CCRICKETRICKET | Page 3 In-form Aussies give Langer ‘brutal’ selection dilemma

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 FOOTBALL Rajab 26, 1440 AH Mbappe stunner GULF TIMES ends Toulouse resistance SPORT Page 7

FOOTBALL Esperance bounce back with Tunisian Super Cup Esperance beat Club Athletique Bizertin 2-1 after losing out on the African Super Cup last week

By Sports Reporter Doha

sperance Sportive de Tu- nis clinched their fourth Tunisian Super Cup title after beating Club Ath- letiqueE Bizertin 2-1 in a pulsating match at the Al Duhail Stadium yesterday. It was a happy end to Esperance’s Qatar visit, after they were beaten by Moroccan team Raja Casablanca in the Af- rican Super Cup last Friday at the same stadium. Two goals in the opening 16 minutes paved the way for Es- perance’s victory, with the Tu- nisian giants eager to bounce back from the African Super Cup debacle. Bizertin attempt- ed a fight back and found an equaliser in the 33rd minute after Halim Darragi converted a penalty, but Esperance held on to seal a famous win. The Tunisian Super Cup is traditionally played between the Tunisian Ligue Profession- nelle champions and the win- ners of the Tunisian Cup, and it was being held for the fi rst time in 18 years. Since its return in 1994, the one-off match has been organised only three times in 1994, 1995 and 2001. And Espe- rance retained the title they won in 2001, when they had beaten Sportif de Hammam-Lif 3-1. Yesterday, Esperance’s Youcef Belaili was the star of the show with the Algerian for- ward putting on a brilliant dis- play on the night. Belaili made assists for both the goals, as the Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani and Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) president Wadii Jarii present the winner’s trophy to Esperance Sportive de Tunis after they won 30-year-old terrorised Bizertin the Tunisian Super Cup title with a win over Club Athletique Bizertin at Al Duhail Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed defenders. For the fi rst goal, Belaili Three minutes later, Belaili Darragi coming close in the 28th Aymen Mahmoud on Ibrahim led the play. They should have ment of the match in the 90th ertin did not even come close to skipped past Bizertin clueless played a terrifi c through ball from minute but his shot was blocked Ouattara resulted in a penalty, scored at least three more, but minute when he dived full lunge fi nding an equaliser. defenders Wajdi Jabberi and the half-line to Taha Khenissi, easily by Esperance goalkeeper which Darragi had little problem for poor fi nishing and some out- to make an incredible goal line The Tunisian Super Cup was Wissam Bousnina on the left who slotted home easily to make Moez Ben Cherifi a. in converting. standing work by Bizertin custo- save to deny Khenissi. That bril- hosted by the Qatar Football Asso- and played a perfect ball to Anice it a dream start for Esperance. Five minutes later, Bizertin In the second-half, Esperance dian Thamri. liant piece of work kept his team’s ciation in partnership with Qatar Badri, who slammed it past goal- Two goals down in no time, were given an opening when a denied any real chance for Biz- The 38-year old Thamri, with- chances alive with three minutes Stars League and Supreme Com- keeper Khemais Thamri. Bizertin went on an all-out with clumsy tackle from left-back ertin to equalise as they control- out a doubt produced the mo- of injury time remaining but Biz- mittee for Delivery & Legacy.

SPOTLIGHT MOTORSPORT Pogba has ‘big part’ to play at Man Utd: Solskjaer Qatar to host 2020

AFP icon in France. Zidane is a fantastic the right positions anyway. Asia Supersports London manager and he used to be a fantas- “A manager can’t do as much as tic player and I played against him. he used to do anyway. The demands “So Paul has politely answered of modern football mean that you C’ship opener anchester United man- that question. But he is happy here. have to split responsibilities.” ager Ole Gunnar Solsk- He is going to be a big, big part of Solskjaer is preparing his team QNA quarterly meeting for the jaer says Paul Pogba has things here. for the rearranged league game at Doha members of the governing a “big, big part” to play “I have always said that you Wolves as the chase for a top-four council of FIM Asia in its Mat Old Traff ord despite speculation would like to build your team spot heats up. new form. linking the French World Cup win- around him and that has not United will leapfrog Tottenham sian Motorcy- Many issues were dis- ner with a move to Real Madrid. changed at all.” into third place if they win at Mo- cling Federation cussed related to various Real boss Zinedine Zidane is ex- lineux, with Arsenal and Chelsea (FIM Asia) an- motorcycle races, tourna- pected to be busy in the summer DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL? also fi ghting for the remaining two nounced Qatar ment schedule, and some transfer market as he tries to rein- Solskjaer, appointed as permanent Champions League qualifi cation Aas the host of the fi rst laws and regulations, as vigorate a side that crashed out of manager last week after an impres- spots behind Liverpool and Man- round of the Asian Su- well as work to expand the the Champions League in the last sive spell as interim boss, said he chester City. persports Championship, annual activities within 16 and are lagging 12 points behind would be comfortable with the ap- They will have to improve on which will be introduced the various federations leaders Barcelona in La Liga. pointment of a director of football their last performance against for the fi rst time in the in Asia, whether through United midfi elder Pogba last to sit between himself and execu- Wolves, a 2-1 FA Cup defeat two 2020 season, and includes tournaments or training week described Madrid as a “dream Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left) shakes hands with tive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. weeks ago, the worst performance several rounds, each to be programmes. club for every player” while on in- Paul Pogba (right) after the win over Watford on Saturday. (AFP) “Football has changed and the during Solskjaer’s spell in charge. held separately in diff er- Also, the meetings dealt ternational duty with France and structure at clubs has changed,” he But the Norwegian is confi dent ent countries of the con- with the programmes of Zidane on Saturday hailed him as lieves the midfi elder simply gave a of the international break. said. “Ed and (co-chairman) Joel of making amends this time. tinent. the Asian talents academy “a player who knows how to do straight answer to a question. “Players are available all the time (Glazer) and me are looking at how “We can learn quite a few lessons This was decided dur- in China, which attracts everything”. “I don”t like to talk about other and it’s a diff erent environment this club can be run as smoothly as from that game and we have to,” ing the three-day FIM riders from the 13 to 18 age But Solskjaer is determined that teams’ players,” the Norwegian and it’s more of a general talk. possible. he said. “If we turn up and don’t Asia meetings hosted group, as well as the allo- Pogba, one of the world’s most mar- said ahead of his side’s Premier “Paul is a very nice and polite “We will see what we end up perform to our level against a good by the Qatar Motor and cation of their own three- ketable players, will not be a part of League match against Wolves to- man and he answered a general with but I am happy talking foot- team, we will not get the result we Motorcycle Federation course tournament in Tai- Zidane’s rebuilding plans and be- day. “That is one of the challenges question. Of course, Zidane is an ball with knowledgeable people in deserve.” (QMMF). It was the fi rst wan, Thailand, and India. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, April 2, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Federer goes fourth in rankings aft er Federer ‘sorry’ over Miami triumph AFP THE RANKINGS Paris ATP 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) oger Federer jumped 11,070 pts Tsitsipas preferential up one spot to fourth 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,725 in the ATP rankings 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) released yesterday af- 6,040 terR capturing his 101st career ‘If I get warnings — I 4. Roger Federer (SUI) 5,590 title with his victory over John (+1) got one recently — Isner in Miami. 5. Dominic Thiem (AUT) The Swiss great switched 4,765 (-1) it’s normal’ places with Austria’s Do- 6. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,200 treatment claim minic Thiem, who had briefl y 7. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,115 AFP climbed to fourth after defeat- 8. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) Miami ing Federer in the fi nal at In- 3,240 (+2) dian Wells two weeks ago. 9. Juan Martin del Potro Rising Greek star Stefanos (ARG) 3,225 (-1) wiss great Roger Federer Tsitsipas moved up to a career 10. John Isner (USA) 3,085 has refuted claims by best of eighth, while Canadian (-1) Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsi- teenager Denis Shapovalov SELECTED pas that the most expe- cracked the top 20 for the fi rst 33. Felix Auger-Aliassime riencedS players on the ATP Tour time following his run to the (CAN) 1.245 (+24) receive preferential treatment Miami semi-fi nals. WTA from offi cials. Felix Auger-Aliassime, 18, 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6,021 Federer, speaking after land- soared 24 places to 33rd after pts ing the 101st title of his career at matching compatriot Shapo- 2. Simona Halep (ROM) 5,782 the Miami Open with a straight valov’s run to the last four in (+1) sets triumph over defending Florida before losing to de- 3. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 5,645 champion John Isner, strongly fending champion Isner. (-1) disagreed. Novak Djokovic remains 4. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) He acknowledged that um- comfortably clear at the top 5,580 (+3) pires might interact diff erently despite crashing out in the last 5. Angelique Kerber (GER) with players they are more fa- 16 in Miami, with Rafael Nadal 5,165 (-1) miliar with, but said it didn’t still well ahead of third-ranked 6. Kiki Bertens (NED) 5,050 amount to preferential treat- Alexander Zverev as the Span- (+2) ment. iard targets a return from in- 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 5,020 “It’s a tough one but what I jury for the clay-court season. (-2) do feel sometimes is that on the 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) outside courts, more than just HALEP CLOSES ON 4,287 (-2) preferential treatment to the top WORLD NO 1 OSAKA 9. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 4,275 guys, they are tougher on the Simona Halep cut the gap to (+2) rules,” Federer told AFP. world number one Naomi Os- 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) “You do something - bang, aka in the WTA rankings after 3,595 (-1) warning. It’s like there is no the Romanian made the semi- messing about. fi nals at the Miami Open last “But with the umpires with week. to 239 points and moved above the top guys on the main courts, French Open champion Halep, Petra Kvitova after the Czech I think the umpires know the who last held the top spot in fell to eventual champion Ash- top guys, they know their prob- January, would have returned leigh Barty in the last eight. lems, they know how they be- to the summit had she reached Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit have and how they will react, the fi nal in Florida following climbed to a best of 14th as she so they know what acting stupid Osaka’s early exit. jumped fi ve places following or silly means and what normal Halep reduced Osaka’s lead her run to the semi-fi nals. is. Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates “So because we know each with the Miami Open trophy in Miami other very well, I think it’s easier Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) for an umpire to handle a top player who they know over an up-and-coming guy like Tsit- sipas or a young guy and that He was ousted in the fourth pires. “I think players that have sometimes gets lost in transla- round of the Miami Open singles been doing really well over the Canadian youngster Auger-Aliassime tion and maybe bad mistakes can by Canadian teen Denis Shapo- years, players that are gener- given Madrid wildcard happen. valov. ally much respected in the ten- “But I don’t see preferential But playing in the doubles nis world have privileges when Canadian rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime has been handed a treatment, there shouldn’t be,” fi nal with Wesley Koolhof on it comes to certain rules and wildcard for next month’s Madrid Masters, tournament organisers Federer said. Saturday he accused umpire Gi- umpire decisions,” the world said yesterday. “If I get warnings - I got one anluca Moscarella of granting number 10 wrote. The 18-year-old reached the Miami Open semi-finals last week recently - it’s normal. So they “privileges” to American oppo- “I felt this couple of times before a tight loss to John Isner. should just, based on what hap- nents Bob and Mike Bryan “like when playing these guys and I He rose 24 places to a career-high ranking of 33 yesterday and is the pens, take those decisions and I you do with Roger and every- think it’s a bit unfair. youngest player in the world’s top 50. really feel the umpires do that. body else”. “Roger Federer is always go- “I have great memories from my junior career at the Caja Magica, “I am sorry that Stefanos feels Tsitsipas elaborated on Twit- ing to be my favorite player no where I hope to produce some magic again,” said Auger-Aliassime, that way.” ter in response to a question matter what. I don’t want to who led Canada to the 2015 Junior Davis Cup in Madrid alongside Tsitsipas, 20, shocked Federer from a Twitter follower, saying drag him into this. It’s not his Denis Shapovalov. in the fourth round of the Aus- that despite Federer being his fault or intention, it’s the um- Spanish veteran David Ferrer had already been awarded the first tralian Open and was runner-up “favourite” the 20 time Grand pires that are trying to protect of the four wildcards on off er, as the 36-year-old continues his final to Federer in February in Dubai, Slam champion, along with the them more than they are sup- season before retirement. where the Swiss great claimed likes of Rafa Nadal and Novak posed to. Nothing more than The Madrid Masters starts on May 5, with the final on May 12. his 100th career ATP title. Djokovic, are protected by um- that.” Romania’s Simona Halep.

