TTENNISENNIS | Page 6 Djoko quietly confi dent for Monte Carlo Masters

Monday, April 15, 2019 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 10, 1440 AH Salah wonder-strike GULF TIMES keeps Liverpool top; City win at Palace SPORT Page 2

FOCUS Samuel Eto’o unveiled as an SC Global Ambassador amuel Eto’o, one of the most The World Cup is the biggest competi- In addition to this, in March 2006, players who now play with some of Eu- decorated players in world foot- tion in football – there is nothing big- he launched the Samuel Eto’o Founda- rope’s biggest clubs. It gives pride for ball, has offi cially joined the Su- ger – and I think that for the players tion and has since built football schools me as the face of the foundation but all preme Committee for Delivery who have had the chance to play in the across Africa with the goal of encour- those backing me have also played a big &S Legacy (SC) as a Global Ambassador. World Cup there is nothing more beau- aging young people to have access to role in giving the youth this opportu- Eto’o has won 15 major honours in his tiful.” sporting facilities to hone their skills, nity.” glittering career to-date, a haul that in- Eto’o continued: “Football goes much while also providing the frameworks Commenting on the announcement, cludes three UEFA Champions League farther than politics and it’s important required for them to continue their al-Thawadi welcomed Eto’o to the victories, four league titles across spells that football travels the world because studies. The foundation also provides team. in Italy and Spain, and one FIFA Club it’s everywhere – it’s an incredible so- healthcare and social integration op- He said: “Samuel is one of the most World Cup. He joins Xavi Hernandez cial force. It has an impact on our lives portunities for those who attend. successful footballers in the history of and Mohamed Saadon al-Kuwari as even if some do not like football – we On his passion for using the power of the game, and we welcome him to join offi cial SC Ambassadors. The former are always paying attention to football football to aff ect positive social change, us on this unique journey. As well as his Cameroon international Eto’o has also and I am happy that Qatar is and will Eto’o added: “It always humbles me to remarkable achievements on the fi eld, earned 118 international caps – includ- be the face of it for a month during the know that I can bring a smile to some- what makes him stand out is the com- ing appearances at four FIFA World World Cup, and Qatar will also be the one’s face with small acts of kindness mitment he has shown to using his pro- Cups between 1998 and 2014. face of the Middle East.” like lending an ear. What may seem be- fi le to aff ect positive change away from In August 2018, he joined QNB Stars With a particular focus on workers’ nign to us, can mean the world to oth- the professional game. League side Qatar Sports Club and welfare projects, Eto’o will assist and ers. “We have always been steadfast in made a new home for himself in the support the SC in the delivery and im- “I told myself I have to share my ex- our own commitment to ensuring this host country of the next FIFA World plementation of a number of its initia- perience with some, and above all, the World Cup is not only about the 28 days Cup. During a special signing ceremony tives, as it continues its work to deliver grassroots in Cameroon in particular of on-pitch action, but about the im- with SC Secretary-General Hassan al- an outstanding FIFA World Cup and and in Africa in general. I can establish pact it will have across the Arab world Thawadi, he offi cially became part of also ensure the legacy of the competi- football schools which will allow some and beyond, for generations to come. the journey on the road to 2022. tion is long lasting and far reaching. Samuel Eto’o (right) with Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Secretary- young people to overcome some obsta- I am confi dent that working alongside The four-time African Player of Year The striker, who in 1998 appeared at General Hassan al-Thawadi. cles which they might face in Europe. someone of Samuel’s calibre, stature said, “It’s a great honour for me to be an his fi rst FIFA World Cup at the age of “This is why I embarked on this and character can only positively help ambassador for the SC and hope I am just 17 years and three months, has also sional game. In 2017 he was named the dren’s Education Fund Goodwill Am- beautiful project that excites me every us to achieve these goals together.” able to deliver what is expected of me. made an impact away from the profes- United Nations International Chil- bassador for Cameroon. day and I’m happy because I have some (SC.qa)

GOLF / THE MASTERS TigerTiger outout ooff tthehe wwoodsoods

linari’s day escalated as Woods was the least surprising Sunday drive to within 234 yards of the 43-year-old wins his 15th major failed to convert from 11ft for a act that Woods took dead aim for par-fi ve 15th green. birdie at the 6th. Molinari, having the centre of the green. Molinari’s capitulation, pain- after a gap of 11 years air-mailed the green, scrambled Molinari’s double-bogey ful to view, was the next sensa- quite brilliantly for par. Unbowed, dropped him back to a share of tional strand. Having caught far By Ewan Murray his 15th major from the position of Woods fi red an approach to the the lead at 11 under. He did not too much turf with his third shot The Guardian behind after 54 holes – something 7th to tap-in range as Molinari just have Woods for company at to the 15th Molinari was lucky his he had not achieved before – bare- dropped a shot, his fi rst in 50 holes. this stage; up ahead on the 13th fi fth did not fi nd water as well. ly registered amid the chaos. Woods produced a contender green Xander Schauff ele’s birdie It did not particularly matter; iger Woods wins the It would require the pagination for shot of the Masters at the 9th, meant a three-way tie. Rain bat- a double-bogey was a decisive Masters. If ever fi ve of a telephone directory to prop- with a lagged downhill putt from tered down to add to the sense of blow in respect of his Masters words did not do justice erly record what occurred on this 70ft. There was no such salva- theatre. hopes. The 16th, where Woods to an outcome… Masters Sunday. Woods’s closing tion on 10 where Woods paid for Patrick Cantlay produced an has previous, saw the winner hit TLet debate now rage as to round of 70 for a 13-under-par a pushed tee shot by way of an- eagle at the 15th to skip to the top his tee shot to three feet. The where this sits in the pantheon 275 ensured he won by one from other bogey. Molinari’s advan- of the leaderboard at 12 under. lead was two. Tiger, young or old, of sporting comebacks. Four- Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauf- tage was two from Woods and The fi nal group had holes – in- does not fritter that away. Woods teen years after he last put on the fele and Brooks Koepka; not that Koepka, with the latter seriously cluding two par-fi ves – on their had two putts for victory at that Green Jacket, 11 years after last anybody seemed particularly wounded by the fi nding of Rae’s side but worsening weather could 18th; in adding to the drama, he winning a major and 24 months bothered about raw details. Su- Creek from the 12th tee. off set the advantage. Schauf- used them. after conceding to friends “I’m perlatives rained from the skies. Koepka’s mental error proved fele joined Cantlay with a birdie As the leaders jousted so, too, done” Woods completed a tri- Francesco Molinari, who Last year’s Masters champion Patrick Reed (left) puts the Green Jacket a sign of things to come. How at the 14th. Molinari’s approach did the remaining non-profes- umph which rates as extraordi- showed such fortitude for three on for Tiger Woods after the latter won the 2019 edition in Augusta, that 12th hole, at just 147 yards, to the 13th clung on for dear life, sionals. Viktor Hovland took the nary even by his standards. and a half days, wobbled horri- United States, yesterday. (AFP) torments the fi nest players in thereby – temporarily – saving honours for the low amateur. “I It seemed poetic for the sensa- bly over Augusta’s famous closing the world in the fi nal round. Ian him a second visit to Rae’s Creek. felt really calm out there,” the tional act to transpire at Augusta, stretch. The sorest episode of all the state of Georgia was watching ie at the 3rd reduced Molinari’s Poulter had already followed Cantlay’s dropped shot at 16 21-year-old Norwegian said. He where Woods began altering the for the holder of the Claret Jug ar- the fi nal group. Woods, by his own advantage to one. As the wind Koepka into the water by the time and Schauff ele’s failure to take could have sold that emotion for shape of golf in 1997. Twenty- rived at the 15th, where he found admission prone to terrible bouts whipped, Woods under-clubbed Molinari and Woods were roared advantage of the defenceless a good few dollars to players of two years on, a 43-year-old the middle of a pond when only of nervousness before opening tee his tee shot to the par-three next onto the 12th tee as if gladia- 15th looked signifi cant. Cantlay higher status. Woods celebrated more wildly 79 yards from the hole. Molinari’s shots, split the fairway. As Moli- and paid the penalty by way of tors. Perhaps Molinari’s mind stumbled again at the penulti- Rory McIlroy, a self-confessed than ever before in the company share of fi fth does not at all illus- nari tugged his approach shot long a bogey. There was likewise for slipped towards what grisly out- mate hole. Not so Johnson. Bird- “Tiger geek” posted a 68 for a share of his mother and children. trate his contribution to this major. and left, gallery excitement grew; Woods at the 5th, a hole he played comes Amen Corner’s reputation ies at the 16th and 17th edged him of 21st before fi nding a berth from Tiger Woods: fi ve-times Mas- At 9.20am all 445 yards of the 1st the Open champion was to save in an aggregate of plus four. Sud- is built on; a miscued iron shot to a share of the lead – Koepka which to witness the denouement. ters champion. The scene was hole – with spectators 10 deep in par from 13ft. denly Molinari was three clear. bounced from the bank and into immediately joined the same “It’s anyone’s,” said McIlroy at that barely believable. That Woods won places – gave the impression half A straightforward Woods bird- The sense this would be Mo- the most famous stream in golf. It party – as Woods launched a stage. It was Tiger’s. Gulf Times 2 Monday, April 15, 2019 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Solskjaer admits Salah wonder-strike Man Utd benefi ted from good fortune in win over West Ham

