Zverev in Acapulco Semis

SATURDAY 3 MARCH 2018 SPORT 21 Tou’re always very happy when you start with such a low round, ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE especially for me. This is such a big event, I would say this is All Times in GMT 15:00 Swansea City vs West Ham United Indian Golfer 12:30 Burnley vs Everton 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur vs Huddersfield Town taking some pressure off me, Shubhankar playing well on this course. 15:00 Leicester City vs AFC Bournemouth 15:00 Watford vs West Bromwich Albion Sharma 15:00 Southampton vs Stoke City 17:30 Liverpool vs Newcastle United TODAY’S TODAY’S ACTION Zverev in Acapulco semis

AFP Anderson defeated South Korean Chung Hyeon 7-6 (7/5), -4 ACAPULCO, MEXICO: Third- while Donaldson beat Spain’s Feli- Shubhankar Sharma plays a shot seeded German Alexander Zverev ciano Lopez 6-3, 6-1. during the ﬁrst round of the reached his first ATP semi-final Anderson saved six of the WGC - Mexico Championship golf of the season on Thursday, beating seven break points he faced to tournament on Thursday. Ryan Harrison 6-4, 6-1 to set up a reach his third semi-final of the clash with Juan Martin del Potro season. in Acapulco. “I felt the first set was really World number five Zverev, 20, touch and go,” Anderson said. “I Sharma shines is the highest-ranked player left had to save quite a few break in the draw of the hardcourt tour- points. I felt I played some of my nament that saw top seed Rafael best tennis down on those break in Mexico Nadal withdraw with nagging hip points.” trouble. In women’s action, top-seeded REUTERS In the semis he’ll face former American Sloane Stephens and US Open champion del Potro, who second-seeded Kristina Mladen- NAUCALPAN, MEXICO: Shubhankar Sharma fended off a second-set challenge ovic of France were both sent made an eye-opening World Golf Championships from third-seeded Austrian packing in the quarter-finals. debut as the Indian prospect carded a six-under- Dominic Thiem to triumph 6-2, Switzerland’s Stefanie Vogele, par 65 in the first round at the WGC-Mexico Cham- 7-6 (9/7). ranked 183rd in the world, pionship on Thursday. “I was very happy with how I stunned reigning US Open cham- Already twice a winner this season on the played,” said Zverev, who saved pion Stephens 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. European Tour, the 21-year-old proved himself all four break points he faced. “I’m Seventh seed and defending equally at home among the most elite of com- starting to play very well again, champion Lesia Tsurenko of pany, ending the day one stroke behind South and that’s all that matters for me.” Ukraine made short work of African leader Louis Oosthuizen. Argentina’s del Potro saved Mladenovic, 6-2, 6-2, in a rematch “I’m really pleased with the way I played. I three set points against Thiem in of last year’s final. was very nervous in the morning, but very happy the second-set tiebreaker, firing Vogele next faces Sweden’s with the way I put it all together,” Sharma said two aces to give himself a match Rebecca Peterson, who ousted after sticking his approach to two feet for birdie Germany’s Alexander Zverev point and taking the contest when fourth seeded Zhang Shuai of at his final hole. returns the ball to US Ryan Thiem double-faulted. China 6-2, 6-1. Tsurenko will The hot start was another small step towards Harrison during their Mexico In the other semi-final, fifth- take on third-seeded Australian what Sharma hopes will be an appearance in next ATP 500 Open men’s singles seeded South African Kevin Daria Gavrilova, who beat month’s US Masters. match in Acapulco, Guerrero Anderson will take on American Veronica Cepede of Paraguay Despite recent victories in South Africa and state, Mexico on Thursday. Jared Donaldson. 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Malaysia, and leading the European Tour’s Race to Dubai standings, Sharma has yet to qualify for the first major of the year. Currently ranked 75th in the world, he has only four weeks left to move into the top 50 and punch his ticket to Augusta. Wawrinka withdraws from The Masters has a tradition of occasionally inviting a non-exempt Asian player, raising the intriguing possibility that Sharma might yet receive Indian Wells and Miami Open a prized summons, even if he doesn’t qualify automatically. But he would rather make it a moot point and REUTERS winner returned to competition again and in order to do that, I with a strong finish could qualify as early as this at the Australian Open in January will keep working hard every week. With the nerves settled, it is full steam MIAMI: Former world number but hobbled to a second round single day.” ahead. three Stan Wawrinka has with- exit. Following his defeat at Mel- “To be honest, I’m actually relaxed now,” he drawn from the Miami Open and “They are both amazing bourne Park, Wawrinka reached said. “I just wanted the first round to get out of the Indian Wells tournaments this events, but coming back from a the semi-finals of the Sofia Open way,” said Sharma, who has been hooked on golf month to continue his recovery big surgery after having played a but followed that with early exits ever since he was introduced to the game by his from a persistent knee injury, the few tournaments, I have