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Friday, April 9, 2021 FOOTBALL Sha’aban 27, 1442 AH Mbappe answers GULF TIMES critics with brutal display vs Bayern SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL TENNIS French Open delayed by a week Al Sadd and in hope that more fans can attend

AFP one step closer to he French Open was yesterday delayed by a week to May 30-June 13 in the hope that heightenedT Covid-19 restric- tions in will have eased fi nishing unbeaten by then to allow the maximum number of fans to attend the event. ‘We have already won this competition but we have extra motivation to win The French tennis federa- world, and, while there is opti- tion (FFT) said the decision mism for the future, it is clear against Qatar Sports Club because it will mean we are unbeaten all season’ had been made in the wake of that this pandemic is very French President Emmanuel much still with us. Macron’s announcement last “The Grand Slams represent month that the government the most signifi cant spotlights wanted some cultural venues for our sport and so we will do to be back up and running from everything possible to ensure mid-May onwards, “subject to they can be staged success- the improvement of the health fully. situation”. “Further to consultation, FFT president Gilles Moret- the decision by the FFT to ton said the week’s delay “will postpone Roland-Garros by a give the health situation more week in order to enhance the time to improve and should likelihood of the tournament optimise our chances of wel- taking place successfully is coming spectators at Roland- therefore fully supported by By Sports Reporter Garros”. the Grand Slam Board.” “For the fans, the players The FFT’s decision was also and the atmosphere, the pres- given the green light by the ence of spectators is vital for ATP and WTA, the governing aving already wrapped our tournament, the spring’s bodies of men’s and women’s up the title and not most important international professional tennis respec- lost a single match this sporting event,” Moretton tively. season, Al Sadd will added. “Tennis has required an ag- beH wary of things going wrong The qualifying rounds of the ile approach to the calendar at the last moment when they clay-court Grand Slam event over the past 12 months in or- clash with Qatar Sports Club in will now be held on May 24- der to manage the challenges their last match of the QNB Stars 28, followed by the main draw of the pandemic, and this con- League season today. from May 30 to June 13. tinues to be the case,” read a Coach Xavi Hernandez has Wimbledon, the next Grand joint ATP/WTA statement. expressed his desire to go un- Slam tournament after the “Both the WTA and @atp- beaten throughout the tourna- French Open, said in a state- tour are supportive of the ment several times but admit- ment that the decision had no decision and are working in ted yesterday that Qatar Sports impact on its planned start consultation with all parties Club, with whom Al Sadd drew date of June 28. impacted by the postpone- earlier in the league, are a diff er- The initial Wimbledon ment to optimise the calendar ent proposition. Santi Cazorla and Baghdad Bounedjah celebrate during Al Sadd’s match against Al Rayyan earlier this week. warm-up events, howev- for players, tournaments and “Our next game is against Qa- er, start on June 7, midway fans, in the lead up to and fol- tar Sports Club, one of the teams Asked about his thoughts on very proud of the squad, of these going into the upcoming games irrespective of the results of through Roland Garros. lowing Roland-Garros.” we couldn’t defeat this season. the rotation of players, Xavi said: players. It is easy to be their (in Asia).” nearest challengers Al Ahli (33 There will now only be a Crowds were limited to just We drew against them and in “Yes, of course, we are going to coach, of course, because of how He added: “Qatar SC are go- points) and Qatar SC (32 points), two-week break between the 1,000 spectators each day at my opinion, they are a very good change some players because the they train, how they feel about ing through a good period now if they beat Al Khor. French Open fi nal and the start last year’s rearranged French team. They are trying to qualify most important thing for us is football and how they work for and they need no introduction. Al Rayyan, coached by of Wimbledon. Open. for the Champions League next the AFC Champions League and the team. The game in the fi rst phase of the Frenchman Laurent Blanc, are However, the decision to Rafael Nadal will defend his season.” then the Amir Cup.” “I’m very happy coaching league ended in a draw, and we currently placed third with 34 move the French Open was title after winning a record- He added: “In their last game, He added: “We have already these kinds of players because want to make up for that by get- points. The Lions have regis- carefully discussed with the extending 13th French Open they drew with 10 players against won this competition but we the spirit of the team is the most ting a win.” tered 10 victories, four draws other major tournaments, un- last year, while Iga Swiatek of 11. It means that the match will have extra motivation to win important thing, and yesterday Hussam concluded by saying: and seven defeats, and have a like last year when the FFT is the reigning wom- be diffi cult and complicated. against Qatar Sports Club be- we showed again our best level.” “The coach made many changes goal diff erence of +9 (30 goals moved the claycourt show- en’s champion. “But, focusing on our team, cause it will mean we are un- Al Sadd defender Hussam in the last few games to give op- for and 21 against). piece into a September-Oc- Roland Garros was one of the we would like to fi nish this com- beaten all season. Kamal said that a win over Qatar portunities to all the players Al Khor, under Winfried tober slot because of the pan- many sporting events aff ected petition unbeaten, and of course, “We want this victory. It SC will help his side ahead of the and to also prepare for the AFC Schafer, were assured of only demic in what was criticised in by the fall-out from the global we want to get three points. We means a lot for us. It means we Asian campaign. Champions League, so that we the 11th place despite holding some quarters as a unilateral coronavirus pandemic. Last are going to use rotation again fi nish the season well. To end Hussam said: “It’s the fi nal go into it in the best manner.” Al Duhail to a 1-1 draw in Week decision. season, the professional tours because in this last period, in six the competition unbeaten is an game of the league for us, against In another match, Al Rayyan 21 as they are on 16 points. The Ugo Valensi, executive di- were suspended from March days, we had three games. But amazing job.” Qatar SC, and we want to end the face Al Khor today hoping they Knights will play the relegation rector of the Grand Slam until August, with Wimbledon there are no excuses. We want to Xavi also spoke of his hap- season without any defeats. Get- fi nish in the third place and thus play-off with Second Division Board, said: “These remain cancelled. This year’s Austral- fi nish well and we want to fi nish piness and pride at the team’s ting a win will be a huge boost for gain automatic qualifi cation for runners-up to retain their berth extremely challenging times ian Open was also pushed back with three points.” achievements this season. “I am us, and will give us an advantage the AFC Champions League, in the top fl ight. for communities around the by three weeks.

BOTTOMLINE Lee Elder cherishes honorary starter’s role Reuters “I think it was one of the most emo- He then ventured to the tee with six- knowledged the warm applause, be- Augusta tional experiences that I have ever wit- times Masters champion and 18-times fore Ridley subsequently introduced nessed or been involved in,” Elder said. major winner Nicklaus, who wore a three-times Masters winner Player, “It is certainly something that I will yellow sweater to fend off a slight chill who split the fi rst fairway with a su- clearly moved Lee Elder was cherish for the rest of my life because I in the crisp morning air. perb drive that went a good 200 yards. warmly welcomed at the have loved coming to Augusta National A gallery of several hundred people The South African, one of fi ve play- Masters when he joined Jack and playing here. were on hand, smaller than usual due ers to complete the grand slam of win- Nicklaus and Gary Player as “My heart is very soft this morn- to the limited number of spectators al- ning all four modern majors, kicked aA new honorary starter for the 2021 ing, not heavy, soft, soft because of the lowed this year because of coronavirus out a leg in playful delight to celebrate tournament at Augusta National yes- wonderful things that I have encoun- concerns. his shot. terday. tered since arriving here on Monday.” “Today, Lee Elder will inspire us and Nicklaus, 81 and not quite as nimble A brilliant sun had barely risen Elder has limited mobility and did make history,” said Augusta National as Player, also hit the fairway, though over the clubhouse when 86-year-old not hit a tee shot. chairman Fred Ridley. his swing was not as fl uid and his drive Elder, the fi rst Black man to compete in Shortly after Elder, nine-times ma- “Lee, it is my privilege to say, ‘you was some 40 yards shorter than Play- the Masters in 1975, was driven to the jor winner Gary Player, sprightly as have the honours’,” he added. er’s. fi rst tee in a golf cart as a new major ever at 85, emerged from the clubhouse Elder rose gingerly from a chair in With that the 85th Masters was of- Honorary starters Lee Elder and Jack Nicklaus of the US with South Africa’s Gary season dawned. and hugged Nicklaus’s wife Barbara. which he had been sitting and ac- fi cially underway. Player during the ceremonial start on the Masters yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Friday, April 9, 2021 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Mbappe answers his critics with another brutal display Reuters said after beating Bayern keeper games this season. Paris Manuel Neuer twice on Wednesday, al- PSG, however, were far from perfect most eight months after failing to score and it took Keylor Navas’s 10 stops to in the fi nal against the German cham- keep them in contention as Mbappe ylian Mbappe has repeatedly pions. “I haven’t always succeeded in and Marquinhos also proved brutally been criticised for some sub- these games and maybe in the future I effi cient at the other end of the pitch. par performances this season won’t always be successful but I don’t “We did a very good job, but it’s not but the France striker has also want to hide. I love being decisive.” over yet, it was only the fi rst half, there Kproved his worth with a number of sub- Mbappe said he felt no pressure in is the second half to play at home at the lime performances in the Champions facing one of the world’s best keepers next week,” said PSG League knockout ties. in Neuer. “I love to play against the best president Nasser al-Khelaifi . The 22-year-old bagged a double in player in the world and Manuel Neuer is “We will want to win too, it is very Wednesday night’s 3-2 win at Bayern one of the best keepers in the history of important for us. We have more and in the fi rst leg of their quarter- the game,” Mbappe said. “I don’t have more experience in this competition, fi nal clash, after he netted a hat-trick in any pressure.” our players like to play these matches, the fi rst leg of their last-16 tie against “We played in the fi nal against him we showed that we are a great team. I Barcelona in February. (Neuer) and didn’t score but now I am very proud of the players and the Although he has resembled a pale scored two goals,” added Mbappe. “I staff , because they played a great game. shadow of his brilliant self in several will play one (more) time against him so But we do not forget that there is still matches, notably in last Saturday’s 1-0 I hope to score again.” the second leg to play,” he added. home defeat against Lille in Ligue 1 and Mbappe also scored in the return leg with Les Bleus in World Cup qualifi ers, against Barcelona in a 1-1 draw that sent Paris St Germain’s forward Kylian Mbappe has scored 32 goals from 38 the French champions through despite Mbappe scores against Bayern competitive games, also setting up nine a shaky performance at the Parc des Munich during the Champions League so far in 2020-21. Princes — hence he has scored six goals quarter-final first leg in Munich on “I like this kind of games,” Mbappe in three Champions League knockout Wednesday night. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Boateng’s confi rmed Lack of ‘killer instinct’ exit sparks tension at Bayern Munich

