SPORT Tuesday 2 May 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Federer says No edge for Real Joshua, with heavyweight he plans to play att in all-Madrid clash, title, may make French Open says Zidane boxing must-see TV

Qatar clinch first major We made a lot of preparations for this tournament and our only target was to clinch the title. All the players showed trophy and get ICC promotion attitude and tried to play their part throughout the Fawad Hussain competition for the title between tournament: Qatar The Peninsula us and Saudi Arabia, throughout Captain Inam Ul Haq the event,” Qatar vice-captain atar yesterday got a Mohammed Rizlan told The huge breakthrough in Peninsula. their bid to become a “The best part of our cam- major cricketing nation paign was that we didn’t lose Qwhen they won the hope after an upset against Bah- seven-nation International Cricket rain. We kept believing that we Council’s (ICC) World Cricket can win the title and eventually League Asia Division 1 event in we made it happen,” added Riz- The best part of our Thailand with a brave run chase lan who was adjudged the campaign was that in their final match. Best--keeper-of-the- we didn’t lose hope The maiden ICC trophy for Tournament. after an upset Qatar came after an impressive “This title has given us a lot run of form by Al Anabi, who won of confidence and motivation to against Bahrain. We five of their six matches at the ICC- do well in the future tourna- kept believing that sanctioned tournament. ments,” he said. we can win the title The title-triumph - which Qatar national cricket team players and officials pose for a photograph after winning the Qatar, after being promoted and eventually we came after Qatar beat Saudi Ara- International Cricket Council’s (ICC) World Cricket League Asia Division 1 tournament in Chiang Mai, to Division 5, will now head to made it happen: Thailand. The title-triumph - which came after Qatar beat Saudi Arabia by five yesterday bia by five wickets yesterday - also South Africa in September where Vice-Captain gave the men in maroon a pro- - also gave the men in maroon a promotion to ICC Division 5. they will be up against teams motion to ICC Division 5. including Italy, Guernsey, Jersey, Mohammed Rizlan Despite their dominating faced an uphill task against other basis of net run-rate for the title, target was to clinch the title. All Vanuatu, Cayman Islands and show in the 12-day event, Qatar title contenders Saudi Arabia in Qatar lost their top order soon in the players showed attitude and Ghana while a team from Europe their last match, needing a huge search of quick runs and were tried to play their part through- is yet to be determined. ROAD TO HISTORICAL victory against them to attain a reeling on 4-24 at one stage before out the tournament. “This title is a huge step TITLE- TRIUMPH better net run-rate yesterday. Tamoor Sajjad and Zaheer Ibra- “It’s purely a team effort and towards becoming a good side in The Saudis, who survived a him launched the rescue if we continue to play like this international cricket,” said the Qatar beat Kuwait by 150 runs scare against hosts Thailand in mission. then I am sure this win will fol- Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Qatar beat Bhutan by 214 runs their previous game winning it by Sajjad, the Man-of-the-Match, low more triumphs in the future,” Federation’s (QRHCF) senior offi- This title is a huge Qatar beat Thailand by 60 runs just one wicket, showed nerves in guided his team to victory in 18.1 added the seasoned cial Manzoor Ahmed, who is the crunch tie and were bowled overs after scoring a gallant 28 all-rounder. accompanying the team. step towards Qatar lost to Bahrain by 52 runs becoming a good

Qatar beat China by 265 runs out for just 94 in 43.3 overs after from 26 deliveries under Qatar defeated Kuwait by 214 “I’d say Qatar would not stop

opting to bat against Qatar. pressure. runs in their opening game of the here and will keep striving to side in international Qatar beat Saudi Arabia by 5 wickets Al Anabi captain Inam Ul Haq Ibrahim lost his wicket after tournament and also registered advance at international stage. I cricket. I’d say Qatar and Mohammed Nadeem claimed smashing 25 but his contribution victories against Bhutan (60) and would also like to thank QRHCF WHAT’S NEXT FOR QATAR would not stop here three wickets each while Awais proved enough to lend Qatar their Thailand (60) in their next two President Youssef Jaham Al and will keep Malik and Mohammed Tanveer first major cricket trophy, with matches. Kuwari for his backing of the Qatar will play Division 5 tournament in secured a pair of wickets apiece five-wicket victory over Saudi They were heading the points national cricket team. striving to advance September in South Africa. to demolish the Saudi batting Arabia. table but an upset against Bah- “This team has the potential at international Italy, Guernsey, Jersey, Vanuatu, Cay- line-up. “It’s the happiest day of our rain (by 52 runs) put Saudi Arabia of becoming a good cricket side,” stage: Senior QRHCF man Islands and Ghana along with an- Mohsin Shabbir (23), Moham- lives as our constant struggle ahead in the title-race. Ahmed said. official Manzoor other European side will feature in the mad Afzal (22) and Inayat Saeed finally paid dividend,” Qatar cap- However, their next two wins Meanwhile, Saudi Arabi who Ahmed tournament. (17) were the notable scorers for tain Inam told The Peninsula from against China (by 265 runs) and also earned 10 points from five