Reuters Paul Pogba stepped up to score keeps Liverpool top; United’s second penalty of the Manchester, England game and Solskjaer admitted his side were lucky to secure all three anchester United points. manager Ole Gun- “We got away with it. Some- nar Solskjaer said times you get more than you de- his side “got away serve and today is one of them City win at Palace Mwith it” as United warmed up for nights,” Solskjaer said. “Watford their Champions League clash was one of them as well. with Barcelona with a laboured “We were lucky it wasn’t Bar- Result restores Liverpool’s lead at the top, though City have a game in hand 2-1 win over West Ham United celona but West Ham played on Saturday. well.” Since Solskjaer was appoint- It was United’s second win in ed permanent United manager six games in all competitions since last month, the Red Devils have their remarkable comeback vic- struggled to fi nd the form that tory over Paris St Germain in the helped them to an 11-match un- Champions League’s round of 16. beaten streak when the Norwe- They will now be hoping they gian fi rst took over on an interim can produce another stirring basis in December. fi ghtback against Barcelona to- After being given the job per- morrow. manently, Solskjaer’s side saw Barcelona have won 27 of their off Watford but they then lost last 30 Champions League home successive matches to Wolver- matches and drawn the other hampton Wanderers and then three. They have never lost to Barcelona in the fi rst leg of their United at home in the competi- Champions League quarter-fi nal tion but Solskjaer is refusing to at Old Traff ord. give up hope. Barcelona will carry a 1-0 ad- “We know it is going to be a vantage into next week’s return very diffi cult game but we beat leg comfortable in the knowledge PSG,” Solskjaer added. “It will that they did not face a shot on be a greater achievement if we target. can manage it against Barcelona Against West Ham on Satur- because we know what they are. day, United needed a penalty to “We will go there, why not take a fi rst-half lead at Old Traf- have a go but we have to be better ford and, after the visitors lev- defensively.” elled through Felipe Anderson, One glimmer of hope for Unit- United needed the crossbar and ed is that a much-changed Bar- a brilliant David de Gea save to celona were held by La Liga bot- keep the scores level. tom side Huesca on Saturday.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is congratulated by teammates after he scored a goal against Chelsea during their Premier League match in Liverpool, England, yesterday. (Reuters)

DPA Palace hope with a clever free kick London nine minutes from time. Palace had a couple of half- chances to threaten an equaliser ohamed Salah but Jesus dashed any hopes of scored a stunning a comeback with the third, al- goal as Liverpool though replays suggested he was beat Chelsea 2-0 marginally off side. Myesterday and kept their noses in “This pressure is incredible,” West Ham to ban fans for life front of Manchester City in the City manager Pep Guardiola said race for the Premier League title. of the title run-in as they bid to over anti-Semitic video Champions City held top spot win every trophy possible this for a couple of hours after they term. AFP “These people are not welcome won 3-1 at Crystal Palace, with “We are fi ghting to be cham- London at our club — they are not wel- Raheem Sterling scoring twice. pions back to back. In two sea- come in civilised society.” But a Sadio Mane header and sons we’ve got 83 points with “We are taking immediate a brilliant strike from Salah gave fi ve games left. We’ve won two est Ham fans identi- action to try to identify the Liverpool a vital home win over titles (Community Shield and fied in a video chant- off enders, whose details we fourth-placed Chelsea. League Cup) and now it’s the FA Wing anti-Semitic will be handing over to the The result restored Liver- Cup fi nal. slogans will be barred for life, police and will be banned for pool’s two-point lead at the Sterling said he expects the the Premier League club said life from London Stadium and top, though City have a game in title race to go right down to the yesterday. from travelling with the club. hand. fi nal day. The video surfaced of the “West Ham United is un- “It’s really big,” Liverpool “100 per cent, the way Liver- Hammers supporters chants equivocal in its stance — there captain Jordan Henderson said. pool have been playing,” he said. on their way to Saturday’s is no place for this kind of “It’s another big game we “It will go down to the wire. I Premier League away match behaviour at our club.” have won. We have to concen- Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (right) celebrates his goal with teammate Kevin De Bruyne during the don’t see us slowing down now. with Manchester United. Greater Manchester Police ap- trate on ourselves, work hard on Premier League match against Crystal Palace in London yesterday. (Reuters) Liverpool have a great squad, This follows days after a video pealed for those in possession the training pitch and the focus great self-belief, but so do we.” captured Chelsea fans singing of the images to get in touch. is on the next game. First Mane headed Hender- fi rst two goals, before Gabriel the third goal. We knew we had Palace remain 13th and man- an Islamophobic song about Detective Chief Inspector “We are enjoying it and that’s son’s cross into the net for the Jesus added a late third. to be on it from the fi rst minute.” ager Roy Hodgson had no com- Liverpool’s Egyptian forward Rebecca Boyce said she the main thing.” opener on 51 minutes before “We controlled the ball re- Sterling had City 2-0 up by plaints about the result. Mohamed Salah, before their “welcomed West Ham’s state- With City winning at Palace Salah rifl ed in an unstoppable ally well but one moment in the the hour mark, having earlier “We got better as the game Europa League match against ment” which “quite rightly earlier in the day, Liverpool knew shot from 25 metres to double game and they are back in it,” missed a simple chance to open went on and in the second half Czech side Slavia Prague. condemns these disgusting they could not aff ord to slip up. their lead. Sterling said. “But we responded the scoring. we gave it a good shot,” he said. Three of the six people in the and abhorrent slurs”. The home side dominated Eden Hazard hit the post for again and got the third goal.” The England forward put the video were identified and “Here in Manchester we pride possession in the fi rst half but Chelsea and forced a good save “We always knew coming here champions in front after 15 min- RESULTS barred. A similar fate awaits ourselves on making sure fans Chelsea held fi rm in defence to from Alisson but Liverpool held in the past that it’s a diffi cult utes but Palace, who won at City Crystal Palace 1 (Milivojevic the West Hams supporters. from far and wide are wel- keep it goalless at the break. on to keep themselves in front. place to come. We got two goals earlier in the season, held out for 81) Manchester City 3 (Sterling “We are disgusted by the comed and it is disappointing But two goals in three minutes City avoided a potential ba- but knew we couldn’t switch off . the rest of the half. 15, 63, Jesus 90) contents of the video,” said a that a small few have brought turned the game in Liverpool’s nana skin as they won 3-1 at “We kept pushing and kept Sterling doubled the lead on 63 Liverpool 2 (Mane 51, Salah West Ham spokesperson. shame on football in this way.” favour. Palace, with Sterling scoring the making it diffi cult — glad to get minutes but Luca Milivojevic gave 53) Chelsea 0

SPOTLIGHT Celtic ease into Cup fi nal as Aberdeen implode

AFP only themselves to blame for not dominant second-half perform- “It will be a very tough game Glasgow off ering more resistance as both ance although it was Ball’s 36th against Hearts, but that will be in Dominic Ball — sent off for a ter- minute dismissal that turned the the back of our minds,” he said. rible aerial challenge on Ryan match. “We have two massive games eltic’s hopes of a third Christie who had to go off and “The red card settled us and to secure the league title.” successive domestic tre- was given medical attention in we got the goal. Thereafter we As for Christie McGregor said ble is fi rmly on course the dressing room — and Lewis were well in control of the game,” the seriousness of the incident after they cruised into Ferguson were red-carded for Celtic midfi elder Callum McGre- was highlighted by the length of Cthe Scottish Cup fi nal with a 3-0 ugly challenges. gor told BBC Scotland. time he was prone on the pitch. win over an Aberdeen side that The coaching staff too felt “James (Forrest) is a top player “He took a real sore one, you imploded yesterday. the wrong end of the offi cials’ and he can produce moments like could see by the length of time he Goals by James Forrest, tongues too as manager Derek that when games are tight and it was down it’s a serious one,” said Odsonne Edouard with a penalty McInnes and assistant Tony Do- shows what a special player he McGregor. and Australian Tom Rogic gave cherty were sent to the stands in is.” “He was in just getting as- Neil Lennon’s team an easy pas- a day that the club will want to McGregor said the league ti- sessed at half-time by the doctor, sage into the fi nal where they will forget very quickly. tle remained the priority — they so I think he was okay, but they meet Hearts, who beat Inverness Forrest’s excellent goal sent are 11 points clear of bitter rivals need to take their time and make Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard (right) celebrates after scoring against Aberdeen during their Scottish Cup 3-0 on Saturday. them in at half-time 1-0 up and Rangers — and the second part of sure he’s okay properly.” semi-final in Glasgow yesterday. (Reuters) However, Aberdeen will have the ideal launching pad for their their treble ambitions. Gulf Times Monday, April 15, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A LA LIGA Molina penalty Napoli win to delay earns Getafe late draw at Valladolid DPA playing for something.” Barcelona Villarreal rose to 15th as Samu- el Chukwueze’s seventh-minute strike set up victory at Girona’s Juve celebrations, orge Molina’s 96th minute Montilivi stadium. penalty earned 10-man The Catalans, who have won Getafe a 2-2 draw at Real twice at home all season, are 14th Valladolid yesterday in La and now part of the relegation LigaJ to keep them within a point battle, sitting just three points of fourth place and potential above the drop zone. Champions League qualifi cation. Athletic Bilbao moved seventh Villarreal earned an impor- as they outlasted Rayo, with the send Chievo down tant 1-0 victory at Girona to Madrid side 19th, now fi ve points climb out of the relegation zone, from safety. Juve can secure the title by avoiding defeat at home to Fiorentina next weekend while Athletic Bilbao edged a 3-2 Jordi Amat’s own goal sent thriller against Rayo Vallecano. Athletic ahead in the second Reuters Getafe, in fi fth, were below minute but Raul Garcia missed Rome their best at the Jose Zorilla and a penalty when he might have played most of the second half doubled the Basque side’s lead. with 10 men after Matias Olivera Alex Moreno equalized just apoli postponed Ju- swung an arm at Oscar Plano. before half-time but Inaki Wil- ventus’ march to the However a debatable late pen- liams struck to send Athletic Serie A title and con- alty stopped Valladolid, 18th, back ahead and Garcia added the signed Chievo to rel- from making progress in their third after Rayo’s Luis Advincula Negation with a 3-1 win at the bid to escape relegation, leaving was dismissed for two yellow Stadio Bentegodi yesterday. the hosts one point from safety. cards. Carlo Ancelotti’s side needed Mauro Arambarri sent the Raul de Tomas pulled one back a victory to ensure that the Tu- visitors ahead with a tremendous for the visitors with fi ve minutes rin club, who lost 2-1 at SPAL strike from long distance but remaining to set up a frantic fi - on Saturday, would not wrap up Sergi Guardiola levelled after half nale but Athletic held on for the their eighth consecutive league an hour. win. championship with a record six The game turned in Valladol- Real Sociedad drew 1-1 with games to spare. id’s favour when Olivera was Eibar, as striker Juanmi sent the Two goals from Kalidou dismissed in the 63rd minute, hosts ahead after just 11 seconds Koulibaly either side of an Arka- with Enes Unal slotting home a but Joan Jordan’s 85th minute diusz Milik strike confi rmed penalty after Djene Dakonam’s equalizer earned the visitors Chievo’s demotion despite handball shortly after. a point. La Real are 10th while Bostjan Cesar’s late consola- Valladolid had a goal correctly Eibar are 12th. tion, after a miserable season in disallowed for off side before a Barcelona, nine points clear at which the Verona club have re- controversial fi nale saw Getafe the top of the table, drew 0-0 at corded just one win in 32 games. awarded a penalty when Plano bottom side Huesca on Saturday. The result leaves second- clashed with Hugo Duro in the placed Napoli on 67 points, 17 area. RESULTS behind runaway leaders Juven- Molina converted it to give Valladolid 2 (Guardiola tus on 84. Getafe a point and frustrate Val- Navarro 30, Unal 69-pen) Getafe Juve can secure the title by ladolid. 2 (Arambarri 14, Jorge Molina avoiding defeat at home to “It will not be easy to win 90+6-pen) Fiorentina next weekend. games, as we saw today against Athletic Bilbao 3 (Williams Napoli were in poor form go- Real Valladolid, who play well 2, 50, Raul Garcia 72) Rayo Val- ing into the game, having lost and have great fans, and we will lecano 2 (Moreno Lopera 45, their Europa League quarter- have to suff er a lot from here un- Tomas 85) fi nal fi rst leg against Arsenal 2-0 til the end of the season,” said Real Sociedad 1 (Juanmi 1) in London last week on the back Getafe coach Jose Bordalas. Eibar 1 (Jordan Moreno 85) of a draw against Genoa and de- “It will be very diffi cult to get Girona 0 Villarreal 1 (Chuk- feat to Empoli in Serie A. points because all the teams are wueze 7) Ancelotti picked a strong team as he looked to return to winning ways ahead of his side’s LIGUE 1 second leg clash with the Pre- mier League side at the Stadio San Paolo on Thursday. Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly (centre) scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match against Chievo in Verona, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) “It’s always diffi cult to choose Saint-Etienne heat my team and it was today too,” the celotti suggested he could take they’ll have here at the San Paolo, Milik doubled Napoli’s lead but prop up the table with just Napoli coach told Sky Sports Italia. the same approach for the visit so going for the counter-attack. with a curling strike into the 11 points, having been handed a “I wanted to use a reliable of Arsenal this week. “I chose Insigne and Mertens bottom corner from outside three-point deduction for false up Champions side that had a lot of character, “It’s a possibility,” he said. “I together because they are both the box midway through the accounting at the start of the as against Empoli I made a lot of preserved Milik early in the sea- quicker than Milik, so I wanted second half before Koulibaly campaign. changes and we lost something son, but he can do great things to use their pace. I think next completed his brace with a low League charge with in terms of personality.” that put him along the top strik- Thursday the key will be to play finish inside the final 10 min- RESULTS Goalkeeper David Ospina re- ers in Europe. a lot of vertical passes.” utes. Torino 1 (Zaza 52) Cagliari 1 turned for the fi rst time since “We were surprised by the Bostjan Cesar headed in from (Pavoletti 75) Bordeaux triumph being hospitalised after suf- Arsenal pressing game, as we CHIEVO CONSOLATION a corner to pull one back for Fiorentina 0 Bologna 0 fering a head injury in a league couldn’t play our way out from Napoli profi ted from some slack Chievo with the fi nal act of the Sampdoria 2 (Defrel 3, game with Udinese on 17 March. the back and kept trying to do it fi nishing when Koulibaly snuck game. Quagliarella 53-pen) Genoa 0 Milik, Lorenzo Insigne and rather than attempt long balls. in at the front post to head in the Domenico Di Carlo’s side Sassuolo 0 Parma 0 Dries Mertens all started in an “Their second half perform- opener from close range after 15 have won one game, drawn 11 Chievo 1 (Cesar 90) Napoli 3 attack-minded line-up and An- ance is more like the attitude minutes. and lost 20 so far this season (Koulibaly 15, 81, Milik 64)