MOTORSPORT As ever, expect the unexpected in Formula One Reuters Ferrari were fastest after domi- London nating every practice session Leclerc marks himself out as F1’s newest champion-in-waiting and all stages of qualifying. Mer- cedes walked away as one-two ormula One has been Charles Leclerc’s near-flawless tege Jules Bianchi, Leclerc lost winners again. Pole position has criticised for being al- performance at Sunday’s Bah- his father in 2017 -- on the eve of yet to produce a win. together too predictable rain Grand Prix marked out the a Formula Two race in Baku that in the past but not so far Monegasque as Formula One’s he nonetheless went on to win YOUNG CONTENDER thisF season, even if Lewis Ham- For Hamilton’s 74th career newest force to be reckoned from pole position. ilton returned to the top of the with. “Very, very impressive,” said win to come as a surprise says podium in Bahrain on Sunday. The 21-year-old Ferrari driver Wolff of Sunday’s performance. much in itself but even he was With two surprise winners in was fastest in all but one session “I know that many other drivers stunned to take the lead after a two races, and those cast in al- of track action, seized pole by who have the lion in them, like power unit problem in the clos- legedly supporting roles acting a comfortable margin and was he certainly has, would have ing laps denied Leclerc a well- more like leading men, it has cruising to an easy victory when reacted in a much more contro- deserved fi rst victory.The arrival been a case of buckle up and ex- engine trouble struck 10 laps versial way about the third place of a confi dent young contender, pect the unexpected. from the end, leaving him third. and would have been angry and who is seemingly free to race his Ferrari the fastest and favour- If Lewis Hamilton was the one would have displayed that. team mate, only adds depth to a ites? Champions Mercedes on celebrating an unexpected “None of that you see with championship yet to establish the back foot? Sebastian Vettel v victory, the five-times world Charles.” a clear pecking order both be- Hamilton in a battle of champi- champion and his Mercedes Even Hamilton acknowledged tween teams and drivers. ons? Valtteri Bottas and Charles team boss Toto Wolff were left in he now had a new challenger to The same extends further Leclerc playing second fi ddles? no doubt that Leclerc had made worry about. down the paddock.Renault- Those pre-season predic- a statement. “He did an incredible job this powered McLaren are doing bet- tions are not necessarily wrong, “I think we’re seeing a young weekend and he’s got a beauti- ter than the French manufactur- there are 19 races still to go, and champion-in-the-making who ful, bright future ahead of him,” ers’ own works team, and have the same three top teams as ever was the emotional winner said the Briton. 19-year-old rookie Lando Norris have been the ones on the po- today,” said Wolff . “Fastest man But Leclerc, the same age as Red riding high while more experi- dium. But things have just not and fastest machine.” Bull’s similarly precocious talent enced Spanish team mate Carlos panned out according to the Leclerc replaced Ferrari’s 2007 Max Verstappen, was keeping his Sainz has yet to score. script so far. world champion Kimi Raikkonen feet firmly on the ground. Australian Daniel Ricciardo, a Bottas, the Finn who could at the end of last season in a “I’m happy overall about this double race winner with Red Bull not win a race last year and went gamble for a team generally the weight of expectation that Sebastian Vettel, with the Ger- pointment, having a first win weekend,” he said. last year, is another with a blank away with ‘Hamilton’s wing- known for picking experienced comes with driving for the man enduring a scrappy evening ripped from his grasp, but he has “I always tend to focus on the to his name after two races while man’ ringing in his ears, is lead- drivers over talented newcom- sport’s most successful and that left him fifth after a spin and displayed similar mental forti- negatives of the weekend on my Renault teammate Nico Hulken- ing the championship after win- ers. But the youngest Ferrari glamorous team. a lost front wing. tude before in far more testing side and there’s definitely things berg has banked six points. ning in Australia (plus fastest race driver since 1961 proved He even excelled more than As impressive was the young- and emotional circumstances. that I can still improve, so I’ll try Expect that situation to lap) for Mercedes and fi nishing he has what it takes to handle four-time champion team mate ster’s calm in the face of disap- The godson of late Ferrari pro- to work for that.” change in two weeks’ time in second in Bahrain. Shanghai, when Ferrari are also Leclerc, the 21-year-old Fer- sure to be strong and Formula rari newcomer, is ahead of four- podium place.There are already threat to Hamilton’s hopes of a rainy days or challenging days Leclerc is the main man there,” pre-season testing but Mercedes One could easily see a third dif- times champion team mate some, with decades of experi- sixth world championship than when Sebastian Vettel’s experi- said Sky Sports commentator went away as one-two winners ferent winner in three races. Vettel in the standings and has ence to back them up, who see old rival Vettel. ence might just pay off but hon- Martin Brundle. Ferrari arrived all the same. In Bahrain on Sun- Whether that man is Vettel or beaten him to both a pole and a the Monegasque as more of a “There’ll be moments on estly... it won’t be long before in Australia as the fastest team in day, there was no question that Leclerc remains to be seen. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 2, 2019 3 CRICKET

IPL Curran hat-trick spurs Punjab to victory over Delhi IANS He fi rst had Harshal Patel Mohali caught behind before getting Ka- giso Rabada and Sandeep Lam- ichhane both bowled off the fi rst ast bowler Sam Curran two balls of the fi nal over to send picked up four wickets the Mohali crowd into raptures. for 11 runs, including the Earlier, Kings XI were put into season’s fi rst hat-trick, bat by the Capitals and scored Fto propel Kings XI Punjab to a 166/9 in their allotted 20 overs, 14-run victory over Delhi Capi- with David Miller scoring 43 and tals yesterday. Sarfaraz Khan chipping in with Chasing 167 for victory, the 39. Morris picked up three wickets Capitals looked to be cruising while Rabada and Lamichhane got at 144/3 in the 17th over with two each. Kings XI have moved Rishabh Pant and Colin Ingram up to second as a result with six at the crease. But they lost sev- points, behind leaders Chennai en wickets for eight runs as the Super Kings on net run rate, while Kings XI bowlers ripped through the Capitals remain in fi fth place. the batting line-up. Pant lost his wicket trying to BRIEF SCORES smash the ball down the leg side Kings XI Punjab 166/9 in 20 when Mohamed Shami castled overs (David Miller 43, Sarfaraz the 21-year-old for 39 before Khan 39; Chris Morris 3/30) Ravichandran Ashwin sent Chris bt Delhi Capitals 152 all out Morris back with a direct hit to (Rishabh Pant 39; Sam Curran run him out in the very next ball. 4/11). Ingram did not last long ei- ther as he holed out to long off to give Curran his fi rst wicket. The Kings XI Punjab’s bowler Sam left-arm bowler then cleaned up Curran (centre) celebrates with the tail with a hat-trick spread his teammates after completing across two overs. his hat-trick yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS India win top Test rankings for 3rd year In-form Aussies give published by the International AFP New Delhi Cricket Council. The fi ve-Test Ashes series between England and Aus- irat Kohli’s India have tralia this summer will launch topped the interna- the fi rst world championship. tional Test rankings Nine teams will play in a Test for the third year in league over two years with the Langer ‘brutal’ WC Va row – boosted by their fi rst top two teams to square off in a ever series triumph in Australia June 2021 fi nal. In the current – earning a million dollar prize world rankings, South Africa for the team. are third while England and India fi nished eight points Australia take fourth and fi fth clear of New Zealand in the spots respectively. contest, taking in matches up to New Zealand received Sunday. Kohli, who led India to $500,000 for their second- selection dilemma their maiden series win in Aus- place fi nish while South Africa tralia in 71 years of trying, said got $200,000. New ICC chief ‘We know categorically there are going to be one or two guys brutally unlucky not to get the achievement would inspire executive Manu Sawhney con- the team to try harder in the in- gratulated Kohli and his team selected because they’re all going so well... the blokes in the squad will be praying it’s not them’ augural world Test champion- for their success and said the ship which starts this year. new world championship will “Retaining the ICC Test provide “an undisputed con- Championship Mace once clusion to some of the most re- again is something we are all nowned cricket rivalries in the really proud of,” he said. international game.” “We all know of the impor- The top nine Test nations tance of Test cricket and of how out of 12 will compete in 71 only the best can prosper in the matches and 27 series to decide format,” he said in a statement who reaches the fi nal.