The winning side will be promoted to Saudi Arabia. Chiang Mai. Saudi Arabia (by 5 wickets) fol- wins had to be content with sec- Division 4. Needing the victory in only 23 “We did a lot of preparations lowed the triumph. ond position while Bahrain overs to overcome the Saudis on for this tournament and our only “It was a very tough finished third with 8 points. Al Attiyah to debut in new Ford Fiesta GCC Young Drivers Academy

Dead Sea, Jordan The Peninsula

atari star Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah will debut his Qnew Ford Fiesta R5 Evo 2 at this week’s FIA Jordan Rally, the second round of the FIA Middle East Rally Cham- pionship (MERC), taking place from May 4 to 6. The Qatari, who is bidding for a record-breaking 11th Young Qatari drivers Muftah Al Hamad and Khalifa Al Rabban pose victory in the Hashemite Kingdom’s premier motor for a photograph during the GCC Young Drivers Academy training sporting event, realises the Qatar's programme, jointly organised by Federation Internationale De importance of achieving a top Nasser L’Automobile (FIA), Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF), Qatar Motor finish at the Dead Sea after Saleh & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and the Automobile & Touring failing to finish the opening Al Attiyah Club of UAE (ATCUAE) in Dubai. BOTTOM: Young drivers take part round of the series in Qatar. in the training programme. Autotek Motorsport will run the car for the winner of RRC car. I guess the RRC is a driver Rakan Al Rashed. Run- Puhakka – found time to visit 63 MERC rallies and team detuned World Rally Car and is ning under the management the Dead Sea and enjoy some principal Ken Skidmore is rel- much stronger component wise. of former top Finnish star relaxation time in between ishing the challenge of “On smooth surfaces, we Jussi Vällimäki, the Lancer working on the Mitsubishi. continuing the Qatari’s win- expect the R5 cars to be faster has been re-prepared by the Al Rashed finished 49th on ning streak at the lowest place than the RRC but, of course, team at the Dead Sea over the his rallying debut on ice in Fin- on earth. when it gets rough, or if the last few days and Al Rashed land and will be hoping to “Nasser will use the new driver slips off the road, then will test for the first time reach the finish in Jordan on car, it’s one of only eight built the R5 is more fragile. The car today (Monday) with Finnish this occasion after an accident so far,” said Skidmore. has only recently been navigator Jarkko Kalliolepo. forced him out on the final day “The main difference homologated by the FIA.” Vällimäki and his crew, last year. between the R5 and the RRC Meanwhile, a Finnish who include chief mechanic The event gets underway (Regional Rally Car) is that the team will look after a Mitsubi- Risto Tuominen - a five-time with a new timed super spe- R5 has a 32mm air restrictor shi Lancer Evolution X for the winner of the Finnish Rally cial stage on the shores of the rather than the 30mm on the talented young Saudi Arabian Championship with Jouko Dead Sea on Thursday. SPORT TUESDAY 2 MAY 2017 25 Diamond League: Qatar’s Budair aims to go extra mile

The Peninsula close to 100 meters – it left a “I love competing against the big impression on me,” he greatest in the world,” he said, hmed Budair’s story is added. adding, “It’s the only way to unlike most javelin Ahmed’s natural talent was improve. Sometimes it’s good Athrowers. quickly identified and he soon to lose, as that is how you can The 21-year-old’s qualifi- joined Aspire Academy, a truly learn and grow as an ath- cation to the Rio 2016 Olympic world-class sport and educa- lete. My biggest lesson from Rio Games was remarkably his tional establishment based in was to keep my nerves in check first-ever senior participation Doha whose alumni include – that’s the reason why I didn’t and he was the youngest com- two-time Olympic medallist make it to the finals but thanks petitor in his discipline. He also high jumper Mutaz Barshim, as to that experience I can now became the first-ever Qatari to well as two-time Junior World compete against the best ath- compete in the javelin throw at Champion and Olympian letes in the world and still stay an Olympic Games. Ashraf Elseify. focused.” For now, Budair has his “I was in high school when The 2017 Doha Diamond eyes firmly set on the Doha Dia- I joined Aspire Academy and it League will mark Budair’s first mond League taking place at benefitted me in so many ever participation in the 14-meet Qatar Sports Club on May 5, ways,” Budair said. series, and he has his hopes set where he will go up against "The ability to organise my high: “Competing in the Diamond World and Olympic Champi- training alongside my educa- League was once just a dream for ons Julius Yego and Thomas tion was vital and something me but now it’s become a real- Röhler, respectively. that I would not have gotten ity.” Budair said, “Now my dream The young javelin thrower anywhere else. The importance has changed and I want to win has since proven to be a formi- given to sport in this country is the Diamond League Trophy.” dable competitor after phenomenal,” he added. The javelin thrower’s future qualifying to Rio with an “Especially since I’m a jave- is growing brighter with every incredible throw of 84.74 lin thrower, we really need to competition, but competing on Qatar’s javelin thrower Ahmed Budair. meters, definitely a labour of incorporate science and technol- his