FRIDAY 13 APRIL 2018 SPORT 21

What happened to Barca FOOTBALL was never going to happen Real Madrid left CRICKET to us, we’re Real Madrid. back Marcelo, after Indian Premier League: La Liga: Girona vs The champions survive the win over Juventus RCB vs Kings XI Punjab in LIVE ON Real Betis; Budesliga: VfL resistance. Bangalore TUBE Wolfsburg vs FC Augsburg Richards takes gold after Hughes disqualification REUTERS for a first athletics title of the Games finally ended in the 800m Srikanth GOLD COAST: Trinidad and on the fifth day of the Tobago’s Jereem Richards was programme. climbs to No.1 handed gold when In the absence of world was disqualified record holder David Rudisha, it in badminton for catching his rival with a fell to Kinyamal to provide it in flailing arm on a dramatic night one minute, 45.11 seconds, even rankings of athletics at the Common- if he almost had the gold medal AFP wealth Games yesterday. snatched out of his hands on the There was no controversy in line by England’s Langford, who the women’s half-lap race with ran a personal best for silver. NEW DELHI: Kidambi Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo Meanwhile, Sam Gaze’s Srikanth (pictured above) holding off Jamaica’s Shericka elation at winning the Common- yesterday became the first Jackson to take the gold in 22.09 wealth Games’ mountain biking Indian to reach number one seconds, Olympic champion gold medal yesterday quickly in the men’s world badminton Elaine Thompson trailing in turned sour after he criticised rankings, surpassing fourth to miss out on a medal. New Zealand team mate and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen on Kenya’s Wycliffe Kinyamal silver medallist Anton Cooper of his rise to the top. held off surging Kyle Langford poor sportsmanship. The 25-year-old this to win the 800m title in another He later issued an apology week defeated three-time thrilling finish, while 400m for his comments. Olympic silver medallist Lee hurdles prodigy Kyron McMaster Gaze, who finished second Chong Wei in the mixed team gave the British Virgin Islands its behind Cooper at four final to earn India their first- first gold years ago, reversed the result on ever Commonwealth Games medal in 48.25 seconds. the Nerang mountain bike trails gold in the event. Another packed house (From left) England’s Zharnel Hughes, Trinidad And Tobago’s Jereem Richards and Canada’s Aaron despite having to stop and have “Absolutely thrilled to be enjoyed more Australian field Brown cross the finish line of the athletics men’s 200m final in Gold Coast yesterday. a puncture fixed on the final lap. ranked WORLD NUMBER 1,” success through Kurtis Marschall Cooper, however, continued Srikanth posted on his official in the pole vault and Dani to race and tried to pull away Twitter account. Stevens in the women’s discus when he was told that he had emotion when he heard the I’m doing this to get the speed from the 22-year-old Gaze, who “I would like to thank my but for drama it was hard to beat been scratched from the race for news. work in and it shows I’m on track still managed to catch his com- coach Gopi (Pullela Gop- the penultimate race of the hitting Richards over the last few “Coming down the home for the 400,” she said before patriot and South Africa’s Alan ichand) Sir for believing in me evening on the track. metres. straight, he was ahead, and when receiving her gold medal from Hatherly on the final lap of the and my support staff for England’s Hughes won a Richards was awarded the I started to catch him, his hand Usain Bolt. 32.2-kilometre circuit and win always taking care of me.” photo-finish by the slimmest of gold with Canada’s Aaron Brown came across and he hit me,” said “The double is going to be a by about two bike lengths. He is not the first Indian margins - both were awarded second, while Northern Ireland’s Richards. hard feat to accomplish, and I’m Gaze was not impressed by to become the world’s best, times of 20.12 - and had just Leon Reid was elevated to “I think I was strong enough ready for it. I’ve been training for the fact Cooper had exploited his with Saina Nehwal topping completed his lap of honour bronze, collapsing to the floor in down the straight, I was closing it.” Double Olympic misfortune. In road cycling typ- the women’s chart in 2015. on him really fast but when I got champion Thompson, who made ically the peleton will slow if the Srikanth was the first hit that knocked me back a bit.” a poor start but still just failed to leader has suffered mechanical Indian to win four SuperS- England appealed the disquali- overhaul England’s Dina Asher- difficulties. eries world tour titles in a fication but it was dismissed. Smith for third place, said she “There is good sports- year in 2017, earning him No-one got close enough to was satisfied with her race. manship and there’s not, and I crucial ranking points. England’s Hughes won a photo-finish by the hit Miller-Uibo as, with her dis- “I’m feeling great,” she said. feel like that wasn’t there today,” Badminton legend slimmest of margins - both were awarded tinctive silver hair trailing behind “It’s still early in the season. Gaze said of Cooper’s decision Prakash Padukone -- the first times of 20.12 - and had just completed his lap her, the Olympic 400 metre (Shaunae’s) getting better and to ride away. Indian to win the All England of honour when he was told that he had been champion secured a victory better, she has the strength for “It’s a bit of a shame really, men’s title in 1980 -- was which encouraged her ambitions the 400 and the speed for the I’ve got the utmost respect for the widely regarded as the best scratched from the race for hitting Richards to run the 200-400 double at the 200.” Janieve Russell did win guy, still, even with that move. during his time when the over the last few metres. 2020 Tokyo Olympics. gold for Jamaica in the women’s “That’s racing, you can’t get ranking system was not yet “The 200 isn’t my key event, 400 hurdles while Kenya’s wait along with everyone.” in place.