BUNDESLIGA Coman sends Bayern back to the top with victory at Dusseldorf

DPA to sack chief executive Robert Berlin Schaefer. The only negative for Bayern was another injury to Neuer, ingsley Coman scored who asked to be substituted twice to propel Bayern with a calf problem. Hummels Munich back to the top also felt his hamstring. of the Bundesliga with Frankfurt, who host Ben- Ka regulation 4-1 win at Fortuna fi ca on Thursday in the Europa Dusseldorf yesterday. League quarter-fi nals after a Borussia Dortmund, ham- 4-2 defeat last week, started mered 5-0 at Bayern last week- superbly against Augsburg but end, had retaken fi rst place with quickly fell away. Saturday’s nervous 2-1 home Goncalo Paciencia leapt to Saint-Etienne’s Mathieu Debuchy (centre) celebrates his goal during win over Mainz but now trail head home on 14 minutes but the Ligue 1 match against Bordeaux at the Geoff roy Guichard Stadium again by a point with fi ve match- Marco Richter scored two classy in Saint-Etienne, France, yesterday. (AFP) es left. strikes to put the visitors ahead Bayern’s injury-prone goal- at the break and Michael Gre- AFP ahead of Marseille, who started keeper Manuel Neuer had to goritsch added a late third. Saint Etienne, France the day fourth and in the Europa limp off in the second half but Gelson Fernandes received a League spot after surviving late the result was never in doubt second booking for the Eagles, VAR penalty drama on Saturday with Coman, involved in a who stayed in the fi nal Champi- aint-Etienne closed in to scrape to a 2-1 win over Nimes. fi ght with team-mate Rob- Bayern Munich’s Thomas Mueller (left) and Kingsley Coman (right) celebrate their goal against Fortuna ons League spot but their cush- on Champions League They are two points ahead ert Lewandowski in midweek, Dusseldorf in Dusseldorf, Germany, yesterday. (Reuters) ion over fi fth-placed Borussia football next season after of Rudi Garcia’s side and piling clearing the air with two fi rst- Moenchengladbach is now just Mathieu Debuchy scored pressure on Lyon, who have lost half goals. sixth and maintain their push time when he converted Joshua their seventh straight title but a point. twiceS in a 3-0 win over Bordeaux two on the bounce following Fri- “It doesn’t aff ect us when we for a European place. Kimmich’s excellent pull back. Dortmund fans will still hope Augsburg are now seven that moves them to within three day’s shock 2-1 defeat at Nantes. have a bit of pressure,” Bayern’s Bayern started with Coman Gnabry added another on 55 for a twist in the tale in the com- points above the relegation points of third-placed Lyon yes- Lyon go into the fi nal six games Thomas Mueller told Sky as they and Lewandowski despite the minutes from close range fol- ing weeks in the best Bundesliga play-off spot. terday. in trouble following coach Bruno racked up 25 points from the last pair coming to physical blows lowing a corner. run-in for years. Bayern host Wahbi Khazri opened the scor- Genesio’s announcement that he 27 available. “We have it in our in training. It was Coman who Dusseldorf’s Dodi Lukebakio, seventh-placed Werder Bremen RESULTS ing from the spot 10 minutes after would leave the club in the sum- own hands, we have to go game glanced the post with a fl ick fol- who bagged a hat-trick when next weekend while Dortmund Hoff enheim 2 (Amiri 30, the break following a VAR check mer after falling out of favour by game.” lowing a cross by fellow winger Bayern were held 3-3 at home go to Freiburg in 13th. Nelson 76) Hertha Berlin 0 of Sergi Palencia’s handball before with the fans. Fourth-placed Eintracht Serge Gnabry early on. in November, slotted in a late Mid-table Dusseldorf, who Fortuna Duesseldorf 1 (Luke- Debuchy headed home the second Frankfurt’s run of six straight Coman then scored the opener spotkick after the video assist- celebrated being offi cially safe bakio 89-pen) Bayern Munich from a corner to seal the points 17 RESULTS league wins came to an end in on 15 minutes when his cross ant surprisingly decided Mats in the Bundesliga on Saturday 4 (Coman 15, 41, Gnabry 55, minutes before the end. Montpellier 2 (Skhiri 55, Ca- a 3-1 home defeat by Augsburg drifted in at the far post with Mu- Hummels deliberately handled. in their fi rst season back in the Goretzka 90+2) Debuchy then completed the mara 77) Toulouse 1 (Sidibe 67) and their new coach Martin eller not quite getting a touch. Bayern substitute Leon Goretz- top fl ight, had their prepara- Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Pacien- win with a defl ected close-range Rennes 0 Nice 0 Schmidt. Hoff enheim overcame France international Coman ka then netted in injury time. tions slightly clouded by the cia 15) Augsburg 3 (Richter 31, strike in the fi nal minute to put Saint-Etienne 3 (Khazri 56- Hertha Berlin 2-0 at home to go made it 2-0 just before half- Bayern look favourites for club’s board admitting it wanted 45+4, Gregoritsch 84) Jean-Louis Gasset’s side back pen, Debuchy 74, 90) Bordeaux 0 Gulf Times 4 Monday, April 15, 2019 CRICKET

IPL FOCUS Delhi Capitals ride bowlers’ eff orts to Tahir and Raina beat Hyderabad