home turf is particularly love for Budair, who had his ogy in our training. I’ve definitely special for him: “I’m incredibly heart set on javelin since he was learned so much thanks to Aspire to 12:30pm and from 4pm to one or two years, but five or University, has continued to pay happy that the Diamond League a child: Academy’s biomechanical 6:30pm – alternating cycles more. Javelin needs speed, dividends. The javelin thrower will be hosted in Doha because “It always fascinated me research. We need this informa- between weight training, throw- strength and flexibility so in a recently qualified to the Lon- I know my friends and family when I was a kid,” he said. tion to develop as javelin ing, and speed training. sense it’s a mixture of many don 2017 World Championships will be out there supporting me The first time I saw a jave- throwers.” No amount of science “One of the hardest things disciplines.” in Athletics during the 16th GCC from the stands – it will give me lin throw competition I was is a substitute for hard work, a about the javelin throw is the Budair’s gruelling training Athletics Championship in that extra push to do my abso- awed. I couldn’t comprehend fact that Budair is fully aware of, improving yourself. One meter schedule, which he juggles Saudi Arabia. Yet he does not lute best and to make them how you could throw a javelin training twice a day from 10am can take you years – not just alongside his education in Qatar let his success get to his head: happy.” Abbas bags four as IPL: Rohit stars as Mumbai beat Bangalore by 5 wickets

Windies make 312 Mumbai was also sent back to the pavil- over, Negi (35 from 23 balls) and IANS ion by Negi to reduce the hosts Jadhav (28 from 22) raised a Bridgetown, Barbados to 70/3 in 10 overs. Rana's 54-run stand for the sixth wicket AFP kipper Rohit Sharma's 28-ball knock comprised of four to rescue the visitors, who lost unbeaten 56 guided Mum- boundaries. the top five players with just 108 akistan's opening pair Sbai Indians to a five wicket Unperturbed by the fall of runs on the board. were laying the foun- victory against Royal Challeng- Rana's wicket, skipper Rohit South African big-hitter AB dations of a solid ers Bangalore (RCB) in a thrilling Sharma and Kieron Pollard (17) de Villiers was the other major reply at 36 without encounter of the Indian premier punished the Bangalore bowl- contributor with a 27-ball 43 for loss at lunch after League (IPL) here yesterday. ers all around the park as they the Bangalore franchise. Ptheir bowlers had dismissed the Sharma, who slammed six slammed 28 runs in 3.4 overs Electing to bat, RCB were West Indies for 312 in the first boundaries and one six in his before the West Indian hitman reduced to 40/2 with skipper innings on the second day of the 37-ball knock, and Jos Buttler was dismissed by Chahal. (20) and his new second Test at Kensington Oval (33) were the major contribu- Krunal Pandya (2) and Karn opening partner Mandeep Singh in Barbados yesterday. tors to Mumbai's cause. Sharma (9) also failed to step up (17) failing to get a decent start Mohammad Abbas led the With this result, Mumbai to the situation and the latter for the visitors. visiting bowlers' effort with two now sit atop the IPL standings was dismissed on nine runs In the other match, Ben more wickets to finish with four with eight wins and two losses while Pandya was retired hurt. Stokes scored his maiden IPL for 56, the best figures by a Paki- Mohammad Abbas of Pakistan in action on the second day while Bangalore have lost eight The fall of wicket brought in century to guide Rising Pune stan fast bowler in Test innings of the 2nd Test match against West Indies at Kensington matches and are now decidedly all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who Supergiant to a five-wicket win at the venue, bettering Wasim Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, yesterday, out of the play-off race. along with Rohit Sharma played over Gujarat Lions in New Delhi. Akram's four for 73 in 1988, as Chasing 162/8 posted by some good shots to entertain Pune reached the target with the home team lost their last Bangalore, Mumbai started off Mumbai's crowd. one ball to spare. four wickets for the addition of West Indies' hopes of push- 400-run mark were dashed on a poor note as opener Parthiv In the process, Rohit com- Earlier, Gujarat Lions were 26 more runs. ing towards a total closer to the within the first nine deliveries Patel (0) was dismissed on the pleted his 50 with a single at the bowled out for 161 in 19.5 overs. of the morning as their first-day very first ball of the first over by end of the 19th over. Brief Scores SCOREBOARD heroes, Roston Chase and Jason Aniket Choudhary. With seven runs required in Mumbai Indians 165 for 5 Holder, were dismissed without While trying to pull a short the last over, Pandya and (Rohit 56*, Buttler 33, Negi 2-17) West Indies (I innings): Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-13, 3-37, 4-102, 5-107, 6-154, any addition to the overnight ball, Parthiv mistimed it and Sharma took singles off the first beat Royal Challengers Banga- K Brathwaite c Ahmed b Amir ...... 9 7-286, 8-286, 9-312, 10-312. total of 286 for six. took a bril- four balls and then the skipper lore 162 for 8 (de Villiers 43, K Powell lbw Amir ...... 38 Bowling: M Amir 26-5-65-3; M Abbas 23-6-56-4 Holder was the first to go, liant catch at short slammed a boundary to give the Negi 35, McClenaghan 3-34) by S Hetmyer c Ali b Abbas...... 