AFP leaves champions Berlin

ayern Munich have confi rmed 32-year-old centre-back Jerome Boateng will leave when Bayern facing exit Bhis contract expires at the end of the season, but the decision has sparked obvious tensions behind Bayern missed injured Lewandowski as the hosts converted just two of their 31 shots the scenes. Bayern have already signed France centre-back Dayot AFP Upamecano, 22, from Bundesliga Munich, rivals RB Leipzig for the 2021/22 with the decision, Bayern’s head season, eff ectively hastening coach suggested otherwise in the Boateng’s departure. press conference after Wednes- homas Mueller says holders “That was a joint decision of day’s defeat. Bayern Munich must show their the club management and the Flick refused to answer when “killer instincts” and fi nish their coach was also involved,” sports asked if it was the right deci- chances at Paris Saint-Germain director Hasan Salihamidzic sion to let Boateng leave, saying: Tin Tuesday’s return leg to avoid a Cham- said. “I explained that to Jerome, “I have to answer the questions pions League quarter-fi nals exit after he understood.” here professionally, but I don’t losing to the French giants at home. Boateng was at fault for Paris have to answer everything be- Bayern badly missed injured striker Saint-Germain’s winning goal as cause I don’t want to.” Robert Lewandowski in Wednesday’s fi rst Bayern’s 19-match unbeaten run The Bayern boss added tersely leg as the hosts converted just two of their in the Champions League ended that he “has to act a little — that 31 shots on goal, while Kylian Mbappe as they lost 3-2 in Wednesday’s is also part of the coaching job”. scored twice from the six chances PSG quarter-fi nal, fi rst leg. He strug- Boateng joins David Alaba, an- created all game in their 3-2 away victory gled to mark Kylian Mbappe other key member of the side at the . when the fl eet-footed 22-year- which won the Champions Despite falling snow in Munich, PSG old scored the visitors’ crucial League title in 2020, who will turned up the heat on the holders and third goal at the Allianz Arena also leave at the end of the sea- the French giants are hot favourites for with the return to come in Paris son. While Alaba, 28, repeatedly the return in Paris. “If we had shown the on Tuesday. turned down a contract exten- killer instinct that often characterises us, Behind the scenes, confi rma- sion, Boateng was not off ered a we would have seen a completely diff er- tion of Boateng’s exit is causing new deal. ent game,” fumed goal-scorer Mueller. tension. On Tuesday, head coach Since joining Bayern in 2011 While Bayern failed to take their Hansi Flick spoke out in favour from Manchester City, Boateng chances, PSG took all theirs as clinical of keeping the 2014 World Cup has won the Champions League passes from Brazil star saw the winner, saying “everyone knows title twice, anchoring the de- visitors racing into a 2-0 lead with early how I feel about Jerome and what fence in the treble-winning sea- goals by Mbappe and PSG Mar- quality he has”. Although Sa- sons of 2013 and 2020 and won quinhos. Bayern clawed their way back to lihamidzic later said Flick agreed the Bundesliga title eight times. 2-2 with headed goals by Lewandowski’s under-study Eric Maxim Choupo-Mot- ing and Mueller, but Mbappe’s superb shot midway through the second-half Mercado ruled out of sealed PSG’s win. “We’ve made our bed, now we have to Al Rayyan’s AFC Champions lie in it and chase down the defi cit,” Mu- Bayern Munich’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (left) and Kingsley Coman react after their loss to Paris St Germain in the Champions eller added with Bayern needing at least League quarter-final first leg in Munich on Wednesday night. (Reuters) League group stage matches two goals in Paris. The holders must do so without Lewandowski, who is sidelined ern’s chances in the return, the holders Flick substituted midfi elder Leon Mueller says whoever starts return leg by a knee injury and says he will not be are under intense pressure. Goretzka for the pace of Alphonso Davies must do their job to ensure Bayern take ready for the return leg. PSG ended Bayern’s 19-match unbeat- and swapped Niklas Suele for the more their chances at PSG’s Parc des Princes. “It’s too early,” the Poland striker said, en run in and while Flick suff ered experienced Jerome Boateng in the fi rst “We didn’t expect to lose Goretzka and “I’m doing everything to get back on his fi rst Champions League defeat as head half as Bayern fought back. Behind the Suele during the game, but all the players the pitch, but only if I feel really good coach, Bayern’s boss remains defi ant. scenes, tensions appear to be brewing who are here have what it takes to keep up and sure about my health.”. While both “We are still in good spirits,” he insisted. with Flick implying he is unhappy with in the big games,” said Mueller. “If we put Mbappe (“nothing is won yet”) and PSG “If you look at our game, you can look the decision to not extend the contract this performance on the pitch in Paris, we head coach Mauricio Pochettino (“eve- positively to Paris. “We will try every- of 32-year-old Boateng, who will leave at will get the chances again. Then we have rything is still open”) are talking up Bay- thing there to get to the semi-fi nals.” the end of the season. to be there (to take our chances).”

BOTTOMLINE Chelsea’s Mount hungry to learn, says Tuchel Reuters happy he fi ts into this role at a young age,” The circumstances are a bit diff erent in a Doha: Al Rayyan SC announced advanced from Wednesday’s Tuchel added. quarter-fi nal. The spirit was good and it yesterday that Argentinian from playoff . Tuchel praised his side for overcom- was an excellent result,” added the Ger- defender Gabriel Mercado will ing the shock of last week’s 5-2 defeat man, who led Paris St Germain to last miss the 2021 AFC Champions QATAR SC’S CEBALLOS helsea manager Thomas Tuchel to West Bromwich Albion. Chelsea con- year’s fi nal. “We’re very happy to go away League group stage due to in- SUSPENDED FOR THREE praised midfi elder Mason ceded more than double the amount of with this result but it’s only halftime.” jury. The 34-year-old Mercado, MATCHES Mount’s attitude after the Eng- goals against struggling West Brom as have not made it beyond the who joined Al Rayyan two years Qatar Sports Club striker land international scored his fi rst in their previous 14 games under Tuchel Champions League quarter-fi nals since ago, picked up the injury during Cristian Ceballos was fined ChampionsC League goal in Wednesday’s but looked like their usual selves against last winning the competition under Jose their 2-1 defeat against QNB QR30,000 and suspended for 2-0 win against Porto in . Mount Porto. Mourinho in 2004 but they took the game Stars League champions Al three matches for violent play and Ben Chilwell scored to put Chelsea “We had a lot of excellent results to- to their opponents in their home leg of Sadd on Wednesday. by the Qatar Football Associa- in the driving seat ahead of the “home” gether, then we had a loss together and the tie, which was played in Seville due to “Mercado injured his knee tion’s disciplinary committee leg of the quarter-fi nal on April 13, which then a reaction after a loss together. That coronavirus restrictions in Portugal. ligaments in the last match yesterday. Ceballos was shown will also be played in Seville due to Cov- brings us closer together and increases Coach Sergio Conceicao underlined against Al Sadd and therefore red card on Tuesday after his id-19 travel restrictions between Portu- the trust,” Tuchel said. the huge wealth gap between the two he is confirmed to miss the boot had landed on the chest of gal and England. “I was pretty sure (that his team would sides which saw Chelsea bring on some group stage of the 2021 AFC Al Ahli forward Hernan Perez. Since Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard react). I saw a response immediately in star names from the bench. He felt, how- Champions League,” read a Meanwhile, Qatar SC off icial at Stamford Bridge in January, Mount has the dressing room and the next day. That ever, that his side had played better than club statement. Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi scored fi ve goals in all competitions, more wasn’t a big concern. We were ready to their richer opponents. Laurent Blanc’s men will was fined QR30,000 and sus- than any other Chelsea player. “The fi n- respond. There’ll always be setbacks in “We know Chelsea’s strengths. They travel to Goa as they will be pended for three matches for ish was clinical from Mason,” Tuchel told Chelsea’s Mason Mount celebrates after sports. The biggest challenge is to bounce sent on Christian Pulisic, , playing in Group E of the unsporting behaviour towards reporters. scoring against Porto in the Champions back.” N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva — they 2021 AFC Champions League match off icials. Al Kharaitiyat “He has the quality to do this and to do League quarter-final. (AFP) Chelsea dominated both legs of their have diff erent weapons. But we were su- alongside India’s FC Goa, last player Abdul Hadi Numan it in a quarter-fi nal is a big step for him. last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid but perior,” he said. “There are no moral vic- year’s runners-up Persepolis FC Fahid was fined QR10,000 and He has the right attitude towards success. became Chelsea’s youngest goalscorer were on the back foot for large chunks tories however, what counts is the result. of the Islamic Republic of Iran suspended for three matches He is open and hungry to learn.” in a Champions League knockout game. against Porto. “There were many mo- But we’re in the middle of the tie so let’s and UAE’s Al Wahda FSCC, who for abusing the referee. At 22 years and 87 days, Mount also “Mason is a key player for us and I am ments where we suff ered. We accepted it. believe.” Gulf Times Friday, April 9, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 PREMIER LEAGUE Leeds’s Bielsa prepares for Lille trace unlikely path Guardiola’s bag of surprises