IANS Warner in the 17th over to leave New Delhi the hosts at 106/4. Warner’s departure triggered a batting collapse as Rabada struck in espite putting up a the very next delivery to dis- help Super Kings modest 155, Delhi miss Vijay Shankar (1). Capitals’ (DC) bowl- With the addition of just ers came out all guns four runs to the scorecard, blazingD to defend the target as Morris joined the party. Like they folded Sunrisers Hydera- his compatriot Rabada, Morris bad (SRH) for 116 in 18.5 overs too dealt a double blow by dis- to script a comfortable 39-run missing Deepak Hooda (3) and victory in their Indian Premier Rashid Khan (0) in back-to- put foot in playoff s League (IPL) clash at the Rajiv bak deliveries with Hyderabad Gandhi International Stadium, still 45 runs away from victory. ‘I bowl according to the captain. It’s always beneficial taking advice of Dhoni. He is a yesterday. There was no stopping Mor- Hyderabad were comfort- ris as he soon accounted for the legend and has been helping me a lot this season. Credit goes to him’ ably placed at 71/0 in the 10th wicket of Abhishek Sharma (2), over before Kasigo Rabada, leaving Hyderabad reeling at Chriss Morris and Keemo Paul 112/8 in 18 overs. came from nowhere to rattle Rabada then put the fi nal the hosts’ batting line-up as nail in the coffi n as the South the trio accounted for all the 10 Africa pacer scalped two more wickets to fall. wickets - Bhuvneshwar Kumar While Rabada was excep- (2) and Khaleel Ahmed (0) - to tional with fi gures of 4/22, the hand Delhi a comfortable vic- South African was ably sup- tory. ported by Morris and Paul, Earlier, valiant eff orts by who bagged three wickets each Colin Munro (40 off 24) and conceding just 22 and 17 runs, Shreyas Iyer (45 off 40) helped respectively. Delhi post a modest 155/7 as Chasing the modest target, Hyderabad bowlers bowled de- openers David Warner (51 off cently on a good batting track. 47) and Jonny Bairstow (41 off Put into bat, Delhi’s innings 31) laid a perfect platform for started on a poor note as they Hyderabad as the side looked lost openers Prithvi Shaw (4) well set at 36 for no loss after and Shikhar Dhawan (7) with fi ve overs. The experienced just 20 runs on the board after duo tackled the Delhi bowl- 3.2 overs. Khaleel accounted ers with great skill and and for both the Delhi openers. took their side past the 50-run Munro, however, tried to mark in 7.3 overs. anchor the Delhi innings and At that stage it seemed the kept the scoreboard ticking. hosts will overhaul the tar- But while trying to up the ante, get with ease, but some ma- he gifted his wicket to Ab- jor twists were yet to follow. hishek in the eighth over. Paul sent back a good looking With Delhi on 69/3, skipper Bairstow before dismissing Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant skipper Ken Williamson (3) to tried to stabilise the ship, tak- reduce Hyderabad to 78/2 in ing their side past the 100-run 11.4 overs. mark in the 12th over. Warner was a still a major threat before the visitors, but BRIEF SCORES Hyderabad didn’t lose hopes Delhi Capitals 155/7 (Shreyas as Paul packed back Ricky Bhui Iyer 45, Colin Munro 40; Kha- (7) cheaply as Delhi keep jolt- leel Ahmed 3/30) beat Sunris- ing the home team. ers Hyderabad (David Warner Rabada then came with the 51, Jonny Bairstow 41; Kagiso big breakthrough, scalping Rabada 4/22) by 39 runs.

Chennai Super Kings bowler Imran Tahir celebrates after taking the wicket of Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chris Lynn during their 2019 Indian Premier League match at the Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP)

IANS Tahir (4/27) fi rst played a piv- him in front of the wicket. Faf KKR’s surge as they could only Shardul (2/18), who along Kolkata otal role in restricting KKR to Du Plessis (24) was castled by manage 161/8. Tahir was in- with Tahir was the other ar- 161/8. Sunil Narine (2/19), who bowled troduced in the ninth over with chitect of Chennai’s choke, re- Chasing a modest 162 for vic- a wicket maiden in the sixth Lynn going great guns. The moved Shubman Gill (15) and mran Tahir and Suresh Rai- tory, Raina struck an unbeaten over. South Africa leg-spinner gave Piyush Chawla (0) in the fi nal na helped Chennai Super 58 off 42 balls (7x4; 1x6), his Ambati Rayudu (5) failed to away just four runs in his fi rst over. Kings (CSK) put one foot in 36th IPL fi fty, adding 41 runs impress the selectors on the over to then wreak havoc. “I bowl according to the cap- the playoff s as they got past with Ravindra Jadeja (31 off 17 eve of World Cup selection while The 40-year-old removed Ni- tain. It’s always benefi cial taking IKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) balls not out; 4x5) for the sixth Kedar Jadhav (20) also got out to tish Rana (21) and Robin Uthap- advice of Dhoni. He is a legend by fi ve wickets in their Indian wicket. leave CSK on 81/4. pa (0) in the 11th over to start and has been helping me a lot Premier League (IPL) return leg CSK needed 24 in the last two Dhoni and Raina combined KKR’s slide and then did the this season. Credit goes to him,” fi xture at the Eden Gardens overs, but Jadeja hit Harry Gur- for a 40-run fi fth wicket stand major damage in the 15th over Tahir, 40, said at the post-match yesterday. ney for a hattrick of fours in the before the former was trapped by removing Lynn and Russell media conference. CSK, who had defeated KKR in 19th over to bring the equation by Narine, with reviews not go- in the space of four balls. Lynn their fi rst meeting also, consoli- down to eight runs off six balls. ing in the former India skipper’s was caught at deep square leg by Brief scores dated their spot at the top of the The India all-rounder then favour. Shardul Thakur while substitute Kolkata Knight Riders 161/8 table with 14 points from eight creamed Piyush Chawla for a Earlier, recording his best fi g- Dhruv Shorey took an excellent in 20 overs (Chris Lynn 82; matches. boundary to hit the winning runs ures (4/27) in the competition, catch at long on. Imran Tahir 4/27) vs Chen- KKR, on the other hand, as the defending champions won Tahir bowled a game-changing In the last fi ve overs, the hosts nai Super Kings 162/5 in 19.4 slumped to their third straight with two balls to spare. 15th over to account for Chris could muster only 28 runs with overs (Suresh Raina 58 not out, Delhi Capitals’ Keemo Paul (second from left) celebrates with defeat, remaining on eight CSK lost Shane Watson (6) Lynn (82; 51 balls; 7x4 6x6) and only one four at the cost of three Ravindra Jadeja 31 not out; Sunil teammates after taking a Sunrisers Hyderabad wicket during points from eight matches. early with Gurney trapping Andre Russell (10) to dent the wickets. Narine 2/19). their 2019 Indian Premier League match in Hyderabad. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT India’s Rahul and Pant await World Cup fate Reuters Ganguly best captain, Dhoni New delhi and Kohli come next: Sehwag pener Lokesh Rahul Former swashbuckling Indian two. “When you have a new and stumper-batsman opener Virender Sehwag team, in-experienced players, Rishabh Pant are un- yesterday said Sourav Gan- leadership matters the most,” likely to sleep much guly was the best captain he Sehwag said. lastO night as India selectors pre- played under, followed by M S On the much awaited India-Pa- pare to reveal their 15-man squad Dhoni and Virat Kohli. kistan clash at the upcoming for the Cricket World Cup. Speaking of the skill of a World Cup, starting on May 30 Chief selector M S K Prasad true leader, Sehwag said it’s in England and Wales, Sehwag has told reporters that most of knowing how to get the best said a contest between the the current side picks itself and from the team. The manner arch-rivals is nothing less than there were only a couple of spots in which Ganguly built his a war and India should win it. left up for grabs for the May 30 side after the match-fixing “We should do whatever is to July 14 showpiece in England controversy was a true reflec- good for the country. When and Wales. tion of his leadership qualities, India and Pakistan play, it’s So while there is not a great he said. nothing less than a war. We deal of suspense hanging over “This, I feel genuinely, is a tal- should win the war, not lose Monday’s scheduled news con- Opener Lokesh Rahul (left) and stumper-batsman Rishabh Pant. ent very few people had in the it,” the 40-year-old remarked. ference in Mumbai, speculation Indian cricket team. Sourav remains over who will fi ll at least a back-up opener who can also whose ability to bat anywhere More told ESPNcricinfo. also weigh the relative merit was one such great captain two positions in the squad. bat at number four and his four in the batting order makes him a “I will punt on him, defi nitely, of Shankar’s medium pace and who built a good team after While India boast a formi- 50-plus scores in the ongoing limited-overs asset. only because he is a match-win- Jadeja’s left-arm spin before the match-fixing controversy. dable top order that includes Indian Premier League could not However, Karthik, 33, was left ner. That is what he has done naming the second all-rounder. It was the team that went on captain Virat Kohli, the search have come at a better time. out of the home series against in test matches, he can win you Hardik Pandya remains In- to win matches,” Sehwag said continues for a reliable number Pant is also angling for a back- Australia, India’s fi nal dress games single-handedly. dia’s fi rst choice all-rounder at the Times Network Leader- four batsman. Pant, Ambati up role, behind the stumps, with rehearsal for the World Cup, “He is a big-occasion player. while wrist-spinners Kuldeep ship Summit. Rayudu, Vijay Shankar, Ajinkya Mahendra Singh Dhoni installed which could signal a slide down He has got the guts to go for his Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are On his experience of playing Rahane, Manish Pandey and Di- as India’s fi rst choice wicket- the pecking order. Former test shots, he is ruthless. If it clicks, expected to share the slow bowl- under other captains like nesh Karthik have all been au- keeper. A hard-hitter who can stumper Kiran More says Pant it will benefi t India immensely,” ing duties. Dhoni and Kohli, Sehwag said ditioned in the slot and all have also be played as a specialist should be on the plane to Eng- said More, a former chief se- India begin their bid for a third he would still rate Sourav been found wanting. batsman, the 21-year-old fac- land. “If I am the selector, I will lector. Prasad and his selec- World Cup against South Africa as the best, followed by the Rahul will fancy his chances as es competition from Karthik, take Pant to the World Cup,” tion committee colleagues will in Southampton on June 5. Gulf Times Monday, April 15, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA PLAYOFFS NHL Bruins bounce back to level fi rst-round Curry fi res Warriors series with Leafs