In this file photo taken on January 7, 2019 India players pose with the Border-Gavaskar trophy as they celebrate their series win on the fifth day of the fourth and final Test against Australia at the SCG. (AFP)

APPOINTMENT Sawhney takes charge as new ICC chief executive

AFP who will remain in charge of New Delhi the organisation of the World Cup in England, which starts May 30, has “steered the sport ndian-born media execu- so capably over the last seven tive Manu Sawhney has years”. taken over as chief execu- “I am pleased to say he will Australian players pose with the trophy after winning the fifth ODI against Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Sunday. (AFP) tive of the International continue to lead the delivery of ICricket Council, the world the ICC men’s Cricket World AFP website. “We know categori- one-year bans for their part in a “Aaron has had a really good home four years ago, have both body said yesterday as it start- Cup 2019 and there is no bet- Sydney cally there are going to be one or ball-tampering scandal. partnership with David Warner been struggling with injury. ed a new era aiming to boost ter person to ensure the event two guys brutally unlucky not The bombastic Warner seems as well,” he said, while point- They missed the recent win- the sport’s television revenues is the greatest celebration of to get selected because they’re a certain starter for their World ing to the current partnership ning run and in their absence and profi le. cricket ever,” added Sawh- ustralia coach Justin all going so well... the blokes in Cup opener against Afghanistan between Finch and Khawaja as Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coul- Sawhney, who has been ney, who is also a former chief Langer yesterday ad- the squad at the moment will be in Bristol on June 1 after his blis- “blossoming at the moment”. ter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff and managing director of broad- executive of the Singapore mitted some players praying it’s not them.” tering return to the Indian Pre- “They (Finch and Khawaja) Kane Richardson all played well. caster ESPN Star Sports and Sports Hub stadium develop- will be “brutally un- Australia made it eight in a mier League. are both pretty chilled out and “There’s actually some good is a non-executive director ment. Richardson joined the lucky”A as he faces a World Cup row with a 20-run win in the He bludgeoned a century in 55 I think they work really well depth of talent now,” said Lang- of football giants Manchester ICC as general manager of selection dilemma with the re- fi fth and fi nal one-dayer against balls on Sunday after smashing together. I think it’s a positive er. “There’s a number of guys United, succeeds former South cricket operations, and was turn of Steve Smith and David Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday to 85 and 69 in his fi rst two outings thing. David has shown he’s a who we could easily select... African Test wicketkeeper promoted to chief executive in Warner. sweep the series 5-0 after com- for Sunrisers Hyderabad last very versatile player, Uzzie’s we’ve got some more confi dence Dave Richardson. 2012 after South African Ha- The defending champions ing from behind to beat India 3-2 week. Former captain Smith, batted three a number of times, in the other guys.” Sawhney has been prepar- roon Lorgat quit. must name their 15-man squad last month. who has scored more modestly Finchy’s batted in the middle or- Australia are expected to take ing for the transition alongside “I have thoroughly enjoyed this month for the tournament Their red-hot form has been with 20 and 28 for the Rajasthan der. Versatility’s important,” he two spinners, with Adam Zampa Richardson at the ICC’s Dubai my time at the ICC and I am in England and Wales and Lang- built on the back of a rock-solid Royals so far, is also expected to added. Australia’s selectors also starting to work well in tandem headquarters for the past six pleased with what we have er said the make-up was be- opening partnership between be recalled by Australia. face a bowling conundrum as with Nathan Lyon and condi- weeks as cricket becomes the achieved in recent times par- coming clear on the back of the skipper Aaron Finch and Usman they target a record sixth World tions expected to be similar to latest in a series of sports to ticularly in creating greater resurgent team’s stunning eight- Khawaja. ‘GOOD PROBLEM’ TO HAVE Cup triumph. the United Arab Emirates. turn to a business executive to context for all formats of the game one-day win streak against Shaun Marsh, Peter Hands- Langer said having Warner Pat Cummins is a certain Marcus Stoinis had a quiet lead its operations. game,” said Richardson. India and Pakistan. comb and Glenn Maxwell have banging down the door to open starter but Mitchell Starc, the series with bat and ball against Star Sports has in recent While the ICC does not give “It’s actually becoming more also been in fi ne touch with the the batting – a position he has 2015 World Cup player of the Pakistan but is expected to be years become one of the key fi gures for television revenues, obvious by the day to me. The bat, leaving diffi cult decisions occupied in all but one of his 104 tournament, and Josh Hazle- named as the all-rounder be- international cricket broad- industry sources say the world same with the other selectors,” as to where Warner and Smith ODI innings – was a “good prob- wood, who was also integral to cause Mitch Marsh is out of casters. Sawhney said in a body is expecting record rev- he said on the Cricket Australia will fi t back in after serving their lem” to have. their successful campaign at favour. statement that Richardson, enues for 2019. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, April 2, 2019 SPORT

GOLF Qatar’s al-Khulaifi wins gold and bronze medals in Sarajevo

Qatari swimmer Yaqoub Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi won gold medal in the 100m butterfly event for boys under-18 at the Sarajevo International Swimming Championships. Al-Khulaifi also claimed the bronze medal in the men’s 100m butterfly event in the Bosnia Kisner captures and Herzegovina meet. Last year, al-Khulaifi had also qualified for the Youth Olympic Games held in Argentina. Qatar’s Shareb wins Skeet silver in Match Play crown Bulgaria Grand Prix ‘It was a hard week but I prevailed and I’m world golf champion’

AFP Washington

evin Kisner, who shared a runner-up spot in last year’s Brit- ish Open, defeated KMatt Kuchar 3&2 in Sunday’s WGC Match Play Champion- ship fi nal to win his third career PGA title. On a cold and windy last day of the 64-player showdown at Austin (Texas) Country Club, Kisner dominated 2013 winner Kuchar in the all-American fi nal to capture the $1.745mn (1.55mn euros) top prize. “It was gruelling and the winds were tough,” Kisner said. “It was a hard week but I pre- vailed and I’m world golf cham- pion.” Kisner, last year’s WGC Match Play runner-up to Bubba Watson, was 48th seed but be- came the lowest-seeded winner Qatar’s shooting star Saieed Abo Shareb (left) confidently won since Australian Geoff Ogilvy in silver in the Skeet event at the prestigious Bulgaria Grand Prix in 2006 after taking a key lesson Shotgun which concluded in Bulgarian capital Sofia on Sunday. from his 2018 defeat. Meanwhile his teammate, Reem al-Sharshani finished fourth “I learned not to get too place in the women’s skeet event. It is worth mentioning that the amped up for that fi nal,” Kisner prestigious event brought together top shooters from diff erent said. teams across the world. Qatari shooters participated in the event In the morning semi-fi nals, in preparation for the upcoming Al Ain 2019 World Shooting Cup Kisner edged Italy’s Francesco next week. Molinari 1-up and Kuchar dis- Kevin Kisner celebrates winning the final round of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) patched Danish 50th seed Lucas Bjerregaard 1-up. 5-0 here before Sunday. Kisner, who edged Kuchar Major winner McDowell ends title drought Both semi-fi nals were all SPOTLIGHT 1-up in last year’s round of 16, square after 10 holes, no one en- won his earlier PGA titles in 2015 AFP Royal Portrush. joying more than a 1-up edge on at Sea Island, Georgia and in Miami He fired a three-under par final the front nine. 2017 at Colonial. round of 69 for a 19-under total Kisner birdied the par-5 12th Bora excels in Warriors At 40, Kuchar would have of 270 and a one-stroke win and par-4 14th to go 2-up, but been the oldest champion in ormer US Open cham- over American Chris Stroud Molinari answered with a tap-in tournament history and the fi rst pion Graeme McDowell and Canadian Mackenzie birdie to win the par-5 16th and Club’s big win in Qatar player to win three titles in a Fended a near four-year Hughes. then sank a 4-foot birdie putt at PGA season since Steve Stricker title drought with a one-stroke Stroud also closed with a 69 the par-3 17th to level the match. in 2009. victory on Sunday in the US while Hughes climbed the lead- At 18, Kisner found a fairway Airways cricket Kisner, 35, sank an 11-foot PGA Tour’s Puntacana Resort erboard with a six-under 66. divot but landed his approach 14 birdie putt to win the fi rst hole Championship. “This is big,” an emotional feet from the cup and got down but his bogey to drop the par-4 The 39-year-old from Northern McDowell said. “This is big for in two while Molinari escaped fi fth squared the fi nal. Ireland, who arrived in the Do- the people who stood by me a bunker to 26 feet, rolled his After blasting his approach minican Republic ranked 257th the last few years. It has been birdie putt seven feet past the way left of the green at the par-5 in the world, took a big step a rough few years. It has been cup and missed the par putt to sixth, Kisner punched his third toward his stated goal playing a grind. My whole family, my hand Kisner the victory. to four feet and sank the putt to his way into the British Open at wife and kids at home.” Kuchar won 12 but Bjerre- win the hole and restore his 1-up gaard sank a 23-foot birdie putt advantage. at the par-4 15th to square the Kuchar 3-putted from 50 feet off the tee to drop the par-3 11th 20-foot birdie putt for the victory. nals a special temporary US PGA match again. for bogey to lose the par-3 seventh and fall 2-down then made his membership with the victory. Bjerregaard made bogey to but Kisner missed a 5-footer for fi rst birdie of the fi nal but only MOLINARI TAKES THIRD Molinari, the reigning British drop the 16th hole and both sank par at the ninth, trimming his lead halved the par-5 12th. In the consolation match, Mo- Open champion, was Europe’s dramatic birdies at the par-3 to 1-up at the turn. At 15, Kuchar missed a 12-foot linari defeated Bjerregaard 4&2, hero in last year’s Ryder Cup, 17th. At 18, Kuchar needed only Kuchar, the 2016 Rio Olympic par putt to hand Kisner a 3-up denying the Dane who ousted winning all fi ve matches in a vic- two putts from 14 feet to halve bronze medallist, found water lead and at 16, Kisner rolled in a Tiger Woods in the quarter-fi - tory over the US team, and was the hole and win the match.