AFP London towards French title eeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa expects a tough battle at runaway Lille stunned PSG last weekend to go three points clear with seven matches remaining Premier League lead- Lers Manchester City tomorrow, AFP calling Pep Guardiola’s side one Paris “full of surprises.” Bielsa’s team have garnered a lot of praise of their own for their free-fl owing aris Saint-Germain have style on their return to the Pre- claimed statement wins in mier League and are presently in Barcelona and Munich in the 11th spot. However, City present Champions League while leav- a daunting challenge not least Ping the door unlocked at home, giving because Leeds have beaten only Lille the chance of a fi rst Ligue 1 title in a one of the top six this season, decade. Lille stunned PSG in the capital Leicester in January. Leeds and last weekend, winning 1-0 to go three City shared the spoils in their points clear of the reigning champions fi rst meeting, a 1-1 draw in Oc- with seven matches remaining. PSG tober but that was before Guar- have lost eight times this season, while diola’s team really hit top form. Monaco and Lyon are also within fi ve Guardiola is a very public ad- points of Lille. mirer of Bielsa but it was the It is an unpredictable title race, and 65-year-old Argentine’s turn the fact only the the top three qualify to praise his opposite number for next season’s Champions League yesterday. “The games against adds spice. Lille’s operating budget is teams who have the capacity to understood to be around a quarter of have answers or do the unex- PSG’s, but shrewd buying and selling pected make the games full of has taken them to where they are, along surprises,” he said at his press with an outstanding coach in Christo- conference. “When I classify phe Galtier. Guardiola’s team as magical, I After fi nishing second to PSG in 2019 wasn’t calling him a magician. they sold Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal for a What I was trying to say was reported 80mn ($87mn). In the that in the process, he creates so last Ligue 1 season, curtailed due to the many surprising attacks.” pandemic, they came fourth and then Bielsa said Guardiola is able to sold top scorer Victor Osimhen to Na- do this because his side is packed poli for an initial 70mn euros. with talent capable of provid- Plenty more have left, but the knowl- ing the surprises from Belgian edge of Luis Campos, a Portuguese star to England super-scout who helped build Mo- forward Raheem Sterling. “Of naco’s title-winning team of 2017, al- course, this (surprising attacks) lowed Lille to keep re-generating. Three is supported by the quality of starters against PSG — goalkeeper Mike his players,” he said. “There is a Maignan, Boubakary Soumare and method which stimulates what Jonathan Ikone — all left Paris for Lille they do. This is the diffi cult thing in search of fi rst-team football. to expect. From the outside it Another ex-PSG youngster, Timo- looks as though the managers thy Weah, did likewise and came off the has done something magical.” bench for Lille in that game. Lille have Bielsa said even if one is at invested elsewhere though, including the receiving end such play is 27mn euros to sign Canadian striker benefi cial to the game as it ex- Jonathan David from Gent — he scored cites the spectators. “There’s a the winner in Paris. method that unites individual- “This season, more than the last two, ity with what he proposes,” said we have been very strong collectively Bielsa. “This creates football full despite having a bit less individual tal- Lille’s operating budget is understood to be around a quarter of reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain’s, but shrewd buying and selling has taken them to where they of surprises. There’s nothing ent than the other three teams fi ghting are, along with an outstanding coach in Christophe Galtier. (AFP) nicer for a spectator than to see for the title. Without that we wouldn’t something they did not expect. be able to compete,” Galtier, in charge “We need to keep going and give our- cess to Lille, who face Metz this week- this weekend. Volland has been a rev- FIXTURES (KICK-OFFS GMT) To say the opposite is when you since late 2017, said. selves the best possible chance while end. “I am really happy here, but I don’t elation for Monaco since signing from Today: Metz v Lille (1900) know what’s going to happen. It Previously successful at Saint- understanding we might not end up be- think I will stay for seven or eight years Bayer Leverkusen, and you have to creates boredom.” Etienne, Galtier has kept Lille on course ing champions and we might not even like I did at Saint-Etienne.” wonder why Joachim Loew continues Tomorrow: Strasbourg v Paris Saint- Unfortunately for Bielsa one of despite off -pitch turbulence. In De- qualify for the Champions League. The Could he return to England? “Four to leave him in the wilderness from the Germain (1500), Montpellier v Marseille his most eff ective contributors cember the club was sold to Callisto, key is to have no regrets,” he said. or fi ve years ago I wanted to go abroad, Germany team. (1900) to his attractive style of football a subsidiary of the Merlyn Partners The 54-year-old, once the assistant less so now. If I did, I have always said The 28-year-old, last capped by Sunday: Rennes v Nantes (1100), Brest will be missing, Jack Harrison. investment fund. Campos departed, manager at Portsmouth, could go at the the English league would be the dream. his country in 2016, is one of the main v Nimes, Lens v Lorient, Nice v Reims, The winger is in his third season while a new president was appointed. season’s end too and has been linked Their league has become the best in the reasons Monaco are title contenders, Saint-Etienne v Bordeaux (all 1300), on loan from City and under the Galtier feels this season has been his with Lyon and Nice. However, he says world. There is so much passion!” having scored 14 Ligue 1 goals. Monaco Monaco v Dijon (1505), Lyon v Angers agreement cannot face his par- “biggest challenge”. he is entirely focused on delivering suc- Kevin Volland is the player to watch have lost just once in 16 games. (1900) ent club.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS QFA Cup to be held from April 15 QFA’s History and Documentation By Sports Reporter The opening match in the group stage will Doha be held between Mesaimeer and Al Ahli at Committee begins its work the Hamad bin Khalifa , while Al Khor take on Al Bidda in a late night game. he draw for the Qatar Football As- sociation (QFA) Cup championship GROUPS took place yesterday. The group Group A: Al Ahli, Al Khor, Al Bidda, Me- stage matches of the tournament saimeer Twill be held from April 15 from 25 and will be contested by QNB Stars League and the sec- ons League matches. Group B: Al Gharafa, Qatar SC, Al Shahani- ond Division teams. The teams have been divided into fi ve ya, Al Markhiya In total 17 teams will feature in the tour- groups, with Groups A and B featuring four Group C: Al Wakrah, Umm Salal, Muaither nament. Qatar’s top teams Al Sadd, Al Du- teams each and Groups C, D and E three hail and Al Rayyan, however, will not take teams each. Group winners and three best Group D: Al Kharaitiyat, Al Arabi, Al Shamal part as they will be busy with AFC Champi- runner-up teams will enter quarter-fi nals. Group E: Al Sailiya, Al Waab and Lusail

Al Sadd crowned U-23 Qatargas League champions

QFA's documentation committee at a meeting.

QNA mittee includes Khaled Mubarak have positive repercussions on Doha al-Kuwari as vice president, sports work in general and foot- while Abdullah Ali al-Muhanna- ball in general. di, Ibrahim Shaheen al-Sulaiti, The Memorandum of Under- he documentation com- Jasim al-Mulla, Ibrahim Azzam standing, signed in January of mittee under the um- and Mirna Ammar are the mem- this year 2021, laid out a clear brella of the Qatar Foot- bers. framework for co-operation be- ball Association (QFA) One of its most important tween the two parties in various beganT its tasks of recording and tasks is to document everything fi elds, especially those related documenting the history of Qa- related to Qatari football, which to the documentation process tari football from its inception can be a reference point for me- in the fi eld of football. A major until now. The committee’s aim dia and athletes. The Qatar Foot- and lasting contribution will also is to fi nd the football movement ball Association signed a memo- be made on the sports side, in in Qatar, through the history of randum of understanding with preparation for the 2022 World Qatari clubs and the achieve- the Qatar National Library, with Cup in Qatar, as well as leaving a ments of country’s individuals the aim of exchanging knowl- deep cultural legacy in the Mid- and national team. edge and experiences to promote dle East and the world in general, The Executive Committee of scientifi c development and cul- which refl ects the sincere desire the Qatar Football Association tural and technical prosperity in of the two parties to achieve a Al Sadd players celebrate after winning the U-23 Qatargas League yesterday Al Sadd beat Al Rayyan 2-1 in their final league match issued a decision to establish Qatar, as working with a leading qualitative leap in this fi eld to be yesterday. They had already wrapped up the title after defeating Al Gharafa in the penultimate round. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil the documentation committee and specialised library – such as a legacy for present and succes- headed by Ali Daoud. The Com- the Qatar National Library – will sive generations. Gulf Times 4 Friday, April 9, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Linesman supported and Bilbao ‘noble cause’ with Haaland autograph move games in doubt as UEFA Reuters

