach the fi nal.” semi-fi nal tie after grabbing a Zidane heavily rotated his crucial victory in the fi rst leg squad against Leganes in prepa- and Zidane expects another de- ration for the game with Bay- manding game from the Bun- ern, leaving out a host of regu- desliga champions in the return lar starters including top scorer fi xture. Ronaldo, captain Sergio Ramos, Celtic players celebrate after winning the Scottish Premiership in Glasgow yesterday. (Reuters) “We’re going to have to pro- Raphael Varane, Luka Modric duce a huge performance so I ask and Marcelo and starting with- AFP Rangers. The Hoops’ title party in Glasgow in 2016 - a run made the wall for Rangers, with Ed- the player’s action and have the fans to make more noise than out Toni Kroos and Marco Glasgow started early as they went 3-0 up of nine wins and two draws. ouard opening the scoring in the spoken to the club who will deal they’ve made in the club’s history Asensio. up before half-time. The Northern Irishman is 14th minute when he turned in with the matter internally,” said because we’re going to need them Gareth Bale scored the open- Odsonne Edouard gave Celtic also just a Scottish Cup fi nal a Kieran Tierney cut-back from a Police Scotland spokeswoman. to get to the fi nal,” Zidane told re- ing goal against Leganes af- eltic hammered arch an early lead before Edouard and win over Motherwell away from close range. It looked like Rang- “There will be no further porters after beating Leganes 2-1 ter not playing against Bayern, Glasgow rivals Rangers James Forrest added two more guiding Celtic to an unprec- ers might head into the break police action taken.” It was the in La Liga on Saturday. while Borja Mayoral made the 5-0 to secure a seventh goals late in the opening period. edented second successive do- just a goal behind but that hope closest any Celtic player came “It’s our game of the year and most of a rare start by scor- successive Scottish ti- Two minutes after the break, mestic treble. was dashed four minutes before to getting into trouble all game. the supporters know it. We want ing the second goal right before tleC with an emphatic Old Firm Tom Rogic made it 4-0 with “The performance was really half-time. Barely had the second half got the fans to be behind us from the halftime. Darko Brasovic pulled victory yesterday. Callum McGregor scoring Celt- pleasing, under the pressure and Rangers’ Graham Dorrans underway before Rogic made fi rst minute to the 90th.” one back for Leganes in the sec- This win, achieved in front ic’s fi fth goal in the 53rd minute. given the game,” Rodgers told lost possession and Forrest sent it 4-0 from the edge of the box Double Champions League ond half. of their own fans at Celtic Park, Defeat did little for Rang- Sky Sports. Edouard clear into the visitors’ and McGregor added a fi fth goal holders Madrid were also ahead Real midfi elder Isco returned gave Brendan Rodgers’ side an ers caretaker manager Graeme “You have to play football box, where he drove a low shot after he was played in by Ed- of Bayern by the same scoreline in to training earlier than antici- unassailable 10-point lead at Murty’s hopes of holding onto and today we did the basics re- past Alnwick and into the far ouard. last year’s quarter-fi nal but lost pated yesterday 48 hours before the top of the Scottish Premier- his job, amid speculation the ally well,” he added. “We were corner. There was still plenty of time the return leg 2-1 at the Bernabeu the Champions League semi- ship table over Aberdeen, who Gers are set to appoint Liverpool outstanding and could have had And there was still time for left in the game for Celtic to and needed extra-time to fi nally fi nal second leg against Bayern can only take a maximum of great Steven Gerrard as their more goals...It’s been a brilliant Celtic to extend their lead prior surpass their biggest win over knock the Germans out. Munich. nine points from their three re- new permanent boss. season by the players.” to the end of the fi rst half when Rangers - a 7-1 success back in They also suff ered an almighty Defender Nacho, who had maining league games. Rodgers, who was Gerrard’s Rangers goalkeeper Jak Aln- Forrest struck from 10 yards. 1957 - and the only surprise was scare in their last European home been out since the start of April Rangers are three points fur- manager at Liverpool for the wick made his Old Firm debut in During the celebrations for that they didn’t add to their tally game in the quarter-fi nals falling with a thigh problem, also took ther back in third place. latter part of the celebrated place of the injured Wes Foder- that third goal, Celtic’s Mikael of goals. 3-0 behind to Juventus before part in the light session. Celtic are now just two shy of midfi elder’s Anfi eld career, ingham. Lustig courted controversy Celtic fans, however, were a last-gasp, disputed penalty Isco injured a shoulder in the record of nine Scottish titles is now unbeaten in 11 games Alnwick made a couple of when he stole a policeman’s hat. more than happy with a fi nal scored by Cristiano Ronaldo sent the fi rst leg in Munich last in a row they already share with against Rangers since he arrived saves but the writing was on “We are disappointed with scoreline of 5-0. them through 4-3 on aggregate. Wednesday.

LA LIGA Gameiro penalty secures Atletico win at Alaves Reuters Madrid

tletico Madrid earned their fi rst away win in La Liga for over two months by snatching a 1-0 win at Alaves yesterday thanks to a late penalty con- verted by French forward Kevin Gameiro after FernandoA Torres had spurned an earlier spot-kick. Atletico coach Diego Simeone left talisman Antoine Griezmann midfi elder Saul Niguez, defender Jose Gimenez and fi rst-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak at home for the trip to the Basque country to keep them sharp for Thursday’s Eu- ropa League semi-fi nal second leg against Arsenal, with the tie poised at 1-1. Diego Costa made his fi rst start after over two weeks out with a muscle problem, although Atletico’s most dangerous player was winger Vitolo, who hit the post in the second half and later earned the fi rst penalty which Torres squandered when he was pushed over by Ghana midfi elder Mubarak Wakaso. Torres’s shot was beaten away by former Real Ma- drid goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco in the 71st minute but Atletico were soon awarded another penalty when Wakaso was again penalised, this time for blocking a shot by Torres with his arm. Gameiro had only been on the pitch for 15 minutes and took penalty-taking responsibilities from Torres to break the deadlock in the 78th minute. Atletico’s Argentine winger Angel Correa was sent off deep in stoppage-time for picking up two successive book- ings, one for a foul and the other for protesting at the deci- sion. Atletico are second in the standings on 75 points, four ahead of third-placed Real Madrid although they have played one game more and eight behind runaway leaders Barcelona, who will clinch a 25th Liga title if they get a draw Atletico Madrid’s French forward Kevin Gameiro (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the La Liga match against Deportivo Alaves at the Mendizorroza stadium in or a win at Deportivo La Coruna later. Vitoria yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, April 30, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SERIE A Simeone hat-trick Fellaini header buries Napoli as Juve close in on title