Germany top FIFA Roma inconsistency more world rankings exasperating after Barca win AFP win against Germany as well REUTERS as an easy 3-0 victory over LAUSANNE: With the 2018 World Cup hosts Russia, both World Cup looming, of which they achieved MILAN: AS Roma’s inconsistent defending champions without injured star Neymar. Serie A form has been made to Germany sit atop the FIFA Belgium climb two places look all the more exasperating world standings despite three to third with their multi-tal- by their rousing win over draws and a defeat in their ented line-up, which includes Barcelona as they showed what last four games. Kevin De Bruyne and Eden they can do when they put their Germany drew 0-0 with Hazard, after friendly interna- minds to it. England at Wembley, 2-2 tional wins over Saudi Arabia Roma will barely have time with seventh placed France and Japan. Alexis Sanchez’ to catch their breath after Tues- in Cologne, 1-1 with eighth- Chile climbed one place to day’s memorable performance placed Spain in Duesseldorf ninth and are the only nation before facing neighbours Lazio and were beaten by second- in the top ten who failed to on Sunday in a derby that could placed Brazil in two qualify for Russia 2018. be pivotal to both teams’ chances weeks ago. When Joachim Meanwhile, Japan’s of reaching the Champions Loew’s youthful outfit, coach said he hopes a return League next season. including just two players to attacking tactics can help Roma’s supporters will be from the 2014 final starting repair the relationship hoping their side can carry on line-up, lost to Brazil it ended between players and staff where they left on in the Cham- a 22-match unbeaten run ahead of the World Cup. pions League quarter-final when dating back to the Euro 2016 The Japanese Football they overturned a 4-1 first leg The players of AS Roma celebrate after the UEFA Champions League quarter-final match against FC semi-final defeat to France. Association hired Akira deficit to win 3-0 and qualify on Barcelona in Rome on Tuesday. The Brazilians have con- Nishino as Blue Samurai boss away goals. solidated second with their this week after the surprise They outmuscled Barca as was followed by a stunning 4-2 drop points at home,” said Roma think everything’s easy but it decision to fire Vahid Halil- they gave the Catalans a tactical success at the then leaders striker Edin Dzeko after Tues- never is. You have to give eve- WORLD RANKINGS (TOP 15) hodzic of Bosnia two months lesson and it was hard to believe Napoli and further wins against day’s game. rything all the time.” Lazio, the before Russia 2018. that it was the same team which midtable Torino and Crotone. “We have seven games left league’s topscorers with 75 goals 1. Germany; 2. Brazil; 3. Belgium (+2) ; 4. “At the time of the this year has suffered home But, in typical fashion, then to play and they’re all important in 31 games, and Roma are joint Portugal (-1); 5. Argentina (-1) ; 6. Switzer- sacking I definitely wanted defeats against Atalanta and they frustrated their fans and starting with the derby. third in Serie A with a total of 60 land (+2) ; 7. France (+2) ; 8. Spain (-2) ; 9. to support Halilhodzic, as Sampdoria and been held by themselves again by being held “People often talk about the points. Chile (+1) ; 10. Poland (-4) ; 11. Peru ; 12. always,” said Nishino, who Sassuolo. 1-1 at Bologna and then losing mentality at Roma but if you The top four teams qualify

Denmark ; 13. England (+3) ; 14. Tunisia cut a nervous figure during Roma’s last six Serie A games 2-0 at home to Fiorentina. don’t have a strong mentality for the Champions League group (+9) ; 15. Mexico (+2) his first encounter with the have been typical of their ups “I don’t know what to say you can’t win games like this stage but Inter are lurking in fifth media as head coach. and downs. about our league results; obvi- one,” he added. on 59 points and visit Atlanta A 2-0 home defeat by Milan ously we’re not happy when we “When we’re favourites we tomorrow. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 13 APRIL 2018

Qatar Asian U-14 Tennis Tournament: Nawaf books quarter-finals berth