AFP He was slapped with a fi ve- Los Angeles minute major and a game mis- conduct for his attack after De- Brusk put a dangerous board hit he Boston Bruins got on Leafs forward Patrick Mar- but Sixers, Raptors back to playing to their leau in the same shift. Neither strengths on Saturday, Marleau or DeBrusk appeared bouncing back from an to be seriously hurt. “You have Topening series loss to defeat the to keep your composure,” Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 and forward John Tavares said. “Not square their NHL playoff series everything’s going to go your at 1-1. way. Things aren’t going to be The Bruins limited their turn- called that you think should be stunned in openers overs and rediscovered their called, and we just have to stay scoring touch in game two after with it.” ‘We imposed our will for 48 minutes. It might not be flashy but we all got to do our jobs’ being outworked and outskated by the same 4-1 score two nights RESULTS earlier. Brad Marchand Washington 4-3 Carolina had a goal and an as- sist and Tuukka Rask Nashville 2-1 Dallas stopped 30 shots for Boston 4-1 Toronto the Bruins, who con- Colorado 3-2 Calgary trolled their Atlantic Division rivals by tak- ing a 3-0 lead halfway through DeBrusk and Kadri also had a the game. run-in in the second when the “We didn’t play to our identity Maple Leafs player appeared to in game one,” said Boston coach injure his knee. Kadri left the Bruce Cassidy. “We all knew game to get treatment but even- that. We wanted to move past it tually returned to the bench. and we hit a lot of checklists.” Charlie Coyle, Danton Heinen AVS, MACKINNON RALLY TO and Patrice Bergeron also scored BEAT FLAMES IN OT for the Bruins at the Boston Gar- Nathan MacKinnon scored the den. The series shifts to Toronto overtime winner as the visit- for game three on Monday. ing Colorado Avalanche claimed Boston’s line of Bergeron, a 3-2 victory over the Cal- Marchand and David Pastrnak gary Flames on Saturday night dominated the Leafs in the play- to even their opening-round off s last year but they were not a Stanley Cup playoff series at one factor in Thursday’s game one. win apiece. Game 3 of the best- So getting on the board in Satur- of-seven series will be Monday day’s game was a huge relief for in Denver. Right after Calgary’s Bergeron and Marchand but one Michael Frolik was stymied on a worrying factor for Boston might glorious opportunity, MacKin- be the play of Czech forward non took a pass from Mikko Pastrnak, who has yet to kick his Rantanen, sped down his off - game into playoff mode. wing and wired a glove-side The Bruins also might be wrist shot for the winner at 8:27 without rushing defenceman of the extra frame. Avalanche Torey Krug going forward after goalie Philipp Grubauer made 35 he was injured on a hit by Jake saves. Colorado responded to the Muzzin and had to leave in the 4-0 Calgary win in the opener middle of the game. Rask was with more intensity. That eff ort also better in game two, allow- was rewarded when Matt Nieto ing just one goal to Maple Leafs opened the scoring with a short- Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots the basketball against LA Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell (No 5) during the first-half in game one of the first round of the agitator Nazem Kadri. Frederik handed goal 7:16 into the second 2019 NBA Playoff s at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Andersen made 37 saves, several period. Calgary was generating spectacular, for Toronto. Kadri pressure on the power play, but AFP son threes with 386. One of his stumbled to the sidelines. game. Embiid, who missed 14 better. I guarantee if we’re win- is likely going to face a suspen- T.J. Brodie couldn’t control a Los Angeles three-pointers was from a dis- Elsewhere, D’Angelo Russell of the team’s fi nal 24 games, ning they’re not booing. That’s sion from the league for a vi- bouncing puck at the blue line, tance of about 30 feet. “Shout scored 26 points as sixth-seed- looked hampered by his injury. how we change it. Just got to go cious crosscheck to the neck of and Nieto sped away on a break- out to the contacts,” said Curry. ed Brooklyn jolted third-seeded Afterwards Embiid expressed out there and win on Monday.” Boston’s Jake DeBrusk late in the away that he fi nished with a top- he Golden State Warriors Curry also tallied a playoff ca- Philadelphia 111-102 at the dismay at Sixers fans who booed In the day’s other Eastern game. shelf wrist shot. began their quest for a reer-high 15 rebounds and sev- Wells Fargo Center to give the the home team as they slid to a Conference match-up, the three-peat by clobbering en assists. “Curry has destroyed Nets a 1-0 lead in the best-of- disappointing loss. “The fact second-seeded Raptors were the Los Angeles Clippers, us all year,” said Clippers coach seven series. The Nets were also that it’s after every single miss,” left ruing missed chances after Twhile the Brooklyn Nets and Or- Doc Rivers. Game two is Mon- reliant on a big performance he said. “Every missed shot, crashing to a 104-101 loss to Or- lando Magic delivered a pair of day at the Warriors’ Oracle Are- from their bench, with three then you get booed. You get the lando at the Scotiabank Arena. upset victories as the NBA play- na in Oakland, California. players delivering double-digit next one and you think ‘Should D.J. Augustin was the hero off s began Saturday. The Clippers and Golden displays to boost their off ense. I shoot it or not because I’m for Orlando, draining a three- Stephen Curry drained eight State are meeting for just the Caris LeVert had 23 points about to get booed?’” pointer with 4.2 seconds to play three-pointers to give him the second time in the playoff s af- while Spencer Dinwiddie added But team-mate Simmons to seal a famous win for the sev- most in league playoff history as ter the Clippers took a seven- 18 and Ed Davis 12 as the Nets risked the wrath of Philadel- enth-seeded Magic. the two-time defending cham- game series in 2014. Draymond silenced the Sixers’ home Wells phia’s support by lashing fans pion Warriors dominated the Green, who made all fi ve of Fargo Center crowd. who booed. “If you’re going RESULTS Clippers 121-104. his shots in the opening quar- The Sixers meanwhile saw to boo, then stay on that side,” (all series best-of-seven): “We imposed our will for 48 ter, fi nished with 17 points and Jimmy Butler lead the scoring Simmons said. “That’s how I Eastern Conference minutes,” said Curry. “We have seven assists and Kevin Durant with a playoff career high 36 feel, if you’re a Sixer fan and Brooklyn 111-102 Philadelphia been working for the last month scored 23 points for Golden points while ailing Joel Embiid you’re going to boo then stay on (Brooklyn leads series 1-0) on our collective mindset, rais- State who have won seven con- had 22 points. But it was a dis- that side.” Butler however said Orlando 104-101 Toronto ing our intensity and focus. secutive playoff games. appointing outing for Austral- the Sixers could only remedy (Orlando leads series 1-0) “It might not be fl ashy but we Durant and Patrick Bever- ian star Ben Simmons, who was the fan response by delivering a Western Conference all got to do our jobs.” ley were ejected with 4:41 to restricted to just nine points for win in game two of the series in Golden State 121-104 Los Curry fi nished with 38 go, just 19 seconds after they Philadelphia. Embiid had been Philadelphia on Monday. “I un- Angeles Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins celebrates after scoring against points, shooting eight of 12 received double-technicals doubtful with left knee sore- derstand it. They want to see us (Golden State leads series 1-0) the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First from beyond the arc to pass Ray when Durant stripped Bev- ness and was cleared to play win. I want to see us win, too,” San Antonio 111-102 Denver Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at TD Garden on Allen (385) for career postsea- erley and the Clippers guard less than 10 minutes before the Butler said. “We just gotta do (San Antonio leads series 1-0) April 13, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB Davis ends record drought, leads Orioles past Red Sox Reuters The Orioles tacked on two more runs in the RESULTS Boston seventh, which helped because the Red Sox scored two in the bottom of the inning on a Orioles 9-5 Red Sox Vazquez double. Jonathan Villar, Trey Man- hris Davis had three hits and four Yankees 4-0 White Sox cini, Rio Ruiz and Renato Nunez had two hits RBIs to end his record skid with a Astros 3-1 Mariners apiece for Baltimore, and Ruiz and Nunez fl ourish as the Baltimore Orioles Reds 5-2 Cardinals each had two RBIs. snapped a four-game losing streak withC a 9-5 win over the host Boston Red Sox Blue Jays 3-1 Rays YANKEES SABATHIA on Saturday. Royals 3-0 Indians DOMINATES IN RETURN Davis, who entered the contest hitless in Giants 5-2 Rockies Left-hander CC Sabathia gave the New York his last 54 at-bats dating to last season, hit a Yankees a much-needed boost in his return two-run single in the fi rst inning to end his Marlins 10-3 Phillies from the injured list Saturday, dominating hitting drought. He added a tiebreaking dou- Twins 4-3 Tigers the Chicago White Sox in a 4-0 win. ble in the fi fth inning and another double in Angels 6-5 Cubs Sabathia threw fi ve scoreless innings in the the eighth, his fi rst three-hit game since Aug. contest, allowing just one hit. He tossed 62 28. Andrew Cashner (3-1) once again played Braves 11-7 Mets pitches before turning it over to the bullpen stopper for the Orioles, giving up three runs Padres 5-4 D’back as the Yankees scored four runs in their fi - on three hits in fi ve-plus innings. It was the Nationals 3-2 Pirates nal two innings to snap a four-game losing third straight win for Cashner, who similarly streak. Brewers 4-1 Dodgers ended a four-game Orioles’ losing streak his “I was out there the fi rst inning and shak- last time out against the Oakland A’s. in the third, driving home Rafael Devers. ing, but it felt good to be back out there and Christian Vazquez hit a two-run home run Porcello, who continued to pitch in and out be with the guys, and it feels good to get a and had four RBIs for the Red Sox, whose fi rst of trouble, allowed back-to-back singles to win today,” Sabathia said. “Being back out winning streak of the season was snapped begin the fi fth, ending his day. Heath Hem- there, thinking where I came from in Decem- at two games. Rick Porcello (0-3) struggled bree came on and gave up Davis’ go-ahead ber and actually being back on the mound, it with his command through four-plus in- double but kept the defi cit at 3-2. was cool. I was able to kind of harness those nings, walking fi ve and allowing three runs The Orioles opened things up with four nerves and go out and be smooth.” on six hits. runs in the sixth. Cashner, who had allowed Sabathia, 38, hadn’t pitched yet in 2019 Baltimore loaded the bases with two outs just the one hit entering the inning, got in as he continued his recovery from off season in the fi rst inning, setting the stage for Davis trouble to begin the bottom of the frame be- knee surgery and angioplasty. He was on the to end his drought in triumphant fashion. He fore Jimmy Yacabonis took over. He got out active roster earlier in the season to serve a delivered with a line drive to right and asked of a fi rst-and-third spot with a Mitch More- fi ve-game suspension – a holdover from last for the ball after he reached fi rst base. land double play that scored a run, which was season. An 18-year veteran, Sabathia has an- Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis hits an RBI double against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth Vazquez’s homer knotted the score at 2-2 charged to Cashner. nounced this will be his fi nal season. inning at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Monday, April 15, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT TENNIS Paire wins 2nd ATP Djokovic quietly title in Marrakech Reuters Marrakech