AFP condemns Wenger Milan alidou Koulibaly was sent off early as Na- poli’s title hopes took a severe knock yesterday withK a Giovanni Simeone hat- trick giving Fiorentina a shock to Old Traff ord loss 3-0 win which allows Juventus to close in on the Serie A title. With just three games left, Arsenal field weakened side ahead of Europa League match against Atletico Madrid Juventus have a four-point lead and could wrap up a seventh Reuters straight league title next week- Manchester end. Koulibaly, the hero who scored the last-gasp header that kept Napoli’s ambitions alive rsene Wenger’s fi nal match at with a 1-0 win over Juventus in Old Traff ord as Arsenal manager Turin last week, was sent off af- ended in defeat as a stoppage- ter just eight minutes. time header from substitute Argentina forward Simeone — Fiorentina’s Giovanni Simeone MarouaneA Fellaini earned Manchester the son of Atletico Madrid boss celebrates after scoring against United a 2-1 Premier League win yester- Diego Simeone — scored all three Napoli in the Serie A. (AFP) day. Paul Pogba had given United a 16th- goals in a spectacular display to minute lead before Henrikh Mkhitaryan, keep Fiorentina’s Europa League for the drop. A late Bacary Sa- signed from United in January, brought hopes alive. Maurizio Sarri’s side gna goal grabbed a 3-3 win for Arsenal level, six minutes after the in- fell four points behind Juventus Benevento against Udinese, who terval. It looked like a youthful, mostly who battled past 10-man Inter had looked set to earn a fi rst win second-string Arsenal side had earned Milan in a 3-2 San Siro thriller under new coach Igor Tudor af- a respectable draw before Belgian Fel- on Saturday night with two late ter a 12-match losing streak cost laini nodded in a deep cross from Ashley goals in three minutes. Mas- predecessor Massimo Oddo his Young to grab all three points for Jose similiano Allegri’s side play at job during the week. Mourinho’s side and secure their Cham- home against Bologna on Satur- Chievo, whose coach Rolando pions League place. day and could win the Scudetto if Maran was fi red yesterday, drop The Arsenal manager, who will leave Napoli fail to win at home against into the relegation zone with just the club at the end of this season, has not Torino on Sunday. three games to play. Meanwhile, tasted victory at United for 10 years and Meanwhile, AC Milan re- Marcello Trotta and Nigerian Wenger has never managed to win away turned to winning ways with a forward Simy scored a brace each against a Mourinho team in the Premier 2-1 success at Bologna keeping as Crotone beat Sassuolo 4-1 to League. Wenger, who clinched the league Gennaro Gattuso’s side in the move away from the drop zone. and Cup double at Old Traff ord in 2002, chase for European football next was centre stage before the game as he season. Milan had dropped out ITALIAN SERIE A RESULTS was presented with a gift by former Unit- of the Europa League places into Crotone 4 (Trotta 3, 31, Simy 16, 89) ed manager Alex Ferguson and Mourinho, seventh after a six-game win- Sassuolo 1 (Berardi 45+2-pen) and the Frenchman was warmly applaud- less streak including last week’s Verona 1 (Valoti 13) SPAL 3 (Fares ed by the crowd. Manchester United’s manager Jose Mourinho (left) with his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger after the match yesterday. (AFP) shock defeat to bottom club Be- 45+4-og, Felipe 71, Kurtic 90+3) But while the past was being gener- nevento. Benevento 3 (Viola 23, Coda 76-pen, ously acknowledged, Wenger also had heavy defeat against a full-strength Unit- fi rmly on course for a second-place fi nish. League trophy and (have) the chance to be But fi rst-half goals from Sagna 90) Udinese 3 (Widmer 13, an eye on the near future. With a trip to ed. There were glimpses of that promise They are fi ve points ahead of third-placed the best team in history in England, with Hakan Calhanoglu and Giacomo Lasagna 78, 79) Madrid to face Atletico on Thursday in in the opening stages but it was United Liverpool but 16 adrift of champions the most points,” Guardiola said. “We are Bonaventura ensured Milan — Bologna 1 (De Maio 74) AC Milan 2 the second leg of their Europa League who drew fi rst blood when Pogba burst Manchester City with three games left. going to try to do it next Sunday and get one point behind sixth-placed (Calhanoglu 34, Bonaventura 45+1) semi-fi nal, poised at 1-1, Wenger rang the through the midfi eld and fed Romelu Lu- the record of 96 points at home when we Atalanta, who beat Genoa 3-1 Atalanta 3 (Barrow 16, Christante changes, bringing in several fringe players kaku whose cross was headed against the receive the trophy in front of our people.” — keep touch with the Europa 22, Ilicic 74) Genoa 1 (Veloso 81) and handing a debut to 21-year-old Greek post by ex-Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez RECORDS KEEP TUMBLING After beating West Ham, City are on League places. Sampdoria 4 (Praet 7, Quagliarella defender Konstantinos Mavropanos. and Pogba was on hand to convert. TO RELENTLESS MAN CITY the verge of another record. With 30 wins, Saturday’s defeat to Juven- 26, Kownacki 45+4, Ramirez 87) It was the youngest side put out for a The Gunners got their equaliser, Earlier, champions Manchester City they are level with Chelsea’s number of tus damages Inter’s hopes of Cagliari 1 (Pavoletti 49) Premier League game by Wenger in nearly though, six minutes after the restart when equalled the record of number of wins in a victories in one campaign which they Champions League football next Fiorentina 3 (Simeone 34, 62, 90+3) seven years but with the Europa League Mkhitaryan was given too much space and Premier League season with a 4-1 victory achieved last season. City have also season as they stay fi fth behind Napoli 0 off ering the only chance of Champions allowed to run at the United box before at West Ham United and they are clos- now equalled the record set by Chelsea Roma, third after beating Chievo Played Saturday League football for whoever takes over beating David de Gea with a well-placed ing in on more milestones. With the title in 2004-05 for away wins in a Premier 4-1, and Lazio who were playing AS Roma 4 (Schick 9, Dzeko 40, 67, from Wenger next season, it was an un- low shot. Fellaini was brought on to add wrapped up two weeks ago, City’s perfec- League season but they are not done yet. Torino in late match last night. El Shaarawy 65) Chievo 1 (Inglese derstandable choice. With no Mesut Ozil, height and physical presence for United tionist manager Pep Guardiola has been With three games left, City need two In the battle against relega- 88) Aaron Ramsey or Alexandre Lacazette, and — not for the fi rst time — that ap- keen to keep his players motivated and goals to set a new record for goals scored tion, SPAL moved out of the bot- Inter Milan 2 (Icardi 52, Barzagli 65- Arsenal were relying on younger players proach worked. The Belgian rose to head prove they are one football’s elite sides. in a Premier League campaign, the 103 tom three win a 3-1 win against og) Juventus 3 (Costa 13, Skriniar to show their promise but ran the risk of a in Young’s cross and keep Mourinho’s side “I’m happy we will receive the Premier Chelsea netted in 2009-10. Verona, who now look destined 87-og, Higuain 89)