THE PENINSULA Former British heavyweight world boxing champion Tyson Fury DOHA: Qatar’s promising young star Rashid Nawaf gestures during a press conference to announce his comeback, booked a place in the quarter-finals of the Qatar in central London yesterday. The former heavyweight world Asian U-14 Tennis Tournament 201 after defeating boxing champion Tyson Fury is to make his comeback for a first Pakistan’s counterpart Ibrahim Khan 6-1 and 6-1 fight in two-and-a-half years in Manchester on June 9 with his yesterday. opponent still to be named. Nawaf is scheduled to lock horns against Saman Ridayyan of Iran in the next round. The prestigious event is hosted by the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation for one Fury returns Qatar’s Rashid Nawaf in action week in collaboration with the Asian Federation. and is ‘fitter, ready’ to fight Verstappen, Hamilton ready REUTERS TYSON FURY: FACTFILE

LONDON: Former world heav- REAL NAME: to tangle again in Chinese GP yweight champion Tyson Fury Tyson Luke Fury said he was fitter than ever after NICKNAME(S): announcing a comeback fight AP Gypsy King in Manchester on June 9 after Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton (left) signs The Furious One an absence of more than two- autographs prior to the Formula One Chinese Grand 2 Fast SHANGHAI: Get set for Max Prix in Shanghai yesterday. and-a-half years. WEIGHT CLASS: Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton The Briton has signed up Heavyweight to tangle again in the Chinese with promoter Frank Warren, HEIGHT: Grand Prix. who presented him at a news 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) Last Sunday in Bahrain, Ver- conference yesterday, on a REACH: stappen tried to squeeze by Ham- multi-fight deal but an imme- ilton at the start of only the diate opponent at the Man- 85 in (216 cm) BORN: second lap. But their cars clipped chester Arena has yet to be each other and the Dutchman, named. August 12, 1988 (age 29) well known for taking risks and The British Boxing Board of in Wythenshawe, pushing the envelope, wound up Control (BBBC) suspended the Manchester, England with a punctured tire and was unbeaten 29-year-old’s licence STANCE: forced to retire. in 2016, citing anti-doping and Orthodox Hamilton got the better of it medical issues. BOXING RECORD: and managed to finish third. That suspension was lifted Total fights - 25 But the four-time champion in January subject to medical Wins - 25 - and defending champion with clearance and Fury told Wins by KO - 18 Mercedes - was not happy. Ham- reporters he was ready to Losses - 0 ilton called Verstappen an return and “claim what is right- expletive after the race and sug- fully mine”. championship level,” Joshua gested the 20-year-old Red Bull “I’m the fittest I’ve ever told Sky Sports television. driver lacked maturity and been. Timing, reflexes, every- “In terms of history, I think respect for others. thing is better than it’s ever that this fight has to happen “I went through that stuff been. I kid you not,” he added. because it wouldn’t be great for when I was a young guy,” the starts as the young season last year - and has claimed the “Everything is still there. I’m this era of boxing if it doesn’t 33-year-old Hamilton said a few enters the third race. Ferrari pole six times. 29 years old, coming into the happen.” days ago. “So I know how it is. driver Sebastian Vettel has won Rain is possible for practice prime of my life, I’m stronger Fury said Joshua would be And it’s easy to also get ahead of the first two races with Ham- during qualifying on Friday and and faster, holding more muscle no match for him. yourself and forget also the That’s racing. ilton second in Australia and Saturday, but race day should be mass than ever. I’m more con- “It’s going to be an easy respect for the other guys. Sometimes it works. third in Bahrain. dry and chilly. fident looking at the fight, no contest,” he said of a “I just hope he’s learning Sometimes it doesn’t. Verstappen and Red Bull Only three other drivers on competition.” potential match-up with the from whatever situation he’s You can say whatever teammate Daniel Ricciardo both the grid have ever won on the Fury has not fought since champion. “He is looking for going through,” Hamilton added. you like about the retired early last weekend in Shanghai circuit: Fernando beating the previously unde- one punch all night. Anybody Verstappen didn’t back down