Asad Bora scored 92 runs and Jassim Khan scored 141 in Fireox Japan’s Hataoka nabs third LPGA title at Kia Classic scalped four wickets in Warriors Unit’s losing cause against Galfar Club victory. Al Misnad. AFP “Big tournament coming up par-four 16th that cut her lead Los Angeles next week, so I’ll celebrate to two strokes. By Sports Reporter 54, including two sixes and fi ve a little bit but get my mind She shook off the miscue with Doha fours. Iqbal came up with thrill- refreshed and start again next a tap-in birdie at 17 and capped ing six for 43 and Malik picked apan’s Nasa Hataoka had week,” Hataoka said. her round with a par. three scalps. six birdies in a five-under Park In-bee, chasing a 20th “I forgot about the bogey very sad Bora’s brilliant all- Abdul Rahman steered King- Jpar 67 on Sunday to roll LPGA tour title but her first in a quickly,” she said. “I knew that round performance span Qatar to a three-wicket to a three-stroke victory in the year, carded a one-under par 71. 17 was a chance I could make enabled Warriors Club victory against Royal Stars. He LPGA Kia Classic in Carlsbad, Park Sung-hyun, who had a a birdie, and just very relieved to keep up their vic- struck 10 boundaries to collect toryA march in the Qatar Airways 90 and Raheel knocked 66 off California. Hataoka, 20, notched share of the second-round and felt great that I was able to her third LPGA title with an lead on Friday, also signed for actually get a birdie.” Cricket Tournament with an 59 balls with seven fours as their 18-under par total of 270. a 61. Spain’s Munoz carded a Hataoka is the sixth diff erent emphatic 146-run crushing of Al team secured the 234-run target She was three shots clear of 68 while America’s Kang and winner on the LPGA tour this Feroz Youngsters. in 46 overs. Half-centuries by former world number one Park South Korean Ko — winner of season — the third straight year In the latest round of the Pre- Asif (74 with 12 fours and a six) In-bee, current No. 1 Park Sung- the Founders Cup in Phoenix that the first six tournaments mier Division matches, Bora and Shahid (56 with three sixes hyun, Ko Jin-young, Danielle last week — both shot 65. have had six diff erent winners. hammered two sixes and 10 and seven fours) earlier took Kang and Azahara Munoz. South Korean Kim Hyo-joo Park In-bee, who played along- boundaries in his 60-ball cameo Royal Stars to 233 in 42.2 overs. Hataoka had posted a third- equalled the tournament side her in the final pairing, said of 92 runs, which lifted Warriors Qatar Airways is the offi cial round 64 to enter Sunday trail- record with a 62 to join the she showed no sign of nerves. Club to a massive 388 in 50 overs. airline sponsor of the annual Qa- ing Park In-bee by a stroke in group sharing seventh on 274. “Didn’t really look like she was Imal and Andrew chipped in with tar Cricket Tournament. As the the final tune-up for the year’s Hataoka was five-under for the feeling the pressure, especially in valuable knocks. country’s national carrier, Qatar first major, the ANA Inspiration, day when she found the water the way she played the last hole,” Imal took 66 balls to fi n- Airways continues to play a vi- next week. on the way to a bogey at the Park said. “Just very smart.” ish with 87, including a six and tal role in enhancing the already four hits to the fence, while An- fl ourishing sports activities in drew also clobbered a six and 10 Qatar and is a keen supporter for boundaries to post 88. Spinner developing the next generation BOTTOMLINE Nadeem got two wickets for 57. of cricket players in Qatar. Bora continued to torment the rivals and his four for 35 in eight BRIEF SCORES overs sent Al Feroz Youngsters Warriors Club 388 in 50 crashing to 242 all out in 42 overs. overs (Asad Bora 92, Imal 87, An- 23rd horse death rocks Santa Anita Tanveer was the lone batsman to drew 88; Nadeem 2/57) beat Al off er resistance in his 57-ball 72, Feroz Youngsters 242 all out in AFP injured his right front leg and fell independent experts to be safe,” It had resumed racing on announced an initiative aimed in which he blasted fi ve sixes and 42 overs (Tanveer 72; Asad Bora Los Angeles on the odd section at Santa An- Santa Anita said in a statement, Friday after shutting down its at eliminating race-day medi- as many fours. 4/35) by 146 runs. Man of the ita where the turf track crosses “we are working closely with the competition schedule while cation for horses, including the Awais Malik’s superb all- match: Asad Bora (Warriors Club) the main dirt track. (CHRB) to understand if there officials tried to find an expla- diuretic Lasix which is used to round display (90 off 84 balls Royal Stars 233 all out in 42.2 anta Anita Racetrack After Arms Runner went was anything additional that nation for why 22 horses had prevent pulmonary bleeding. and three for 34) overshadowed overs (Asif 74, Shahid 56; Amjad was rocked by a 23rd down he was tripped over by La we could have done to prevent died at the track since Decem- California racing authorities Jassim’s blazing 141 with Galfar 3/41, Danish 2/60) lost to King- equine death in just over Sardane, a mare that was able to (Sunday’s) tragedy.” ber 26. last week approved the measure, Al Misnad extinguishing Fireox span Qatar 236 for seven in 46 three months on Sun- regain her feet and appeared to Turf races at Santa Anita start Extensive tests of the surface which starts with a reduction Unit’s challenge by 30 runs. Ma- overs (Abdul Rahman 90, Raheel dayS as gelding Arms Runner be uninjured. at the top of a hill which brings and subsurface of the dirt track in the amount of Lasix allowed. lik belted a six and 11 fours in his 66; Khalid 3/49, Basharat 2/23) by was euthanised after a fall in the Rick Arthur, equine medical runners through a sweeping — where 10 training and seven The United States and Canada 90. Amir’s 48 in 47 balls had two three wickets. Man of the match: $100,000 San Simeon Stakes. director of the California Horse righthand turn before they cross racing fatalities have occurred — are the only countries that allow sixes and as many fours, while Abdul Rahman (Kingspan Qatar) The spill came on just the Racing Board (CHRB), said Arms the main dirt track prior to hit- found no apparent cause for the medication to be administered Rizlan hit three fours in 43. Galfar Al Misnad 304 (Awais third day of racing after the pic- Runner was later euthanised. ting grass again. increase in breakdowns, which to horses on race day. Jassim’s fi ery century with 13 Malik 90, Amir 48, Rizlan 43; turesque track northeast of Los Jockeys Martin Pedroza, Arms Runner was several have also occurred on the turf Stronach Group is also seek- sixes and four boundaries in 128 Saqlain 3/30, Waqas 2/57) beat Angeles reopened following the aboard Arms Runner, and Ruben strides from hitting the main track and which have sparked ing a rule outlawing the use of deliveries went in vain as Fireox Fireox Unit 270 all out in 47.5 suspension of competition on Fuentes suff ered minor injuries. grass track surface when he fell. criticism from animal rights whips except to protect the safe- Unit could reply with only 270 overs (Jassim 141, Mirza 54; Iqbal March 5 for a safety review. “While this incident hap- Santa Anita is due to host the groups. ty of a horse or jockey, although and get out in 47.5 overs. Mirza 6/43, Awais Malik 3/34) by 30 During the Grade Three turf pened during competition on a prestigious Breeders’ Cup inter- Earlier this month Santa An- California racing authorities was another player to prolong runs. Man of the match: Awais face, fi ve-year-old Arms Runner track that has been deemed by national meeting in November. ita owners the Stronach Group have yet to approve the measure. their battle for survival through Malik (Galfar Al Misnad) Gulf Times Tuesday, April 2, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Harper homers again, Phillies Warriors blow out sweep Braves Reuters and second with one out in the New York fi fth and the score tied 1-1. Max Fried entered in re- lief and walked Harper and ryce Harper reached Hoskins to force in a run, and Hornets, lead West base four times and then gave up a sacrifi ce fl y to hit a solo home run Philadelphia catcher J.T. Real- in the seventh in- muto to score Segura and give ‘I was really pleased also with ningB as the Philadelphia Phil- the Phillies a 3-1 lead. lies completed a three-game Arrieta pitched out of trou- the way the bench unit closed sweep of the visiting Atlanta ble in the fi rst two innings, but Braves with a 5-1 win on Sun- wasn’t able to escape the third. the game in the fourth quarter’ day night. He gave up a leadoff single to by one game The Phillies are 3-0 for the Josh Donaldson, then walked fi rst time since 2011. Freddie Freeman, Arrieta’s AFP quarter after attempting to charge offi cial Philadelphia starting pitch- fourth walk of the game. Los Angeles Tyler Ford over an out-of-bounds call. He er Jake Arrieta (1-0) gave up After Arrieta got Ronald was slapped with a technical foul and was one run on three hits in six in- Acuna Jr. to ground into a still shouting when he received a second nings. He struck out six, but force to put runners on fi rst he NBA champion Golden State technical and was tossed. Oklahoma City, also walked six while throwing and third, Realmuto was un- Warriors routed the Charlotte whose playoff spot was also assured with 104 pitches. able to glove an inside fastball Hornets 137-90 Sunday, bounc- Sacramento’s elimination, were knocked Andrew McCutchen also hit and Donaldson scored on the ing back from a frustrating de- off 106-103 by the Dallas Mavericks. a solo home run and scored passed ball for a 1-0 lead. Tfeat to regain fi rst place in the Western Star guard Russell Westbrook produced twice for the Phillies. Rhys McCutchen hit the fi rst Conference. a triple-double of 25 points, 11 rebounds Hoskins walked three times pitch of the bottom of the Stephen Curry scored 25 points, Klay and 12 assists. Paul George added 27 points and was hit by a pitch to reach third inning over the right- Thompson added 24 and the two com- and 11 rebounds and center Steven Adams base in all four plate appear- center fi eld fence, tying the bined to make 11 three-pointers as the contributed 20 points and 15 boards for ances. game at 1-1. Warriors overcame the second quarter the Thunder. Immediately after Harper Trea Turner hit a solo hom- ejection of DeMarcus Cousins for a fl a- But Dwight Powell, fed by Jalen homered to give the Phillies a er on a full count with one out grant foul. Brunson, put the Mavericks up 104-103 4-1 lead, Hoskins was hit by in the bottom of the ninth as The victory pushed the Warriors one by hitting a dunk with 21 seconds remain- a pitch thrown by Atlanta re- host Washington beat New game ahead of Denver atop the West after ing and Dallas held on for the win over liever Shane Carle, who was York, avoiding a three-game the Nuggets were upset 95-90 at home by a Thunder team that has dropped from ejected. Hoskins would later series sweep. the Washington Wizards. fourth to eighth in the West with just score in the inning on an in- It was the second homer of The Warriors improved to 18-6 this three wins in their last 10 games. fi eld single by Maikel Franco the game for Turner, who hit season in games following defeats. They to provide the fi nal score. a three-run shot in the third fell 131-130 in overtime at Minnesota on McGee, Rondo help Lakers Atlanta starter Kyle Wright inning. Victor Robles had two Friday in a clash that left the Warriors dominate Pelicans (0-1) pitched 4 1/3 innings, doubles and Adam Eaton had fuming over the offi ciating. JaVale McGee had 23 points and 16 re- giving up three runs on two three hits for the Nationals. Golden State took it out on the Hornets, bounds as the visiting Los Angeles Lakers hits while walking fi ve and Free agent pitcher Patrick seizing a 10-point lead in the fi rst quarter. routed the New Orleans Pelicans 130-102 striking out four. Corbin, signed after last sea- in a matchup of shorthanded teams Sun- Wright was lifted after son by the Nationals, gave up day night. RESULTS walking his fi fth batter of the two runs on seven hits while Former Pelican Rajon Rondo added 24 game and then hitting Jean pitching six innings in his fi rst Washington 95-90 Denver points and 12 assists, Alex Caruso came Segura to put runners on fi rst start of the season. Sacramento 113-106 San Antonio off the bench to score 23 points, Kentav- ious Caldwell-Pope added 19 points and Golden State 137-90 Charlotte Reggie Bullock 18 as the Lakers outscored Lakers 130-102 New Orleans the Pelicans 69-40 in the second half. Dallas 106-103 Oklahoma Los Angeles was playing its fi rst game since announcing Saturday that LeBron Atlanta 136-135 Milwaukee James would not play again this season Clippers 113-96 Memphis because of a groin injury. He was on the bench in street clothes as Los Angeles They were up 49-38 when Cousins also played without Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo appeared to accidentally hit Willy Her- Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Ty- nangomez in the head and was tossed. son Chandler. Former Laker Julius Randle The Warriors didn’t miss a beat, racing scored 17 to lead New Orleans, which lost on to a 71-49 halftime lead. They entered for the 10th time in 12 games. the fourth quarter leading 105-72 and Christian Wood added 15 points and 11 Warriors coach Steve Kerr rested Curry, rebounds, Jahlil Okafor scored 15, Solo- Thompson, Draymond Green and Kevin mon Hill had 14 and Cheick Diallo had his Durant for all of the fi nal period. “It was ninth double-double with 12 points and a great night,” said Kerr. “I was really 10 rebounds. pleased also with the way the bench unit Pelicans All-Star forward Anthony closed the game in the fourth quarter. It Davis missed his third consecutive game was a really good, complete game for us.” because of lower back spasms, and coach The Nuggets weren’t the only playoff - Alvin Gentry said before the game that bound team to fall to lesser opponents Davis will not play again this season un- on Sunday, as the Milwaukee Bucks, San less he feels “great.” Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thun- New Orleans also played without Jrue der all lost. Rookie Trae Young drained a Holiday, E’Twaun Moore, Darius Miller buzzer-beating basket to give the Atlanta Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots the basketball against the Charlotte Hornets and Frank Jackson. New Orleans led by Hawks a 136-135 overtime victory over during the third quarter of their NBA game in Oakland. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports one point at halftime, but Los Angeles depleted Milwaukee. dominated the third quarter. The Lakers The Bucks, with Most Valuable Player kee up on a layup with 1.1 seconds left in “Really understanding what appropriate took the lead for good at 68-66 on a bas- candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo rest- overtime but his team-leading 27 points fear is, we haven’t done a good job of that ket by Rondo. ing his sprained ankle, also had Khris weren’t enough. Nevertheless, the Bucks this year,” Spurs guard Patty Mills said. The Pelicans got the margin back to two Middleton sidelined by a sore left groin remained a comfortable three games “Knowing we’ve dropped games that we on three other occasions but a 13-4 run while Eric Bledsoe never came off the ahead of the Toronto Raptors atop the really should have won.” gave Los Angeles an 87-76 lead. bench. Justin Anderson led the Hawks NBA Eastern Conference. LaMarcus Aldridge paced the Spurs Caruso scored 10 points as the Lakers with 24 points and 12 rebounds. John Col- “Really proud of the guys how they with 27 points and 18 rebounds, while extended the lead to 105-84 by the end of lins added 13 points and 12 rebounds and competed today,” Bucks coach Mike Bu- Buddy Hield with 26 points led seven the third quarter. Los Angeles outscored Alex Len chipped in another 23. denholzer said. The San Antonio Spurs, Kings players in double fi gures. San An- New Orleans 44-22 in the period. Cald- But it was Young who emerged the hero, assured of a record-equalling 22nd tonio, who went into the game as league well-Pope scored 11 points and Clark had corralling a defl ected inbounds pass with straight playoff spot when the Sacra- leaders in three-point accuracy, connect- nine as the fi rst quarter ended with the his left hand and fi ring the game-winner mento Kings lost to the Houston Rockets ed on just eight of 27 from beyond the arc. score tied at 26. The score was tied four that was upheld upon video review. on Saturday, were beaten by the Kings While the Spurs endured a cold shooting times in the second quarter before Oka- Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper celebrates after Sterling Brown, who missed a potential 113-106. It was San Antonio’s 14th defeat night, coach Gregg Popovich was plenty for’s basket with 10 seconds left gave New hitting a double during the third inning against Atlanta Braves at game-winner in regulation, put Milwau- this season to a team with a losing record. hot. Popovich was ejected in the third Orleans a 62-61 halftime lead. Citizens Bank Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL Mantha’s hat-trick lift s Red Wings over Bruins 4-3 lead. Filip Hronek and Larkin (empty net) Reuters RESULTS Detroit added the fi nal two tallies. Rangers 3-0 Philadelphia FLAMES TOP SHARKS TO CLINCH Arizona 4-0 Minnesota etroit’s Anthony Mantha recorded DIVISION, TOP SEED his fi rst career hat trick and fi ve- Pittsburgh 3-1 Carolina Three goals 75 seconds apart in the fi rst peri- point game, and the Red Wings Columbus 4-0 Buff alo od vaulted the Calgary Flames to a 5-3 victory scored four times in the third period over the host San Jose Sharks Sunday night, Detroit 6-3 Boston inD a 6-3 win over the visiting Boston Bruins earning them their fi rst division title since on Sunday. Mantha scored Detroit’s fi rst Calgary 5-3 San Jose the 2005-06 season and the top spot in the three goals and assisted on the fi nal two as conference for the fi rst time in 29 years. the club rallied from a 3-2 third-period defi - pass from the corner to the right circle for Mike Smith needed to make just 12 saves cit to win its season-best fi fth straight game. Mantha, who cashed in to become the third for the Pacifi c Division- and Western Con- Taro Hirose scored his fi rst NHL goal, Red Wings player to reach the 20-goal pla- ference-winning Flames (49-23-7, 105 Dylan Larkin had a goal and an assist, and teau. Mantha made it 2-0 with his one-timer points), who will face the second wild-card Tyler Bertuzzi notched three assists for the with one second left in the period, and his winner – a spot currently occupied by the Red Wings, who won for the seventh time in point streak sits at fi ve games (fi ve goals, sev- Colorado Avalanche but well within reach of their last eight games. Andreas Athanasiou en assists) as does Larkin’s (fi ve goals, three the Arizona Coyotes – in the opening round and Niklas Kronwall had two helpers apiece, assists). DeBrusk extended his career-high of the Stanley Cup playoff s. and Jimmy Howard made 31 saves to win his goals for a season to 25 at 2:01 of the second San Jose (44-26-9, 97 points) will fi nish fourth straight decision and beat Boston for period. He fi nished Krejci’s slick saucer pass second in the Pacifi c and will meet the Vegas the third time this season. on a 2-on-1 and halved the defi cit to 2-1. Golden Knights in the opening round. The Jake DeBrusk, Brad Marchand, and David Marchand’s short-handed goal at 9:50 was Sharks, who beat Vegas in an emotional game Backes tallied for the Bruins, who started a result of Patrice Bergeron’s dodgy move Saturday night, have just one win in nine their three-game road trip by losing their around Mantha, also on a 2-on-1. Bergeron games (1-7-1). With his team trailing 1-0, second straight contest and third in the last backhanded a pass, and Marchand belted in Sean Monahan began the outburst by bury- four. Jaroslav Halak stopped 22 shots and his 35th marker. Backes gave Boston its fi rst ing a great pass from Johnny Gaudreau for David Krejci posted two assists. lead at 3-2 with one minute to play in the his 34th goal of the season at the 14:58 mark Mantha scored on the game’s sixth shot on second when he defl ected in Kevan Miller’s of the fi rst period. Mark Jankowski put Cal- goal at 10:26 of the fi rst period, thanks largely shot for his seventh goal. Mantha recorded gary ahead 31 seconds later thanks to great to some wizardry from Larkin. The 22-year- his hat trick with his 22nd goal of the season forechecking that resulted in him getting the old Larkin, who leads Detroit in points, goals and Hirose scored just eight seconds later in puck in the slot, and he wristed a shot off the Boston Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak makes the save on Detroit Red Wings right wing Anthony Mantha and assists, blindly backhanded a cross-ice the second minute of the third period for a far post into the cage. (right) in the second period at Little Caesars Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, April 2, 2019 SPORT