dis- at Rotterdam and Marseille, the father as a six-year-old. Swiss right-hander said on cussed with my team that it is best second through an injury “You’re always very happy when you start with Thursday. for me to build on the progress retirement. such a low round, especially for me. This is such The 32-year-old curtailed his and go back to practice,” French duo Richard Gasquet a big event, I would say this is taking some pres- season in August last year after Wawrinka said in a statement. and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga have also sure off me, playing well on this course.” battling injury through the grass- “I’ve enjoyed being back on been ruled out of Indian Wells Sharma had a chip-in eagle at the first hole court campaign, which ended tour playing matches and this due to knee injuries with Jeremy (his 10th) and added four birdies on the Club de with opening round exits at gives me even more motivation Chardy, Laslo Djere, and Lukas Golf Chapultepec course, which at its highest point Queen’s Club and Wimbledon. to go back on the practice court. Lacko replacing the trio in the is 7,835 feet (2,388 metres) above sea level, and Stan Wawrinka The three-times grand slam My goal is to find my highest level main draw. plays much shorter than its 7,345 yards. F1 drivers don’t like the halo, but have gotten used to it

AP killed French driver Jules Bianchi and British IndyCar driver Justin MADRID: Formula One drivers Wilson a few years ago. haven’t hidden their disdain for It is supposed to reduce the “halo,” the new protective When you are sitting potentially fatal impact of objects cockpit device that is mandatory there you only see like a loose wheel, and to pro- this season. tect drivers from head collisions They quickly got used to it, the centre pillar with outside elements during though, and the season will start and a small part of rollovers. in Australia in three weeks with the wider one, but “There’s room for improve- few complaints about the odd- you are not looking ment with the halo,” Renault looking shield implemented to driver Carlos Sainz said. “Aes- improve safety. there anyway. It’s thetically, it’s not part of the DNA Most say that, as ugly as the a small thing in the of Formula One. It’s also difficult halo may look, it won’t cause a middle and that’s to get in and out of the car major impact on racing. it, I’m completely because of it. But if it saves one “I’m not going to lie, I don’t life in 10 years, every person in like it,” Toro Rosso driver Pierre used to it and it’s the paddock will be grateful.” Gasly said. “But that’s what we ﬁne: Mercedes driver There were concerns the have. And honestly, when you Valtteri Bottas halo would reduce the drivers’ drive, you don’t really see it. You visibility on the track, keeping are paying attention to other them from seeing safety signs things, so it doesn’t disturb you middle and that’s it, I’m com- and flags, but after the four days at all.” pletely used to it and it’s fine,” of testing at the Circuit de Cat- Some drivers tested the halo Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas alunya-Barcelona this week, last year, but this week’s pre- said. “It took a little bit of time to most said it wouldn’t be a major Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing during Formula One Test Session at the Circuit de Barcelona- season testing - which ended get used to it but its OK. It’s not issue. Catalunya in Montmelo, Spain on Thursday. Thursday - gave them a first real been disturbing anything.” Teams also complained look at what to expect from The halo brings the biggest because the device significantly driving with the new device. change to F1 this season, signif- when the introduction of the halo chief Toto Wolff said last week. need to come up with a solution affected the cars’ balance and “When you are sitting there icantly altering the cars’ design was announced, saying it altered “If you give me a chainsaw I that simply looks better.” aerodynamics. you only see the centre pillar and with a ring going on top of the the essence of the open-wheel would take it off. I think we need Motor sports governing body “It’s a massive weight on the a small part of the wider one, but cockpit to protect the drivers’ series. to look after the drivers’ safety FIA said the halo was the best- top of the car, you screw up the you are not looking there heads. “I’m not impressed with the but what we have implemented available option to limit the risk center of gravity massively with anyway. It’s a small thing in the Purists loudly complained whole thing,” Mercedes team is aesthetically not appealing. We of head injuries like the ones that that thing,” Wolff said. 22 SPORT SATURDAY 3 MARCH 2018 Pavelski scores Sixers secure rare win twice in Sharks’ victory against over Lebron’s Cavaliers Blackhawks

AFP AP