1 (2w); Y Shah 25.5-2-83-2; S Khan 23-3-90-1; A Ali S Hope c Ahmed b Shah ...... 5 1-0-4-0. his late decision to pull away mid-wicket. hosts a comfortable victory. 5 wickets. R Chase c Younis Khan b Amir ...... 131 Pakistan (I innings): from an Abbas delivery result- Incoming batsman Nitish For Bangalore, Negi scalped Rising Pune Supergiant 167 V Singh c Younis Khan b Abbas ...... 3 A Ali (batting) ...... 16 ing in an inside-edge to Rana (27) and Buttler then added two wickets while Choudhary, for 5 in 19.5 overs (BA Stokes S Dowrich c Younis Khan b Shadab Khan ...... 29 A Shehzad (batting) ...... 16 wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed. 61 runs in 7.2 overs to stabilise Chahal and Shane Watson 103*, MS Dhoni 26 PJ Sangwan J Holder c wkpr Ahmed b Abbas ...... 58 Extras (B-2, NB-2) ...... 4 Mohammad Amir then removed Mumbai's innings before the lat- chipped in with one wicket each. 2-38, Basil Thampi 2-35) beat D Bishoo c Shah b Abbas ...... 14 Total (for no loss at lunch) ...... 36 Chase, whose 131 was the first ter was sent packing by spinner Earlier, a late surge from Gujarat Lions: 161 all out in 19.5 A Joseph b Shah ...... 8 To bat: B Azam, Y Khan, Misbah ul Haq, A Shafiq, S Test century by a Barbadian on Pawan Negi. Buttler played 21 Kedar Jadhav and Pawan Negi overs (Brendon McCullum 45, S Gabriel (not out) ...... 0 Ahmed, M Amir, S Khan, Y Shah, M Abbas

Extras (B-4, LB-10, W-2) ...... 16 Bowling: S Gabriel 4-1-13-0 (2nb); A Joseph 3-1-10-0; home soil for 18 years. Drawn balls and slammed four bound- helped Bangalore to 162/8 Ishan Kishan 31, Dinesh Karthik Total (all out) ...... 312 R Chase 4-1-8-0; J Holder 3-1-3-0. forward by a full-length deliv- aries and one six. against Mumbai. 29; Imran Tahir 3-27, Jaydev ery, his indeterminate prod After one over, in-form Rana Joining forces in the 15th Unadkat 3-29. Federer says he plans to play at French Open

Los Angeles first time since 2015. "I am reg- Wimbledon titles. "I feel very "I was going to get a second remain unchanged despite the AFP istered and my intention is to privileged to be back on a tennis chance to really play tennis again success of Rafael Nadal in Bar- play Roland Garros," the 18-time court," Federer told the on the professional tour and so celona at the weekend. oger Federer (pictured), Grand Slam champion said in a network. when I did come back in Aus- A week after his Monte Carlo coming off victories at the post-match interview. "Last year was extremely dif- tralia was really exciting." Masters success, the Spaniard RAustralian Open and ATP The 35-year-old Swiss star, ficult, having had surgery and the Federer, whose first three also claimed a tenth title in the events in Miami and Indian ranked fourth in the world, made knee never healing. Then I had exhibitions for African children's Catalan capital but remains fifth Wells, said on Saturday he plans a quarter-final exit in the 2015 back pain too, and it all got too charities were played in Switzer- behind Swiss Roger Federer, who to play in next month's French French Open and missed last much at Wimbledon and I was land, raised almost $2 million and did not play. Open. year's event while dealing with out for six months. also played a doubles exhibition Budapest winner Lucas After defeating John Isner knee and back injuries. "But I was able to spend alongside Microsoft founder Bill Pouille of France moves into a 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in an exhibition at His lone title on the red clay some incredible time with the Gates, beating Isner and Pearl Jam career-best 14th position as Seattle, Washington, to benefit in Paris came in 2009 and com- family and start preparing for lead guitarist Mike McCready. 20-year-old Russian Karen his charity foundation, Federer pleted a career Grand Slam. He this season and hoping that the Meanwhile, Andy Murray Khachanov soars 14 places to told the Tennis Channel he plans owns five US and Australian work that I put in the off season stays top of the latest ATP rank- 42nd after reaching the Barce- to play at Roland Garros for the Open crowns and seven was going to really pay off. ings released yesterday, which lona quarter-finals. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 2 MAY 2017

Oldest football club from Champions League: Atletico Austria faces final whistle eye revenge against Real Vienna AFP

Madrid ienna til I die! chanted Reuters the fans, in accented No edge for Real VEnglish, at a recent eal Madrid are the rainy match, testament to the only team who have British roots of Austria's old- stopped Atletico in all-Madrid est football club: the Madrid adding a once-mighty First Vienna FC Champions League 1894. Rtriumph to their achievements clash, says Zidane But while the few hun- under Diego Simeone and for dred diehard supporters give the fourth year running the Roji- it their all week in week out, blancos' illustrious neighbours Madrid the now dilapidated terraces block their path to European AFP of what was once continen- glory. tal Europe's biggest stadium Atletico under their charis- ast Champions League may soon fall silent for ever. matic Argentine coach have glory over Atletico In March the 123-year-old seen off the giants of the Euro- PMadrid is of no advan- club, which even under the pean game past and present, tage to Real Madrid for Nazis was allowed to keep its beating AC Milan, Chelsea, today's semi-final, first leg English name "Vienna", Juventus, Bayern Munich and between the pair, Real boss declared itself insolvent