SERIE A AC Milan push to keep Champions League hopes alive AFP coach Massimiliano Allegri showed he Milan has options at his disposal with teenag- er Moise Kean stepping up to score the winner against Empoli at the weekend. C Milan host Udinese today “Four victories remain, but on Tues- in the fi rst of a crucial Serie day we’ll go to Cagliari against a team A double-header before tak- who will try to cause an upset,” said Al- ing on title-holders Juventus legri. Carlo Ancelotti’s second-placed inA Turin four days later in a week which outfi t travel to Empoli after their con- could be crucial for their Champions fi dence-boosting win over Roma at the League ambitions. Stadio Olimpico, before hosting Genoa Gennaro Gattuso’s side have slumped next Sunday. to consecutive defeats for the fi rst time New Roma boss Claudio Ranieri’s since December 2017 with losses to In- dream job has quickly turned to a night- ter Milan (3-2) and Sampdoria (1-0). mare. Ranieri, who memorably guided Milan remain fourth two points be- outsiders Leicester City to the 2016 hind Inter who also fell to a 1-0 home English Premier League title, has re- defeat against Lazio at the weekend, turned to a club which he coach for 18 with Roma dropping out of the Euro- months from 2009 to 2011. pean places with a 4-1 defeat to Napoli. But he has managed just one win, The hunt for Champions League spot is against Empoli, since taking over from tight with just six points separating AC Eusebio Di Francesco with defeats to Milan in fourth on 51 points and Torino SPAL as well as Napoli. “We need to (45) in ninth position. In between there isolate ourselves and focus on Fioren- are Lazio, Atalanta, Roma and Samp- tina,” urged Ranieri. “When you look at doria in the running. “I’m not seeing a the team from the outside, you under- team that is completely off its game,” stand certain things. When you’re on insisted Gattuso. “But one fact still the inside, you understand them better remains: we’re standing here talking and try to put things right and help the about another defeat.” lads. It’s a bit of everything: the physical Lazio have a chance to move into level, the mental level and the injuries. the Champions League places as they Technically the team has quality, it’s just host strugglers SPAL. Holders Juventus that when it suff ers defeats it’s unable to travel to 13th-placed Cagliari nurtur- pick itself up.” AC Milan’s Krzysztof Piatek (right) reacts after his team’s loss to Sampdoria in the Serie A on Saturday. (Reuters) ing a 15-point lead on Napoli as they Despite conceding “it’s tough”, Rani- warm-up for their European quarter- eri has no regrets. “Do I regret having ropean places and play direct rivals ation surrounding Argentine striker Fixtures (all times GMT) Genoa v Inter Milan, AS Roma v Fioren- fi nal clash against Ajax next week. accepted Roma? Never. I could never Sampdoria, two points below them, on Mauro Icardi still uncertain, as he has Today: AC Milan v Udinese (1700), Cagliari tina, SPAL v Lazio, Torino v Sampdoria Cristiano Ronaldo remains absent regret Roma.” Saturday. Inter Milan travel to Genoa, not played since February 9 amid a v Juventus (1900); Tomorrow: Empoli v (all 1900); Thursday: Sassuolo v Chievo as he recovers from a thigh injury but Roma have dropped out of the Eu- followed by Atalanta, with the situ- contract dispute. Napoli (1700), Frosinone v Parma (1900), (1700), Atalanta v Bologna (1900)