LOS ANGELES: The Philadelphia SAN JOSE: Joe Pavelski scored twice and the San 76ers led wire-to-wire in a 108-97 Jose Sharks reached a season high in goals in a victory over the Cavaliers in Cleve- 7-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on land on Thursday, perhaps the Thursday night. perfect sales pitch if they want to lure Logan Couture, Timo Meier, Kevin LaBanc, LeBron James to Pennsylvania next Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Barclay Goodrow also season. scored for the Sharks, who won their second The 76ers, who had lost 11 straight at home after dropping three in a row on straight games to the Cavs, were the road. fueled by 22 points from shooting Artem Anisimov and Nick Schmaltz scored for guard JJ Redick, who connected on the Blackhawks, who lost their seventh straight seven of 11 shots from the floor, road game while allowing their most goals this including four three-pointers. season, matching the seven New Jersey scored on It was a rare road win for the Six- Nov. 12. ers, who notched just their second Martin Jones stopped 32 shots for San Jose. win in their last eight away games. J-F Berube gave up six goals on 28 shots Joel Embiid added 17 points, 14 through the second period before he was pulled. rebounds and six assists for Phila- Anton Forsberg allowed a goal in the first three delphia. Ben Simmons finished with minutes of the third period. 16 points, nine rebounds, and eight Anisimov gave Chicago a 1-0 lead in the third assists. minute of play, the result of crisp passing from James, who said he was flattered both Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane. by three billboards rented by a Penn- Pavelski tied it midway through the first sylvania company in the Cleveland period, taking a short pass from Brent Burns and area urging him to consider a move burying it into the net. to the Sixers as a free agent next sea- Couture scored four minutes later and the rout son, led all scorers with 30 points. was on. That included a short jump shot Pavelski scored the fifth goal midway through in the first quarter which came after the second, his 49th career multi-goal game. James escaped a double-team by The sixth goal came with two seconds left in Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (left) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jeff Green dribbling behind his back and the second. Berube caught the puck but couldn’t during their NBA game at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH, USA on Thursday. through the legs of teammate Tris- hang on. Vlasic came around and fired a shot off tan Thompson. the back of Berube’s pads and into the net. He added nine rebounds and just let the clock run out, bounced NBA RESULTS “We’ll know more tomorrow,” Jones blocked Anthony Duclair’s penalty shot eight assists but Cleveland, who the ball off Saric’s back to earn an Walton said. with five minutes left to play. Cleveland 97 Philadelphia 108 closed within one point with 2:25 ejection. The Lakers are now 4-0 since the Schmaltz scored in the final minute. remaining after trailing by as many “If anybody say different, that Portland 108 Minnesota 99 All-Star break. In Edmon, Viktor Arvidsson scored a pair of as 13 in the fourth quarter, were they wouldn’t have did that, that Miami 113 LA Lakers 131 In Portland, the Trail Blazers ral- goals as the Nashville Predators rallied for a 4-2 never able to get in front. they’d have did something different, Sacramento 116 Brooklyn 111 lied in the fourth quarter to beat the victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday “Looked like we had some heavy or anything else, they lying,” an Minnesota Timberwolves 108-99, night. legs tonight,” James said. “We fought unrepentant Clarkson said. vintage performance in his seventh moving within half a game of the Nashville’s David Polie earned his 1,320th back but it’s been a tough stretch for In Miami, Los Angeles point game back with the Heat since he T’Wolves for third place in the West- career win as a general manager, the most in NHL us playing every other day the last guard Isaiah Thomas scored a sea- was traded from Cleveland. ern Conference. history. four weeks. son-high 29 points in the Lakers’ But his 25 points weren’t close Portland struggled from three- NHL RESULTS “But we’ve got to figure it out,” convincing 131-113 victory over the to enough against a Lakers team point range for most of the game. But he added. “We still had a chance to Heat. untroubled by any defensive effort trailing by six in the fourth quarter Boston 8 Pittsburgh 4 win. Couple breakdowns down the The Lakers won in Miami for the Miami, who gave up the most points they reversed the trend to produce Carolina 4 Philadelphia 1 stretch didn’t allow that to happen. first time in a decade, halting what- they have allowed this season. a 20-4 scoring run. All-Star guard Florida 3 New Jersey 2 Give credit where credit is due. I ever momentum the Heat had built Julius Randle scored 25 points for Damian Lillard scored 35 points and Tampa Bay 5 Dallas 4 thought Philly played well.” with wins over the Memphis Griz- the Lakers and Brandon Ingram the Trail Blazers withstood a Nashville 4 Edmonton 2 Things got testy in the waning zlies and the 76ers. added 19 before a premature depar- 34-point performance from Timber- Arizona 5 Minnesota 3 seconds, when Philadelphia forward Veteran Dwyane Wade, who ture with a left hip flexor strain -- the wolves center Karl-Anthony Towns San Jose 7 Chicago 2 Dario Saric dunked and Cleveland’s drained the game-winner against the only downside for the Lakers on the to record their seventh win in eight Los Angeles 5 Columbus 2 Jordan Clarkson, irked that he didn’t 76ers on Tuesday, delivered another night. games.