omanian assistant ref- eree Octavian Sovre’s decision to ask Borussia extends fan deadline Dormund striker Erling HaalandR to autograph his yel- low and red cards raised some eyebrows but the charity that is Ceferin warned that countries that fail to off er guarantees on fans numbers could be dropped as hosts set to benefi t from a cash boost is not complaining. AFP “The red and yellow-signed Paris cards which my kindergarten classmate Octavian donated to our SOS Autism Bihor centre uro 2020 matches in Dublin and will be used for a noble cause,” Bilbao are in doubt after Irish Simona Zlibut, who oversees a and Spanish football chiefs said therapy centre set up by parents, on Wednesday they were unable said yesterday. toE give assurances over the presence of Zlibut’s own 21-year-old spectators, as UEFA extended to April daughter Laura Bianca is autistic 28 a deadline for host cities to submit and she says the centre depends fan number estimates. on donations. Dublin was one of 12 cities that had “My little girl doesn’t know originally until Wednesday to submit when to go to the bathroom, their plans to admit fans to European she cannot eat alone... costs are football’s governing body for the de- enormous,” said Zlibut. layed tournament, which runs from Assistant referee Sovre man- June 11 to July 11. The aged on Tuesday to get Norway in the Irish capital is scheduled to host star international Haaland to three group matches and a last-16 game sign the cards at the end of the but there are growing doubts over the Champions League quarter-fi nal issue of fan attendance. game between and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin Manchester City at the Etihad has warned that countries that fail to Staidum. off er guarantees on supporter numbers It is not normal protocol could be dropped as hosts. for football match offi cials to “The Football Association of Ireland, ask players for autographs af- on advice and guidance from the gov- ter games. Zlibut said the cards ernment, has today notifi ed UEFA that would likely be auctioned later owing to the Covid-19 pandemic it is this month on Facebook to aid not in a position at this point to pro- therapy of 30 autistic people vide assurances on minimum spectator aged below 47 at the centre in levels at the UEFA Euro 2020 matches the western city of Oradea, on due to be held in Dublin in June,” the FAI the border with Hungary. said in a statement. “The state gives me for my Ireland has been in a third coronavi- daughter 500 lei ($120.61) per rus lockdown since late December but month. One cannot imagine will take its fi rst tentative step towards what I can we do with this mea- lifting curbs on Monday. gre sum... we, parents, rely on The government has signalled the re- donations, we auction skirts, laxing of restrictions will be staggered photographs, autographs, what- over a period of months after a hasty ever we get, to make up for the reopening in late 2020 contributed to a A child plays football in front of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, on Wednesday. (Reuters) huge shortfall,” said Zlibut. surge in cases. Former football stars such as The Spanish Football Federation Spanish media had reported Bilbao of-16 match. The KNVB said in a state- demic worsens in June”. health authorities in Munich to make it Gheorghe Hagi and goalkeeper (RFEF) said it would be “impossible” was planning to accommodate up to ment the scenario it submitted to UEFA Tournament director in possible for spectators to be admitted to Helmuth Duckadam, who was in to admit fans to games at Bilbao’s San 13,000 fans inside its 53,000-capac- is based on the “realistic” assumption Gijs de Jong said that “there were no matches at the Allianz Arena. the Steaua Bucharest team that Mames stadium based on the Covid-19 ity ground, due to host Spain’s group that it will be able to fi ll at least 25% of guarantees yet”, adding that he had re- Scotland’s national clinical direc- won the European Cup in 1986, restrictions imposed by the Basque re- games against , Poland and the 55,000-seat stadium’s capacity. ceived the green light from the Dutch tor said last week that he was confi dent had helped the centre in the past, gion. “The requirement to have 60% of Slovakia and a round-of-16 match, if It hopes that “depending on the de- interior ministry and Amsterdam city in would be she said. the population vaccinated in the Basque health conditions were met. velopment of the Covid-19 pandemic, hall to implement the 12,000-seat sce- able to accommodate fans for four Euro The 20-year-old Haaland, Country and the rest of Spain before Earlier on Wednesday, the Dutch there may be a chance to accommo- nario. 2020 matches in June. who has taken the Bundesliga by June 14, or a fi gure that does not exceed Football Association (KNVB) an- date more fans”. The KNVB added that On Tuesday, the head of Italy’s foot- Matches are also scheduled for the storm, is the most sought after 2% of (intensive care) beds occupied by nounced it hoped to have “at least spectators wishing to attend matches ball federation Gabriele Gravina said the in , the National talent in the European game and Covid by the date of the matches, they 12,000 fans” at the four matches Am- in Amsterdam will have to comply with Italian government had given the green Stadium in Bucharest, the Puskas Arena has been linked with a move to are impossible objectives to fulfi l and sterdam is hosting for the Euro. The Jo- the security protocols in place in June light for fans to attend Euro matches in , the in Co- Manchester City and their local will result, therefore, in the absence of han Cruyff Arena will hold the Nether- and present a negative Covid test result, scheduled for ’s , penhagen, the in rivals Manchester United as well the public,” the RFEF said in a state- lands’ group matches against Ukraine, but warned that the number of fans al- including the tournament opener. and as Spanish giants Real Madrid ment. Austria, North Macedonia and a round- lowed in could be reduced “if the pan- The German FA said it has urged in London, which will host the fi nal. and Barcelona.