incident. I had a Bahrain, and they both had off- Alonso (2013 and 2005), Vettel feated Wladimir Klitschko to who can move a little bit, and on Thursday in Shanghai and the-podium finishes in Australia: (2009) and Kimi Raikkonen claim the IBF, WBA and WBO throw feints, he struggles with. defended his driving. He said fair shot at it. It was Ricciardo was fourth and Ver- (2007). world titles in November 2015. He can’t land.” Hamilton was making him a nothing crazy, nothing stappen was sixth. Verstappen was the youthful He was subsequently scapegoat. risky. Unfortunately The Chinese Grand Prix on promise when - at 17 in 2015 - he stripped of the IBF belt and “It’s quite simple and easy to this time it didn’t work Sunday offers a chance for a became the youngest driver to relinquished the WBA and WBO blame the younger driver,” Ver- out: Max Verstappen turnaround, particularly for Ver- race in Formula One. The next ones. stappen said. “That’s the only way stappen, who finished third in season at the Spanish Grand Prix, Compatriot Anthony I can see it. Like I said, those China a year ago. the Dutchman became the Joshua, the 2012 Olympic Everything is still things happen. There’s no reason talked with Hamilton since the “I’m just looking forward to youngest to win a race. champion, now holds those there. I’m 29 years old, for me to change anything. incident. He said he might, but getting started again here But he also started slowly last belts as well as the IBO one and coming into the prime “That’s racing,” Verstappen only “if it’s really necessary.” because I think we have a good season, retiring in seven of the is hoping to become undisputed of my life, I’m stronger added. “Sometimes it works. Just a few minutes after he package and have a lot of prom- first 14 races. The only bright spot champion if a fight against WBC and faster, holding Sometimes it doesn’t. You can say said that, the two shook hands ising things coming,” Verstappen early was his podium in China. champion Deontay Wilder can whatever you like about the in the paddock with some form said. Asked if he’d be more con- be arranged. more muscle mass incident. I had a fair shot at it. It of apology exchanged. Hamilton is probably the servative in China, Verstappen “It has to happen. There’s than ever. I’m more was nothing crazy, nothing risky. But that won’t lessen the favorite to win on Sunday in said “there won’t be a change.” not really been many fights in confident looking at Unfortunately this time it didn’t tension on Sunday. China. In 11 races at the Shanghai “We gave each other, maybe the heavyweight division in the competition: work out.” Neither Verstappen nor circuit, he’s won five times - three not enough space (in Bahrain),” history that haven’t happened Tyson Fury Verstappen said he had not Hamilton have had perfect of the last four races, including he said, “but that’s racing.” when you’re talking about

NBA: FIRST-ROUND PLAYOFF SCHEDULE Lakers drub Clippers in season finale EASTERN CONFERENCE AP Toronto Raptors (1) vs. NBA RESULTS The Lakers led by nine at halftime and stretched it to 22 points in the third, Washington Wizards (8) LOS ANGELES: Josh Hart set career Boston 110 Brooklyn 97 when Hart scored 14 points, hitting three Boston Celtics (2) vs. highs with 30 points and seven Cleveland 98 New York 110 straight 3-pointers. Milwaukee Bucks (7) 3-pointers, and the Los Angeles Lakers Miami 116 Toronto 109 As a team, the Lakers tied their Philadelphia 76ers (3) vs. defeated the Clippers 115-100 on Orlando 101 Washington 92 season high with 17 3-pointers, including Miami Heat (6) Wednesday night, closing out a fifth Philadelphia 130 Milwaukee 95 three each by Payton, Alex Caruso and Cleveland Cavaliers (4) vs. consecutive season without a playoff LA Clippers 100 LA Lakers 115 Brook Lopez. Indiana Pacers (5) berth. Portland 102 Utah 93 The Lakers were held to 23 points Two-way player Gary Payton II Sacramento 96 Houston 83 in the fourth, but it hardly mattered since WESTERN CONFERENCE added a career-best 25 points off the Chicago 87 Detroit 119 they took a 92-74 lead into the quarter. Houston Rockets (1) vs. bench as the Lakers beat their Staples Minnesota 112 Denver 106 A night after making his NBA debut, Minnesota Timberwolves (8)