Great Britain’s Badminton: team members celebrate after Malaysian pair winning the men’s Team face hearing over Pursuit final during the UCI Track alleged fixing Cycling World Championships AFP in Apeldoorn on Thursday. SINGAPORE: Two Malaysian badminton players faced a hearing in front of the sport’s governing body Monday over suspected match-fixing, and could be banned for life if found guilty. The pair, named in local reports as ex-world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkif- fli and Tan Chun Seang, were allegedly involved in a case of fixing about two years ago. Officials have not disclosed what precisely they are accused of. A two-day hearing into the allegations conducted by the Badminton World Feder- ation (BWF) got under way in Singapore Monday. The proceedings were closed to the media. But Jadadish Chandra, a lawyer observing proceedings on behalf of the Bad- minton Association of Malaysia (BAM), said Track cycling: Clancy leads four witnesses testified on behalf of the BWF. “Tomorrow it will be continuing with the evidence of the two players concerned,” he told reporters at a hotel in Singapore where the hearing was taking place. Britain to team pursuit win A decision on the players will not be handed down immediately after proceedings end, he added. AP first in beating Denmark to the gold (in 2020). That’s what we are on Friday, instead her madison The players, who are currently suspended, medal. Italy was third. focused on.” partner Elinor Barker will go for it. are not affiliated with the BAM but play APELDOORN, Netherlands: Three- “I’m just happy to still be here. A silver medal was still remark- Yauheni Karaliok of Belarus independently. time Olympic champion Edward I’ll be 33 in a couple of weeks,” able for Britain’s Laura Kenny, the won the men’s scratch race. He, Zulfadli, 25, beat the current world Clancy led a youthful Britain team Clancy said. “I still have massive four-time Olympic gold medalist Michele Scartezzini of Italy and number one, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, in to victory in the men’s pursuit at passion. When we get it right and who gave birth to her first child in Callum Scotson of Australia lapped 2011 to clinch the World Junior the track cycling world champion- win, nothing feels this good.” August and didn’t begin training the field, and Karaliok proved to Championships. ships on Thursday. The Americans dominated the with her team until early January. be the stronger of the leading trio. Tan, 31, represented Malaysia in prestig- Also the Olympic women’s women’s team pursuit, and never “My comeback was supposed Also, Fabian Hernando Zapata ious team event the Thomas Cup in 2010, the champion, Britain, came second to trailed in the final against Britain. to be in August so to be here and of Colombia took the men’s keirin, Star newspaper reported. the United States, which won the “After getting second at the take home a silver with the girls is improving on his silver medal last However he left the national side in 2011 world title for a third straight year. Olympics it’s nice to get a win way more than I expected,” Kenny year. He took the lead on the final and was then banned by BAM from compet- Clancy won his sixth world title here,” US anchor Chloe Dygart said. said. turn. Tomoyuki Kawabata of Japan ing in Asian tournaments for two years for and teammates Kiam Emadi, Char- “However, even with the win, our Her teammate Katie Archibald was second, and Maximillian Levy having quit the team, it said. lie Tanfield and Ethan Hayter their goal is still looking ahead at Tokyo will not defend her omnium title of Germany third. SATURDAY 3 MARCH 2018 SPORT 23 Free-scoring Liverpool face Benitez exam in EPL AFP front three of Mohamed Salah, could prove awkward. “It is a squad concerns full-back Nath- Roberto Firmino and Sadio very, very important game for aniel Clyne, who is recovering LIVERPOOL: Liverpool’s free- Mane. everyone and I think everyone from a back injury. scoring form faces a challenge Liverpool should know that is looking forward to the match,” Newcastle have injury wor- as their former manager Rafa former boss Benitez knows how said Liverpool midfielder Emre ries over Jonjo Shelvey. The Benitez returns to Anfield with to set up a team to frustrate Can said. former Liverpool midfielder is a Newcastle in the Premier League opponents. Liverpool must be “I think we have a good basis doubt after suffering minor knee today. wary of falling into the trap that now for the end of the season. ligament damage in a collision Optimism is high for Jurgen caught them when they suffered We are third in the Premier with team-mate Martin Klopp’s side, who climbed briefly their most recent defeat, 1-0 at League, we are still in the Cham- Dubravka in the 2-2 draw at into second place after beating Swansea on January 22. pions League and I think we are Bournemouth, a result that West Ham 4-1 last Saturday, That night, Swansea man- in a very good position. leaves Benitez’s side two points before Manchester United ager Carlos Carvalhal suggested “Each game is like a final. We above the relegation zone. Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva in action with Arsenal’s Sead moved back above them with that Liverpool were like a For- have to look from each game to Islam Slimani, the Algeria Kolasinac during the English Premier League match against victory over Chelsea a day later. mula One car stuck in a each game and now on Satur- forward who has yet to make The latest win at Anfield rush-hour traffic jam, referring day it will really be a very tough his debut following a loan Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, London, Britain on Thursday. offered another example of the to the way his players had game against Newcastle.” - move from Leicester at the end thrilling football that Liverpool worked to stop Salah, Firmino Limelight - Klopp is hopeful that of January, will miss at least the have played under Klopp this and Sane. midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum next two games after aggravat- Manchester City season, scoring 103 goals in 40 Klopp’s side have scored 18 and striker Danny Ings will ing a thigh problem in games in all competitions. goals in six games since then, but recover from illness to be con- training. Of those goals, 66 have been both the manager and his play- sidered for selection; the only Benitez is still revered by close in on title by shared between the formidable ers are aware that Newcastle other fitness problem in the Liverpool fans after leading the club to Champions League and FA Cup success during a six-year thrashing Arsenal Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Salah reign. celebrates scoring the team’s second The Spaniard retains a fam- goal during the English Premier League ily base in the area, but hopes to REUTERS ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE match against West Ham United remain out of the limelight as the Today’s fixtures (GMT) at Anfield in Liverpool, north west Tyneside club aim to end to halt LONDON: Manchester City tore Burnley vs Everton (1230) England on February 24. their own 24-year winless streak Arsenal apart for the second Leicester City vs AFC Bournemouth (1500) in the league at Anfield and their time in five days on Thursday, Southampton vs Stoke City (1500) hosts’ unbeaten Premier League beating them 3-0 on a freezing Swansea City vs West Ham United (1500) home record this season. night at The Emirates to restore Tottenham Hotspur vs Huddersfield Town (1500) Newcastle earned a 2-2 their 16-point lead as they close Watford vs West Bromwich Albion (1500) draw on Benitez’s most recent in on the Premier League title. Liverpool vs Newcastle United (1730) Anfield visit almost two years Arsenal hoped for redemp- Tomorrow ago, and he said: “It’s not about tion after City thrashed them Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal (1330) me, or the managers, it’s what by the same scoreline in the Manchester City vs Chelsea (1600) happens out on the pitch. League Cup final at Wembley Monday

“I loved it at Liverpool and on Sunday but first-half goals Crystal Palace vs Manchester United (2000) will always have fond memories by Bernardo Silva, David Silva of my time there, but I am man- and Leroy Sane handed the ager of Newcastle United now Gunners their second home next term. and we’ll go there to try to claim league loss this season. They can still qualify for three points.” Arsenal’s club record sign- Europe’s elite club competition, ing Pierre-Emerick but to do so they will almost Aubameyang added to the certainly have to win the home side’s woes when his Europa League in which they Ibra set to leave penalty was saved by Ederson meet AC Milan in the last 16. early in the second half after “We played with low con- Barca lead by ﬁve points fellow new arrival Henrikh fidence, you could see that at United at end Mkhitaryan was brought down the start of the game and we of the season, just inside the area. paid for it,” said Wenger. after draw at Las Palmas The win leaves Pep Guar- “We needed the penalty to diola’s scintillating City side on go in, but that was another neg- says Mourinho REUTERS 75 points from 28 games ahead ative. We lost to a team that is of second-placed Manchester the best in the country at the BARCELONA: Barcelona were United and they only have to moment... The difference in the REUTERS held to a 1-1 draw at relegation- win five of their last 10 matches league is no coincidence.” On a fighting Las Palmas on Thursday to be crowned champions for snowy night at The Emirates, MANCHESTER: Manchester in an unexpected setback that the third time in seven City’s Portuguese forward Ber- United’s Swedish striker left them with a five-point lead seasons. nardo Silva opened the scoring Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in La Liga ahead of their top-of- “We are close. It’s in our in the 14th minute, collecting a expected to leave the club at the-table showdown with hands, we can’t deny it,” Guar- pass after a long weaving run the end of the season, Atletico Madrid this weekend. diola said, while stressing his from Leroy Sane and delight- manager Jose Mourinho told Lionel Messi fired Barca team must focus on the next fully curling his shot into the far a news conference yesterday. ahead in the 21st minute with a game at home to last season’s corner past