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Icardi blasted by Klopp says Liverpool Inter coach Spalletti AFP Milan

nter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti remained defi ant ‘deserved the luck’ over his decision to snub Ar- gentina striker Mauro Icardi Idespite Sunday’s 1-0 Serie A de- feat to Champions League rivals Lazio. Inter Milan are third, ten points behind second-placed Napoli, with Lazio just three aft er win over Spurs points off the elite European for 22 years in my career, I have football berths in fi fth. “The credibility on front of my play- need to mediate with someone ers. People say we lost games ‘My players are heroes and deserve a lot of credit for how they played’ just to get him to pull on the shirt without Icardi. Inter didn’t get that they love, that’s humiliat- into the Champions League for ing,” said Spalletti of the ongoing years with Icardi. Inter lost worse dispute with Icardi. “Do I need to games than this with Icardi. (Li- e-mail 20 lawyers and ask them onel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ro- if I can call someone up?” naldo make the diff erence, not Icardi has not played since Icardi, with all due respect. Pro- February 9 after being re- fessionalism and self-respect are placed as club captain by Samir everything. Discipline is every- Handanovic amid protracted thing.” contract negotiations. The Spalletti said the club had been 26-year-old, who has been humiliated by Icardi. “To have to linked with a summer move to negotiate with a player to get him Real Madrid, had complained of to play and wear the Inter shirt is a knee problem but is back train- humiliating, for the fans and his ing during the week. However, he teammates,” Spalletti said. remained dropped despite fellow Spalletti said that “the events Argentina striker Lautaro Mar- have happened in front of eve- tinez being sidelined through an ryone and are easy to interpret. injury picked up on international “You must have respect and the duty. Serbian midfi elder Sergej right behaviour in the dressing Milinkovic-Savic scored the only room. The coach must be cred- goal after 13 minutes heading in a ible and recognised as someone Luis Alberto cross in the San Siro. who will do the right thing.” “I know what my job is. As Lazio had missed out on things stand today, for the way Champions League football last he behaved, he has to stay out season at the expense of Inter and the others have to play,” said Milan in the fi nal game of the Spalletti. “I have had credibility campaign.