and twice knocking out Barcelona, Zinedine Zidane (pictured) is trying to hammer out a sur- but they have repeatedly fallen claimed yesterday. vival plan. to their neighbours. Real have beaten Atletico The players haven't been Atletico have shaken off in each of the past three sea- paid since December and their inferiority complex against sons in the Champions automatic relegation looms Real in every other competition League, including twice in from Austria's already lowly under Simeone, beating them the final in agonising circum- third division, the Austrian twice in the King's Cup and win- stances for the red and white Regional League East, mak- ning four of their last eight part of Madrid in 2014 and ing finding new sponsors league derbies, but not in 2016. even harder. Europe's elite arena. "What happened in the Real emerged victorious in a "If it all ends, it will be the Real host Atletico in today's past is in the past, we can't penalty shootout in Milan end of an era," sighed Robert Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo heads a ball during semi-final, first leg having rely on that now," said after a 1-1 draw. Haidinger, head of the sup- beaten them 5-3 on penalties in a training session at Valdebebas Sport City in Madrid on the Zidane on Monday. "It was the most stress- porters club, as he charged the 2016 final and 4-1 in extra eve of their Champions League semi-final first leg match "It has been positive for ful moment in my entire five euros ($5.50) for the time in the 2014 showpiece against Atletico Madrid yesterday. us, but now it is a completely career," Madrid playmaker trickle of cars arriving for the when defender Sergio Ramos's different tie and they will be Isco said of the shootout. evening match. 93rd minute equaliser denied Hernandez got the only goal in resilience after they responded doing their upmost to go "I've been in Madrid for "A piece of Viennese his- Atletico a first Champions a quarter-final in 2014/15, the to the Villarreal loss by ruth- through as well. four years and in each of the tory would disappear," he League crown. other two-legged affair between lessly thrashing Las Palmas "The extra motivation four we've faced them in the told. Real's European dominance them. helped by three early goals. comes from it being a Cham- Champions League. Hope- Like elsewhere in Europe over Atletico runs as far back as While Atletico are waiting "The team's response fills pions League semi-final." fully the outcome will be the and beyond in the late 19th Alfredo di Stefano and Ferenc to win the European Cup for the me with pride, I never tire of Both sides are seeking same as in previous years. century, British immigrants Puskas deciding a semi-final in first time, Real want a 12th tri- praising these players, they are historic firsts as Real eye a "They'll be desperate to were a major driving force in 1958/59, while Javier umph to become the first team incredible," he said. 12th European crown in Car- beat us after the two Cham- the birth of Austrian to retain the trophy in the "Four days after that defeat diff on May 3 by becoming pions Leagues that we've football. Real hurdle Champions League era. The they killed the game off in 18 the first side to retain the tro- won." The "Vienna" was winners of the tie will face minutes and that's down to one phy in the Champions Gareth Bale and central founded, in a pub, in 1894 by Atletico under their Monaco or Juventus, who play word, the team." League era. defender Pepe are Real's British gardeners together charismatic coach on Wednesday. Atletico will need to mag- Meanwhile, Atletico are only injury absentees. with locals smitten with this Simeone have seen Atletico's preparations for nify their collective efforts if still seeking their first ever Isco is expected to take exotic new combination of off the giants of the their fourth consecutive Euro- they are to finally topple a Real Champions League win and Bale's place, whilst the fit exercise and gentlemanly pean showdown with Real were Madrid side who have perfected are sure to be fired up by the again Raphael Varane will "fair play". European game past hit by Jose Gimenez sustaining the art of winning in this cam- chance to finally avenge their replace Pepe in the only two The club quickly became and present, but have a groin injury in Saturday's 5-0 paign without hitting top form. European heartbreak against changes Zidane is likely to an all-Austrian affair but its repeatedly fallen to hammering of Las Palmas, leav- Zinedine Zidane' side their fiercest rivals. make from the side that three-legged logo, the triskel- their neighbours. ing Simeone missing three shook off a dogged Valencia Atletico led until the 93rd started a 1-1 La Liga draw ion, still survives in tribute to defenders for the first leg as side 2-1 at the Bernabeu on minute of the 2014 final against Atletico at the Bern- the homeland of one of the right backs Sime Vrsaljko and Saturday with a late winner by when Sergio Ramos's header abeu just over three weeks founders, William Beale from Real have beaten Juanfran are also out. Marcelo, the 20th goal Real sparked a Real fightback as ago. the Isle of Man. Atletico in each of the Winger Yannick Carrasco have scored in the final 10 they went onto win 4-1 in Atletico have more injury To this day many of the past three seasons in hurt his collarbone in Tuesday's minutes in the league this sea- extra-time. worries as Jose Maria chants on the terraces are in 1-0 home defeat by Villarreal, son, which