Center co-tenant for the first time since 32-year-old Lakers guard Andre Ingram

New Orleans 122 San Antonio 98 Golden State Warriors (2) vs. April 4, 2012, as the visiting team. They Oklahoma City 137 Memphis 123 scored five points on 2-of-9 shooting, went 35-47 under second-year coach including 1 of 4 from 3-point range, and San Antonio Spurs (7) Luke Walton. had six assists and three rebounds in 35 Portland Trail Blazers (3) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (6) Tobias Harris led the Clippers with 23 points. They minutes. Ingram, who played 10 seasons in the NBA’s devel- Los Angeles Lakers guard Josh Hart moves Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs ended the season with four straight losses, and finished opmental league and is its career leader in 3-pointers, had to the basket to score against Houston Utah Jazz (5) with a 42-40 record although their streak of consecutive 19 points with four 3s in Los Angeles’ 105-99 loss to Houston Rockets at Staples Center on Wednesday. playoff appearances ended at six. on Tuesday night. FRIDAY 13 APRIL 2018 SPORT 23 Al Wakrah and Al Kharaitiyat ready to battle for QSL spot

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA Al Wakrah and Al Kharaitiyat will lock horns tomorrow in QSL play-off at Al Qatar Cup tickets Ahli Stadium. DOHA: Eyeing a return to the coveted QNB Stars League to go on sale from (QSL), Al Wakrah are unper- turbed about Al Kharaitiyat’s April 15 ‘favourite’ tag as both sides THE PENINSULA will meet tomorrow in a play-off at Al Ahli Stadium DOHA: The ticket sales timing of Qatar tomorrow. Cup, featuring top four clubs in the QNB The play-off is between Stars League, has been confirmed. They the 11th-placed team in the will be up for sale from April 15 from 4pm QSL and Second Division The play-off match to 8pm. runners-up. against Al Kharaitiyat The sales will start simultaneously at Al Kharaitiyat were is very crucial and four venues — Qatar SC Stadium (Gate 5), assured of the 11th spot fol- Al Sadd Stadium (Gates 4 & 5), Al Gharafa lowing their 3-2 victory over decisive. We had Stadium (Gates 7 & 8) and Al Duhail Qatar SC in Week 21, while Al good preparations Stadium (Gate 5). Wakrah finished second for the game in all Ticket sales at the Gulf Mall will open behind Al Shahania in the aspects: Al Wakrah on 23rd April, after both semi-finals. Gate Second Division whose number has yet to be confirmed. Sales at champions directly qualify coach Marquez Lopez all five venues will go on till 26th April. for the QSL. The tournament’s format is one-off “The play-off match semi-finals and final. The semi-finals will against Al Kharaitiyat is very pit the first against fourth-placed team and crucial and decisive. We had second against third-placed side in the good preparations for the QNB Stars League. In case of tie after game in all aspects. We had regular time, matches will be decided in enough time to prepare the tie-breaker without extra time. team as we practised some The semi-finals will be played on April tactical maneuvers for the “Al Kharaitiyat are said will play to win. It is quite “When I said Al Wakrah to the mark,” he added. 21 and 22, and final on April 27. All matches match,” said Al Wakrah by many to be the favourites normal when one team has is an open book, I meant that “I do not want to put will kick off at the Al Sadd Stadium at coach Marquez Lopez ahead to win the game, but that better chances, the rivals I have studied and observed pressure on the players. Our 19:00. of the match. doesn’t concern us at all. We have nothing to lose. I have their team. Al Wakrah, of playing system and discipline Al Sadd will play Al Rayyan in the first prepared my team to win,” course, is a big name in Qatar should lead us to victory. We semi-final, followed by the encounter he added. football with long history. We have two key players missing between Al Duhail and Al Gharafa. “Al Kharaitiyat are a do respect them as differ- the match (Mehdi Lekhmassi The Qatar Stars League Management team that has lost many ences fade away in such and Abdelaziz Al Ansari) due supervises, manages and organises the matches in the QNB Stars crucial games,” he said. to injuries,” said Yasser. Qatar Cup as part of its mission to develop When I said Al Wakrah is an open book, I League. That’s why they’re in “Our