BUNDESLIGA ROUND-UP Keita shown fourth red card of Firmino agrees new Liverpool deal oberto Firmino has agreed SUNDERLAND SACK COLEMAN season as Mainz stun RB Leipzig terms on a new “long-term con- AS CLUB PUT UP FOR SALE tract” with Liverpool, the English Sunderland sacked manager Chris Cole- AFP Premier League club announced man yesterday, and then announced that yesterday.R Liverpool chiefs did not specify owner Ellis Short was selling the club Berlin the precise length of the Brazil forward’s following the northeast side’s relegation to latest deal but his decision is a boost ahead the third tier of English football. Sunder- iverpool-bound Naby of next week’s Champions League semi- land said Short plans to sell to a group led Keita was sent off for the fi nal second leg away to Roma, where the by Stewart Donald, chairman of Eastleigh, fourth time this season as Reds will kick off 5-2 up with Firmino a non-league club in the south of England. 10-man RB Leipzig crashed having scored two goals in their stunning Sunderland have dropped from the Lto a shock 3-0 Bundesliga defeat to fi rst-leg win at Anfi eld. “It was an easy de- Premier League to League One in under 12 Mainz yesterday. Keita, who will cision,” Firmino told Liverpool’s website. months following two successive relega- join Liverpool in the summer, was “The club have taken me in in an incred- tions, with Short admitting in a statement shown a yellow card, then a red in ible way and I’ve grown a lot here with my his disappointment at how his stewardship quick succession late on for foul- work with the support of the whole team. I for the Merseyside club, with 27 goals in of the Black Cats had ended. ing Mainz scorers Alexandru Max- am very, very happy here.” 50 fi xtures. Firmino has become a fi rm The deal is subject to English Football im and Bote Baku. According to reports, Firmino had a favourite with Liverpool supporters as a League approval, with Donald confi rming “That was completely unneces- 98mn euro buyout clause in his previ- member of a gifted three-man forward line he intends to sell Eastleigh who play in the sary,” Leipzig’s captain Willi Or- ous contract, although such has been the also featuring Mohamed Salah and Sadio National League — the division below the ban fumed about Keita’s dismissal. recent infl ation in transfer fees that may Mane. “Everything fi ts in the best possible three tiers of the English Football League The 23-year-old Keita stormed off not have been enough to deter one of world way,” Firmino added. “My team-mates are that in turn sit beneath the elite English the pitch and will be suspended football’s major clubs from bidding for fantastic and I am very grateful to be able Premier League. Coleman, 47, replaced for Saturday’s home match against him. The 26-year-old joined Liverpool to play with them at this club. I love to play Simon Grayson in November but won just Wolfsburg. from German side Hoff enheim before the for Liverpool FC. The fans are excellent fi ve of his 29 games, losing 16 times. It was the defensive midfi eld- start of the 2015/16 season and has since and fantastic in how they support us all Sunderland’s relegation to the third tier er’s third expulsion for Leipzig in scored 50 goals in 140 appearances for the way. They support us throughout the for the fi rst time in 30 years was sealed by a 2017/18. He was also sent off for the fi ve-times European champions. The games and the work they do during the 2-1 loss at home to Burton last weekend. Guinea in a World Cup qualifi er current campaign has been his best yet match is beautiful.” against Tunisia, the fi rst of two red Mainz’s Pablo de Blasis (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring cards he earned last October be- against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga yesterday. (Reuters) fore being dismissed in Leipzig’s German Cup defeat to Bayern Mu- Moments after coming off the his sixth goal since February af- ANGERS DRAW DENTS MARSEILLE’S EURO BID nich. This was Leipzig’s fi fth game bench, Romanian midfi elder ter overcoming a serious knee without a win and leaves them Maxim fi red home when the ball injury. The fl eet-footed winger Paris: A late leveller from Ismael Traore behind Monaco in the third and last cuse for Angers missing a golden chance sixth in the table, just hanging on landed at his feet from a cross. fi red Dortmund ahead with a well- put the brakes on Marseille’s bid for Champions League qualifying position. to level on 70 minutes. Karl Toko Ekambi’s to a Europa League berth. Mainz The fairytale win was complete placed shot on 19 minutes. How- Champions League football next season After Monaco’s slip-up, motivation should run through the middle into the area saw boosted their survival hopes as when Baku, 20, who has risen up ever, sloppy Dortmund defending as the southern giants were held to a 1-1 not have been an issue for Marseille at the the ball stop dead, with Pele stranded. Maxim and Baku hit late goals af- through the ranks from the club’s allowed Danish midfi elder Tho- draw at Angers yesterday. Raymond Kopa stadium. Yet, faced with an empty goal, Thomas ter Pablo de Blasis netted a fi rst- Under-10 team, scored on his de- mas Delaney to head Bremen level Marseille travelled west hoping to move But Garcia’s men struggled to build on Mangani sent his eff ort high over the bar half penalty. but. The midfi elder outsprinted just before half-time. into the Ligue 1 top three after Monaco the early lead provided by Thauvin after from 16 yards out. But the home fans were Victory lifted Mainz out of the Leipzig defender Dayot Upameca- Dortmund had the ball in the were held to a scoreless draw at home to Abdoulaye Bamba had fouled Valere finally given reason to celebrate when bottom three and into 14th with a no to fi re home in the 90th minute Bremen net with an hour played, Amiens on Saturday as Lyon took second Germain during the first corner of the Traore rose highest at the back post to three-point buff er from the rele- to the delight of the Mainz bench. but Omer Toprak’s eff ort was ruled by beating Nantes. Paris Saint-Germain game. In wet and slippery conditions both meet Tait’s free-kick from deep on the left gation places. Wolfsburg replaced “That was unbelievable,” beamed off side. wrapped up the title with plenty of room keepers were kept on their toes. Marseille and fire a header past a rooted Pele and them in 16th, which carries a two- Baku after his dream debut. “It Borussia wasted two gold-plat- to spare two weeks ago. On paper, three shot-stopper Yohann Pele produced a into the bottom corner. legged play-off at the end of the couldn’t have gone better for me.” ed chances to grab the winner to points were well within Marseille’s grasp. great one-handed save to thwart Flavien Earlier, Rennes boosted their hopes of season against the team which fi n- The win does not guarantee leapfrog Schalke into second. Coach Rudi Garcia certainly appeared Tait from a tight angle minutes before the fighting for a Europa League place with ishes third in the second division. Mainz’s survival, but is a big help Andre Schuerrle had a shot to believe so as he left both Dimitri Payet interval. But Ludovic Butelle was the busi- a precious 2-1 win over Toulouse that Mainz took the lead against the with matches against Borussia blocked by Bremen goalkeeper Jiri and Kostas Mitroglou on the bench ahead est of the pair, the 35-year-old forced into pushed the Brittany side up one place to run of play when de Blasis con- Dortmund and Werder Bremen to Pavlenka before English junior in- of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final action quickly after the restart to charge sixth. They are now just one point behind verted a penalty on 29 minutes. come. Dortmund later squandered ternational Jadon Sancho hit the second leg at Salzburg. But despite a down Jordan Amavi’s angled strike before fifth-placed Saint-Etienne. The hosts were awarded the spot- the chance to go second when they crossbar with the rebound. Then third-minute penalty from Florian Thau- palming a wicked curling eff ort from kick after Japan striker Yoshinori were held to a 1-1 draw at Werder Schuerrle, a second-half replace- vin, misfiring Angers finally got back on Thauvin over the bar moments later. FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS Muto was sent tumbling in the Bremen. ment for Christian Pulisic, headed level terms thanks to Traore’s header from The greasy pitch made for a scrappy Rennes 2 (Siliki 39, Bourigeaud 47) Toulouse area. Mainz kept pushing and de- Marco Reus continued to boost Sancho’s perfect cross straight a free-kick on 79 minutes. aff air with passes, and shots, going astray. 1 (Gnagnon 18-og); Angers 1 (Traore 79) servedly went 2-0 up fi ve minutes his chances of going to the World at Pavlenka just before the fi nal Marseille remain fourth, one point But not even those challenges were an ex- Marseille 1 (Thauvin 3-pen) from time. Cup with Germany by netting whistle. Gulf Times 4 Monday, April 30, 2018 SPORT