renchman Benoit Paire claimed a sec- ond career ATP singles title when he breezed confi dent for Monte pastF Spain’s Pablo Andujar 6-2 6-3 to lift the Grand Prix Has- san II in Marrakesh yesterday. The world number 69 broke defending champion Andujar’s ‘I can’t wait to step on court, serve twice in the fi rst set and then claimed the sixth game of I’ve been training hard’ the second to coast to victory Carlo Masters and add to his 2015 Swedish AFP Open title. Andujar was hop- Monte Carlo, Principality of ing for a record fourth vic- of the match before sealing the Monaco tory at the event after lifting third title of her career. the trophy in 2011, 2012 and 2018, but managed just a sin- THIEM CONFIRMS SPLIT ovak Djokovic said gle break point in the contest, WITH COACH yesterday he is work- which he failed to convert, and Dominic Thiem confi rmed on ing to ensure that last slipped to a fourth successive Sunday’s opening day of the month’s sub-par hard- defeat to the Frenchman. Monte Carlo Masters that he Ncourt performances do not aff ect Paire, 29, who has a career- has all but split from longtime his seasonal bow on clay in Mon- high ranking of 18 in singles, coach Gunter Bresnik. te Carlo. The world number one beat compatriot and wildcard The 26-year-old who kicks off at his home event start- entry Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in played the 2018 French Open ing in the second round against the semi-fi nals on Saturday. fi nal against Rafael Nadal and either Philipp Kohlschreiber or won the Indian Wells Masters a qualifi er. HERCOG OVERCOMES title on hardcourt a month ago Djokovic, winner of the last SWIATEK TO WIN TITLE for a career breakthrough, ex- three Grand Slam titles and Slovenian Polona Hercog plained the parting of ways. dreaming of completing his per- overcame determined rookie “We’ve been together 15 sonal sweep with another trophy Iga Swiatek 6-3 3-6 6-3 to win years, he will stay on my team at Roland Garros, was stopped in the Lugano Open yesterday for - but tennis-wise, it’s over.” the third round at Indian Wells her fi rst title in seven years. Reports in Austrian me- last month. Hercog, ranked 89 in the dia had been circulating He was then unable to hold world, shot out of the blocks for months concerning the onto a 6-1 lead in the opening after an hour-long rain de- strained relationship between set of his fourth-rounder in Mi- lay early in the contest to win a mentor tired of travelling the ami, going out in three to Robert the opening set as 17-year-old circuit and a rising-star pupil. Bautista Agut. Swiatek appeared to feel the Thiem worked for a time “I can’t wait to step on court, pressure in the fi rst fi nal of her with Galo Blanco as travelling I’ve been training hard,” he said career. Poland’s Swiatek, last coach. But last year the Span- on a rainy opening day of the year’s Wimbledon junior cham- iard joined the new Spanish Masters 1000. NOVAK DJOKOVIC pion, raised her game midway Davis Cup organiser Kosmos. “Some top players have been through the second set to drag 2004 Athens Olympic here for a week practising. I had a the contest into a decider. champion Nicolas Massu be- great last six months of the sea- However, after a shaky start gan working with Thiem in son, the 31-year-old Serb said. to the third set where Her- February at South American “And I had an amazing start cog found herself down 2-0, events and was on board for this year. Indian Wells and Miami the 28-year-old relied on her the Indian Wells trophy suc- were so-so - I’ll try to pick that powerful serve to take control cess. up and see how it goes on clay.” Djokovic and 11-time win- Nishikori tips Federer for clay comeback success ner Rafael Nadal, along with Ro- FOCUS land Garros runner-up Dominic Roger Federer may not be play- final here a year ago as Rafael gained confidence after coming who has been out for half a Thiem, stand as favourites on pa- ing at the Monte Carlo Masters Nadal won his 11th title in the back at this tournament from month trying to heal yet another per for the fi rst major title of the but the Swiss legend was still at principality. injury. problem with his left knee. French Open preliminary events. the forefront of 2018 finalist Key “I’m sure Roger can do very well “I’m looking forward to playing “But still, a couple of guys would Unrepentant Folau Roger Federer, who has Nishikori’s thoughts yesterday. on clay. He’s still my idol, he’s the this year. There are a lot of guys have big chances to beat him.” skipped the clay season com- “Everything is possible (for best player in history. who are tough on clay, especial- Fifth seed Nishikori will open his pletely for the last two years Federer),” Asia’s top player “I’m happy to see him playing ly Rafa and Novak (Dkjokovic). campaign against the winner content to quit rugby and will return to Roland Gar- predicted. more tournaments, I hope I can “I’ve loved playing on clay the from Fernando Verdasco and ros for the fi rst time since a 2015 Federer is due for a return to the play him again,” said the player last couple of years, I hope I Pierre Hugues Herbert of France. AFP “It’s obviously a decision quarter-fi nal loss to fellow Swiss dirt after two seasons complete- who has beaten the 37-year-old can win the title. Winning a clay Sydney that’s in the process right now Stan Wawrinka, is not playing. ly off the surface in three weeks Swiss three times and most tournament is a big goal for but I believe in a God that’s in The 20-time Grand Slam at Madrid, his lone scheduled recently last November at the me this year,” said the two-time control of all things,” Folau champion will appear in his only tune-up prior to the French year-end ATP Finals. champion in Barcelona, Nadal’s nrepentant Wallabies told the Sydney Morning Her- scheduled pre-Paris clay event Open, which he last played in “He came from injury and won home event.” star Israel Folau stood ald newspaper. “Whatever in Madrid starting May 5. 2015. the Australian Open (2017). But he is certainly not taking by his controversial His will is, whether that’s to “All of our games will be tested “It (winning Roland Garros) I’m sure he works harder than Spain’s king of clay for granted. anti-gay comments continue playing or not, I’m big-time - but that’s why we’re andU said he was content to more than happy to do what might be tougher for him than anyone else off court. I hope he “This surface suits his game here,” Djokovic said of the slow winning the Australian Open or does well,” NIshikori said. more and this event suits him walk away from Rugby with He wants me to do.” Monte Carlo clay, which might Wimbledon, but I’m sure he can As for his own performance, even more than some tourna- his faith in God taking priority. Folau, Super Rugby’s record be made even heavier by wet do anything if he tries 100 per the Japanese ace is optimistic ments on clay. It plays a lot The deeply religious try scorer, is Australia’s most weather predicted for later in cent,” said Nishikori. after his 2018 showing in the slower and heavier, it’s not easy 30-year-old caused a storm marketable player and was a the week. The top seed said that “He’s a lot diff erent than anyone Principality. for the opponent to hit a winner. last week after posting on In- key part of the Wallabies plans while he would prefer to head to else on the Tour,” added the “I’m very happy to be back, I “I’m sure he feels confident play- stagram that “Hell awaits” for the World Cup this year. Paris with a title in his pocket, world number three who lost the have good memories. Last year I ing here,” Nishikori said of Nadal, homosexuals and other sin- But he has long riled those in it’s not a desperate situation. ners. It sparked a fi erce back- power with his extreme views. “But I’ve had some (success- lash and Rugby Australia said Last week he posted a ban- ful) Roland Garros tournaments Djokovic believes that the any court in the world. season is great for tennis,” he face. He’s won all the big ones. it planned to sack him. ner that read: “Drunks, homo- in the past where I didn’t win state of Nadal’s dodgy left knee “But it depends on how he’s said. “He’s been playing great “He is who he is, I always ex- The two sides met on Fri- sexuals, adulterers, liars, for- any of the big (clay) ones (Monte which forced him to quit prior to feeling physically. He’s the tennis lately, winning two out of pect the highest level from him day with the dual interna- nicators, thieves, atheists and Carlo, Madrid, Rome) before. a semi-fi nal with Federer at In- number one guy on this surface his last three events (Dubai and - it’s always there. tional, who started his career idolators - Hell awaits you.” “It (lacking a major clay ti- dian Wells could determine the without a doubt.” Miami with an Indian Wells fi nal “He can be a favourite to win in Rugby league, expected to It remains online and has tle) would not aff ect my state of pecking order in the principality. Djokovic also believes in the against Thiem). It’s as good as it any tournament. He’s got a bet- go through a code of conduct attracted more than 38,000 mind but it would serve my con- “But other than one guy, the power of Federer as the 37-year- gets. ter title chance at tournaments hearing amid reports that he likes. He was embroiled in a fi dence better if I’d won one of draw is always open. Rafa is al- old steps back onto the clay. “I don’t see any particular is- other than Roland Garros, but he may have a legal case for reli- similar furore last year but es- them coming into Paris.” ways the clear favourite on any “Roger playing (clay) again this sues for him on this (slow) sur- has won it in the past (2009).” gious discrimination. caped without sanction.