goalkeeper Petr The 36-year-old Ibrahi- thunderous free-kick into the champions Chelsea on Cech. movic, who joined United in top corner but third-bottom Las Sunday. City sliced open Arsenal’s 2016 and is out of contract Palmas pulled themselves back He expressed some sympa- defence again just before the after this campaign, has been into the game with a penalty by thy for Arsenal manager Arsene half-hour, moving the ball linked by the British media Jonathan Calleri three minutes Barcelona’s Luis Suarez in action with Las Palmas’ Ximo Navarro Wenger, who has faced swiftly upfield to Aguero who with a move to Major League into the second half. during the La Liga match at the Gran Canaria Stadium, Las Palmas, renewed speculation over his laid it into the path of David Soccer team LA Galaxy. The Argentine forward side- Spain on Thursday. future at the London club as the Silva racing up on the left, and Mourinho said Ibrahi- footed the spot kick into the top Gunners slide out of contention the Spaniard drove a low shot movic could leave Old corner after stand-in defender Barca have 66 points and us because of how it was for Champions League football into the corner to double the Trafford in May but did not Lucas Digne was judged to have lead the table from Atletico, who awarded. We felt that they next season for the second year lead. Sane made it 3-0 five min- know whether the Swede handled the ball after it hit the visit the Nou Camp on Sunday equalised with an ‘invisible’ in a row. utes later, walking the ball into would call time on his career post, the first time Barca have having won their last eight penalty, they grew stronger after “He knows my admiration the goal after another quick-fire or look for a new challenge given away a spot kick in the games in all competitions. Barca that and we played in too much for him... I know all the man- City move had bamboozled in a different league. league for over two years. have drawn four of their last of a hurry,” the agitated Val- agers can be in that situation. Arsenal’s ramshackle defence “For Zlatan, we all think The Catalans had little eight. Third-placed Real Madrid verde said. I’m sure he’s going to take the who were left chasing it’s his last season at Man- fortune with refereeing deci- have 51 points with Valencia on “We really wanted to leave right decision for him and for shadows. chester United and it will be sions and their players and 50. Valverde told reporters he here with three points. In the the club,” Guardiola told a post- The young German’s goal a very personal decision for coach Ernesto Valverde were still did not know if the penalty first half we felt we were always match news conference without drew the first of many boos him to play or to stop,” Mour- furious when Las Palmas had been given for Digne’s creating danger and their play- elaborating. from the home fans in the less inho said. goalkeeper Leandro Chich- handball or a foul and the usu- ers kept on picking up yellow The result leaves Arsenal than full stadium as their team “I think he has won the izola was not punished for ally pragmatic coach could not cards. We went ahead in the first sixth, 10 points outside the top headed for home and away right of choosing his life, his appearing to handle the ball hide his despair at the decision. half but it was not a big enough four places that guarantee defeats by City for the first time future, such an amazing player outside of the area. “The penalty came as a shock to margin.” Champions League football in 42 years. and amazing career that only that awful injury in the wrong moment broke a fantastic couple of seasons he could and should have with us.” Ibrahimovic, who said on Thursday he had not closed Delays for VAR referrals negligible: Infantino the door on playing at this year’s World Cup, has not fea- REUTERS to them by the match official and numerous other incidents it without any knowledge,” out of play). If we lose seven tured for United since a has been used in Bundesliga and were referred to VAR. This led Infantino told the Web Sport minutes on throw ins, we can 45-minute cameo versus BARCELONA: FIFA president Serie A this season and trialled to a barrage of criticism from Congress in Barcelona yester- lose 90 seconds to get decisions Burnley in the Premier Gianni Infantino defended the in some English FA and League pundits while Spurs defender day via video link. right.” League last December follow- time it takes to clarify incidents Cup games. Danny Rose called the game “Let’s look at the facts. The International Football ing a serious knee injury. referred to the video assistant However, VAR’s use has “shambolic”. We’ve analysed almost 1000 Association Board (IFAB) is He was United’s top referee (VAR) by saying the been criticised by some people Infantino, however, said the games and the reality is you lose expected to decide today scorer last season with 28 delays are negligible when who feel it interrupts the flow delay to get a decision was a an average of 90 seconds per whether to approve the use of goals in 46 appearances, compared to other stoppages of a game. small price to pay for making game. Is that too long? VAR. Infantino is VAR’s lead- helping them win the League that take place during a match. During Tottenham Hot- the right call. Perhaps. ing supporter and has Cup and Europa League. The system that allows off- spur’s 6-1 win over Rochdale in “One of the main criticisms “But we lose an average of promised it will be used at this “This season has been pitch referees to re-examine a Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth round is about the time that is lost and seven minutes per game due to year’s World Cup if approved really difficult for him,” decision or an incident referred replay, five of the goals scored many people have talked about throw ins (when the ball goes by IFAB. Mourinho said. SPORT Saturday 3 March 2018