FOCUS Registration open for AZF’s Ramadan Sports Festival Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (left) celebrates after Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld scored an own goal in the Premier League match on Sunday. (Reuters) spire Zone Founda- created separate sport segments By Andy Hunter maining opponent this season could have seven players in the box and another two lot of credit and whatever happens in the tion (AZF) will host 12 for women, teenagers and people The Guardian a major impact on the title race. “One- on the left wing for the cross,” he ex- end of the season, I’m going to be happy sporting events during with disabilities, to provide them hundred per cent, of course,” he said. plained. “That’s not a lot left for protec- my players are heroes. The circumstances Ramadan Sports Festi- with an opportunity to partici- “If you win 5-0 – and I don’t think that tion! But that’s the risk you have to take. are so tough and we are doing everything valA from May 9 to 10. For those pate in one of Qatar’s most excit- urgen Klopp said a fi rst league title would have been possible today – it can “Of course it was a lucky punch, the to fi ght to be competitive. It is a shame we wishing to take part, registration ing festivals of the year.” for 29 years would be reward for lead you on the wrong path. We are all hu- header and the ball rolls in, but I told the are not close [to the top of the league]. We is now open. Following the tre- Abdullah added: “Every year, Liverpool’s formidable willpower man beings. Nine months ago we started boys after the game there are 500,000 were for a while but in the last few weeks mendous success of the past few we strive to create more sports after they staged another dramatic this mission, this ride, and wanted to go diff erent ways to win a football game and we fi nd our reality, our place. Of course I years, the festival has become an and activities that are widely ac- lateJ fl ourish to beat Tottenham and re- for the highest stakes in two competi- today was rather ugly. No problem, we am disappointed today but being realistic anticipated event for sport en- cepted by families and individu- turn to the Premier League summit. The tions. We did it our way. We had to fi nd a take that. Without a bit of luck you can- we must be happy. We have a mini league thusiasts across Qatar. Last year, als by diversifying the activities. Liverpool manager admitted his team had way to win games much more often than not be in the position we are in. It’s not now of seven games. It’s in our hands to over a thousand people partici- We want to be able to accom- won ugly and fortuitously as a damaging in the past. Until now it worked. It is all possible. The boys work so hard, I think be in the top four and the Champions pated in events and competitions modate wider segments of the draw turned into a potentially defi ning good. they deserve a bit of luck. I am obviously League next season. We are in the quar- as Aspire made the connection society in Qatar, not only during three points with Toby Alderweireld’s “The boys work so hard and if we could very happy about the result.” ter-fi nals and we will fi ght with Man City between the holy month of Ram- Ramadan but throughout the 90th-minute own goal. be fi rst in the table after the last match of Mauricio Pochettino insisted he was to be in the semi-fi nal.” adan and sport. year. The cumulative experience Spurs were the superior side in the sec- season then it would be a championship proud of his Tottenham “heroes” for their Virgil van Dijk, who defended superbly Commenting on this year’s of past events is being used to ond half, with Lucas Moura equalising of will. We want it. We get used to situ- performance at Anfi eld but, after a fourth to thwart Sissoko’s chance, left Anfi eld edition of the Ramadan Sports commensurate the wishes of the after Roberto Firmino’s early header, only ations, bit by bit, a bit better. The whole defeat in fi ve Premier League games, ad- an ice pack on his ankle. “I don’t think it’s Festival, Abdullah Aman al- masses.” for Hugo Lloris to spill Mohamed Salah’s stadium, at 1-1, was the best performance mitted the reality of the club’s position serious,” said Klopp. “I have to check.” Khater, Director of Events and 2019 contests will comprise eff ort on to Alderweireld and give the of a Liverpool crowd after an equaliser was showing in the table. Salah, meanwhile, was thrilled with his Venues at AZF and the chair- of: football, basketball, hand- hosts victory. since I am in. The atmosphere was com- “Our players deserve massive credit,” decisive contribution despite an eighth man of the festival’s organising ball and hockey competitions for Moussa Sissoko squandered a glorious pletely front-footed. I am really happy the Spurs manager said. “You can not game without a goal. committee, said: “It is the only female and male. Youth events chance to put the visitors ahead moments about the attitude again today.” only judge Tottenham this season on the The Egypt international said: “I don’t festival in Qatar that comprises include fi tness competitions, before the World Cup-winning goalkeep- Klopp said it was essential Liverpool way they play or the position in the ta- score for a few games and there are play- an array of various sports and hockey, wall climbing activities er’s mistake. maintained momentum to keep the pres- ble but all the circumstances – playing ers on the same number of goals as me welcomes people to enjoy the for ages of four years and above, Klopp described the victory as “rather sure on Manchester City but admitted at Wembley, moving from one stadium to and they say they are having the best sea- outdoor playing fi elds at Aspire as well as walking in the Aspire ugly” but agreed a last-minute winner luck played its part in their 14th home another. sons of their lives, while I’m supposed to and the world-class facilities of Dome. Those wishing to register against arguably Liverpool’s toughest re- league win of the campaign. “We have “My players are heroes and deserve a be having a bad season.” Aspire Dome. The event has also can visit www.lifeinaspire.qa Gulf Times Tuesday, April 2, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 Zlatan scores twice to lift Galaxy

Los Angeles: Zlatan Ibrahi- Mbappe stunner ends movic returned from injury in style on Sunday, convert- ing two penalties in the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 2-1 Major League Soccer victory over the Portland Timbers. Exactly one year after the Swedish striker made his MLS debut Toulouse resistance for Los Angeles, he returned after missing two games with an Achilles tendon injury and made an immediate impact. 'We had to wait, be patient and in the end we won with Kylian’s speed' Denied by the post in the 14th minute, Ibrahimovic con- AFP verted his first penalty in the Paris 33rd, easily beating Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella after drawing a foul in the penalty ylian Mbappe fi red Paris area against Timbers defender Saint-Germain to their eighth Claude Dielna. Jeremy Ebo- straight Ligue 1 win with a bisse grabbed equalizer in the stunning goal that earned the 44th, but Ibrahimovic struck Kchampions a 1-0 victory at Toulouse on again in the second half. Sunday night and kept them miles clear Having beaten three de- at the top of the league. fenders to reach the edge of The 20-year-old World Cup winner the box, he was fouled by At- crashed home his 27th league goal of the tinella. This time from the spot season, his seventh in as many league he lofted a perfectly timed games, with 16 minutes left as he con- “Panenka” spot-kick into the tinues to shine in the absence of the in- back of the net as Attinella jured duo Neymar and Edinson Cavani. moved to his left. “We had to wait, be patient and in the In the Eastern Conference, end we won with Kylian’s speed,” said Wayne Rooney scored on a PSG skipper Marquinhos. “It brought a sensational free kick to lift great deal of joy to our fans, I’m sure of DC United to a 2-1 victory that.” at Orlando City that put DC PSG now have 80 points, 20 ahead of back atop the conference second placed Lille with a game in hand standings. A free kick from to boot. Coach Thomas Tuchel said he the former England star had was delighted that the runaway lead- set up DC’s opening goal, ers have not been tempted to take their which was nodded in by Steve foot off the gas. “Many of our players Birnbaum for his first of the were away in the international break season in the sixth minute. and there was a bit of fatigue in some of Rooney doubled the score them,” said the German. “It could have in the 30th, curling a free been tempting to relax, especially with kick from just yards (meters) the lead we have in the league, but no- away from the corner flag into body does it and I like that.” the top corner past Orlando Mbappe’s goal was the highlight of keeper Brian Rowe. Orlando a dull game which was otherwise lit up coach James O’Connor called by a cheeky PSG fan sneaking onto the for off icials to review the goal pitch to snap a selfi e with the striker. for a potential foul on Rowe by The video assistant referee system DC defender Frederic Brillant, ruled out Marquinhos’ tap-in just be- but VAR confirmed the goal. fore half-time after Mbappe was judged Orlando were already irked off side, and the runaway league leaders that the free kick was awarded threatened little other than that. at all since it was unclear if However they maintain their huge Dom Dwyer’s lunge at Rooney gap on second-placed Lille, who earlier resulted in contact. Orlando on Sunday scored three quickfi re sec- halved the deficit thanks to ond-half goals to comeback from 2-0 Dwyer’s 63rd-minute close- and snatch a vital win that kept them range header, but DC held fi rm favourites for direct qualifi cation them off to notch a first away for the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe (centre) scores as Toulouse’s Japanese defender Gen Shoji attempts to block during the French Ligue 1 match at the win since May 19, 2018 — a Nantes had been fi nding goals hard municipal stadium in Toulouse, southwestern France, on Sunday night. (AFP) streak that included 11 games to come by but went 2-0 up in front of and stretched back to before a packed and raucous Stade de la Beau- impressive turnaround. There was still suff ered a shock home defeat to Caen, Jardim lamented. “This is a message to can dream of European qualifi cation,” Rooney arrived at mid-season joire thanks to a penalty from Valentin time for Nantes to be cast a lifeline with who climbed off the bottom of Ligue all of us to do better. We are only seven said Viera, whose side are seventh, four last year. Dwyer’s goal was Eysseric and a near post header from a late penalty, but Eysseric however sent 1 thanks to a 1-0 win in which their points clear of the drop zone and that’s points away from a spot in the Europa the first conceded by DC this Kalifa Coulibaly that seemed destined his spot-kick fl ying over the bar. goalkeeper the Congolese Brice Samba nothing, just three matches.” League. A late goal from Martin Terrier season and energised the to drag them up to mid-table. Lille are four ahead of Lyon, who oc- emerged as the star. Patrick Viera meanwhile was a happy saw Lyon win 1-0 at Rennes on Friday hosts, who pushed forward But three strikes in seven minutes cupy the fi nal Champions League spot It was Leonardo Jardim’s fi rst de- man after seeing his Nice said win 1-0 while an early brace from Mario Balotelli relentlessly in the final 30 from Rafael Leao, Nicolas Pepe from but will have to qualify for the group feat since returning to the helm eight at Dijon, who slipped to bottom with was cancelled out by two Thomas Man- minutes but couldn’t find an the spot and Jonathan Bamba’s fi red stage via playoff if they fi nish third, and games ago when Thierry Henry was this latest defeat. “It’s great to get an gani penalties on Saturday as Marseille equaliser. Christophe Galtier’s gutsy outfi t to an 12 ahead of Marseille in fourth. Monaco fi red. “We’re back in a relegation scrap,” away win, it’s been a while. Now we drew 2-2 at home to Angers.