WORLD RUGBY SEVENS SERIES South Africa produce big comeback to win title AFP opening half of the fi nal as tries by Aminiasi Singapore Tuimaba, Napolioni Bolaca and Vilimoni Botitu put the Pacifi c island side 19 points up at the interval. outh Africa recovered from a 19-point However, the South Africans came back defi cit to stun defending champions strongly in the second half and drew within Fiji and win the World Rugby Sev- two points of the Fijians at 19-17 after tries by ens Series tournament in Singapore Kurt-Lee Arendse, Angelo Davids and Ryan yesterday.S Oosthuizen. Winners of the Hong Kong Sevens last The comeback was completed when Fiji week, the Fijians appeared to be on course for conceded a penalty right in front of the posts a second consecutive title in Singapore when in the fi nal minute and Davids drop-kicked they raced to a 19-0 lead at half-time in the the winning points to secure his side’s second fi nal. victory in this year’s series following their However, the Springbok Sevens staged a triumph in Vancouver last month. big comeback after the interval with Selvyn South Africa’s victory means that the US Davids kicking a last-minute penalty to seal remain at the top of the series table with 145 a 20-19 victory. points, three ahead of Fiji on 142 with New England beat series leaders the United Zealand third on 130. States 28-7 to fi nish third in Singapore. South Africa complete the top four with 121 New Zealand’s hopes of winning the overall points, 14 ahead of fi fth-placed England. series title for the fi rst time since 2014 suf- With the top four teams in this year’s series fered a massive blow after they were beaten earning berths at the 2020 Olympics, the US 19-17 by Samoa in the fi fth-place playoff to only need six more points from the fi nal two drop 15 points behind the USA in the race for tournaments in London and Paris to book top spot. their spot in Tokyo. South Africa won all fi ve of their matches At the bottom end of the table, Wales se- on their run to the fi nal in Singapore which cured fi ve valuable points after reaching the included a 17-7 victory over Fiji during pool challenge trophy semi-fi nals. play on Saturday before wins against Samoa They moved three points ahead of Japan in (21-12) in the quarter-fi nals and USA (24-12) the battle to avoid relegation from the series in the semi-fi nals. with the last-placed of the 15 core teams set But they were blitzed by the Fijians in the to be replaced by Ireland next season. South Africa players celebrates after winning the Singapore Rugby Sevens Cup in Singapore yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, April 15, 2019 7 SPORT

ATHLETICS CYCLING Veteran Gilbert wins Paris-Roubaix Walsh, Crouser to Lombardy and Liege-Bastogne- AFP Roubaix, France Liege, just the Milan-San Remo missing from his prize list. “Its really special. It was a re- elgian veteran Philippe ally daring attack and it came Gilbert won the cobbled off ,” said the 36-year-old who classic Paris Roubaix also led an earlier breakaway cycling race yesterday and was the architect of Sagan’s resume shot put afterB a cat-and-mouse fi nal downfall. struggle with Germany’s Nils Gilbert said he was proud of Politt while another Belgian Yves reinventing his style to carve out Lampaert was third. a successful late career. Six riders, including defend- “When I decided to go for ing champion Peter Sagan, broke the classics they said the cob- away with around 55km remain- bles weren’t for me. I was just ing but the Deceuninck-Quick- a puncher, but now I’m more rivalry in Doha Step pair Gilbert and Lampaert complete. worked together to drop the Slo- The race was marked by rela- ‘I expect a very tough competition in the Khalifa International Stadium on May third’ vak on the fi nal cobbled section. tively few crashes, although The victory gives former world Tiesj Benoot went to hospital By Sports Reporter champion Gilbert his fourth of after crashing through the back Doha fi ve of the so called ‘Monuments’, windscreen of the Jumbo-Visma long one-day races, after he won team car that had braked sud- the Tour of Flanders, Tour of denly to miss a faller. he men’s shot put was one of the highest qual- ity events across the athletics programme Tlast season and six of the seven throwers who surpassed the 22- metre line will be competing in the Doha Diamond League on May 3. The event came to a cli- max in the Zurich Diamond League where reigning world indoor and outdoor champion Tom Walsh from New Zealand reached out to a second-round eff ort of 22.60m to eclipse the Diamond League record by four centimetres. “Breaking the Diamond League record in Zurich to win the Diamond League title was one of the highlights of my sea- son. Of course, I have very high expectations this year as well and I have been pleased with my performances so far in 2019,” said Walsh. Belgium’s Philippe Gilbert (L) reacts after winning the 117th edition of Walsh holds the world out- the Paris-Roubaix one-day classic cycling race yesterday. door lead with 21.91m from the Australian Championships where he participated as a guest BADMINTON but the calibre of the fi eld is such that a throw in excess of this mark could be needed to Olympic gold medallist Ryan Crouser (C), silver medallist Joe Kovacs (L) and bronze medallist Tom Walsh in Rio in 2018. secure victory and maximum Momota prevents points next month. Millrose Games in New York. from the United States and 2011 tres in London in 2017. They will onships but not from the World “I expect a very tough com- The line-up also features 2017 and 2013 champion David Storl be joined by the bronze medallist Championships so this is ob- petition in the Khalifa Inter- Diamond League champion from Germany. from that competition Mason viously my main objective for Ginting smash and national Stadium on May third Darrell Hill from the United The men’s discus also boasts a Finley from the United States 2019.” The line-up also includes and I think I will have to throw States — who fi nished second star-studded line-up featuring and Olympic silver medallist Pi- Elena Vallortigara from Italy who over 22 metres to take the win,” to Walsh in Zurich last year with world and European champion otr Malachowski from Poland. fulfi lled the promise she showed grab to win title said Walsh. “I feel ready and 22.40m — and Darlan Roma- Andrius Gudzius from Lithua- Bulgaria’s Mirela Demire- as a teenager a decade ago by I’m sure we will put on anoth- ni from Brazil who improved nia, world and European silver va ended Mariya Lasitskene’s improving her lifetime best from AFP one backed up last week’s Ma- er great show for the crowd in his South American record to medallist Daniel Stahl from 45-competition win streak in 1.91m to 2.02m last year. Former Singapore laysia Open triumph with a Doha.” 22.00m in 2018. Sweden and Olympic champion the Rabat Diamond League last European indoor champion Air- display full of speed, skill and His principal rival will be the The European challenge is Christoph Harting from Ger- July and the reigning Olympic ine Palsyte from Lithuania and spontaneity to outfox the world reigning Olympic champion headed by reigning European many. and European silver medallist Ukraine’s Kateryna Tabashnyk, apan’s Kento Momota number three in 40 minutes. Ryan Crouser from the United indoor and outdoor champion “This will be my fi rst interna- will be honing in on the second who cleared 1.99m during the withstood a barrage of The result improved her head- States who threw 22.53m last Michal Haratyk and world in- tional competition of the season Diamond League win of her ca- indoor season, should also fea- smashes from Indonesia’s to-head record against the ener- year. They competed against door bronze medallist Tomas and I know it will be another reer in the high jump in Doha. ture as well. Anthony Sinisuka Ginting getic Okuhara to 5-4. each other nine times in 2018 Stanek who both set national tough battle against a strong “I was sorry that I could not But the established names toJ rally for a thrilling 10-21 21- The match soon settled into a with Crouser leading their records last season. Haratyk group of throwers including perform during the indoor sea- could be displaced by the pre- 19 21-13 victory yesterday in the rhythm with Tai using deft drop head-to-head 5-4. set an outright Polish record of Daniel and Christoph who I have son but I am looking forward cocious Yaroslava Mahuchikh Singapore Open fi nal. shots and disguised smashes to “This will be my fi rst time in 22.08m while Stanek improved competed against many times in to testing my shape against a from Ukraine who makes her The world champion strug- keep Okuhara moving, while her Doha and I am excited to throw the Czech record to 22.17m dur- the past,” said Gudzius. strong group of jumpers at the debut in the Doha Diamond gled to contain his powerful In- opponent went high and long in in the Khalifa International ing the indoor season. “I am also looking forward to Khalifa International Stadium,” League at the age of 17. Ma- donesian opponent, who was an attempt to pin the top seed to Stadium. My two indoor com- And adding even more depth making my debut in the Khalifa said Demireva. “It will be an im- huchikh is the reigning world fi nding both corners of the court the back of the court. petitions went very well and to an already illustrious line-up International Stadium where I portant season with the World and European U18 champion in the fi rst half of the match. There was little to separate I am ready to put out some big are the two throwers who pre- will be defending my world title Championships taking place in and made headlines during But the top seed dug deep to them in the early exchanges but throws outdoors,” said Crouser, ceded Walsh as world outdoor later this season.” this stadium later this season. I the indoor season when she fi ght back from 16-11 behind in Tai managed to string together who threw 22.33m in his fi rst champion: 2015 champion and Gudzius defeated Stahl for the have medals from the Olympic equalled the world indoor U20 the second game to force a de- runs of points in the later stages competition of the season at the 2017 silver medallist Joe Kovacs world title by just two centime- Games and European Champi- record of 1.99m. cider. of both games to pull clear, the Momota trailed again in the 24-year-old completing the win last game as Ginting sought a with a crosscourt smash. third straight upset win in as “Okuhara is a good opponent, BYBERG CHAMPION IN QATAR SENIOR OPEN GOLF many days. she’s very durable, so I was pre- But the left-hander used a pared for a long match,” Tai said. combination of improvisation “I am playing well right now but and guile to craft a run of 13 it’s important to stay injury-free points in 14 to seal a stunning with the Tokyo Olympics com- victory with a disguised drop ing up next year.” shot on his fi rst match point. In other fi nals, Thailand’s “I felt my opponent played Dechapol Puavaranukroh and better than me today but I was Sapsiree Taerattanachai eased to able to capitalise when he got a 21-14 21-6 victory over Malay- tired,” Momota, who also won sia’s Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei the Singapore title in 2015, told Jing in the mixed doubles. reporters. Japan’s Mayu Matsumoto and “He tried to push a little too Wakana Nagahara beat South hard in the second game but I Korea’s Kim Hye-jeong and kept telling myself to stay pa- Kong Hee-yong 21-17 22-20 in tient and never give up.” the women’s doubles. In the women’s singles fi nal, There was further success for Tai Tzu-ying claimed her sec- Japan in the men’s doubles as ond Singapore Open title with a Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Son- 21-19 21-15 victory over Japan’s oda outlasted Indonesia’s Mo- Nozomi Okuhara. hamed Ahsan and Hendra Setia- The Taiwanese world number wan 21-13 19-21 21-17.

Claes Byberg (with trophy) displayed dazzling form to gross score of 143 after 36 holes while Rashid Akl who Kazi hosted a prize distribution and dinner for all golf- emerge victorious in the Gross score category of Qatar scored 146 was declared runner-up. ers and gave away prizes to all winners. Senior Open Golf Tournament organised by Doha Golf Title sponsor of the event was Ammico which has been Fahad bin Nasser al-Naimi, general secretary of the Club over the weekend. sponsoring the event since its inception three years Qatar Golf Association said that the Qatar Senior Open Winner Japan’s Kento Momota (R) poses for a photo with Indonesia’s The 2-day competition played on the DGC Champion- ago. was one of the most popular events organised by the Anthony Sinisuka Ginting after their men’s singles final match at the ship course attracted 120 golfers. Byberg carded a Ammico CEO Jamal Nasir and managing partner Fazal Doha Golf Club. Singapore Open badminton tournament yesterday.