FORMULA 1 SPOTLIGHT Sorry Red Bull drivers reprimanded Hamilton wins aft er Baku crash

Reuters Retired triple world champion Baku Niki Lauda, now non-executive chairman of rivals Mercedes, said the collision was 70 percent ax Verstappen and Verstappen and 30 percent Ric- chaotic Baku battle Daniel Ricciardo ciardo because the Dutchman wrecked Red Bull’s had twice changed his line. Azerbaijan Grand “If you move on him all the MPrix hopes yesterday by putting time, where does the poor guy each other out of the race with have to go?,” the Austrian told a collision that angered and reporters. dismayed team boss Christian Lauda added that, in Horner’s Horner. shoes, he would “go home and to lead title race Formula One stewards said cry” and then summon the pair both men, who had been run- to his offi ce to tell them how ‘Valtteri deserved to have the win and also Sebastian did a great job. I was very fortunate’ ning fourth and fi fth, shared the much less they would get paid blame and issued them with rep- for the damage done. AFP rimands. Red Bull have been in such a Baku Winner Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton Australian Ricciardo, race situation before – most notably (right) shakes hands with second placed Ferrari’s winner in China two week- in Turkey in 2010 when Austral- Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen as they celebrate ends ago and in Baku last year, ian Mark Webber and Germany’s efending world cham- on the podium of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the smashed into the back of his Sebastian Vettel collided when pion Lewis Hamilton Baku City Circuit yesterday. (AFP) 20-year-old Dutch teammate’s set for a one-two fi nish. claimed his fi rst win of car while attempting to overtake Horner said it was a racing 2018 and took over as on the 40th of 51 laps. accident, and he wanted to con- leaderD of the title race when he The incident, which had tinue allowing the current pair to triumphed in a dramatic, crash- looked more and more likely as race freely, but they had to rec- strewn Azerbaijan Grand Prix. the pair went wheel-to-wheel ognise that making contact was The 33-year-old Briton, who and passed and re-passed over “unacceptable”. had struggled for outright pace, the previous laps, brought out “Unfortunately today has managed to steer his Mercedes the safety car for the second time resulted in the worst possible through a chaotic race and capi- in the race. scenario where you’ve had both talise on others’ misfortunes “I have watched a few replays drivers make contact and retire to register his fi rst victory in and the only thing we can both from the grand prix, which is seven races and the 63rd of his say is sorry to the team. This is enormously disappointing. career. the last thing we wanted,” said “There’s no blame appor- Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari Ricciardo. tioned more in one direction to looked set to turn pole posi- “This was the worst case sce- the other, they are both equally tion into a victory until a second nario and everyone is pretty responsible,” he said, adding Safety Car intervention left him heartbroken.” that the drivers had been urged lunging to pass Valtteri Bottas Verstappen, who has had an before the race to allow each and locked up and ran off . accident-packed season so far, other space. Bottas then seemed sure to said both would make sure it did “What is obviously annoy- win, but suff ered a sudden right not happen again. ing is that we’ve given away an rear puncture on his Mercedes “I don’t think not letting us awfully large amount of points after running over metal debris race anymore is the way forward today so both drivers will be on the straight. Hamilton fl ew but of course we will talk this apologising to all the members past to return to the top of the over as a team and learn from it,” of staff that work so hard to put podium he added. these cars together.” “That was quite an emotional race, to be honest,” said Hamil- ton, who now leads the cham- pionship by four points from Vettel. “Valtteri deserved to have the win and also Sebastian did a great job. I was very fortunate today so it feels a bit odd to me to be here.” Vettel managed to continue and fi nish fourth ahead of his teammate Kimi Raikkonen and Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India. seven retirements on a chal- punctured right front and rear plained Hamilton, who pitted to clusion was clearly in prospect Carlos Sainz fi nishing fi fth lenging day on the second- tyres. switch to ‘softs’ after 22 laps, re- before, after their pit-stops had for Renault and Charles Leclerc longest circuit on the calendar. The multiple incidents re- joining third behind Bottas, but reversed positions, Ricciardo sixth for Sauber, his fi rst points quired a Safety Car before the ahead of Verstappen. Vettel led rammed into Verstappen under fi nish. Red Bull wipe-out action settled and racing re- the Finn by 12.5 seconds after 25 braking for Turn One on lap 41. Fernando Alonso fi nished In cooler conditions with a sumed, after fi ve laps. laps. The Safety Car was deployed seventh for McLaren ahead of strong blustery wind, the drama Vettel pulled away to open The Red Bulls continued pro- again and the leaders pitted for Canadian Lance Stroll of Wil- unfolded from the start. As the a three seconds lead ahead of viding thrills as they fought for new ultra-soft tyres to set up a Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen in action during the liams, Stoff el Vandoorne in the lights went out, Vettel was away Hamilton and Bottas after 10 of fourth, Ricciardo passing Ver- charging 10-lap fi nale. Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit yesterday. (Reuters) second McLaren and New Zea- fast enough from his 53rd pole to the scheduled 51 laps of the tight stappen outside Turn One be- The action resumed with four land’s Brendon Hartley of Toro hold off Hamilton in second, but and fast Baku street track. fore the Dutch tyro regained the laps remaining and promptly Rosso who scored his fi rst point behind them mayhem erupted. On lap 11, Nico Hulkenberg place inside Turn Two. delivered even more twists as Tanak takes Rally of Argentina for 3rd career win in F1. Raikkonen, starting sixth, at- lost control of his Renault and With 20 laps to go, Vettel fi - Vettel lunged to take the lead The race was heavily punc- tempted to pass inside Ocon’s clipped a wall at Turn Four as nally pitted and passed the lead from Bottas, but locked up and Estonia’s Ott Tanak claimed his first win as a Toyota driver in the tuated by accidents which in- Force India, but the Frenchman Ricciardo began a series of at- to Bottas, but rejoined 8.5 sec- fell to fourth. Rally of Argentina and third of his world championship career yes- cluded one in which the two Red turned in and as the pair collid- tacks on his Red Bull teammate, onds ahead of Hamilton. Then, with two laps remain- terday with a commanding weekend performance. Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo and ed he crashed into the wall. the pair banging wheels to the A frustrated Hamilton com- ing, Bottas suff ered a right rear Tanak finished 37.7 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Thierry Neuville in a Max Verstappen collided while In the surrounding chaos, consternation of their pit wall. plained about back markers, punctured after running over Hyundai and 75 seconds in front of Spain’s Dani Sordo in the second fi ghting for fourth place in the Sergey Sirotkin was also con- At the front, Vettel was in but began clawing back time, debris. Hyundai. closing stages, the pair having tacted and he went down an control and opened up a 3.6 recorded a fastest lap and then “Oh my God, it just blew up Five-time world champion Sebastien Ogier, who was fourth in an banged wheels and battled for escape road while Raikkonen seconds lead despite Hamilton saw Bottas go eight-tenths on me,” he said as Hamilton took M-Sport Ford, maintains the overall championship lead having won positions throughout the race. limped back to the Ferrari pits. recording fastest laps. quicker. the lead ahead of Raikkonen and in Monte Carlo, Mexico and Corsica already this season. They ended up among the The luckless Alonso suff ered “These tyres are done,” com- A tense and high-speed con- Perez.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Hyderabad beat Rajasthan to claim top spot IANS cessful among the Hyderabad Lynn leads KKR to six-wicket win over RCB Jaipur bowlers. Sandeep Sharma, Basil Thampi, Rashid Khan and Yu- An unbeaten 62 by opener Chris Lynn, coupled with other valuable suf Pathan also bagged a wicket contributions, led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a six-wicket victory unrisers Hyderabad dom- each. Earlier, Hyderabad rode on over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) yesterday. inated with both bat and excellent batting by Williamson Dinesh Karthik won the toss and decided to put the hosts to bat ball to defeat Rajasthan and Hales to post 151/7 in their first. An unbeaten 68 by captain Virat Kohli and quickfire 28-ball 38 Royals by 11 runs and rise 20 overs. Williamson smashed by Brendon McCullum set up a 176-run target for Kolkata. toS the top of the Indian Premier 63 runs off 43 balls with seven In reply, Lynn and Sunil Narine put together a 59-run partnership League (IPL) table yesterday. boundaries and two sixes. Hales for the first wicket, before Murugan Ashwin had the West Indies Electing to bat fi rst, Hyderabad scored 45 runs off 39 balls. allrounder caught at long off by Colin de Grandhomme. rode on excellent batting by Kane The two of them added 92 Next in, Robin Uthappa (36) did the bulk of the scoring in his 49-run Williamson and Alex Hales to runs between them to lay the stand with Lynn. Kolkata’s chase faced setbacks after Uthappa was post 151/7 in their 20 overs. foundation of a big total after sent back by Ashwin in the 13th over, and Nitish Rana (15) was rushed In reply, Rajasthan could only Hyderabad opener Shikhar Dha- back by the physio for a lower back niggle. Andre Russell too did not manage to reach 140/6. wan was bowled by Krishnappa disturb the scorers, as Kolkata were at 139 for 3. However, Karthik The win propelled Hydera- Gowtham in the third over. smashed a six and two fours in his 10-ball 23 to breathe life into the bad to the top spot on the points New Zealand spinner Ish So- chase. table. The visitors now have 12 dhi brought the partnership to Kohli took a brilliant catch running forward at long on, but that did points from eight matches. an end in the 15th over when he not stop Kolkata, who won after new man Shubman Gill smashed a They rose one rung, displac- claimed his maiden IPL wicket boundary off the first ball of the last over by Umesh Yadav. Earlier, ing former champions Chen- in the form of Williamson. That Kohli’s unbeaten 68-run knock came off 44 balls, containing five nai Super Kings to the second triggered a strong comeback by boundaries and three sixes at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. Ban- spot. Kings XI Punjab are at the the hosts as the visitors’ middle galore started on a cautious note as openers Quinton de Kock (29 third position. Both Chennai and and lower order failed to rise to off 27) and McCullum (38 off 28) shared a 67-run partnership for Punjab are on 10 points, with the occasion. West Indies pacer the first wicket. KKR spinner Kuldeep Yadav came up with the first only the net run rate separating Jofra Archer was the most suc- breakthrough as he packed de Kock in the ninth over. With the addi- the two teams. Rajasthan’s chase cessful among the Rajasthan tion of just seven runs in Bangalore’s overall score of 67, Russell jolted was off to a poor start as opener Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Yusuf Pathan (centre) celebrates the wicket of Rajasthan Royals’ Ben Stokes with bowlers with fi gures of 3/26 in his the hosts after dismissing McCullum and Manan Vohra (0) in the next Rahul Tripathi was bowled by captain Kane Williamson (right) and teammates during the 2018 Indian Premier League Twenty20 match four overs. over. However, Kohli kept one end tight and added 65 runs for the Hyderabad pacer Sandeep Shar- at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur yesterday. (AFP) fourth wicket with Mandeep Singh (19). ma in the third over. Brief scores: Sunrisers Hydera- Brief Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 175 for 4 (Virat Kohli 68 Rajasthan skipper Ajinkya Ra- He posted a partnership of 40 runs off 30 balls before holing That seemed to take the fi ght bad: 151/7 in 20 overs (Kane Wil- not out, Brendon McCullum 38; Andre Russell 3/31) lost to Kolkata hane – the team’s other opener 59 runs off 44 balls with Sanju out to Hales at short mid-wicket out of the hosts as they contin- liamson 63, Alex Hales 45; Jofra Knight Riders 176 for 3 in 19.1 overs (Chris Lynn 62 not out, Robin – led from the front, batting Samson to bring the hosts’ in- while attempting to smash a de- ued to lose wickets at regular in- Archer 3/26) vs Rajasthan Roy- Uthappa 36; Murugan Ashwin 2-36, Mohamed Siraj 2-40) by six through the innings to remain nings back on track after Trip- ceptive slower ball by Siddarth tervals. Kaul returned fi gures of als: 140/6 in 20 overs (Ajinkya wickets. unbeaten on 65 runs off 55 balls. athi’s departure. Samson scored Kaul out of the ground. 2/23 to emerge as the most suc- Rahane 65, Sanju Samson 40). Gulf Times Monday, April 30, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Sharks beat Vegas in double OT, Bruins Boston Celtics win crush Lightning