kept their bid for a A year later Javier Hern- Gimenez suffered a groin English. "Hey ho let's go," says the Champions Atleti's first loss in 13 games in 33rd title on track. andez got the only goal of a problem in Saturday's 5-0 a sign, in English, on the way League, including all competitions, although the "We showed great spirit and bad-tempered tie as Real thrashing of Las Palmas to out of the ground. twice in Belgian returned to full training proved to everyone who we progressed 1-0 on aggregate join right-backs Juanfran and "To hear lots of voices the final in on Sunday to boost his chances are," said the Brazilian. "With in the quarter-finals. Sime Vrsaljko on the singing all together something 2014 and 2016. of facing Real. our fans behind us, it's very dif- And in last season's final, sidelines. like 'Come on Vienna' is, well, Simeone praised his team's ficult to beat us here." it gives you goosebumps," said Josef Keglevic, a lifelong fan. "Vienna" used to be a force to be reckoned with not Conte warns Chelsea only in domestic football but internationally too. Visiting Spain in 1925, they thrashed Barcelona 4-1. against complacency Its Hohe Warte stadium, the biggest in Europe outside Britain when it opened in Liverpool they win at West Ham on Friday, before 1921, was also the home AFP the leaders host Middlesbrough on ground for Austria's legen- Monday. dary national "Wunderteam". ntonio Conte warned Chelsea not Conte knows it would only take one As many as 85,000 sup- to take the Premier League title for slip to give Tottenham real hope of over- porters watched trainer Hugo Agranted after the leaders cleared a hauling them and he cautioned his players Meisl's men -- slayers of all- major hurdle with a 3-0 win at Everton. against thinking the race is over, even if comers and unlucky Conte's side consolidated their posi- they do have an easier run-in than Spurs. favourites for the 1934 World tion on top of the table thanks to a steely "It is a great win but at this part of the Cup -- play Italy here in 1923. display at Goodison Park on Sunday, but season every win is a great win for us," When Hitler, no fan of second placed Tottenham remain hot on he said. football, annexed his native their heels. "For this reason we must celebrate in Austria into the Third Reich Chelsea manager Antonio Conte celebrates with his team player N'Golo Kante Pedro's brilliant strike and goals from the right way, with my players, with the in 1938, the club's many Jew- Gary Cahill and Willian secured Chelsea's staff, with our fans. after the English Premier League match at Goodison Park on Sunday. ish players and functionaries fourth win in their last five league games, "We have to have great enthusiasm were quickly expelled. sparking jubilant celebrations from Conte and great patience because we are hav- But they have recovered impressively, crowned champions in his first season. Rudolf Spitzer, who took and his players. ing a great season but to become a with last weekend's FA Cup semi-final "For sure it's a great result for us. To part in the club's first official Cavorting in front of Chelsea's trav- fantastic season we must win (the title). win against Tottenham followed by league win at Everton is not easy. My players match in 1894, was one of elling fans, Conte had the look of a man "The message to the players was not victories over Southampton and showed me great patience to wait for the several people associated who felt his team had just delivered a words. Only hugs and enthusiasm. "Now Everton. right moment to hit," Conte said. with the club murdered in the decisive blow in the title race. it's important for us to prepare the right On paper Chelsea appear to have a "It was important to keep the clean- Holocaust. But while the Blues made their way way for the next game. If we don't win smooth path to the title as, following the sheet after a few games without one. But from a sporting point back to London, Tottenham were secur- against Middlesbrough then you lose this clash with lowly Middlesbrough they face That's good for our confidence. of view the Nazi era went well ing a crucial victory over Arsenal that great win." West Bromwich Albion, Watford and rel- "We finished a crucial week very well. for the Viennese. keeps them firmly in the hunt. Recent defeats against Crystal Palace egated Sunderland. We all know there is this part of the sea- In 1943 they won the Tsc- With four games remaining, Chelsea and Manchester United had the critics Conte tried his best not to look too far son that is more important. hammerpokal cup at the have a four point advantage over Totten- questioning whether Chelsea were set to ahead, but even the cautious Italian "We are having a fantastic season, but since-renamed "Adolf-Hitler- ham and Mauricio Pochettino's side can stumble with the title within touching couldn't completely hide his joy at a result we must be calm. I don't know how close Kampfbahn" stadium in temporarily trim that gap to one point if distance. that moved Chelsea a step closer to being we are to the title." Stuttgart. TUESDAY 2 MAY 2017 SPORT 27