BOTTOMLINE ROUND-UP Tokyo Games delay could boost Ibrahimovic to make acting debut, back-to-back bid, says Rapinoe becomes Antivirus in next Asterix fi lm AFP latan Ibrahimovic is set to make Los Angeles his big screen debut in the next As- terix fi lm, the AC Milan and Sweden striker announced yesterday. The egan Rapinoe be- Z39-year-old posted the word ‘Antivirus’, lieves that the post- the name of his character, on his Instagram ponement of the account using the typeset and colours as- Olympics due to the sociated with the Goscinny/Uderzo heroes. Mpandemic could boost the United Ibrahimovic, who was recently recalled States women’s football team as to the Swedish national team and is likely they target a historic double in to feature in this year’s delayed Euro 2020, Tokyo. The US women have set will play a Roman called Caius Antivirus in their sights on becoming the fi rst Asterix and Obelix: the Middle Empire, the team to follow up a World Cup fi fth fi lm in the live action series. triumph with an Olympic gold The fi lm, which will be directed by Guil- medal as they prepare for the July laume Canet who also plays Asterix the 23-August 8 Games in Japan. Gaul, will also star Oscar-winner Marion Rapinoe believes the 2019 Cotillard as Cleopatra and Gilles Lellouche World Cup winners’ chances as Obelix. Production of the fi lm was due to have been lifted by the fact that take place last year but was delayed due to she and her teammates eff ective- the pandemic. With a budget of over 60mn Villarreal on goal diff erence in the battle RANGERS, SWANSEA TO BOYCOTT ly given a summer off after the euros ($71mn), it is already shaping up to be for Europa League spots. Bilbao, who are SOCIAL MEDIA IN STAND 2020 Tokyo Games were post- one of the biggest French productions. 10th on 36 points, will have a part to play AGAINST ONLINE ABUSE poned for one year. “It’s always so in bringing Real Sociedad’s reign as cup Scottish champions Rangers and English diffi cult when you win because of REAL SOCIEDAD BREAK champions to a swift end when they face Championship (second-tier) side Swansea all the amazing things come with the US women are ready to take US women remained haunted by BILBAO HEARTS AGAIN Barcelona on April 17 in the 2021 fi nal. City will take a stand against online abuse it obviously, more than anything, on what she said would be an their early exit at the 2016 Rio Real Sociedad broke Atletico Bilbao’s hearts and discrimination by boycotting social the exhaustion from a mental and “incredible achievement.” de Janeiro Olympics, when the for the second time in four days as Roberto GRIEZMANN WELCOMES THIRD media for a week, the two clubs said. physical perspective,” Rapinoe “It would be historical to be world champions were dumped Lopez hit a late equaliser in their Basque CHILD ON SAME DAY AS SIBLINGS Rangers said none of their players or said Wednesday at the US Olym- the fi rst team to do it,” Dunn said. out in the quarter-fi nals by Swe- derby clash on Wednesday, four Barcelona forward has management would post any content for pic and Paralympic Committee’s “It would be really diffi cult but I den. “It was terrible,” Rapinoe days after defeating their arch-rivals in the been spared having to remember three dif- seven days. Swansea announced a similar virtual media summit. think our team is more than ca- said. Copa del Rey fi nal. Captain ferent dates to mark the birthdays of each of move earlier yesterday. Several players from “This was a nice silver living pable given the fact that we’ve “It felt like total failure. We scored from the spot as Real Sociedad won his three children — as they were all born on the two teams have been racially abused of Covid and the pandemic – to had the opportunity to have this didn’t complete the task, we their fi rst trophy since 1987 in the post- April 8. When the French World Cup win- in recent weeks. Swansea said they had have a year of rest. Some play- break and regroup, reset and re- didn’t play well and it was a par- poned 2020 cup fi nal, and the sides were ner confi rmed on social media that his wife written to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and ers played overseas, some players focus.” ticularly kind of gutting loss in soon facing each other again. Erika Choperena had given birth to a baby Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg calling for took more time for themselves, Becky Sauerbrunn, a member a lot of ways. It was really sad. Bilbao thought they had extracted a daughter yesterday, remarkably it was on more stringent policing and punishments time that we never really get, to of the 2015 and 2019 World Cup- We had a lot of people in their measure of revenge when Asier Villalibre the same date as their elder children, Mia for users guilty of sending abusive mes- get our bodies right and have that winning teams and who also fi rst major championships, so headed home Alejandro Berenguer’s long (born in 2016) and Amaro (born in 2019). sages. Swansea's boycott will cover their break. “I think of all the teams played in the USA team which that was tough to go out as early cross in the 85th minute, but substitute While it is rare that three siblings born Championship matches against Millwall on we probably have the most ben- won gold at the 2012 London as we did. I wouldn’t say it left a Lopez had other ideas. With the clock tick- several years apart share the same birthday, Saturday and the trip to Sheffi eld Wednes- efi t because we would have been Games added: “We just want to bad taste in our mouth – it left a ing up towards 90 minutes, Lopez received the Griezmann clan have some way to go day on Tuesday. Liverpool on Wednesday so tired after all the wildness of make history. We have very high fi re under people to never let that the ball and made space for himself before if they are to match the Guinness World condemned "abhorrent" racial abuse of 2019. Everyone is feeling lucky standards for ourselves and high happen again. It gave a lot of us unleashing a thunderous long-range shot Record. Five of Americans Carolyn and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Naby Keita and for that.” goals and one of those is to go motivation. Everybody who was into the top-left corner. Ralph Cummins’ children were all born on Sadio Mane on social media after the trio Rapinoe’s international team- back-to-back.” in Rio does not want that to be The draw left Real Sociedad fi fth in the 20 February between 1952 and 1966 — the were targeted following their 3-1 Champi- mate Crystal Dunn also believes Rapinoe meanwhile said the their last Olympic experience.” standings on 46 points, ahead of Betis and odds of which were one in 17.8bn. ons League defeat by Real Madrid. Gulf Times Friday, April 9, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Athletics beat Dodgers in 10 to grab fi rst win Suns burn Jazz in OT, that scored Max Muncy in the Reuters Washington sixth on a fi elder’s choice, with Austin Barnes tagged out at third after the run had scored. itch Moreland lined Justin Turner gave Bauer a bit a walk-off single to of cushion with a run-scoring center fi eld with one double in the seventh, which be- out in the bottom of came critical after Chapman led Durant returns as Mthe 10th inning Wednesday after- off the last of the inning with his noon, allowing the Oakland Ath- fi rst home run of the season. letics to end a historic season- Chapman fi nished with two opening losing streak with a 4-3 hits and Laureano two stolen victory over the visiting Los An- bases for the A’s, who had been geles Dodgers in the fi nale of their outscored 50-13 during their los- three-game interleague series. ing streak. Taylor had a double The A’s overcame a 3-1 defi cit and a single, while Corey Seager Nets beat Pelicans and the strong pitching of Trevor added two singles for the Dodg- Bauer en route to their fi rst win of ers, who out-hit the A’s 8-5. the year after they had matched ‘It wasn’t a pretty win but anytime you can beat a team like that it is a good’ the 1916 Philadelphia A’s for the SANDOVAL’S BLAST GIVES longest season-opening losing BRAVES DH SWEEP AFP streak in franchise history at six OF NATIONALS Los Angeles games. Pablo Sandoval hit a two-run Starting with a runner at sec- pinch-hit homer in the top of ond in the 10th, Mark Canha the seventh inning and the vis- evin Booker did the heavy lifting reached third on Ramon Laure- iting Atlanta Braves defeated off ensively, scoring 35 points ano’s fl y ball to deep center off the Washington Nationals 2-0 as the Phoenix Suns edged the Jimmy Nelson (0-1) before jog- to sweep a doubleheader on Utah Jazz 117-113 in overtime ging home on Moreland’s inD a Western Conference showdown be- two-strike liner just to the RESULTS tween the two best teams in the NBA. left of Los Angeles center The Suns not only won their seventh fi elder Chris Taylor. Athletics 4-3 Dodgers straight game, but the nail-biting vic- Yusmeiro Petit (1-0), Braves 7-6 Nationals tory gives them an important psychologi- who worked a 1-2-3 top of cal edge over the Jazz as the pandemic- the 10th with a runner at Braves 2-0 Nationals shortened 72-game NBA season nears the second, was credited with Phillies 8-2 Mets fi nal stretch. the win. Bauer was one Cardinals 7-0 Marlins “It came down to perseverance,” said out from a second straight Booker of the thrilling match that lived win when Elvis Andrus’ Giants 3-2 Padres up to its pre-game billing. “We had the sacrifi ce fl y off Los Ange- Mariners 8-4 White Sox right approach. It wasn’t a pretty win but les closer Kenley Jansen Reds 11-4 Pirates anytime you can beat a team like that it is scored Matt Chapman Red Sox 9-2 Rays a good.” with the tying run in the The second place Suns improved to 36- bottom of the ninth. Twins 3-2 Tigers 14 and cut the Jazz’s lead atop the West- Jansen, who allowed a Indians 4-2 Royals ern Conference to one and a half games. hit and two walks in his Rangers 2-1 Blue Jays Both teams came into the contest having only inning, recovered to won nine of their last 10. get Canha on a grounder Brewers 4-2 Cubs to shortstop, stranding the Orioles 4-3 Yankees RESULTS potential winning run at Rockies 8-0 D’backs second base and sending Memphis 131-113 Atlanta the game to extra innings. Boston 101-99 New York Bauer and A’s starter Jesus Lu- Wednesday. zardo both pitched eff ectively, Sandoval hit a 3-2 fastball Brooklyn 139-111 New Orleans but neither got a decision. from Tanner Rainey (0-1) to Phoenix 117-113 Utah Bauer struck out 10 in 6 2/3 center for his second homer of Denver 106-96 San Antonio innings. He was charged with the season – both as a pinch two runs on three hits with one hitter – after Dansby Swanson Houston 102-93 Dallas walk. Luzardo went 5 1/3 in- had singled with two outs. Ron- Charlotte 113-102 Oklahoma nings during which he allowed ald Acuna Jr. had three hits and Indiana 141-137 Minnesota two runs and fi ve hits. He walked scored twice to lead the Braves to four and struck out six. a 7-6 win in the fi rst game. Washington 131-116 Orlando After A.J. Pollock’s RBI single Luke Jackson (1-0) pitched a Chris Paul had 29 points and nine as- in the fi rst inning was off set by scoreless sixth inning, and Sean sists and Deandre Ayton fi nished with a Bauer wild pitch that scored Newcomb struck out the side in 18 points and 12 rebounds for Phoenix, Laureano in the fourth, the the seventh for his fi rst save as who picked up their second win in two Dodgers took a second lead on Atlanta won the fi nal two games meetings with the Jazz this season. Do- Zach McKinstry’s two-out bunt of the three-game series. novan Mitchell scored a game-high 41 points for the Jazz. Mitchell forced the Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns attempts a three-point shot over Bojan Bogdanovic of the Utah Jazz during the second half of overtime with a key three pointer late in the NBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. (Getty Images/AFP) regulation in front of the crowd of 5,100 at PHX Arena. Bojan Bogdanovic scored came off the bench for just the second Harden is expected to be out for at least better snapped at 25 games. Williamson, 20 points and Rudy Gobert chipped in 16 time in his career. “I knew exactly how I 10 days with his hamstring issue. who fi nished with just 16 points on four points and 18 rebounds for the Jazz, who needed to approach it.” of 12 shooting from the fl oor, is tied with have lost two in a row on the road. Durant shot fi ve of fi ve from the fi eld, ZION STREAK ENDS former Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille Elsewhere, Kevin Durant scored 17 fi ve of fi ve from the free throw line and The Pelicans dug a huge hole by being O’Neal for the longest such streak in the points in his timely return from injury two of two from beyond the arc as he was outscored 43-26 in the second quarter NBA. absence as the Brooklyn Nets clobbered one of seven Brooklyn players to reach as the Nets cruised from there. “We got Williamson was playing in his second the New Orleans Pelicans 139-111 in New double fi gures in front of the pandemic- dominated at both ends of the fl oor. To- game after missing three contests with a York. It was a perfect shooting night for limited crowd of 1,700 at Barclays Center tally dominated,” Pelicans coach Stan Van sore right thumb. Durant whose return came after star arena. He had missed the past 23 games Gundy said. “Our defense was absurd.” Also on Wednesday, Marcus Smart hit point guard James Harden went out with with a left hamstring injury and hadn’t Everything went right for the Nets, a clutch three with 36 seconds left and a hamstring injury. played since February 13. The Nets were who led by as many as 38 points. scored 14 of his 17 points in the fourth Durant liked being thrown into the 19-4 while he was out. The Pelicans couldn’t get going off en- quarter, as the Boston Celtics rallied to game after starting the night on the Nets “It was nice to have him back. It has sively, especially Zion Williamson who defeat the New York Knicks 101-99 to Oakland Athletics first baseman Mitch Moreland hits an RBI single bench. “It worked out. I wasn’t trying been a long absence. He had a big smile had his streak of consecutive games with break a seventh-place tie in the Eastern for a walk-off win against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the tenth to ease into the game,” said Durant, who on his face,” said Nets coach Steve Nash. 20-plus points on 50 percent shooting or Conference standings. inning in Oakland, California. (USA TODAY Sports)