team is ready for If the play-off tie ends in professional football in Qatar. The tour- meant that I have studied and observed this situation. I want my almost one month ever since a draw after regular time, an nament has immensely contributed to the their team. Al Wakrah, of course, is a big players to enjoy the game and we qualified for play-off even extra time of 30 minutes game’s growth in the country. name in Qatar football with long history. win it,” said Lopez. though we endured a big loss (divided into two halves) will The 2013-14 season marked a new Al Kharaitiyat coach to Al Sadd in the QNB Stars be allowed. If the deadlock beginning in the history of Heir Apparent’s We do respect them as differences fade Yasser Sebaei admitted Al League’s final week. Al Wak- still continues, it will be Cup when it was renamed as Qatar Cup. away in such crucial games: Al Kharaitiyat Wakrah will be a tough side rah’s frontline is strong with decided in tie-breaker. Al Sadd are the defending coach Yasser Sebaei to beat in the do-or-die quality professional players, The match will kick off at champions. match. while their defence is not up 6:20pm. Barca switch focus World Coaches Course for to Liga after Rome women to start on April 15

THE PENINSULA humiliation and support of the Qatar Women’s Sport Committee in REUTERS suffer a hangover from the Roma DOHA: As many as 28 bringing World Coaches to defeat. women will participate in the Qatar. BARCELONA: With the wounds still “We hope it doesn’t affect the rest World Coaches Course of the H E President of QWSC fresh from their shock Champions of our season but it’s obviously a huge Royal Netherlands Football Mrs. Lolwa Al Marri com- League exit at the hands of AS Roma, blow to our confidence,” he said. Association (KNVB) starting mented: “At the Qatar Barcelona will try to pull themselves “Without a doubt it’s a painful on April 15. Women’s Sport Committee together and resume their bid to wrap defeat, we have ended up getting The course is made pos- we are happy to host the first up La Liga title when they host knocked out but we have to keep sible by the Embassy of the World Coaches course of the Valencia tomorrow. going.” Kingdom of the Netherlands KNVB in Qatar. The women’s Barca’s 3-0 defeat at the Olympic Valverde bore the brunt of crit- in Qatar and the Qatar sports sector in Qatar has Stadium on Tuesday saw them elimi- icism in the media. His decision not Women’s Sports Committee developed at a rapid speed, nated from Europe’s elite club compe- to make a substitution until the 81st (QWSC). The course is specif- and this course will help tition and has been described as one of minute has been questioned, while ically designed for women, female coaches to have an the worst moments in the club’s history. some reports said he had not given empowering them to increase even bigger footprint. Their challenge now is to limit the enough rest to key players. their impact as a coach and “The enthusiastic reac- fallout from that defeat and ensure it Barca’s setback could provide an trainer at the football field tions from the participants does not taint the rest of their season, opportunity for Valencia, who climbed and beyond. from all backgrounds show which could still end with them above champions Real Madrid into third The World Coaches that these women are ready winning a league and King’s Cup last weekend and are two wins away course provides a broad skills As many as 28 women will participate in the World Coaches to step up and invest in their double and become the first team to from sealing a return to next season’s training for coaches, PE Course of the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) love for sports.” go undefeated through an entire La Champions League. teachers and sports profes- starting on April 15. “I believe that working Liga campaign. Barca, who meet Sevilla in the sionals. The KNVB believes together with the Royal Neth- The Catalans equalled Real Socie- King’s Cup final on April 21, need 10 that football is about much Coaches, with 25% female women’s team won the erlands Football Association dad’s record run of 38 games points from their seven remaining more than technique, tactics coaches. European Championships last (KNVB) comes within the unbeaten last week by beating