Al Sadd's Algerian attacker Jugurtha Hamroun (second left) QATAR CUP 2017 celebrates with team-mates after scoring the winner for his side NOTABLE POINTS during the Qatar Cup final against El jaish on Sunday. 10 GOALS IN SEMIS THE Semi-finals saw ten goals scored over the two matches, with Al Sadd and El Jaish defeating Al Rayyan and Lekwhwiya 3-2. Hassan Haydos picked up the man of QSL chief the match award in Sadd’s win after a swash buckling per- Ballan formance against Rayyan, which included a goal from the applauds penalty spot. Whilst in the sec- ond semi-final El Jaish winger Sardor Rashidov’s last minute Al Sadd show winner ensured that the Uzbek international was awarded the The Peninsula man of the match title. atar Stars League (QSL) AL SADD TOOK Chief Executive Officer Q Hani Taleb Ballan (pic- LEAD IN 21ST tured) congratulated Al Sadd MINUTE on the occasion of winning Stars revel in Al Sadd's the fourth edition of the Qatar THE 2017 Qatar Cup final Cup 2017 following a 2-1 win certainly lived up to expecta- over El Jaish on Saturday tions serving up an attacking evening. match. Algerian attacker Bagdad The CEO presented his Bounjah gave Sadd a deserved congratulations on behalf of first ever Qatar Cup win lead on the 21st minute, calmly the QSLM staff, affiliates and controlling a long ball before officials to Al Sadd Club Man- rifling his shot past Jaish stop- agement as well as their The Peninsula Now we must forget about this given a red card on the 60th per Khalifia Abacar. Despite technical staff, officials, play- game and look to the Emir Cup minute. being on the back foot for the ers and fans on winning this he 2017 edition of the were we will fight again” noted Al Rayyan mounted a spir- majority of the first half, Jaish precious championship and Prestigious Qatar the wingback when asked ited come back with goals from found a leveler through Sardor the well-deserved accom- Cup came to a thrill- I felt very happy for about the match against El Koh Myong-jin and a screamer Rashidov with moments left in plishment during the ing climax on the team. We have Jaish. from Sergio García to set up a the first half. tournament. Saturday evening, been through difficult Ismail also revealed that the grandstand finish. However, Ballan also praised the Twhen Al Sadd lifted their first Wolves will now be targeting a Jesauldo Ferreira’s side dog- HAMROUN NETS moments level of performance by both ever trophy, after beating El domestic cup double after lift- gedly held on to book their spot teams Al Sadd and El Jaish. Jaish 2-1 in a tense final at Al this season and we ing the Qatar Cup. “God willing in the 2017 Qatar Cup final. WINNER He also indicated that the Sadd stadium. gave everything our aim now is to win both In the second semi-final El SADD ramped up the pres- general technical level of the This was the first season to win in this final: domestic trophies and the Emir Jaish got the better of Lekhwiya sure on their opponents in the tournament was of a high that a side other than El Jaish Cup is our next challenge, with a last gasp 3-2 win. second half, and their presser quality as he witnessed the or Lekhwiya had lifted the pre- Jugurtha Hamroun which I hope we can win. The stage was set for Al Sadd, eventually tolled on the 73rd semifinal games between the cious cup, whilst the trophy win Hamza Sanhaji came on as looking to lift their first ever minute when man of the match top four teams from QSL also marked Al Sadd captain a late substitute for the side and Qatar Cup taking on El Jaish two Jugurtha Hamroun struck from Lekhwiya, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan Xavi’s first ever domestic tro- revealed his joy of lifting the time winners of the precious cup just outside the penalty box, and El Jaish. phy in Qatar. Qatar Cup. “It was amazing to in a showpiece final on Saturday delivering Al Sadd their first The CEO of the Qatar Algerian attacker Jugurtha be on the pitch, even for a short evening, the match certainly liv- ever Qatar Cup in the process. Stars League expressed his Hamroun was the hero for the and revealed that he is hoping time we did well in the first half, ing up to expectations serving up thanks and appreciation to Wolves on the evening, scoring to extend his stay with the new and even better in the second an attacking match. 13 GOALS Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin a spectacular goal on the 72nd Qatar Cup winners. half we deserved to win the Bagdad Bounjah gave Sadd Hamad Al Thani and to the minute winner for his side. “It “I have really enjoyed my Qatar Cup overall.” a deserved lead on the 21st THROUGHOUT wise leadership for the unlim- was an important goal; we had first season in Qatar, I wish I It was an amazing display minute, calmly controlling a THE EVENT ited support of Qatari sport. to save our season. This goal will stay. I will speak with the of quality football from Al Sadd long ball before rifling his shot Ballan also thanked all was for all the fans, today I management this week, and I along their way to the final. past Jaish stopper Khalifia OVERALL a total of 13 goals the QSL partners, sponsors, scored but it could have been really hope that I can stay this This season’s semifinals Abacar. Despite being on the were scored in this edition of supporters for their contribu- anyone else. I would like to is my biggest wish. saw Al Sadd take on Al Rayyan, back foot for the majority of the the tournament, making it tions to the Qatar Cup congratulate the whole team.” Qatar international whilst reigning QSL champions first half, Jaish found a leveler the highest scoring compe- competition this year as well “I felt very happy for the defender Hamid Ismail Lekhwiya face off against El through Sardor Rashidov with tition to date. The following as the media which interacted team, we have been through revealed that he hopes this Jaish. moments left in the first half. players