AFP Los Angeles

ogan Couture scored 112-96 to oust Bucks his second goal 5:13 into double overtime to lift ‘Before this series everybody the San Jose Sharks to a L4-3 win over the expansion Ve- doubted us. But we believed gas Golden Knights in game two of their NHL playoff series. in each other and it worked Couture beat Vegas goal- tender Marc-Andre Fleury with from playoff sout for us’ a wrist shot just inside the post to the upper part of the net as AFP the Sharks levelled the best-of- Los Angeles seven Western Conference series at 1-1. The series now switches to San Jose Sharks’ Logan Couture San Jose for game three on Mon- celebrates with teammates erry Rozier and Al Hor- day night. after scoring a goal against the ford scored 26 points Brett Burns scored the fi rst Vegas Golden Knights in the each as the Boston Celt- Sharks’ goal two minutes into the NHL playoff s in Las Vegas. (AFP) ics routed the Milwau- second period, which snapped Tkee Bucks 112-96 in game seven Fleury’s marathon scoreless ins kicked off their second round to book their spot in the second streak that included back-to-back series with a 6-2 win over the round of the NBA playoff s. shutouts. Fleury came into Satur- Tampa Bay Lightning. The Celtics’ victory in Satur- day’s game with a superb.982 save Rick Nash also scored twice day’s deciding game was their percentage in the playoff s. The for the Bruins to help comple- fourth win at the Boston Garden Sharks lost game one on Thursday ment the explosive line of Pa- as the home teams won all seven 7-0, matching their largest mar- trice Bergeron, David Pastrnak games in the Eastern Confer- gin of defeat in the postseason in and Brad Marchand that carried ence series. franchise history. the off ense. “We got it done that is the “We were better (game one) Marchand had a goal and three most important thing,” said everywhere,” said Sharks coach assists, Pastrnak tallied four as- Rozier. “Before this series eve- Peter DeBoer. Vegas forward sists, and Bergeron delivered two rybody doubted us. But we Jonathan Marchessault appeared goals and an assist as the Bru- believed in each other and it have won it for the Golden Knights ins took a 1-0 lead in the best of worked out for us.” late in the fi rst overtime but the seven Eastern Conference series. The storied Celtics franchise goal was overturned after the Rask was furious with the of- is now 36-0 lifetime when lead- video review offi cials determined fi cials on Mikhail Sergachev’s ing a playoff series 2-0, and they Marchessault bumped Jones’ stick goal because they didn’t blow will try to make it 37 straight as he skated by the crease. the play dead when his left skate when they face the Philadelphia It was the fi rst loss of the play- blade popped out of the holder 76ers in the next round. Game off s for the Golden Knights who moments earlier in a goal mouth one is Monday in Boston. were a perfect 5-0. scramble. Dan Girardi also “We got to pay attention to Vegas coach Gerard Gallant scored for Tampa Bay, who are details and take away what they said his team “better be ready in the second round for the third want to do,” Rozier said of the (game three) because we didn’t time in four years. Game two is next round. show up for 45 minutes.” Monday night at Amalie Arena Jayson Tatum tallied 20 Elsewhere, Boston’s top scor- in Tampa. points for the Celtics in the win. ing trio combined for 11 points The loss means the elimina- and Tuukka Rask stopped 34 RESULTS tion of Giannis Antetokounmpo shots despite an equipment Boston ...... 6 Tampa Bay ...... 2 from the playoff s. Antetok- malfunction as the Boston Bru- San Jose ...... 4 Las Vegas ...3 (OT) ounmpo, whose blend of size and athleticism has earned him the nickname the “Greek Freak,” Sabres will eye Dahlin aft er winning draft lottery fi nished with 22 points and nine rebounds. Khris Middle- The struggling Buff alo Sabres franchise was awarded the first pick ton scored 32 and Eric Bledsoe in the National Hockey League’s June entry draft after winning the chipped 23 in the loss. draft lottery on Saturday. The Sabres, who finished last and won just Boston led 50-42 at the half 25 games this past season, now have a chance at selecting Swedish despite going one-for-12 from defenseman Rasmus Dahlin who is considered by many scouts to be beyond the arc. the top prospect available. Horford had 14 points and “We’re absolutely ecstatic,” Buff alo general manager Jason Botterill seven rebounds at halftime, said. “We’re really looking forward to adding a great player to our while Bledsoe led the Milwau- group here at the end of June.” kee attack with 12 points. The Carolina Hurricanes will pick second, followed by the Montreal The Bucks narrowed the Bos- Terry Rozier (left ) of the Boston Celtics, Marcus Smart (centre) and Jayson Tatum Canadiens in third. The Ottawa Senators and Arizona Coyotes round ton lead to three points early in celebrate during the fourth quarter of their Game Seven of NBA playoff s against out the top five picks. The 15 NHL teams that did not qualify for the the third, but Boston scored 11 Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Getty Images/AFP) Stanley Cup postseason participated in the lottery, which was held in of the last 15 points in the quar- Toronto. Dahlin, who plays in the Swedish Elite League, was named ter to seize command. best defenseman at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship. The “Wasn’t able to win on the State Warriors rolled over the and get the ball moving,” Green “If he comes back he is our (all series best-of-seven): 18-year-old Dahlin was the youngest player by seven years on Swe- road, but we pushed the series New Orleans Pelicans 123-101 in said. “Make sure everyone was guy,” said Green. “He will in- Eastern Conference den’s roster for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. to game seven,” Antetokounmpo the opening game of their sec- a threat on the fl oor and we did. corporate himself back into the 1st rd “I’m trying to be a two-way (defenseman) with a more off ensive said. ond round series. We knew we could pick them off ense. We will be ready to roll.” At Boston game,” Dahlin said. “A lot of the guys in the locker Green fi nished with 16 points, apart.” Anthony Davis paced the Pel- Boston ...... 112 Milwaukee 96 “I’m trying to work on my shot and of course my strength. I think room have never been in game 15 rebounds, 11 assists, and Golden State again played icans’ attack with 21 points and (Boston wins series 4-3) those are the main things.” sevens. It’s a new experience. Kevin Durant tallied 26 points without two-time MVP Stephen 10 rebounds while Jrue Holiday Western Conference Russian forward Andrei Svechnikov of Barrie in the Ontario Hockey Now we know now what it takes and 13 rebounds for the defend- Curry. Coach Steve Kerr said it had just 11 points on a disap- 2nd rd League is also considered a top five pick. The 18-year-old had 40 to win a game seven.” ing champion Warriors who was “very likely” Curry would pointing four-of-14 shooting. At Oakland goals and 72 points in 44 games in his rookie season of major junior In Oakland, Draymond Green took command of the contest in play game two on Tuesday. Cur- Golden State 123 New Orleans 101 hockey. posted his fourth career play- the second quarter. ry has been out since March 23 RESULTS (Golden State leads series 1-0) The draft will be held June 22-23 in Dallas. off triple double as the Golden “We knew we had to come out with a sprained knee. NBA playoff games

MLB NFL Griffi n becomes fi rst Rays remain hot, rout Boston one-handed draft in history

AFP him in spots where we can utilise the Los Angeles great speed he has. He is as fast as you can get as a linebacker,” Carroll said. Red Sox for 8th straight win “He is an extraordinary young man. Reuters year. Price also walked Daniel Robert- haquem Griffi n’s odds-defying He is an explosive, talented guy and he Boston son with the bases loaded in the fi fth. football journey is set to con- backs it up.” Rafael Devers cracked a solo shot for tinue after the linebacker who Shaquill Griffi n, who was born one the Red Sox, fi nishing the day 3-for- lost one hand at the age of four minute before his twin, was also over- enard Span, Wilson Ramos, 5 with two RBIs. Red Sox leadoff man wasS drafted on Saturday by the Seattle joyed. Shaquill said he lobbied the Carlos Gomez and Johnny Mookie Betts left the game in the top Seahawks. Seattle coaching and scouting staff to Field all homered on Satur- of the fi fth inning with right ham- The Seahawks chose Griffi n in the pick his brother. “I made sure I kept his day as the Tampa Bay Rays string tightness and is day-to-day, the fi fth round (141st overall), making him name fresh in that building,” said Shaq- wonD their eighth straight game, plas- team announced. the fi rst one-handed player ever se- uill, who started 11 games for Seattle in tering the Boston Red Sox 12-6 at Fen- Meanwhile, the Rays removed Ra- lected in National Football League en- 2017. “So every day I made sure to men- way Park in Boston. mos after a long single in the top of the try draft. Getting picked was a dream tion my brother about something, even Scoring in every inning but the fi rst seventh with bilateral leg tightness. come true for Griffi n as he joins his twin was just, ‘hey, man, my brother got a and fourth, Tampa Bay fi nished with He, too, is day-to-day. brother, Shaquill Griffi n, who was draft- good workout in, his backpedal is look- a total of 18 hits in its latest off ensive ed by Seattle in the third round last year. ing smooth every day.’ onslaught. The Rays have scored a RESULTS “That was the phone call I was waiting “And they continued throughout whopping 63 runs in their hot stretch, Tampa Bay ...... 12 Red Sox ...... 6 for my entire life,” Shaquem Griffi n said this whole process to let me know plating eight runs or more in six dif- Diamondbacks .....4 Nationals ...... 3 regarding the call from Seattle general how much they loved my brother, how ferent games. Tampa Bay snapped a Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Denard Span is congratulated in the dugout (10 innings) manager John Schneider when he was much they loved my family. I’m glad 5-5 tie in the sixth when second base- after hitting a single and scoring on a fielders error during the second inning Rangers ...... 7 Blue Jays ...... 4 chosen. “I literally broke down after that. they made this happen,” Shaquill said. man Eduardo Nunez committed a against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Mariners ...... 12 Indians ...... 4 I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t know how to “It’s a dream come true, not just being throwing error after Matt Duff y’s in- Twins ...... 3 Reds ...... 1 talk, I mean, I was just lost for words.” drafted, but being with my family and fi eld single, enabling Adeiny Hecha- over the wall in left for his fi rst major fi ve of them earned, walking four and Cubs ...... 3 Brewers ...... 0 Griffi n’s left hand was amputated bringing my brother back home.” varria to score. league homer. Ryan Yarbrough (1-1) whiffi ng fi ve. Staked to a 1-0 edge af- Tigers ...... 9 Orioles ...... 5 when he was four because of a rare Based on his superb US collegiate ca- The Rays played add-on from that pitched four innings of relief for his ter Xander Bogaerts’ sacrifi ce fl y in Pirates ...... 6 Cardinals ...... 2 birth defect called Amniotic Band Syn- reer, Griffi n could be up to the task. point. Gomez led off the seventh with fi rst big league victory. He permitted the fi rst, Price ran into problems with Astros ...... 11 Athletics ...... 0 drome. The Seahawks envision Griffi n “I don’t want to be a guy who’s just a long homer to left over the Green three hits and two runs, walking none the long ball. Span’s liner to right- Marlins ...... 4 Rockies ...... 1 contributing as a pass-rushing outside a feel-good story,” Griffi n told the US Monster, his fourth of the year. Jesus and fanning six. Starter Yonny Chiri- center fi eld eluded Jackie Bradley Jr. Braves ...... 4 Phillies ...... 1 linebacker and on special teams. media at the draft. “I want to be a foot- Sucre upped the lead to 8-5 in the nos lasted only two-plus innings, with Ramos aboard. The play was Padres ...... 12 Mets ...... 2 Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said ball player, and a good one at that.” eighth with an RBI double. yielding six hits and three runs with originally scored a hit and an error but Yankees ...... 11 Angels ...... 1 Griffi n has great speed, is mature be- He enjoyed an outstanding career at Tampa Bay made it a rout in the two walks and three strikeouts. was changed to an inside-the-park White Sox ...... 8 Royals ...... 0 yond his years, and they are going to the University of Central Florida, where ninth with four more runs. Brad David Price (2-3) was tagged with homer, the second of Span’s career. Royals ...... 5 White Sox ...... 2 try to put him in situations where he he appeared in 39 games with 26 starts, Miller knocked in Span with a single the loss after a shaky 5 2/3 innings. Ramos touched Price for a two- Dodgers ...... 15 Giants ...... 6 can succeed. “He will be a big factor in amassing 175 tackles, 18.5 sacks two in- and Field lofted a three-run shot just Price gave up eight hits and six runs, run shot in the third, his fourth of the Giants ...... 8 Dodgers ...... 3 special teams. We are going to try to put terceptions and 11 passes defended. Gulf Times 6 Monday, April 30, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF Brilliant Bjork’s ‘best round ever’ 65 Nadal claims 11th seals maiden win