games to clinch their 25th league title. and rules. “This percentage has to summer and is preparing to framework of the strong Leganes 3-1 and will set a new They lead nearest challengers Johan van Geijn, Expert increase so that women have shine at the Women’s World friendship and co-operation landmark as long as they avoid defeat Atletico Madrid by 11 points, with for international CSR part- equal chances to become Cup in France in 2019. between Qatar Women’s to Valencia. Coach Ernesto Valverde Valencia three points further back. nerships and World Coaches better coaches” according to H E Ambassador Dr. Sports Committee and (pictured) admitted his players might Real Madrid trail Valencia by a point. at KNVB, explains: “Football Van Geijn. Bahia Tahzib-Lie is excited Embassy of the Kingdom of is about collaboration and The participants will get about the all-women World the Netherlands by communication. And it is also an intensive five-day intro- Coaches course in Qatar. exchanging experiences and about fair play, respect for ductory training towards “I believe that sports has enhancing communication diversity and dealing with becoming a World Coach. the power to connect people between the two countries.” frustrations. We can teach During the week, they will from all walks of life and dif- Sports bring people these social skills to our practice their new skills with ferent cultures. This is what together. children in a fun way through the young football talents of World Coaches is about. The Through World Coaches, sports, but of course it will Evolution Sports Qatar. World Coaches program in the Netherlands and Qatar benefit them in all aspects of The female participants Qatar will directly benefit the will strengthen their relations their life.” will meet an experienced empowerment of the female in football, benefiting both The Royal Netherlands team from the KNVB, coaches. sides. The beautiful game of Football Association has been including the coach of the But they will also become football can catalyse change implementing coaching the National Dutch Women’s true mentors and role models in individuals, teams and coach programmes around indoor football team, Marius for other women in sports, all whole communities. In cele- the world since 1997 and Privee, and two former the children in the teams they bration of this, there will be developed the World Coaches players for the Netherlands coach and the wider a closing ceremony on project in 2009. national women’s football community.” Thursday at 5 PM with the Worldwide, there are team, Anouk Hoogendijk and The Ambassador is wider sports community in now more than 12,500 World Gilanne Louwaars. The Dutch grateful for the cooperation Qatar. SPORT Friday 13 April 2018 PAGES | 22 PAGE | 22 Hamilton, Verstappen Fury returns, ready to tangle again and is ‘fitter, in Chinese GP ready’ to fight

Boxers exchange Qatar 2022: FIFA asked to Katara Boxing Championship kicks off punches during the Katara Boxing Championship, at the Katara expand Cup to 48 teams Cultural Village yesterday. The AP Dominguez and the region’s 10 member three-day event associations. which commenced BUENOS AIRES: FIFA was asked by South “As we do believe in big and because yesterday is American football’s governing body we want to do justice (for more teams),” organised by the yesterday to expand the World Cup to 48 Dominguez said to Infantino during the Qatar Boxing teams for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. CONMEBOL meeting in Buenos Aires, “we Federation (QBF). FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who ask that the 2022 World Cup is played with The championship gained approval last year to increase the 48 teams.” is expected to be number of teams from 32 to 48 from the Dominguez’s Paraguay failed to qualify an added feature 2026 tournament, received the request for the 2014 World Cup and this year’s from CONMEBOL to hasten the expansion edition in Russia. at the country’s while attending the confederation’s Qatar currently has plans to build eight iconic cultural hub congress. stadiums, whereas bidders for the 48-team where more than A formal letter was handed to Infantino 2026 tournament have been told they need 400 events are signed by CONMEBOL President Alejandro 12 venues. staged every year.