scoring the goals. in a huge manner, expressing difficult moments this season maiden Qatar Cup will be the The first semi-final saw Al Sadd ramped up the pres- Jugurtha Hamroun 3, Sar- his aspirations to continue the and we gave everything in this first of many with the side. “We Sadd hold on to register a 3-2 sure on their opponents in the dor Rashidov 2, Seidou Keita means of cooperation in all final to win” added Hamroun, deserve to win this cup. I am win over Al Rayyan. The Wolves second half, and their presser 1, Hassan Haydos 1, Romar- future events by the QSL. in reference to Al Sadd just very happy for the fans, the raced into a 3 goal lead after eventually tolled on the 73rd inho 1, Ismael Mohammed 1, “We hope that we QSL missing out on the QSL title to management and the coach. just 22 minutes, thanks to a minute when Jugurtha Hamroun Edgar Da Silva 1 Sergio Gar- succeeded in delivering the fierce rivals Lekhwiya by just This is my first Qatar Cup, and brace from Jugurtha Hamroun struck from just outside the pen- cia 1 & Koh Myong-jin 1. 2017 Qatar Cup on an opera- one point. I hope it’s the first of many.” and Hassan Haydos. However alty box, delivering Al Sadd their tional and technical level,” Hamroun has impressed in “The match against El Jaish the match turned when Sadd first ever Qatar Cup in the Ballan said. his first season with the Wolves, was the hardest of the season. midfielder Sami Kasola was process. Joshua, with heavyweight title, may make boxing must-see TV

London almost taking Klitschko's head off in include a megafight with American is his heart. In only his 19th fight, he AP the 11th round, a heavyweight divi- Deontay Wilder, who owns a piece gained invaluable experience and sion moribund for years was of the title and is a huge puncher even more confidence in his ability nthony Joshua remained in suddenly very much alive once himself. It could include a rematch to dominate any heavyweight in the the ring long after 90,000 of again. with Klitschko, who had it written ring. Ahis supporters had filed out of Just five years removed from into his contract that he would have Wilder is also undefeated and a Wembley Stadium, posing happily winning an Olympic gold medal in that right should he lose. big puncher with a piece of the heav- for pictures with his team and hug- London, Joshua stopped a fighter And then there's Tyson Fury, the yweight title himself, and the two ging just about everyone he knew. who dominated the heavyweight British nomad who upset Klitschko would do huge box-office business No reason to leave early when division for nearly a decade. Though in 2015 before being waylaid by if they got together in a megafight. being the heavyweight champion is the win came with some anxious mental and other issues. First, though, Joshua must come so much fun. moments for the hometown fans, it "Tyson Fury, where you're at, to the US and expose himself to "I just want to fight everyone, also established Joshua as a super- baby? Is that what you want to see?" American boxing fans in at least one man," Joshua said. "I'm really loving star in the making who just might be Joshua asked. "Come on, we're here, fight, possibly two. The Fury fight this right now." the fighter who can make boxing man. I enjoy fighting. I love fighting. would likely be in England, though There was a lot to love on Sat- must-see TV once again. I want to give 90,000 people a rematch with Klitschko could take urday night in front of a packed "Anthony was better today than another chance to witness a lovely place in the US. British boxer crowd at England's national stadium, I," Klitschko said. "It's really sad that night of boxing." "I'm only going to improve," said Anthony Joshua where Joshua got off the canvas to I didn't make it tonight. I was plan- The possibilities are tantalizing Joshua, whose quick path to success (left) knocks stop longtime champion Wladimir ning to do it. It didn't work. But all indeed, and so are the prospects for had been questioned by some out- down Wladimir Klitschko in a coming out party of the respect to Anthony, stardom for Joshua. Largely side his camp. "As I said, I'm not sorts that electrified the boxing congratulations." unknown outside Britain except by perfect, but I'm trying." Klitschko during world. A heavyweight title fight unlike ardent boxing fans, he announced That was good enough on a their BF, IBO & The biggest heavyweight fight in any seen in the country that invented himself as the future of the division chilly night at Wembley, where WBA Super World British history was also the best. boxing didn't just end with the with a spectacular right hand that Klitschko won over fans who Heavyweight Title There was an epic fifth round where hometown favourite's hand aloft in made Klitschko look like a very large ignored him over the years, and bout at Wembley Joshua knocked Klitschko down and victory. It ended in such spectacu- bobblehead in the 11th round of a Joshua won the respect of the Stadium in then held on himself to survive, lar fashion that Joshua can now write fight that until then was either man's 41-year-old he knocked out. London, England along with a knockdown a round his own ticket in a heavyweight divi- to win. "The best man won tonight," on Saturday. later by Klitschko. sion long starved for star power. His knockout power is unques- Klitschko said, "and it was an amaz- And when Joshua had finished That will at some point likely tioned, and after Saturday night so ing night for boxing."