NHL Wild emphatically end Avalanche’s point streak Reuters play goals by Kaprizov and Fiala around the fi rst RESULTS Philadelphia career NHL goal by Johnson to build a 3-0 lead in the fi rst period. Wild 8-3 Avalanche Colorado managed just four shots on goal in evin Fiala scored his fi rst career hat the opening 20 minutes. Maple Leafs 3-2 Canadiens trick and also had an assist as the Min- MacKinnon cut it to 3-1 just 34 seconds into Kings 4-3 Coyotes nesota Wild snapped Colorado’s 15- the second period with his 15th goal of the sea- game point-streak with a 8-3 victory son, but Hartman answered a little over four Oilers 4-2 Senators Kon Wednesday night in Saint Paul, Minn. minutes later. Colorado closed within 4-3 later Blues 3-1 Golden Knights Wild rookie Kirill Kaprizov added two goals in the period on goals by Burakovsky and Ran- and an assist. Luke Johnson, Ryan Hartman tanen, but Kaprizov upped the margin to 5-3 Fifty-four seconds into the game, Matthews and Joel Eriksson Ek also scored goals and Jared later in the period. took the puck around Montreal’s net and fi red it Spurgeon and Victor Rask each had three assists The Wild then blew the game open with three past Jake Allen for the star forward’s 28th goal for Minnesota, which moved within two points goals in the fi rst 7:56 of the third period, two of of the season. of the second-place Vegas Golden Knights in them by Fiala and another by Eriksson Ek. Matthews has scored in each of his last three the West Division. games, and has 12 points (seven goals, fi ve as- The eight-goal game was the fi fth in Wild CAMPBELL STAYS HOT IN GOAL AS LEAFS sists) in his last eight games. history, matching the franchise record. TOP CANADIENS Montreal responded just 81 seconds later. Minnesota’s Cam Talbot made 29 saves to Zach Hyman and Auston Matthews each had a Perry took a pass from Nick Suzuki and made a improve to 6-1-1 in his last eight starts. goal and an assist on a milestone night for Jack nifty move in front of the net for the close-range Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen Campbell as the Toronto Maple Leafs recorded wrist shot. each had a goal and an assist, Andre Burakovsky a 3-2 win over the visiting Montreal Canadiens Despite outshooting the Maple Leafs by a 17-4 added a goal and Cale Makar had two assists for on Wednesday. margin in the second period, the Habs couldn’t Colorado. The Avalanche had a fi ve-game win- Campbell stopped 32 of 34 shots, improving score the go-ahead goal. Jonathan Drouin had ning streak snapped and failed to gain a point in his record to a perfect 10-0-0. The ten-game perhaps Montreal’s best chance on a partial a game for the fi rst time since a 3-2 home loss to winning streak is the longest by a goalie in Ma- breakaway in the fi nal minute, but Campbell the Arizona Coyotes on March 8. ple Leafs franchise history, and it ties an NHL made the save. The 15-game point streak (13-0-2) was one record for longest win streak to start a season. The Canadiens’ inability to capitalise on that off the franchise record set from Dec. 27, 2000 The Leafs have won fi ve straight games and second-period pressure proved critical, as the to Jan. 30, 2001. haven’t lost in regulation (8-0-1) over their last Maple Leafs’ off ense re-emerged. Brodie and Philipp Grubauer stopped just 11 of 18 shots nine games. Hyman each scored within the fi rst 11 minutes of before being pulled with 12:42 remaining for Jo- TJ Brodie also scored for Toronto. It was Bro- the third period. Perry’s second goal came 17:45 nas Johansson, who didn’t register a save. The die’s fi rst goal since joining the Maple Leafs as a into the third period, giving the Habs some late loss snapped a personal- and franchise-record free agent last October. hope. 13-game point streak for Grubauer, who went Corey Perry scored both of Montreal’s goals Allen stopped 29 of 32 shots. Leafs rookie 12-0-1 during that span. for his fi rst multi-goal outing of the season. Alexander Barabanov recorded his fi rst career Minnesota, which had a franchise-record, Matthews and Perry each scored within the NHL point with an assist on Brodie’s goal. To- 11-game home winning streak snapped by the Minnesota Wild forward Kevin Fiala celebrates his goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the first fi rst 2:15 of the fi rst period, as both the Leafs and ronto is 4-1-0 in fi ve games against Montreal Avalanche 5-4 on Monday, sandwiched power- period at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (USA TODAY Sports) Habs converted their fi rst shots. this season. Gulf Times 6 Friday, April 9, 2021 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Josoor, SC highlight benefi ts of circular economy osoor Institute and the eff orts to produce more than 15 Supreme Committee for million pairs of shoes from re- & Legacy (SC) re- cycled Parley Ocean plastic in cently hosted a panel ses- 2020, mentioning that Adidas sionJ titled ‘Football, Fashion and expects to phase out the use of the Circular Economy’. virgin plastics and polyesters in It was the latest event in Josoor products by 2024. Institute’s sustainability series Rizzuto shared her experiences and included guest speakers from in launching AISEC for the pur- the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 pose of promoting a vision be- LLC (Q22), Adidas and Bulgari. yond just recycling, but also in- The session was moderated cluding a holistic and territorial by Orjan Lundberg, Sustain- approach. ability Expert at the SC. Speakers She also outlined clothing included Erin Kelley, Sustain- brand Bulgari’s approach to run- ability Manager, Q22, Eleonora ning a sustainable business, say- Rizzuto, Founder and President, ing that the luxury sector has Associazione Italiana per lo Svi- embraced sustainability by im- luppo dell’Economia Circolare plementing behaviour change (AISEC), and Director of CSR, throughout the supply chain, Bulgari, Gaia Pretner, Sustain- while promoting research and able Procurement Manager, Q22, principles of designing out waste World Cup, in areas such as plan- during the tournament in areas development. and Luca Mosca, Senior Manager and pollution, keeping products ning, procurement, construc- such as procurement, contracts, A recording of the session will of Brand Sustainability, Adidas. and materials in use, and regen- tion, operations and recycling. awareness raising, training, site be available to view soon via the Speakers discussed the con- erating natural systems. Kelley shared an update from operations and waste handling. Josoor Institute’s knowledge hub, cept of a circular economy – an The session opened with Pret- the recent FIFA Club World Cup Thanks to various interventions, 42% of total waste away from dustries in Qatar. which also includes information economic system aimed at elimi- ner explaining how the circular Qatar 2020, which was held in including recycling stations and landfi ll, with the majority being Mosca outlined the approach about upcoming webinars as part nating waste and the continual economy model would be applied February. Circular economy the use of composting equip- processed for reuse within the of Adidas to sustainability, in- of the sustainability series. use of resources. It is based on the to a mega-event such as the FIFA principles were implemented ment, the organisers diverted landscape and agricultural in- cluding details of the company’s qatar2022.qa

TENNIS FOCUS Barty advances as Kenin falls Uncle Toni returns my serve, kind of just hitting the AFP Miami ball too fl at,” Davis said. “Then I started thinking a bit. I found that she wasn’t too much a fan of orld number one high balls, so I really took advan- Ashleigh Barty tage of that.” eased into the third Kenin won the 2020 Australian round of the WTA Open and was runner-up at the to Tour to work with Wclay court tournament in Char- rescheduled 2020 French Open leston on Wednesday, winning in October, but she has strug- the last six games in a 6-2, 6-1 gled in 2021. She crashed out of victory over Misaki Doi. her Australian Open title defence Australia’s Barty arrived in in the second round, then exited Charleston fresh off a victory early in the Phillip Island Trophy in the prestigious Miami Open, before undergoing an appendec- where she successfully defended tomy while still in Australia. Auger-Aliassime a WTA title for the fi rst time. She was bundled out of Miami After a fi rst-round bye she in the third round. made a quick adjustment to the ‘For me it’s a wonderful thing to work with a guy like Felix, first a very educated green clay of Charleston, need- RESULTS ing just 61 minutes to dispatch (x-denotes seeded player) player, a player that can become one of the best players in the world’ Japan’s 77th-ranked Doi. 2nd rd “It was a quick turnaround Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) bt Misaki Reuters from Miami, just had a couple Doi (JPN) 6-2, 6-1 London of hours of practice,” said Barty, Caty McNally (USA) bt Anastasija who hadn’t played on any type of Sevastova (LAT) 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, 6-4 clay since her 2019 French Open Paula Badosa (ESP) bt Belinda oni Nadal, the man triumph. Bencic (SUI x5) 6-2, 6-7 (2/7), 6-1 who masterminded “I was just honestly hoping Kurumi Nara (JPN) bt Whitney nephew Rafa’s incred- that I didn’t trip and fall over try- Osuigwe (USA) 6-1, 6-4 ible career, is returning ing to slide. Veronika Kudermetova (RUS x15) Tto the Tour as part of the coach- “But it came back quite natu- bt Emma Navarro (USA) 6-4, 6-4 ing team of Canadian youngster rally,” she said. It was another Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) bt Marie Felix Auger-Aliassime. setback, however, for second- Bouzková (CZE x17) 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 Nadal, 60, decided to step seeded American Sofi a Kenin, Danka Kovinic (MNE) bt Leylah down as Rafa’s coach in 2017 who fell in three sets to 79th- Fernandez (CAN) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 and concentrate on running the ranked Lauren Davis. Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Elise Rafa Nadal Academy in Mal- Davis used a crafty blend of Mertens (BEL x7) 7-5, 6-3 lorca. But he has been tempted shots to rally for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 Ons Jabeur (TUN x12) bt Hailey back by the chance to work with victory over fourth-ranked Ken- Baptiste (USA) 6-3, 6-3 the 20-year-old and will be in in, posting her third career win Coco Gauff (USA x14) bt Liudmila his camp for next week’s Monte over a top-fi ve player. Samsonova (RUS) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 Carlo Masters – the tourna- “I was struggling there a bit Lauren Davis (USA) bt Sofia ment at which Nadal made his in the fi rst set and a half with Kenin (USA x2) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 big breakthrough in 2005 be- fore claiming the fi rst of his 13 French Open titles a few weeks later.

Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada hits a backhand against John Isner of the United States (not in the picture) in the third round of the Miami Auger-Aliassime, the world Open at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. (USA TODAY Sports) number 22, confi rmed that Toni NFL Nadal was joining his team in a day to day to become a better “Our values and work ethic lix, fi rst a very educated player, work hard every day.” Nadal a Zoom call yesterday. “I will player. I know there’s no secret really aligns so for me that’s a a player that can become one stressed that should Auger-Ali- be working with Toni starting tool or recipe or that you just great thing personally and I’m of the best players in the world assime play his nephew in the from this tournament,” Auger- click your fi ngers and things glad he’s part of my project and and become a champion in big coming months he would not be Bouye agrees to deal Aliassime, who is coached by work out.” hopefully we can do great things tournaments. “I could not work in either box. Frederic Fontang, said. Touted as a potential Grand in the future,” he said. with someone unless they are “If (Rafa) has to lose to some- “I sat down with Fred and my Slam champion, Auger-Ali- For Toni Nadal it is an un- respectful, and have good val- one then I would rather him lose with Panthers team and parents and I thought assime is yet to enjoy a break- expected change of path after ues because I had the luck to to Felix,” he said. “I’m still his to myself it would be good to go through moment and has lost opting to step aside as a coach work all my life with a kid that uncle and have many years of Reuters and preseason programs. to someone who has been at the all seven ATP fi nals he has con- on Tour in 2017. was very respectful and gave a involvement with him. New York Carolina already had cor- highest level of our sport, who tested. “I never considered before very good image wherever he “I hope Felix will be number nerback Donte Jackson, and has been to where I want to go. He fi rst approached Toni to work for someone else,” he went. “Now I have the possibil- one in the future. For now he it signed cornerback Rashaan “Really it’s gaining advice and Nadal in Mallorca in December said. “For me it’s a wonderful ity to work with a guy who be- needs to keep improving and I he Carolina Panthers Melvin to a one-year contract experience and just working on after going there to train. thing to work with a guy like Fe- lieves in the same, to improve, keep being Rafa’s uncle.” added to their defen- last month. sive backfi eld depth After entering the NFL as an Wednesday, agreeing to undrafted free agent with the Ta contract with free agent cor- Houston Texans in 2013 out of Hulkenberg joins Aston Martin as offi cial F1 reserve nerback A.J. Bouye. UCF, Bouye played four years in While the team announced Houston before spending three Nico Hulkenberg will be Aston Martin’s winner and has started 176 Formula One provide Aston Martin’s engines. Bouye’s arrival in a tweet, it did years in Jacksonville. He made off icial Formula One reserve and devel- grands prix in a career that started with Mercedes have Belgian Stoff el Van- not release contract terms. the Pro Bowl during his fi rst sea- opment driver this season, the team said Williams in 2010 and included stints with doorne and Dutch driver Nyck de Vries The Panthers were willing to son with the Jaguars, 2017, when yesterday. Racing Point’s predecessors Force India. as reserves but both are competing in take on Bouye despite knowing he grabbed a career-high six in- The experienced German stood in for “It’s great to get this deal signed up with Formula E and the calendars overlap at he won’t be available to them terceptions as the team reached Mexican Sergio Perez and Canadian plenty of notice,” said Hulkenberg in a certain races this season. immediately. He still must serve the AFC championship game. Lance Stroll last year when the Silver- team statement. “Last year, I didn’t have The role has become more important the fi nal two games of a six- In his lone season with the stone-based team competed as Racing quite as much time to prepare before during the pandemic, with Mercedes game suspension handed down Broncos, Bouye fi nished with 23 Point, with both drivers testing positive jumping in the car. calling on Williams driver George Russell in December for a violation of tackles and six passes defensed for Covid-19. “Obviously, I’m hoping that Sebastian in Bahrain last December when seven- the NFL’s policy prohibiting in seven games (all starts). Perez has since left, moving to Red and Lance enjoy uninterrupted seasons times world champion Lewis Hamilton performance-enhancing drugs. Over 100 career games, in- Bull, with Germany’s four-times world this year, but the team knows it can rely contracted the virus. Bouye, 29, missed the fi nal cluding 69 starts, Bouye has 14 champion Sebastian Vettel arriving from on me to step in and do an excellent job.” McLaren have an agreement with four games for the Denver Bron- interceptions, one forced fum- Ferrari. The German had also been linked to a re- Mercedes to use their reserve drivers if cos last season. ESPN reported ble, one fumble recovery, one Hulkenberg, 33, is a Le Mans 24 Hours serve role at champions Mercedes, who needed. (Reuters) that he will be eligible to partici- sack, 72 passes defensed and 338 pate in the Panthers’ off season tackles. Gulf Times Friday, April 9, 2021 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Conway included in NZ Test squad for England tour Reuters a torrent of runs since moving to been recalled almost fi ve years Wellington New Zealand in 2017 and notched after his last test but will have to up his maiden one-day interna- prove he has recovered from a hip tional century against Bangladesh injury before he gets on the plane. outh African-born batsman in Wellington last month. “Doug is a match winner and we’re Devon Conway was one The 29-year-old left-handed confi dent he’ll enjoy on of three uncapped players batsman was only assured of a English pitches in June,” said coach named in New Zealand’s place in the squad last week after . All-rounder Colin De 20-manS Test squad for the upcom- securing his permanent residency, Grandhomme will also have a fi t- ing tour of England yesterday. without which he would not have ness test before the squad departs Conway, who was cleared to play been able to return to New Zealand after undergoing ankle surgery in for the Black Caps on residential after the tour. March, as will batsman Ross Tay- grounds last August, was joined Conway is the most likely of the lor after a hamstring injury ruled in the squad for the matches at three uncapped players to make him out of two of the ODIs against Lord’s and Edgbaston in June by their test debut on the tour with Bangladesh last month. all-rounder Rachin Ravindra and ’s team in fi ne Squad: Kane Williamson (cap- swing bowler Jacob Duff y. form over the home summer with tain), Tom Blundell, , The squad will be whittled down series sweeps over West Indies and , Devon Conway, to 15 players ahead of the World Pakistan. , Jacob Test Championship fi nal against Ravindra, who combines top or Duff y, , Kyle Jamie- India at the Rose Bowl in South- middle order with left-arm son, , Daryl Mitchell, ampton later in June, New Zealand fi nger spin, is only 21, while Duff y Henry Nicholls, , Rachin said. would have to force his way into a Ravindra, , Tim Conway has forced his way into top class bowling attack. Southee, , Neil Wagner, the international reckoning with Paceman Doug Bracewell has BJ Watling, .

CRICKET FOCUS Tendulkar leaves hospital aft er being MI go from strength treated for Covid-19

Reuters Mumbai

ndia batting great Sachin to strength as IPL Tendulkar said yesterday that he has been released from hospital a week after he Iwas admitted when he contract- ed Covid-19, but he will remain in isolation at home. Tendulkar, who turns 48 later this month, was previ- hat-trick beckons ously quarantining at home after testing positive following mild symptoms. ‘I THINK EXTRA RESPONSIBILITY IS GOING TO SIT REALLY WELL WITH HIM’ “I have just come home from the hospital and will remain iso- lated while continuing to rest and recuperate. I would like to country, behind the United thank everyone for all the good States and Brazil. wishes and prayers. Really ap- preciate it,” Tendulkar wrote on SRI LANKA APPOINTS NEW Twitter. CRICKET SELECTORS “I remain ever grateful to all Sri Lanka appointed a six-mem- the medical staff who took such ber cricket selection panel yes- good care of me and have been terday ahead of the two-match working tirelessly for over a year Bangladesh tour of the island. in such diffi cult circumstances.” Earlier this year, chief selector Tendulkar retired from pro- Ashantha de Mel resigned after fessional cricket in 2013 after the national team lost both Tests notching a still unmatched 100 of the two-match home series international centuries in a pro- against England. The new panel lifi c 24-year career. will be headed by former Test He lives in Mumbai, the capi- player Pramodya Wickramas- tal of the Western Indian state inghe, the cricket board said in a of Maharashtra which has been statement. the hardest hit by a resurgence in Others in the panel are: Covid-19 cases. Romesh Kaluwitharana, He- India reported a record mantha Wickramaratne, Varuna 126,789 new Covid-19 cases yes- Waragoda, S H U Karnain and terday as several states struggled Thilaka Nilmini Gunarathne. to contain a second surge in in- Bangladesh arrive in Sri Lan- fections. With 12.9 million cases, ka next week to play two Test India is the third-worst aff ected matches in Kandy.

India’s Vihari ‘really excited’ by Warwickshire chance India batsman Hanuma Vihari Paul Farbrace said of Vihari: said yesterday he was “really “He’s a high-quality batsman, excited” to have joined War- and an eff ective off -spinner, wickshire for the early stages who has been part of two India of the English County Champi- Test series victories in Australia. onship season in a move that “But he also comes to War- Mumbai Indians have won five of the last eight IPL titles. could bolster his hopes of a wickshire with an outstanding Test recall. The 27-year-old will record in the first-class game Reuters explosive hitters including Ishan Kishan “I’m going with them winning it again.” tralia captain said. provide cover for Pieter Malan and our young batsmen are New Delhi and Suryakumar Yadav, who made im- David Warner led Hyderabad to their “We’ll help him through, but honestly, at Edgbaston as the South going to learn a huge amount pressive India debut in the recent Twen- maiden IPL title in 2016 but the Austral- I don’t think he’s going to need much help African continues to wait for from playing and training with ty20 series against England. ian’s nagging groin injury remains a con- at all.” confirmation of a visa. someone of Hanuma’s calibre.” umbai Indians have assem- Power-hitters Kieron Pollard and cern. Bangalore, the tournament’s peren- Vihari, who has scored over India are due to play five Tests bled a side that looks even Hardik Pandya are adept at launching a Hyderabad also lack fi repower in their nial underachievers, have added Austral- 7,000 first-class runs at an in England in August and stronger than their back-to- late assault, while Trent Boult’s power- lower order, though they have a potent ian Glenn Maxwell to the batting order average of 56.75 and also bowls September and a success- back title-winning teams, play skills and Jasprit Bumrah’s death- bowling attack that includes swing bowl- but their death-overs bowling remains a off -spin, said in a club state- ful stint with Midlands club Mwith only Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers overs mastery mean they have no real er Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Afghan spin worry. ment: “I’m looking forward to Warwickshire could help Vihari, Hyderabad appearing capable of deny- bowling woes either. spearhead Rashid Khan. England captain Eoin Morgan will lead this opportunity and to play for who won the last of his 12 caps ing them a third straight Indian Premier So dominant are Mumbai that they Delhi had to change their captain after Kolkata Knight Riders’ quest for a third a big club like Warwickshire is against Australia in Sydney in League (IPL) crown. have won fi ve of the last eight titles and Shreyas Iyer, who led them to their maid- title but Chennai Super Kings, who fi n- really exciting.” January, gain selection for the Mumbai get the money-spinning tour- former England captain Michael Vaughan en fi nal last year, was ruled out of the ished second from bottom last year, may Warwickshire director of cricket tour. (AFP) nament rolling in Chennai today, just four has said this side might be even better tournament with a shoulder injury. struggle again. months after claiming their second suc- than India’s Twenty20 team. At 23, Rishabh Pant will be the IPL’s The three-time champions failed to cessive title, with a match against Royal South Africa quick Dale Steyn was in youngest skipper this year but Delhi head make the playoff for the fi rst time last Challengers Bangalore, led by India cap- no doubt Mumbai were the favourites coach Ricky Ponting has high hopes for year and their core of ageing players, in- tain Virat Kohli. again. the stumper-batsman. cluding captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Captain Rohit Sharma headlines a “I have got them as number one,” he “I think extra responsibility is going to had little game time heading into this Mumbai batting lineup teeming with told www.espncricinfo.com this week. sit really well with him,” the former Aus- year’s tournament.