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 India’s Sharma Sixers’ secure rare win Barca lead by ﬁve shines in over Lebron’s Cavaliers points after draw Mexico at Las Palmas All athletes in 400m heat disqualiﬁed

REUTERS

BIRMINGHAM: Every runner, including the world’s Action from the QNB Stars League match between Al Ahli and fastest man this year, was disqualified in a bizarre Al Kharaitiyat at Al Ahli Stadium in Doha yesterday. 400 metres heat that made athletics history on the second day of the world indoor championships yesterday. Bralon Taplin was among the casualties after Al Ahli edge appearing to qualify for the semi-finals later on Fri- day by winning the third heat comfortably in 46.37 seconds. But the Grenadan was ruled to have run out of his lane, along with the other three finishers, Al Kharaitiyat Jamaica’s Steven Gayle, Latvia’s Austris Karpinskis and Alonzo Russell from the Bahamas. ARMSTRONG VAS QNB STARS Another runner, Qatar’s 2017 world outdoor THE PENINSULA bronze medallist Abdalelah Haroun, was earlier red LEAGUE carded for false starting in the same heat. It is the DOHA: A goal 12 minutes from Yesterday's results first time every athlete has been disqualified from end helped Al Ahli to secure full Al Ahli bt Al Kharaitiyat 3-2 a heat at a major championships, according to stat- Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim (left), silver medallist at the IAAF World Indoor points in a fighting 3-2 win Al Khor bt Al Sailiya 2-1 istician Mark Butler. There was no such drama in Championships 2018, poses for a picture with gold medallist Neutral athlete Danil against Al Kharaitiyat in Week Today’s matches the final heat when Pavel Maslak eased though, 19 of the QNB Stars League at qualifying behind Spain’s Oscar Husillos as the Lysenko and bronze medallist Germany’s Mateusz Przybylko during the medal Qatar SC vs Umm Salal at Qatar ceremony for the Men’s High Jump at the Arena Birmingham, Birmingham, Britain Al Ahli Stadium yesterday. SC Stadium, 6.00pm Czech indoor specialist attempts to become the first The Brigadiers’ goals came three-time 400m champion at the event. on Thursday. in the second, 50th and 78th Al Arabi vs Al Markhiya at Al minute through Yasine Arabi Stadium, 8.10pm Chikhaoui, Mohammed Mun- tari and Hamza Younes perfect for Younes to divert into respectively. Rachid Tiberka- the back of the net, with the nine scored both goals for the keeper having no chance. I’ll probably race for the away side in the 21st and 52nd In the other match, Al Khor minute. defeated Al Sailiya 2-1. An enthralling encounter at Meanwhile, Al Arabi will be the Al Ahli Stadium saw a flurry looking to carry forward their of action from both sides as good form of the last round to next two years, says Rossi they fought for valuable points the Week 19 match against Al at the business end of the sea- Markhiya. MOTOGP.COM son. The game got off to an “We are coming off a cru- electric start when Majed cial victory over Al Kharaitiyat. DOHA: Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) Mohammed cooly set up They were very important three confirmed at the Qatar Test that he is likely to Chikhaoui to guide the ball points as far we are concerned. remain racing in 2019 and 2020, with the subject home from close range. And we are keen to keep win- coming up when discussing the possibility of a Al Kharaitiyat did not allow ning,” Al Arabi caoch, Luka future satellite VR46-run premier class team. the shock start to get to them Bonacic said on the eve of the After Tech 3 and Yamaha parted ways for as they equalised not long after match. 2019, the rumor mill has been in overdrive about when Tiberkanine latched onto “The game against Al the future possibilities for a satellite team to run a 40-yard through pass on the Markhiya is also vital from our machinery from the Iwata marque – with one left, before turning his marker point of view because we both of the big talking points centered on the possi- and firing into the net. are almost at the same level in bility of a future VR46-branded outfit doing just Just after the restart, Al Ahli the standings. So the match is that. retook the lead through a pen- worth six points for us. “I didn’t expect Poncharal to leave Yamaha,” alty. Muntari stepped up, “Our team is mentally and begins the ‘Doctor’. deceived the goalkeeper and physically better after the last “We thought about it and it would have been made no mistake with his shot. victory, which was only our a great opportunity, but in