SPOTLIGHT LA LIGA No point resting Benzema saves Real blushes with late winner AFP Messi, says Barca Madrid coach Valverde arim Benzema stopped Real Madrid’s underwhelming La AFP “We’ll see tomorrow about Liga season going from bad to Barcelona Leo,” Valverde said of his worse on Sunday night after fi r- 31-year-old forward who has 31 King a last-minute winner to hand the Eu- league goals so far this season. ropean champions a barely-deserved 3-2 ionel Messi will proba- The three points tomorrow are winner over bottom club Huesca. bly play against Villarreal worth the same as those against Humbled by Ajax in the Champions in La Liga this week, be- Atletico,” Valverde said. League and dumped out of the Copa Del cause “there’s no suitable “It is a perfect match to win,” Rey by deadly rivals Barca, third-placed Lscenario for resting” the Argen- he said, when asked about rotat- Real showed little signs of improve- tine superstar, Barcelona coach ing his squad.” It does not escape ment in Zinedine Zidane’s second game Ernesto Valverde said yesterday. me that our rivals are waiting in charge but Benzema, subject to ru- Barcelona are 10 points clear for a slip to feed their hopes of mours he may leave Madrid in the sum- at the top of the Spanish League catching us. We don’t want give mer for Manchester United, struck with a ahead of today’s away game, it any opportunities.” fi ne curling fi nish the to snatch the three followed by a home tie with “There are nine games, if we points at a sparsely populated Santiago second-place Atletico Madrid win six we are champions,” he Bernabeu. “We are happy with him and I on Saturday and then Manches- added. “But having to win six am going to count on him, now there are ter United away in a Champi- games does not mean we have nine games left and then we will see what ons League quarter-fi nal next the league won, we have a lot of happens. He is a Real Madrid player and I Wednesday. work to do.” don’t think this will change,” Zidane said. “We attach great importance Valverde said he did not think “You have to accept it. If the people to this game,” Valverde said of renewed rumours that Antoine want to come to the Bernabeu to see us the Villarreal game before ac- Griezmann was going to leave so much the better, but I understand that knowledging that “many people Atletico for Barcelona would not since we are not going to win anything have their sights on the Champi- destabilise either club. “It’s the fewer people come.” ons League and also the Atletico usual stuff , we’re used to it,” said Real move to within two points of game.” Valverde. second-placed Atletico Madrid, who hammered Champions League hopefuls Alaves 4-0 on Saturday in a match that Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema (centre) celebrates with teammates Gareth Bale (right) and Daniel Ceballos after the win against saw Diego Costa score for the fi rst time Huesca in the La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Sunday. (AFP) since November. However Real still lag 12 points be- well saved, but it was the away side — a glorious opportunity to put the game which came after Ever Banega brought hind leaders Barcelona, who are 10 clear playing their fi rst ever La Liga game at beyond Huesca when he somehow put down Jose Gaya, extended Valencia’s un- of Atletico and heavy favourites to retain the Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium Alvaro Odriozola’s low cross over the bar beaten run to nine matches and moves their La Liga after Lionel Messi fi red them — who went closer going into the break from just yards out. Huesca pounced on them up to sixth, level on 43 points with to their sixth league win on the bounce, ahead. Zidane junior had to be alert to that awful miss to draw level when Xabier Sevilla and just three back from the fi nal 2-0 at home to local rivals Espanyol on stop Damian Musto from glancing home Etxeita powered home Moi Gomez’s cross Champions League spot. Saturday, with a brace that took the Ar- a header nine minutes before the break, from a short corner. That place is occupied by Getafe, who gentine to 31 league goals this season. while Avila punched the ground in frus- However Benzema was on hand to fell 2-0 at home to mid-table Leganes on Zidane’s son Luca was given his second tration in fi rst half stoppage time after break Huesca hearts with his 14th league Saturday and have to play the league’s top ever start between the sticks for Real but fl ashing a power shot over from the edge goal of the season, which gives Zidane three and Sevilla in their fi nal nine games. got off to the worst possible start, picking of the box. two wins from his fi rst two matches back Despite a slightly simpler league fi xture the ball out of his own net within three Real continued to disappoint in the in charge. list Marcelino’s Valencia however have an minutes after Cucho Hernandez lashed second half but took the lead just after the Earlier Valencia maintained their hopes all-Spanish Europa League quarter-fi nal home Ezequiel Avila low cross. hour mark thanks to Dani Ceballos, who of a place in next season’s Champions tie with Villarreal to contend with, as well Isco levelled the scores in the 25th bundled home the second after Gareth League after Daniel Parejo’s penalty on as the Copa Del Rey fi nal against Barce- minute when he tapped home a Brahim Bale’s beautiful cross was headed back the stroke of half-time gave them a vital lona between now and the end of the sea- Diaz cross after Benzema’s low shot was across goal by Benzema. Bale then missed 1-0 victory at Sevilla. Parejo’s spot-kick, son.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

Qatar potential host of Olympic Games: French sports minister

Qatar has fought hard to be able to organise the ‘ upcoming World Cup and I could also see that they carry a lot of Olympic values in this country, so maybe Qatar could be a potential future host of Olympic Games. What is also very important in my opinion, is that the people living in Qatar integrate sports in their daily lives, because being physically active is an important factor in people’s health.” — Roxana Maracineanu Minister of Youth and Sports of France

Qatar’s Minister of Culture and Sports, HE Salah bin Ghanim bin Nasser al-Ali, presents a memento to Minister of Youth and Sports of France, Roxana Maracineanu (centre) in the presence of Aspire Academy deputy director general Ali Salem Afifa (fifth from left), the Director of Football Performance and Science Valter Di Salvo (third from left) and other off icials at Aspire Academy on Thursday. A high-ranking delegation from France, including Maracineanu, a former swimming world champion and Olympic medallist, took part in a guided tour of Aspire Academy, and was mighty impressed by the facilities on off er and the institution’s philosophy.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT QFA, Tunisian McCullagh on top in federation sign Qatari Diar Triathlon collaboration Spain’s Caballero maintains a clean streak of four victories out of four races agreement

By Sports Reporter Doha

usail City hosted the fi rst Qatari Diar Triathlon on Friday with the par- ticipation of some 250 Ladults and kids. Marina Prom- enade, next to the Yacht Club, was the main venue and the tria- thlon started at 7:15am. Bernard McCullagh of Ireland won the main Open Men event with a time of 54 minutes 11 sec- onds ahead of Aday Alvarez of Spain and Morocco’s Mouhcine Rhaili. With this victory McCul- lagh also went top of the series standings. Spain’s Isora Sosa Caballero continued with her clean streak of four victories out of four races in a time of 1h3m2s and is already winner of the Qatar National Triathlon Series. Sec- ond place went to Britain’s Dan- iela Sposi and Romania’s Gerda By Sports Reporter The signing ceremony was Maria Dumitru came third. Doha also attended by QFA general Among the veterans, Enzo secretary Mansoor al-Ansari and Fascinato of Argentina won the Ali Dawood, executive director of men’s event in a time of 59m23s he Qatar Football As- the QFA President offi ce. in front of Italy’s Manuel Miceli sociation (QFA) and the The purpose of this agreement and Canadian Jody Sander- Tunisia Football Federa- is for both associations to invest son. South Africa’s Hilda Allin tion (FTF) signed a co- in the brotherly and bilateral re- (1h8m55s) was the fastest among Toperation agreement yesterday lations between the two coun- veteran women, fi nishing ahead at its headquarters at Al Bidda tries and further explore areas of of Ecuador’s Andrea Stadler and Tower in Doha. interest between them. Australia’s Annemarie Kilshaw. The agreement was signed by The memorandum signed will Triathlon is becoming increas- QFA president Sheikh Hamad bin see both federations share ex- ingly popular among Qataris. Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani and pertise and experiences in the Some of them couldn’t partici- FTF president Wadii Jarii. areas of training of technical pate in this event, since Samla Winners of the 1st Qatari Diar Triathlon pose with off icials in Lusail City on Friday. The agreement is set to estab- personnel, sports science, and race, which can be considered as lish a framework to strengthen co- sports medicine. an extreme version of triathlon, Nasser al-Mohannadi fi nished is also already 2018-2019 Series Federation Board member Tha- to have found a common inter- operation between the two asso- Additionally, the memoran- fi nished last weekend and left on top in Qatari veteran catego- winner. ni al-Zarra was positive after est with the fellow Qatari Diar ciations, to encourage knowledge dum will also focus on exchanges many athletes too tired to take on ry, ahead of Fahad al-Groon and Team relay competition saw the event, saying, “Lusail City organisation and are looking exchange and to enhance football of information and technical the Qatari Diar Triathlon. Saoud al-Marri. The same order a staggering 20 teams taking on proved to be one of the best ven- forward to new events, whether growth in the respective countries. material to serve the develop- Mubarak al-Ajji was the fast- stands also in the Series, since the challenge. The fastest time ues for triathlon in Qatar, with triathlon or cycling related.” The signing came on the side- ment of football in both coun- est among the Qataris with a al-Mohannadi has claimed four of 57m59s was done by Ismail prospects of future cooperation The fi fth and fi nal event in lines of the Total CAF Super Cup tries, which acts as a milestone time of 1h5m44s, followed by victories in four races. Dergaa / James Moff at / Adil between Qatari Diar and Qatar Qatar National Triathlon Series, 2019, which was held outside aimed at facilitating the growth Abdulla al-Hemaidi, and series Caroline van Aatrijk won the Adnan Faqruddin. Cycling and Triathlon Federa- The Pearl-Qatar Triathlon, will Africa for the fi rst time since its and development of football in leader Abdulrahman al-Jaber. Qatari women veteran race and Qatar Cycling and Triathlon tion. We are extremely happy happen on April 19. inception in 1993. Qatar and Tunisia.

BOTTOMLINE QSL’s Extraordinary General Assembly meeting held

he Qatar Stars League’s and media representatives. (QSL) Extraordinary Gen- The General Assembly started eral Assembly meeting with al-Boenain’s speech, wel- was held yesterday at the coming the attendees and declar- TSt Regis Hotel under the chair- ing the Extraordinary General As- manship of Qatar Football As- sembly open, in accordance with sociation (QFA) Board member the Articles of Association. The Ahmed Abdulaziz al-Boenain and minutes of the previous meeting a member of Executive Committee held on June 3, 2018, were ap- of QSL. proved and members were ap- Jassim al-Rumaihi, Nasser al- pointed to review the meeting. Hitmi, representatives of clubs, The amended regulations were Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, rep- approved by the joint committee resentative of the Qatar Players formed with the representative Association, and presidents and of QFA, representatives of foot- representatives of the clubs were ball club companies and QSL after present at the assembly, which the resolution was passed unani- was also attended by the QSL CEO mously. (QSL) Qatar Stars League’s Extraordinary General Assembly meeting was held at St. Regis Hotel in the Qatari capital of Doha yesterday.