AFP 15 after a classy up-and-down Beijing from a sand trap. Spaniard Adrian Otaegui joined him in top spot but an- lexander Bjork won his other birdie on the 17 left Bjork Barcelona title with fi rst European Tour with an nervous clubhouse wait title in stunning fash- at 18-under par 270. ion after carding a A three-putt on the 17th from seven-underA 65 to emerge from Otaegui left him two behind and a packed China Open fi eld in a when he and fellow overnight dramatic fi nal round yesterday. leader Matt Wallace both failed “I can’t describe the emo- to make eagles at the par-fi ve tions. I’m really, really happy,” 18th Bjork was able to celebrate. win over Stefanos said the Swede, who entered the Spain’s Otaegui did make a day a shot off the pace and was birdie at 18 to take second place ‘It’s really emotional to see that video. I never dreamed of having a career like this’ part of a six-way tie for the lead on his own at 17-under. Fellow at one point before winning by Spaniard Jorge Campillo shared two strokes at 18-under par. third at 16-under par with the “I’m really proud of the way I English pair of Smith and Wal- played today,” added the world lace. The 27-year-old Bjork fi rst number 112. “It’s probably one of hit the front with a stunning ap- the best rounds I’ve ever played, proach to the opening hole and I would say the best round, giv- further birdies on two par-fi ves, en the situation. I didn’t make the fourth and eighth, plus an- pretty much any mistakes today other at the 11th left him one so I’m super happy.” behind Smith who stormed to The 27 year-old will now leap the top of the leaderboard after into the top 10 in the European a fl awless round featuring eight Tour Race to Dubai and as high birdies. as 72nd in the world on Monday Otaegui holed a brilliant after receiving a bumper cheque downhill sweeping 25-foot left- for $525,000 at the $3.2 million to-righter on the second to get event co-sanctioned by Asian his fi nal-round 67 going. Wal- Tour on his 44th European Tour lace was level par for his round start. Jordan Smith earlier signed after 10 holes as he overcame a for a brilliant 64 to set the club- double-bogey on the fourth but house target at 16 under par, but a tremendous back nine with Bjork took the lead on his own birdies on the 11th, 12th, 15th and for the fi rst time with a birdie on 17th kept his hopes alive.

CYCLING Slovenia’s Roglic wins Tour de Romandie

AFP On Sunday’s 181.8km fi nal Geneva stage between Mont-sur-Rolle and Geneva, the Lotto NL rider kept a keen eye on rivals on his lovenia’s Primoz Roglic way to his second World Tour underlined his grow- stage race triumph of 2018 fol- Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates with his trophy after winning the Barcelona Open in Barcelona yesterday. (AFP) ing all-rounder status lowing his recent victory in the by sealing overall victory Tour of the Basque Country. had to make another video for 11 - it makes followingS the Tour of Romandie’s Roglic fi nished 8secs ahead of AFP Lucky loser Cecchinato claims maiden title Barcelona me feel like I am ageing. fi nal stage, won by German Pas- Colombian Egan Bernal (Team “Thanks to everyone for making the Italy’s Marco Cecchinato claimed cal Ackermann (Bora), yesterday. Sky), with Australia’s Rich- tournament so special and thanks to my his maiden ATP title yesterday at Roglic, a 28-year-old former ie Porte (BMC), the outgoing afael Nadal won his 11th Barcelona family who have been with me even when the Hungarian Open, just seven world junior ski jump champion, champion, in third at 35. title yesterday when he breezed things have not been so smooth.” days after he was packing his bags took the yellow jersey after the At the fi nish in Geneva, Bora past Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas, 19 years old and ranked 63, to leave Budapest having been opening stage and reinforced his rider Ackermann fi nished ahead Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-1 in the fi nal. was the fi rst Greek man to make an ATP knocked out in the qualifying grip on the race lead by fi nish- of a Denmark’s Michael Morkov RIt was world number one Nadal’s 55th fi nal since Nicholas Kalogeropoulos in ing second in Saturday’s climb- (Quick-Step) and Italian Roberto rounds. career clay-court title while he also ex- Des Moines back in 1973. He was also the The 25-year-old Italian, who was heavy fourth stage. Ferrari (Emirates). tended his winning streak on the surface youngest Barcelona fi nalist since Nadal handed a last-minute place in the to 46 consecutive sets. The 31-year-old in 2005. “Stefanos, you had an incredible main draw as a ‘lucky loser’ after Spaniard won his 11th Monte Carlo Masters week. You have a great future and I wish an injury withdrawal, made the last weekend also without dropping a set. you great success,” added Nadal of an op- most of his reprieve by seeing off Yesterday’s victory reinforced his status ponent who will become just the second Australia’s John Millman 7-5, 6-4 in as the overwhelming favourite to lift the teenager in the world top 50 next week af- the final. French Open for an 11th time in June. ter Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. “I lost Sunday and now I won the Nadal now has 77 titles overall while his Nadal needed just 77 minutes to claim tournament. It’s amazing for me,” career clay-court match record stands at victory yesterday. After racing through world number 92 Cecchinato told 401 wins against just 35 defeats. the opening set, he was quickly 3-0 up in atpworldtour.com. His win yesterday was greeted by ticker- the second before Tsitsipas carved out a Millman had advanced to his maid- tape and a video review of all his titles on degree of hope in the fourth game when he en final earlier Sunday by beating the centre court in Barcelona which now had two break points. 2017 runner-up Aljaz Bedene 2-6, bears his name. “It’s really emotional to They were quickly saved by Nadal who 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/5) in a semi-final (From left) Overall second-placed Colombia’a Egan Arley Bernal see that video. I never dreamed of having then claimed the title on a third match suspended due to darkness on Italian Marco Cecchinato celebrates after Gomez of Team Sky, overall race winner Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic a career like this,” said the 16-time Grand point in the seventh game when the teen- Saturday with the pair locked at a winning the Hungarian Open in Budapest of Lotto NL-Jumbo team and overall third-placed Australia’a Richie Slam title winner. “Last year, they made a ager dumped a one-handed backhand into set apiece. yesterday. (AFP) Porte of BMC Racing team pose on the final stage podium of the Tour video of my 10 titles here. Now they have the net. de Romandie UCI Pro cycling race in Geneva. (AFP)

STUTTGART OPEN Pliskova overhauls Vandeweghe to win title AFP pion Sloane Stephens, world found the line on a return to take Stuttgart number one Simona Halep and the early lead. France’s number seven Caroline Pliskova took a 3-2 lead in Garcia. the second set and broke for a arolina Pliskova re- “Thanks for the wild card,” second time in the set to lead 5-2. covered from a slow Vandeweghe said. It took her two attempts to start to beat CoCo “I’ve had a fantastic week. I serve out victory, losing serve Vandeweghe 7-6 (7/2), tried my best in the fi nal but I in the eighth game, but Pliskova K6-4 and claim the Stuttgart didn’t quite get there. Karolina settled aff airs in her next service Grand Prix title yesterday. played really well. game as her opponent’s back- The Czech fi fth seed earned “I missed this year, but maybe hand went long on match point. the second clay trophy of her next...” Vandeweghe had been aim- career after Prague three years Vandeweghe had won three of ing to become the fi rst Ameri- ago. She was the fi rst from her their four previous meetings, but can champion in Stuttgart since country to play in the German lost to the Czech in the Stuttgart Lindsay Davenport in 2005. fi nal. second round a year ago. “I had such great support this The American had not Parmentier wins in Istanbul week from the public and my dropped serve in her two wins to end 10-year title drought team,” said Pliskova, who col- prior to the fi nal. On Sunday, Frenchwoman Pauline Par- lected her trophy after being Pliskova broke three times in a mentier ended her 10-year wait driven across the court in the one and three-quarter hour vic- for a third WTA title by beating fl ame-red Porsche 718 Boxster tory. Polona Hercog 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in cabriolet which came along with Vandeweghe started by break- Sunday’s fi nal in Istanbul. her prize money. ing Pliskova in the opening The 32-year-old last won a “CoCo played so well all game before the Czech found tournament in Bad Gastein in week.” her rhythm to break back in the July 2008, but overcame a sec- The 16th-ranked Vandeweghe fourth game. ond-set blip to edge out Slov- enjoyed a great run in Germany’s The set then tightened with enia’s Hercog at the clay-court automotive capital after starting both women relinquishing little event. as a wild card entry because her on serve. Parmentier, the world agent forgot to enter her in the In the tiebreaker, Vandeweghe number 122, had got past Aus- event. again jumped into an early lead. tralian Open champion Caroline The Californian, whose ca- But Pliskova won six consecu- Wozniacki earlier in the week reer-long aversion to clay began tive points and earned three when the Dane retired injured evaporating during the best week set points from a second-serve and was playing in just the third of her life on the dirt, upset three ace. fi nal of her 18-year professional Karolina Pliskova from the Czech Republic poses with the trophy and her new Porsche car she got after winning the WTA Tennis Grand Prix in top 10 players - US Open cham- One was enough as the Czech career. Stuttgart yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, April 30, 2018 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar Airways supports electric street racing series Formula E