American McNulty seizes Tour of Basque Country lead American rider Brandon McNulty of Team rider, Pello Bilbao of Bahrain Victorious. biker who joined UAE Team Emirates in “But then they told me I’d won in fact, so I UAE Emirates took the overall lead of the McNulty came second on the opening day 2020 when team chief Joxean Matxin feel incredible.” Tour of the Basque Country yesterday as time-trial and has been riding as a foil with described McNulty as an all-rounder with Bilbao can console himself however with home hope Ion Izagirre won stage four. Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar, who huge potential. a potential shot at the overall title as he is After coming third on the mountain stage is now fifth overall at 43sec. “Brandon is a world-class talent. He has now fourth in the standings at 36sec. McNulty ended the day top of the heap, “For sure we were aiming for the stage two key qualities that few riders his age After a clean sweep of the podium at leading former yellow jersey holder Pri- win without thinking too much about the possess, the ability to combine both the Tour of Catalonia, British outfit Ineos moz Roglic by 23 seconds, with two days’ leader’s jersey,” McNulty said after the climbing and time trialling at a high level,” have been less prominent in this race, but racing remaining including a mountaintop stage. said Matxin. Adam Yates is still in the reckoning in sixth finish on the final stage. “I feel good and ready to face the last two The stage win itself was a close call and at 1min 02sec. On the line Astana rider Izagirre used a stages. Tomorrow could be another tricky Bilbao was sure he had won it and refused Today’s penultimate stage has less scope bike throw technique, dropping behind stage, and Saturday will be an epic day. to accept defeat until he had seen the for a shake up, with just two minor climbs, the saddle and shoving the handlebars We’ll do our best to defend the leader’s replay. “Even I was sure Pello (Bilbao) had but tomorrow’s short but ultra-mountain- forwards, to win the 189.2km run in 4hr jersey,” he said. The 23-year-old from won and when I saw him celebrating I ous final stage promises fireworks. 17min 07sec, just ahead of another local Phoenix, Arizona is a former mountain congratulated him,” Izagirre said. (AFP) Friday, April 9, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING/PICTURE FOCUS

Omran Mohamed Darwish (right), QREC PR and External Communications Director, presents the owner’s trophy to Khalifa Omran Mohamed Darwish (right), QREC PR and External bin Sheail al-Kuwari after Bottom Bay won the Al Mamoura Cup Communications Director, presents the trainer’s trophy to Zuhair at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Saleh Salem al-Marri (left) rides Bottom Bay to Al Mamoura Cup victory at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Mohsen after Bottom Bay’s victory yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Cancer survivor Ikee qualifi es for Japan looking to second Olympic relay competition

Reuters relay team,” she said. Tokyo The second to fourth-place prioritise Olympic fi nishers — Natsumi Sakai, Chi- hiro Igarashi and Rika Omoto — apanese swimmer Rikako also qualifi ed for the 4x100 relay. Ikee powered to a second The 20-year-old has emerged Tokyo Olympic berth by as a bright spot in the build-up winning the women’s to the Summer Olympics in Ja- J100-metre freestyle at the na- pan where many headlines have tional championships yesterday, focused on how organisers will athletes for vaccine less than eight months after she stage the Games during the Cov- returned to competition follow- id-19 pandemic. Government denies plan but said it would be ‘closely watching discussions’ ing her recovery from leukaemia. Her story is a reminder of the Ikee fi nished in 53.98 sec- power of sport to move people AFP onds, missing the 53.31 seconds and to inspire, with the mental Tokyo she needed to qualify for the toughness of athletes to over- individual 100-metre freestyle come adversity often as com- but punching her ticket for the pelling a reason to watch as the apan is considering prioritising 400-metre relay at this sum- physical feats they perform. its Olympic athletes for corona- mer’s Games. Ikee, who won six gold med- virus vaccines, aiming to get them Her triumph comes on the als at the 2018 Asian Games, inoculated before the pandemic- heels of her emotional victory on had been expected to be one of Jpostponed Tokyo Games open on July 23, Sunday in the 100-metre but- Japan’s top medal hopefuls at local media said yesterday. terfl y, which secured her a spot the Tokyo Olympics before she Japan’s government denied any such in the 4x100 medley relay — un- was diagnosed with leukaemia plan was being considered, but said it thinkable only months ago as she in 2019. would be “closely watching discussions” was returning to fi tness after her She battled back and returned about protecting athletes’ health. cancer treatment. to competition in August last The reported move sparked criticism “I was defi nitely targeting 53 year. online, with one Japanese Twitter user seconds so I’m happy I achieved Still, she had brushed off ex- demanding: “Give it to my granny fi rst!” that,” a smiling Ikee said in a pectations about making it to the Japan’s vaccine rollout is moving slow- poolside interview yesterday at Tokyo Olympics and had said she ly, with just one mn fi rst doses given so Tokyo Aquatics Center, the Ol- was targeting Paris in 2024. far to medical workers since jabs began in ympic venue for swimming. Ikee will have another chance February. “To be honest, I wanted my this week to qualify for an indi- Older people will start receiving doses time to be a little better but I’m vidual event, competing in the only from next week, and so far Japan has happy we were able to form a new 50-metre freestyle. approved only the Pfi zer vaccine. A date has not yet been set for vacci- nating the broader population, but the government is now considering giving Japanese athletes both shots by late June, Kyodo News agency reported, citing un- named government sources. Private broadcaster Nippon TV and other media also reported the plan, with some pointing out that the proposed timeline would mean healthy young ath- letes would fi nish their inoculations be- fore some of Japan’s elderly. Top government spokesman Katsu- Japan’s Kosuke Hagino (L) and Daiya Seto react after competing in the men’s 200m medley final during the Japan National nobu Kato said there was “no fact in the Swimming Championships, which doubles as a qualifier event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre yesterday. claim that the government is studying such a plan and the government has no criticism, with one Japanese Twitter user 9,200 deaths since the pandemic began. poned further, though support for hold- intention of discussing it at this point.” calling on “all the athletes to come out But infections have spiked recently in ing it this year has increased slightly, But he told reporters the government and say they won’t do this.” several parts of the country, including hovering below 30%. would be “closely watching discussions “Will you thank the old and sick people Osaka in western Japan, which has de- IOC President Thomas Bach has said on athletes’ health issues” among Olym- who died because their vaccines were late cided to bar the Olympic torch relay from vaccination is not a requirement for ath- pic offi cials, the Tokyo Games organisers for giving their lives for the Olympics?” public roads in the prefecture. letes competing at the Tokyo Games, but and host city Tokyo. asked another. Japan has seen a compara- Polling shows a majority of Japanese that Olympic offi cials will encourage par- Online, the reports were met with tively small virus outbreak, with just over want to see the Games cancelled or post- ticipants to get the jab.

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Biles hints at retirement U-turn, Japan’s Rikako Ikee eyes 2024 Olympics in Paris Wang penalty gives China advantage over S Korea AFP Paralympic Committee’s vir- vowed to retire after Tokyo, tell- mined not to let years of prepa- A second-half penalty by Wang over Chinese goalkeeper Peng Los Angeles tual media summit, she said ing the BBC in a 2019 interview ration go to waste. Shuang secured China a 2-1 Shimeng. China were awarded her French coaches Laurent and that her body would not be able “The main thing was trying victory over South Korea on a penalty in the 71st minute for Cecile Landi, had persuaded her to stand the punishment of an- to stay healthy another year, Thursday in the first leg of a foul by Son Hwa-yeon on Tang S gymnastics super- to keep her options open. other Olympic cycle. trying to have your mental game their playoff for a place in the Jiali, and Wang’s penalty crept star Simone Biles “Right now my main focus is “I am in pain most of the up for another year,” she said. women’s soccer tournament at past South Korean goalkeeper said yesterday she may Tokyo,” Biles said. “After that I time... I defi nitely plan for the “It’s another year on the the Tokyo Olympics. Kim Jung-mi. reconsider her deci- have a tour that we’ve put to- Tokyo Olympics to be my last,” body, it’s just a lot to think China, Olympic silver medallists The second leg will be played in Usion to retire after this year’s gether around the US. I’m really Biles said. about. But then at the end of the in 1996, took the lead 12 minutes Suzhouin in China on April 13. Tokyo Olympics, hinting she excited to do that. “I feel like my body’s gone day we’ve worked so hard, we’re before the end of the first half The women’s tournament at the could yet compete at the 2024 “Afterwards, I’m not so sure. through a lot and it’s kind of just going to keep striving for this when Zhang Xin capitalised on Olympics kicks off on July 21 and Paris Games as a specialist. Cecile and Laurent are from falling apart — not that you can goal. Once it was postponed a defensive error to side-foot will feature 12 teams, with hosts The reigning world and Ol- Paris, so they’ve kind of guilted actually tell but I really feel it a it was, like, I’ve gone too far to home from close range in the Japan qualifying automatically. ympic all-around gymnastics me into coming back as a spe- lot of the time.” give up now. Goyang Stadium in South Korea. Australia have already booked champion, regarded by many as cialist. But the main goal is the On Wednesday Biles said “It’s been my goal for a while South Korea were back on level their place as one of Asia’s two the greatest gymnast in history, Olympics fi rst, then the tour, while the postponement of the and I wasn’t ready to hang that terms six minutes later when qualifiers with victory in a play- had previously said she plans to However speaking to re- and then we’ll have to see.” Olympics last year had been a up just because of quarantine Kang Chae-rim’s shot looped up off over Vietnam last year. hang up her leotard after Tokyo. porters at the US Olympic and The 24-year-old had initially disappointment, she was deter- and the postponement.”