Sunrisers Hathab Series: Top riders brace Hyderabad win last-ball for action in penultimate round thriller AGENCIES CHINTHANA WASALA Saeed Nasser THE PENINSULA Al Qadi in action HYDERABAD: Sunrisers during the 10th leg Hyderabad held their nerves DOHA: With only two stages to of Hathab Series in to edge out Mumbai Indians go in the Hathab Equestrian this file photo. by one wicket off the last ball Tour, Qatar’s top riders will of the match in a thrilling continue the hunt for points at Indian Premier League (IPL) the 11th edition of the hugely encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi popular competition today and International Stadium, tomorrow. Hyderabad, yesterday. The Big Tour sees race for Chasing a relatively small supremacy among prominent target of 148, SRH were at riders Hamad Nasser Al Qadi 62/0 after 6 overs but col- and his closest opponents lapsed to 107/5. Young Nasser Al Ghazali, Saeed Nasser Mayank Markande showed a Al Qadi and Mubarak Yousuf Al lot of character to pick four Rumaihi who will eye podium wickets and bring his team spots at Souq Waqif Arena back into the match. Despite Winners of the Junior riders’ pony race pose for a photograph tomorrow. needing to chase a run a ball, with officials Souq Waqif Equestrian Festival at the Souq Waqif In the Medium Tour, prom- SRH almost managed to make Arena yesterday. inent rider Saeed Nasser Al a mess of the match as Qadi is leading the points sheets batsmen kept going for big while several others including moved the 11th leg of the QR1m The 12th and final round of hits. But a matured knock by Mohamed Sultan Al Suwaidi are series to the popular tourist the Hathab Series will take Deepak Hooda and the last looking to excel. destination in Doha where the place from April 26 to 28. ball single by Billy Stanlake There is a tough battle for Souq Waqif Equestrian Festival Hathab Series is an initi- saw SRH cross the finishing the top spot in the Small Tour is being held. ative of H E Sheikh Joaan bin line. with Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi, The penultimate round of Hamad Al Thani, President of Sunrisers Hyderabad: Mohamed Khalifa Al Baker and the series will begin with Small the Qatar Olympic Committee. 148 for 9 (Dhawan 44, Hooda Abdulaziz Ghanim Al Nuaimi and Medium Tour events today, The championship is jointly 32 n.o., Markande 4-23) are involving in a race to reach with the Open Class and Big organised by Al Shaqab and Mumbai Indians: 147 for top spot in the 12-leg series. Tour class events scheduled to Qatar Equestrian 8 (Lewis 29, Pollard 28, The Tour organisers have be held after 4.30pm tomorrow. Federation. Sandeep 2-25, Kaul 2-29) Al Attiyah tops star-studded field at Jordan Rally THE PENINSULA would like to see the event is hoping to tackle a full MERC Qatar's Nasser return to the FIA World Rally campaign in a Skoda and he Saleh Al Attiyah AMMAN: Qatar’s 13-time FIA Championship in the future. The teams up with local navigator in action Middle East Rally Championship Qatari will drive a Ford Fiesta Musa Djiyerian, while local two- during last winner Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah R5 over the demanding gravel wheel drive hopes rest on the year’s Jordan tops the international entries for stages that make this event such shoulders of Asem Aref and Faris Rally in this file the Jordan Rally, which kick- a challenge. Tal in the driver’s trusty Renault starts the regional rally series on Making their first photo. Clio. April 26-28. appearance in the Hashemite Jordan Motorsport is also Jordan Motorsport released Kingdom will be the Czech duo running a National category the official entry list on of Vojtecha Stajfa and Marketa behind the MERC event. Amir Wednesday evening and the Skácelová in a Skoda Fabia R5. Tareq Al-Taher, Zeid Miqdad and 11-time winner of the Jordan The driver has considerable Salameh Al-Gammaz wheel out Rally and his French navigator experience of rallying in his a trio of Mitsubishi Lancers, while Matthieu Baumel face compe- native Czech Republic and also Raed Al Edwan has entered the tition from drivers from the took part in the Shiraz Interna- event in an Arctic Cat. Czech Republic, Kuwait, tional Rally in Iran last year and The event gets underway Lebanon, Oman and the host UAE national events in Fujairah with a timed super special stage nation. Action will be fought out and Al Dhaid. of two kilometres on the shores over 15 special stages through The battle for maximum of the Dead Sea from 4.24 pm the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley points in the MERC 2 category is April 26th. areas. likely to be fascinating and The rally was held for the Al Attiyah lists the Jordan Kuwait’s Meshari Al Thefiri will the notes in a Mitsubishi Lancer. Ahmad Shaban, Ihab Al Shorafa, Shadi started rallying last year first time in 1981 and has been Rally as one of his favourite be hoping to get his challenge The Kuwaiti faces compe- Amir Nassif and Khalid Juma and and won the opening round of present in the international ral- events in the rallying calendar underway in winning style with tition in the category from the Omani youngster Abdullah Al this season’s local rally champi- lying calendar ever since with and has already stated that he Qatar’s Nasser Al Kuwari reading likes of the Jordanian quartet of Rawahi. Shaban and his brother onship. Lebanon’s Henry Kahy the exception of 1989 and 1991.