Monday, April 15, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FORMULA 1 SPOTLIGHT Mercedes nail ‘risky’ double pit stop to Hamilton wins reign in China

AFP cedes called both cars in to Shanghai switch to medium tyres. World champion Hamilton, who now leads the standings ercedes pulled off from Bottas, praised his team’s 1,000th race in a “risky” but well- decision to “double-stack”. choreographed “I didn’t actually know he M double pit stop to (Bottas) was behind me in the help wrap up a one-two at the pit stop. Fantastic job by the 1,000th Formula One Grand team,” said the Briton. Prix yesterday in Shanghai. Mercedes team principal Lewis Hamilton won the Toto Wolff said it was a calcu- landmark race ahead of Mer- lated gamble. Mercedes one-two cedes teammate Valtteri Bot- “Stacking the cars for a dou- tas, with the rival Ferrari of Se- ble pit stop was a risky moment The title-holder from Britain finished more than 6.5 seconds ahead of Bottas bastian Vettel a distant third. because you have everything to Mercedes have now taken lose when you’re leading the AFP first and second place at all race,” said Wolff. Shanghai three grands prix this sea- “But we thought we would son, even though Ferrari were lose positions if we had thought to have the quicker stopped one of them earlier. ewis Hamilton said that car. “Our plan worked out per- he “redeemed” himself With the race yesterday fectly. It was a well-choreo- with a lightning start to 15 -04 -2019 entering its second half and graphed pitstop and the team win the 1,000th Formula Hamilton out in front, Mer- did a brilliant job.” LOne grand prix yesterday in a blustery Shanghai. RESULTS AND STANDINGS Hamilton started from second on the grid but grabbed the lead from Mercedes teammate Valt- Race (top 10) Drivers standings (top10): teri Bottas on the fi rst corner 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/ 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 68 pts and romped to a victory which Mercedes-AMG) 305km in 1hr 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 62 gives him the world champion- 32min 08.734sec 3. Max Verstappen (NED) 39 ship lead. 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mer- 4. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 37 The title-holder from Britain cedes-AMG) at 6.552sec 5. Charles Leclerc (MON) 36 fi nished more than 6.5 seconds 3. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Fer- 6. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 13 ahead of Bottas in the third Mer- rari) at 13.744sec 7. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) 12 cedes one-two in as many races 4. Max Verstappen (NED/Red 8. Lando Norris (GBR) 8 this season, with Ferrari’s Se- Bull-Honda) at 27.627sec 9. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 8 bastian Vettel third. 5. Charles Leclerc (MON/Fer- 10. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 6 Max Verstappen of Red Bull rari) at 31.276sec was fourth and Charles Leclerc 6. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Red Bull- Constructors standings: in the second Ferrari was fi fth. Honda) at 1min 29.307sec 1. Mercedes-AMG 130 pts Sixth was Verstappen’s team- 7. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Re- 2. Ferrari 73 mate Pierre Gasly, the French- nault) at 1 lap 3. Red Bull-Honda 52 man earning a bonus point for 8. Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing 4. Renault 12 clocking the quickest lap, one Point-Mercedes) at 1 lap 5. Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 12 minute 34.742 seconds, in windy 9. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa 6. Haas 8 and hazy conditions. Romeo Racing-Ferrari) at 1 lap 7. McLaren-Renault 8 Hamilton, for whom this was 10. Alexander Albon (THA/Toro 8. Racing Point-Mercedes 7 a sixth Chinese Grand Prix win Rosso-Honda) at 1 lap 9. Toro Rosso-Honda 4 and 75th overall, said that it was “a little bit of a struggle this weekend for me”. The fi ve-time world cham- RALLYINGRALLYING pion wrestled with his car in qualifying but said that “a shift With Hamilton — winner in in driving style enabled me to Bahrain two weeks ago — serene unlock a bit more the potential up top, the real battles unfolded Al-Attiyah tops of the car”. behind him. “The start was obviously great, Vettel, under pressure after a which was really the decisive mo- number of unforced errors go- impressive fi eld for ment of the race. After that it was ing back to last season, went fairly straightforward.” wheel-to-wheel with Verstap- The 34-year-old, who now pen after both pitted for fresh Jordan event leads the Finn Bottas by six tyres. points in the standings, said that Vettel, Bottas and then Toro he has had problems with his Rosso’s Alexander Albon, who starts down the years. missed qualifying after a nasty “The fi rst few races have been crash in fi nal practice, all ex- very diffi cult for me off the line changed fastest laps. so it’s nice to fi nally redeem my- The Thai-Briton Albon was self and rectify that,” he added. named “driver of the day” after Bottas, who pipped Hamilton battling from the pits and into to pole by just 0.023 seconds, the points. was always playing catch-up af- On lap 38 of the 56 it was ter labouring out of the blocks. Leclerc and Bottas who had a “I lost it on the start, hon- skirmish in the compelling bat- estly, shame about the start, I tle for second. got some wheel spin on the start Leclerc then pitted and was line,” he said. momentarily held up by a com- Talented 21-year-old Leclerc paratively sluggish change of pulled off the same trick at the tyres. Nico Hulkenberg, who expense of teammate Vettel, Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates on his car after winning the Formula One Chinese qualifi ed eighth for Renault, saw darting into third, but the Ger- Grand Prix in Shanghai yesterday. his race come to an early conclu- man ultimately prevailed in the sion after the team retired his battle of the Ferraris. tangled with both McLarens of Leclerc into third following ra- was informed on team radio af- faltering car. Mercedes “were too quick Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, dio orders from Ferrari telling ter he briefl y protested. Norris and Kvyat were also right from the start”, said Vettel, earning the Russian a drive- the youngster to let him pass. Back at the front, Hamilton forced out before the end. who climbed atop the podium through penalty. “We do our job, stay focused,” began pulling away, establish- The fourth race of the sea- By Sports Reporter ready claimed maximum points for the fi rst time in 2019. On lap 11, four-time world Leclerc — agonisingly denied ing a more than fi ve-second gap son takes place on the streets of Amman for his win in Qatar last month. There was more early drama champion Vettel leapfrogged victory last time out in Bahrain on Bottas with a third of the race Baku, in Azerbaijan, in a fort- Competition is likely to come when Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat back in front of Monaco’s after his Ferrari lost power — gone. night. from Jordanian drivers Kha- he resurgence of inter- led Juma and Ihab al-Shorafi, est in the FIA Middle four Omani entrants headed MOTORCYCLING East Rally Champion- by Abdullah al-Ruwahi, fellow ship continues to gather Kuwaiti Saleh bin Eidan, Saudi Tpace with the news that the Jor- Arabia’s Saeed al-Mouri and dan Rally has attracted 18 entries Lebanese rookie Alex Feghali. and an additional fi ve crews for a The Jordanian quintet of national rally. Salameh al-Gammaz, Tareq Jordan Motorsport officially al-Taher, Ziad Miqdad, Amjad Qatar riders pleased with announced today that com- Anasweh and Sami Fleifel will petitors from 10 nations will take part in a national rally cat- take part in the second round of egory running behind the main the regional rally series on April FIA event. 25-27. The 2019 Jordan Rally will Spain championship show Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Atti- be based at the Crowne Plaza By Sports Reporter “All the riders put in a good perform- yah is the defending champion Jordan Dead Sea Resort and Jerez, Spain ance considering the fact that it was their and a winner of the Jordan Rally gets underway with a ceremo- fi rst participation in an international on a dozen occasions and he nial start at Abdali Boulevard tournament outside Qatar,” said al-Man- tops the entry list in a Volkswa- in Amman from 19.00hrs on he Qatar team ended their par- nai. gen Polo GTI R5. Thursday, April 25. ticipation in the fi rst round of the “We have great confi dence that as they Al-Attiyah and his French Rally officials have made Spanish Motorcycling Champi- gain in experience they will be able to co-driver Matthieu Baumel changes to the route and spe- onships, which concluded here achieve higher levels.” face competition from a fur- cial stages that teams will Tyesterday with participation from some He added that the QMMF doesn’t want ther three R5 cars in the hands tackle on the second round of of the best riders in the world. to rush them. of fellow Qataris Abdulaziz the regional series. The rally Abdullah al-Qubaisi, Sheikh Jassim “Ours is a long-term goal. We want our al-Kuwari (Škoda) and Nasser will now be fought out over 22 bin Ghanem al-Thani and Hamad Shota young riders to gain valuable experience Khalifa al-Attiyah (Ford) and special stages and 247.20 com- formed part of the team. Saeed al-Sulaiti from these competitions so that they can Jordan’s Marouf Abu Samra petitive kilometres in a route of had to pull out after fracturing a fi nger improve and would be able to compete (Ford). 563.38km. during practice on the fi rst day. with the best riders in future,” said al- The MERC 2 (formerly Group Teams will face 11 special Abdullah al-Qubaisi achieved tenth Mannai. N) category has attracted a fur- stages on Friday (April 26) and place in the 600CC Superstock event Hamad Shota said the experience at Je- ther 12 entries and defending a further 11 on Saturday. The with a best lap time of 1min: 46.575secs rez will help him develop as a competitive champion Henry Kahy of Leba- Dead Sea super special stage among 34 riders from 12 countries, in- rider. “I am sad that I had to pull out of the non and local driver Asem Aref of 2.59km will now round off cluding Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Spaniard Oscar Gutierrez won the while his compatriot Alberto Fernandez main race after falling from my bike, but will do battle in MERC 3 for the competitive action on both France, Russia, Denmark, the United event, followed by his compatriot Juan was second. despite that I gained valuable experience. two-wheel drive vehicles. days after two loops of five Kingdom, Finland, Norway, Colombia, and Frenchman Louis Erbil. Abdulrahman al-Mannai, the president This was a good start for me and I hope to Kuwaiti driver Meshari al- gravel specials each day. Chile and Argentina. In the Moto 4 category, Shota was un- of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle feder- improve further,” Shota said. Thefiri returns to defend the Support for the event comes Sheikh Jassim fi nished 27th, his best lucky to fall from his bike and pull out. ation (QMMF) was happy with the riders’ He thanked the QMMF for supporting MERC 2 title he won so con- from Abdali Boulevard, Moun- time of 1:51.005 coming on the second lap. Spain’s Angel Bakoiras took the fi rst spot, performance. him and the other riders. vincingly in 2018. He has al- tain Dew, Hala and Bliss FM.