the next two years we Celebrations were short- third in the entire campaign. will not make a MotoGP team with Yamaha.” lived as Tiberkanine came That has given the players a Then comes the headline, with Rossi confirm- straight back at them when he huge confidence boost. We are ing that it’s more a project for after he stops racing beat the offside trap and headed focused only on winning this – and that very probably, that won’t be anytime home with the relative ease of game and add three valuable before 2020. a skilled marksman. points to our tally. “I’ll probably race for the next two years, so The home side eventually “We have had the strong hopefully, we’ll talk about the team later when I made amends for lack of con- support of the club manage- stop - but not in 2019 or 2020.” After Marc Mar- centration and scored the ment and that has a positive Valentino Rossi in action on the second day of the MotoGP’s ﬁnal pre-season test quez (Repsol Honda Team) signed on the Monday match-winning goal with 12 impact on the team. We hope at Losail International Circuit yesterday. Suzuki rider Andrea Iannone of Italy went before Qatar and Maverick Viñales (Movistar minutes left on the clock. to keep getting that backing in quickest on the second day in Qatar. The Italian dethroned former Ducati team-mate Yamaha MotoGP) announced his future at the Chikhaoui rose the highest from the coming games as well,” Andrea Dovizioso from the top spot by 0.041s in the ﬁnal half-hour of the session, Yamaha Team presentation, will Rossi be the next a corner and his flick-on was added Bonacic. courtesy of a 1m54.586s effort. to sign on the line? Five-star Starc puts Australia in total control AFP a lone hand for South Africa, Starc used reverse swing delivery. Three balls later he had SCOREBOARD making 71 not out. bowled from around the wicket Hashim Amla caught off bat and DURBAN: The spin of Nathan Mitchell Marsh struck 96 for to make the ball move discon- pad at short leg. Australia (I innings) South Africa (I innings) C Bancroft c De Kock b Philander ...... 5 D Elgar c and b Lyon ...... 7 Lyon and the reverse swing of Australia. Largely through his certingly away from the Markram (32) fended a short D Warner c De Villiers b Philander ...... 51 A Markram c Bancroft b Cummins ...... 32 Mitchell Starc sent South Africa efforts, as well as an aggressive right-handed batsmen before ball from Pat Cummins to give U Khawaja c De Kock b Rabada ...... 14 H Amla c Bancroft b Lyon ...... 0 crashing on the second day of innings of 35 by Starc, Austral- blasting out the last two bats- Cameron Bancroft a second S Smith c De Villiers b Maharaj ...... 56 A de Villiers not out ...... 71 the first Test against Australia at ia’s last three wickets added 100 men, both left-handers, with full catch at short leg to leave South S Marsh c De Villiers b Maharaj ...... 40 F du Plessis c Paine b Starc ...... 15 Kingsmead yesterday. runs to take them to a total of deliveries bowled from over the Africa reeling at 55 for three at M Marsh c Morkel b Philander ...... 96 T de Bruyn c Paine b Starc ...... 6 South Africa were bowled 351. wicket. tea. De Villiers and captain Faf T Paine c De Kock b Rabada ...... 25 Q de Kock b Lyon ...... 20 out for 162 shortly before the On a pitch which has proved Dean Elgar and Aiden du Plessis batted confidently P Cummins b Maharaj ...... 3 V Philander c Paine b Starc ...... 8 M Starc b Maharaj ...... 35 K Maharaj b Hazlewood ...... 0 close, giving Australia a lead of even slower than predicted by Markram put on 27 for South after tea, scoring freely off Lyon N Lyon c De Bruyn b Maharaj ...... 12 K Rabada lbw b Starc ...... 3 189 runs on the first innings. both captains, left-arm spinner Africa’s first wicket and were so that the spinner was taken off J Hazlewood (not out) ...... 2 M Morkel b Starc ...... 0 Lyon started the slide for the Keshav Maharaj took five for 123 looking reasonably comfortable after a spell of two for 36 in ten Extras (B4, LB8) ...... 12 Extras ...... 0 hosts and finished with three for for South Africa. until Australian captain Steve overs. He was replaced by the Total (110.4 overs) ...... 351 Total (51.4 overs) ...... 162 50 before the tall left-armer Spin continued to be effec- Smith brought Lyon into the Starc, who struck twice with Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-39, 3-95, 4-151, 5-177, 6-237, Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-27, 3-55, 4-92, 5-108, 6-150, Starc gave a magnificent display tive when South Africa batted. attack in the eighth over. reverse swing, having both Du 7-251, 8-300, 9-341 7-158, 8-159, 9-162 of fast, reverse swing bowling to Off-spinner Lyon was brought He had almost immediate Plessis and Theunis de Bruyn Bowling: Morkel 22-3-75-0, Philander 27-12-59-3, Maha- Bowling: Starc 10.4-3-34-5, Hazlewood 13-5-31-1, Lyon raj 33.4-5-123-5, Rabada 25-7-74-2, Markram 1-0-2-0, De 16-3-50-3, Cummins 12-2-47-1 take five for 34. on in the eighth over and took success, catching Elgar off his caught behind off balls which Bruyn 2-0-6-0 Match situation: Australia lead by 189 runs AB de Villiers played almost two wickets in his first over. own bowling with his second moved away from them.