By Sports Reporter ship, and to have once again taken part motorsport. Formula E brings electri- Doha in this exciting event in Paris. Formula fying wheel-to-wheel action to some of E was a natural choice when choosing the world’s leading cities, racing against an environmentally friendly sporting the backdrop of iconic skylines such as atar Airways, sponsor of the partnership for Qatar Airways. Formula New York, Hong Kong, Paris and Rome. electric street racing se- E is innovative, bold and smart in its The championship represents a vision ries, The ABB FIA Formula E approach, concepts mirrored at Qatar for the future of the motor industry, Championship, was the of- Airways through our young and mod- serving as a platform to showcase the fiQ cial airline partner and title sponsor ern fl eet, which is widely regarded as latest innovations in electric vehicle of Saturday’s highly-anticipated 2018 one of the most energy effi cient in the technology and alternative energy so- Qatar Airways Paris E-Prix, which took sky.” lutions. place around the architectural complex The third edition of the race in Paris, Qatar Airways is also the title spon- of Les Invalides in the French capital. set against the striking backdrop of the sor of the upcoming New York City This is the second consecutive year that L’Esplanade des Invalides, off ered rac- ePrix, to be held in Red Hook, Brooklyn the national carrier of Qatar has part- ing drivers and visitors an exceptional on July 14-15, 2018. It is also the Offi - nered with the Paris E-Prix. day of exhilarating competition and cial Airline Partner of the Berlin ePrix Earlier this year, the airline enhanced impressive sporting skills. taking place on May 19 in the German its highly-successful sponsorship of France is an important market com- capital. the ABB FIA Formula E Championship mercially for Qatar Airways, which Qatar Airways sponsors many top- electric street racing series, demon- operates three daily services to Paris. level sporting events around the world, strating its commitment to environ- Qatar Airways fl ies one of the youngest including leading German football mentally friendly initiatives. fl eets in the skies featuring the world’s team Bayern Munich and leading Ital- After presenting the trophy to the most technologically-advanced air- ian football team Roma. Qatar Airways winner, Jean-Éric Vergne, on Saturday craft. is also the Offi cial Airline Partner of evening, Qatar Airways Group chief The ABB FIA Formula E Champion- FIFA, which includes 2018 FIFA World executive Akbar al-Baker, said, “We ship is the electric street racing series Cup Russia, the FIFA Club World Cup, are delighted to be the offi cial sponsor and the world’s fi rst fully-electric in- the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the of the ABB FIA Formula E Champion- ternational single-seater category in 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker at the 2018 Qatar Airways Paris E-Prix on Saturday.

FOCUS TABLE TENNIS Olympian Raman Second edition keen on training of RAM Cycling budding paddlers League concludes Fergal McCool and Julie Melville win men’s and women’s title respectively

By Sports Reporter Doha

he second edition of the Royal Olympian and former Commonwealth champion S Raman. Air Maroc (RAM) Qatar Cycling League came to a conclusion on By Ramesh Mathew His wife Bhuvaneswari B, her- Friday at Al Bidda Park with as Doha self a former Commonwealth Tmany as 113 riders take part. and Indian national medallist, The last leg of the league was held at coaches girls at their academy. one of the most beautiful sceneries on lose on the heels of In- Raman, a multiple national Doha Corniche, with a wonderful fam- dia’s remarkable suc- champion in table tennis in the ily attendance and beautiful atmosphere. cesses at the Common- 1990s and also a winner of the The fi nal stage, which totalled nearly wealth Games, where Arjuna Award in 1998, currently 18km, was over fi ve consecutive laps. Cthe South Asian country’s pad- runs Raman TT High Perform- Veteran Fergal McCool from Velostar dlers put up their best ever show, ance Centre, which has produced team won the League Cup and the Royal Air picking up eight medals, includ- the highest-ranked (46th) In- Maroc shirt for the fi rst place after scoring ing three golds, one of the top- dian player ever, Sathiyan Gnan- 405 points overall during the league in Men level Indian coaches has evinced asekaran. A category, while Julie Melville didn’t fi nd interest to train Doha-based While expressing happiness at it diffi cult to retain her women A title after budding paddlers. India’s performance at the Gold scoring 600 points. Olympian and former Com- Coast Commonwealth Games Andrew Tangonan grabbed the fi rst monwealth champion S Raman, earlier this month, the coach said place in Men B and the Royal Air Ma- who has come to Doha for a re- that the impressive victories of roc shirt with a total of 552 points, while ception held in his honour by Indian teams have gone down Shawna Garrett grabbed the League Cup the country’s Indian Chartered well with the country’s sports and the RAM shirt in Women B category. Accountants forum, has said ministry and it has now elevated In Men C category, Zaid Hamza of Qa- Qatar has good infrastructure in table tennis as a priority sport. tar national team grabbed the shirt and place for the game and there are “I was so happy when India’s the race Cup after scoring 555 points. chances of producing quality sports minister and ex-Olympic “The league is in continuous develop- players from the schools’ level silver medallist Rajyavardhan ment and the second edition was better itself. Singh Rathore personally con- than the fi rst, as it saw increased number Yesterday, at the reception veyed to me the decision soon of participants across three categories, held at Birla Public School, the after the triumphs of our players divided into age groups, and the new Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation president Dr Mohamed Jeham al-Kuwari and Royal Air Maroc (RAM) regional director Adel school authorities expressed at Gold Coast,” he said. administrative and technical team,” said Khalloufi with the winners of the RAM Cycling League at Al Bidda Park. their desire to set up a table ten- Raman’s protege Gnanaseka- Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation nis training facility at the school ran played a huge role in the Indi- president Dr Mohamed Jeham al-Kuwari. include providing training courses from sors from the national organisations.” said, supports several sports and activities under Raman’s guidance. “Qual- an men’s team’s gold medal vic- Dr al-Kuwari added: “We have a long- the International Cycling Union (UCI) to Royal Air Maroc’s regional director Adel in Qatar, including golf. ifi ed coaches from our academy tory. It is the fi rst time that both term development plan and our goal is our local coaches. We have more than 20 Khalloufi said that the Moroccan airline He said, “We extend our sincere thanks in Chennai can impart lessons to the Indian men’s and women’s to have a strong international competi- trainers holding the international license supports cycling in coordination with Qa- and appreciation to Qatar Cycling Fed- Doha-based children at regular teams won gold at the Games. tion like Tour of Qatar, and we hope to already. Now we are engaged hand in tar Cycling Federation, and also off ers Qa- eration for their good work through a intervals. Those keen to develop The other gold for India was won see professional cyclists in the streets of hand with the development of triathlon taris and participants a chance to receive a successful and meaningful partnership a career from table tennis could by women’s singles champion Qatar one day. Some of our other plans sport, and we hope to attract many spon- ticket to visit Morocco. Royal Air Maroc, he between the two parties.” come to Chennai,” said Raman. Manika Batra.

BOTTOMLINE Momota magic: Japan ace stuns Chen for Asian badminton title

AFP bling at an illegal casino, and spent a year on Shanghai the sidelines until last May. His breakthrough comes after four previous defeats to Chen, a two-time world champi- apan’s Kento Momota shocked Olym- on, and follows his straight-sets dismissal of pic gold-medallist Chen Long to be Malaysian great Lee Chong Wei in the semi- crowned Asian badminton champion fi nals. yesterday, a year after his return from a There was further disappointment for gamblingJ ban. China when Taiwan’s Tai Tzu-ying, the world Momota, who was barred ahead of the 2016 number two, beat Chen Yufei 21-19, 22-20 to Rio Olympics and returned to action last year, win the women’s title. fl oored the Chinese favourite 21-17, 21-13 at the But China’s Wang Yilyu and Huang Dong- Badminton Asia Championships in Wuhan. ping beat Indonesian top seeds Tontowi Ah- The 17th-ranked left-hander had never mad and Liliyana Natsir 21-17, 21-17 in the previously won a game against Chen but he mixed doubles fi nal. dominated the fi nal, reeling off seven straight And Chinese pair Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen points to clinch victory when the world also gave the home fans something to cheer number three netted. when they won the men’s doubles 11-21, 21- Momota clenched his fi sts in triumph and 10, 21-13 against Japan’s Takeshi Kamura and kissed the Japan badge on his singlet after the Keigo Sonoda. win, which caps his recovery from a troubled In the women’s doubles, Yuki Fukushima period. and Sayaka Hirota won an all-Japanese fi nal Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan celebrates her win in the women’s singles final The 23-year-old was banned by Japanese 21-18, 18-21, 21-15 against Misaki Matsutomo Kento Momota (right) of Japan celebrates his win in the singles final over Chen Long at the 2018 Badminton Asia Championships yesterday. (AFP) authorities in 2016 after being caught gam- and Ayaka Takahashi. of China at the Badminton Asia Championships in Wuhan, China, yesterday. (AFP)

Monday, April 30, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Fift y One East & Sony MEA extend their support to Emir Cup ifty One East, Qatar’s favour- Sony have strong links to Qatar’s top ite department store, and Sony events and the Emir’s Cup is our gold- Middle East and Africa (Sony star. The tournament has grown year by MEA) have announced their year bringing together the whole coun- continuedF support for the Emir Cup try, while promoting and supporting and Qatar Football Association (QFA), local talents. We invite and encourage with Sony as the Offi cial Sponsor of the fans, Qataris and expats, to attend and Emir Cup 2018 for the eighth succes- support their favourite team.” sive year. The Emir Cup trophy tour is con- This year, the festivities for football tinuing across the country with great fans will spill over from the pitch as success being Qatar’s most popular Lagoona Mall will host competitions football trophy. During his recent visit to mark Qatar’s most popular sporting to witness the trophy tour in Lagoona event. Mall, Fumiastu Hirai, Managing Direc- In 2018, the Emir Cup celebrates tor of Sony Middle East and Africa, ex- its 46th edition as one of the nation’s pressed his delight in the preparations highly-anticipated events. Since its of the Emir Cup. He also expressed inception, the tournament has enjoyed pride that with Fifty One East, Sony a special place in the country’s sports International is able to reach the com- calendar. munity through enhancing the fan ex- The chance of receiving the trophy perience. from His Highness the Emir is a dream For this, a dedicated fan zone has to bring out the best in every team. Fol- been created at Lagoona Mall from lowing last year’s three-year renewal 10th-12th May where fans can par- announcement leading to a 10-year ticipate in a PlayStation competition to partnership, the consecutive sponsor- win fantastic prizes. ship from Fifty One East and Sony re- In addition, Sony and Fifty One East affi rms their pledge to the country’s will continue to honour the ‘Most Valu- prospering sporting agenda. able Player’ after each Emir Cup game, Bader Abdullah al-Darwish, Chair- leading to the fi nal on May 19th. man and Managing Director of Fifty Tickets are sold in FNAC at Lagoo- One East, said, “Football acts as a uni- na Mall and Doha Festival City for the versal language across the globe and is much-anticipated tournament. the most popular sport in Qatar. We are The Emir Cup 2018 fi nal will be host- proud to be partnering with QFA once ed at Khalifa International Stadium. again to support the Emir Cup as the The tournament is played by the fi rst nation prepares to host the 2022 FIFA and second divisions clubs in Qatar. World Cup Qatar.” The cup winner is guaranteed a place in From left: Khalid al-Kuwari, Marketing and Communications Director of Qatar Football Association, Bader Abdullah al-Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director of Fifty He continued; “Fifty One East and the 2019 AFC Champions league. One East, Fumiatsu Hirai, Managing Director of Sony MEA and Jobin Joejoe, the General Manager of Sony MEA pose with the Emir Cup trophy.

EMIR CUP FOCUS First batch of Emir Mesaimeer stun Sailiya Cup fi nal tickets set to go on sale s the countdown for the release of the second and third to enter quarter-fi nals Emir Cup fi nal begins, batches. The QFA has set up a the Qatar Football As- new mechanism in the way of is- sociation is releasing suing tickets in which the organ- The winning goal for Mesaimeer came from Ahmed Almahaijri in the 40th minute theA fi rst batch of the fi nal match isers will provide more tickets to tickets for sale at twelve loca- centres which sell the fi nal tick- By Sports Reporter tions starting today, April 30. ets quickest. Doha The Emir Cup fi nal will be played The Emir Cup tickets will be at the Khalifa International Sta- diff erent this year with the use of dium on May 19. the bar code in each ticket. This econd League side Mesaimeer The fi rst batch of tickets for year smart tickets will be issued added another big scalp in the the fi nal are available at the fol- to help the purchaser to their Emir Cup yesterday as they lowing 12 ticket sales centres parking spot at the Khalifa Inter- stunned QNB Stars League side Al across the country: Qatar Mall, national Stadium. SailiyaS 1-0 in the third round at the Grand Villaggio, Landmark, Al Khor The bar code details on the Hamad stadium. Mesaimeer will take on Mall, LuLu Airport, Souq Al tickets could also be used on the Al Gharafa in the quarter-fi nals. Wakrah, Souq Waqif, Lagoona phone app to look for more de- The winning goal came from Ahmed Mall, Qatar Sports Club, Festi- tails on seating locations and Almahaijri in the 40th minute. The Me- val City and Qatar Fnac (Lagoona other fi nal-related information. saimeer striker to his luck was unmarked Mall/Festival City). The fi nal on May 19 will signal by the Sailiya defence and he slammed 10,000 tickets will be made the end of the football season in home after receiving a cross from right available to the public before the Qatar. fl ank. Sailiya went all out for an equaliser but could not fi nd past determined Me- saimeer defenders. Mesaimeer, which had defeated an- other fi rst division side Al Ahli in the sec- ond round last week, put in another lively display yesterday. They were up against Sailiya, who were on a high after fi nishing sixth in the QNB Stars League this season. Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi had tar- geted Emir Cup after some impressive performances in the league. The Per- egrines did very well in the fi rst phase of the campaign, but they could not sustain the momentum in the second. They had occupied the fourth position for long, but eventually ended up sixth and missed out on a top four fi nish. Tunisian Trabelsi, who has been coach- ing them for long, had often complained of the team’s off -the-fi eld problems. A Mesaimeer players celebrate after their win over Al Sailiya in the third round of the Emir Cup yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed series of negative results adversely aff ect- ed the players’ mindset and they could In another third round match yester- run into Al Sadd. quarter-fi nal stage of the competition. not stay focused till the very end in many day, Al Arabi outplayed Al Wakrah 4-0 In the third round matches on Satur- The Emir Cup is the most prestigious games. And it showed again yesterday. to set-up a quarter-fi nal clash against day, Umm Salal thrashed Al Kharaitiyat domestic football tournament and brings After trailing by a goal, Sailiya could never Al Rayyan. For Al Arabi, Kwame Karikari 5-0, while Al Khor edged out Al Markhiya down the curtains on the nine-month lift their game. The failure to strengthen scored a brace, while Hamad al-Harbi and 10-9 on penalties. The quarter-fi nals will long football season in Qatar. The event the squad with fresh legs in winter trans- Diego Jardel Koester scored one apiece. be played on May 3 and 4. off ers a chance for lower division teams fer window has proved to be their undo- The other two quarter-fi nals pits Umm The top four teams in the QNB Stars to test their mettle against the big guns as ing. Sailiya’s only recruitment during the Salal against QNB Stars League and Qatar League – Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan they bid to qualify for the fi nal at the Kha- The first batch of tickets for the Emir Cup final to played on May 19 break was Yemeni player Alaa al-Sasi. Cup champions Al Duhail, while Al Khor and Al Gharafa – received a bye to the lifa Stadium on May 19. are available at 12 ticket sales centres across the country.

REHAB Swansea City’s Bony at Aspetar to end his injury spell wansea City’s Ivorian striker, stay at the hospital and sounded posi- nique and rhythm and is aggressive and “I’ve been here a few times now and Wilfried Bony, has been re- tive about his return to play soon. fast paced. I am very happy about the they certainly have quality facilities ceiving treatment at Aspetar, “I am here to experiment and I can African players’ standard in the league. to organise and host a successful FIFA Qatar’s world-renowned or- see it is going very well. I am very happy You can see Mo Salah, Mane, Mahrez World Cup in 2022. I am sure they will thopaedicS and sports medicine hos- here with the way they are working. there are also players in other top-fl ight do well and will exceed expectations, pital, as part of his rehabilitation pro- I’ve heard a lot about (Aspetar) from leagues who are doing really well.” and I would love to think I could be here gramme from a knee injury. Utilising my friends, and I’ve spoken to my col- With the 2018 FIFA World Cup Rus- (at the time of competition) either as a an evidence-based model, Aspetar’s leagues from the Ivory Coast, Lacina sia fast approaching, where Africa is player or fan.” experienced practitioners aim to return Traore and my coach who advised me represented by fi ve teams, Bony said In 2009, Aspetar became the fi rst patients to their pre-injury lifestyle as to come to Aspetar. It is an ideal desti- he wishes to see all African teams go hospital in the Middle East to be ac- quickly and safely as possible and has a nation because of the facilities, the way through the fi nal stages: “We have been credited by the FIFA Medical and Re- proven track record of treating regional they exercise and (how they provide) (close) to do that in the last few tourna- search Centre (F-MARC) as a FIFA and international athletes. treatment. The medical staff are really ments. Senegal and Nigeria have good Medical Centre of Excellence. Current- The Swansea City striker and the Ivo- skilful and this is really helpful for ath- teams as well as Morocco, Tunisia and ly, there are only 41 FIFA-accredited ry Coast international ruptured his cru- letes to recover,” Bony said. Egypt. There is a chance to go forward medical centres worldwide. ciate ligament in his right knee when he Speaking on the African players who into the knockout stages. We need Aspetar had previously provided landed awkwardly just moments after are currently doing very well in the to see the players recover from their medical support to the Ivory Coast and coming on as a second-half substitute English Premier League, and whether present league duties and try to rest up Algeria national football teams that at Leicester City in February fi xture. it suits the African footballers more to be fresh for the tournament in Rus- took part at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Bony, who helped the Elephants, as than other leagues, the Swans, which sia. That’s the most important thing.” Brazil, and has recently screened the Ivory Coast are known by their loving is Swansea City’s Premier League Speaking about Qatar as a host na- Tunisia national football team players, fans, win the 2015’s African Cup of Na- nickname, forward said: “The Premier tion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the who will participate at the 2018 FIFA Wilfried Bony training at Aspetar. tions, spoke to Aspetar team during his League is diff erent and has a lot of tech- Ivory Coast international player said: World Cup Russia.